SPRING/SUMMER 2019
CRISTINA ODONE Thinks critically
A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION
Global schools
LONDON SCHOOLS Limitless opportunities
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Senior School Open Morning Saturday 9 March 2019 Saturday 14 September 2019 9.30am to noon Boys and girls 13 to 18 (Entry at 13 and 16) HMC – Boarding and day Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH T 01323 843252 admissions@bedes.org
Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery School Open Morning
Saturday 2 March 2019 Saturday 28 September 2019 9.30am to noon Boys and girls 3 months to 13 IAPS – Boarding and day Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL T 01323 734222 prep.admissions@bedes.org
bedes.org
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CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2019
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56
SCHOOL LEAVER 79
100
80
84 88
FEATURES 42
UPFRONT NEWS... 16
ON THE COVER: KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL, WIMBLEDON BY LIZGREGG.COM
21 24 32
HEAD BOY & GIRL Ibstock Place School EDUCATIONAL NEWS Academic updates PREP SCHOOLS News, new heads and new buildings SENIOR SCHOOLS What’s up and who’s running them?
46 52
56
62
... AND VIEWS 19 22
30
39
FIRST WORD Make history great again, says Peter Frankopan BACK SEAT DRIVER GDST head, Vicky Bingham discusses parental resilience A METROPOLITAN BUN FIGHT Sarah Segrave has the inside track on the London schools’ marketplace THE SOUND OF MUSIC Mike Piercy suggests it’s a powerful educational tool
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SCHOOLS PROFILE Christopher Silvester considers the value of London’s facilities to its schools CRITICAL THINKING Not so soft a skill anymore, says Cristina Odone SCHOOLS TO FLY FOR The sky’s no limit for these global schools, says Charlotte Fairbairn FOCUS Educationalists consider how different teaching styles can empower pupils with learning difficulties STICK OR TWIST? Max Davidson weighs up the options at sixth form
REGULARS 69
70
72
PARENTS 97 99
100
105 106 108
ALL CHANGE The head of King’s College School, Wimbledon says it’s curtains for the Common Entrance Exam TEEN SPIRIT Old Brightonian, Jonathan Davies, passed the ultimate test of mental strength BEST OF... MENTORS Role models and tutors with the passion to prove it
UNIVERSITY NEWS Updates for students CONQUERING LONDON Emma Love on why student life in the capital is topping the charts A FIRST FOR LIFE Is university sport the last chance saloon? asks Sally Jones A PERFECT CV Teresa Song knows a winner from a dog’s dinner BUSINESS FIRST How savvy students fast track their career
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SCHOOL’S OUT What’s on this Easter ON THE SOFA Yogi Nadia Narain talks to Victoria Lambert about starting young BEST FRIENDS FOREVER What to expect and how to help. By Victoria Lambert BOOKS & APPS Must-reads and top tech for children PROPERTY What post-Brexit Britain has in store. By Anna Tyzack FESTIVALS FOR FIRST-TIMERS Jenny Rowe raves about the best British festivals for families RACHEL’S WORLD Mental health campaigner, Rachel Kelly remembers St Paul’s Girls’ School
DIRECTORY 114 161 223
LONDON SCHOOLS COUNTRY SCHOOLS SCHOOLS’ LISTINGS
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C O N T R I B U TO R S PETER FRANKOPAN
Peter Frankopan is passionate about history. As Professor of Global History at Oxford University, he lectures all over the world at universities in America, Europe, the Middle East, China and Asia, as well as the UN and UNICEF. Highly acclaimed works include The First Crusade: The Call from the East and The Silk Roads. An illustrated version was published for children in 2018.
RACHEL KELLY
Mental health campaigner, Rachel Kelly is the author of Black Rainbow, a 2014 Sunday Times bestseller about her life-threatening depression, and The Happy Kitchen: Good Mood Food, which she co-wrote with nutritionist Alice Mackintosh. Singing in the Rain came out this January. Rachel is an ambassador for Rethink Mental Illness, SANE and The Counselling Foundation.
MARK MORTIMER
Mark Mortimer is headmaster of Warminster School in Wiltshire. A former infantry officer, he has taught at Giggleswick School, Hampton and St John’s, Leatherhead. In September 2019 he takes over as headmaster of Bryanston in Dorset. He has twice rowed across the Atlantic and ran the Marathon des Sables in 2017.
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C O N T R I B U TO R S ANDREA FREEMAN
Andrea Freeman is Principal of Oxford Media and Business School, which specialises in providing school leavers and graduates with business skills. Andrea co-authored the first text book on word processing, qualified as a Myers Briggs consultant and is an advocate for mindfulness. Andrea visits schools to advise sixth formers on their next move.
ANDREW HALLS Andrew Halls is headmaster of King’s College School, Wimbledon which has recently won a host of accolades. Andrew is the only headmaster to have won The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year for two different schools: King’s College and Magdalen College School, where he was previously. He writes regularly for The Sunday Times and other papers.
CHARLOTTE FAIRBAIRN
Charlotte Fairbairn has worked in the arts, politics and journalism and published three novels. She currently works at Lowther Castle in Cumbria where her exhibition The Story of Lowther is on permanent display. She is working on an exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral and a series of guides to Scottish clans. (The Real Mackays came out in 2018).
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EDITOR Annabel Heseltine EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Jenny Rowe WEBSITE EDITOR Jenny Rowe ART DIRECTOR Parm Bhamra JUNIOR PRODUCTION DESIGNER Samuel Thomas CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Max Davidson, Charlotte Fairbairn, Sally Jones, Victoria Lambert, Emma Love, Christopher Silvester, Anna Tyzack
PUBLISHER Camilla van Praagh ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Melissa Campbell GROUP PUBLISHER Julia Carrick EDITOR IN CHIEF Lucy Cleland FINANCE DIRECTOR Jill Newey MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeremy Isaac TECHNICAL MANAGER Hannah Johnson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Mark Pearson DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Wil Harris SALES & OFFICE MANAGER Daisy Orr-Ewing CREDIT CONTROLLER Penny Burles ACCOUNTS CONTROLLER Aimi Nicastro EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES annabel.heseltine@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk SCHOOL HOUSE is a biannual magazine published with Country & Town House magazine and distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Hampstead, Highgate, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, Putney, Richmond, South Kensington, St John’s Wood, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, M&S, and Waitrose stores and independent newsagents nationwide. School House is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2019 School House. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to press, it is subject to change, and School House takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. School House is published by Country & Town House Ltd.
Country & Town House is a member of CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England)
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Critical thinking teaches children to think for themselves
EDITOR’S LETTER V
ariety and differences are key words in this issue. Recognising that no one system fits all when considering things like curriculum changes, new exams and continuous assessment qualifications, such as the EPQ, is as vital as getting to know each child as an individual. Hats off then to Andrew Halls of King’s College, Wimbledon, who suggests that the Common Entrance is outdated (p69) and to schools like Milton Abbey and Warminster, with excellent learning support departments, who argue that vocational studies should no longer be seen as the prerogative of the hard-hat brigade (p56). Whether it’s sailing its pupils around the world or planting them deep in the heart of cultural London, independent schools are shining in their diversity. Charlotte Fairbairn considers schools with a twist, be it Green in Bali, A+ floating on the world’s oceans or Round Square in the Swiss Alps (p52). This issue’s Focus feature is on learning differences. Experts examine why dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties should not be seen as barriers to success but challenges to overcome. Thanks to graduate apprenticeships and a better understanding of the value of BTECs, parents are becoming less Nimby, and more Yimby (p56).
A school on a ship, travelling the seas
London schools have reams of famous stadiums and stages on their doorstep
Attitudes to education are ever changing, but not fast enough, says Professor of Global History at Oxford, Peter Frankopan. Also author of the new children’s version of Silk Roads, illustrated by Neil Packer, he argues in our leader column that in an interconnected world, it’s time we brought history up to date (p19). Indeed, ‘How can we understand the future if we cannot reference the past?’ is exactly the kind of question Cristina Odone finds that pupils are being taught to ask in critical thinking lessons, which encourage pupils to form their own opinions and problem solve (p46). These are skills that parents dearly hope their children have by the time they go to their first festival, and which can be encouarged with a spot of yoga, says Victoria Lambert (p99). There’s always more to do – and more to learn – and independent schools in the UK are, as usual, leading the way in asking, ‘what next?’ I hope you enjoy this issue.
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UP FRONT NEWS | EVENTS | COMMENT | OPINION
Dauntsey’s School, Wiltshire
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Ibstock Place School in Roehampton, southwest London
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SCHOOL HOUSE SPRING/SU MMER 2019
GEORGIE HAROLD-MOSS AND BEN JONES OF IBSTOCK PLACE, ROEHAMPTON
Ibstock Place is an independent day school in London with 640 pupils, aged 11 to 18, and a prep and pre-prep school attached. The school, which was founded in 1894, introduced its sixth form only eleven years ago, alongside a significant investment in buildings, including science and language labs, a sports hall and a theatre, where headgirl Georgie Harold-Moss, 18, is often found. Georgie is passionate about music and drama, with a grade eight in singing and violin. She says she also plays piano at grade six level but prefers to do so purely for pleasure. Georgie has a host of ambitions: to do postgraduate conservatoire training, and to help others through music therapy due to its cognitive and psychological benefits. But, she says, I will never not perform. Georgie is already a member of the prestigious National Youth Theatre and, aged 15, performed as Miss Hannigan with the British Theatre Academy at the West End in a junior performance of Annie. She is proud of being visited by Tim Rice, when she was in his production of Aida at the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall, and was also in Illegally Blonde. Unsurprisingly, she is taking A-levels in music, drama and English and hopes to study music at Oxford or Edinburgh. Co-head pupil, Ben Jones, 18, after taking A-levels in economics, maths and geography, plans to study PPE at Oxford, but is looking forward to an intermediary break from the education system, which he describes as quite relentless. He vents his frustrations rather ably on the sports field where he is scrum half (and occasional captain) for the 1st XV rugby team (and plays club sport with Rosslyn Park). He is also in the 1st X1 for both football and cricket and is a member of an active golfing society. He loves business, and hopes to pursue a career in the corporate world. Last year, he won a trophy and £500 for an idea he pitched to the The Investor’s Society run by Phoenix Investors, who visit and teach school pupils about finance.
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FIRST WORD | UP FRONT
GET WITH IT Peter Frankopan argues that history needs to be updated in the context of a connected world
what actually shaped our national, regional and global past. Children e need to talk about education in the 21st century. should be able to see history as a jigsaw puzzle that is linked together But we really need to talk about history in the 21st – rather than a series of disconnected topics in which events are century. Whatever one’s views are about Europe, cherry-picked and given overwhelming attention. Brexit or Donald Trump, there is one thing we This requires new approaches in the classrooms – above all teaching can all agree on: the world is changing. materials that open up new worlds and new And changing fast. New technologies areas to think about, rather than reinforcing connect us more closely together, tales about centuries gone by that are handed enabling us to share information, ideas from one generation to another almost and opinions quicker than ever before. untouched. As a father of four, it is amazing Our ability to learn has never been to see my own children grow up learning easier: having a smartphone in your hand all the same things that I did – despite the is like having a vast library at your disposal. profound changes in the world since I left Learning has never been cheaper – thanks school. How can someone leave school to falling data prices, and the availability without knowing anything about the Tang, of connected devices: only four per cent Song or Ming dynasties of China? Or about of households in the UK do not own the Byzantines and Ottomans – whose one smartphone (while three-quarters empires lasted for a millennium and 700 own two or more). years respectively? Or about why the most Working out how to harness the vibrant centres of scholarship a thousand opportunities and challenges of this brave years ago were not in Europe, but in the new world poses familiar problems for teachers, Middle East, central and south Asia? parents and pupils. Much less attention, There needs to be a better connection however, is paid to how the curriculum is with historians, in the UK and abroad, who failing to keep up with the profound changes Peter Frankopan are asking new questions about the past, so in the world; the new technologies are only that young students can learn how academic part of the story. Lessons these days are ‘Children should be able subjects themselves evolve and change. There more interactive, more engaging and more need to be curriculum reforms too, for both exciting than when I was at school. But while to see history as a jigsaw the methods have evolved, the same has not puzzle that is linked together primary and secondary schools, to ensure that studying history widens horizons, happened when it comes to the curriculum. – rather than a series of rather than narrows them. When I was a boy, history at school meant disconnected topics in which I think this is reasonable and, as it the Greeks and Romans, the Normans and happens, possible. That is why I have written Tudors, the Victorians and two world wars. events are cherry-picked a version for younger readers of my book, It seemed to make sense at the time. I’d been and given overwhelming Silk Roads, which tries to look at the big taught what really mattered. That much was attention’ picture. I have done this with Neil Packer, obvious from the fact that when I went from a wonderful illustrator, in order to make primary to secondary school, I covered the the past spring to life and to challenge same ground again (or a least parts of it), schoolchildren (and more besides) to only in more detail. think about why history itself matters. Little has changed over 40 years. Children Teachers, parents, carers and above all still learn about the slave trade and about women schoolchildren themselves love the wonder being allowed to vote, as well as the old favourites. But they of discovery. To paraphrase a popular current are poorly prepared for the reality of our connected world. phrase, it’s time to ‘make history great again’. Let’s Children should be learning about the history of China, of south change what we think we know about and south east Asia or of the Americas before Columbus – as well as the past, and open our minds – and those about Britain’s greatest hits. They should understand how Britain of the next generation – to learn about what (and Europe) fit into the bigger picture of the exchange of ideas, we haven’t thought about learning instead. goods, culture and disease – both to put Britain’s history within a wider context, but also to move us away from familiar stories about Peter Frankopan is Professor of Global History at Oxford University. errant kings and their wives and towards a better understanding of
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NEWS | UP FRONT
WHAT’S UP? Academic news and some vital statistics IMPROVING HEALTH New research in the Journal of Public Health shows that a longer education is linked to healthier adults. A one-year difference translates into 16 per cent more self-rated estimates progressing from ‘mediocre’ to ‘good’ health.
BUILDING FUTURES
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) launched its National Schools Programme last autumn following a successful pilot scheme that involved 18,000 pupils. Nationwide, bespoke, creative, curriculum-linked workshops are given by expertly trained architects to pupils aged four to 18, designed to inspire a new generation to understand and appreciate architecture – a subject not otherwise taught in schools.
MENTAL BARRIERS
Kent-based youth arts organisation ART31 found that while young people value the arts as an important part of their lives (68 per cent) and would consider a career in them (49 per cent), they are anxious about getting involved. Creative and cultural organisations need to be clearer, more inclusive and less intimidating. THE DAILY MILE The University of Stirling is tackling children’s declining fitness with its new evidence-based initiative, The Daily Mile, which ensures pupils are active for 15 minutes each day. Allowing pupils to self-select their pace means that all abilities are catered for, with those choosing to run completing approximately one mile. This short, simple but regular session has been shown to improve fitness by five per cent and increase physical activity levels by 15 per cent.
FIGHTING FAKE NEWS Former teacher and businesswoman, Katie Harrison is bringing the weekly news agenda into schools, cutting through the fake headlines disseminated on social media to tackle sensitive issues, such as China’s launch of a man-made moon, Brexit and terrorism, head on. Picture News has three age levels and can be posted or emailed to schools. ETHICAL AI
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
UK-wide, 25 per cent of parents employ a private tutor – in London it is 40 per cent – but the stakes keep rising. Bark.com, an online services marketplace, report that 42 per cent of their network of tutors say it is common to be asked to teach at least two academic years above a child.
The UK’s First Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Education launched last year in response to the fast-growing volume and diversity of data generated by AI. An AI teacher, for example, is able to collect and store highly sensitive material about its students’ conscious and unconscious minds, motivations and psychologies. This raises many ethical challenges concerning what happens to that data, who owns it, who uses it, for what purposes, and who is accountable for its interpretation and exploitation.
NATURE ALIENS
After a government-funded study in 2016 raised the issue of young people’s alienation from the natural world (one in nine children in England had not visited a natural environment – not even a park – in 12 months), the Green Party’s Caroline Lucas is addressing what is now described as a nature deficit disorder by proposing a GCSE in Natural History.
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South Hampstead High School, London
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HEAD VIEW | UP FRONT
BACK SEAT DRIVER Vicky Bingham, headmistress of South Hampstead High School GDST, argues that parental resilience is critical to children’s wellbeing and success
in with sympathy can make them worry that they are facing a crisis. very so often at an open day, a question gives The parents whose resilience I admire are the unlucky few whose me pause for thought. I was once asked what our children narrowly miss a university offer on A-level results day. They resilience strategy was, as if ‘resilience’ could are bewildered and sad for their daughter, but I admire their ability be boiled down to a strategic plan with SMART to keep them focused on the next steps, and their attempts to put targets and Key Performance Indicators. On one this failure into perspective. level, it was a good question: The resilient parent has the schools sometimes bandy the Vicky Bingham ability to sympathise but term resilience around without not dramatise. really understanding how they Equally important can build it. But on another is allowing your child level, the question suggested to own their setbacks and that resilience could be bottled see themselves as agents for up by schools without any change. Resilient parenting parental intervention. involves accepting that your If only it were that easy. child will find some things As parents we are difficult and stressful – not bombarded with information swooping in with intervention from a bewildering array of packages at the first sign sources about how best to raise of struggle. This principle our children. We are one of applies to schoolwork but the best-informed generations also to friendships. of parents, yet one of the most We have introduced lessons anxious. A new book, Love, in the early years of Senior Money, and Parenting by School at South Hampstead two American economics to help pupils develop strong professors, suggests that teenage friendships without the rise in economic inequality constant adult intervention. in countries such as the UK They must understand how and USA has upped the stakes; their own behaviour can make parents feel they can no longer and sustain friendships. Even afford to be relaxed. when fault lines appear and Parental engagement in the school has to intervene, education is an asset to children it is important that your child and to the school community. feels they have some choice However, being hyper hands-on and control. risks depriving children of If I had to choose opportunities to develop a metaphor for resilient independence and resilience. ‘To truly thrive, children need the parenting, it would be To truly thrive, children internal skills and motivation to find their driving instructor need the internal skills own way. Knowing when to step back is the and the dual control car. and motivations to find their as important as knowing when to step in’ Occasionally you slam own way. Knowing when to the breaks on or take the step back is as important as wheel. But mostly you are knowing when to step in. sitting alongside: guiding, Resilience involves proportionate reaction to what trying not to lose your cool and quietly observing any developing life deals us – and children take their cues from their parents. hazards. In the interests of an extended metaphor, it is highly It is normal to feel disappointment when your child does not unlikely that your child will pass their test with absolutely no get invited to a party or selected for a sports team or into your minor faults along the way… but pass in the end, and accelerate first choice school. But observe your child’s reaction before forwards, they surely will. responding. Children can be surprisingly resilient and rushing
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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS
PREP SCHOOLS Pop-ups, soup kitchens and artistic armistice commemorations
Saving the Planet Pupils’ families and teachers from Abbey Gate College Infant and Junior School in the village of Aldford sponsored and planted 70 young trees from nine different native tree species to create a new forest trail for outdoor learning. Year four pupils from Bede’s Preparatory School learned about the effect of plastic pollution on our oceans, before taking part in their own beach clean on a local stretch of Eastbourne’s coastline.
Cothill House, Oxfordshire inspiring the next Steve Jobs
INSPIRING STEM
STEM innovators from across the UK flocked to Oxfordshire as part of Cothill House’s annual themed week. Leaders from the James Dyson Foundation and the Red Arrows were among those who came to inspire the boys, aged eight to 13. They were also excited by a pop-up planetarium, Science Oxford’s hair-raising antics with fire and an iconic global research programme which aims to set the new world land speed record of 1,000mph.
Royal Approval
CULTURE VULTURES
As part of its Global Voices initiative, Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory School pupils learn about one culture and language each half term. To kick off, pupils learnt Japanese, with informative visits from three of the prep and senior school’s native pupils. Falcons School for Girls and Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School celebrated traditions and languages from across the continent with themed activities on European Day of Languages.
BACK TO BUSINESS
Year seven boys at Abingdon Preparatory School embraced a national Dragon’s Den style competition run by the Peter Jones Foundation. All teams received a £400 loan to develop ideas like ‘Culbs’ (potted bulbs in recycled containers) and enable them to trade for two weeks.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
L’Ecole des Petits and L’Ecole de Battersea were featured in Our Future King: Prince Charles at 70, published to celebrate the 70th birthday of HRH Prince Charles, as the schools share his beliefs in the benefits of a holistic – in this case bilingual – education. Royal approval was also given to a carefully handmade ‘A-Z of Sussex’ made by 13 year six pupils from Westbourne House, which was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they were on their first trip to the county from which they take their name last October.
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PREP NEWS | UP FRONT
Hallfield School pupils scaled Snowdon for charity
BOOKWORMS
Durston House School, London was named a Champion School for the Renaissance Accelerated Reader programme having demonstrated outstanding achievement in engendering a true reading culture.
Papplewick School boys played their mums
FUNDRAISING FEATS
SPORTING SUCCESS
Under eight boys at Papplewick School in Ascot showed no mercy in the school’s annual mothers and sons football match, beating them 26-7. Cranleigh Prep’s under 13 girls’ hockey team scooped gold medals at the IAPS Regional Hockey Qualifiers. Three girls also won bronze for Guildford Hockey Club at a prestigious tournament in Barcelona.
ARTISTIC FLAIR
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Exeter Cathedral School gained two prizes (an overall first and a commendation – the second time ECS has received first prize) in Badminton School’s Mary Feddon OBE Commemorative Art Competition, themed Still Life – Stories through Objects.
Two pupils from Hallfield School, Birmingham conquered Mount Snowdon and raised a huge £3,236 for charity, Zero Hunger for Langar, which aims to set up free, communal kitchens worldwide. Port Regis recently presented a cheque for £20,718 to Margi Jervoise from Farms for City Children – the largest donation that the charity has received from any school. Newton Prep’s year seven pupils raised awareness and sponsorship for homeless charity, Centrepoint, with their overnight sleep-out in Battersea in October. Meanwhile, Funtington Community Christmas was hosted and run on the day by staff and pupils at Oakwood School, welcoming anyone who would otherwise have been lonely on Christmas Day – young or old.
The Garden of Hope at Falcons Preparatory School for Boys
ARMISTICE ANNIVERSARY
The armistice centenary was marked by Falcons Preparatory School with the official opening of their Garden of Hope, which showcases ceramic poppies handmade by pupils and staff. Hazlegrove Preparatory School, Somerset, with its many armed forces children, created an art installation to which the whole school community contributed, illustrating all that remembrance symbolises for the past and future. Finally, Chaddesley Corbett village community visited Winterfold House School, Worcestershire for afternoon tea to commemorate those who lost their lives in various conflicts. Strikingly, children from Abberley Hall School in Worcestershire spent five weeks creating 7,000 ceramic poppies which were arranged in a waterfall formation from the school’s historic 161ft clock tower. Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 25
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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
King’s Ely Junior and Cambridgeshire Music, the county’s music education hub, joined forces to launch the Ely Area Music Centre. The centre enables children and young people to enjoy playing in a string orchestra, wind band and full orchestra.
HELLO BOYS With an innovative take on a school moving from single-sex to co-education, Westonbirt School in Gloucestershire is to accept boys into their senior school in September 2019 for the first time in its 90-year history, having always been an all girls’ school.
YOUNGER YEARS
Gordonstoun gains a new year one class
In September 2019, Gordonstoun Junior School opens its doors to a new year one class. Falcons Preparatory School for Boys, London opens a reception class, growing the junior section of the school a year group at a time until the school is fully established with one form entry from reception to year two, and two forms from year three. Horris Hill, Hampshire will welcome boys from four to 13 years old, who will be able to board from the age of ten. Abbey Gate College Infant and Junior School welcomed the Duke of Westminster to officially open their new foundation and infant school building.
CULTIVATING CREATIVES
Children’s author Jeremy Strong opened the new library at All Hallows Prep School in September 2018, following the opening of their new Creative Centre. This year the school was shortlisted for the National TES Independent School Creativity Awards.
Five-times Olympian Mark Foster opened Windlesham House School’s new stateof-the art sports complex. The six-lane pool and sports hall has a ‘living roof’, making it almost invisible from the sky.
New Nurseries
Anniversary Additions
Dreaming Big
The New Beacon Nursery, Sevenoaks opens in 2019, for girls and boys. The prep school stays boys only. The new St James Preparatory School nursery welcomes children turning three.
Sevenoaks Prep is opening the Centenary Centre to mark 100 years this year. Its most ambitious building project to date will provide a new central hub for the school.
After a phenomenal fundraising effort by Cumnor House Sussex, the Chailey Heritage Foundation reached its £3.1m target to build the DREAM Centre for indoor sports and activities.
Relocation, Relocation The Lyceum nursery and preparatory school has invested in a multi-millionpound, state-of-the-art site on Worship Street, Shoreditch, doubling its capacity.
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PHOTOS: CAMBRIDGESHIRE MUSIC
ECO-BUILDS
PREP NEWS | UP FRONT
CHANGING FACES Heads on the move
SEATED IN STYLE
A new dining hall designed to strike the perfect balance between historic built environment and natural rural setting is now in use at Foremarke Hall, Repton’s preparatory school.
STEM GROWTH
St Faith’s in Cambridge opened its new £2m STEM facility, named The Hub in November 2018, designed to link all aspects of STEM education in one large multi-functional space.
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
Inquisitive Minds A refreshing alternative to traditional learning, the new Strive Programme at Portland Place School harnesses a pupil’s passion or curiosity for a subject – a culture, unusual sport or author – through in-depth study.
Educating Beyond Exams In September, Westbourne House School is introducing a new curriculum with a skillsbased approach to teaching. It maintains a strong core in maths, English and science as required by CE exams.
Speaking Out St Anthony’s School for Girls launched its Talking Assemblies this year, designed to promote confidence and develop pupils’ reasoning and communication skills by enabling ‘talk time’ with ‘talk partners’.
Visible Improvements
PHOTOS: CAMBRIDGESHIRE MUSIC
BROADENING HORIZONS
Bournemouth Collegiate School joins the Bright Scholar Education Group of international and bilingual schools as its UK flagship school. The partnership will bring investment, additional expertise and improved opportunities for pupils and staff. Also making new partnerships are Knightsbridge School and Miss Daisy’s Nursery, a group of four London nursery schools, who all joined Dukes Education in September 2018. Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School has forged an innovative transatlantic alliance with Wetherby-Pembridge School in New York, also part of the Alpha Plus Group of schools.
St Hugh’s School, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire embarked on a pioneering programme, Visible Learningplus, over a year ago and has seen remarkable results in pupils’ progress and motivated staff.
Catherine Hughes, a year four teacher, has been appointed acting assistant head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School until the end of the academic year.
In September 2017 after 12 years as headmaster of The Prebendal School, Tim Cannell moved to Parsons Green Prep School in Fulham as acting head and in January 2018 his position became permanent. The new headmistress at Swanbourne House, Jane Thorpe, started in September 2018. Previously, she had a distinguished career as a barrister and became the youngest full-time District Judge in the country. Chris Searson is now the new headmaster of Beaudesert Park School in Gloucestershire. He was previously deputy headmaster at Highfield School in Liphook, Hampshire. Nicole Janssen, previously deputy head at Longacre School in Guildford, became acting head of Parkside School in Surrey in September 2018 and in December the position was made permanent. William Goldsmith has been appointed the new headmaster of St George’s School, Windsor Castle as of January 2019. He leaves his headship at St Leonard’s Junior School in St Andrews, Fife.
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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS
YOUNG ACORNS Top Triathlete Stamford School pupil Tom Hattee has been named as the UK’s best triathlete in his age group (13–14 years), after winning the national championship in Mallory Park, Leicestershire. The event, in which 13 regions in the UK are represented, acts as the first rung on the elite pathway ladder.
A Fluent Tongue Angel Mendel-Idowu, nine, from Godstowe Prep School in High Wycombe who can speak seven languages including Mandarin, Latin, Kinyarwanda and Zulu, has been named Britain’s most talented young linguist after winning a national language learning competition, The uTalk Challenge.
Within six weeks of his tenth birthday, Leo Zhu, from Cothill House School, Oxfordshire, was awarded a distinction in the ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) Diploma in Violin.
An Ace Author Tahlia Ayandare, one of Essex’s top under-nine tennis players from Brentwood School, wrote Life of a Junior Tennis Player to share her love of the sport and inspire more children to get involved.
Bancroft School’s year eight pupil Yusef Sheikh won the boys under 13 British Junior Squash Championship last year. In the final he triumphed over an old rival who had beaten him in all of their four previous meetings. The Essex player was thrilled and said, ‘It was a dream come true’.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
SQUASH SKILLS
MUSICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE
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Eaton House The Manor School in Clapham
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PREP HEAD VIEW | UP FRONT
A METROPOLITAN BUN FIGHT Sarah Segrave, head of Eaton House The Manor, navigates the London schools’ scene
the most prestigious schools in the country a few years back, and t a recent London Parents’ Forum, Eaton House a slight increase in 11+ places over 13+ ones, decisions about senior Schools met a woman who had recently relocated schools are being made much earlier. This is a particular problem from Dubai. She was almost wringing her hands for the late-developer, the summer born child, and indeed those because her son had been placed in a school that the who have recently relocated to the UK. relocation agents had represented as being ‘definitely The phrase, ‘there’s a school for everyone’ has a slightly hollow right for him.’ It wasn’t – he was miserable, and bored and he needed ring in central London if you are looking for a well-established to make new friends. She felt guilty for having believed them day school for your child of average ability. and extremely anxious about what to do next, as she was new So – what to do? Will Brexit mean that there will be less competition to London education and living for the first time in Belgravia. for places? I very much doubt it. Can It will be of no surprise to many parents the fees remain affordable for parents? that the London school scene is both The answer is, we always do the best convoluted and complicated. We are we can and are mindful of what parents blessed with some of the very finest want and need from us. What will schools in the country and yet the be the impact if there is a change of competitive nature of applications, government? This is truly something and the need for parents to be ahead that nobody can predict. Certainly of the game in their planning, makes parents will always want the best for for what can feel like a fraught and anxiety their children, and for many that inducing few years. If you are relocating means an independent school. from abroad the challenges can seem My advice would be this: heads almost insurmountable without do sometimes have a tough time the necessary insider knowledge. deciding which candidates to select, What ought to be seen as the golden but authenticity is everything. Whatever years of childhood have become filled your child really thinks, feels, knows with verbal reasoning exercises and a bid and has experienced is the right answer. to secure a senior school place as early And that is good advice when applying as possible. The all-through schools are for any school, even in an uncertain looking like the perfect antidote to the post-Brexit marketplace. desire to ‘fix’ the future schooling plans, Choose your child’s first school with yet without the benefit of a crystal ball, Sarah Segrave the utmost care, because this will be parents are having to guess what might the source of advice that you lean on suit their teenagers when they are still very ‘Heads do sometimes have a tough to make all further decisions. If in doubt, young. Fifteen years ago, parents could, time deciding which candidates always go with your gut feeling and the with some confidence and surety, plan to select, but authenticity is calibre of teaching staff over all other the path ahead for the children when factors. Choose a school that has the the time was right. Eaton House, Summer everything. Whatever your child confidence to prepare children for their Fields, Eton College... with the end really thinks, feels, knows and has next schools without becoming an exam goal of an Oxbridge college glittering experienced is the right answer’ factory in the process. Life is not made on the horizon. Today, the picture is up of just maths, reasoning and English. more complicated, more time consuming, Be both ambitious and honest about your children’s and sadly more likely to have a detrimental personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Don’t hire a tutor. Read to and impact on our children’s happiness and wellbeing. with your children, however old they are. Take them out to lunch, travel Historically, one of the joys of the traditional structure of pre-prep, with them, take them to the theatre, the cinema or the supermarket. prep and public schools was that one could spend a decent proportion Enjoy their company and remember that you will always be their first of the time enjoying the school that one’s child was in, safe in the teacher and their most important champion. Let them make mistakes, knowledge, that, as their children grew up, the right advice would but be there to help point them in the right direction afterwards. be given in a timely fashion. With the introduction of pre-testing at
A
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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS
SENIOR SCHOOLS Stories of singers, swashbucklers and savvy designers
An Intrepid Alumnus After climbing the world’s tallest mountain in 2018, TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle returned to his educational roots at Bryanston School, Dorset to speak about the challenges he faced on Mount Everest and all over the globe.
BUDDING ENGINEERS
Prime Minister Theresa May opened the new Xtrac manufacturing facility
Last year, 393 students aged 16 to 17 from schools such as Haileybury, Blundell’s School and Prior Park College achieved a coveted Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. This included a record-equalling 113 girls. Meanwhile, Berkshire-based motorsport specialist, Xtrac, welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May to open its new manufacturing facility extension, in advance of the Festival of Engineering event at the site, which will host 400 regional pupils in April 2019.
ARMISTICE ANNIVERSARY
MUSICAL NOTES
Eastbourne College pupils at Admiralty Arch, London
Fifty pupils from the Cavendish Education Group of schools professionally recorded I Believe in Me, an original song that encourages those with additional learning needs to gain selfconfidence and self-belief. Over 30 singers from Malvern St James Girls’ School took part in a London premiere of Stari Most, a work about the tragedy of a community divided by racial hatred and war.
BANG ON TREND
Former Creative Director for Karl Lagerfeld and Gucci, Stephen Lisseman, collaborated with the art department at Heathfield School, Berkshire offering his expertise via a series of one-to-one tutorials preceding their annual fashion show, which he will also direct.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Abingdon School near Oxford began its commemorations for the First World War in October 2014 by holding a joint assembly with its German exchange school, the Ratgymnasium, Bielefeld, bringing them to a timely close in 2018 when Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman, 98, and the last surviving 617 ‘Dambuster’ Squadron pilot, opened the school’s new flight simulator suite kindly donated by former pupil Tony Edwards, who left the school in 1962. With one of the largest school cadet forces in the country, Eastbourne College was honoured as the only school selected to provide 20 cadets to participate in the remembrance day march past the Cenotaph.
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SENIOR NEWS | UP FRONT
Brooms at the ready at Cheltenham College
Girls from the Mumbai Kick Like a Girl fooball team
WORLDLY WORK ECO-WARRIORS
Twenty pupils from Cheltenham College worked with the Canal and River Trust to clean up the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal – collecting litter, cutting back vegetation and cleaning the bridge. At Putney High School GDST, MP Justine Greening launched BREATHE, a five-day programme aimed at helping schools improve their carbon footprint and positively impact the local community. Activities included tree planting and reducing plastic waste and discussions on fracking and eco-technology.
A group of lower sixth pupils and staff from Dauntsey’s visited Cernavoda in Romania to support Nightingales Children’s Project. They worked with local street children and orphans to put on a play scheme, with as many as 120 children attending on one day. Staff and students at Heathfield School, Ascot helped raise funds to fly 15 girls from India to the UK for a life-changing two-week sport and education tour, as part of the Kick Like A Girl campaign set up by the OSCAR foundation, which drives social change by encouraging gender equality in underprivileged communities through football and education.
Tom Humphries in action
SPORTING TALENT
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
A CLASSICAL COMEBACK
Harvey King, 14, of King Edward’s School, Witley designed one of the 100 fibreglass hares on display in Haslemere. His grandfather organised the community arts project and proceeds from the sale of HAREcules – inspired by the hero’s 12 labours – will benefit Classics for All (CFA), which promotes classics teaching.
40 RGS students have been selected for county, regional or national hockey teams
In north Yorkshire, Giggleswick School hosted the 11th English Schools Fell Running Championships, with Euan Brennan successfully defended the year 12 and 13 title, while in the same race fellow pupil Tom Humphries was just pipped at the line to finish third. Reigate Grammar School had a successful hockey season with 40 students selected for county and beyond; one student selected for England’s under 16s; and two teams topping their group in the south pool of the national hockey competition.
EXEMPLARY EXHIBITIONS
Gresham’s School hosted a special exhibition to celebrate the contribution its 20th century students have made in the field of design, engineering and the arts. Canford School in Dorset created an exhibition, Telling Stories, showcasing pupils’ Pre-U artwork at a London gallery. Much of it was graded at distinction level and many of the artists are moving on to foundation courses at top art colleges. Finally, St Mary’s Calne hosted its third triennial London art exhibition at the Mall Galleries. A Sense of Place included nearly 100 pieces of art produced by current pupils, alumnae, parents and staff.
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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
CHANGING FACES Heads on the move
Dr Katy Ricks takes up the role of Chief Master at King Edward’s School, Birmingham. She leaves Sevenoaks School, who will announce its new head after a rigorous selection process is completed.
NEW SCHOOLS
Northstowe Secondary College, Cambridgeshire welcomes its first year seven students in September 2019. Wetherby Senior School, London accepted its first cohort of sixth formers in September 2018, following considerable investment in its facilities and the launch of its A-level offering. In September 2020 Downsend School, Surrey will be opening a new senior school offering a three-year GCSE programme.
SPORTS FOCUS
Ampleforth College, north Yorkshire has built a state-of-the-art equestrian arena to train pupils for events including the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA). Bryanston School, Dorset has completed the first phase of a pioneering development including a new gym, a six-lane swimming pool and a performance development suite. In Derbyshire, Repton School’s new sports hall provides a multi-purpose space for indoor hockey, basketball, five-a-side football, futsal and indoor cricket.
Investments in the Arts Wellington College’s new G W Annenberg Performing Arts Centre was opened by HRH The Duke of Kent. Rossall School, Lancashire’s new performing arts studio provides a theatre Rossall School actors venue and rehearsal space to support the arts in the school and local community. In Cornwall, Prue Leith opened Truro School’s new cooking school which partners with Leith’s School of Food and Wine. Queenswood School, Hertfordshire opened the architecturally acclaimed Pauline Edgar Library as a venue for literary events.
Reinforcing Resilience Author, campaigner and mental and emotional wellbeing advocate Natasha Devon MBE recently opened DLD College, London’s new wellbeing centre.
George Budd, currently deputy head of Godolphin School, will take up his new post as head of Moreton Hall, Shropshire in September 2019 on the retirement of Jonathan Forster.
Guy Ayling, currently headmaster of Llandovery College in Wales, will take up a new post as headmaster at Mount Kelly in Devon. His tenure will begin in April 2019. Deirdre Rowe is appointed acting head at Ampleforth College, the first female head in 200 years. With five years already banked, most recently as associate head, she brings stability and continuity.
Expanding Elsewhere
Going Ape
Science Boost
Southbank International School has opened its new Cleveland Street campus for its Westminster students, designed in consultation with all its students and staff.
Bede’s Senior School’s zoo which opened in 2011 with 70 animals species has opened six brand new enclosures for African birds, Madagascan lemurs and South American squirrel monkeys.
Tonbridge School has opened its state-of-the-art Barton Science Centre, named after the British organic chemist Sir Derek Barton, an Old Tonbridgian and a Nobel Prize winner.
From September 2019, Jo Duncan, currently the headmistress of the Royal High School in Bath, will become headmistress of Wycombe Abbey School, Buckinghamshire.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Wellington School, Somerset has appointed Eugene du Toit, as head. Currently he is senior deputy head at Trinity School, Croydon. He will replace Henry Price who moves to Oakham School.
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SENIOR NEWS | UP FRONT
Cobham Hall, Kent has welcomed Maggie Roberts as its new headmistress. She has taught English and History to sixth formers at schools in the UK, Australia and Germany.
From September 2018 Jonathan Shaw, most recently Vice Principal of Elizabeth College in Guernsey, is the new head of King’s Ely Senior, Cambridgeshire with Ben Pennington as his deputy.
Sue Baillie is the new head of Queen Margaret’s, York. For the last seven years Sue has been pastoral director at Newcastle Royal Grammar School and previously she was second deputy head at Kimbolton School. In January 2019, Sue Knox, previously headmistress of Wellingborough Preparatory School, Northampton, was made headmistress of Duke of Kent School, Surrey.
Mark Semmence has been announced as Repton School’s 36th headmaster. Previously head at Mount Kelly, Mr Semmence succeeds Alastair Land who leaves in March 2019 to take up the headship of Harrow.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
King Edward’s School, Witley appointed Joanna Wright as their new head and principal from September 2019. She is currently deputy head at St Peter’s School, York.
SIXTH FORM CENTRES
Reigate Grammar School’s new library and sixth form, The Harrison Centre, was designed by London firm, Walters & Cohen Architects. Abingdon School opens Beech Court, its sixth form centre, library and art department. Francis Holland School, Sloane Square opened a Centre for Creative Learning and Sixth Form Centre for Creative Enterprise.
BOARDING UPGRADE
Giggleswick School in Yorkshire is renovating its boarding houses and classroom facilities. Queenswood’s Middle School has renovated its boarding accommodation complete with cinema and media rooms, kitchens and individual work stations. The newly co-ed Ipswich High School, prepares to welcome boarders this September.
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
Change Makers
Pioneering Pathway
Famous Faces
Wellington College has renamed its innovative Wednesday programme Global Citizenship. It covers community action, adventure and arts awards; pupils are teaching GCSE Latin in a local secondary school.
Abbey College Manchester is expanding its Combined Studies Programme, an innovative alternative to the two-year linear A-level. The course comprises two optional subjects and a compulsory key skills unit.
Cobham Hall, Kent has reintroduced A-levels. Politics students had a flying start when they met both Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow, and historian David Starkey in their first term.
High-tech Handouts
TEAMWORK
North Cambridge Academy and the Stephen Perse Foundation, an independent group of schools headquartered in Cambridge, have formed a strategic partnership designed to benefit students at both schools, beginning with Stephen Perse Sixth Form students delivering a programme of work to year seven pupils at the academy. For eight years Kent College, Canterbury has developed a strong global schools partnership with a school in Tanzania with teacher exchanges and student visits. They have redecorated and created a consistent water supply to the remote rural school.
Pupils at Dunottar School in Reigate started the new school year with an iPad each and access to hundreds of online books via an extensive ebook library after a successful pilot scheme last year.
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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS
YOUNG ACORNS
A STRONG VOICE
Karris Chappell, a sixth form pupil at Bruton School for Girls, Somerset has been selected from over 30,000 candidates as one of the English Speaking Board’s (ESB) Speakers of the Year after being awarded full marks by the judges for her various performances.
DRUMMING UP A STORM AN ARTY ACHIEVER
Nia Rist, a pupil from Swansea College, who has steadily developed her own screen-printed interior product range, launched her work to an international audience last summer at New Designers in London. She has also recently been selected to exhibit as part of the Design Fresh breakthrough talent group, curated by 100% Design and Barbara Chandler.
Brentwood School drummer Sebastian Bloom, 16, has been selected for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) Academy. After his A-levels Sebastian will audition for London’s prestigious music colleges to fulfil his ambition of becoming a professional drummer.
DANCING QUEEN Brighton College teen, Anya Mercer, 15, appeared at a gala performance with the National Youth Ballet at Sadler’s Wells, winning the Young Performer of the Season award after her performance at the legendary London venue.
PHOTOS: BIRDIE PEACOCK & GETTY IMAGES
Riding to Victory Lila Bremner, a year 11 pupil from St Mary’s Calne School, Wiltshire, picked up gold, silver and bronze at the National Schools Equestrian Championships on her two ponies, Foxy Lady and Lappi, making the many hours spent cleaning out stables completely worth it.
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
A TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION UWC Atlantic College attracts pupils who are ground breakers and future shapers and encourages them to fulfil their potential UWC VALUES • International and intercultural understanding • Celebration of difference
Peter T Howe, Principal
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ounded in 1962, UWC Atlantic College is the flagship of the inspirational UWC global education movement, comprising 17 schools and colleges worldwide, and the co-creator of the International Baccalaureate. Based in the 12th Century St Donat’s Castle in South Wales, a 122-acre site that includes its own seafront, woodland and farmland, boarders aged 16 to 19 from over 90 nationalities are selected to study the IB based purely on their personal motivation and potential thanks to a robust scholarship programme. ‘UWC Atlantic College is proud to develop a unique peer group of potential changemakers, ground breakers, risk takers, idea generators, future shapers and innovators drawn from all levels of society and towards a shared purpose – to embody the global UWC spirit, to challenge cynicism with courage, action and belief and to lead inspired new thinking,’ says Principal, Peter T Howe. ‘We have always been this way,’ he continues, ‘and in a fractured and shifting world
• Personal responsibility and integrity • Mutual responsibility and respect • Compassion and service • Respect for the environment • A sense of idealism • Action and personal example • Personal challenge
never before has our mission been more relevant or resonant. Education is a force for good in the world – to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.’ In a dynamic learning landscape, the IB curriculum is combined with extensive experiential learning focusing on three key aspects: peace, a sustainable future and student initiative. The college is instrumental in developing new courses for the IB, starting as school-based syllabi and then becoming mainstream IB subjects taught worldwide. The diversity of the student body in UWC schools and colleges is based on the ability to reach out to attract students from vastly differing political, religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. There are two main selection routes to a UWC college: through the UWC national committee in the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship, with 65 per cent of students selected this way receiving full or partial scholarship funding for their education; or through the UWC Global Selection Programme, which is fee-paying. This is designed for students who wish to apply nine to 12 months before the beginning of the school year (earlier than regular NC selection processes), or are looking to attend a specific UWC school or college. There are only a limited number of full fee-paying places for students at 15 of the 17 UWC schools and colleges. For more information: 01446 799000 www.atlanticcollege.org www.uwc.org
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OPINION | UP FRONT
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Mike Piercy, headmaster of The New Beacon School, Sevenoaks explains its true value
o-Yo Ma, the brilliant cellist, has said: ‘Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.’ We took our chapel choir to Dubrovnik: 25 boys of 11 to 13 years of age, leaving at the unearthly hour of 3am. The highlight of the tour was a concert in Dubrovnik Cathedral but, before that, we were to sing at Mass in a church, in which there was (we had been unreliably informed) a large organ to provide accompaniment. We arrived for our brief and only rehearsal the afternoon before to discover there was no organ. A complete change of anthems and responses was required to sing a cappella. I would not tell the story if the boys had not risen to the challenge. Isn’t an intrinsic part of education putting children in unfamiliar situations; ones in which they have to adapt or innovate to succeed? And nowhere is this challenge greater than in music where pupils have to perform in tune, on time and in unison; and sometimes without much support. Putting challenge aside, there is the music-making. Music should be felt and heard by all children throughout school. Teaching a class of nine-year-olds, I illustrated a paddle steamer with an appalling drawing on the board and then started to sing ‘the wheels on the boat go...’ before deliberately hesitating. Spontaneously, the class followed
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– ‘round and round, round and round’ – and finished a slightly adapted verse of the well-known children’s song. Everyone was smiling and laughing by the end. Such is the power of music! The New Beacon is a boys’ school. I won’t rehearse the arguments for or against single-sex education but, when it comes to singing, most boys are more likely to ‘go for it’ when girls are not around. Although the chapel choir is auditioned and there are several other choirs, everyone here sings. The older boys, voices breaking and groaning, still sing, even if some of them might be doing little more than heralding the stands of Twickenham in years to come. Put them all together as we did recently at our harvest service – nearly 400 boys aged four to 13 – they make a sound which lifts both heart and soul. The song was Cauliflowers Fluffy: the younger boys sang with energy, the older ones, with nostalgic enthusiasm, but all with huge smiles on their faces. In an already overcrowded curriculum, music is important. Quite rightly school inspectors try to assess pupils’ ‘personal development’. The early stages of learning a musical instrument are not easy: getting a sound from the reed of a clarinet or oboe or the squeaky, squawky strings of a violin. Patience, practice and sustained effort are all required. The challenge of moving through grading exams develops resilience and quality: genuine, discernible personal development. Then follows the challenge and pleasure of collaboration – making music together. Teamwork is not found only on the sports field or in problem solving activities but also Mike Piercy, headmaster in learning to work together, under the direction of a conductor, to produce a big sound, whichever the style of music. On several occasions the school has welcomed Kidenza, an orchestra of highly talented professional musicians whose aim is ‘to dispel the preconception of classical music as being stuffy and elitist and to provide affordable opportunities for young children to hear and take part in music making’. They perform themed concerts with anecdotes, dialogue and jokes to tell the story of the music to an audience of around 300 (usually primary) schoolchildren. For some, this may be the only music education they get through school. The children love it, learning about the instruments, clapping, cheering and counting. They leave energised – their enjoyment and appreciation of music enhanced. To reduce or take music out of the curriculum – out of school and out of education – is to under-estimate its broad value. It is akin to taking poetry and literature out of English lessons. The danger is that we will be educating a generation which lacks a richness; a cultural, social and emotional dimension. Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 39
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
More House prides itself on its sense of community within boarding
BOARDING AT MORE HOUSE SCHOOL For 80 years More House School has been transforming the lives of boys who struggle with Specific Learning and Language difficulties through their outstanding tailored education model
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ore House School is situated just outside Farnham on the Hampshire/Surrey border, set on a wooded hillside in twenty-nine acres. The school, founded in 1939, has attractive modern facilities that lie above the playing fields. In recent years, the school has refurbished and extended its boarding facilities, refurbished its eight Science laboratories, built its School of Engineering and CAD facilities, and most recently completed its new Sixth Form Centre. Summer 2018 saw the completion of a brand new library and Media Studies centre, and growth in learning support facilities. The largest school of its kind in the country, it has a rich history of supporting boys with Specific Learning and Language difficulties in realising successes far beyond their expectations. The school’s academic results at GCSE, A-level and BTEC are consistently above the national average for all schools and this is the result of the progressive, inclusive education students experience, by offering a much broader than exam syllabus prescription. There can be no substitute for a loving, caring family home, and More House does not seek to be such a substitute. However, the sense of community within boarding and the facilities available to boarders enables the school to foster
boys’ social confidence and allows them to develop their skills and interests. Happiness is a vital prerequisite of boys’ successful development and boarders thrive on the close relationships they build with boarding staff. More House provides an environment in which the boys are cared for and supported in partnership between each pupil’s parents and the school. They seek to enable each boarder to make use of the school’s specialist provision and facilities when the distance between home and school would otherwise preclude it. Many students arrive with little self-confidence. As one community, the school builds pupils’ academic, creative, sport and social achievement. A wide curriculum of academic subjects is complemented by an inspiring extra-curricular programme, so each boy is successful amongst his peers, and learns to recognise that success. Building the students’ self-confidence and independence enables them to transform their lives, achieving remarkable academic success and pursuing aspirational futures. For the majority, this means continuing their education by progressing from our Sixth Form to universities, into industry-based learning or to other further education courses. The 117 boarders at the school each live within one of two houses located on the school site; Main House and St Anthony’s House. The resident house staff live in private flats within their relevant boarding house. They provide close supervision and support for all boys throughout residential hours and are available to be called upon by boarders throughout the night.
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FEATURES SCHOOLS | EDUCATION | FOCUS
A+ World Academy
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A CULTURAL SWEETIE SHOP Christopher Silvester feasts on the plethora of sporting and cultural opportunities offered by London to enterprising independent schools
Mikey Brett, puppeteer and animator of War Horse, spoke at Dulwich College
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evening lectures and talks to choose from, not to mention laboratory days run by The Royal Institution. ‘The pupils more than appreciate the significance of working in a laboratory where nine chemical elements were discovered,’ says assistant head Ed Roberts. Such opportunities spill over onto the sports field. While home facilities might be more limited, the pros are rather exciting. After all, which teen rugby enthusiast wouldn’t relish the opportunity to play at Allianz Park (home of the Saracens)? ‘Usually these matches are flagship games against local rivals and are played under floodlights in the evening,’ says Roberts. ‘It’s quite an experience for the boys to play at the home of the former European champions under the lights.’ Dulwich is fortunate to have a beautiful 70-acre campus with excellent sports facilities. But in addition, it also uses the Herne Hill velodrome (host to the 1948 Olympics track cycling) and the 2012
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ndependent schools in cities are sometimes thought to be at a disadvantage compared to their country cousins when it comes to facilities. Often with no rolling acres available for playing fields and limited space, if any, on which to build new attractions, they have to make do with what is out there. However, when it comes to culture and accessibility, metropolitan schools might well be quids in, particularly in London, which is heaving with extra-curricular possibilities. While a trip to a museum might be the highlight of a country school, in London it can be a weekly event, never mind the after-school options. At UCS Hampstead, for example, the art and history of art departments organise frequent visits to galleries and exhibitions and pupils don’t just see West End dramatic productions but fringe plays as well. Chemists, physicists and biologists have a sweetie shop of 42 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Spring/Summer 2019
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Olympics London Aquatics Centre in Stratford. ‘Rugby success in recent years has enabled us to enjoy playing on the hallowed turf of Twickenham and visits to premiership football matches are always favourite outings for the boarders [ten per cent of the pupils],’ says Phil Greenaway, Director of Sport. ‘We also make use of the Dulwich and Sydenham golf course – on our doorstep – for golf coaching.’ Parents like the fact that nearly all of these experiences are included in the fees. Latymer Upper plays the local card as well, says Tallan Gill, Director of Sport who organises sporting trips to high-profile matches in the city. ‘Last year, our cricketers went to Lord’s to see a test match in May and our netballers went to the Copper Box, at the Olympic Park, to see England play Australia.’ There’s also the varsity match at Twickenham and the Copper Box (at the Stratford Olympic park) for England netball, as well as excellent use of local sports clubs facilities, such as Richmond Hockey Club and the Linford Christie Athletics Stadium, for regular training and fixtures. Francis Holland, Sloane Square, has a treasured netball court onsite for fixtures and training but uses Battersea Park’s facilities every day for netball, tennis and rounders. ‘The Millennium Arena is used for athletics, so girls are thereby benefiting from top sporting facilities used by elite sporting clubs,’ says Director of Marketing Vanessa McKinley. ‘We also use the Queen Mother Sports Centre for swimming.’ ‘Our sister school, Francis Holland, Regent’s Park, use Regent’s Park for netball, tennis and rounders. They have their own swimming pool
and gym onsite and use Paddington Recreation ground for hockey and the Westway Sports Centre for rock-climbing and football.’ Proximity means that pupils can dip in and out of different events, so lower-sixth form art students at Latymer Upper heard journalist Louisa Buck preview the Frieze Art Fair before attending a day’s conference at Tate Britain run by the University of Sussex. Other pupils took part in the articulation competition – a public speaking event about art hosted at venues like the Whitechapel Gallery, the Courtauld Institute and the Saatchi Gallery. It’s the sheer plethora of opportunities which is breathtaking. Aside from the above, pupils have visited the studios of artists Ben Johnson and Sir Peter Blake, the William Morris Museum and the National Art Library at the V&A to learn how to do research (and see the plaster courts). The Art History Society alone has hosted ten speakers this year alone, including local artists, curators and art critics. Dulwich College supplements its extensive live theatre and dance programme with a series of workshops and seminars given by industry professionals who share their knowledge of their craft and contemporary theatre practice, including, most recently, playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, actors Lesley Sharp and Hara Yannas, Mikey Brett (puppeteer and animator on War Horse, Gravity and The Muppets) and Zak Nemorin (choreographer and movement specialist). ‘Dulwich College enjoys close ties with the Rose Theatre Trust and Upper School pupils are afforded the opportunity to follow in the
The Royal Institution run laboratory days for UCS Hampstead
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footsteps of our founder, actor manager Edward Alleyn, by taking part in workshops on the excavated footings of the Elizabethan playhouse,’ says Peter Jolly, Director of Drama. ‘The junior school (years three to six) attends three theatre performances a year, and also has two or three visits from performers or theatre groups.’ The school also works extensively with the Dulwich Picture Gallery. ‘The Dulwich College annual film awards were founded in 2014 in partnership with the Dulwich Picture Gallery and Film Aid International,’ explains Director of Art, Sue Mulholland, ‘and they have become a catalyst for nurturing fresh creative talent within the college.’ Francis Holland, Sloane Square, offers every pupil the opportunity to perform on a West End stage at the Shaftesbury Theatre every year. ‘In February, 50 of our girls are appearing in the musical hit production of Singin’ in the Rain,’ says McKinley. ‘In addition, girls have the opportunity to take part in the Shakespeare for School’s Festival at RADA – in 2018 girls performed Henry V.’ One concern parents are likely to have is the extra costs that such a rich variety of activities might entail. However, the schools are able to use bulk buying power to their advantage. Pupils at Latymer Upper take advantage of theatre productions’ student discounts through group rates and school’s rates, explains Justin Joseph, Head of Drama; ‘it means that, as we book early, we can get tickets cheaply. Theatres also often offer one free ticket for every ten sold.’ Travel to these venues is generally paid for through department budgets and through TfL’s School Party Travel Scheme. ‘Many exhibitions are free,’ says Upper Latymer’s Lucy Cole, ‘but where there is a charge this is passed on to parents – or, if they require financial support, the trips and activities fund, financed by the Parents’ Gild, offers financial assistance to bursary families and
those families whose circumstances may have changed.’ Easy access to international communications means London schools’ artistic licence can extend beyond the UK’s borders too. Sixth form art students enjoy a week-long art trip during half-term alternating between New York or a week split between Florence and Venice. ‘Arguably Paris is on our doorstep as it’s so quick to get to,’ says Ruth Bell, head of history of art. In prep schools, the difference in facilities between London and the country can often be even more pronounced. Many London prep schools can barely manage a postage stamp of a playground compared to their spolit country counterparts basking in extensive playing fields and intriguing woodland useful for making camps. But at St Paul’s Cathedral School, a London co-educational prep school, pupils are more than compensated by an expansive range of dramatical opportunities in and out of school. ‘Shakespeare’s Globe is just a short stroll away,’ says headmaster Simon Larter-Evans, ‘and don’t forget music, too. The Barbican is an easy walk, and we are enjoying their new series of early evening concerts. We embrace all the performing arts and employ a dance teacher as well as a drama teacher. We run one of the most extensive music departments in prep school education in the country.’ And while sporting facilities might not be home-grown, prep schools work hard to foster close relationships with the London parks, including Victoria Park, Coram’s Fields and the well-stocked Battersea Park. ‘We enjoy great relationships with park management teams and frequently play fixtures against other prep schools. We are also very grateful to the City of London School for Boys for use of its swimming pool,’ says Larter-Evans. ‘Almost everything we do is costed within our fees. Very rarely, we might ask for a small contribution, for example, to pay for a last-
Francis Holland, Sloane Square perform at the Shaftesbury Theatre
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UCS Hampstead 1st XV rugby team play at Allianz Park
Latymer Upper trips are generally paid by department budgets
minute excursion to see an art exhibition. And our PTA is also very generous in supporting these things.’ Another co-educational prep school, Knightsbridge School, has a full-time drama teacher and dance teacher, former professionals who work with the director of music. ‘They invite in scouts and give opportunities to many children to perform in West End shows,’ says the school’s founder, Magoo Giles. ‘Currently we have one in Les Mis and another in School of Rock.’ Pupils attend West End shows and the school supports Intermission, a Shakespeare-inspired rehabilitation group, who perform out of St Saviour’s Church. When it comes to visiting museums and galleries, Knightsbridge School encourages visit coordinators to recce and link their visits
to their curricula, using the resources of galleries and museums to ensure a differentiated and exciting experience for students. ‘As well as the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the Saatchi Gallery, the Royal Court Theatre and the Imperial War Museum, we visit the Forest School [for woodland education], the Natural History Museum and London Zoo, as well as churches and mosques.’ Since Knightsbridge School was only founded in 2008, it has no sports venue of its own and depends upon ‘anywhere we find that is useable,’ says Giles, such as the fields of the Royal Hospital, St Luke’s Astroturf, the Royal Parks, Battersea facilities, local astroturfs (for tennis and football) and swimming pools. But that doesn’t stop them putting up teams for sports all over London, playing over 350 matches a year with pupils attending afterschool clubs run by local providers, such as Darius Knight for tabletennis and Bedhead for football, where children have been scouted (one by Arsenal, two by Chelsea, another by Crystal Palace). There are trips to professional venues, too. ‘Tomorrow, for example, our senior girls are attending the England-Uganda Netball tri-series,’ says Giles, ‘and the boys are attending the Varsity Match next week.’ So, with application and ingenuity London schools compensate for a lack of homegrown facilities to the extent that one can’t help wondering whether the opportunities open to them are not wider than those available to many country schools. n Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 45
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CRITICAL THINKING Learning to question the status quo prepares pupils for a complex world, says Cristina Odone
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iv, as my Wykehamist husband never fails to remind me, was the most formative intellectual experience of his school career. ‘Div’ is short for Division and is the absolute bedrock of Winchester College’s education: a succession of courses encompassing history, history of art, english literature, that complement the syllabus but are neither tested nor graded. The course is taught by a teacher (the ‘Div Don’) who enjoys complete freedom of choice with regards to the subject matter – one recent topic was the history of cricket. ‘Div is a lesson in thinking,’ says Laurence Guymer, a former head of history and head of one of the college’s ‘Div’ groups. ‘The course adds to the students’ sum of knowledge but above all to their approach to knowledge. They are able to examine and analyse any subject, venture their own hypotheses about them, and are not afraid of encountering opposing viewpoints or of having their mistakes pointed out to them. That is the legacy of Div.’ The Winchester Div may be unique, but more and more schools are copying the college in teaching critical thinking. In an era of propaganda wars waged across our media, both social and traditional, when even world leaders indulge in hyperbole and unverifiable assertions, young people
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more than ever need the skills to distinguish truth from falsehood – and the independence of mind to do so. That independence will stand graduates in good stead professionally, too: the workplace revolution means more and more people work remotely and flat hierarchies are replacing the traditional pyramid structure: only those with self-motivation and drive will succeed. Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of Buckingham University, knows what he seeks in his undergraduates: ‘Critical awareness is key.’ The former headmaster of Wellington and author of the recent The Fourth Education Revolution, believes that ‘AI could transform schools, driving the teaching and enabling education to be personalised to each pupil’. But pupils can only benefit if the education system encourages them to question or query. ‘Too many schools fail to do so at present. AI will be infinitely more clever – so young people have to be able to smell the silicone. It is the critical part of critical thinking that is so important.’ Tom Marriott, Head of Academic Enrichment at Canford School, agrees. ‘Critical thinking should not be labelled a soft skill but a vital skill. We have to teach students how to navigate the discourse in public life: there is a glut of information, much of it false, and they need to stand back and make the right call.’ At his school, Marriott says, questioning nostrums
ABOVE: Gresham’s School in Norfolk BELOW: Cheltenham Ladies’ College pupils take the IB
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Winchester College teaches Division
‘In an era of propaganda wars waged across our media, both social and traditional, when even world leaders indulge in hyperbole and unverifiable assertions, young people more than ever need the skills to distinguish truth from falsehood – and the independence of mind to do so’ ‘underpin everything we do in terms of education and is embedded in our classroom approach – from chemistry lab to drama lesson.’ ‘What are the killer questions in a topic? We get students to ask these themselves and in this way the act of learning becomes an active rather than passive process.’ It is a whole-school approach, with every department ‘working together to develop key skills of analysis and independent thinking. For instance, recently in history they were doing Stalin’s Russia, in English, they were studying Animal Farm, and then the students did a presentation with the music and drama departments to show what they had learned to their fellow students.’ This inter-disciplinary approach to learning is one of the most important aspects of the IB, according to Becky Revell the IB coordinator at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. ‘We look at, for instance, what is “knowledge” in the arts and how is this different from in the sciences? Looking at subjects from multiple perspectives equips students with the tools for tackling the very complex and multidisciplinary issues they face later on.’ She has been teaching the girls Theory of Knowledge, the IB’s
version of critical thinking, since 2008 (when the school introduced the programme). As part of their ToF subject, the girls ‘have to think about what they know, how they know it, whether they trust the sources of their knowledge, and whether they understand the different perspectives about this knowledge.’ The programme is popular -- between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of the 850 girls at the school are enrolled in the IB. The school also offers students an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which allows them to embark on an 120-hour, independent project of academic value. The EPQ is teaching students organisational and analytical skills that universities (and, later, employers) value, according to Dr Amy Smith, Cheltenham’s Assistant Head of Sixth Form. She points out that Cambridge Assessment, the University of Cambridge’s local examinations syndicate, found that students who had done an Extended Project Qualification were more likely to do better in other subjects. At Heathfield School, Jo Meeson oversees the EPQ – and is fascinated by some of the subjects her tutees have chosen: superfoods, and whether they are a marketing wheeze or scientific fact; vaccination policies and people’s suspicion of them; and the problems of solitary confinement. As the art history teacher, Ms Meeson finds herself promoting critical thinking through the course work: she encourages the girls to ask themselves how they view a work of art, how that work of art fits into its historical context and what it reveals about ideals of beauty, use of symbolism or of myths. ‘The students love the subject Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 49
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Pupils at Canford School, Dorset working together
and it lends itself perfectly to lessons in visual analysis – so crucial in our ever more visual world – and teaches them to consider topics thematically and remain conscious of wider trends and patterns.’ Universities, she reports, are offering to take in girls with lower grades if they have done an EPQ: ‘That says something about how much they value it.’ Mark Seldon, Director of Studies at Gresham’s School, agrees that independent work such as the EPQ and the ‘Extended Essay’, a 40-hour research project on a subject of their choice that is part of the IB programme, is a student’s best preparation for higher education. At Gresham’s both IB students and A-level students are required to write an Extended Essay: ‘This is an excellent way to introduce independent, academic inquiry to students… It is also great preparation for university, where undergraduates are expected to take on dissertations. Students at Gresham’s are not floored when they have to undertake research and analysis on their own.’ The school’s emphasis on debating also serves to develop students’ capacity for critical thinking. ‘Debating current affairs places critical examination of issues and evidence-seeking, at the heart of students’ learning. We have junior and senior debating teams, and hold mock elections that attract up to 95 per cent of our students – though the results are not always reflective of the national vote as, for instance, during the Brexit referendum. We have inter-house debating competitions, and our debaters regularly attend competitions at universities as well. They’re hugely popular with the students, and drive home the point that nowadays, no one can stay in their cocoon. ‘Social media is 24/7 and we have to give young people the tools with which to defend themselves from the glut of fake news. We do that in every lesson – English, business and economics, IT…’ The historian and journalist Anne Applebaum agrees. She has set up Arena, a research centre at LSE, with a view to fighting propaganda: ‘One of the most important things we can do now is teach children how to analyse what they see online, how to understand context, how
to distinguish between sources that fact check and publish corrections, and those which simply seek to influence or sell.’ Because it is so relevant to their lives outside of school, critical thinking is a popular subject among students: ‘They recognise that this is theory put into practice,’ says Mark Seldon, who reports that Gresham’s School students consider debating topics such as banning meat and abolishing juries as an indispensable part of their curriculum. The Trusty Servant, the Winchester alumni magazine, reprints an address by alumnus Oliver Normand, which explains how popular Div is with today’s students: ‘Its strap line should be “All you need to know about anything you want”’. And at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Dr Amy Smith says that ‘the girls are incredibly enthusiastic about this subject’. But do parents who are spending eye-watering sums to buy their children the best education money can buy – and secure them a prosperous future – endorse this approach? Can critical thinking help deliver the D1s and D2s in pre-Us that top universities want? At Canford, Tom Marriott admits that ‘we know we have to achieve a delicate balance between holistic teaching and testing… We have to ask ourselves how far we dare go from the syllabus. But we believe that if we fuel the questioning spirit in our students, we are teaching them to be good learners. And good learners do well in exams.’ Laurence Guymer says that he and his fellow teachers at Winchester ‘are conscious that the world has become more utilitarian – we have to keep in mind that we have a very quantifiable objective to attain: the top universities will only look at candidates with A stars in their GCSEs and D1s and D2s in Pre-Us, so exams are important. But here at Winchester we complement the cut and thrust of the competition and the examinable subjects with Div.’ The approach is justified, he suggests: ‘I have a friend who is an admissions tutor at Oxford – a law tutor – who told me that she sometimes throws into an interview a made up law and asks the candidate “what do you think of this?” Many of the would-be undergraduates are stumped: they have not been taught how to work through a problem – especially not under pressure. Whereas she has found students from Winchester are absolutely unperturbed by this, and work through the problem out loud.’ Dr Amy Smith at Cheltenham, agrees. ‘A lot of subjects – especially in the sciences – have lost coursework as a result of the latest reforms of the exam boards. This leaves students without the opportunity to learn how to analyse sources, examine multiple perspectives and look for trends across disciplines. A programme that offers critical thinking fills this gap.’ Independent schools are equipping their students with the skills to examine and question the world around them, even as that world changes at an accelerated pace. In the process, young people are learning about truth – and above all, how to be true to themselves. n
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SCHOOLS TO FLY FOR World-class and unique, these schools are worth going the distance, says Charlotte Fairbairn
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n his 2010 TED Talk, Bring on the Learning Revolution, the educationalist and public speaker Sir Kenneth Robinson made a plea for the reformation of our education system. He said that we overlook children’s individual talents at our peril and that we should tailor our teaching to our children rather than squeeze them into accepted and largely outmoded norms. There is an increasing number of parents who subscribe to this growing thought, who have children excelling at singing, skiing, the outdoors and wish to foster their native talents, or who want their children to grow up with a fistful of languages in their pocket, a broad international horizon or profound and far-reaching ecological beliefs, and for whom a linear, goal-driven, school-to-college nature of education is not a prime consideration. These parents are asking, is there an option? And looking for schools which might offer a more tailored, more imaginative, indeed – to use an educational buzzword – more holistic approach towards their child. In 2006, jewellery designers John and Cynthia Hardy asked themselves just this, while searching for a non ‘cookiecutter’ education for their daughters. The couple lived in Bali and wanted a school to give their children an inspiring education. Unable to find it and galvanised by reading Alan Wagstaff’s Three Springs, about an educational village community, and Al Gore’s environmental documentary An Inconvenient Truth, the couple segued from business into education founding the Green School in Bali. Ten years after opening, the Green School now has over 400 pupils, with annual fees including boarding of
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£27,000 attracting parents from around the world, because of its unique mindset. Sharp volcanic black rock peppers the main path between wall-less classrooms built from renewable bamboo, fosters a meditative approach as pupils are forced to pick their way over the treacherous lava. ‘Our vision is of a natural, holistic, student-centred learning environment that empowers and inspires our students to be creative, innovative, green leaders,’ explains Hardy. Staff and children live and breathe ecology, surrounded by jungle, water-collection and organic permaculture systems; everything at Green School is about the environment and preparing its pupils for a life engaged with this most pertinent of issues. In 2015, two of its students founded the Bye Bye Plastic Bags initiative – now a worldwide movement. Cut to a different exotic location where educational dreams and ideals slant in another direction. Gerry Young is head of the recently established Windsor School sitting in a bay on the south of New Providence island in the Bahamas, with annual fees of £38,000. As a young teacher, Gerry was a disciple of Michael Mavor, the late head of Loretto, whose headmastership is the stuff of legends. Mavor believed deeply that if you allowed a child to follow his passions, you would get the best out of that child in all ways. Young now finds himself running a school where coding, robotics, sound engineering, tennis, golf
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ABOVE: Windsor School is within one of the world’s most exclusive resort communities BELOW: Windsor School at Albany in the Bahamas
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The Sørlandet, the A+ World Academy’s ship
and marine science all jostle for space with academic work in the daily timetable. ‘When I was first appointed, I went to the board and asked if they would let all pupils do academic work in the mornings (A-level or GCSE syllabi) and indulge their passions in the afternoon. It took a bit of persuading but it has already paid dividends,’ says Young. Thanks to a remarkable pool of support (Windsor School is housed in Albany, one of the world’s most exclusive resort communities), the school has been able to create the Bahamas Youth Foundation which gives out scholarships to local Bahamians. In 2017, one of their scholars was granted a 100 per cent scholarship (trumpet) to the Juilliard School. Young goes on to add that another pupil, on a golf scholarship from Singapore, will almost certainly become a world name in the game. She is currently 12 years old. More exotic yet, the A+ World Academy is located not in one place but many. For this is a school on a ship. The Sørlandet is the oldest tall ship of her kind still in operation, founded in 1927 as a training ship for sailors., which sails from Norway, around Europe, North and South America and parts of the African coast, running as a school for 16 to 19 year old students. For annual fees of £56,500, pupils learn not just the US curriculum but vital lifelong skills. Carlos Guerrero, a Mexican alumnus of the A+ World Academy
who was on the Sørlandet for a year in 2014, shortly after it came into existence, says the experience changed his life: ‘It was very challenging. It may not be for everybody but it initiated so much personal growth. There were 60 of us; we all came from different places and we all had to get along. The experience has made me much more open to other cultures. Many of us are now interested in sea-based careers like Marine Biology. I hope to study Maritime Law.’ That Ken Robinson is tapping into the zeitgeist with his thoughts on the need for a revolution in education can be seen in the fact that all the above schools are young. There is an appetite, he is right, for schools that cater to passions – that look at the whole child. And Green School, Windsor School and the A+ World Academy are responding to this. Yet it is also true to say that within organisations such as Round Square, the values enshrined in these three very different schools have been on the educational agenda for a long time. Round Square is a group of 200 invite-only member schools around the world who subscribe to the philosophy of Kurt Hahn who founded Gordonstoun in Scotland on the principal of his IDEALS; internationalism, democracy, environment, adventure, leadership and service. Eight of them are in the UK including Milton Abbey, Cobham Hall, Wellington and of course Gordonstoun. L’Aiglon in Switzerland is another, which was founded in 1949 by John Corlette, a disciple of Kurt Hahn. Like Le Rosey in Gstaad, and unlike most of Switzerland’s many international schools, L’Aiglon is a boarding school and the majority of its pupils are from beyond the Swiss border. Hahn’s beliefs that education should nourish mind, body and soul remain true at L’Aiglon and the school’s spectacular mountain
‘Our vision is of a natural, holistic, student-centred learning environment that empowers and inspires our students to be creative, innovative, green leaders’ JOHN HARDY, FOUNDER OF THE GREEN SCHOOL, BALI
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setting – no playing fields, level or otherwise; but plenty of snow-sports – ensures that these beliefs are adhered to. Ask Richard McDonald, head of L’Aiglon whose eye-watering annual fees are circa £80,000, why parents choose his school and he numbers international diversity high on the list. ‘We have 340 pupils of 56 different nationalities – a truly global student body. And while our parents choose us for a myriad of different reasons, almost all of them wish their children to live international lives. When you look at the Aiglon alumni, you see that this wish very much plays out.’ ‘This is a very busy school,’ continues McDonald, ‘and expectations of our pupils are high. But we appraise incoming students in a holistic way [scholarship students also] and if we see potential beyond the academic, we will act on that.’ This drive to focus on educating a child beyond the classroom is a growing one and, curiously, whatever Ken Robinson, who has for many years been based in the USA, may think of British boarding schools, the irony is that, for many, their growing popularity to overseas parents is in part thanks to this self-same emphasis on discovering and nurturing the innate talents of the pupil. Not only are British independent boarding schools hugely subscribed by overseas pupils, but they are expanding their model exponentially, particularly into China and the Middle and Far East. Schools such as Harrow (Beijing and Shanghai), Shrewsbury (Thailand), Sherborne (Qatar) and Dulwich College, which has seven in Asia, were among the first. Sedbergh School in Cumbria has opened a school in Fuzhou and King’s College, Wimbledon in Wuxi, near Shanghai. It is unsual for British parents to send their children to these schools but they are valuable to them. Kate Evason, head of marketing at Shrewsbury School, explains that if parents want their child to sample
an international education, exchange programmes between sister schools are available. Andrew Fleck, head of Sedbergh, says that in the long-term such a programme is on the cards for their Fuzhou campus. Look in the USA and you will find boarding schools such as Phillips Exeter in New Hampshire, where the Harkness method encourages students to discuss a subject ‘democratically’ around a table. Phillips Exeter is a major feeder for Yale, with students from over 25 different countries. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, is an old Exonian. Geelong Grammar School in Australia (again, Kurt Hahninspired) boasts a remarkable list of alumni (Rupert Murdoch among them) and places great weight on co-operative endeavour. This is particularly true during year nine when all pupils are sent for the year to Timbertop, the school’s 2,000 acre rural outpost in Victoria. Here the timetable comprises a five-day week academic programme and a rigorous outward bound programme. Pitching tents, three to six-day hikes, days of being ‘solo’ (where a pupil spends a day by himself in a tent at Mount Timbertop considering their goals), and a multitude of sports including canoeing and rafting are included. During the Timbertop year, a pupil typically spends 50 to 55 nights camping. Prince Charles attended Timbertop for six months and famously described his stay there as the favourite part of his education. (In 2018, sixth form fees including boarding for Geelong Grammar were around £27,000, putting it among the most expensive schools in Australia.) Holistic, pupil-centred, ideal-driven, progressive, non-linear. You can find an education for your child that does what the great Liverpudlian TED Talker advocates. You can look in the West or the East, on the high seas or in the mountains. Whether there is a revolution afoot remains a moot point – but the opportunities out there are many. And growing. n
Seafaring pupils from the A+ World Academy
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Countryside Management students at Milton Abbey School, Dorset
LEARNING SUPPORT Learning differences present significant difficulties for pupils. They should not be viewed as barriers to success but as challenges to overcome and learn from, in a world that is changing exponentially
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FOCUS ON...
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FOCUS ON LEARNING SUPPORT | FEATURE
THE JOURNALIST
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY Learning difficulties can be overcome if children are taught in a way they can learn, says Annabel Heseltine hen a child is diagnosed with learning difficulties, parents are forced to confront some uncomfortable truths and they don’t all come at once. There is a drip, drip of moments of disturbing clarity as your child, who was hopefully diagnosed earlier, around seven, rather than later, in their teens or afterwards, evolves throughout his or her school career. These can be as simple as realising your daughter can’t read as well as her peers or that your son won’t get into his father’s school. Perhaps your daughter isn’t going to pass her maths GCSE; your son is clumsy on the sports field or cannot remember anything; or your daughter doesn’t always understand what is being said; so maybe university isn’t going to be the right tertiary education option for her. Sometimes it can be more serious, like being told, as I was, about my son, aged six: ‘We are really sorry but you are going to have to remove him as we just cannot continue to take your schools fees. We simply cannot teach him’. My God, I fought to keep him at that school but how relieved I was later that I had lost, when, at last, giving up, I took him to a specialist prep school who understood his needs and watched him flourish. He is now taking seven GCSEs and I am the proudest of mothers. Most children diagnosed with learning difficulties can succeed if they are taught the way they can learn. This may mean letting go of certain assumptions, which for ambitious parents is not always easy and may require some soul-searching – remember what you need is the best
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school for them, not you. So, maybe A-levels will have to be jettisoned in favour of BTECs. Perhaps university isn’t going to be as successful as doing an apprenticeship. Ultimately it is about letting go of all those old prejudices and going with the flow. All four of my children have learning difficulties. We have gone in and out of mainstream and specialist mainstream schools, and I have made many mistakes, but if there is one consolation, it is that I have watched my children be challenged time and time again, and I have watched them rise to those challenges and cope. In that sense they are better prepared for adult life than the bright, unencumbered child who Bredon School, part of the sails through their education Cavendish Education Group winning all the way, who never has to learn to deal with failure, disappointment, feeling embarrassed or coping with the subtle and often unintentional prejudices of others. I know of many parents who have brought their children to the UK to educate them here, to escape the intolerance or ineptitudes of other countries, where children with learning difficulties to this day are written off as being stupid. I defer to dyslexic Albert Einstein: ‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’ Fortunately, increasingly more of our children are spared this cack-handed approach to education because in the UK we have an outstanding quality of teaching. It comes at a price, but many mainstream schools now have excellent learning support departments and there are a growing number of extremely professional specialist ‘mainstream’ schools. We are still behind America in our understanding, but extensive work is being done to embrace and evolve different teaching methods. In the right school, a child is supported throughout and most come out the other side confident enough to find their own path and flourish. Smart educationalists are recognising the value of diversity and this is being embraced in the range of teaching options open to pupils these days. There is much still to do to discard outdated 19th century teaching techniques – without throwing the baby out with the bathwater – but interesting debates around teaching and the value of artificial intelligence, as expounded by Sir Anthony Seldon in his book The Fourth Education Revolution, are trickling through to expand our understanding of teaching. A growing variety of examination processes are challenging the testing methods exacted by GCSEs, A-levels and the IB; continuous assessment is being offered through BTECs or the EPQ, the extended project qualification, which is an independent piece of work counting as half an A-level in the UCAS points system. We are beginning to understand that a fully vocational option, with BTECs followed by an apprenticeship, is as successful a road to travel. Confidence is key and this is where the importance of finding the right school, whether mainstream or special, is vital. Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 57
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At Bedales there is an emphasis on understanding each child, a processthat begins during their two-day residential admissions process, before they are given a place at the school. Austen explains: ‘The students enjoy a variety of experiences, which can help us develop a broad picture of their needs.’ She adds: ‘We try to accept people who will benefit from Bedales, even if that means they need individualised support outside lessons. We don’t withdraw students from regular classes nor do we have classroom assistants sitting in with them, either of which would make them different to their peers.’ There are some children who will need completely specialised schools, of course. Complex needs do not sit well in a large, mainstream establishment. But there are plenty of mainstream, schools taking innovative approaches A phonics lesson at The Holmewood to the issue. At Shiplake College in School, north London Oxfordshire, which has six dedicated teachers in its Learning Development THE JOURNALIST Department, children are assessed for learning difficulties before they arrive and categorised into Core, Monitor or Main groups. Most of the pupils fall into the latter group, with children known A good learning support department to have SEN and perhaps requiring exam support, for example, is powerful, says Victoria Lambert placed in the Monitor set. Those who fall into the Core group have dedicated timetabled support in place of a modern foreign language in year nine, and e work hard to protect the important biodiversity in place of one GCSE option subject in years ten and 11. The school of planet Earth, yet humans can be remarkably firmly believes that the quality of the grade is more important than blind to the value of differences in each other, the quantity of exam subjects. especially when it comes to the way our brains Annemarie Higgins, Director of Learning Development at develop and work. Shiplake, says: ‘Our whole SEN register is fluid. Any child at any Increasingly experts are pointing out that learning differences time may have a difficulty. It’s our job, as educators, to help them are a normal part of human variation, with Professor Nobuo Masataka, find a way around that hurdle in order to gain a grade that reflects from Kyoto University’s Primate Research Institute, suggesting that their ability rather than the obstacle itself.’ this neurodiversity may be our equivalent of biodiversity. It’s an individualised approach too, at Pangbourne College, If we fail to acknowledge the benefit of variety among human Berkshire. Susan Cohen, the Special Educational Needs learning patterns, he has warned, we are – in effect – doing the Co-ordinator (SENCO), says: ‘The use of different teaching world a disservice, not just the children concerned. styles with various modifications and adjustments allow staff This is a point Christian Schofield, Head of Learning Support and students to address individual needs and remove barriers at Winchester College, Hampshire, makes. He says: ‘We are all in terms of learning and examinations.’ on a continuum of different strengths and weaknesses. We’ve had At Winchester, Schofield has established a slightly different pupils with learning difficulties who have been supported during approach, while recognising the vital importance of close liaison their schooling and gone on to outstanding universities.’ He describes between colleagues. Here, there is a designated learning centre, helping one boy to organise his ‘slightly chaotic’ thoughts, adding, ‘he established in 2016, which is in a prominent position. ‘All pupils can went on to Cambridge. He just needed the space and time to talk.’ come here to discuss their learning,’ he says. ‘We all have weaknesses Schofield adds: ‘It’s too easy to stigmatise. The fact is that learning in different areas. The key thing is discovering how to address them.’ support is an opportunity and the more opportunities children take, Crucially, whatever the need behind it, learning support breeds the more likely they are to achieve academic success.’ self-esteem among children who may traditionally have struggled Ruth Austen, Head of Learning Support at Bedales school in to feel good about themselves. Hampshire, agrees. ‘We support a whole range of students, some of Austen says: ‘We give them the tools they need so there are no whom are very clever. It’s about helping each child reach their potential barriers to achievement. And that helps them to build self-confidence and ensuring their particular situation is not a barrier to achievement. – and to do well in the future.’ It is not for less able students, but for those with specific difficulties.’
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FOCUS ON LEARNING SUPPORT | FEATURE
THE HEADMISTRESS
Warminster School in Wiltshire
prepare children for the new workplace? Are we not using outdated, rigid routines to prepare pupils for a world which is fast-moving, flexible and non-routine? We also need to revalue our educational currency. Plumbers and electricians will always be needed, but we must expand the meaning of the word THE HEADMASTER ‘vocational’, so that it isn’t just linked to a hard hat. Snobbery persists. Too many parents look down on vocational training, nodding vigorously at the Mark Mortimer, head of Warminster, idea of encouraging it, while explains why apprenticeships are no thinking ‘not for my child’ longer a dirty word (Other People’s Children, by Barnaby Lenon). The Chambers Dictionary defines he Canadian ice-hockey the word ‘vocational’ as ‘an occupation player, Wayne Gretzky, said: or profession demanding dedication ‘Success comes not from and skill’. The government is introducing skating to where the puck T-levels – technical study programmes is, but to where it will be.’ – next year. Warminster School offers the That’s our challenge. We are all prisoners International Baccalaureate Careers-Related of our own experience and prejudices, but Programme (IBCP) at sixth form (alongside what if the accepted standards and norms A-levels and the IB). More schools follow; no longer make sense? The pace of change Bryanston is starting IBCP. is frenetic in work and learning. People fixate Don’t get me wrong, the traditional on the fact that many future jobs are yet to university route works for many school be invented, but what about the demise of leavers, but it’s not the only one; and no existing ones? Reports suggest that up to 45 longer always better than other pathways. per cent of them will be lost to automation We have a similar need for by 2030: Many of these are cognitively and apprenticeships. Degree apprenticeships manually routine but not all; robots can are the school leavers’ equivalent of out-perform a surgeon in precision. A study on the future of employment rated the chance the IBCP and their blend of higher and vocational training is helping to change of judges being replaced by robots as 40 per the view that apprenticeships are secondcent. So radical is this transformation of the class options for those who can’t access labour market likely to be that the very word university. I look to a future where ‘career’ may become a misnomer. professional apprenticeships are Consequently, the emphasis must considered viable alternatives to top be on preparing children for creative, universities – but they need our support. non-routine jobs and skills, the demand The 21st-century job market is global for which is always growing; equip pupils and competitive. To succeed, we need to with cognitive capabilities that are hard develop people who can think differently, to automate so that they are as unlike intelligently break convention, challenge machines as possible. assumptions and possess a curious, The problem is that our educational flexible mindset. We, as parents, policysystem remains dominated by an inflexible, makers or educators, need to do the same. knowledge-based curriculum, constantly IBCP, T-levels, apprenticeships, vocational assessed by standardised testing. GCSEs training... Whichever attempts are made and A-levels are about the acquisition of will not succeed until there is a change information and its regurgitation, rather in mindset. Vocational and academic than interpretation. Knowledge is no longer power – that now lies in its smart consumption are not, and should not, be seen as incompatible or mutually exclusive. and application. Does this approach really
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HORSES FOR COURSES Vocational education works, says Judith Fremont-Barnes, head of Milton Abbey School
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have lost count of the number of parents who have arrived at my study door concerned about their child’s lack of confidence. They know it is vital for a successful life but not how it can be achieved. Often, there is a mismatch between the young person’s courses and their interests and approach to learning. Parents see great untapped potential. ‘If only you could see him on the rugby pitch’ or ‘watch her mending bikes’, they say. At Milton Abbey we run a broad and challenging programme of vocational courses alongside traditional A-levels, recognising what the exam system does not: we all learn differently and we see the transformative power of fitting courses to students, rather than the other way round. Headteachers don’t keep confidence in a desk drawer. It comes from a sense of competence and the chance to prove oneself. Vocational education offers young people the opportunity to play to their strengths and to discover, for the first time, the motivation that comes with success. In a dynamic work market, boosting employability has never been more vital. Qualities that employers and universities prize – communication and social skills, teamwork, initiative, resilience, risk-taking, creativity and applied problem-solving – barely feature in traditional academic programmes. Vocational education has its students up and at it: learning by doing. Assignment-based learning can transform the experience of students not made to sit behind a desk. Vocational studies offer so many opportunities to learn to manage oneself and to lead a team, as in working life. You wouldn’t consider it a ‘soft’ option either if you saw our Hospitality students’ precision-engineering eclairs to five-star hotel standards; observed a Countryside Management student running the school shoot; or a final year Entrepreneurship student working to refine his up-andrunning electric bike conversion business. Bright futures beckon, whether via further study or direct access to careers. From Film Production at Vancouver Film School to Jewellery Design at Birmingham City or International Hospitality Management at Les Roches, students capitalise on gained skills to access specialist higher education courses as diverse as Film, Photography and Media at Leeds, Events Management at Oxford Brookes, Games Design at Staffordshire and Sports Science at Birmingham. Equipped to pursue their dreams and aspirations, they head off with a sense of purpose, a knowledge of their worth and a confidence based on a solid skill set. I hope you have the good fortune to find their CV on your desk one day soon.
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THE DIRECTOR
WHEN TO CHANGE Gemma Doyle, director of admissions for the Cavendish Education Group, explains the difference between mainstream and specialist schools and when to change
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he current world record for the men’s 400m race is 43.03 seconds. For the 400m hurdles race it’s 46.78 seconds. Both athletes covered exactly the same ground, but the athlete who faced a series of hurdles inevitably took a little longer. The same is true of children in education with identified learning differences who encounter obstacles daily. These obstacles can take many forms: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia etc. Often it can take time for them to be recognised, understood and accepted by the pupil themselves and, perhaps more significantly, by their parents. These obstacles can result in a pupil not only falling behind their peers but more fundamentally losing self-esteem. The key to preventing a steep decline is early recognition and intervention. Educational psychologists assess children to identify their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Equipped and supported with suitable tools, strategies and human support, a pupil can be freed up and, in the right environment, they will begin to achieve again. This, broadly speaking, falls between the mainstream and a kind of half-way house, mainstream school with an increased level of specialist knowledge. Many parents prefer a mainstream school with a decent learning support centre, but risk leaving a child feeling they are ‘at the bottom of the pile’ unless there is an area where they can achieve and enjoy significant success. Schools with a strong focus on sport, music or the arts may be suitable for shoring up their confidence. But for some, perhaps the more anxious child, or those for whom a previous educational placement left them with a sense of failure or of being misunderstood, the overriding need is for an intimate and nurturing, mainstream-style school, with appropiately qualified staff skilled in drawing out the best of the individual’s abilities. A school where the curriculum is familiar and challenging – GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs – but its delivery is appropriately adjusted and tailored to the unique learning style of the individual. A school where assistive technology plays a major role in the classroom and a vast extra-curricular offering allows every child to find a place in which to shine Such schools are not always easy to find and may differ in subtle but crucial ways. But parents tell us that once they find the right environment for their child, one that matches the needs and ambitions of the pupil, then there is often a collective sigh of relief and a change in the child’s overall demeanour, enjoyment of schooling and performance. Once confidence is restored to a pupil in the classroom, their original obstacles can become something for the child to anticipate and plan their moves around, rather than a barrier to success.
a myth that the best teachers are endowed with innate and inspirational powers – the dangerous Mr Keating played by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society who encourages a cult of personality (‘O Captain, my Captain’), relies on empty passion and cheap pantomine. It is the quality of teaching that determines whether a pupil succeeds or fails at school and not the inherent ability of THE HEADMASTER the child. The most effective teacher is the ‘guide on the side’ who deploys a repertoire of teaching techniques to make lessons fun, engaging and Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, headmaster interesting, while motivating of Stowe, suggests that the success pupils to reach their full or failure of a pupil at school depends potential. The best teachers upon the quality of teaching act as catalysts for independent learning: they encourage and empower pupils to reach a have a confession to psychological state of flow by cultivating make: I took O-levels in the good habits, positive attitudes and a range summer of 1979 and, among of competencies – including problem-solving lamentably poor results, and time management skills. Not a second achieved an E in chemistry is wasted: clear goals and expectations are and a U in maths with a string of Cs. Only one established. Pupils are encouraged pupils top grade, an A in English literature, stands to experiment, challenge, ask questions, out from the low wattage of my academic take risks and become independent learners. performance. If I applied for a sixth form Schools should personalise teaching place at Stowe today with these results, around how pupils actually learn and resist I would not be invited for an interview. labelling children unless they have obvious I never achieved a qualification in maths. special educational needs. I mentioned at What went wrong? While I spent a lot of the beginning that I had a solitary exam time hanging around amusement arcades success in English literature: I ascribe this to in Margate (I am an exact contemporary of my prep school teacher. At the age of nine or Tracy Emin), playing pinball, skate-boarding ten, this teacher asked my class whether we and listening to the Ramones, I was not liked poetry and, predictably, we replied that particularly rebellious. Nor did I have poetry was boring. ‘Do you like the Beatles?’ any specific learning difficulties. He asked. ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ came the Essentially, until sixth form, I suffered unoriginal response. He then put a record from an acute case of ‘taughtitus’: an elective on the turntable (it was the early 1970s) and disability to perform in subjects that failed played Eleanor Rigby, a song about a lonely to interest me. In the maths classroom, woman who picks up rice in a churchyard I developed a debilitating loss in learning after a wedding, then waits at the window power and completely zoned out. I just didn’t ‘wearing the face that she keeps in the jar’, want to learn. This leads me to a conclusion while Father McKenzie writes a sermon no that should be self-evident to all parents and one will hear. Our teacher followed Eleanor teachers: in order to be productive, children Rigby with Dylan’s Mr Tambourine Man... must want to be in the classroom and take And the teacher’s name? Michael Morpurgo. control of their own learning. A study conducted by Eric Hanushek Dr Anthony Wallersteiner won an Open at Stanford University concluded that in a Scholarship to read History at Trinity College single year the best 10 per cent of teachers Cambridge, BA and MA Cantab, and did a PhD imparted three times as much knowledge to in Philosophy and Theory of Art at Kent University their pupils as the worst 10 per cent. There is
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Sixth form is one of the most competitive spaces in the educational marketplace
STICK OR TWIST? fter sweating over their children’s GCSE results, many parents regard the sixth form, at least initially, as a time of relative calm, with no exams on the immediate horizon. However ambitious they are for their offspring, they want them to take their foot off the academic pedal for a while. That is understandable. But if they think that getting the best out of the sixth form years is straightforward, they are sadly mistaken. In the marketplace of education, it is one of the most crowded, competitive spaces of all. Stick or twist? Unless a pupil is unhappy at their present school, it would seem, on the face of it, the height of folly to move them to a completely different school at the start of sixth form, with all the consequent disruption. But savvy parents have been doing that for years, often to good advantage. In the 1970s and 1980s, a bright girl might do her O-levels at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, then decamp to Marlborough College to do her A-levels in the company of – alleluia! – boys. As other independent schools followed Marlborough’s lead, the co-ed sixth form became a familiar fixture on the educational landscape.
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But a dynamic sixth form in the 21st century requires far more than gender balance. It requires a sophisticated analysis of how to get the best out of these critical years in a young person’s development. The best schools increasingly understand this point and offer sixthformers opportunities and challenges that would not have been there a generation ago. Harrow’s sixth form is a real powerhouse and academic emphasis is on ‘giving boys a taste of teaching and learning at university’. Pupils are expected to think for themselves, read widely, attend super-curricular lectures and, as well as sitting four A-levels, take two unexamined ‘elective’ courses. The school also freshens its intake at this stage, taking on up to 20 new pupils from other schools in the sixth form. If traditional public schools are finding new ways to reinvent themselves in the sixth form, they are facing increasing competition from another key player in the market – the sixth form college. In the state sector, some of the most impressive schools in the country are sixth form colleges – notably Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge, which regularly has the third highest level of Oxbridge entry in the country behind Winchester and Eton. But independent
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Max Davidson weighs up the pros and cons of moving at sixth form
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SIXTH FORMS | FEATURE
‘The hallmark of a good sixth form college is academic flexibility. Our students get the benefit of individual attention in small classes and can choose from a wide range of A-levels’ MIKE KIRBY, HEAD OF ASHBOURNE COLLEGE
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sixth form colleges are also going from strength to strength. Many of them are members of the 23-strong Council for Independent Education (CIFE), an umbrella body originally formed in 1973. Its founder members were a rag-bag of old-fashioned crammers, narrowly focussed on exam results, and even more old-fashioned finishing schools, which aimed to give intellectually under-endowed girls the vital skills, such as deportment and flower-arranging, which they needed to bag husbands in those halcyon days. But the elite sixth form colleges of the 21st century are very different breeds. Mike Kirby, the Canadian-born head of Ashbourne College in London, which he founded in 1981,
and also Chair of Public Relations at CIFE, has witnessed what amounts to an educational revolution: ‘When I founded Ashbourne, our intake was mainly comprised of students needing to re-take their A-levels. Now, re-takes account for only around six per cent of our teaching. The hallmark of a good sixth form college is academic flexibility. Our students get the benefit of individual attention in small classes and can choose from a wide range of A-levels. Our language courses alone range from Latin and Greek to Japanese.’ Around two-thirds of Ashbourne’s students come from the UK, the rest from overseas, with Russian students topping an impressively cosmopolitan intake. ‘At one stage, we had more girls than boys,’ says Kirby. ‘They had
Students at Ashbourne College, London
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been at their current schools since the age of 11 and were getting restless. A relaxed co-educational environment suited them down to the ground. Now, the balance of the sexes is more or less equal.’ Ashbourne’s fees, at around £27,000 a year, are broadly comparable with top London day schools such as Westminster and St Paul’s, but parents clearly regard it as money well spent. ‘They appreciate the fact that top-quality, small-class teaching does not come cheap,’ Kirby explains. In a competitive academic environment, good exam results will always remain one of the key tests by which sixth form colleges are judged, and some pass it with flying colours. In 2018, Cardiff Sixth Form College topped the independent schools’ league table when it came to A-level results. But the colleges’ appeal, to parents and students alike, is much broader than it used to be. ‘It is the adaptability of sixth form colleges that makes them so formidable,’ reflects James Wardrobe, the CIFE press officer, who used to be head of Lansdowne College in London. ‘Students love the informality of the colleges, the lack of uniform, the fact that you call teachers by their first name, and so on. But their parents demand, and get, academic rigour. Around half of the students at CIFE colleges go on to Russell Group universities, and that is mainly down to the calibre of the teaching: dedicated specialists focussing exclusively on A-levels. The range of A-level options, and the fact that you can take them in any combination, also gives the best colleges the edge over traditional public schools.’ There is certainly a good selection of sixth form colleges for parents interested in exploring this option (see box opposite). Some of them are real centres of excellence which have been refining their offering for years. Mander Portman Woodward (MPW), founded by a group of
LEFT: Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) has colleges in Birmingham, Cambridge and London ABOVE: Students from Cardiff Sixth Form College RIGHT: Davidson Laing and Dick (DLD) College overlooks Westminster and the Thames
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SIXTH FORMS | FEATURE
NEED TO KNOW ATTRACTED BY THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE MODEL? A good starting point is the website of the Council for Independent Education (cife. org.uk), an umbrella body representing 23 independent sixth form colleges spread across the country (although please note that not all the leading colleges are members of CIFE). GOOD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE OPTIONS IN LONDON INCLUDE – Ashbourne College, – DLD (Davidson Laing & Dick) College – MPW (Mander Portman Woodward) London – Westminster Tutors FURTHER AFIELD – Atlantic College Cardiff (part of the United World Colleges group) – Cardiff Sixth Form College – Hurtwood House, Surrey – MPW Cambridge – A clutch of Oxford colleges, including Carfax College and the Oxford Sixth Form College, formerly the Oxford Tutorial College
Cambridge graduates in 1973, now has colleges in Birmingham and Cambridge as well as London. Its Easter revision courses, tuning up students for their A-levels, are particularly popular. Davidson Laing and Dick (DLD), which overlooks Westminster and the Thames, offers on-site boarding – the only London sixth form college to do so – and achieved a 97 per cent pass rate this summer. Oxford and Cambridge, as you might expect, each boast a clutch of good sixth form colleges. UWC Atlantic College in Cardiff (part of the United World Colleges group, where the emphasis is robustly globalist) is also highly regarded. Look out, too, for colleges with ‘tutors’ or ‘tutorial’ in their title (e.g. Westminster Tutors). Here you can expect, not just small classes, but one-to-one tuition where appropriate. Last but not least, there is Hurtwood House in Surrey, a residential co-educational sixth form college which modestly describes itself as ‘the most exciting school in England’. Are there tigers roaming the grounds? Is there a pinball machine in the physics lab? Do the teachers carry wands? No, but the 300-odd pupils, many from overseas, seem to have a high old time and most go on to good universities. The fees (£9,650 per term or £14,476 for boarders) are on a par with top independent schools, but the ethos is so different that you could be living in a different country. Like other leading sixth form colleges, Hurtwood has cottoned on to something that traditional independent schools ignore at their peril – that the A-level years are not just about more of the same, on the same dreary academic treadmill, but a time when pupils are hungry, even ravenous, for change. n
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HEC KFIELD PLAC E
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S C H O O L H O U S E A D V E RT
S C H O O L H O U S E A D V E RT
Q U A RT E R A D — L E F T H A N D S I D E
Q U A RT E R A D — R I G H T H A N D S I D E
D I M E N S I O N : 9 5 . 5 X 12 9. 5 M M
D I M E N S I O N : 9 5 . 5 X 12 9. 5 M M
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REGULARS OPINION | TEEN SPIRIT | INSIDER VIEW
New Beacon School, Kent
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
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COMMON ENTRANCE | REGULARS
ALL CHANGE
Andrew Halls, headmaster of King’s College School, Wimbledon explains how London schools are updating the entrance process
ince 1904 the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) has been a kind of sorting hat for boys in their final year at traditional prep schools; its results dictated whether they were a Hufflepuff to be sent off to a cheery all-rounder’s boarding school in the depths of rural England, or perhaps a Slytherin. Only the most renowned and historic schools will do for them! It is quite something that it has lasted so long – tests in Latin, French, maths The Common Entrance and English are all part of its Edwardian Examination is in decline origins and in some ways seem barely changed. I found a copy of the 1922 Common Entrance papers recently and the test for English composition began with the title, ‘write a piece about a place you know well…’ It could have been from 2018 or indeed any other year. But the independent school landscape is changing. Most girls already move school at the age of 11 – as do virtually all children educated in state schools. Over the last decade or so, as more and more boys’ and co-ed schools have moved the focus to a year six pre-test and offered their places at 11+, so the currency of the CEE has declined. Taught well, it is a good exam that rewards breadth and commitment; taught badly, it leaves boys exhausted and bored by two years of repetitive slog. Schools are rapidly adapting to reflect the times we live in. Some prep schools have closed down their top two years Andrew Halls, headmaster and now send both boys and girls to senior schools at the age of 11. Others are telling us they will pick and mix from the CEE options or even abandon the exam altogether to teach a curriculum of their own making. A handful of senior schools have announced that they are no longer interested in the CEE scores achieved by pupils they have already offered to following their own pre-tests. Although some prep schools that prepare boys mainly for senior day schools are jettisoning their last two years, others are seeking to preserve them by extending their provision all the way
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through to GCSE or even A-level. At King’s we have made significant changes to reflect this volatile market, responding to a moral need too. In 2016, for the first time in nearly 200 years, we accepted our first intake of 11-year-olds straight into the senior school. We opened a new lower school, which proved incredibly popular from its very first day. Over 420 boys are registered for the spring 11+ and from these we hope to take up to 60 boys in three classes. They will have the benefit of being looked after within our dedicated lower school, where every boy is in year 7 or 8, but with all the advantage of the playing fields, facilities and outstanding teaching of one of the best senior schools in the world. We are now open not only to boys from the growing number of 11+ prep schools, but to those from state primaries for whom, in the past, King’s was effectively a locked fortress. Now, half of our candidates at 11+ are from primary schools, and some of these are coming to us on 100 per cent bursaries, funded by the exceptional generosity of school benefactors. At the same time, the 13+ prep schools provide us with about 30 tremendous young men in year nine, where everyone – from our lower school, our separate junior school, and the 13+ prep schools – gets mixed together to become, simply, King’s boys. Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 69
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Brighton College pupils on the Brighton Palace Pier
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TEEN SPIRIT | REGULARS
DARE TO WIN Jonathan Davies, 25 and an Old Brightonian, describes how he won a gruelling Channel 4 reality show
Jonathan Davies
y father and I used to watch every series of Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins, a programme that put members of the public through the hellish selection process that SAS wannabe recruits undergo. When I was at Brighton College, I loved all the CCF and fitness training. My interest in the military continued after I left and today I’m a fitness coach and train six times a week. Even then I was very keen on exercise and used to joke with my father that I would be able to withstand the intense physical and mental trials that we witnessed on television – I reckoned I had a chance. My father would laugh as we settled down to watch the show. In February 2017 he sent me a link because Channel 4 was looking for applicants. I took up the challenge and applied but heard nothing. Months later, I got an email out of the blue asking me to come and talk to the show’s production team in London. I had to do a series of physical fitness and psychological tests and talk about how I would handle certain, hypothetical high pressure situations. Filming started in October but I wasn’t informed until the week before that I had made it through, so I had to hurriedly ask for two weeks off work at KPMG. There were 25 recruits overall and we did not know where we were going. We were issued with navigational and survival handbooks, given a fitness programme to follow and instructed to wear our boots in and get certain vaccinations. Then we headed off. We were bound for the scorching hot Atlas mountains in Morocco. It’s funny, but I always felt I was capable of winning. Before
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we even started, they warned us that we would be filmed 24 hours a day doing tasks that would push us to the limit, both mentally and physically, and that we would inevitably do and say things we wouldn’t normally because we were under such pressure – and that they might well go on TV. Indeed that did happen to some of the other contestants – one guy had claimed he was in the military when that wasn’t 100 per cent true, and he broke when they realised that. I managed not to crack even when put under extreme mental stress: we were kidnapped in the middle of the night by men with guns, blindfolded, thrown in a small mud hut, given nothing to eat for 20 hours, at 40 degrees heat with only one sip of water per hour, all the time listening to terrible recordings of people crying and in pain. We had to march up mountains loaded with rocks, undergo a 14-hour interrogation and sit for ages in stress positions, being slapped if you moved. I managed to flick a switch in my brain so I did not think about any part of my personal life – my family and my girlfriend included – and just endure it. That’s how I got through it. While many candidates fell away during the series after intense training and exhausting hikes in the searing heat, I managed to carry on through to the last programme until there were just two of us left. We won it together. It felt amazing to win – something I will never forget. When we finished filming, the other recruits and I were handed our phones, only to find a flood of messages from our family and loved ones. It was wonderful to read their thoughts and how proud they were of my journey. I don’t think I am any fitter than I was before but I have learned that I am able to mentally endure a lot more than most people.
‘I managed not to crack even when put under extreme mental stress: we were kidnapped in the middle of the night by men with guns, blindfolded, thrown in a small mud hut, given nothing to eat for 20 hours, at 40 degrees heat with only one sip of water per hour, all the time listening to terrible recordings of people crying and in pain’ Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 71
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WALTER KERR AND HENRY FABER Oppidan Education Walter Kerr and Henry Faber of Oppidan Education unapologetically concentrate their educational focus on soft skills, such as empathy, resilience and independence, arguing that exam results will naturally follow. Recognising that tutoring has had some negative connotations – parents were uncomfortable with it, children begrudged it and schools dismissed it – they turned their attention to mentoring, cherry-picking a new breed of ‘anti-tutors’ as well as launching a series of Oppidan Camps – residential, modern-day Swallows and Amazons experiences with a strict no-tech rule. The Oppidan Approach is a holistic concept that not only brings success into the exam room but also working adult lives. oppidaneducation.com
B E S T O F. . .
MENTORS A good mentor’s for life, not just exams. Jenny Rowe meets those leading the charge
Charles Bonas is the founder of Bonas MacFarlane, a trusted and disciplined educational company that can coach your child from cradle to career. With 25 years’ experience in tutoring and mentoring behind him, Bonas views the options open to your child along a spectrum, so if tutors are ski instructors teaching perfect technique, mentors are the mountain guides enabling pupils to explore unimagined places and perspectives, cultivating a unique craft. Bonas MacFarlane will equip your child with experts, tutors and mentors, delivering transparent goals and results through a discrete, organic relationship. bonasmacfarlane.co.uk
PHOTOS: ALEXANDRA DAO
CHARLES BONAS Bonas MacFarlane
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ROLE MODELS | REGULARS
KATE SHAND Enjoy Education Kate Shand founded Enjoy Education, an awardwinning private tuition and homeschooling company in Knightsbridge, to help children become happy, confident learners. She listens to the child as well as the parents to work out what’s best for them. Cognisant of the timely, positive impact of tutors in her own life, and how they fostered intellectual curiosity and confidence, Shand is determined to provide a make-or-break, stitch-in-time service through highly trained tutors who are experienced in recognising learning difficulties and are carefully matched to each child for a mutually rewarding and successful relationship. enjoyeducation.co.uk
PHOTOS: ALEXANDRA DAO
NATHANIEL MCCULLAGH Simply Learning Tuition Simply Learning Tuition (SLT), an education consultancy and private tuition agency in Mayfair, believe that tutoring only works when the relationship is built upon trust and mutual respect. They work with passionate tutors who love what they do and naturally become great mentors too. Founder Nathaniel McCullagh explains that a dedicated mentor at SLT is able to ‘overcome issues that are blocking the child, such as, anxiety, illness, or behavioural problems. They support students emotionally as well as academically, and can provide alternative ways of thinking about challenges, as well as leading by example and offering endless support and encouragement.’ simplylearningtuition.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 73
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REGULARS | ROLE MODELS
WOODY WEBSTER AND MALACHY GUINNESS Bright Young Things Co-founders Woody Webster and Malachy Guinness are extending their home tuition service to the high street, opening centres for group learning across the UK. Bright Young Things (BYT) runs a slick service and is known for its ability to respond to any educational brief immediately. With the emotional and academic side of things taken care of, the ambitious duo can also tick off the more practical issues on your list; BYT have an AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge iGCSE examination centre, and can offer a full examination programme incorporating revision, mock exams and a venue to host the exam itself. brightyoungthings.co.uk
RUPERT SYME Lionheart Education Chairman of Lionheart Education, Rupert Syme understands how the pressures of over-educating a child can cause unhappiness and believes in a distinctly child-focused approach supported by a team of trusted psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Syme assesses each child and then puts in place a suitable programme ranging from hourly tutoring or mentoring to inviting a pupil to be part of their tiny school of thirteen, where every child has their own office and is under the one-to-one care of vocational tutors, former lawyers, actors or musicians – all dedicated to finding the right path for each child. lionheart-eduaction.com
Catherine Kelsey is Director of Elite Clients at Gabbitas, global leaders in education advice, which was founded in 1843 and offers a comprehensive school and family service ranging from school placements, tutoring and specific 11+ preparation courses to guardianship and homestays for international students. Placing a child in the right school is at the forefront of their ethos, requiring objectivity, knowledge and tenacity, all of which Kelsey has in abundance. Even more importantly she has an unsurpassed success record. ‘I hold myself to the same standard as any great lawyer,’ says Kelsey. ‘I am only as good as my last case.’ gabbitas.com
PHOTOS: ALEXANDRA DAO
CATHERINE KELSEY Gabbitas
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VALENTINA NIKOLIC Lindamood-Bell Lindamood-Bell was founded by Nanci Bell, a reading specialist, and Patricia Lindamood, a speech pathologist, both intent on solving the complex question of why some children are better learners. Now, three-decadesworth of their own data has formulated Lindamood-Bell’s transatlantic, evidence-based programmes that focus on improving the sensory-cognitive processing necessary for reading and comprehension. Valentina Nikolic, Centre Director at Notting Hill, emphasises that ‘the programmes make measurable changes to a child’s brain, transforming them into independent learners equipped with all the necessary transferable skills, whether they have a dyslexic profile, learning difficulties or want to accelerate their learning across the board’. lindamoodbell.com
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
Traditional academic settings don’t offer enough one-to-one attention
TAILORED TEACHING Lindamood-Bell Academy: A right fit for all types of students
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hether your student is an accelerated learner, needs a flexible schedule, has school anxiety or has a previous diagnosis such as dyslexia and autism, creating an environment specific to their needs can often provide the most positive school experience. At Lindamood-Bell Academy, we offer in-person or online instruction to develop the imagery-language foundation for success in language processing and success in all curriculum. The Academy combines our instructional expertise with a full curriculum, developing the sensorycognitive foundation and applying it to academic content. Our online instruction replicates Lindamood-Bell quality on all levels and our students do not work alone. If you find your child struggling with reading and spelling, the underlying cause may be a weak ability to visualise letters and sounds within words, known as symbol imagery. Weak symbol imagery can affect your child’s ability to establish sight words, read with contextual fluency and spell. If your child is struggling with language comprehension
or maths, the underlying cause may be weak concept imagery. Weakness in concept imagery — the ability to image a gestalt (whole) — can interfere with reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking and writing. In traditional academic settings, it can be hard to get the one-on-one attention your child may need to strengthen these areas and learn to their potential. The Academy can be successful when other schools are not. Lindamood-Bell Academy offers one-to-one and small group instruction that is differentiated based on an individual’s abilities and embodies an interactive, balanced approach. With support every step of the way, it can be the right fit for many types of students, including yours. For more information on our Lindamood-Bell Academy, call 020 7727 0660 or visit lindamoodbellacademy.com
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SCHOOL LEAVER NEWS | GA P YEA R | UNIVERSITY | CA REERS
Harry Lane from Loughborough University
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CHARITY
S-RM, a global consultancy that helps clients manage regulatory, reputational and operational risks, are proud to partner with international NGO Fight for Peace. Their mission is to support young people to realise their potential, working with them to prevent violence in their communities. Using a public health model, Fight for Peace focuses on three levels of violence prevention, using integrated and holistic programmes which combine combat sports, education and personal development.
Founded in the Complexo da MarĂŠ favelas, Rio de Janeiro, in 2000, Fight for Peace is active in 25 countries worldwide, working with young people through academies, safer community programmes and an alliance of local partner organisations trained in the Fight for Peace methodology. To date, through local and global work, they have reached more than 250,000 young people in search of peace and a fairer society.
To donate to Fight for Peace please visit fightforpeace.net FightforPeaceUK
fightforpeace
fightforpeace
FIGHT FOR PEACE IS A REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER (05962549)
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UNIVERSITY NEWS | SCHOOL LEAVER
ON THE BRINK News for those about to make the leap
GENERATION SENSIBLE
TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD
Cambridge Assessment English’s 30th birthday last year was a reminder of the effective doorway into education provided at CELTA centres. CELTA is a qualification for teachers of English as a foreign language. In an intensive four-week course, recent grads gain a highly regarded and often essential qualification for English language teaching (ELT) jobs abroad. Indeed, a recent study revealed that CELTA is requested by 71.5 per cent of ELT employers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as 88 per cent of employers in the UK.
Research from student staple, Pro Plus, proves the birth of a new ‘generation sensible’: eight in ten students spend more money on food than alcohol, to the extent that more than a third would give up on going ‘out, out’ in exchange for an unlimited supply of a luxury grocery item. The bank of mum and dad, who spend an estimated £4000 a year paying their child’s way through university life, will happily welcome this news.
COMPUTER SCIENCE SCORES HIGHEST
In 2018, the job search engine Adzuna reported computer science as the most highly demanded STEM degree with 56 per cent more job opportunities then the second most popular, IT; civil engineering is third. If pay is your top concern, avoid physics and chemistry degrees and consider aeronatical engineering which has, on average, the heftiest pay check.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Social media campaigns like #ItsOkNotToBeOk focus on male mental health, but this trend is not yet represented in universities. The University of the West of England (UWE) found significant resistance from the student body when it introduced a men’s officer last year. Male students are statistically more likely to stay silent about mental health issues and need to be encouraged to reach out for help.
SLIPPING DOWN THE RANKS Although Oxford and Cambridge retained the top spots in the World University Rankings, for the first time the UK was surpassed as the second most represented nation by Japan. The US still leads with 172 institutions but Japan has 103 top universities with the UK taking third place with 98.
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DON’T ASK
Interviews can be make or break. The difference between nailing that elusive job offer or being shown the door can be just one misguided question. A national survey found that 28 per cent of employers are put off when candidates ask ‘how many sick days will I get?’, ‘what is the salary?’ or ‘will I have to work overtime?’ To employers, such questions suggest too much emphasis being placed on earning power and a poor work ethic.
BUSINESS BOOST This September marks the return of TMA’s three-month business and management programme, which provides an invaluable springboard for school leavers or graduates keen to ramp up their employability. Learning key business skills and benefitting from highly relevant work placements also qualifies participants for a nationally recognised award.
EPQ ENDORSEMENT
As the EPQ becomes ever more popular, Greenwich University, London, is the first British university to support sixth form students taking it. The university’s education support team will run sessions at NewVIc, a sixth form college, to help improve project management and research skills, which are both essential for a successful EPQ.
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CONQUERING LONDON Emma Love offers some tips to students setting their sights on a London university
f you had to guess which global cities are considered best for studying at university, you perhaps wouldn’t be surprised to learn that London is number one. According to figures produced by higher education marketing company QS, based on a survey of 50,000 students and released in May 2018, the capital beats previous winners Montreal and Paris to the top spot. Key factors include the number of excellent universities, the local jobs market, the diversity of the culture and the quality of life (the only area where London scored poorly was affordability). This is backed up by the latest Times Higher Education World University rankings which reveal that four universities in London are listed in the top 40: Imperial College London, University College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science and King’s College London. Undoubtedly, it is the world-class academic offering and groundbreaking research departments at these universities that put them all at the top of the league – and make each one, as well as London, an exciting place to study. At multidisciplinary UCL, for instance, bioscience undergraduates are given the opportunity to get involved in breakthrough research, while archaeology students
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have access to the university’s collection of artefacts and the opportunity to undertake significant amounts of fieldwork. ‘UCL has the best pharmacy school in the UK, plus I wanted to experience the city life,’ says third year pharmacy student Yi Sun from Essex of her reasons for choosing to study at the university. ‘My course is contact heavy with lots of lectures, but even if it wasn’t, there is so much on campus, from the libraries to the canteens, that I would spend a lot of time here anyway.’ King’s College is also at the cutting-edge of world-leading developments across faculties ranging from arts and humanities to nursing and neuroscience, and has more than 150 global partner institutions, many of which offer study abroad programmes that can boost students’ employability in an overcrowded workplace. And at Imperial College, which specialises in science, engineering, medicine and business, being in London is seen as a huge advantage, not only because the location means it is at the heart of a truly international community of employers but also because it paves the way for lectures from industry experts and internships with major companies. Meanwhile, the London School of Economics and Political Science boasts one of the largest social science libraries in the world (students
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London is the best city in the world for university study
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STUDENT LIFE | SCHOOL LEAVER
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also have access to Senate House Library near Goodge Street, a central research facility for colleges that come under the University of London umbrella and houses more than 30,000 print and electronic journals) and an outstanding programme of visiting speakers. ‘We get loads of top name guest lecturers across all the courses, partly because we’re in London and partly because we’re LSE,’ confirms third year international relations student Chessie Flack from Taunton, who was drawn to the capital to study because she wanted to experience life in a big city. ‘In terms of work experience, we’re next to Westminster so lots of my friends have done part-time roles in parliament and the civil service. It’s a massive advantage that only comes from being in London.’ But universities recognise that moving to a large and potentially lonely capital city has its challenges for students on tight budgets. King’s College’s finance initiative, Student Money Mentors, offer advice on everything from ‘London Life Hacks’ (think tips on free entry to film screenings and museums, and student oyster cards) to household bills. Deciding on the right accommodation, in the right area of the capital and learning how to budget can seem like some of the most daunting tasks to new students unfamiliar with the city. At Imperial College, help is on hand from staff at its Student Hub. This online service provided to many universities, offers information ranging from handy charts that break
down approximate weekly outgoings to a guide that shows the areas of London most popular with students to live (Hammersmith, Fulham and South Kensington come out top) and a timeline of when to start looking for accommodation. The team can answer almost any housing-related query and in May the team visit halls once a week to help students find a flatmate for the next academic year and check rental contracts. Universities also work with specialist organisations which provide alternative student accommodation to halls of residence (often only an option for first year undergraduates) such as Chapter London, Student. com and Urbanest. The latter, which partners with the likes of the University of Westminster and UAL, has six properties within Zone 1 split into various types of rooms, studios and apartments to suit all budgets. Plus, each property has useful extras: study areas and social spaces, fold-up bicycles that can be borrowed for free, laundry rooms and even, at the Hoxton location, an on-site supermarket. ‘Studying in central London can be an invigorating and rewarding experience and as a company that specialises in developing and operating large student residences, we prioritise wellbeing, security and accessibility,’ says chief executive Mark Morgan. ‘Ensuring students are close to local amenities is crucial, as is ensuring that they have the right blend of spaces inside buildings to study, socialise and exercise.’
The Royal School of Mines building is part of Imperial College London’s South Kensington campus
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SCHOOL LEAVER | STUDENT LIFE
Socialising is a vital ingredient to the success of the university years and universities are keen to overcome loneliness, which can accompany anyone’s move to a big city. At King’s College, each of the King’s Residences has a ResiLife team made up of post-graduate wardens whose role it is to help fellow students feel at home and student Community Facilitators are able to resolve any issues. ‘The ResiLife team is really important, especially for international students,’ says second year medical student and Community Facilitator Jessica O’Logbon. ‘Regular kitchen talks help everyone get to know each other in the building and make sure everyone is settled in, while Cooking with Confidence and other life skills workshops are a hit with all our residents and a great chance for the under-18 students to get to grips with living on their own.’ Londoner O’Logbon, who lives in at King’s College purely for the ‘community aspect of the residences’, says that there are all kinds of optional experiences that make students feel included, such as a free weekly outing. ‘The university is right in the centre of London so there is loads to do; one week we might go to the London Eye; another, the British Museum. Whether it is putting on fun events or helping someone with a maintenance issue, I feel as though I’m making a positive contribution to everyone’s experience of moving out for university.’ Attending events like these is one way to meet and connect with fellow students. Imperial College also has an informative, unedited online blog written by students who discuss all kinds of topics from the pros and cons of ‘Freshers’ Halls vs Senior-year
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: King’s College tackle students’ loneliness; the College acquired the East Wing of Somerset House in 2009 as a new cultural hub and an extension of the Strand campus; Westminster University students; LSE boasts one of the largest social science libraries in the world
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Halls’ to the regular ‘Women in Maths’ lunches where female alumni, current PhD students or lecturers speak about their research at the university or how they have applied knowledge from a degree during their career. One such blog, written by Aishwarya Chidambaram who is studying Mathematics, Optimisation and Statistics, stands out for covering pre-university worries from missing home to making friends. ‘Among 17,000 students it is easy to get lost amid the commotion on campus,’ she writes. ‘Most people studying here are from smaller schools where it was much easier to stand out, whereas at Imperial everyone has similar strengths and interests. My biggest tip to overcoming this would definitely be to get involved in more than just your course around college.’ At LSE, one way to get stuck in is to become part of a hall committee, which has been elected by residents and welcomes new students, organises social events and raises any concerns to senior members of staff (in a survey completed in 2018, 87 per cent of students living in halls would recommend their residence to others and 79 per cent thought it offered good value for money). The fact that all the halls are located within the same few streets near Covent Garden and the Royal Courts of Justice building adds to the campus feel – it’s when students move out that feeling isolated becomes more of a possibility. ‘Once you move out of halls, though students mostly live with flatmates, feeling lonely is possible,’ says Flack, a third year student. ‘The student union organises lots of events and I’m a member of a few societies but I think it’s also good if you can find hobbies to do outside of university. I’ve got some friends who regularly go climbing, for instance.’ So it seems as if studying in London offers the best of both worlds: brilliantly, with unique educational opportunities standing students in good stead for their future career, as well as a wealth of culture to make the most of their downtime. ‘Having an external social life with a different group of friends can be a really good thing, especially in the more relaxed first year, and you can take advantage of the awesomeness that is London,’ concludes Flack. ‘Sometimes it’s nice to escape your studies and leave behind the university bubble.’ n Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 83
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A FIRST FOR LIFE
Sally Jones explains why sporting stars win at university
he Earl of Wessex grinned ruefully. ‘When I played rugby at Cambridge some other students took great delight in flattening me the moment I got anywhere near the ball. I think they wanted to say they had brought down a prince. It got quite painful, so instead I decided to take up the most gentlemanly game I could find – and became passionate about Real Tennis.’ Few choose a new sport at university for such brutal reasons – but rugby’s loss has been Real Tennis’s gain. Prince Edward opted to learn the royal and ancient game popularised by Henry VIII as his new activity for his Duke of Edinburgh gold award and went on to represent the university at it. One joy of university is the chance to try exciting, heavilysubsidised alternatives to mainstream school sports. Many take up ‘Realers’ when studying at universities with a court nearby, such as Oxbridge, Bristol, Manchester, Durham, Newcastle and Middlesex. As with Modern Pentathlon, Ultimate Frisbee and women’s rowing, which few girls get the chance to try at school, one major attraction is the chance to reach a high level within a couple of years. Several women who started rugby at Durham University, for example, ended up playing internationally.
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The bewildering range of sports on offer at freshers’ fairs varies from one university to another. Beside mainstream sports, Birmingham University has over 50 well-funded clubs ranging from American football, archery and dodgeball to kayaking, snowboarding and cheerleading. Local conditions are key: Bangor, nestling between Snowdonia and the sea, has excellent mountaineering, diving and sailing on the doorstep – but also boasts a well-attended Quidditch club, as does Exeter. Durham, Leeds and Manchester students make good use of nearby moorlands and dales for outward bound expeditions. Sailing and wind-surfing are a hot ticket at Southampton, Portsmouth and St Andrews, where golf is also understandably popular As a paid-up sports nut myself from early childhood, there was widespread amazement when I applied to Oxford for English despite spending every spare moment playing tennis, squash or netball. ‘Sally – trying for Oxford! Don’t make me laugh!’ one cruel but accurate schoolmate giggled, unaware that I had overheard every word. Once, miraculously, I had arrived among the dreaming spires, academic pursuits generally took second place to a merrygo-round of time-consuming activities, which included taking up cricket, polo, rowing, dressage, pistol shooting, rock’n roll
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UNIVERSITY SPORT | SCHOOL LEAVER
LEFT: Bangor’s location delivers diverse adventures to its doorstep ABOVE: Nottingham University’s new £40m sports centre RIGHT: Samantha Murray, a modern pentathlete from the University of Bath
and Modern Pentathlon from scratch. Unsurprisingly I did not leave with a first – but the friends I made there remain the closest of my life and I parlayed a career in media and broadcasting from my student forays into sports journalism. Captaining teams and organising Varsity matches against the ‘Tabs’ also provided much-needed time management and leadership skills. These days, university sport, whether highperformance or recreational, is far more professional and an important recruiting tool, particularly at the Russell Group universities. And since 2012, when the cap on student numbers was lifted and tuition fees increased to £9,000, it has been an increasingly competitive marketplace. Several universities such as Durham, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bath and Loughborough, the former PE College, widely acknowledged as the top institution for sport, are hubs of sporting excellence and spend tens of millions in a facilities ‘arms race’: Nottingham’s new £40m sports centre versus Birmingham’s recently installed £55m sports centre, state-of-the-art waterbased blue hockey pitches, netball and tennis courts. The biggest hitters host national governing bodies in sports including swimming, cricket and athletics plus Superleague netball and hockey sides. They also offer dual career paths, giving star performers every chance of an international career alongside high level academic qualifications. Samantha Murray, 29, has just retired after a stellar international Modern Pentathlon career that included
‘Great performances at senior level in 2010, thanks to the training at Bath, meant that I could train and study full time. In the Olympic year of 2010, I split my commitments’ SAMANTHA MURRAY, FORMER UNIVERSITY OF BATH STUDENT
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a world title and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. At 18 she applied to the University of Bath, home of Pentathlon GB’s National Training Centre because of its high-level sporting and academic opportunities. ‘I chose the University of Bath for the facilities and coaches there, so I could train with the British Pentathlon squad, while studying for a French and politics degree,’ she said. ‘Like most students I waitressed part-time and when I started I wasn’t a UK Sport-funded athlete. But great performances at senior level in 2010, thanks to the training at Bath, meant I received that funding, stopped waitressing and could train and study full-time. In the Olympic year of 2012 I split my commitments, writing my dissertation that year then finishing the modules and exams the year after. I’m confident the degree will help me build a media career, presenting and speaking.’ ‘We support around 100 athletes on dual career programmes,’ explained the University of Bath’s Director of Sport, former badminton international Stephen Baddeley. ‘They come from numerous sports: badminton, rugby, rowing and netball. The most talented receive scholarships and we also provide free access to the gym and mentor them on balancing the demands of pursuing their sporting career alongside
their education. We tell them: don’t try to hide the time you spend on your sport from your tutors. Academics are pleased to have student athletes on their course; they’re usually very organised, driven young people or they wouldn’t have got that far.’ For Harry Lane and his friend Henry Pearce, Loughborough University’s coaching and its facilities allowed them to develop into international standard athletes and move into high-flying careers. Old Tonbridgean Pearce, 24, studied Business Management at Loughborough and became one of Europe’s top cross-country runners. He then received a lucrative full scholarship worth over $40,000 a year from the University of Tulsa to do a masters degree in accounting there and represent their athletics side in prestigious inter-university competitions. Still competing, he is now studying for his final accountancy exams while working for KPMG in London, getting up at 6am most mornings to train, having recently run his first marathon in two hours 19 minutes. ‘Loughborough’s given me the best of both worlds,’ he said: ‘top-class running opportunities and a good academic grounding, leading to a challenging career.’ Lane, 23, an Old Shirburnian and former star pony
ABOVE: Harry Lane leading the pack at the BUCS Indoor Championships 2018 RIGHT: Durham University field over 700 college teams in 20 different sports each week
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club tetrathlete, likewise rose through the athletics ranks while reading psychology. He left in July with a first-class degree, quickly securing a dream job as a digital marketing specialist at prestigious running brand Saucony. He was also a close fourth in the 2018 Laser-Run World Championship, the new combined shoot-run event derived from the exciting final section of Modern Pentathlon. ‘Loughborough’s training and set up were superb and the main reason I won the national under-23 3,000m steeplechase championship in 2016,’ he recalled. ‘Our main endurance coach was George Gandy who coached Sebastian Coe and my tutor was fabulous, helping me balance all the competing demands. Being University Athletics Chairman in my final year was a lot of responsibility: we had over 400 members including scores of internationals, but there was a good committee and two full-time staff which made it possible.’ ‘That same dedication and work ethic crosses over into all areas of your life including applying for jobs as your sporting achievements reflect who you are as a person. Employers aren’t just after academic
achievement; now most people have a degree they’re increasingly judging on personal qualities too.’ Few students will hit such competitive heights but most universities regard recreational sport as crucial to their charges’ mental and physical well-being. ‘It’s one of our crown jewels,’ insisted Quentin Sloper, Director of Experience at Durham University, alma mater of rugby stars Will Carling, Phil De Glanville and Will Greenwood, cricketers Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss and rowing gold medallist Sophie Hosking. ‘We have the largest participation rate of any UK university: we field 700 college teams in 20 different sports each week; over 500 students row; and 75 to 80 per cent of our students get involved – playing, organising and coaching their own teams. Our slogan is “enabling exceptional people to do exceptional things” and, at all levels, sport helps our students develop leadership and broader life skills which allow them move into the next stages of their lives and beyond. My advice to freshers? Do what you’ve done in the past but try some new sports as well and open your eyes to fresh challenges.’ n
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SCHOOL LEAVER | CURRICULUM VITAE
A PERFECT CV o this day most schools don’t teach students how to write a CV. It’s assumed that between graduating from school and applying for your first job that this single sheet of A4 will magically appear. Unfortunately, too many times, I’ve seen applicants with shoddy CVs who don’t stand a chance of being invited for an interview. It’s not necessarily a reflection of their ability – just that they have absolutely no clue about what a CV is and should look like. To say the least, your CV is the first time a prospective employer meets you. It should fit on a single-sided piece of A4 when printed, unless there’s a good reason for it to be longer. It should look presentable and neat, which usually means no fancy fonts and colours. CVs in the creative industries may be slightly different. Regardless of the industry, you want to appear as a professional and credible candidate that their competitors will want to poach. Your CV should contain basic details about yourself: name, address and contact details, usually at the top of the document. The latter is key and sometimes missed out! Date of birth and photographs are not usually required unless you work in acting or the modelling industry. It’s best to then have your education listed underneath in reverse chronological order. The same goes for any work experience. When listing your work experience, make sure that your key responsibilities are highlighted and tailor them to be relevant to your prospective employer. Choose tasks that highlight key skills and buzz words that the employer is looking for. Bullet points are useful here, but make sure that
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there is enough content, so don’t just use single words. Being too brief is also a problem, as it’s not informative. Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are an absolute no-no. It’s hard to check your own work if you’ve spent a while staring at it, so either come back to your CV another day or ask friends and family to take a look. Silly mistakes reflect badly on you, no matter how qualified you may be, as it just looks like you’re careless and not particularly motivated to make a good impression. One golden rule is do not lie. There is genuinely no point, as you will most likely get found out due to employers doing extensive background and Google crosschecks. If you get caught lying on your CV, you may be black listed in the industry, as word travels fast to other prospective employers. One common lie is saying you speak a certain language because you did two years of it at secondary school. This may be true, but be prepared to speak in your foreign language at an interview, as it’s common for employers to send native speakers of that language to interview you. It can all turn into a nightmare very quickly. Education, work experience, qualifications and skills are vital and should be included, but things like interests outside of work are often underestimated. Include a line or two towards the end about any hobbies or interests you have, which set you apart. They can be great conversation starters and can add to your profile. No one wants to work with boring colleagues after all. Lastly, if a cover letter is asked to accompany your CV, include things that you didn’t have space for or want to elaborate upon. Writing a cover letter is another skill and is a way for the employer to further gauge the type of person you are and whether you’d fit into the organisation with minimal friction. For more information please visit teresasong.co.uk.
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Academic coach, Teresa Song, writes a good one
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Kickstart your business career the right way
BUSINESS FIRST o, let’s begin with your aspirations to dominate the world. You are going to be a captain of industry, another James Dyson or Richard Branson or, perhaps another Anita Roddick or Michelle Mone. Yes, there are a few obstacles, but hey – so what? It’s time to strive for world domination. The first big question is how to start: what is the best route in? If your name is Alan Sugar, you get a market stall and start selling aerials – but for most of us that probably isn’t the right solution, so what might work for you? I believe that if you want to do something you have to learn about it first, which means doing something relevant. So, if you are going into business, then learn about business. You may love studying history of art or winemaking, but it will be a lot tougher to get your first job when you finish your course than if you can say, ‘yes, I know what an office is like and what goes on inside one’. Before looking at business schools, however, you need to ask yourself the following: what do you want to get out of it? There is no right or wrong answer, it is all about what is best for you. But it does involve a degree of honesty and taking a long hard look at your own capabilities and your aspirations. Are you academic, entrepreneurial and do figures work for you? Do you see yourself running your own company, or are you happier as number two?
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Are you the kind of person who is looking for years of theoretical study before launching your career, with lots of knowledge behind you, or are you the kind of person who recognises the need to know the basics but will then be raring to get started? Having established this, then you must ask yourself: are you ready and willing to commit to a few years of hard study? And when do you want to do it? If you have done well at school and are looking forward to higher education then there are a number of fantastic options to choose from; most universities offer business degrees requiring A-levels, though they are often oversubscribed and competitive to get into. If you are going down this route, always look for one with the option of an extra year in industry. This will be an enormous help in the future. Business schools span the academic spectrum. World-renowned institutions like Harvard, INSEAD or Saïd Business School in Oxford are for those who have already put in a few years in the workplace and are looking to improve upon their experience or prepare themselves for senior executive roles. If you have your eyes set on an MBA, remember that this is a postgraduate qualification. Whether you look at London Business School, Saïd Business School in Oxford or go further afield, you will find that in most cases you already need to have a degree and very often work experience. These higher business qualifications are often very expensive – one option
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Andrea Freeman, principal of Oxford Media and Business School, suggests an alternative route for school leavers
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BUSINESS SCHOOLS | SCHOOL LEAVER Saïd Business School in Oxford
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Oxford Media and Business School students
is to get sponsored by the company you work for. Specialist business schools can also be separate entities and not part of a university at all. These focused establishments run one-year courses to suit graduates and non-graduates alike. This may fast track a graduate who wants to get ahead and understand business, but hasn’t yet got the skills or the knowledge to start their dream career. It is also a lucrative alternative for a non-graduate who isn’t keen on taking one of the more academic routes. You may have faith in your own ability, yet the education system hasn’t reflected your potential; not all of us perform well in exams. In your case, a much shorter diploma course at a business school will set you on the road to success. A one-year business diploma takes a different approach, teaching students the practical skills sought by companies, which means you are highly employable from day one. You also learn a lot about yourself, developing personally, as well as those all-important communication skills. It is a very hands-on approach that will get you into a company at entry level; these are the jobs that university graduates will be applying for too. Every route to work has pros and cons. In the case of the diploma, on the downside you start your working life earlier and quite possibly miss out three (or more) years of partying as a student. Fortunately, this also means you have saved yourself years running up debt, while still being skilled enough to outclass the grads in the job market.
Six qualities companies look for on top of academic qualifications 1 High energy and enthusiasm to get involved and help the company achieve its goals 2 A ‘can do’ attitude 3 Willing to muck in, research and learn 4 A good team player 5 Able to hold their own with senior members 6 A good sense of humour Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 91
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SCHOOL LEAVER | BUSINESS SCHOOLS
SLIDING DOORS Geri Ivanova could have gone to university but chose a six-month business course instead. Now she works at BNP Paribas
LEFT: Geri Ivanova (far left), a former Quest student BELOW: Quest Professional, Westminster ensure all its students are equipped with strong interview skills
ven when at school I wasn’t convinced university was the right route for me. Despite gaining all my university choices I sill had reservations and began reviewing other options. When I heard about Quest Professional’s Executive PA Programme, a six-month course that promised to help me to secure a job afterwards, I was immediately interested. After attending an open day and learning more about the courses, which focus on teaching core business skills, I knew that this was the right course for me. The fact that 87 per cent of Quest students were in work just eight weeks after graduating was a huge attraction. I immediately loved the welcoming atmosphere. I also found it extremely useful to learn the specific skills you need to succeed in your career such as time-management, business communication, finance, IT skills and career development. The opportunity to learn about different industries really helped to clarify what would be best suited to me. At first it was a challenge to transition from school-style teaching to being responsible for your own learning. However, after the first couple of weeks I settled into driving myself. This is also far more reflective of the business world where you must motivate yourself – no one is going to spend time convincing you to work hard! As part of the course I completed two weeks’ work experience with BNP Paribas, the world’s eighth largest bank based in the City
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of London, where I learned about company culture. At the end of the two weeks a manager recommended I apply for an Executive Assistant role. I applied, was successful and I am now Executive Assistant to the Business Line Head, Trading Head and Sales Head in the London office. As the staff I support are senior leaders, the pace is fast. Scheduling meetings may sound simple but becomes more complex for up to 30 staff based in different time zones! I would definitely recommend doing a business course. I knew I didn’t want to spend another three years studying at university, ending up hugely in debt and with no definite career path. At Quest Professional I learnt the key skills you need to work in business, and the name is well respected. It’s hard work; they expect 120 per cent but it’s worth it in the end.
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE INTO THE WORLD OF BUSINESS An Oxford Media and Business School diploma is your stepping stone into the workplace
OUR PUPILS SUCCEED TESTIMONIALS ‘It is clear that the Executive Diploma at OMBS set the foundations for my career and has resulted in me landing a job I could only have dreamed of! I haven’t looked back since choosing OMBS over my place at St Andrews University.’ ‘OMBS has been one of the best things I have ever done. It still hasn’t sunk in yet where I will be working!’
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he Executive Diploma is a passport to a super job. It’s a direct route that can be completed in just three terms rather than three years, or equally valuable in addition to your university degree and undertaken during a gap year before or after study. We teach the professional business and IT transferable skills we know companies want you to have for any role from day one – it’s that simple. Oxford Media and Business School
(OMBS) was established over 40 years ago and has evolved over the years to become the leading college of its kind offering this unique course. As a small, residential college in the centre of Oxford, OMBS provides students with a highly personalised study environment tailored to the individual, with excellent pastoral care and career guidance. Students live independently in college houses in the heart of the city and enjoy all the benefits of a year in Oxford. Each year graduating students join a large network of OMBS alumni and enjoy the benefits of sharing careers guidance, introductions and social networking. OMBS’s impressive track record of employment is in part down to Principal Andrea Freeman’s connections with many independent recruitment agencies in London and Oxford. Every student leaves with a job search plan and has a definite idea of what it is they are looking for on the basis of their personal strengths. This is further supplemented by mock interviews, CV preparation and
‘When I left sixth form I had no idea what I wanted to do; I didn’t feel university was the best choice as not everyone can find a job at the end. I am so happy I found OMBS; it was the perfect course for me and I literally do not know what I would have done without it.’
Myers Briggs personality profiling as part of the personal development module. The job success rate postgraduation says all you need to know about the course’s validity in giving students the skills they need to flourish in the workplace. For more information about the course, please visit oxfordbusiness.co.uk or contact Sarah (registrar) on 01865 240963
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PA RENTS PROPERTY | A DVICE
| HOLIDAYS | A PPS | BOOKS
Boardmasters festival in Cornwall
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HOLIDAYS | PARENTS
SCHOOL’S OUT Revive little souls over the holidays
WHAT’S ON
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Activities to suit everyone
BACK IN TIME A natural light alarm clock from Lumie wakes you up calmly by mimicking sunrise and gradually getting brighter. Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700. £170. lumie.com
A comfy set-up for revision is assured by this lap desk: a non-slip surface on top and a sturdy but soft microbead cushion below. £19. utilitydesign.co.uk
Enjoy the Seen & Heard: Victorian Children in the Frame exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery until 28 April. cityoflondon.gov.uk
EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS THIS EASTER
1 PLAY POLO WITH PRINCES The Longdole Polo Club, a favourite of Prince Harry’s, has partnered with Ellenborough Park Hotel in the Cotswolds. From £600 including polo, dinner and a night in the five-star hotel. ellenboroughpark.com 2 GLAMPING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT The superior Plus Pods at the Great Langdale campsite surrounded by the Langdale Pikes provide under floor heating and cosy beds for four. From £55 per night. nationaltrust.org.uk 3 SURF’S UP IN DEVON Gara Rock hotel near Salcombe is a playground for all generations to forage and explore. From £150 per night. gararock.com
UNDER THE SEA In Boulogne-sur-Mer, less than a two-hour journey from central London, NAUSICAA’s new jaw-dropping, 20m-deep Journey on the High Seas exhibition makes it one of the world’s largest aquariums in the world. nausicaa.co.uk
PHOTOS: © J ALEXANDRE – NAUSICAA & GETTY IMAGES
A GETAWAY IN GREECE
Escape the screens completely with these whacky wellies, ideal for romping and revising at the same time. £19. jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Westin Costa Navarino offers the adventure holiday of your dreams
The Mediterranean Westin Resort Costa Navarino combines diving, surfing, yoga, and paddle boarding with olive harvesting, cheese making and cooking lessons. Seven days, family of four from £4,262 including flights and transfers. redsavannah.com
IN THE KITCHEN Young Holiday Cooking Classes could transform your child into a budding chef. theavenuecookeryschool.com
SUMMER HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS 1 Tow your toddler with ease, £164.95. micro-scooters. co.uk 2 Smooth away tangles, £16.50. dandydillway.com 3 Snazzy sun hats. The Cub in Ele-folk print, £24.99. littlehotdogwatson.com 4 A backpack full of imaginative play. Play’n Pack – Jungle, £24.95. ollieella.com 5 And one for you! A leopard print, vegan leather backpack. Kerikit Vicki Bag, £145. kerikit.com Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 97
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HEALTH | PARENTS
ON THE SOFA
Victoria Lambert talks to yoga teacher Nadia Narain about calming tools for young yogis
any of us find that a yoga class is the best way to think through the latest child crisis – or even to escape it. But next time you’re setting out for a blissful hour of downward-facing dog and warrior poses, why not consider taking your lovely source of tension with you? Young people can get enormous benefit from the practice, says Nadia Narain, who has taught at Triyoga, the prestigious London yoga and pilates centre, for 20 years. ‘While it can be difficult for them to concentrate as hard or as long as adults,’ adds the author of a new book Self-Care for the Real World, which she wrote with her sister, Katia Narain Phillips, ‘learning yoga can be very good for them in lots of ways’. At its most basic yoga helps children the same way it helps their parents – by allowing them periods of calm in their increasingly pressured and over-scheduled lives. ‘We know that young people are feeling more overwhelmed than ever before,’ says Narain, ‘so we must find the best way to support them and help them develop the resources they need to cope.’ US research backs up the idea: a 2016 study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a ten-week course of school-based yoga helped with stress management and behaviour among primary school pupils. ‘Yoga teaches self soothing,’ explains Narain, ‘children are incredibly over-stimulated by mobile phones, computers and games – cables and lights are everywhere. They are learning to crave this constant stimulation.’ ‘Practising yoga and learning to meditate takes you into the opposite
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BUILDING A YOUNG YOGI
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Yoga doesn’t have to be dull. Look for a teacher who is used to working with children and can make a class fun. Treat them to a brightly coloured extra thick mat.
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Try ten-minute sessions at home together using a DVD or YouTube.
Take a body scan. Lie down next to your child before bed for a few minutes at the end of the day. Ask them to check in with their body. How does their stomach feel, can they relax their shoulders? Ask them to consider how their energy levels have been today, or their moods. This self-audit keeps us in touch with our bodies and helps us to spot where we might want to make changes.
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Ask your child to make a daily intention for the day. That could be: don’t come home until you have done something nice for someone else; be energised; or be joyful.
state of mind: it encourages reflection and switching off.’ ‘It’s not easy at first,’ she concedes, adding that she often tells new young yogis that it’s okay to take time out if it all feels too much. ‘Anyone who has tried yoga knows that it takes some time to get used to the slower pace.’ For teenage girls, used to high-energy dance classes, yoga also has another benefit, says Narain. ‘Yoga is about focusing on the inside of the body, not the outside. It’s not about getting thin or how you look. Of course, you can get more toned doing yoga, but that’s not why we do it. We practise yoga to get in touch with our physical selves and to start to love and care for our bodies as they are, whatever their shape.’ It can also support pupils doing more traditional sports such as rugby or netball, as it encourages them to stretch and breathe as a counterbalance and to understand how their muscles feel and connect. Learning to breathe slowly and deeply is integral to yoga and a useful skill elsewhere. ‘We teach children skills like brushing their teeth which then become every day rituals,’ says Narain. ‘Teaching them how to breathe deeply to calm the nervous system is a great skill – to help them sleep or to calm down before an exam.’ Yogic rituals help throughout the day, enabling us to check into the four layers of our being: body, mind, emotions and spirit. For example, says Narain, ‘we do the Savasana pose at the end of a class – just lying quietly on the floor. That deep relaxation – when you drop into yourself – is ideal for quietening everything down from thoughts to feelings. It’s something that can be carried on at home before bed to help sleep too.’ ‘Yoga is about how to be with yourself and with others. How to practise kindness and empathy; integral qualities we really need to instil in our children. I think it can form the basis of a great moral compass.’ Self-Care for the Real World by Nadia Narain and Katia Narain Phillips £14.99 (Hutchinson)
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Being able to make friends is one of life’s key skills
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER hen eight-year-old James started forgetting to take his football boots to school, his mother Mel, a 40-year-old yoga teacher in Cheltenham, felt frustrated. But it soon emerged that James’s behaviour was connected to something more fundamental. ‘James had always been part of the sporty boys at school,’ she explains, ‘but he wasn’t especially mature for his age. As his peers began getting stronger and taller, James had found himself getting left out of games and losing his place in the friendship group as a result. Leaving his boots at home was a not-so subtle way of making sure he couldn’t play – and so couldn’t be rejected either.’ Mel worked with the school to help James join a different group of boys who liked to play board games at lunchtime and he soon seemed content again. But the affair left a bad taste in her mouth. ‘I can’t help looking at the boys who rejected my son and feeling angry with them,’ she admits.
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Children’s friendships are famously complicated – no other relationships are ever so perfect one moment, so awful the next. But some discomfort may be necessary: being able to make friends is acknowledged as one of life’s key skills. ‘Our brains are wired to make connections,’ says Jan Symes, Senior Counsellor and psychotherapist at Charterhouse School, Surrey. ‘This is crucial to our happiness and wellbeing and our success in life. Being able to communicate and work alongside other people – professionally as well as personally – is an important skill.’ This isn’t an excuse for parents to wade in. Liat Hughes Joshi, author of New Old-fashioned Parenting explains: ‘The so-called helicopter parenting trend means some of us are over-concerned and over-invested in all sorts of aspects of our children’s lives and their friendships is one of these. Whereas a generation ago, mums and dads rarely got involved in their offspring’s arguments and issues, now some are monitoring every playdate – checking what’s going on and intervening a little too quickly.’
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Victoria Lambert considers the value of childhood friendships and how far parents should go to foster them
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FRIENDSHIPS | PARENTS
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She adds: ‘It’s so important for young children to begin to learn to resolve their own disputes – over whose turn it is with that toy. As a parent it is a positive to offer a little guidance when needed but that’s different to constantly hovering and intervening all the time.’ Friendship definitely gets harder when adolescence looms, says Kate Leaver, author of The Friendship Cure, which explores how we make friends. ‘We’ve got hormones, growth spurts, learning, first loves, fledgling sexuality, possibly family conflict and a tender sense of who we are in the world, so of course any relationships we have throughout that time can get tumultuous.’ ‘I think we choose our teenage friends by convenience, proximity and likeness. We gravitate towards people we feel an affinity to, within a limited pool of people (whoever is at your school, sitting next to you in class, friends with your family).’ But ideally, she adds: ‘We’d be choosing them based on kindness, humour, compassion and comparability.’ Boys are just as subject to shifting alliances, warns Kendal Mills, deputy head (Pastoral) at Stamford School in Lincolnshire. Indeed, a UK report published in July 2018 in the journal PLOS ONE found that boys are more ‘cliquey’ than girls, especially in mixed-sex schools. ‘The biggest problem is when they arrive at senior school,’ says Mills, ‘with new personalities. Inevitably some find it hard to accept that a friend from the
previous year might not be theirs going forward.’ Among boys, Mills notes several areas of possible tension. ‘Boys are competitive within their friendships and about how many they have. They count the number of friends which has led to a modern craze for big parties at a younger age.’ He adds: ‘Many boys feel they have to be clever but not too clever, sporty – but not a try hard. They have to look cool – it can be all about having abs now, a big chest and a narrow waist, and woe betides the boy with spots.’ The biggest problem he sees in friendship groups is the dominance of banter. ‘You have to be good at “bantz”,’ he says. ‘Boys that are good at verbal quickfire find it fun. For those that aren’t, it can be hell on earth.’ Sometimes, it is the speed of change that parents find so hard. When 15-year-old Clara came home from an exeat to announce she had no friends, her mother Beth was surprised. Clara seemed to have gone from being outgoing and popular to introverted and moody overnight. ‘She had loved her all-girls boarding school from age 11,’ says Beth, a 45-year-old accountant in Henley. ‘But now all she could talk about was how dreadful it was. It was baffling.’ For six weeks, the family went through tearful phone calls and emails describing dramatic friendship issues including feeling lonely and not being invited
Boys from Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey
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to parties, until Beth could stand no more. ‘I suggested to her that I give the school notice for the end of GCSEs, promising she could come home as soon as the exams were over. And I offered to write to the school and to the other parents to ask for explanations.’ Beth was taken aback by Clara’s reaction. ‘My daughter was horrified and told me to back off in no uncertain terms. She loved her friends, she said. I was the one left in tears – of frustration.’ So how do schools support teen friendships? Charterhouse has a programme aimed specifically at helping children take that step from prep to senior school, which includes bonding activities and sessions on respect and tolerance. ‘We encourage boys to have wide groups of friends,’ says Jan Symes. Several schools including Bryanston and Millfield have now introduced year nine houses where all the incoming pupils spend a year together before being assigned to their houses, which gives the pupils a chance to bond and the school a better insight when deciding which house to place them. Dr Alison Neill, head of Clifton High School, Bristol, thinks pupils can be encouraged to mix and be social, even to say hello. ‘We also let them know it is not unusual to feel awkward sometimes,’ she says. Parents’ concerns can be magnified where boarding is concerned, not least due to distance, warns Ammy Davies-Potter, senior mistress at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire. But, she adds, that in a boarding environment ‘opportunities are naturally present for girls to make new friends who will progress
through the school, and life beyond school, together.’ In addition, tutors review individual pupil participation in activities and support those who are naturally shy or need encouragement to broaden their involvement. A key message, she says, is for parents to work with a school and their child if they are concerned about anything – and not to try and helicopter in to ‘fix’ a situation. ‘It is important that girls are supported and scaffolded through the journeys of adolescence,’ Davies-Potter points out, ‘so that they are able to build resilience and solve friendship issues for themselves.’ Psychotherapist Gill Murchie adds: ‘Parent intervention can make situations worse; they can even lower a child’s self-esteem by taking away feelings of competence.’ ‘One of the biggest problems is where children feel parents are not open and go behind their back – coming into school for example without telling them. Your child needs to feel autonomous.’ This overlap between school and parents is the key when it comes to successful resolution, says Kendal Mills – even if parents find it difficult. ‘Take deep breaths,’ says Mills, ‘and step back. Look at the situation in the round before you start blaming or phoning other parents.’ Liat Hughes Joshi agrees: ‘Mostly we should let our children get on with it – they can learn so much from dealing with minor disputes and fall-outs. Occasionally, if they are really struggling or you want to steer them away from someone you feel is a bad influence, that’s a fine time to step in. But we shouldn’t micro-manage their friendships generally
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FRIENDSHIPS | PARENTS
‘The so-called helicopter parenting trend means some of us are overconcerned and over-invested in all sorts of aspects of our children’s lives and their friendships is one of these. Whereas a generation ago, mums and dads rarely got involved in their offspring’s arguments and issues, now some are monitoring every playdate – checking what’s going on and intervening a little too quickly’ LIAT HUGHES JOSHI, AUTHOR OF NEW OLD-FASHIONED PARENTING
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Boys from Stamford Endowed Schools playing rugby; early years foundation stage pupils from Clifton High School, Bristol; girls from St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire
USEFUL READING New Old-fashioned Parenting: A Guide to Help You Find the Balnce between Traditional and Modern Parenting by Liat Hughes Joshi (Vie, £10.99) The Friendship Cure: A Manifesto for Reconnecting in the Modern World by Kate Leaver (Duckworth, £9.99) Teenagers Translated: A Parent’s Survival Guide by Janey Downshire and Naella Grew (Vermillion, £12.99)
– children need a degree of independence and space to learn for themselves.’ And it may be worth considering your own parenting style. A Finnish study in May 2018 published in the Journal of Family Psychology looked at three parenting styles – behavioural control such as curfews and monitoring; psychological control such as shaming and guilt; and warmth and affection – and found that controlling parenting was most likely to lead to peer problems and children’s friendships breaking up. The experts also caution against parents trying to influence friendships. Davies-Potter says: ‘Parents should not try and engineer friendships with girls who they believe would be good for their daughter.’ Mills says: ‘You cannot force friendships. If you do, don’t be surprised if they fail or lead to cruelty, with the other child wanting yours off their back.’ This ties in with what psychotherapist Gill Murchie has seen – that most children work out quickly where they land in the pecking order of ‘cool kids’. She says: ‘Children know which group they fit into. Some exclude themselves – they withdraw rather than compete for a place. They have a highly nuanced understanding of what matters, more so than their parents.’ Nor should we overthink their friendships, says Jan Symes. ‘Sometimes we can see relationships are not going to last and I don’t think we should prevent them from happening on that basis. This is what happens in adult life, too.’ Finally, a plea from Mills: ‘Parents – hold your nerve. Don’t press the nuclear button.’ ‘There will always be boys or girls who don’t get the social thing; you can’t change people’s personalities. But so often, we see that those children who don’t find years seven, eight or nine easy are fine by GCSEs.’ n
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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP
CASE STUDIES
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HOOKED ON HOME SCHOOLING Nathaniel McCullagh, managing director of Simply Learning Tuition, explains why more families are opting for a bespoke education
Nathaniel McCullagh
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he number of home schooled children in Britain has risen by 20 per cent in the last 18 months to around 45,000, according to the Department for Education. Traditionally, home schooling stemmed from necessity, but more recently we have seen a sharp rise in the number of, ‘lifestyle’ home schoolers, where there is no acute academic or pastoral need. At Simply Learning Tuition, we work with parents who choose to hire specialist private tutors to provide the best possible teaching environment for their child – one that is bespoke, flexible and more in line with their lifestyle and cultural values than that provided by even the best schools. Parents decide to home school for a variety of reasons. A common reason is when schools are struggling to provide adequate support for their child’s Specific Education Needs (SENs). Parents are told that their son or daughter should stay down a year or join a different school with
better SEN provision. Another reason is that their child cannot access the curriculum because of an acute learning difficulty or behavioural issue. Anxiety and depression can be significant and require a quick response. In almost all home school scenarios, a clear goal is in sight; usually an expedited return to school or university, or the completion of important exams. The good news is that no matter what the reason, a period of professionally delivered home schooling results in fantastic progression, both academically and in a child’s happiness and mental health. At Simply Learning Tuition, we introduce families to a team of specialists; including professional tutors and advisors knowledgeable about London day schools and country boarding schools. Children and parents can choose tutors they like, who matches their capabilities, personality and learning style and who will quickly assimilate into the home environment. Typically, families in London budget about £5,000 per month for home schooling (local authority grants are sometimes available). The benefits can be priceless. For many children, a year to 16 months of home schooling can overcome the obstacles that were holding them back; helping them to grow in confidence, flourish and, when the time comes, reintegrate into school. For more information about home schooling please speak to Sophie Taylor Barthorpe on 020 7350 1981.
We helped the eight-year-old daughter of a senior diplomat who had relocated to London with her father’s embassy. The girl had undiagnosed special education needs and was home schooled five days a week; ‘life experiences’ were included in the routine such as ordering in cafes and using the bus – neither of which she had been allowed to do previously. School work was brought to life by daily trips to the park, art galleries and museums. On one occasion, the tutor even went camping for the weekend with the girl and her parents, a not uncommon example of how home school tutors also act as mentors, passing on valuable life skills.
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A family wanted help preparing their son for school; the boy (aged five) had suffered childhood trauma and needed the social and academic confidence boost of one-to-one tutoring before starting at school. After 12 months of home schooling, during which time his two pre-school specialist tutors covered the core basics in English and maths, the boy started full-time school and has now been in mainstream education for three years.
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Lisa (namechanged) left an independent school in year ten to join a private college where in two years, she was able to get just one A-level; a D in biology. In one academic year of home schooling she achieved Cs in English literature, language and maths, which was enough to gether to the next stage in her education.
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READING | PARENTS
BOOKS & APPS
APP-LY YOURSELF
Mindfulness, best mates and pushing boundaries
PEACE OF MIND
Boosting your kids’ and your own wellbeing
BOOKISH BEZZIES Getting a handle on relationships
THINKING LATERALLY
CULTURAL CHRONICLES
Oiling the cogs of your child’s inquisitive mind
Opening their eyes to bright new worlds
Science360 Created by the National Science Foundation, it showcases science and engineering-related 3D videos to keep little brains buzzing. AGES 4-8 Breathe With Me by Miriam Gates Fun and easy breathing practices from yoga and mindfulness meditation. £14.26, Sounds True
AGES 14+ I Have Lost my Way by Gayle Forman A lost voice, lost love and family tragedy engender friendship. £7.99, Simon & Schuster Children’s UK
AGES 3-10 Creative Sparks: Ideas to Inspire You and Yours by Sarah Cressall 52 low cost and fun activities to try. £9.99, The Creation Station Ltd
AGES 7+ What is Terrorism? by Atle Dyregrov, Magne Raundalen and William Yule A reassuring and sensitive explanation for worried children. £8.99, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
AGES 2+ A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C Stead and Erin E Stead Friends come in all shapes, sizes and species! £13.38, First Second
AGES 10-13 How to Think Like an Absolute Genius by Philippe Brasseur Twenty-six of the world’s greatest geniuses challenge children to step up their intellect. £10.99, QEB Publishing
FOR PARENTS The Secret Parent by Zelna Lauwrens An action plan for achieving your child’s best written by a life coach. £9.99, Life Studio for Kids Publishing
AGES 6-9 Mangoes, Mischief and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar and Uma Krishnaswamy Prince Veera and his best friend are asked to preside over the court. £13.45, Penguin Random House
AGES 6+ Elephants on Tour by Guillaume Cornet Cityscapes excite children to learn about countries as they search for cute elephants. £14.99, Laurence King Publishing AGES 7-11 Terrific Timelines: Fashion by Richard Ferguson and Kelly Smith A pop-up timeline from the ancient world to modern day. £12.99, Laurence King Publishing
AGES 13+ The Curious Crime by Julia Golding A murder mystery with a twist set in a dystopian Victorian era where women can’t do science. £6.99, Lion Hudson Ltd
AGES 7+ The Famous Family Trees by Kari Hauge Explore the genealogy and history of famous people. £12.99, Lincoln Children’s Books
SCHOOL HOUSE REVIEWS AGES 8+
AGES 8-12
AGES 14+
The Ink House
A Tear in the Ocean
People Like Us
A reservoir of ink in the basement of this surprising old mansion attracts artists, writers, poets and composers to live there. The quirky cast of animal characters and beautiful illustrations in this picture book intrigue with the turn of every page. £12.48, Laurence King Publishing
Putnam, the future king of Raftworld, embarks on an adventure to find the source of the mysteriously salty water in the Second World. He finds an unlikely friend and ally to navigate the deep waters in Artie, an onboard stowaway. £12.99, Penguin Random House
A prep school thriller that’s as much Mean Girls as it is a murder mystery. The carefully reinvented identity of Kay Donovan from Bates Academy is threatened when a girl’s body is found in a lake. She is determined to find the killer and protect her past. £10.99, Penguin Random House
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
by Rory Dobner
by H M Bouwman
Duolingo A simple but effective way to help your child get to grips with a foreign language.
Learning by Questions A teaching and learning app that provides feedback as children progress through their work at their own pace and level with live analysis.
DiaryZapp Bringing the age old ‘my summer holiday diary’ project into the 21st century.
by Dana Mele
Habitat the Game Keeping their polar bear alive by completing real-world actions encourages your child to care for the environment.
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PARENTS | PROPERTY
A CRYSTAL BALL
hat will become of the London property market post-Brexit? Britain’s uncertain political and economic future is, understandably, leaving buyers and sellers too nervous to take the plunge. ‘Sellers should expect a rocky road,’ confirms Giles Cook of estate agency Best Gapp (bestgapp.co.uk). ‘Buyer confidence will be low, with many remaining on the proverbial fence and waiting for greater clarity.’ This is not to say, however, that 2019 will be an annus horribilis for London’s property market. Historically the capital has been resilient; even last December, the quietest month of the year for the market, there were several sales over £20m. Property experts expect this robustness to continue post-Brexit. ‘As we all know, the three ‘Ds – divorce, debt and death – continue to be the principal driver of the UK property market,’ comments buying agent Richard Trimbee of Coast and Counties (coastandcounties.com). Even if there is political chaos following our departure from the European Union on March 29, the market will not grind to a halt, adds Alex Lyle of Marsh and Parsons (marshandparsons.co.uk). This year’s buyers will be long-term investors, along with those whose circumstances necessitate a move. ‘They are serious and committed: first time buyers, families looking below the £1.5m mark, and those looking to buy for their children will lead the way,’ he says. In areas with strong local markets and good housing stock such as Notting Hill and Clapham, prices are holding up. According to
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Brendan Roberts of Aylesford International, ‘it is business as usual for the houses on communal gardens made famous by the film Notting Hill.’ In other areas, however, prices have fallen leaving some enticing Brexit bargains. Fulham, for example, has seen some of the most dramatic price falls in the capital, with values down 25 per cent in some cases. ‘Prices have dropped below £1,000/sqft and £500k is now a realistic budget for a well-located one bedroom flat, particularly as stamp duty has been abolished up to this amount,’ says property finder Ashley Wilsdon of Middleton Advisors (middletonadvisors.com). A more feasible option, then, for first-time buyers and those purchasing for their offspring. ‘Prime central London is now starting to look like a good buy again,’ confirms Tim Hassell of Draker (draker.co.uk). ‘Prices are falling yet interest rates remain low.’ Is it wise to invest amid such uncertainty? Yes, says Hassell, as long as you stay as prime as possible. He recommends Battersea (particularly Nine Elms) and the newbuild Chelsea boasts attractive prices developments along the river for second-time buyers in Fulham and Putney. ‘For a Brexit bargain, I’ve also got my eye on Earl’s Court and Fulham,’ he adds. Chelsea is another area to have seen price drops, making it attractive to sellers looking to trade up from flats – a section of the market that would have been forced over the river or further down the King’s Road to Fulham. ‘Any drop in value is magnified in cash terms for the more expensive property, making it more affordable,’ explains Robert Green of John D Wood in Chelsea (johndwood.co.uk). Of course, even if the market keeps ticking post-Brexit, there is a chance prices will drop further. ‘As always in a difficult market, the tried and tested areas are “safest” – Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Chelsea, South Kensington and Notting Hill,’ says buying agent Nathalie Hirst (nathaliehirst.com). The only certainty, according to Robert Green, is that once Brexit matters are finally settled, confidence will return to the market. This, he says, is the carrot enticing investors from America, China and Britain back to prime central London, adding ‘I doubt we will see significant price increases in 2019 but the market has caught us out before’.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Anna Tyzack predicts the future of the property market, post-Brexit
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Boardmasters festival is by the beach in Cornwall
FESTIVALS FOR FIRST-TIMERS estivals are now a highlight of the summer for many teenagers. Whether it’s Reading and Leeds, Bestival or Houghton, post-exams and pre-results most teens are counting down the days until they can cut loose for a frenzied weekend of music and fun. Festivals go in and out of fashion and schools tend to have their favourites; for Benenden, it’s often Reading and St Mary’s Calne girls swear by Boardmasters in Cornwall. Their school’s-out celebration is an ingenious halfway-house for parents looking for a gentler, first time festival. The coastal location promises no mud and is a much less messy, although no less tiring, affair. As well as the usual live music line-up, there are various surfing and skateboarding competitions or, if they fancy a change in tempo, hot tubs in which to sip a glass of fizz on the beach as the summer sun sets. An enticing option for school leavers is Houghton Hall in Norfolk. It’s built up quite a reputation since opening in 2017 and is renowned for spontaneous back-to-back sets and its 24-hour licence; the music
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never stops so be prepared for the sleep deprivation (pack ear plugs). In fact, out of the household names, apart from Boardmasters, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, where the cut-off is 16, most other festivals require attendees to be over 18 (or accompanied by someone who is), and if your teen isn’t old enough, they’ll be pinching an ID from an older sibling or, failing that, sourcing one elsewhere. That is if you’re not up for going along with them. Can’t face the all-nighter in store for you at Houghton? Try Boomtown in Hampshire. A giant playground for all generations, it’s a city in its own right with four separate ‘districts’, including Kidztown, self-dubbed ‘a melting pot of music and theatre, mischief and mayhem’. Each section is home to a set of whacky characters, offering the most immersive family festival experience out there. Better known is Camp Bestival – Bestival’s little sister – which won Best New Festival in 2008 at the UK Festival Awards and has since won Best Family Festival five times, most recently in 2017. Set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset its line-up is as impressive as any other, in
PHOTO: MICHELLE ROBERTS, ANDREW WHITTON & GETTY IMAGES
Jenny Rowe advises parents which gigs are best for beginners
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FESTIVALS | PARENTS
PHOTO: MICHELLE ROBERTS, ANDREW WHITTON & GETTY IMAGES
the past starring Florence and the Machine, Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding. Plus, when everyone’s tired of throwing shapes, there’s an eclectic array of activities to choose from, whether it’s science, Bollywood or an inflatable church that you’re after. Bigger isn’t always better, though. Another serial award-winner for its relaxed and friendly vibe is Beautiful Days in Devon, with a capacity of just 17,500. For somewhere even greener, in both senses of the word, you’ll have to travel to the other side of the country to The Eden Festival in Dumfries and Galloway. The organisers plant trees to offset its carbon footprint, which is calculated annually according to the number of vehicles that transport its guests up to Scotland. While there, the whole family will be encouraged to roll up their sleeves and save the planet. It’s not all about environmental education though – far from it. The kids’ arena, circus tent, comedy and cabaret will provide enough entertainment to last a lifetime, never mind a day or two. If your child is desperate to spread their wings and go solo, you might be tempted to stall ‘until next year’ – not easy with persistent teenagers. The fact that ‘everyone else is going’, is a persuasive but unrealistic argument. ‘Everyone’ may actually mean ‘one special person’ and parents do well to use their class reps to sound out the truth. Watch out for
the love-drunk teen who wants to go to Reading just because a particular group of boys from Eton are, or is keen on Glastonbury because the girl of his dreams has a spare ticket, as it may all end in tears (and a midnight rescue mission for the parents – it’s not the time to book a spa retreat). A day ticket is a good place to start. This avoids a lot of the worry on your part as well as the wildest parties, which often happen back at camp. I know I was glad to make it back to my quiet, comfortable bed instead of sleeping rough after my first taste of V Festival. This means most teens have turned 17 by the time you and your close circle of parental confidantes have agreed (read: resigned) to let them camp out. Ultimately, you know your child and will be the best judge of when they’re responsible (enough) and ready for it. Plus, once they’ve fledged, you can go anyway but with friends who actually share your music taste. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all festival, and a great way to ensure a sure-footed first foray is to try it out as a family when they’re younger before letting them progress to a day ticket and only then, if they’re still keen, the much-wished-for weekender. The novelties may be fewer by the time they’re raving in their teens but as a result so will their mistakes, and their memories all the better for it.
Festivalgoers at Reading
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Happy campers at Reading festival; yoga in Zennor Haven at Boardmasters festival; Glastonbury festival in Somerset
ROOKIE ERRORS Tips for a good time
A designated emergency meeting point is standard protocol. Organise one and stick to it. Glastonbury, for example, has 200,000 daily visitors to its 900-acre site and getting lost is scary. Keep your mobile on standby for a distressed call when they fall out with their friends or the tent floods – it happens.
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BACK-UP BATTERIES
Keeping in contact can be tricky. Have at least two of their friends’ numbers for emergencies as smartphones run out of juice fast. Battery packs are a prerequisite but, even better, use your trusty Nokia. Lost or stolen? Not a problem, plus its battery will last far longer.
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PITCH PERFECT
Get the right sized tent or size up. A one-man is too cosy for two. Mark it with something distinctive. 99 per cent of tents look exactly the same and tend to be blue or green; late night beer goggles
will confuse your search further. Go floral, fluorescent or erect a small flag. Don’t expect your tent back and don’t take accessories; no luxurious bedding or camp chairs as these will likely be stolen. A sleeping bag is sufficient. Do choose a spot far from the loos. Camping at the bottom of the hill is never a good idea and when the toilets are at the top and the men’s urinals overflow? Enough said.
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UPGRADE
If this sounds grim, most festivals – from Houghton to Camp Bestival – now offer a luxury camping option, which is more comfortable and less stressful. Try a teepee for two or a yurt for the whole family. Whoopi Wagons, gypsy wagons built on caravan chassis, are great fun and the way forward for nervous parents.
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STAY SAFE
Under 18s should not be bringing alcohol in at all, and even those legally allowed have to find ways of avoiding glass containers – a standard safety measure now in practice. There are also limits on how much can be brought in from the
outside. At Gottwood the personal allowance is eight beers or ciders or two bottles of wine. Be warned: teens are good at subterfuge. Decanting your favourite single-malt whisky, craft gin or cask-aged rum into empty water or mouthwash bottles and topping them back up with water is a common tactic – like you wouldn’t notice! Just remember that it’s not all or nothing and banning drinking completely tends to have the opposite result.
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REALITY CHECK
Teeth-cleaning with that whisky-filled mouthwash is unrealistic. Pack lots of gum. Showers are cold and gross, with ridiculous queues, so they won’t wash either. Send them equipped with wet wipes, hand sanitiser and tell them to hover.
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MORE IS MORE
Raincoats are far more effective than thin plastic ponchos bought on-site at the last minute and wellies are a must. Long socks aren’t just a fashion accessory – the shin rub is real. Converse trainers will never be white again if fashion is prioritised
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BE ON STANDBY
FESTIVALS | PARENTS
SUMMER LOVIN’ The ones to watch THE EDEN FESTIVAL Dumfries & Galloway 6-9 JUNE
An early summer extravaganza of colour, music, dance and community, based on ecologically sound and carbon-friendly principles. Thirteen varied stages including small indoor theatres, a drive-in cinema and a comfortable lounge complete with sofas to snuggle in makes this a more intimate experience. edenfestival.co.uk
2000TREES, Gloucestershire 11-13 JULY
A small music festival for music buffs with green credentials. Even the ciders, ales and lagers are locally sourced. Their pricing scheme encourages families; under 13s go free. twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
LARMER TREE, Wiltshire 18-21 JULY
over function and the same goes for hot pants, as they can make a girl feel vulnerable. Embrace UV paint, floral garlands, Hawaiian shirts and sequins – it’s your chance!
PHOTO: JEN O’NEILL, ANDREW ALLCOCK, DARINA & GETTY IMAGES
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FUEL UP
For one weekend only, their diet will also take a hit; chips, chips and more chips. There’s something about that hot, salty smell that hungover teens just cannot say no to. Sneak in some apples – they will be appreciated. Also, small cartons of fruit juice and a five litre water bottle, please.
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GO WITH THE FLOW
Festivals and crowds go together like chips and ketchup. Clashfinder.com can help add some method to the madness, as it flags up acts that overlap, but it’s best to be spontaneous – you might discover something special.
Larmer Tree festival is a favourite, not least for winning the high accolade of Best Toilets at the UK Festival Awards. Book the ultimate five-star camping experience in one of their Airstreams, which come with a fully-equipped kitchen, their famous bathrooms, fluffy towels, heating, aircon, hi-fi with surround sound, iPod, USB and MP3 connectors. larmertreefestival.co.uk
CAMP BESTIVAL, Dorset 25-28 JULY
At a castle campsite by the sea, this is the festival where kids are king and activities are suited for all ages, from two to 200. campbestival.net
GLASTONBURY, Somerset 26–30 JUNE
A pilgrimage for any serious festivalgoer, Glastonbury promises its usual mix of massive acts this year, ranging from Stormzy on Friday night to Kylie on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are now sold out (they were all gone within hours) but the lucky ones must look out for the many unplanned secret gigs. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL, Belladrum, Black Isle, Scotland 1-3 AUGUST
They have a loyal following for a reason, showcasing a variety of local and international artists. This year they’ve gone big with a stellar lineup including Jess Glynne, Chvurches and Tom Odell. Club Clan Bella, the VIP area, holds a treasure trove of extras worth your money. tartanheartfestival.co.uk
BOOMTOWN FAIR, Hampshire 7–12 AUGUST
This year’s theme, A Radical City, will run alongside their annual respect campaign;
Boomtown prides itself on being inclusive and provides a safe space for freedom of expression. Reserve your accommodation during the booking process for a seamless set-up. boomtownfair.co.uk
BOARDMASTERS, Cornwall 7–11 AUGUST
Sporty beach babes and boys will find their summer paradise at Boardmasters. Something in the sea air lends this location a more laid-back vibe, so you might fancy a visit to Zennor Haven, a world of wellness complete with an extensive yoga offering and private bell tents offering massages, bodywork, reflexology and holistic facials. boardmasters.com
HOUGHTON, Norfolk 8-11 AUGUST
This is Houghton’s third year on the circuit and its relative youth attracts a crowd. Located within a dense woodland beside a lake, it’s atmospheric and always draws the cream of the crop of electronic music names – if that’s your thing. houghtonfestival.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL DAYS, Devon 16-18 AUGUST
This festival is continually shortlisted as the Best Family Festival for its laid-back ambience. The children’s area is coordinated by the Majical Youth Theatre and includes more than 30 different crafts activities to get to grips with, such as bushcraft. beautifuldays.org
RIZE FESTIVAL, Chelmsford MID-AUGUST
New on the block and a rehash of V Festival, rIZE is starting small with two days of eclectic tunes, promising to channel all the energy of its predecessor, which had become a firm teen favourite. rizefestival.co.uk
SHAMBALA, Northamptonshire 22–25 AUGUST
A very family-friendly festival with an air of magic due to its secret country estate location. With lockers for valuables and a Lost Kids Team at hand 24 hours a day, it’s also one of the safer options. shambalafestival.org
READING AND LEEDS 23–25 AUGUST
A young crowd will pack into dark tents and stay out late for top pop acts. Your child will one day expect to be allowed here, so prepare them well. Anyone under 16 is not advised to get a ticket but, on the bright side, this year they’ve teamed up with Charge Candy to keep phones charged up until Sunday night’s headline act. readingandleedsfestival.com n
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St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith
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SCHOOL MEMORIES | PARENTS
RACHEL’S WORLD
Rachel Kelly, author and mental health campaigner, remembers her days as a diminutive Paulina Saturday and then started homework at lunchtime and ’m small. Five foot two (and a half on a good day). worked through until Sunday night. There was no way I could And I was even smaller when in September 1976 get through the volume of homework otherwise (three or four I walked through the doors of St Paul’s Girls’ preps a night). Reading history at Magdalen College, Oxford School in Hammersmith, west London. Like Alice afterwards was a doddle by comparison. in Wonderland, all I could think was how big and I was artful about the teachers. Most were outstanding, but grown-up everything was, from the other girls it was a mixed bag. My history who looked as if they could be teacher Dr Susan Doran was married with three children, brilliant. She had a Cleopatrato the doughty school buildings style hairstyle, and would sit with which presided over leafy Brook a large lever arch file on her desk, Green in endless chunks of with beautifully organised notes redbrick and creamy white granite. and every detail of the lesson Actually, we didn’t enter through planned. By contrast another the main wood-panelled entrance member of the history department which was reserved for dignitaries was drunk in class, with papers and for when we were unwell and flailing everywhere and no going home. Instead, we girls took a structure to her lessons. right at the gate, then down a slope There was a student and came in via the basement which magazine called Paulina, but smelt of TCP and boiled vegetables: I never contributed as the school food was unappetising and standard of journalism was I survived on prawn cocktail crisps dauntingly high. Nor was I part and milk at break. (In later, more of an orchestra (ditto) or much confident years I whizzed down of a sportswoman (third netball on my bicycle – not allowed – as team on a good day while other the bike sheds were at the back girls were county players). But of the building). I did play Adelaide in Guys and But on that first day whizzing Dolls and briefly ran the debating anywhere was the last thing of society and the croquet team, my mind. I was sick – literally – chiefly as that meant joint with nerves. Despite the school’s events with St Paul’s Boys. reputation as an academic And I was good at gym: my powerhouse, my fears were size meant I could somersault not about the work but about Rachel Kelly with ease. My proudest moment how to manage my social life. came at the end of the first Who would sit next to me? year when, in a slightly dodgy Would I find a best friend in time? ‘How I longed for an old-fashioned ceremony, I was given a ‘white Every lesson required a dreaded individual desk to escape the “bagsy girdle’. The High Mistress partner. One in netball to practise sit here with so-and-so”’ Heather Brigstocke would tie throwing balls. One in chemistry a woollen cream sash around the to do experiments. Even the arts waists of the chosen girls on stage subjects sometimes required a in the great hall as we stood in soulmate as some classrooms our turquoise gym slips in a sacrificial line. had new modern tables which seated two; incongruous amid all At least there was one advantage to being the Victorian wood-panelling. How I longed for an old-fashioned such a tiny Paulina. individual desk to escape the ‘bagsy sit here with so-and-so’. As I progressed up the school, the social pressure to have a best Rachel Kelly’s latest book is Singing friend eased. My focus switched to work. And boy did we work! Oddly, in the Rain: 52 Practical Steps to Happiness. my memory is less about working at school but more about working Short Books, £12.99; rachel-kelly.net or when we got home, with non-stop homework Monday to Thursday. I twitter.com/rachelkellynet usually took Friday night off, went shopping on Portobello Road on
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LONDON SCHOOLS NURSERY | PREPA R ATORY | SENIOR
Dulwich College, London
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Bassett House School
Teaching children to fly
ADDRESS: 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP WEBSITE: www.bassetths.org.uk FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 190+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,950 - £6,150 per term HEADMISTRESS: Mrs Philippa Cawthorne MA (Soton) PGCE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment. CONTACT: Thalia Demetriades, Registrar, 020 8969 0313 EMAIL: registrar@bassetths.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 1 March, 11 May and 4 October 2019.
Open days: 1 March 2019
11 May 2019
To book in, please call the school office. Founded in 1947, Bassett House in Notting Hill is a proudly non-selective, co-educational prep school for 3 – 11 year olds. We believe every child can learn to fly. Individual attention combined with our exciting curricular and extra-curricular activities encourage children to think fearlessly and creatively, producing excellent academic results. In the words of Mrs Philippa Cawthorne, our headmistress: ‘The spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils has to be seen to be believed.’ To arrange a visit, please call our registrar, Mrs Thalia Demetriades, on 020 8969 0313 or email registrar@bassetths.org.uk.
Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road London W10 6JP 020 8969 0313 bassetths.org.uk
GAMES & THE ARTS: There are specialist PE teachers and extensive facilities for sport including the school’s own gym and Kensington Memorial Park, within easy walking distance of the school. Art and music are taught to a very high standard by specialist teachers and the children are able to develop their skills in a variety of different artistic media and develop a passion for music and performance. Children enjoy singing or playing their instruments in concerts and drama productions which are held regularly on a purpose-built stage and in September 2019, a new performance studio will open. The school is equipped with the latest technology, including laptops and iPads, which are used regularly in class and during computing lessons with a specialist teacher. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School (for boys), City of London School for Girls, Notting Hill and Ealing, Francis Holland Regent’s Park, Francis Holland Sloane Square, Queen’s College, Queen’s Gate, The Harrodian, Kew House, St Mary’s Ascot, Wycombe Abbey and Woldingham. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Latymer Upper, Emanuel School, Francis Holland, Queen’s College, City of London School for Girls and North Bridge House. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Each child’s formative years are crucial for academic success; children should enjoy school and be able to develop skills in many different areas. Bassett House is characterised by its warm and nurturing atmosphere, in which every child feels secure and is challenged to build a firm educational foundation. Every child is encouraged to be inquisitive about the world and to develop a life-long love for learning. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Our pupils: cheerful and confident learners, who enjoy the opportunity to excel in whichever areas they show promise. Treated with warmth, friendship and respect. – Highly professional and committed staff. Excellent staff-to-pupil ratio, backed up by specialist teachers. Special needs spotted quickly and addressed. Low staff turnover. – First class facilities, very well equipped with top digital technology to support the curriculum where needed.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Orchard House School
Prospect House School
ADDRESS: 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB WEBSITE: www.orchardhs.org.uk FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 290+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,950 - £6,150 per term HEADMISTRESS: Mrs M V Edwards BEd (Bedford) CertEd (Man) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment. CONTACT: Diana Goodeve-Docker, Registrar, 020 8742 8544, registrar@orchardhs.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 16 March, 8 May and 10 October 2019.
ADDRESS: 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT WEBSITE: www.prospecths.org.uk FOUNDED: 1964 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 300+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,840 - £5,920 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Michael Hodge BPrimEd (Rhodes) QTS RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment. CONTACT: Emily Porter, Registrar, 020 8246 4897, registrar@prospecths.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 28 February, 9 May and 5 October 2019. Tours by arrangement.
Tours by arrangement.
GAMES & THE ARTS: As well as its own artificial grass and tarmac play areas, Orchard House has the use of the nearby Chiswick Back Common and Rocks Lane astro turf. Children are also taken weekly to Acton New Pools and to Brentford Leisure Centre. The school is well equipped with laptops and the latest technology. It also has its own dedicated art teacher and is able to fire ceramics. The music department is led by the director of music and concerts are held regularly in St Michael and All Angels Church. Drama productions are staged regularly at venues such as Chiswick Town Hall. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School, Notting Hill and Ealing, Francis Holland, Hampton, St Paul’s Girls, Downe House, Emanuel School, Ibstock Place, Kew House, KCS Wimbledon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Putney High, Queen’s Gate, City of London School for Girls, St Paul’s and The Harrodian. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Francis Holland, Hampton, More House, KCS Wimbledon, Notting Hill & Ealing, St Benedict’s, St Mary’s Calne, Wycombe Abbey, City of London Boys, Hampton, KCS, Latymer Upper, Notting Hill and Ealing, Putney High, Francis Holland, Bedales, Heathfield, Haberdashers Monmouth, Downe House, Lady Eleanor Holles and Emanuel. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The children are loved first and taught second. We believe learning should be exciting and fun, and that children should positively want to come to Orchard House each day. The professional and committed staff respond to each child’s needs rather than being a hostage to league tables: nevertheless our approach leads to very strong academic results. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Bright, naturally lit and well equipped classrooms. State-of-the-art ICT resources and specialist ICT staff. - Friendly, homely atmosphere; attention to/respect for each child. - Very committed teachers – low turnover of staff; many specialist teachers and high academic standards. - Special needs identified early and appropriate remedial programmes arranged quickly. - Home-cooked lunches of top quality.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Prospect House has a large private area of artificial grass, allowing for hockey and many other games on an all-weather surface. The children also use the facilities at Dover House Road playing fields. There are two specialist PE/games teachers. Art is taught by a specialist teacher, as is computing. Music is very strong at the school; there is a director of music and a large number of specialist music teachers to teach individual instruments. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Dulwich College, Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School, Hampton, St Paul’s Girls, Benenden, Emanuel, Epsom College, Francis Holland, The Harrodian, Ibstock Place, Kew House, King’s College, Kingston Grammar, Lady Eleanor Holles, Notre Dame, Putney High, St John’s, Surbiton High, Radnor House, Reed’s School, Tiffin’s, Westminster Under School, Wimbledon High, Epsom, Whitgift, Benenden, Heathfield, City of London School for Girls, St Paul’s Girls and Woldingham. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: City of London Freemen’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel School, Epsom College, Lady Eleanor Holles, Hampton School, King’s College, Kingston Grammar, Latymer Upper School, Reed’s, Surbiton High, Sutton High, St John’s, Wimbledon High, Putney High School, Reigate Grammar, Hampton and Whitgift. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Prospect House is a school where each individual child thrives. Our approach to education is one where the children are supported, challenged and cared for. An underlying theme throughout the school is that our pupils are confident; confident to perform, to speak to adults and to share their opinions. We all remember that special teacher who inspires, who cares and who goes the extra mile. At Prospect House, we each aim to be that teacher. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - High staff-to-pupil ratio which allows for a personalised approach and high academic standards - Well resourced with excellent computing facilities used extensively to enrich and extend learning - Specialist staff teaching from nursery age upwards.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Cumnor House School for Boys
Cumnor House School for Girls
ADDRESS: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com FOUNDED: 1934 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 450 AGES: 2 - 13 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Daniel Cummings FEES: £3,715 - £4,460 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-faith ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for all applications CONTACT: Admissions Team EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Pre-arranged private tours available daily at nursery and main school. Open Mornings are advertised on the website.
ADDRESS: 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley CR8 3HB WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com FOUNDED: 2010 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150 AGES: 2 -11 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Amanda McShane FEES: £3,715 - £4,460 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-faith ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for all applications CONTACT: Admissions Team EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Pre-arranged private tours available daily. Open Mornings are advertised on the website.
THE CURRICULUM: An exciting and creative curriculum that prepares pupils for the 13+ assessment. Our curriculum is aimed at promoting independence and recognising the all-round ability of our pupils. Our curriculum begins in our nurseries and continues throughout the children’s time at the school. With a personalised learning approach, each child is given the challenges and opportunities they need to reach their potential.
THE CURRICULUM: An exciting and creative curriculum aimed at promoting independence, recognising the all-round ability of our pupils. A personalised learning approach, gives children challenges and opportunities needed to reach their potential.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We are proud of our dedicated sports staff and wonderful sporting facilities. Pupils can tour overseas to play sport in diverse locations, such as Dubai, South Africa and the West Indies, giving our boys the opportunities to explore new cultures and life outside the classroom. All boys in Year 3 receive a one on one music lesson on a variety of instruments. Our choirs and ensembles have all experienced formal and informal concerts including a yearly choir tour.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Facilities include large playing field, sports hall and MUGA with opportunity to participate in many sports. Our Music, Drama and Arts departments, give pupils opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and performance skills with annual drama productions, concerts and art exhibitions.
PASTORAL CARE: We encourage a genuine love for learning and development of a sense of curiosity, open-mindedness, perseverance, objectivity, reflection and critical thinking. This thirst for growth and knowledge stays with them; our boys enter each stage of their lives best prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Timeless values and good manners remain at the forefront: ‘The Cumnor Way’ is a list of guidelines that each of our children is expected to adopt and follow.
PASTORAL CARE: We are a small school with a caring and family ethos. We pride ourselves on encouraging a genuine love for learning. We support children in their development of a sense of curiosity, perseverance, reflection and critical thinking. These qualities enable girls to enter each stage of their lives best prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Timeless values and good manners pervade the atmosphere at Cumnor.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Outstanding senior scholarship record for 2018. Children follow on to a variety of schools including, Worth, Whitgift, Reigate Grammar, Epsom, Trinity, Harrow, Tonbridge.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 16 scholarships earned in 2018 from independent and grammar schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We also subscribe to important timeless values such as good manners, courtesy, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of duty and responsibility within the community. I want the boys to move away from their comfort zone and take risks, for when they do the results can be spectacular. I also want them to really enjoy their time at prep school, before the extreme pressures they may encounter in their senior schools and beyond. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • ‘The Cumnor Way’ philosophy • Senior school scholarship records • Pupils achieving well above all levels of attainment in English and Mathematics • Specialist sports and music departments • The uniform!
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We provide an enriching and fulfilling education, talent and potential are nurtured and successes celebrated. We have high expectations of our girls and set high standards to enable the girls to achieve success both in and out of the classroom Girls develop skills to achieve and a love of learning. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • ‘The Cumnor Way’ philosophy • Happy, confident and independent learners • Pupils achieve well above all levels of attainment in English and Mathematics • Outstanding opportunities in Sports, Music and Drama • The uniform!
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Broomwood Hall
Northcote Lodge
ADDRESS: Lower: 3 Garrad’s Road, 192 Ramsden Road & 50 Nightingale Lane. Upper: 68-74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR WEBSITE: www.northwoodschools.com FOUNDED: 1984 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Lower School (Co-ed Pre-Prep), 400; Upper School (Girls Prep), 240 AGES: Lower School 4-8, Upper School 8-13 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Carole Jenkinson FEES: Pre-prep: £5,375, Prep: £6,595 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. But all faiths are welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Lower School: catchment area, visit and random ballot. Upper School: automatic entry for girls from Lower School, external by assessment. CONTACT: Susannah Lloyd, Registrar, 020 8682 8830 EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com SCHOOL VISITS: Northwood Schools all sites open event – Friday 11 October 2019.
ADDRESS: 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL WEBSITE: www.northwoodschools.com FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 260 AGES: 8-13 FEES: £6,595. Fees are inclusive of all tuition, lunch, school day trips and most school books & equipment HEAD TEACHER: Clive Smith-Langridge RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian but all faiths are welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry for boys from Broomwood Hall Lower School if they joined in Reception or Year 1. Preferential entry for younger siblings of Northcote Lodge or Broomwood Hall pupils (subject to assessment). External candidates – assessment in Year 3 (prior to entry in Year 4) CONTACT: Susannah Lloyd, Registrar, 020 8682 8830 EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com SCHOOL VISITS: Northwood Schools all sites open event – Friday 11 October 2019.
THE CURRICULUM: A broad and stimulating curriculum, with technology used at every level, fosters a love of learning, bolsters self-confidence, creativity and critical thinking, helping children to maximise their potential. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the arts are an important part of our curriculum and we offer a surprisingly wide variety. We place great value on creativity with exceptionally strong music, art and drama departments. PASTORAL CARE: We know that happy children thrive academically. With small class sizes, an excellent tutor system and mindfulness and wellbeing programmes in the curriculum, we pride ourselves on nurturing the whole child and developing their strengths so that when they leave us at eight, 11 or 13, they are confident, happy, well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of purpose. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: 8+ BH Upper School and Northcote Lodge; 11 & 13+ Benenden, Emanuel, Marlborough, Bradfield, JAGS, Streatham & Clapham High, Woldingham and Wellington. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 25 per cent of leavers win awards. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We prepare for life, not just the next school. Our focus is on the essential building blocks of creativity, critical thinking, resilience and confidence – all the benefits of a holistic education where everything is important and each child is supported and enabled to be and do their best. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Friendly, family-feel school – Winning combination of traditional values and innovative teaching – Firm believers in nurturing individual strengths to enable each child to shine – Fostering a love of learning and happy, confident children – The only girls’ prep school preparing for 11+ & 13+ in SW London – Recently awarded prestigious Gold Artsmark Award
THE CURRICULUM: Boys thrive in our ‘country prep school’ environment which nurtures and develops individual strengths whilst preparing them for entry to top public schools – both day and boarding – at 13+. GAMES & THE ARTS: All boys play matches in the major sports and our teams are very competitive even against much bigger schools. A wide-ranging clubs programme includes karate, golf and shooting. Boys also have many opportunities to perform their music and drama. PASTORAL CARE: Our tutor system ensures that each boy has someone looking out for him over and above the care he receives from every staff member. The small size and relaxed, country-feel of the school enables staff and boys to get to know each other well. Parent partnership is actively encouraged and the Headmaster’s door is always open. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Mix of London day and boarding including Bradfield, Harrow, Marlborough, Dulwich, Whitgift, Emanuel, Eton, Tonbridge and Charterhouse. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Strong showing in all areas including academic, music, DT, drama. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I believe in educating the whole child: academic rigour, a focus on traditional manners, outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, holistic pastoral care and most importantly, running a school that allows the boys to be happy. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Northcote Lodge is a country prep school right in the heart of South West London – giving boys the advantages of a relaxed, nurturing learning environment without having to leave town.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Chepstow House School
ADDRESS: 108A Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QS WEBSITE: www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 2010 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 384 AGES: 2 – 13 years FEES: £6,885 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Angela Barr RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for 7, 8 &11+ entry CONTACT: Linda Farrow, School Administrator, 0207 243 0243 EMAIL: info@chepstowhouseschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Tours available on request. THE CURRICULUM: A rigorous curriculum prepares children for 11+ and the 13+ Common Entrance. However, we encourage boys and girls to strive in all areas through providing a broad and balanced learning experience. GAMES & THE ARTS: Music recitals, whole school productions and art specialist weeks are highlights throughout the key stages. PE lessons enhance physical skills and knowledge of the sports the children play and a strong emphasis is placed on competitive sporting activities through weekly fixtures. PASTORAL CARE: Staff encourage pupils to apply themselves diligently to tasks and develop positive attitudes both in their work and in their personal relationships. The house system creates a strong community within the school and the extremely successful links with both local and international charities promotes a sense of wider social interaction and responsibility. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Children follow on to a variety of schools including St Paul’s, City of London, The Harrodian and Wetherby. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Chepstow House is a happy and purposeful family environment, where every member of the school community is important and all are valued as individuals, We aim to discover the best in every child and challenge them to go beyond their expectations. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – The highly nurturing and welcoming ethos and environment – By the end of Year 3, the majority of pupils achieve well above expected levels of attainment in reading, writing, speaking and mathematics. – ‘They develop excellent creative and aesthetic skills in art, drama, music and cookery. Their physical development is excellent’ (most recent Ofsted report)
Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School
ADDRESS: Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX WEBSITE: www.cbppschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1915 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 210 AGES: Boys 3–7, Girls 3–11 FEES: £4,600 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sally Daniell RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Registration and ballot. CONTACT: 020 8994 1804 EMAIL: info@cbppschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: The head teacher will show around prospective parents by appointment. Please call the school office to arrange. THE CURRICULUM: Broad, balanced and exciting education. Enriching and challenging activities encourage independent thinkers. Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approaches provide for all learning styles. Educational outings, workshops and visiting speakers make learning meaningful and fun. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports include netball, football, hockey, rounders, tennis, cricket, dance, gymnastics, swimming. Outstanding drama, dynamic art and vibrant music departments. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: London day schools including Godolphin & Latymer School, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Latymer Upper School, Latymer Prep School, Notting Hill & Ealing High School, St Paul’s Girls’ School, St Paul’s Juniors, The Falcons School for Boys and Westminster Under School. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We win academic and music scholarships to a range of schools. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Enthusiastic and dedicated teachers motivate and inspire pupils, fostering within them a love of learning. Pupils build personal qualities of confidence, self-reliance and respect for others, in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - ‘An exciting curriculum provides memorable learning experiences for all pupils. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very effectively.’ - Ofsted September 2017 - ‘Pupils’ personal development and welfare are outstanding. They leave the school well prepared for the next stages of their education.’ - Ofsted September 2017
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Dolphin School (Inc Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools)
ADDRESS: 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW WEBSITE: www.dolphinschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1986 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 304 boys and girls AGES: 2½–11 FEES: Nursery £1,890 per term; Reception, Years 1 and 2 £4,090 per term; Years 3–6 £4,495 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Nicola Baldwin RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Reception class, early registration recommended; Year 1–6, assessment day and past school reports. CONTACT: Mrs Vivienne Benson, 020 7924 3472 EMAIL: admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Thursday mornings by appointment. THE CURRICULUM: Our small class sizes enable us to get to know your child extremely well so that we can not only set specific individualised academic targets, but also discover how he or she learns best. We give priority to English and maths and add hands-on science, colourful geography, history (with outings to the real thing) and whole-school Spanish. GAMES & THE ARTS: We train pupils in the arts with fantastic specialist teaching and a plethora of performing and exhibiting opportunities. We also coach children in a wide range of sports through dynamic teaching and a superb fixture list. PASTORAL CARE: We are committed to giving both time and care to grow your child’s character on his or her journey from reception to Year 6. Our Christian ethos leads us to believe that personal growth ultimately matters more than lists of achievements. So while we are thrilled by children’s awards and accolades, we are even more excited about who they are. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Alleyn’s, City of London Boys, City of London Girls, Downe House, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Francis Holland, Hall School Wimbledon, Ibstock Place School, JAGS, Lady Margaret School, Putney High School, Royal Russell School, Streatham & Clapham High, Thames Christian College, Sydenham High School & Croydon High School. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: If we want children to be the best they can be, academically, artistically, in sport or as people, we must start by valuing them for who they are. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –The combination of nurture and dynamism. –The passionate commitment of the staff. –A fantastic all-round education. –One of the Sunday Times’ top 50 prep schools.
Durston House
ADDRESS: 12 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London W5 2DR WEBSITE: www.durstonhouse.org FOUNDED: 1886 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 390 boys AGES: 4–13 FEES: £4160–£5060 per term HEAD TEACHER: Ian Kendrick RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Inter-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective at Reception. Entry to Y1-8 by assessment. CONTACT: Mrs C Ferns, registrar, 020 8991 6532 EMAIL: info@durstonhouse.org SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the registrar to arrange a tour or attend one of our Open Days. THE CURRICULUM: Our broad, profound education encompasses the best of the National Curriculum, as well as the requirements of the entry examinations to successful, independent Senior Schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the arts are a vital part of the education of any well-rounded boy, and here at Durston these are promoted enthusiastically. PASTORAL CARE: To Durston, the term Pastoral Care is all-embracing; it is the complete care of a boy, in his whole education and the development of his character. From the ISI Inspection Report 2015: ‘The social development of the pupils is an outstanding feature of the school.’ SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Day Schools: St Paul’s, Merchant Taylors’, St Benedict’s, Hampton School, John Lyon School, City of London, Mill Hill, Kings College, St James’s, Emanuel, Westminster. Boarding Schools: Harrow, Charterhouse, Tonbridge, Cranbrook, Eton, Radley, Stowe, Wellington. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Since 2013: Merchant Taylors (10), St Paul’s (8), John Lyon (7), Hampton (2), Mill Hill (2) and Kingswood (1). HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A boy’s education here is shaped by the development of his character, his curiosity to learn and discover more, and his expanding capability. These three concepts, Character, Curiosity and Capability are the cornerstones of his success at Durston House and his success in life. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A Durston education seeks to help the pupils to develop into Renaissance Men. We want to encourage Durston boys to be curious, to become ‘thinkers’ and ‘problem solvers’ in the broadest sense, with an open, positive outlook on the world.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep
ADDRESS: 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 1898 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 240 AGES: 3-8 FEES: £5,950 per term HEAD TEACHER: Huw May RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4, older children may be subject to assessment. CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is designed to offer our boys a breadth of experience and prepare them to the highest academic standards through their individual learning plan. In 2018, some 40% of 7+ and 8+ pupils received offers to Westminster and St Paul’s, amongst other fine schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the Arts are central to our philosophy. A combination of onsite PE lessons and offsite games and swimming sessions enable our boys to develop key sports skills. Our wide range of performance opportunities enables boys to share their talents with the community. Drama and music are very popular here. PASTORAL CARE: Our buddy system helps to integrate the newest boys into the school right from the beginning. Our House system provides another layer of support and guidance. Team work is encouraged, along with a healthy competitive spirit. The form teacher is the key person who ensures the boys are supported in their emotional development. Parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their son from the classroom where they can have a nice moment with the teacher chatting about how the day has gone.
Eaton House Belgravia Prep
ADDRESS: 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2017 AGES: 8 - 13 FEES: £6,900 per term HEAD TEACHER: Huw May RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective for internal candidates, 8+ for external. CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions. THE CURRICULUM: Eaton House Belgravia takes on the baton from Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep, which prepares boys for 7+ and 8+ examinations. The Prep takes boys at age 8 and prepares them for the 11+ examination. As an ambitious and aspirational school we want to empower all our boys to reach their next destination successfully. Boys will make remarkable progress in their three years here and they will achieve their top senior school of choice. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at school, whether representing the school or their House, or simply learning to be part of a team. Nearly three-quarters of our boys will learn to play a musical instrument and all the boys also have lessons in our new Art Room. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is intrinsic in all we do, the fundamental cornerstone of Eaton House Belgravia Prep. Our Form Tutors and wellestablished House system provide the overarching structure for our pastoral care, but it is the attention to detail from the staff that ensures that our care is outstanding. Every boy matters and is noticed.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2018) says that Mr May is ‘Ambitious for his school, shows vision and is full of enthusiasm for developing each boy’s all-round potential.’ He asks that boys are ‘intelligent, articulate, self-aware, kind and considerate and that they look after each other.’ He wants them to ‘enjoy the personal learning plan that they have developed with their teacher and to work and play hard.’ Above all, he wants ‘Eaton House boys to be distinguishable for the strength of their moral character and to want to make a difference in the world.’
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage boys to try everything, be aware of the world around them, have an opinion, listen to others, adapt, be confident, persevere, learn from their mistakes, be responsible, make good choices, be kind, considerate and to look after each other. Boys will thrive in a school which makes personalised learning important and focuses on each boy’s potential. We want all the boys to develop a lifelong love of learning and a real appetitite for study and to have fun!
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Some of the most outstanding 7+ and 8+ Pre-Prep results in London with the best results for five years in the 2018 examinations – Winner of a Highly Commended in the Boys’ School of the Year category in the Independent School of the Year Awards – We offer the perfect blend of traditional values with a forward thinking education using personalised learning plans – Our ‘Open Door’ policy means that parents can feel fully involved
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Eaton House Belgravia won a Highly Commended in the Boys’ School of the Year category in the Independent School of the Year Awards – The teacher: pupil ratio is outstanding, with boys receiving an exceptional degree of personal input towards exam preparation – The boys brim with academic confidence – Brand-new purpose-built school in a Georgian mansion on the Eaton House Belgravia site near Sloane Square. Many value-added extras
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Eaton House The Manor & Eaton House Belgravia Nursery Schools
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU & 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 1993 & 2017 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 65 in total AGES: 3 – 4 ½ FEES: From £530 for one afternoon to £2,980 for 5 mornings (per term). Costs vary with time slots. HEAD TEACHER: Roosha Sue (EHTM) Helena Lottering (EHB) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions THE CURRICULUM: Our nurseries are a constant hive of activity where children are happy, busy and curious to learn. Every child is challenged at their own level in a kind and caring atmosphere and the sky is the limit! Individual and small group work allows us to constantly differentiate between pupils. There are many activities on offer, from sports and swimming to IT, drama and design in our brand new state-of-the art nurseries. GAMES & THE ARTS: At the Manor, large wooden blocks and sand and water develop fine and gross motor skills, with free flow out into the playground that allows children to play in an inviting space. At Belgravia, children enjoy a dedicated, educative environment in a wonderful mansion house nursery. All children take part in our annual Nativity and throughout the year we also have smaller performances. PASTORAL CARE: ‘Pastoral care is extremely strong, 100% rated it excellent or good’ – Cappco, 2017. Each child is supported and encouraged, gaining independence and confidence. When children leave our nurseries they are fully prepared for school at 4+. This allows them an easy transition to Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep and Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Roosha Sue: ‘My philosophy for our nursery is for every child to settle in, be happy and treated as unique. Our pastoral care is second to none. We hope that all of our Cubs and Bears are excited and curious to learn through being exposed to a variety of experiences, from cooking, yoga and pottery to languages. Our children leave school ready, confident and eager to continue their learning journey.’ Helena Lottering: ‘I believe that Nursery should be a ‘happy place’ where children have the freedom to explore and discover. They should have the courage to take risks to reach their full potential.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – We empower children to be happy, independent and curious learners – We aim to have your child completely ‘school ready’ – Children are unique and so is their learning journey
Eaton House The Manor Pre-Preparatory School
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220 AGES: 4 - 8 FEES: £5,381 per term. HEAD TEACHER: Nicola Borthwick RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4, older children may be subject to assessment. CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions THE CURRICULUM: We attain high academic results, achieved in a calm and positive manner. Inspiring teachers and excellent resources help to develop a life-long love of learning. Boys are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and adopt a ‘can do’ attitude. Learning is active, exploratory, and above all, fun! Boys love learning by doing and the curriculum is very varied. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport plays an essential role in the development of character and teamwork; specialist sports staff nurture a love of sport through positive experiences. Drama, art and music have a boosting impact on all-round academic performance, all seen as fundamental in developing communication skills and confidence. PASTORAL CARE: Our exceptional teachers understand and support the boys so that they grow in self-belief. Our buddy system helps to integrate the newest boys into the school right from the beginning. Our House system provides another layer of support and guidance. Team work is encouraged along with a healthy competitive spirit. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mrs Nicola Borthwick says: ‘Developing a life-long love of learning is our ultimate goal. We firmly believe it is no coincidence that children learn best when they feel happy and secure. We recognise each boy as an individual, understanding what makes him tick and nurturing his talent, ensuring that he feels known and valued.’ Further, it is ‘crucial that we do our best to prepare our boys to flourish in this very competitive, fast-paced, fast changing world.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Boys transition easily to Eaton House The Manor Prep School, where a number of boys won scholarships this year, including a coveted John Colet Scholarship to St Paul’s School – Boys are taught to be kind, considerate, thoughtful and mannerly and to always strive to do their best, both academically and personally – We offer the perfect blend of traditional values with a forward thinking education. All our learning is active!
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2008 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 225 AGES: 4 - 11 FEES: £5,381 per term HEAD TEACHER: Oliver Snowball RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4; English & Maths assessment for older girls CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions THE CURRICULUM: ‘Teaching is highly effective in promoting pupils’ excellent progress and attainment.’ (ISI Report). Our relaxed but highly stimulating classroom environment promotes intellectual curiosity. Academic exploration and risk-taking are two essential ingredients in our teaching. GAMES & THE ARTS: Being regularly active enhances the girls’ physical and emotional health. They have access to excellent facilities both indoors and outdoors. We teach our girls how to generate original and meaningful ideas for themselves, and actively encourage a fresh, imaginative response. PASTORAL CARE: The Good Schools Guide (2018) says the headmaster ‘sets a very warm, supportive and nurturing tone for the school.’ He says: ‘At Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School we believe that when girls are happy they are more effective learners and more confident participators. For us, pastoral care is about understanding and supporting each individual child. Our House system, excellent form teachers and visible senior management team all combine to ensure that each girl feels known and supported in her learning journey.’ RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In the years 2017-2018 the girls received 24 scholarships - and one CE prize - to top London day and boarding schools. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2018) says: ‘Mr Snowball seems to have hit the ground running with his vision for the school.’ He says: ‘I want each of the girls to have an adventure at school, to feel they are known, nurtured, encouraged and challenged. I want our school to inspire a genuine love of learning with a deep rooted respect for all people and places.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – We treat each girl as an individual so that she can blossom academically, socially and behaviourally – ready to take on the world – We strive to give every girl the confidence to discover where their gifts lie – We have a ‘sky is the limit’ approach to learning – anything is possible – We share with parents in the girl’s spiritual, moral and intellectual development, producing intelligent, kind and socially aware girls
Eaton House The Manor Prep
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2017 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220 FEES: £6,581 per term AGES: 8 - 13 HEAD TEACHER: Sarah Segrave RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective for internal candidates, 8+ for external candidates CONTACT: Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online; individual tours via Admissions THE CURRICULUM: The Good Schools Guide (2018) says that ‘This is a school with excellent academic outcomes, good value added and consequently a school of really high expectations.’ We believe passionately in the benefits of single-sex education. We do everything in our power to champion every single boy to achieve his senior school of choice. By offering a curriculum adjusted to fit with the developmental stages, interests and strengths of boys, we are able to create the very best start to your son’s education. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at school, whether boys are representing the school or their House, or simply learning to be part of a team. Nearly 75% of our boys play a musical instrument and every boy within the school has weekly drama lessons. There are many plays and musical events in the school – all to a very high standard and greatly enjoyed by parents. PASTORAL CARE: We know the boys, share their highs and lows, and are there for them in every way. Pastoral care is intrinsic in all we do, the fundamental cornerstone of the school. Our Form Tutors and well-established House system provide the overarching structure for our pastoral care, but it is the attention to detail from the staff that ensures that their care is outstanding. Every boy is noticed and supported at Eaton House The Manor. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: An impressive number of 2018 scholarships, including a St Paul’s John Colet Scholarship. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2018) comments that Mrs Segrave ‘lives and breathes Eaton House’ having worked in the Eaton House Schools Group since 1993. She asks her staff to consider – every single day – whether they have made a difference. She feels that: ‘A school is not a building, or a curriculum or a timetable. A school is a place where children grow intellectually and emotionally, guided by teachers who are determined that, on their watch, children succeed and are happy.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Due to our committed teachers, the boys brim with academic confidence – ‘The pupils [...] demonstrate an outstanding natural courtesy’ (ISI Report) – ‘The thing that I will miss the most is the atmosphere, how everyone is so happy and so encouraging’ (Zach, Year 8)
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Falcons Prep
ADDRESS: 41 Kew Foot Road, Richmond TW9 2SS WEBSITE: www.falconsprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 2008 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 180 AGES: 4 – 13 years FEES: £5,945 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Olivia Buchanan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Assessments in English, mathematics, interview and references from current school. CONTACT: 0208 9489490 EMAIL: Registrar@falconsprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning – 8 March, 9.30-11.30am. Reception Class Opening in September 2019. THE CURRICULUM: Boys follow the Common Entrance syllabus, thoroughly preparing them for transition to their chosen senior school. Boys have the option to move to their senior school through either 11+ or 13+ common entrance selection processes. GAMES & THE ARTS: We understand the importance of physical activity for the health, well-being and behaviour of young boys and pride ourselves in our sport provision. Our arts provide the boys with a firm foundation on which visual literacy and natural creativity can develop fully. PASTORAL CARE: Every boy has the right to feel happy, safe and valued in caring and supportive surroundings. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff ensure outstanding levels of teaching and pastoral care. Every boy has equal access to the full curriculum and well-planned purposeful activities. The school’s behaviour policy is embedded and central to the success of our community. Over time, the boys grow into positive, responsible and increasingly independent members of the school community. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Monmouth School – Academic and Sport, Sir John Lyon – Academic, Haileybury – Academic and Reeds - Drama. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Falcons Prep we are committed to educating the whole child, we provide every boy with a huge variety of opportunities in which to grow, experiences that spark inspiration and outcomes in which to aspire to. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead Falcons Preparatory School for Boys and look forward to welcoming you to our learning community. Falcons boys enjoy a vibrant learning environment where staff nurture a love of learning. We have a strong set of values focused on providing every boy with the opportunity to reach their full potential. As a staff, we are ambitious for our boys academically, yet we realise what an exciting, and challenging, time it is to be growing up and the significant role we play in preparing the boys for their future beyond this. We want all our boys to acquire and secure the proficiency to become effective life-long learners.
Falcons School for Girls
ADDRESS: 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, London SW15 6PY WEBSITE: www.falconsgirls.co.uk FOUNDED: 2000 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120 AGES: 8 – 11 years FEES: £5,235 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Harriet Stokes, Registrar EMAIL: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day: 13th March. Group tours on a biweekly basis. Booking required. THE CURRICULUM: Our forward-thinking, knowledge-rich curriculum gives the girls the knowledge and skills required to thrive in modern Britain. It is designed to ensure our girls are prepared to succeed in the 11+ examinations for London day and country boarding schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: Games, music, art and drama are taught by our own specialist teachers, twice a week, giving all of our girls the best opportunity to flourish athletically and creatively. PASTORAL CARE: We are a family school, where every child and parent is known to all members of staff. We encourage parents to be active partners operating an ‘open door’ policy so any problems are flagged and dealt with efficiently. We actively promote an anti-bullying ethos throughout the school and the Falcons Rules are upheld through a series of clearly defined rewards and sanctions. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Godolphin and Latymer, Ibstock Place School, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Surbiton High, Kew House, Francis Holland and Queen’s Gate. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happy children are successful learners, which is why emotional literacy and academic buoyancy are essential skills. Teaching your daughter, from the start and in an age-related way, how to overcome challenges and develop positive, flourishing relationships will ensure she deals successfully with life’s ebbs and flows, in and out of school and develop in her a lifelong love of learning. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Exceptional pastoral care – A happy, family school where every child is cherished – Outstanding facilities: an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, science laboratory, drama and ballet studio, art rooms, outdoor classroom, astroturf and ‘wilderness’ area – The majority of girls are awarded their first choice of senior school – Extensive extra-curricular offering – A friendly and active Parents’ and Friends’ Association.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys
ADDRESS: 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick London W4 3DT WEBSITE: www.falconsboys.co.uk FOUNDED: 1956 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 110 AGES: 3-7 FEES: £2,825 - £5,755 HEAD: Mr Andrew Forbes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Candidates are invited for an inclassroom assessment. CONTACT: Mrs Barbara Ivie EMAIL: admin@falconsboys.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning Saturday 16th March 10.30am – 12.30pm THE CURRICULUM: We provide boys with a high quality education in a challenging environment. The school’s energy is directed at the provision and enhancement of outstanding teaching and learning. This involves positive and supportive relationships between pupils, parents, staff and the wider community. GAMES & THE ARTS: We promote the importance of health and fitness through participation in physical activity; to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of activities suitable for the age, ability and experience of the pupils. We place a big emphasis on the arts and strongly believe in allowing the boys to choose how they work and be more ‘child led’ rather than ‘adult led’. PASTORAL CARE: The boys are always our first priority. Every child has the right to feel happy, safe and valued in caring and supportive surroundings. Our values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. It is our aim that every member of the school community shares this ethos, and is treated fairly and as an individual. Our outstanding team of experienced staff ensure excellent levels of teaching and the best pastoral care possible. HEAD’S PHILOSOPHY: Academic excellence is at the forefront of every child’s learning experience and we believe that every boy should leave our Pre-Prep as a well-rounded, confident and resilient individual. We offer a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and fun, where children are encouraged, nurtured and motivated at every turn. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: ‘The pupils’ overall achievement is excellent. The quality of teaching is excellent. Excellent pastoral care boosts the pupils’ confidence and academic progress. The quality of pupils’ achievements, learning, skills and attitudes is excellent. High expectations of what pupils can do.’ Quotes from our last full ISI Inspection.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Ibstock Place Prep School
ADDRESS: Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY WEBSITE: www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150 boys, 150 girls AGES: 4-11 FEES: £5,430 – £5,635 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Kate Bevan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old; assessment for occasional places thereafter CONTACT: Miss C Voysey, Registrar, 020 8392 5803 EMAIL: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 9.30am 1 May, 19 June. THE CURRICULUM: Kindergarten and Prep 1 children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum; the seven areas of learning. Prep years 2-6 follow an enriched curriculum, with daily classes in English and mathematics. GAMES & THE ARTS: Games to Prep 2 focuses on basic skills. Prep 3-6 have a termly programme of football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders and athletics. Rich and wide range of creative activities, music and productions offered; annual art exhibition; extensive dance opportunities. PASTORAL CARE: A warm and welcoming atmosphere is present from a child’s first day. Caring teachers and classroom assistants develop a successful home/school partnership, encouraging trust, sharing information and keeping parents informed. There is a palpable sense of community and of pupils and staff working together. Class teachers are a constant source of encouragement, praise and advice, supported by a strong pastoral team within this very happy school. All children are provided with a wide and nutritionally balanced diet in order to develop their health, growth and wellbeing. Pupils are shown that meal times are a good opportunity to socialise and share food. The school nurse is present during school hours. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: The majority of pupils progress to Ibstock Place Senior School. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We nurture the talents of our pupils in a supportive and purposeful environment; the staff encourage discovery and creative problem solving so that as our pupils mature they adapt to changing situations and are able to apply their knowledge independently. We are a Christian school and welcome children from other faiths. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Experienced staff are able to evaluate the abilities of each pupil and offer support and guidance when planning the next steps of development. In the Early Years, children may explore and investigate at their own pace. Older children’s work in science, history and geography provides rich stimuli for learning in a beautiful environment.
Kensington Prep School GDST
ADDRESS: 596 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PA WEBSITE: www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1873 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 295 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £5,731 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Caroline Hulme-McKibbin RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Registration followed by assessment. CONTACT: Mrs Jen Learney, registrar@kenprep.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Please check school website for Open Day details for registered girls. THE CURRICULUM: Genuinely broad, well-balanced education. Reflective and independent thinking encouraged in all subjects. Residential trips in Years 4, 5 and 6 (to France in 2018) and overseas choir tour (to Hungary in 2018). GAMES & THE ARTS: Netball, rounders, football, dance, swimming and gym. Fantastic pitches, large gym. Generously timetabled, quality music, art, drama, design technology. Orchestras, choirs, recorder and string groups. All girls perform in music concerts and plays to parents. PASTORAL CARE: Happiness is our first priority. Staff know the girls well, support and encourage them, and build strong relationships with home. We treat the girls as individuals, nurturing their development. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: St Paul’s, City of London Girls’ School, Godolphin & Latymer, Latymer Upper, Wimbledon High GDST, Putney High GDST, Wycombe Abbey. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Beneden, City of London Girls, Cheltenham Ladies College, Francis Holland Graham Terrace, Latymer Upper, Putney High School GDST, St Paul’s, Wimbledon High School GDST HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Excellent staff make an excellent school where children can learn whilst secure, happy and having fun. Each pupil is unique and we believe that asking good questions is as important as answering. High importance placed on mutual respect. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –School now has some of the best prep school facilities in the UK following an innovative £2.7m building project. –’Warm, buzzy atmosphere.’ – School achieved highest possible grades in May 2015 Inspection: ‘Quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is exceptional.’ – Questioning, brave thinking encouraged with innovative teaching and latest ICT. – Girls treated as individuals. Close relationships with supportive parent body. – High academic standards. – Winner: Independent Prep School of the Year 2018
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Hurlingham Nursery & Pre-Prep
Hurlingham School
ADDRESS: The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 100 AGES: 2–4 (Nursery), 4–7 (Pre-Prep) FEES: £2,850 (5 nursery mornings), £4,748 (Nursery 5 full days), £4,778 (Pre-Prep). We offer the 15 or 30 hours Universal Funding to those who are eligible. HEAD TEACHER: Jonathan Brough RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth CONTACT: nppoffice@hurlinghamschool.co.uk; 020 8780 9446 SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
ADDRESS: 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 AGES: 4–11 FEES: Lower School (Reception to Form II) £5,430, Middle and Upper Schools (From III to Form VI) £5,650 HEAD TEACHER: Jonathan Brough RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Fiona Driver, admissions secretary, 020 8874 7186 EMAIL: admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep offers a wide variety of creative, enjoyable activities in large airy classrooms where children learn and play together. From the earliest days of the Early Years Foundation Stage, through to the end of Year 2 when everyone sits 7+ exams (those who do not wish to do so having moved to the main Hurlingham site for Reception), purposeful focused stimulation characterises every activity. GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and sport are all co-ordinated by specialist staff. The nursery children enjoy regular music, movement, yoga, karate and outdoor learning, including Forest School, whilst the pre-prep pupils are introduced to tennis, football, cricket, rounders, swimming, gymnastics and hockey. PASTORAL CARE: ‘Pupils are exceptionally well cared for. The school has excellent arrangements in place to ensure that pupils are safe at all times. The school is a kind place where adults are extremely caring… Pupils are considerate towards others. A pupil summed this up in the comment, ‘children are kind and we share what we have with one another.’’ Ofsted, February 2018. EXIT SCHOOLS: Recent 7+ successes include: Bute House, Kensington Prep, Kings College Wimbledon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Latymer Prep, Putney High, St Paul’s Juniors and Shrewsbury House. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Nursery provision at Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep fosters and develops children’s interest in the world around them through initiating a life-long love of learning and academia. From Reception onwards, Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep is all about gaining entry to traditional prep and junior schools at the age of seven through exciting, rigorous challenges for those children with a competitive spirit and an academic frame of mind. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An idyllic, small school with large classrooms and lots of scope for self-expression in a nurturing, academic setting. Children quickly become confident, outgoing and inquisitive about the world around them.
THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham initiates a love of learning in all children: wherever each and every pupil’s strengths lie, we value and celebrate their gifts and talents. This was recognised by the National Association for Able Children in Education in 2017 through success in gaining the prestigious Challenge Award. GAMES & THE ARTS: Children enjoy a range of sports including football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, ballet and karate. These are all taught by specialists both on-site and in Wandsworth Park and Rocks Lane. Music, including four choirs and an orchestra, is a particular strength of the school. Creative Art is dynamic and original. The school achieved Artsmark Gold in 2017 and featured in the recent London Schools talk Artsmark film. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Dulwich, Emanuel, Epsom College, Francis Holland, Godolphin and Latymer, King’s College Wimbledon, Kingston Grammar, Lady Eleanor Holles, Lady Margaret’s, Latymer Upper, Putney High, Reed’s, St Paul’s Girls’, Surbiton High, Wimbledon High and Woldingham. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Dulwich College, Emanuel, Hampton, JAGS, Kingston Grammar, LEH, More House, Notre Dame, St Paul’s Girls, Surbiton High, Whitgift and Wimbledon High. PASTORAL CARE: Happiness is central to everything that goes on at Hurlingham. Our pupils’ successes result from their confidence, enjoyment of school life and ever-increasing appetite for new learning and discovery. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children at Hurlingham are never just taught, but are educated in the broadest sense of the word as each day brings fresh opportunities, challenges, discoveries and achievements. As a school, we aim to capitalise on them all and not to waste a single one. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Fantastic children, wonderful, dedicated staff, purpose-built learning environment for the 21st century. Rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas of recent inspection.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Old Vicarage School
Knightsbridge School
IAPS School for girls aged 4 to 11 years
OPENMORNING MORNING :: Friday Friday 1st OPEN 1st March March2019 2019 WE AIM TO FULFIL YOUR DAUGHTER’S POTENTIAL AND EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS • Two form entry in small classes up to 15 • Excellent academic standards with a rich, challenging curriculum and a wide range of sports, drama and music • Girls develop into confident, articulate individuals • We successfully prepare for 11+ with most achieving their first choice schools • After school care available up until 6.00pm For more information about the school, or to book a tour on our forthcoming open morning, please contact the Registrar on 020 8940 0922 or email s.donovan@oldvicarageschool.com
Old Vicarage School, 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6QX www.oldvicarageschool.com
Founded in 1850
Breadth, Balance and Excellence
ADDRESS: 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD WEBSITE: www.knightsbridgeschool.com FOUNDED: 2006 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 430 AGES: 3–13 years FEES: £6,500 – £6,900 HEAD TEACHER: Principal: Magoo Giles Head: Shona Colaço RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment in the previous year to entry; non-academically selective. CONTACT: Mary Caldecott-Smith, Registrar, 020 7590 9006 SCHOOL VISITS: Tours on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9am in term time. THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum takes certain key skills and outcomes, fires them up, adds a focus on intellectual character and then delivers it through passionate professionals to help our children grow and learn. GAMES & THE ARTS: We attend over 300 matches, as well as parent vs staff role-modelling matches. S6 girls won the ISA North Netball and Knightsbridge (KS) excel in gymnastics, dance, fencing, ballet and sailing, with winners in all areas. We have over 70+ extra-curricular weekly clubs as well as Key Skills Week that takes place in the October half-term; the KS Talent Show; and our Young Entrepreneur Event, which has led to our pupils’ ideas going into production following the event. In the performing arena, productions have included: Revue, High School Musical, Wind in The Willows, Robin Hood and Twelfth Night as well as the Christmas/ Summer Reception shows and Nursery Nativity. LAMDA is a huge success here. We also have pupils who star in West End productions of Les Mis and School of Rock. PASTORAL CARE: Class teachers take responsibility for the pastoral care of Nursery, Early Years and Junior School children through daily form time sessions. In the Senior School, House tutors run timetabled Wellbeing and Personal Reflection sessions each week. A counsellor from Children’s Mental Health Charity ‘Place2Be’ is present three days a week, and any child may attend a ‘Place2talk’ session. A designated Pupil Wellbeing Lead has also been appointed.
Open Morning Wednesday mornings by appointment Boys & Girls, 4 to 13
www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Orley Farm School, South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill, HA1 3NU Contact Julie Jago on 020 8869 7634 Email: registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk
Registered Charity No. 312637
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘Work hard, play hard’ is the motto of the Parents, Staff and Seniors at KS. This follows fast on the heels of the Sandhurst motto ‘Serve to Lead!’ Mr Magoo expects everyone to embrace the boxing match of life and to do their best, embrace a healthy body and healthy mind, give and share and to realise how lucky they are at all times. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: KS is governed by the KS Code both in and out of school. There is an ecosystem of happiness between the stakeholders; children, staff and parents. The extra-curricular and the curricular programmes are integral to the all-round success of the individual. KS have an Eco Team that ensures our pupils, parents and staff are doing their part to protect the environment. Further, children have Forest School in Holland Park weekly as part of the curriculum and a permanent location for KS in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Kew Green Preparatory School
ADDRESS: Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green TW9 3AF WEBSITE: www.kgps.co.uk FOUNDED: 2004 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 280 (140 boys, 140 girls) AGES: 4–11 FEES: £5,857 per term, all ages HEAD TEACHER: Mr Jem Peck RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old. CONTACT: Ms M Curtis, 020 8948 5999 EMAIL: secretary@kgps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 6 March, 15 May, 12 June.
Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School
ADDRESS: 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL WEBSITE: www.rpps.co.uk FOUNDED: 1991 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 420 (210 boys, 210 girls) AGES: 4–11 FEES: £5,857 per term, all ages HEAD TEACHER: Mr Carl Howes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old. CONTACT: Mrs B Rands, 020 8846 9153 EMAIL: secretary@rpps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 7 March, 9 May, 11 June.
THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum far exceeds the national curriculum in both breadth and depth. Highly differentiated lessons are delivered creatively and pupils enjoy the learning process. We embrace technology in our educational approach to all subjects. This invariably produces excellent academic results and children develop self-confidence. In its 2015 ISI Inspection report, KGPS was judged “Excellent” in all categories.
THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum far exceeds the national average in both breadth and depth and has been carefully crafted to enable each child to fulfil their individual potential. As a non-selective and inclusive school, we take pride in motivating and developing every child, bringing out individual talent, realising abilities to the full and instilling a life-long love of learning. In its 2016 ISI Inspection report, RPPS was judged “Excellent” in all categories.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We have strong art, music and sports departments as
GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a plethora of opportunities for our pupils to immerse themselves in music, the arts and sport. Our curriculum and co-curricular is enriched with opportunities for our pupils to participate in competitive sporting fixtures, perform in regular concerts and events, or learn an instrument. Pupils also frequently take part in external competitions.
any visitor would realise immediately. All our children compete, perform and enjoy the exceptional standards we achieve in art, music, games and PE. PASTORAL CARE: We operate a genuine ‘open door’ policy where parents
play a very active role in school life. Every adult in school knows every child. Relationships are strong, children are happy, well-motivated and confident to ask questions, make mistakes and give opinions. They are valued and listened to.
PASTORAL CARE: The pastoral care and well-being of our children is paramount. Our ‘open door’ policy reflects a genuine partnership between teachers and parents – the family atmosphere is noticeable as soon as you visit.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Colet Court, Hampton, King’s College School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Westminster, Latymer and Kingston Grammar.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Latymer, Hampton, Queen Anne’s Caversham, St Benedict’s and King’s College Wimbledon.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children thrive in an environment that
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At RPPS, laughter and learning go hand in hand and we ensure that the years with us are happy, successful and fulfilling for each and every child. Our pupils engage in the excitement of learning and develop the confidence to question, analyse and express their opinions; they leave at the end of Year 6 ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them, both at their choice of senior school and in later life.
is loving and supportive. Physically, socially, emotionally, creatively and intellectually our children experience an exciting and stimulating learning journey where they are able to flourish and reach for the top. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school is situated
in an exceptionally beautiful position on the River Thames beside Kew Green. Each term is packed with activity where a loving, energetic and happy atmosphere is generated. Our pupils have enjoyed a French ski trip, a choir tour to Venice, tournament wins in netball, rugby and football, drama productions and music soirées, all alongside our continued pursuit of academic excellence. Above all, we believe that children need to be nurtured, guided, motivated and inspired to allow them to blossom.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: RPPS is a thriving school, situated on Ravenscourt Park. We pride ourselves on our excellent pastoral care and believe that learning should be limitless. All our children from Year 3 to Year 6 take part in residential weeks which help to develop teamwork, resilience and perseverance. This is in line with our belief that children should develop a ‘growth mindset’ approach to their learning where taking on challenges and learning from mistakes is encouraged.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Bright children, exceptional opportunities
North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Schools
Wet play? No problem! With
three halls,
indoor
sports
and huge 70m x 40m
all-weather
pitch,
Newton has plenty of space, inside and out.
“Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to handle variety.” Current parent
ADDRESS: Nursery, 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, NW3 5JY; Pre-Prep, 8 Netherhall Gardens, NW3 5RR; Prep, 1 Gloucester Ave, NW1 7AB WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com FOUNDED: 1939 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Nursery & Pre-Prep 380, Prep 465 AGES: 2–13 FEES: £7,200 - £18,195 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Nursery & Pre-Prep Schools - Christine McLelland, Prep School - James Stenning. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children meet with the head teacher. For the Prep school there is also a maths and English assessment. CONTACT: Admissions office 020 7428 1520 EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open events are held throughout the year. Please check our website for more details: www.northbridgehouse.com/open
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports, which range from the traditional to the unusual (such as flamenco, salsa dancing and yoga), help to develop pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing as well as their teamwork skills. The arts are key to NBH’s curricular and extracurricular offering – with plays and concerts regularly staged.
Bright children, exceptional opportunities: our central London location has meant that our recent visitors to Newton Prep have included the Dalai Lama, Michael Gove MP, HRH the Duchess of Gloucester and film director Alan Parker.
We
can
Our next annual Open Day isn’t until the 12th October; but we also run small
Head’s Tours most Fridays during term-time: sign up on our website.
offer
100% Bursary
fee assistance from Year 3 upwards for sparky kids who might not otherwise afford a feepaying school.
A co-ed London prep school for children 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk
PASTORAL CARE: Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From confidence workshops to Philosophy for Children, we incorporate excellent pastoral care into every aspect of school life. All staff are committed to nurturing character and wellbeing within the small tutor groups and warm community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security. Pupils are equipped with the skills needed to make moral and informed life choices whilst we consistently promote children’s personal and emotional development. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils are placed at leading senior schools with academic, art, music and sports scholarships. HEAD TEACHERS’ PHILOSOPHY: North Bridge House provides an individually tailored co-education, celebrating high-achieving pupils in a mixed ability environment. From our focus on knowing the individual and developing strength of character, we achieve academic excellence in confident pupils who are proud of their successes. With specialist teaching and outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, we challenge and inspire each child to fulfil their true potential, providing a solid foundation for their future studies, careers and adult lives. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: All NBH pupils can transition from Nursery to Sixth Form without the added pressure of entrance exams. 2018 results from the end of Key Stage 1 saw 46% of the PrePrep cohort in the top 5% of the country. Prep School pupils do exceptionally well in in the girls’ 11+ and boys’ 13+ assessments, gaining numerous scholarships for the top senior schools in London and the UK.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Peregrines Pre-Prep
Preparatory School & Nursery For Boy and Girls aged 2½ to 13 years Quainton Hall School for excellent academic results and extensive extra-curricular & sporting opportunities
Registration for 7+ and 11+ Entry is now open Open Morning 22nd September 2018 10am - 12pm No appointments needed
ADDRESS: 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, London SW15 6PY WEBSITE: www.peregrinespreprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 2017 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 58 AGES: 3–8 FEES: £2,860 per term (Pre-Reception mornings only) £5,235 per term (Reception – Year 3) HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Harriet Stokes, Registrar EMAIL: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day: 13th March. Group tours on a bi-weekly basis. Booking required.
Quainton Hall School, Harrow, HA1 1RX Please Call 020 8861 8861 admin@quaintonhall.org.uk www.quaintonhall.org.uk Registered charity number: 312638
THE CURRICULUM: Peregrines pupils enjoy hands on, stimulating lessons that draw on a wide variety of learning styles and the latest technology, ensuring that we meet the learning needs of every girl and boy. GAMES & THE ARTS: PE, music, ballet and drama are all taught by our own specialist teachers, twice a week, giving all of our pupils the best opportunity to flourish athletically and creatively. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is a priority and is reflected and embedded in all aspects of Peregrines’ life. We aim to give our pupils the best start to their education by creating a secure and happy learning environment. Every girl and boy has an individual learning plan ensuring both their educational and pastoral needs are met and parents are encouraged to be active partners in their child’s education through our ‘open door’ policy. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happy children are successful learners, which is why emotional literacy and academic buoyancy are essential skills. Teaching your child, from the start and in an age-related way, how to overcome challenges and develop positive, flourishing relationships will ensure he or she deals successfully with life’s ebbs and flows, in and out of school, and develop in them a lifelong love of learning. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Exceptional pastoral care: every child has their own individual learning plan – A happy, family school where every child is cherished – Outstanding facilities: an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, science laboratory, drama and ballet studio, art rooms, outdoor classroom, Astroturf and ‘wilderness’ area – Extensive extra-curricular offering – A friendly and active Parents’ and Friends’ Association ensuring everyone feels involved in the life of the school.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
St. Anthony’s School for Girls
ADDRESS: Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road London NW11 7SX WEBSITE: www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk FOUNDED: 2015 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 45 AGES: 4-11 FEES: £6,015 per term RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. The school has an inclusive policy and all girls’ needs are assessed on entry. CONTACT: Stefanie Ross EMAIL: admissions@stanthonysgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Wednesdays by appointment. Private school tours can be arranged upon request.
THE CURRICULUM: The curriculum offers pupils a greater depth of experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education in a happy, secure and stimulating environment. GAMES & THE ARTS: The sporting activities available include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and team games. Individual musical tuition is offered in violin, cello, piano, guitar and singing. LAMDA lessons are available to 7+pupils. Ballet is offered as an extracurricular activity. PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on the high-quality pastoral care on offered. Pupils feel safe, secure and valued as part of the St. Anthony’s family. They are taught the importance of caring for their emotional well-being and work in an environment where they can freely express concerns or anxieties. The curriculum provides valuable learning experiences which promote practical life skills in independence and resilience. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Two scholarships available, based on academic merit, of 20 per cent of annual school fees. These can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The social, moral, cultural and spiritual development of children is the most integral part of my role as Headteacher of St. Anthony’s School for Girls. I deem it my duty to help shape young minds into morally and ethically responsible individuals; to inspire children to seek the opportunities in life that will lead them to become valued members of their society. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas, St Anthony’s School for girls provides a safe nurturing environment for young girls to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. The small class sizes and individualised curriculum enable them to tailor learning to the needs of each child, therefore enabling success in all curriculum areas; academic, sporting and creative. A wide range of extra curricular activities held in the mornings, after school and during the school time.
St James Prep School
ADDRESS: Earsby Street, Kensington Olympia, London W14 8SH WEBSITE: www.stjamesprep.org.uk FOUNDED: 1974 AGES: 3-11 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 FEES: Reception to Yr 3 £5,970 per term; Yr4 to Yr6 £5,475 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Catherine Thomlinson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multireligious ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: From September 2019 entry into the new Nursery will be from the age of three. All children are invited to a taster morning and are assessed from year three upwards in English and maths. CONTACT: Mrs Martha Carslake, Registrar, 0207 348 1793 EMAIL: admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly tours of the Nursery. Prep School open morning on the 14 March, 21 May and 27 June 2019 - Contact Registrar. THE CURRICULUM: Children thrive in a vibrant, inspiring academic environment that develops positive attitudes to learning, and encourages children to be their best and stretch themselves academically without undue pressure. The curriculum, which is broad, stimulating and highly creative, is strengthened by philosophy classes taught from reception. GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and art are particularly strong at the school with specialist teachers in each subject. Most children learn a musical instrument and all children are given the opportunity to perform at one of the many concerts that run throughout the year. Flourishing drama department which makes use of the Senior Girls’ drama studio runs a packed schedule of performances including a week of Shakespeare in the spring term. Outstanding art and design department with on-site kiln and regular exhibitions of the children’s work. St James Prep makes weekly use of the extensive sporting facilities at Barn Elms and Fulham Pools and competes with success at both regional and national levels. PASTORAL CARE: The happiness of the children underpins the school’s values and ethos. St James’ school rules of truthfulness, magnanimity, harmlessness and never careless means that everyone is included, feels supported and valued. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To provide an outstanding education that fosters academic excellence, creative energy and thoughtful discussion, in a warm and fun environment. To support a growth mindset, nurture the talents that are already apparent and encourage the potential of every child. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The underlying practice of pausing or having moments of stillness throughout the day provides a solid and calm base from which the children can draw resilience and self-reliance. The school is proud of its delicious, nutritious vegetarian meals cooked by a talented catering team. It teaches pupils to love good food in all its variety, with weekly cooking classes that focus on the appreciation of nutrition. Its bright, buzzing classrooms in a beautiful setting, in addition to committed teachers and low turnover of staff, provides a positive, happy atmosphere for the children.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Sydenham High Prep
St Nicholas Preparatory School
ADDRESS: 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL WEBSITE: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1887 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £4,387 per term HEADTEACHER: Ms Claire Boyd RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Group assessment for reception and written
ADDRESS: 23 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT WEBSITE: www.stnicholasprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 1988 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 3-11 FEES: Nursery (full time) £5,440 per term; Reception £6,235 per term; Year 1 to 2 £6,290 per term; Year 3 to 6 £6,680 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Jill Walker RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Tour, registration, assessment, interview CONTACT: Clare Beckwith, Registrar, 020 7591 2631 EMAIL: clare.beckwith@stnicholasprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please call to book your private tour or register your interest online.
exam for 7+. Please enquire about occasional places
CONTACT: Admissions Office 020 8557 7004 EMAIL: admissions@syd.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 26 March, 9.30-11am and bookable Wednesday tours available. All open events and taster days can be found on our website.
THE CURRICULUM: A broad academic curriculum that encourages independent thinking, enquiring minds and prepares girls for the academic curriculum at the senior school. Girls learn French from reception and Latin from year 5. There are specialist teachers for languages, sport, music, art and DT as well as computing and science for pupils in year 5 and 6. GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide and varied co-curricular programme that includes over 50 extra-curricular clubs and a large variety of day trips and residential visits, including a ski trip to the Austrian mountains. Regular use is made of senior school facilities including the Westwood Theatre, Recital Hall and Astroturf as well as the 8-acre sports ground in Lower Sydenham. Swimming takes place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, a short walk away. PASTORAL CARE: A strong PSHE programme is backed up by a positive social environment, supportive teaching staff and close relationships between home and school. The school’s innovative Flourish and Fly initiative emboldens pupils and stretches ability with a half termly programme of experiences and challenges. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Thorough 11+ preparation process starts in year 5 with careful preparation for entry to the senior school and a variety of London schools. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our aim is to prepare each girl for what the future holds – by setting high expectations, providing a strong academic education and supporting a child’s emotional development to ensure each girl becomes the best she can be. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school was judged ‘outstanding’ in its most recent Inspection report. ‘Excellent relationships between staff and children’; ‘emphasis on independent learning ensures that the school provides a stimulating and secure environment’; ‘instills a positive attitude to learning’.
THE CURRICULUM: St Nicholas offers a vibrant, exciting and engaging curriculum which thoroughly prepares our pupils for their 11+ entrance exams to central London senior schools and beyond. GAMES & THE ARTS: The breadth of our vibrant extra-curricular and clubs programme, including creative writing, current affairs and coding, means that each child’s character is developed as they also enjoy challenge beyond the classroom in sport, music and drama. PASTORAL CARE: We offer a kind and nurturing environment where small class sizes and dedicated staff mean that each child in our community is valued as an individual and encouraged and inspired to achieve their very best. Our pupils are happy and confident, eager to learn and to help others. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I believe an excellent education builds pupils’ academic empowerment, promotes independent learning and develops that all important emotional resilience. I believe in celebrating effort and not just the final result so that our children can feel free to try new things without fear of failure. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Situated in an enviable position opposite Hyde Park, our girls and boys enjoy spacious, airy classrooms and a large garden in which to learn and play and really enjoy their prep school years. This is a school which takes pride in the quality of the Early Year’s provision and outstanding leadership and management.
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B1296
Prepared. To grow somewhere new.
Our new
preparatory school opens in S eptemb er 2020
P rince’ s G ardens is a new independent preparatory school, in the heart of K ensington, for children aged 3 - 11 years. I t w ill b e a school w here ev ery one of ou r pu pils is prepared to step ou t into the w orld with confidence, assurance and an open, inquisitive mind. To think for themselves whilst exploring their ideas and creativity. To develop not just all-round academic excellence, but the all important strength of character essential for success in our fast changing world. Call 020 7 5 91 4620 or contact admissions@ princesg ardensprep. co. uk To reserve your place at our launch event, go to princesg ardensprep. co. uk / event
Prepared for everything.
Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School, 10-13 Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 1ND
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon
The White House Prep School
ADDRESS: Wilberforce House, Camp Road, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4UN WEBSITE: www.thestudyprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 1893 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £4,550 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Susan Pepper MA (Oxon) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry at 4+ by ballot; priority given to siblings. Thereafter by informal assessment and interview. CONTACT: Jane Davis, Admissions Secretary, 020 8947 6969 EMAIL: admissions@thestudyprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Regular tours and one major open event per year.
ADDRESS: 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF WEBSITE: www.whitehouseschool.com FOUNDED: 1985 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 152 AGES: 2 ½ –11 years FEES: Reception–Year 2 £4,510 per term, Year 3–6 £4,930 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Tony Lewis RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Early registration essential, places allocated in order of registration. Interview for Year 1-6 CONTACT: 020 8674 9514 EMAIL: office@whitehouseschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly showrounds available by appointment only. Please contact admissions@whitehouseschool.com to arrange.
THE CURRICULUM: The Study offers a broad, creative and enhanced curriculum where every girl is encouraged to achieve her best, and the focus on the needs and strengths of every individual is key to the success of the school. GAMES & THE ARTS: Although academic rigour is at the heart of the school, The Study is highly creative, with a reputation for excellence in music and the performing and visual arts, and has had Artsmark Gold status since 2009. The dynamic PE department ensures success at both regional and national level across athletics, hockey, cross country and netball and has a spacious off-site sports ground with multi-use pitches for training and matches. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Day schools include Wimbledon, Putney and Surbiton High Schools, St Paul’s Girls’ School, The Lady Eleanor Holles, Epsom College, Marymount, Notre Dame and St John’s Leatherhead. Boarding schools include Benenden, Downe House, St Mary’s Ascot and Wycombe Abbey. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 2018 was another record year of scholarships, with 39 offered to the Year 6 girls, including academic, all rounder, sport, and music. This brings The Study’s total of scholarships achieved over the last five years to an impressive 135. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mrs Pepper’s mission is to enable each individual to fulfil her potential in a supportive and happy environment. The girls enjoy a rich diversity if experiences, in and out of the classroom, and an understanding of important issues beyond the school gates. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Study is a creative school, but not at the expense of academic rigour, as illustrated by its excellent results at 11+. The Study combines the warmth and sense of community of a traditional village school with the facilities and achievements of a leading preparatory. It has two beautiful sites adjacent to Wimbledon Common.
THE CURRICULUM: The White House Prep School offers an excellent education, as recently confirmed by the ISI. It delivers strong literacy, maths, extra-curricular lessons and activities. Children relish challenges, enjoy working together to solve problems, have an excellent attitude to learning and are both enthusiastic and eager to participate. GAMES & THE ARTS: Physical education is an integral part of the curriculum at the White House and all pupils are given the opportunity to develop personal fitness and participate in team activities. The annual drama production and art exhibition are highlights in the school’s calendar and illustrates their commitment to performing and creative arts and the involvement of all children in these activities. PASTORAL CARE: The school provides an outstanding education which is shown through excellent 11+ results and achievements from pupils throughout the year. More importantly the children are happy. They are encouraged to develop emotionally as well as intellectually and the ISI commented that both pupils personal and moral development was excellent. Dedicated and experienced staff work closely with parents to enable all children excel most especially as people with confidence. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over 50% of pupils receive academic, music, sports and all round scholarships to top London day schools and boarding schools when they leave at 11+. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A culture of supporting one another combined with a safe, inspiring, engaging and fun learning environment that sets high expectations and ensures children have an empowering educational experience. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A vibrant, forward thinking school with purposefully small class sizes which encourages and supports independent thinking. The school feels like one big family; this develops strong self-esteem in pupils who are confident but without arrogance.
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DLD College
ADDRESS: 199 Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth SE1 7FX WEBSITE: www.dldcollege.co.uk FOUNDED: 1931 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 430 AGES: 14-19 co-ed boarding and day school FEES: Course fees from £23,500 to £29,950 per annum; accommodation from £18,000 to £28,000 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Irfan Latif RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective based on personal interview, GCSE or equivalent grades if applicable. CONTACT: Admissions Registrar; Admissions@dld.org SCHOOL VISITS: Personal school visits can be arranged upon request. THE CURRICULUM: DLD offers 30 A-Level course options as well as Business, Media and Music Tech BTEC courses, 6 IFP courses, and 1 year and 2 year GCSE, including the DLD Baccalaureate. GAMES & THE ARTS: We recognise the benefits of regular exercise and students are encouraged to keep active through a range of activities including football, netball, yoga, rowing, running club, swimming and many more. Our co-curricular programme encompasses music, drama and art clubs, cultural trips, concerts, events and much more. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is a strength at DLD which is demonstrated by the opening of our Wellbeing Centre in 2018 allowing students to access a range of support services in one location within College. This includes the College Nurse, Counsellors, Life Coach, Head of Wellbeing and Student Officer. Boarders receive only the best, individualised pastoral care through Houseparents and Personal Tutors who meet with students every week. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Every year DLD College students secure places at top Russell Group universities including Oxbridge. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘We aim to provide our students with the very best holistic, all-round education to prepare them for world class universities and beyond. There are a number of essential components to such an education: excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care, a wide range of co-curricular opportunities and first-class facilities to name but a few.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Wellbeing Centre – Oustanding academic results – Excellent pastoral care – Urban boarding philosophy – Aspiring to be a Microsoft Showcase School – Central London location
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
Ibstock Place School
Founded in the 15th century and located in the heart of the city, we offer boys an outward-looking, forward-thinking education that prepares them for life.
ADDRESS: Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY WEBSITE: www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 325 boys, 325 girls AGES: 11-18 FEES: £6,960 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Anna Sylvester-Johnson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11 and 16 via entrance examination and interview; occasional places at 12, 13, 14. CONTACT: Miss C Voysey, Registrar, 020 8392 5803 EMAIL: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 8 May 5-7pm, 21 September 9-1pm THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is suffused with the five ‘Mindset Aspects’ central to all teaching, pupils’ learning and assessment: clarity; logical thought; initiative; considering consequences of words and actions; persisting against challenges.
Bursaries are available to boys joining the School, assisting parents of academically bright pupils who would otherwise not consider private education. Please visit our website for more information. 020 3680 6300 admissions@cityoflondonschool.org.uk cityoflondonschool.org.uk
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GAMES & THE ARTS: A wealth of opportunity for co-curricular participation: A purpose-built sports hall; playing fields; swimming pool; allweather pitch; stunning 300-seat theatre. IPS Singers tour internationally; Berkeley Ensemble is the ensemble-in-residence. IPS artists’ work is exhibited by the Royal College of Art. PASTORAL CARE: We maintain an outstanding pastoral programme which monitors each pupil’s development with care, sensitivity and guidance. From Senior 7–10, pupils join vertically tutored House Group for four years, thus building strong relationships between pupils, their Housemaster, two House Tutors and pupils’ families. In PVI (Year 11), pupils are supported by a Tutor and Head of PVI. A Head of Sixth Form and his tutor team provide VI pastoral care.
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ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
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Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18 SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 9TH MAY
UNIVERSITY PLACES: 2017-18: Oxford, Durham, Imperial College London, UCL, Warwick, Exeter, Bath, Leeds, Birmingham, York, Bristol and Leiden. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We attach great importance to developing pupils’ individuality and their regard for tolerance, courtesy and respect. Pupils are able to find their strengths here, whether as the promising musician, the meticulous scholar, the outstanding sportsman or the talented artist. We strive to ensure pupils’ accomplishments reflect their talents and interests. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Co-educational day school for pupils aged 11-18 in a beautiful rus in urbe environment next to Richmond Park. Challenging and inspirational curriculum extends and stretches. Pupils renowned for creativity, resilience and empathy. Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI (2015). Shortlisted for TES Independent senior school of the year 2018. New refectory opens 2019.
View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk
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Hampton Court House
ADDRESS: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9BS WEBSITE: www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk FOUNDED: 2001 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 3–18 FEES: Please check the website HEAD TEACHER: Guy Holloway RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination, interview and trial day. CONTACT: Rachel Bowles, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@hchnet.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Every Wednesday. Contact Registrar for further details on visits, including open days.
John Lyon School
ADDRESS: Middle Road, Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0HN WEBSITE: www.johnlyon.org FOUNDED: 1876 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 600 AGES: 11-18 FEES: £17,898-£18,582 HEAD TEACHER: Miss Katherine Haynes, BA, MEd, NPQH RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11+, 13+ and 16+ via entrance examination and interview. CONTACT: Ms Rebecca Davies, Registrar, 020 8515 9443 EMAIL: admissions@johnlyon.org SCHOOL VISITS: Typically our Open Evening takes place in May and our Open Day in September. Places are available at School in Action afternoons throughout the year - contact the Registrar for details.
THE CURRICULUM: An outstanding curriculum (as described by Ofsted), with subject specialists at all levels. Very strong focus on maths, science and English. National recognition for teaching of French, Spanish and Mandarin.
THE CURRICULUM: An extensive I/GCSE and A-level programme is on offer, students have the option of studying towards a Higher Project Qualification at GCSE and the Extended Project Qualification at A-level.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Throughout the school, from age of 3 to 18, pupils have specialist teachers in sport, art, music, ballet, drama and film-making. Many scholarships are won in art and photography; numerous students are active in professional productions (West End theatre and film).
GAMES & THE ARTS: The 25-acre sports site is one of the best in London, with multiple football pitches, cricket squares, an all-weather hockey pitch, tennis courts and pupils can access the Harrow Archery Club, athletics track and golf course. The 25-metre pool, sports hall and fitness studio are based on the main school site with options including basketball, judo, and badminton. For drama, two fully equipped ‘black box’ studio spaces, a ‘full rig’ in the main hall as well as annual productions at Harrow School’s Ryan Theatre combined with the opportunity to work with professional London drama companies.
PASTORAL CARE: Our school environment is reflective and thoughtful; our first duty of care is to the long-term emotional development of each child, such that they develop a strong sense of self, and the capacity to form trustfilled relationships. Form tutors are key figures in a pupil’s life, but all members of staff are part of a circle of care around each child. Our reflective teachers set the tone for a listening culture which seeks to validate each child’s voice. UNIVERSITY PLACES: University of Warwick, University of Chicago, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To create a kinder world by developing scholarly, cultured, reflective minds, alert to opportunity and informed about current affairs. Our school is not ‘rule-bound’ but rather concerns itself with the inner moral development of each child. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –A scholarly environment, with high academic expectations and excellent results. –Intellectual staff who are readers and are committed to continual professional development and learning. –Considered an innovative school by the international and national press. –Highly-regarded bilingual education in lower years and multilingual staff. –Rich, intellectual, cultural environment (music, literature and art).
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care at the school is excellent, parents regularly comment that everyone knows their son’s name, this is a ‘family school’. Boys benefit from ‘peer mentors’ all of the usual form tutor time that you would expect, as well as access to a school counsellor and nurse. The school’s pastoral care ‘knowing every individual’ ethos creates a sense of community. UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority go to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, with a large proportion going on to banking, engineering, law, medicine and sciences. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At John Lyon, every pupil matters, we are unashamedly academic and our results speak for themselves. The school is a friendly and dynamic place where we foster a love of learning. We offer an ‘all-rounder’ education that embraces opportunity and excellence both inside and beyond the classroom. If you are a John Lyon boy your son will be part of our Lyonian Family and we will help him achieve his goals. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: John Lyon School, with its historic links to Harrow School, dynamic leadership and excellent facilities delivers a well-grounded education in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Kensington Park School
ADDRESS: 40-44 Bark Place, W2 4AT; 59 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JP WEBSITE: www.kps.co.uk FOUNDED: Sixth Form: 2017; Lower School: 2018 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 90 boys, 90 girls AGES: 13-18 FEES: Day: £8,000 per term; Boarding: £13,300 per term HEADMASTER: Mr Paul Vanni RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 11+, 12+ and 13+: Entrance test and interview. 16+: Interview and provision of predicted GCSE grades CONTACT: Jane Lovell, Registrar EMAIL: J.Lovell@kps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Regular open days are held throughout the term. Contact the school for dates.
THE CURRICULUM: We offer a 21st century curriculum to prepare our pupils for the ever-changing world around us. We value academic attainment and also encourage our pupils to become well-rounded, socially intelligent members of society. GAMES & THE ARTS: KPS has an exciting and innovative co-curricular provision. We have partnered with local sports providers offering our pupils access to activities ranging from netball and football to rock climbing, horse riding and even ice hockey. Similar partnerships are in place for the arts. PASTORAL CARE: We pride ourselves on being a friendly school that offers top-quality and personalised pastoral care. Tutors are key figures in pupils’ lives. They provide the support individuals need as they navigate their way through the curriculum and the co-curricular opportunities on offer. The youngest pupils meet with their form tutor every day while sixth formers have at least two tutor group meetings a week, with follow-up meetings when required. UNIVERSITY PLACES: We support applications to universities in the UK and around the world. HEADTEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: KPS offers an intellectually exciting environment in which pupils can learn and grow, but also have fun. While our staff are rigorous in their approach to teaching and learning, they are thoroughly modern in their outlook and practice. We are a school with an ambitious vision for education in the 21st century. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Day and boarding school in central London. Although the school is new, our staff have been drawn from some of the best schools in the country including St Paul’s School, St Paul’s Girls’ School and Winchester College. Our approach to education is modern and dynamic, reflected in our exciting and innovative curriculum.
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Open Days Thursday 7th March (9.45am) Wednesday 27th March (9.45am) Monday 13th May (9.45am) Wednesday 26th June (9.45am) Tuesday 2nd July (9.45am)
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
North Bridge House Senior Hampstead & Senior Canonbury
ADDRESS: Senior Hampstead, 65 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 5UD; Senior Canonbury, 6-9 Canonbury Place, N1 2NQ WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com FOUNDED: 1939 AGES: 11–18 FEES: £18,150 - £19,335 per annum NUMBER OF PUPILS: Hampstead - 320; Canonbury - 180 HEAD TEACHER: Hampstead - Brendan Pavey, Canonbury Jonathan Taylor RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessments and interview. CONTACT: Admissions office 020 7428 1520 EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open events are held throughout the year. Please check our website for more details: www.northbridgehouse.com/open THE CURRICULUM: Inspirational teachers deliver a rich and varied range of academic and extra-curricular activities, tailored to challenge and stimulate every pupil according to their individual needs, abilities and interests. The curriculum is designed to educate the whole child and provides excellent learning opportunities for all pupils. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports range from the traditional track and field activities to the more unusual sailing and ice skating. Our Games curriculum promotes pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing whilst developing their team skills. The Arts are just as key to our curricular and extra-curricular offering: Plays and concerts are regularly staged, art exhibitions are an annual event and pupils relish the opportunity to perform in the local area. PASTORAL CARE: Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From confidence workshops to an onsite counsellor, we incorporate excellent pastoral care into every aspect of school life. All staff are committed to nurturing character and wellbeing within the small tutor groups and warm community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Students receive offers from a range of universities, typically accepting places at Russell Group institutions. HEAD TEACHERS’ PHILOSOPHY: NBH provides an individually tailored coeducation, celebrating high-achieving pupils in a mixed ability environment. From our focus on knowing the individual and developing strength of character, we achieve academic excellence in confident pupils who are proud of their successes. With specialist teaching and outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, we challenge and inspire each child to fulfil their potential. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sixth Form students benefit from later school starts in line with leading research, which has proven that adolescent brain changes affect their productivity earlier on. Oxbridge preparation, higher education fairs and ‘World of Work’ guest speaker events best inform students for successful futures and careers.
Portland Place School
ADDRESS: 56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ WEBSITE: www.portland-place.co.uk FOUNDED: 1996 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 290 AGES: 10 – 16 years FEES: £7,010 per term HEAD TEACHER: David Bradbury RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selection is based on assessment and interview. CONTACT: Bronagh Preston EMAIL: Admissions@portland-place.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: We hold open mornings and Saturday school tours with the Headmaster throughout the year. THE CURRICULUM: Portland Place School was founded as an alternative to the intense, large, examination focused independent day schools of which there are many in London. At Portland Place, our creative approach to academic study helps your child find their own path to learning. It’s the same goal, but with a different journey. The result? Our students are successful – on their own terms. GAMES & THE ARTS: Competitive and recreational sport has always had a special place in Portland Place and whilst some pupils have gone on to represent their county and country we also take pride in stating that most of our pupils have represented Portland Place in an inter school fixture, because we recognise that sport develops self-confidence and leadership. Recent heavy investment will create an unrivalled centre of creative, academic, sporting and technological excellence at Portland Place School. The investment includes the creation of a new studio to benefit their Graphics, Photography, Film and Media department, and a new workshop space for superior Creative Arts provision and a more integrated offer. PASTORAL CARE: We believe that the happier your child is, the more likely it is that they’ll be receptive to new ideas and in the right state of mind to learn. At Portland Place, your child won’t be tested left, right and centre, but will have the time and space to discover how they like to learn. The atmosphere is relaxed so our students are more relaxed, too. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Here at Portland Place we believe that exceptional teaching, combined with a modern curriculum inside and outside the classroom, provides the best stimulus for children to become inquisitive and creative learners and achieve beyond exams. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Good Schools Guide describes us as ‘small, nurturing and refreshingly relaxed. A haven of creativity in the pushy, academically competitive world of London day schools. A place for engaged, lively kids’. 85% of pupils achieved five plus A*-C grades at GCSE level.
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An independent, coeducational school for 3 to 18 year olds
Senior School and Sixth Form Regular tours available in the Trinity Term. To book a place, please visit www.stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7200 Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY 156 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Spring/Summer 2019
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Open Mind. Open Door. Open Future.
Open Day Events 2019 Thursday 13th June 9.30am - 12 Noon
Saturday 21st September 9.30am - 12.30pm
Please contact Admissions to book your personal tour.
No need to book, please just come along.
2 mins walk from Northwood Tube St Helen’s School An Independent Day School for Girls aged 3 - 18 Eastbury Road, Northwood, HA6 3AS admissions@sthelens.london | 01923 843230 www.sthelens.london
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
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Sydenham High Senior School
ADDRESS: 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL WEBSITE: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1887 AGES: 11–18 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 415 girls FEES: £5,579 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Katharine Woodcock RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exam and interview for year 7 entry. Scholarship exams for year 7 and 12. Bursaries available.
CONTACT: Admissions Office 020 8557 7004 EMAIL: admissions@syd.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 19 March and 2 May 9.30-11am. There are also year 5 taster sessions on 22 May which are bookable online. THE CURRICULUM: Senior school students study a broad range of academic subjects which develop analytical, creative and lateral thinking skills to build a strong foundation for A Levels and university. At Sixth Form, in addition to A Levels, we offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which prepares students for the independent learning required at university. GAMES & THE ARTS: The school offers an extremely varied programme of sport and extra-curricular clubs and activities, including cricket, rowing, fencing, trampolining, and rugby, alongside traditional school sports such as hockey and netball. Girls are able to join, and lead, a range of performing arts activities and clubs such as choirs, concert band, dancing, gymnastics and acting. PASTORAL CARE: As a smaller school community, with intrinsic pastoral care, each girl is known and visible. We believe our girls deserve nothing less than the highest standards of academic and pastoral excellence. Our inclusive environment allows all of our students to be independent, take risks and learn resilience through trying new things without the fear of failure. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our students leave with excellent exam results, ambitious about their futures, and go on to study at a range of higher education destinations including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, medical schools and art colleges. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our motto, ‘fear nothing’, underpins all that we do. Our girls are ambitious and open minded, well round, happy and down to earth. Above all, our school is simply bursting with warmth, creativity, talent and excellence. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We are a small but high achieving school where self-belief and happiness, alongside a ‘can do’ approach enable our girls to thrive and succeed. A Sydenham High education not only develops the necessary skills for university and employment but offers an inspirational environment where students can be themselves, learn to take risks, develop independence and resilience, leaving happy and confident about their future.
Wetherby Senior School
ADDRESS: 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU WEBSITE: www.wetherbysenior.co.uk FOUNDED: 2015 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 275 AGES: 11-18 FEES: £7990 per term HEAD TEACHER: Seth Bolderow RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Boys enter at Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12. Entry is by competitive examination. Scholarships and bursaries are available. CONTACT: Henry Warner, Director of Admissions EMAIL: registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Visitor Mornings and School tours are held throughout the year. Booking is required. THE CURRICULUM: Through nurturing a genuine enjoyment of learning, intellectual curiosity and academic excellence we aim to develop our pupils into confident and independent learners. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an important part of the boys’ development and wellbeing, and is a compulsory activity for all boys at Wetherby Senior School. The main sports are Rugby, Football, Cricket and Tennis with other activities available. Music, Drama and Art are strong with a variety of concerts, exhibitions and dramatic productions held throughout the year. PASTORAL CARE: All boys are supported by a tutor throughout their time at the School. We understand that success in all areas of school life and in the future is based on developing the boys’ resilience to cope with challenges, the ability to reflect and the willingness to contribute positively to their community. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our goal is to provide an outstanding all-round education, supporting our pupils to achieve academically and to develop as people, fully preparing them to meet the challenges of being a young man in the twenty-first century and ready to contribute to the communities in which they live. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Academic rigour – Outstanding teaching – Excellent pastoral care – A strong community of pupils, staff and parents – An exclusive and varied sports programme with superb facilities at Ealing Trailfinders – Philosophy is embedded in the curriculum from Year 7 to develop independent thinking
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COUNTRY SCHOOLS PREPA R ATORY | SENIOR
Canford School, Dorset
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HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
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HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
Ashdown House
ADDRESS: Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JY WEBSITE: www.ashdownhouse.co.uk FOUNDED: 1843 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 104 AGES: 7–13 FEES: From £4,950 (day) and £9,150 (boarding) HEAD TEACHER: Mike Davies RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. All faiths welcome. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children are invited to spend a day or 24 hours with their peers. Otherwise, informal interview and sight of current/previous reports. CONTACT: 01342 822574, secretary@ashdownhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open days are held termly. THE CURRICULUM: Chess and Mandarin lessons complement core curriculum subjects. Emphasis is placed on the wider curriculum with visits to the Cothill Trust’s château in France. GAMES & THE ARTS: All traditional sports. Brilliant music, art and DT departments (frequent scholarships and national competition winners). Each year group performs at least one play a year and school concerts are termly. PASTORAL CARE: The headmaster and his wife live in the heart of the school and oversee the pastoral side of a busy boarding school with the help of a dedicated team. A good house system encourages healthy competition and we are a school that very much rewards good behaviour. Small classes ensure that the form teacher knows each child well. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Eton, Harrow, Radley, Wellington, St Edward’s, Stowe, Charterhouse, Abingdon, Bradfield, Haileybury, Hampton, Marlborough, Oundle, Rugby, Tonbridge and Uppingham. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester, Eton, Sevenoaks, Bryanston, St Leonard’s Mayfield, Clayesmore, Tudor Hall, Sherborne and Worth. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Recognition that we need to live together as a community that encourages family values is at the heart of all that we do. Through learning in a fun and friendly environment, children leave the school as confident young people, understanding the importance of tolerance and able to cope with life’s disappointments as well as the triumphs. Friendships are forged for life. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Forty acres of beautiful grounds with hundreds of trees that the children are actively encouraged to climb. Chickens and dogs abound. Over half the staff live on site and a busy weekend programme ensures that boarders are fully occupied and happy.
Bedales
ADDRESS: Bedales School, Church Road, Steep, Petersfield GU32 2DG WEBSITE: www.bedales.org.uk FOUNDED: 1893 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Bedales Pre-prep, Dunannie: 75; Bedales Prep, Dunhurst: 205; Bedales Senior School: 465 AGES: 3–8 (Dunannie); 8–13 (Dunhurst); 13–18 (Bedales). FEES: (Per term) Nursery: £436–£605 per term; Dunannie: £3,175– £4,105; Dunhurst: Day £5,640 – £6,255; Boarding £8,310; Bedales: Day £9,505; Boarding £12,095 per term.
HEAD: Magnus Bashaarat RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Main entry points at 2 yrs 9 months, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Selection by assessment/residential assessment and interview.
CONTACT: 01730 711733/ admissions@bedales.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: Bedales - 2 March and 11 May; Dunhurst - 9 February; Dunannie: - 18 May
THE CURRICULUM: From the very youngest, pupils ‘learn through doing’ with a curriculum that has breadth and depth. In the Senior School, students take a combination of IGCSEs and its own more interesting and demanding Bedales Assessed Courses (recognised by UCAS), for example, in Global Awareness. Sixth-formers take Enrichment courses in addition to A-Levels. GAMES & THE ARTS: Bedales competes in many sports including football, hockey, tennis, cricket and netball. Excellent facilities include floodlit astroturf, floodlit tennis and netball pitches and indoor swimming pool. The school is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music with lots of opportunities to participate in performances and concerts including overseas tours. PASTORAL CARE: For pastoral support, every student is assigned a member of house staff (boarding or day) with whom they build a close and strong relationship. Students also benefit from having a tutor who monitors and guides their academic progress, tailoring the level of support to the individual. Tutor groups (and dormitories) are mixed age, encouraging communication and sharing of experience across the years. SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available from 10+ for Music and Academic, 13+ for Art, and 16+ for Drama, Sport and Design. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bedales was founded to be different from the schools of its time. Where others imposed conformity, Bedales nurtured individuality, initiative and an enquiring mind. True to its roots and founding principles the school places emphasis on collaboration and care for others. Our students are naturally ambitious and competitive, and build strong relationships with each other and their teachers based on mutual respect; everyone, staff and students, is on first name terms. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - Shared progressive ethos and vision across the three Bedales Schools - Impressive university destinations including Oxbridge, music conservatoires, art college and overseas institutions such as Yale - Innovation in the curriculum (eg. Bedales Assessed Courses and Sixth Form enrichment programme) with high academic expectations - 120 acre estate in the South Downs National Park, complete with working farm (and plenty of opportunities for pupil involvement)
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Bede’s Prep School at Eastbourne
ADDRESS: Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7XL WEBSITE: www.bedes.org FOUNDED: 1895 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 367: 168 boys (Pre-Prep & Prep), 113 girls (Pre-Prep & Prep); 86 (Nursery) AGES: 3 months–13 years FEES: Nursery from £36.50 per session. Reception and Years 1–2 £3,410; Years 3–4 £4,680; Years 5–6 £5,620; Years 7–8 £5,800 (all per term). Boarding £2,750 extra per term. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Giles Entwisle RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective, interview with headmaster. CONTACT: Lynette Bonell, 01323 356939 EMAIL: prep.admissions@bedes.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: Saturday 2 March 2019, Saturday 28 September 2019 THE CURRICULUM: Bede’s bespoke and enhanced curriculum focuses upon skills as much as content and encourages curiosity, self-reliance, self-belief and the confidence to ‘have a go’. We see our job as helping our children to discover their talents and to build upon them. GAMES & THE ARTS: Bede’s recognises achievement at all levels and encourages children to take part and join a sports team. Facilities are outstanding. The performing arts are a big part of school life, with many performances throughout the year. PASTORAL CARE: For boarders, home is a beautiful Victorian villa overlooking the sea. Matron and her team look after the needs of the children, and teachers and tutors are always there to help with any problems. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘I am very proud that Bede’s is a school that encourages children of all talents to pursue their goals. We believe that education begins with the individual and that all children are unique.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Bede’s is one of the largest prep schools in Sussex and is blessed with a stunning location on the seafront at Eastbourne. The site has outstanding facilities including sports centre, swimming pool, outstanding sports coaching and purpose built nursery and pre-prep. At 13 most children move on to Bede’s Senior School, eight miles away and set in 100 acres of rolling Sussex countryside.
Bede’s Senior School
ADDRESS: Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3QH WEBSITE: www.bedes.org FOUNDED: 1978 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 765 (465 boys, 300 girls) AGES: 13–18 FEES: Day students £7,370; weekly boarders £11,020; full boarders £11,720 (all per term); Day boarders £100 per term additional supplement HEAD TEACHERS: Mr Peter Goodyer RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children joining in Year 9 will attend a Bede’s Experience Day. CONTACT: 01323 843252 EMAIL: admissions@bedes.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: Saturday 9 March 2019, Saturday 14 September 2019 THE CURRICULUM: Over 35 subjects are offered at GCSE and IGCSE and in the sixth-form there are over 40 different courses ranging from Cambridge Pre-Us and traditional A-levels to vocational courses such as Animal Management. BTECs are offered in a range of subjects. GAMES & THE ARTS: All major sports. Academy programmes in football, hockey and cricket. Five percent of pupils play county or national level sport. Outstanding performing arts. Probably the best art department in the South East and the school is also home to the Legat School of Dance. PASTORAL CARE: Superb boarding facilities. All pupils have their own tutor. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over three quarters of pupils achieve their first choice of university places. Other pupils go on to music, drama and dance colleges. A considerable number move on to art college. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘We are ambitious for our pupils, inspiring a self-belief that empowers them and stimulates their natural curiosity. Their enriched learning experience increases their appetite to achieve more because they expect more.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Beautiful 100-acre Sussex campus. Exceptional coaching and sports facilities including swimming pool, squash courts, fitness centre, cricket pavilion and water-based astro. Outstanding art department. State-of-the-art boarding facilities. Over 40 drama and musical performances each year. Staff student ratio of 1:7. In the top 100 of schools nationally for value added at A-level.
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Brighton College
ADDRESS: Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL WEBSITE: www.brightoncollege.org.uk FOUNDED: 1845 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,020. Day: 393 boys, 262 girls. Boarding: 183 boys, 182 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day: £7,930. Weekly boarding: £11,070. Full boarding: £12,730 HEAD TEACHER: Richard Cairns RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, welcomes all/no faiths ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview at 11, 13 and 16 CONTACT: Alison Withers, Registrar SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning or individual visit. Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit on 01273 704200 THE CURRICULUM: We encourage inquisitive minds, inspire confidence and provide challenging activities outside the classroom. A wide range of subjects are experienced and we ensure each pupil achieves a happy school/ life balance. GAMES & THE ARTS: As one of the leading sports schools in England, we believe every child deserves to enjoy sport whatever their level. Our arts calendar is full of music, dance, art and drama activities for boys and girls to get involved in. PASTORAL CARE: Our last ISI inspection rated our provision of pastoral care as ‘excellent’ - the top grade possible - and the last Ofsted inspection awarded our welfare for boarders as ‘outstanding’. We take considerable care in maintaining a supportive and accepting community that celebrates differences between people, affirming a sense of belonging for all. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Oxbridge: 20 per cent of pupils each year. Russell Group: 650+ offers each year PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Around 40 per cent of the Upper Sixth apply each year. A strong record of success with 229 offers in the past decade. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: “I believe passionately in the importance of the individual. Every child at Brighton College is valued for his or her own sake, encouraged to develop his or her talents to the full in a community where there are no stereotypes and where every achievement, however small, is noticed.” OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – GCSE and A-level results amongst the best in the country – Pupils go to the world’s leading universities – £55m Sports & Science Centre opening in 2019 – ‘England’s Independent School of the Year’ – The Sunday Times – ‘One word: exceptional’ – Tatler – ‘Britain’s most forward thinking school’ – The Week
Christ’s Hospital
ADDRESS: Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ WEBSITE: www.christs-hospital.org.uk FOUNDED: 1552 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 450 boys, 450 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding per term £11,480; day per term £5,930–£7,470. Bursaries and scholarships available. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Simon Reid RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, all faiths welcome. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview at 11, 13 and 16. CONTACT: 01403 246555 EMAIL: hello@christs-hospital.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings are held each term and personal tours can be arranged by contacting the school, 01403 246555.
THE CURRICULUM: The academic curriculum offers a mix of GCSEs, A-levels, IB and Pre-U qualifications. We are unashamedly academic – with 98% of pupils moving on each year to the leading universities in this country and abroad. GAMES & THE ARTS: Art, music, drama and sport are all strong and an integral part of school life. Pupils are given the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of activities. These can be enjoyed and played at all levels, from representing the school locally, nationally and internationally, to enjoying a game with friends. Pupils are encouraged to have a go and try new things unearthing new talents, hobbies and interests. PASTORAL CARE: Strong pastoral care, dedicated and attentive staff. Boarders and day pupils feel safe, secure and well looked after within the school’s established house system. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Ninety-eight per cent of pupils each year go to university. On average 10 per cent go to Oxford or Cambridge. Sixth-form pupils benefit from small classes, highly qualified staff who are passionate about their subjects, weekly lectures given by visiting specialist speakers, an extensive range of subjects, a choice of exams at sixth-form plus individual guidance and support through UCAS the university entry system. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Christ’s Hospital offers something very distinctive by providing an independent education of the strongest quality to children with academic potential, from every corner of society in a compassionate and sympathetic environment. Pupils’ fees are assessed according to family income. Therefore, it is a child’s ability and potential to benefit from a Christ’s Hospital education that determines their selection. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTIC: By providing first class, free or supported education to talented young people Christ’s Hospital continues to transform lives in a way that no other educational establishment in the UK can match.
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Dover College
Downsend School
ADDRESS: Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent CT17 9RH WEBSITE: www.dovercollege.org.uk FOUNDED: 1871 AGES: 3 – 18 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 297 FEES: Termly Day Fees £2,575-£5,350; Full Boarding £8,250-£10,500. Weekly boarding is also available. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Gareth Doodes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Alison Wilson, Director of Admissions 01304 244522 EMAIL: admissions@dovercollege.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment through the admissions team
ADDRESS: 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead Surrey KT22 8TJ WEBSITE: www.downsend.co.uk FOUNDED: 1891 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 707 (279 Pre-Preps). 404 boys, 305 girls AGES: 2-13 yrs (GCSE’s to 16 from 2020) FEES: £1,030 - £5,145 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Ian Thorpe RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective entry into Pre-Prep. Entrance assessments for Year 3 upwards. Open Days and taster days. CONTACT: Sarah Concanon, Admissions Registrar EMAIL: admissions@downsend.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Prep School and Pre-Prep School 8 March and 11 May. Private tours are available at all times.
THE CURRICULUM: Diverse, flexible and a large range of subjects at all levels. Creativity and thinking differently are at the heart of our offer. GAMES & THE ARTS: Performing arts in drama and music are extensively offered outside the curriculum. The games and sport provision is excellent, offering a very wide choice from team to individual sports. PASTORAL CARE: Excellent. Our house system has a family feel and our environment ensures no one is lost. Pupils are treated with exceptional care and attention. This is a real strength in the school. UNIVERSITY PLACES: All pupils who apply gain places at the full range of Universities HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: From the Junior to the Senior school, we take pride in encouraging our pupils to think differently, to be ambitious, to develop confidence, to find their passions, and be cared for in an environment that nurtures, supports and focuses on the individual. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Exceptional AI care for each pupil in all aspects of their development • EAL and IN provision is available of the highest order • Pupils are encouraged to think differently • A huge range of academic subjects are offered • A large extra-curricular offer is available • Pupils are confident but not arrogant
THE CURRICULUM: Children enjoy interactive lessons and are introduced to a varied and specialised curriculum from Year 2 and experience working with specialist teachers in games, music, food technology and textiles. From Year 6 children are taught by subject specialists. Academic focus is geared towards preparation for Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations. GAMES & THE ARTS: Excellent facilities including cricket, football and rugby pitches; tennis and netball courts, astroturf pitch for hockey, swimming pool and a sports hall and pavilion. Music Suite for orchestras, choirs, jazz & rock bands. Drama room, termly production. PASTORAL CARE: Each child in Years 2 & 3 has a form teacher who takes them for the majority of their timetabled day. From Year 4, children are set for the core academic lessons. From Year 6, each pupil has a tutor and their relationship is pivotal to a child’s success. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 217 scholarships since 2014 to schools including Boxhill, CLFS, Dunottar, Epsom College, Reigate Grammar, St John’s and Whitgift. PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Approximately 20 per cent secure places at Oxbridge each year. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Downsend is an established, academic preparatory school which is dynamic and contemporary. We provide each child with a broad education, through experiencing a vibrant school life that extends beyond the classroom, and provides outstanding academic development. We encourage our pupils to become well-rounded individuals in a modern society. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Pupils are encouraged to become confident, articulate and happy individuals. We have an impressive record of success at 11+ and 13+ examinations; first-rate facilities; a large range of extracurriculars and extended day care as well as a holiday care programme outside normal term time, offering 50-week care to the children of working parents.
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Cottesmore School
ADDRESS: Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU WEBSITE: www.cottesmoreschool.com FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 175 AGES: 4-13 FEES: Prep. Boarding: £9095; Day Boarding: £5991. Pre-prep: £3199-£4267. HEAD TEACHER: Tom Rogerson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview with head, previous term’s report and English and maths assessment if necessary CONTACT: Lottie Rogerson EMAIL: rogersonc@cottesmoreschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Saturday 2 March, Saturday 11 May, Saturday 28 September and Saturday 23 November 2019; from 10am until 12pm.
Dunottar School
ADDRESS: High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL WEBSITE: www.dunottarschool.com FOUNDED: 1926 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 315 AGES: 11–18 FEES: £5,345 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Tottman RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England (welcomes all faiths or none) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview CONTACT: Mrs Sue Edwards, Head of Admissions EMAIL: admissions@dunottarschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings are held each term (see the website for forthcoming dates) and visitors are welcome for private tours throughout the year.
THE CURRICULUM: Cottesmore achieves excellent academic results. The strength of Cottesmore’s academic programme lies within its breadth. There are 21 different curriculum subject taught. Through this rich variety of intellectual experience, each girl and boy finds her or his particular strength and this in turn lifts their all-round potential.
THE CURRICULUM: A well-balanced curriculum is the foundation for innovative teaching where technology is used creatively to enhance learning. Pupils are encouraged to be determined, inquisitive and actively engaged in their learning.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Cottesmorians are equally likely to be found on the stage, the games field or in the art and design studios. A dizzying array of activities and hobbies give each individual pupil confidence, making strong academic results more achievable.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is competitive, enjoyable and inclusive. Rugby and football are the main boys’ sports, with netball and lacrosse for girls and cricket, swimming and athletics for all. The arts flourish with choirs and ensembles, dramatic productions and excellent creative facilities.
PASTORAL CARE: Every new boy or girl is given a ‘shadow’ or buddy who looks after him or her when they first arrive. Every pupil is matched with, and becomes, a Peer Mentor or ‘listening ear’. Each pupil has a ‘Form Tutor’ (daily logistics), a ‘Pastoral Tutor’ (well-being), a Matron (domestic) and a House Master/ Mistress. Every adult at Cottesmore contributes to the well-being of every child.
PASTORAL CARE: The atmosphere at Dunottar is truly special. Pastoral wellbeing is vital to children’s development and Dunottar recognises that pupils need to feel safe, fulfilled and happy in order to thrive. The school strives to allow every pupil to be themselves, with their own unique needs, strengths and potential. This exceptional standard of care ensures that each student, at each stage of school life, has the confidence to contribute and succeed.
SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Eton, Downe House, Harrow, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, Winchester, Benenden, Wellington, Cheltenham Ladies’, Marlborough, St Edwards and other top schools. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Everyone has a talent. Whatever creative or academic outlet makes a child tick, Cottesmore finds and nurtures it. Endeavour and fun are the most important elements of intellectual life at Cottesmore. Success follows this explosion of discovery and purposefulness. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Cottesmore is an academic boarding prep school for boys and girls in West Sussex, less than an hour from London. They provide a train service to London Victoria Station, which is popular with London ‘S.W.’ families. Cottesmore has been preparing children for major public schools since 1894 and continues to provide excellent preparation for senior boarding schools who share Cottesmore’s belief in nurturing a rounded, dynamic individual.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: Tailored support ensures success in UK and international institutions. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy on education is that it is all about learning to improve. I love being able to inspire pupils to achieve more than they thought possible. We create a vibrant, supportive community where pupils grow in confidence, responding well to setbacks and seeking out new challenges for themselves. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Dunottar School combines the convenience of a town centre location, just outside Reigate, with the atmosphere of a countryside setting. The stunning Palladian mansion is set in 15 acres and the excellent facilities include a swimming pool and sports hall.
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Cranleigh Preparatory School
Cranleigh School
ADDRESS: Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH WEBSITE: www.cranprep.org FOUNDED: 1913 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 340 AGES: Girls and Boys 7-13 FEES: Boarding: £24,225 annually, Day: (Years 5 to 8) £20,085 annually, Day: (Years 3&4) £15,480 annually HEAD TEACHER: Mr Neil Brooks RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Age appropriate assessments and report from the head of the pupil’s current school. CONTACT: Head of Admissions EMAIL: admissions@cranprep.org SCHOOL VISITS: Parents are welcome to visit throughout term. Open Mornings 27 February, 11 May, 19 June and 5 October.
ADDRESS: Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ WEBSITE: www.cranleigh.org FOUNDED: 1865 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 boys, 229 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding: £37, 905 annually. Day: £31,170 annually. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Martin Reader MA (Oxon), MPhil, MBA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England; welcomes pupils of all faiths, and none. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: To learn about the admissions process for both 13+ and 16+ entry, please contact our admissions team directly. CONTACT: 01483 276377 EMAIL: admissions@cranleigh.org SCHOOL VISITS: Cranleigh welcomes visits from prospective parents and pupils. Small group meetings take place on Saturdays throughout the year, and individual visits and tours may be arranged in addition.
THE CURRICULUM: A stimulating academic programme, leading to Common Entrance or Scholarship exams at 13+. Latin from NC Year 6. Food Tech, music, drama, art and DT are part of the balanced curriculum. GAMES & THE ARTS: An outstanding reputation for sport, with individual pupils and teams regularly playing at county and national level. The arts are an integral part of the school, with excellent plays and concerts throughout the year and a brilliant, inspirational art department. PASTORAL CARE: A warm and welcoming atmosphere is present from a child’s first day. There is a remarkable sense of community, and of pupils and staff working together. Form Tutors are a constant source of encouragement, praise and advice, supported by a strong pastoral team within this very happy school. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 40 scholarships in 2018, 169 scholarships over the last four years to some of the country’s best schools, including Brighton College, Cranleigh, Charterhouse, Eton, KCS Wimbledon, Marlborough, RGS Guildford, Tonbridge, Wellington and Winchester. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We focus on enabling each child to fulfil their intellectual potential, whilst encouraging them to find real enjoyment, and to seek success from their participation, at whatever level, in the many artistic, cultural and sporting opportunities which the school promotes. We believe that children should grow up with an understanding of the importance of personal responsibility, respect for other people and how to work as part of a team. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Set in 40 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, less than 50 minutes from London. – Outstanding academic results. – First class sports and music facilities. – An exceptional art department. – Unique pastoral care in a wonderfully relaxed, happy and inspirational environment.
THE CURRICULUM: A broad Fourth Form curriculum leads into an options system allowing between nine and ten GCSEs. At Sixth Form pupils take A-levels with the option of adding EPQ and Pre-U. Classes are a good size (approx. ten in sixth form), and extra support is readily available. GAMES & THE ARTS: Outstanding facilities include a huge sports centre, indoor pool, equestrian centre, 31 pitches and a golf course. The music school features a wide range of ensembles and top-class practice/performance facilities; drama has its own modern theatre, while Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and canoeing are popular. The Woodyer Art Studios provide some of the best art facilities in the country, with six large studios providing specialist provision for painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics. The Design Engineering department has three design studios and workshops, including 3D printing facilities. PASTORAL CARE: Cranleigh’s philosophy is to nurture pupils as individuals, ensuring happy and fulfilling school years while preparing them for the wider world. The Housemasters/Housemistresses, Matrons and personal tutors who closely follow their tutees’ progress, Deputy Heads and Chaplain all play a key part in the pupils’ pastoral care. UNIVERSITY PLACES: 99 per cent go on to higher education, with around 80 per cent getting into their first-choice university (including Oxbridge, Bristol, Durham, LSE, UCL) in recent years. PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Oxbridge is a focus for many of Cranleigh’s pupils, with impressive results year on year. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Family values feature strongly at this ‘local boarding school’. A highly regarded school/home partnership enables pupils to remain close to family while participating fully in school life. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The 280-acre setting and outstanding facilities offer an enviable environment in which to develop in both academic and co-curricular spheres. The school believes feeling valued within various spheres impacts positively on grades, and results in confident, open-minded individuals who leave with lifelong friends.
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BLUE SKY LEARNING JOIN US FOR OUR
UPCOMING OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 9 March 2019 from 9am till 1pm Saturday 15 June 2019 from 9am till 1pm
BOOK YOUR PLACE ONLINE
An HMC independent boarding and day
www.eastbourne-college.co.uk
school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18
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Highfield and Brookham Schools
ADDRESS: Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ WEBSITE: www.highfieldschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1907 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 249 boys, 217 girls AGES: 3–13 FEES: Brookham Pre-Prep £3,700-£5,000 per term, Highfield Prep (Day) £6,325-£7,175 per term, (Boarding) £7,950-£8,750 per term HEAD TEACHERS: Mr Phillip Evitt, Highfield School; Mrs Sophie Baber, Brookham School RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Nursery and reception non-selective, assessed entry for later years subject to space. CONTACT: Caroline Lukic, Admissions Registrar, 01428 728000 EMAIL: headspa@highfieldschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days in Feb, May and Sept, or call to arrange.
THE CURRICULUM: Broad, stimulating and highly creative. Strong emphasis on cross-curricular and outdoor learning, including Forest School, provides for all styles of learner. We aim to develop enthusiastic, enquiring, rounded and adaptable independent thinkers who will recognise that learning is both a joy and lifelong. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport, drama, music, design technology and art all enjoy generous provision in the timetable, providing every pupil with the opportunity to explore and develop their talents and interests. PASTORAL CARE: At the heart of our schools is the awareness that personal happiness and well-being is the right of every child and essential for personal and intellectual development and growth. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Highfield has a flawless track record for securing every child’s place at their first choice senior school; Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse, Wellington, Wycombe Abbey, Marlborough, Canford, Sherborne Girls, King’s Canterbury to name a few. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester, Wellington, Marlborough, Canford, Bryanston, Cranleigh School and Rugby School. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Schools must be places of joy, wonder, enchantment and delight where learning is a pleasure; stimulating, challenging and exciting. Above all childhood and school should be secure and fun. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Charming country Prep and Pre Prep Boarding and Day Schools set in sumptuous 175-acre grounds on the Hampshire/Surrey/Sussex borders. The Schools enjoy an outstanding reputation for innovation, creativity, pastoral care and academic success. Enviable facilities include extensive sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, music school and art school.
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HAPPI NE SS • C ON FID EN CE • AC HIEVE ME N T
‘ Excellent ’ Latest ISI Inspection
Open Mornings 5 March & 1 October 2019 A happy, caring environment for girls & boys in Woking aged 3 - 13 & just 25 minutes from London
hoebridgeschool.co.uk admissions@hoebridgeschool.co.uk 01483 227909
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Parkside School
ADDRESS: The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3PX WEBSITE: www.parkside-school.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1879
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 271 AGES: 2-13 years, 2-4 years co-ed, 4-13 years boys FEES: £432 - £5,150 HEAD TEACHER: Acting Head Ms Nicole Janssen RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance assessment and assessment day CONTACT: Lindre Scott, Registrar 01932 862 749 EMAIL: office@parkside-school.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: By prior appointment or open morning. Next Open Morning Saturday 22 June. THE CURRICULUM: Parkside aims to provide a stimulating environment to ensure pupils thrive in their academic development throughout and beyond their school life. We seek to expand our pupils’ aspirations and their intellectual curiosity and interest in new ideas. GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and art are an integral part of the curriculum and offer boys a variety of opportunities to demonstrate individual talents and interests. Sport is an important aspect of school life at the school and our aim is to help each boy achieve his maximum sporting potential. PASTORAL CARE: At the core of Parkside’s pastoral care is the development of individual self-esteem and confidence alongside a sound moral code. As a school, we feel it is our responsibility to encourage boys to become young men who are civilised, tolerant and compassionate. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Many boys have been awarded academic scholarships to Reed’s School, St John’s, Lancing College and Box Hill School. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Parkside provides an education that allows the boys to make the most of their abilities, interests and talents and progress onto senior schools as confident and independent individuals, with a joy of learning. We seek to develop children academically, socially and physically, while drawing out their capacity for compassion, generosity and understanding. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Set in over 45 acres of beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Cobham the school provides a stimulating environment in which boys can learn, grow and develop. At Parkside we believe that children learn best when they are happy, active and challenged. We are uniquely geared to being able to accept children at a variety of ages and deliver them effectively to a range of senior schools, confident and well-prepared for their future.
The New Beacon School
ADDRESS: Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 2PB WEBSITE: www.newbeacon.org.uk FOUNDED: 1900 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 370 AGES: Rising 3–13 years FEES: £3,700 to £5,295 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mike Piercy RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective at Reception. Please contact our Registrar who will be happy to give more details. CONTACT: Registrar; registrar@newbeacon.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 22 March or 24 May 2019. Visitors are welcome during term time for private visits. THE CURRICULUM: We provide a broad, balanced, intellectual, creative and spiritual education with academic achievement at its heart. In the classroom, sports field, music, art, design and technology departments, our boys always strive for personal excellence. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport features prominently with an impressive range of silverware on show! Drama, music and art are also a vibrant feature of life and our boys are afforded a rich array of opportunities to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, developing vital communication skills, self-confidence and strong interpersonal life skills. PASTORAL CARE: All who work here strive to provide a safe, friendly and caring environment, so our pupils can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Our staff provide a high standard of support, guidance and care and pupils know who to turn to if they need help. All staff are fully aware of any issues or pastoral concerns, and this is facilitated by daily meetings and an electronic pastoral information system. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Please visit www.newbeacon.org.uk/ prep-school/destination-schools/scholarship-successes/ to see our 2015-2018 scholars. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ’This is a place of energy and success, for individual boys and for the entire school community. We know what makes boys tick – from the sensitive to the ebullient – and I have no doubt they achieve more here than in any school I have led. A clear mission, high expectations and excellent teaching lead to achievement: they can all be found in this Prep School.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our boys are challenged and encouraged, with equal opportunity for all. It’s our aim that boys achieve their best through high expectation, excellent teaching and nurtured confidence. All who work here strive for the highest possible standards in every aspect of the school community. We believe each boy is an individual and we will help him achieve his best.
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St Hilary’s Preparatory School Godalming 2—11 years
Also welcoming boys in Year 3 from Sept 2019 in a phased plan to be fully co-educational by Sept 2022
“Happy, charming and academically successful” The Good Schools Guide
Tel: 01483 416551 • @StHilarysSchool Email: registrar@sthilarysschool.com
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Royal Grammar School, Guildford
ADDRESS: High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB WEBSITE: www.rgs-guildford.co.uk FOUNDED: 1509 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 950 boys AGES: 11–18 FEES: £6,095 per term (plus £285 per term for lunches). A number of means-tested bursaries are available. HEAD TEACHER: Dr Jon Cox RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admissions at 11, 13 and 16 – via exam and interview. CONTACT: Mrs Kathryn Sweet, Head of Admissions, 01483 880600 EMAIL : admissions@rgsg.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day on the first Saturday in October, but the school also arranges small group visits during term-time. THE CURRICULUM: Our diverse and flexible curriculum caters to our students who are naturally engaged, motivated and curious, and promotes a culture of scholarship for all. The boys consistently achieve outstanding results at IGCSE, GCSE and A-level; however, the school nurtures habits and attitudes which will allow them not only to flourish at university but also to face a challenging, fastchanging world with confidence. GAMES & THE ARTS: The school has a strong reputation, excellent facilities and recognises achievement at all levels. Boys regularly gain sporting honours at both a national and international level; music, art and drama all flourish. PASTORAL CARE: Self-respect and self-esteem in terms of physical health, emotional maturity and personal well-being are fostered throughout the School. The outstanding pastoral care enables our boys to thrive in an environment in which they feel safe, valued and able to express themselves. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Comprehensive, individually tailored advice ensures that boys are successful in achieving places at their first-choice institutions to read traditional, robust degree subjects. PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: An average of 23 per cent; there have been 346 offers in the last decade, including 30 offers for 2018. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our school values – inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, tenacity and service – are at the very heart of our ethos; they define who we are. Each individual at the RGS is nurtured and valued; our students enjoy learning as part of a close-knit community where potential is realised. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Quotations from the last inspection report include: ‘The pastoral care from which pupils benefit is excellent, offering outstanding support’; ‘Self-esteem is strengthened by the school’s emphasis on valuing each pupil as an individual’; ‘Pupils achieve at an exceptionally high level and make outstanding progress’; ‘Achievements in creative, physical and performance skills are exceptional’.
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Rowan Prep School
ADDRESS: Rowan Brae (2-7yrs), Gordon Rd, Claygate KT10 0PJ. Rowan Hill (7-11yrs) Fitzalan Rd, Claygate KT10 0LX WEBSITE: www.rowanprepschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1936 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 330 AGES: 2-11 FEES: Per term: £3,730 - £4,950 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Susan Clarke, BEd, NPQH RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry at Nursery, Reception and Year 3. Occasional places in other year groups. CONTACT: Mrs Drake, Registrar EMAIL: school.registrar@rowanprepschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings are held each term with showrounds at the school’s discretion. 14 March & 16 May 19 – 9.30am-11.30am. THE CURRICULUM: Learning at Rowan gives all girls the chance to investigate, be challenged, take risks and be curious about the world around them. Academics are developed through experiences, adventurous learning and a specialist teaching model. GAMES & THE ARTS: ‘Sports for All’ is our mantra and with over 95% of girls learning an instrument, taking part in choirs, musical theatre, drama and dance; Arts and Games are all inclusive. Outstanding facilities include astro for hockey, netball and tennis courts and fields for athletics, cricket and rounders. PASTORAL CARE: Over their time at Rowan, the girls develop a toolkit of strategies to manage the small bumps in the road which they will inevitably face in life. Social and emotional skills are cultivated in many ways, from dedicated SEW (Social and Emotional Wellbeing) lessons on their timetables to a highly personalised pastoral programme which keep the individual needs of every girl at the heart of what we do. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Downe House, Guildford High, KGS, LEH, St Catherine’s, St John’s Leatherhead, Surbiton, SWPS and WHS HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: It is my belief that when a school balances academics, with nurture, support and opportunity to learn about yourself and from others, that you are creating an environment which will inspire and nourish every girl. We do this every day at Rowan, ensuring girls are happy, confident and enabled individuals. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - Excellent ISI Inspection 2017 - Outstanding facilities including specialist spaces for engineering and technology, music, science, library, art and computing - 100% success at 11+ with every girls offered a school of her choice - Access to over 20 acres of woodland for adventurous, outdoor learning - A priority on developing leaders for the future with a thriving Student Council, leaders programme and house system - Hic Feliciter Laboramus – Here we work happily
St Catherine’s, Bramley
ADDRESS: Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF WEBSITE: www.stcatherines.info FOUNDED: 1885 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 900 girls (of which 260 in the prep school) FEES: Day £6,125 per term, Boarding £10,095 per term AGES: 4–18 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Alice Phillips M.A. Cantab RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: By St Catherine’s own entrance examination at 11+ CONTACT: Registrar, 01483 899609, admissions@stcatherines.info SCHOOL VISITS: Thursday 7 March, Tuesday 30 April, Wednesday 26 June.
THE CURRICULUM: In the first three years of the senior school, girls follow a broad academic programme which allows them to experience a variety of subjects from which they then select options to study at IGCSE/ GCSE. St Catherine’s offers a wide variety of A-level subjects in the sixth-form, providing girls with a perfect platform for higher education choices. Thinking Skills and a PPPE programme, plus regular lecture slots complement the curriculum. All pupils have iPads. GAMES & THE ARTS: The Anniversary Halls provides exceptional facilities. These include a sports hall, fully equipped fitness suite, dance studio and indoor pool. In addition there is a large assembly/performance hall with superb acoustics for music and drama productions. Teams include lacrosse, netball, rounders, tennis, squash and gymnastics. Own dance school. PASTORAL CARE: Girls are welcome to join our dynamic and successful school as full or weekly boarders. Six school houses underpin the pastoral provision. Tutor groups are small, helping girls feel valued by the staff. ‘House spirit’ is strong as is a huge sense of fun and loyalty to the school and each other. UNIVERSITY PLACES: St Catherine’s girls go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and beyond. PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: 15 per cent on average. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mrs Phillips believes that girls thrive best, both academically and pastorally, in a single-sex environment where happiness is the key to successful learning. St Catherine’s girls go out into the world confident that there is nothing that a woman cannot do. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The most recent ISI Report found St Catherine’s pupils’ attitudes to learning to be exemplary and that pupils enjoy a strong rapport with their teachers and peers. Teachers create an ambiance of encouragement in which learning thrives. By the time girls leave school, they are able to think critically, have high aspirations and the self-belief that there are few things they cannot achieve.
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Sevenoaks School
ADDRESS: High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU WEBSITE: www.sevenoaksschool.org FOUNDED: 1432 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,093 fully co-ed AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £7,785-£8,841 per term; boarding £12,432-£13,488 per term HEAD TEACHER: Dr Katy Ricks DPhil RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Interdenominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admissions at 11, 13 and 16 via exam and interview. CONTACT: Mrs Arabella Stuart, director of admissions, 01732 467703 EMAIL: regist@sevenoaksschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning 15 June and weekly group visits 2 March, 16 March, 23 March and 18 May 2019. THE CURRICULUM: Sevenoaks aims to ensure that all pupils fulfil their academic potential. Pupils take GCSEs and IGCSEs in Year 11, and for some subjects take the Sevenoaks School Certificate. The sixth-form all study the International Baccalaureate, a rigorous two year course designed to provide a broad, balanced education, recognised as a qualification for university entry in the UK and overseas. GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils regularly achieve honours at rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, cross-country, basketball, sailing, shooting and tennis. There is a strong emphasis on music, drama and art, and a world-class performing arts centre, The Space. Chamber music is a particular strength. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is provided by a team of tutors and divisional heads, who provide guidance and support to pupils which is in addition to the care pupils receive in the classroom. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 90 per cent of our sixth-form leavers go to their first choice university. All receive individual attention from the higher education department and general guidance from tutors.
Tonbridge School
ADDRESS: High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1JP WEBSITE: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk FOUNDED: 1553 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 788 boys AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding per term from £13,482; day per term from £10,114 HEAD TEACHER: James Priory RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination and interview. Most join at age 13. CONTACT: Admissions, 01732 304297 EMAIL: admissions@tonbridge-school.org SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcomed. Open Mornings: 9 March, 18 May, (Sixth Form) 14 September. See website. THE CURRICULUM: The pursuit of academic excellence is central. The curriculum is designed to encourage flexibility of choice at GSCE and the specialist study of four subjects in the Sixth Form. GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide participation encouraged in range of sports: many boys go on to play at county, regional or national level. School productions, rehearsals and drama workshops take place at the school’s own EM Forster Theatre. Strong tradition of musical excellence, with regular performances and concerts. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care at Tonbridge is based around a strong House system, with positive relationships between boys, staff and parents being central to its success. Twelve Housemasters are responsible for boys’ academic progress and well-being, and they are supported by a pastoral team attached to each House. There is also an on-site Medical Centre, Chaplaincy, dedicated school counsellor and welfare group. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Vast majority to Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group universities.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Each Sevenoaks student is unique; they are educated in an aspirational and encouraging environment, where all can develop and express individual talents and interests.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: James Priory joined Tonbridge as Headmaster in September 2018. Fully focused on young people’s all-round development, achieving high academic standards supported by strong pastoral care and an enriching co-curriculum. Also known for his passion for the creative arts and for a commitment to the transformative opportunities provided by means-tested bursaries.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sevenoaks combines 600 years of heritage with a modern, forward-thinking approach. We set impressive academic standards and are proud of our lively, talented pupils and committed, highly qualified teachers. We have taught the IB since 1978, offering academic rigour and breadth – encouraging critical thinking, crosscultural understanding and co-curricular excellence.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – High quality and innovative teaching and learning. – Academic achievement, with superb GCSE, A-level and Pre-U results and progression to leading universities worldwide. – Opportunities for all boys in sports, music, art and drama, and significant commitment to social responsibility. – A distinctive mixture of boarders and day boys. – Superb facilities on a 150 acre site, only 40 minutes by train from central London.
OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Between 30 and 50 offers each year.
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Tormead School
ADDRESS: Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD WEBSITE: www.tormeadschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1905 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 730 AGES: Girls 4-18 years FEES: £2,700 - £4,500 per term (junior), £5,150 per term (senior) HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Christina Foord RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Inter/non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Academically selective CONTACT: Registrar: Melanie Hobdey EMAIL: mhobdey@tormeadschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school. THE CURRICULUM: The main entry point for the Senior School is year 7 where the girls study a broad curriculum. In Years 10 and 11 the girls work towards their (I)GCSEs as well as having the opportunity to take part in new activities such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In the Sixth Form a wide variety of A-level subjects is offered with 1-2-1 Academic Tutors. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports facilities onsite include tennis and netball courts, a well-equipped sports hall and fitness suite and a sprung floor in the purpose built gymnasium. We are in partnership with Surrey Sports Park allowing access to world class hockey & swimming facilities. We have an established reputation for excellence in Art & Design and well known for pushing the creative boundaries. Music and the Arts thrive and enjoy purpose-built facilities. PASTORAL CARE: We are wholeheartedly committed to the wellbeing of the pupils. Our priority is that each girl leaves Tormead at ease with herself, and ready to face with confidence the opportunities and challenges of higher education and beyond. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Tormead girls go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and beyond. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are very proud of our school and its ethos of encouraging each individual pupil to develop her talents to the full in a happy, engaging and supportive environment. Our academic expectations are high and we value hugely our students’ impressive record of examination successes and university places. We are equally proud of their many other cultural and sporting achievements and of their varied contributions to the life of the wider community. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Tormead pupils have ‘high self-esteem but without a trace of arrogance or presumption.’ ISI 2017 – ‘Pupils academic and other achievements are excellent’. ISI 2017 – We have highly skilled and passionate teachers who challenge and support pupils well beyond the curriculum. – We have embraced digital technology and are proud to have been awarded Apple Distinguished School status. Every Teacher is Apple qualified.
Twyford School
ADDRESS: Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1NW WEBSITE: www.twyfordschool.com FOUNDED: 1793 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 AGES: 3–13 FEES: Day: £1,946-£6,503 per term; Weekly boarding (from Year 4) £8,184 per term (flexi boarding options available). HEAD TEACHER: Dr Steve Bailey RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: School’s own testing CONTACT: Emma Vincent, Admissions Secretary 01962 712269 EMAIL: registrar@twyfordschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning on 10 May 2019. Personal tours by appointment year round. THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum provides challenge and excitement. In Pre-Prep the emphasis is on the core subjects plus French, religious studies, physical education, history, PSHE, geography, ICT, music, drama, art and design. In the Prep School these subjects continue, with Latin added in Year 6. GAMES & THE ARTS: Twyford has excellent sports facilities including an indoor swimming pool and Astroturf. Art and design takes place in light, spacious studios. The drama department holds numerous large-scale productions and offers tuition for English Speaking Board and LAMDA exams. PASTORAL CARE: At Twyford, we provide a modern, day and flexi-boarding experience, which is tailored to the needs of the children. The boarding house provides a safe, fun, family orientated and comfortable environment for your child to develop holistically. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2018, Twyford pupils were awarded 17 scholarships by senior schools. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Twyford not only prepares pupils for senior schools, but more importantly, provides them with skills and knowledge to be fine citizens in the modern world whilst embracing traditional values. Pupils leave enriched, both spiritually and intellectually, with an ability to think and work independently, with respect for others and the environment. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Twyford offers a first rate, broad education in beautiful surroundings where fresh air and hearty activity are cherished. A family school in the truest sense: welcoming community with many families of two or three (and more) children here. Through an appropriate blend of tradition and modernity, we encourage our children to build their learning power and lifelong habits of tolerance, honesty, kindness, moral courage and creativity.
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Westbourne House
Worth School
ADDRESS: Coach Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BH WEBSITE: www.westbournehouse.org FOUNDED: 1907 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 AGES: 2 ½ - 13 FEES: £3480 (Reception), £5995 (Day pupil Year 5), £7315 (Weekly Boarder), £8035 (Full Boarder) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Martin Barker BA (Ed) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Ms Aline Pilcher, admissions officer, 01243 782739 EMAIL: admissions@westbournehouse.org SCHOOL VISITS: Contact admissions for private tours and chat with headmaster or visit website for group tours and family fun days.
ADDRESS: Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD
THE CURRICULUM: Designed to be holistic and stimulating, it’s an unforgettable journey of discovery: ceramics, science experiments, field trips, drama, kayaking, poetry, music. Plus our innovative English and maths programmes establish deep understanding. GAMES & THE ARTS: We make time for ambitious drama productions, are passionate about sport and believe in musical opportunities for all. Enjoyment is key and each child enjoys a tailor-made experience. There are endless opportunities for each child to shine and excellence is cultivated. PASTORAL CARE: There is a strong sense of family and community here. Children have a comprehensive network of support including the head teachers, teachers, form tutors, pastoral staff and house parents. Our sector-leading wellbeing programme includes lessons and practical experience in leadership, learning for life (wellbeing strategies), friends (peer mentoring) and mindfulness. Charity work, cultural opportunities and trips are also part of the curriculum. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Pupils go on to the country’s premier schools including: Brighton College, Bryanston, Canford, Charterhouse, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Wellington, Winchester and Wycombe Abbey. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: A record 46 scholarships in 2018 for outstanding academic, music, sport, drama and all round talent. Over half of Year 8 leavers and every member of the Year 8 scholarship set received at least one award. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘We give children the best of both worlds: an idyllic childhood, with opportunities for independence and adventure in 100 acres of beautiful parkland at the foot of the South Downs, uniquely coupled with an outstanding holistic education. Our exceptional staff enable every child to become confident, resilient and achieve their best.’ OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Westbourne House is a big school with a small school feel. Children thrive in the secure, friendly environment we offer. We hire talented teachers to give children the best chance to experience the joy of learning. Our pupils are known for becoming great all-rounders with well-developed characters.
WEBSITE: www.worthschool.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1933
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 600
AGES: 11–18
FEES: £5,320 - £11,230 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Stuart McPherson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Broadly selective. Online tests, activity/ interview day plus scholarship assessments. CONTACT: Mrs Lucy Garrard, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@worth.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open days, taster days and individual private visits. Upcoming open days: 2 February 2019 and 16 March 2019.
THE CURRICULUM: A broad liberal curriculum to inspire a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. A-level or IB available in the Sixth Form, pre-IB also offered. GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils achieve top honours, including Olympic medals. Staff coaches have also played at the highest level professionally. The school is known for excellence in music, such as its Abbey Choir and for drama/musicals with at least three productions each year. PASTORAL CARE: Every pupil belongs to a house under the leadership of a housemaster or housemistress who has overall responsibility for pastoral care. Every pupil also has a tutor with whom they meet regularly, formally and informally, to review progress and to address issues raised through the extensive SMSC programme. Each house also has a chaplain, and every boarding house has a matron and assistant matron who provide further invaluable pastoral support. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Leading UK and international universities, including Oxbridge, Brown and NYU. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Worth is a place where we seek to uncover and ignite children’s passions and talents. The path a life takes often begins at school, and this is why we do not just provide education, we offer learning with heart and soul, and this gives Worth a difference that sets us apart. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Caring community based on the Benedictine tradition – Stunning 500-acre location in the Sussex countryside – Academically ambitious with IB and A-level offered in the Sixth Form – Huge range of extra-curricular activities – Outstanding reputation for music, art and drama – Growing reputation for top-level sports
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Walthamstow Hall Junior School
ADDRESS: Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3LD WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 160 AGES: 3-11 FEES: Nursery £315 per session per term; Reception to Year 2 £3,925 per term; Year 3 – 6 £4,950 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Stephanie Ferro, MA (Oxon), MA (Lond), PGCE (Surrey) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: All girls attend a taster day where they are assessed, this includes test papers from Year 3 – Year 6. CONTACT: Mrs Alex Knight, Registrar 01732 451 334 EMAIL: registrar@whall.school SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact Mrs Knight to arrange a visit. THE CURRICULUM: ‘The Junior School curriculum is wide ranging and well balanced.’ ISI ‘Pupils receive a high quality education from a very committed team of staff, ISI. GAMES & THE ARTS: An extensive extra-curricular programme encourages the exploration of a diverse range of sporting and artistic interests. Pupils are taught by dedicated sports, art, music and drama specialists. PASTORAL CARE: ‘A caring and nurturing school,’ The Good Schools Guide. ‘At all stages the personal development of pupils is excellent. They are confident and articulate young people, with a well-developed sense of right and wrong and a high degree of emotional maturity,’ ISI. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: On average, 19% of leavers gain scholarships, mainly to Walthamstow Hall Senior or Sevenoaks School. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For 180 years we have been true to our founding aim to provide an education for girls which is full of opportunity, challenge and possibility. At Walthamstow Hall your daughter will discover that learning is an active process which enables her to get personally involved, not one which just passively happens to her. She will recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. She will not merely pass through a door, but be set on a voyage of discovery. We are not promising a polished product, but a profound process. We are not about growing grass which will wither once it faces the real world, but cultivating patterns and disciplines of learning that will last a lifetime. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - Specialised teaching facilities for young pupils include a science lab, art and DT room, music block and EYFS classrooms. - Use of Walthamstow Hall Senior School facilities includes weekly swimming - ‘Pupils benefit from much individual attention and assistance, both in and out of the classroom’ ISI - A ‘Creative Curriculum’, that is enquiry led and topic based, runs across the Early Years stage.
Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks
ADDRESS: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3UL WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 425 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Senior School & Sixth Form £6,690 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Stephanie Ferro, MA (Oxon), MA (Lond), PGCE (Surrey) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective entrance examinations and interview at 11+, 13+ and 16+. CONTACT: Mrs Alex Knight, Registrar; registrar@whall.school SCHOOL VISITS: 7 March 2019 10am - 12pm. Book online. THE CURRICULUM: Offers unusual breadth, choice and flexibility. Lively teaching from highly qualified, enthusiastic specialists to optimum sized groups of around 20. Girls study IGCSE, A-level and Cambridge Pre-U. GAMES & THE ARTS: All pupils are encouraged to get involved. There are many opportunities to participate in a rich panoply of artistic, musical, dramatic and sporting activities. Students compete strongly at national and county level in sport and gain places at the National Youth Theatre and Orchestra. Ranked as 22nd most successful independent school for sport 2017 by School Sport magazine. ‘Achievement in extra-curricular activities is excellent and varied’ ISI. PASTORAL CARE: A supportive and harmonious community where all individuals are respected and contribute. Belief that strong pastoral systems underpin academic progress and that emotional, personal and intellectual development go hand in hand. ‘The personal development of pupils is excellent. They are confident and articulate young people, with a welldeveloped sense of right and wrong and a high degree of emotional maturity’ ISI Report. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Typically over 95% of students go to university, the majority to their first choice and and over 75% to Russell Group. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For 180 years we have been true to our founding aim to provide an education for girls which is full of opportunity, challenge and possibility. At Walthamstow Hall your daughter will discover that learning is an active process which enables her to get personally involved, not one which just passively happens to her. She will recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. She will not merely pass through a door, but be set on a voyage of discovery. We are not promising a polished product, but a profound process. We are not about growing grass which will wither once it faces the real world, but cultivating patterns and disciplines of learning that will last a lifetime. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTIC: Inspiring teaching, wonderful facilities (new Sixth Form Centre opened Autumn 2017), the close partnerships that exist between parents, staff and girls and a shared sense of pride in our history and achievements lie at the heart of our success.
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Cothill House
ADDRESS: Cothill, Near Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6JL WEBSITE: www.cothill.net FOUNDED: 1870 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 8–13 FEES: £9,500 HEAD TEACHER: Duncan Bailey RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, all faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: School tour and informal interview with the Headmaster. Assessment in January for September admission, but can be arranged throughout the year. CONTACT: Jane Woodcock, registrar EMAIL: jane@cothill.net SCHOOL VISITS: Visits can be arranged by contacting the Registrar. THE CURRICULUM: Pupils are prepared for Common Entrance or scholarships at 13+. Cothill has a tradition of innovation in academic study: the boys spend a term at the school’s very own château in France, while General Studies gives the boys a broader perspective on current affairs, philosophy and life skills. GAMES & THE ARTS: A progressive approach to games; traditional sports are played daily with external professionals teaching polo, golf and tennis. Art, design, ceramics and CDT are much loved (a full sized shepherd’s hut was a recent woodwork triumph). The school’s celebrated choir regularly performs at concerts, and the summer rock music festival, Rock Hill, is an annual highlight. PASTORAL CARE: Happiness and fun are at the heart of our ethos. Boarding is at the core of life at Cothill and we ensure each boy thrives in our secure and safe environment, whilst learning to respect and live with others. Each boy has a form tutor who encourages them in all aspects of their school life, helping them to get the most out of it. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester College (Election), Charterhouse (All-rounder), Harrow (Academic), Marlborough (Academic), Malvern (Sports), Oundle (Academic), Radley (Academic), Sherborne (Academic) and Stowe (Art).
Christ Church Cathedral School
ADDRESS: 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW WEBSITE: www.cccs.org.uk FOUNDED: 1546 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 154 AGES: 2 - 13 FEES: From £1,374 per term in Nursery; from £3,705 per term Pre-Prep; £5,523 per term in Prep; £3,486 per term for Choristers. HEAD TEACHER: Richard Murray RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in Nursery and PrePrep, subject to a satisfactory taster session; selective in Prep. CONTACT: Clare James, Registrar EMAIL: registrar@cccs.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Individual tours available throughout the year; forthcoming Open Mornings: 19 March and 12 October. THE CURRICULUM: We aim to instil a love of learning in all our pupils. Our curriculum prepares boys for Common Entrance and scholarships to senior schools. French is taught from Nursery; English and Maths are taught in sets of up to 10 from Form 5 upwards. Reading is central to the life of the School. GAMES & THE ARTS: All boys participate in rugby, football, cricket and athletics. We are national champions at Real Tennis, our founder Henry VIII’s favourite game. Chess is particularly strong; squash and swimming are also on offer. Music permeates the School, which provides Choristers for the Cathedral and Worcester College. Opportunities to perform include Cathedral Assembly, Friends and Family Concert, House Music Competition at St Peter’s College and the annual concert with Christ Church undergraduates. A large number of instrumentalists gain distinctions in grades. School drama productions are written by the Head of Classics, flourishing Art Department and Desert Island Books/Cinema evenings for pupils and their parents. PASTORAL CARE: ’Pupils’ strong personal development is successfully supported by the school’s values and practices. Its caring ethos is promoted consistently throughout all aspects of school life and it stems from the calm and considered leadership provided.’ (ISI Report, 2017). Every pupil and member of staff plays a vital part in the creation of a culture of kindness. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Radley, Magdalen College School, Abingdon and St Edward’s.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Cothill is a school where boys can be boys. We provide an education rich with opportunities, encouraging the boys to experience everything. Boys are recognised for exceptional teamwork, good manners and generosity of spirit.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We have high expectations of our pupils; to treat them otherwise is not to take them seriously. Our teachers are exceptional and it is their inspiration which sows the seeds of a love of learning. Manners are seen as the outward sign of a civilised life, of kindness, thoughtfulness and proper self-confidence.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Cothill is a happy, caring community of boys and staff. Uniquely situated in a picturesque Oxfordshire village in the Vale of the White Horse, boys are outside as much as possible. Oxford is minutes away, providing a rich array of museums and galleries for regular school trips. Weekends are spent building dens in the woods, fishing and playing sport with local club teams. The new skateboard ramps and BMX bikes have been big hits!
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We are an intimate school set in an incomparably beautiful city with stunning playing fields and a Woodland School. Two outstanding choirs, one of which is world famous, are at the heart of our community. Our children are intellectually vibrant, charming and self-motivated. Our staff dogs, Gordon and Thistle, help the children feel at home.
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Open Events and Headteacher Tours Open Events
Headteacher Tour
Wednesday 13th March 2019 9.30am – 11.30am
Friday 29th March 2019 9.30am – 11.30am
Friday 3rd May 2019 9.30am – 11.30am
www.highfieldprep.org
To book your place call 01628 624918 Or email office@highfieldprep.org For girls from 3-11 years. Located at the top of Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Connect
/HighfieldPrep
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Elstree School
Greene’s Tutorial College
ADDRESS: Woolhampton, Berkshire. RG7 5TD WEBSITE: www.elstreeschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1848 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 7-13. Nursery & Pre-Prep 3-7 FEES: Day £5,900–£7,000; boarding £7,340–£9,100. Home Farm (Nursery & Pre-Prep) £1,179–£3,850. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Sid Inglis, BA (Hons), P.G.C.E. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England: All faiths welcome. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Tour of the school, registration followed by a successful taster day. We also ask to see a child’s latest reports. CONTACT: Mrs Tish Gauci, registrar - Tel: 0118 971 3302 EMAIL: registrar@elstreeschoolorg.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning 2 March and 11 May – we also welcome individual visits during term-time.
ADDRESS: 45 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP WEBSITE: www.greenes.org.uk FOUNDED: 1967 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 60+ AGES: 16+ FEES: From £21,780 per annum (three A level subjects). Bespoke programmes available on request. HEAD TEACHER: Carmen V Prozzillo RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Greene’s is non-selective, although we require an initial academic consultation, with diagnostic and assessment tests. CONTACT: Angela Purvis, College Registrar; registrar@greenes.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: The college is open every weekday between 9am and 5pm. Visitors are very welcome by appointment.
THE CURRICULUM: A first-class, progressive education in preparation for Common Entrance/Scholarship to the first-choice senior school. We have an excellent track record of boys gaining places and scholarships at leading public schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at Elstree; every child receives daily sport coaching and has the opportunity to represent the school. With 4 choirs, orchestras, ensembles, 90 per cent of boys learn an instrument – music is thriving at Elstree. PASTORAL CARE: Elstree School prides itself on the individual care that each child receives. Our dedicated staff play an essential role in supporting the pastoral programme which is a fundamental part of life in and out of the classroom. Each child’s academic and personal progress is monitored, attesting to our belief that personal growth and academic development derive from a happy, caring environment where children are encouraged and feel valued. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Abingdon, Bradfield, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley Sherborne, Stowe, Uppingham, Winchester, Wellington. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Abingdon, Bradfield, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley, Sherborne, Stowe and Wellington. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Elstree we are academically ambitious and provide a first class all-round education. Our boys go on to the top public schools and we are immensely proud of the strong Common Entrance and Scholarship record. The emphasis is on building confidence, developing talent and maximising potential. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: In Elstree’s magnificent 150 acre setting, academic achievement is balanced with the chance to be involved in a wide variety of activities. We embed the important values of hard work, kindness and taking opportunities. Our family friendly boarding develops life skills that will serve boys well in public school and beyond.
THE CURRICULUM: Individual or very small group tuition allows for a flexible and directed curriculum for every student. An interactive leadership programme strengthens students’ academic, study and interpersonal skills. GAMES & THE ARTS: Greene’s offers wide access to city and university
clubs and societies, including membership of the famous Oxford Union. Careers-related and topical seminars are given by eminent speakers. Greene’s central location offers easy access to world-class museums and galleries. PASTORAL CARE: In its recent inspection, ISI rated pastoral support as ‘excellent’. Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor, in addition to academic tutors. The Personal Tutors supervise and advise on academic study, personal development and guide and support students towards clearly identified career or academic goals. We are a small college, where students are regularly in contact with fully-trained staff. UNIVERSITY PLACES: 90% of students attend their first choice of university. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our focus is each individual. We strive to provide independence and skills required for 21st century students, whether for specific careers or general employability. We develop individual talents; whether going to university or directly into training, we endeavour to give confidence and self-reliance leading to career success and personal fulfilment. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Greene’s shapes programmes for every individual; • Academic progress closely monitored by individual Personal Tutors; • Students tutored by some of the world’s best educators, who challenge, stretch and encourage; • Very small groups and individual tuition to allow individually-paced progress; • A relaxed, friendly environment with academic rigour and sense of purpose.
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Horris Hill
ADDRESS: Horris Hill, Newtown, Newbury RG20 9DJ WEBSITE: www.horrishill.com FOUNDED: 1888 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120 boys, 100 boarders, 20 day AGES: 4–13 FEES: Full Boarding £9,150. Transition Boarding £7,950 (4 nights per week) Day £5,600 HEAD TEACHER: Mr G F Tollit RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Familiarisation visit CONTACT: Lisa Lee-Smith EMAIL: registrar@horrishill.com SCHOOL VISITS: Family open mornings once a term and private visits. THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding academic reputation. All the main academic subjects are taught to a very high standard. The boys are taught to think, have opinions and interact in lessons. GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a wide variety of sports and extra-curricular activities, so that every boy has the opportunity to develop interests away from the classroom. The main sports are Rugby, Football, Cricket, Hockey and Tennis. We also have an outstanding Music School, our own golf course, train and modelling room, swimming pool, squash court and cross country course. For boys with green fingers, we have our very own Kitchen Garden. We also offer Lamda for budding performers, Judo, Sailing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Mandarin and a hugely successful Chess Club. PASTORAL CARE: A huge strength at Horris Hill. Dedicated staff, most of whom are resident, care about the boys and have high expectations of them. The tutor system is the cornerstone and ensures that boys are used to talking 1:1 with adults. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Winchester, Eton, Sherborne, Marlborough, Harrow and Radley.
Lambrook School
ADDRESS: Lambrook School, Winkfield Row, Nr Ascot, Berks RG42 6LU WEBSITE: www.lambrookschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1860 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 560 AGES: 3–13 FEES: Nursery (full time) £3,750; Pre Prep £4,104; Prep (day) £6,056–£6,579; Prep (weekly boarding) £7,366–£7,888 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Jonathan Perry BA Hons PGCE (Cantab) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal meeting at Nursery and Pre Prep. Formal assessment day for prospective Prep entry. CONTACT: Penny Cardwell, Registrar EMAIL: registrar@lambrookschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Personal tours by appointment. Biannual Open Days in May and September. THE CURRICULUM: At Lambrook, we inspire our pupils from Nursery through to Year 8, ensuring an outstanding level of education from our exceptional staff. We seek to equip and prepare our pupils for the next stage of their educational journey and our children consistently achieve a 100% CE pass rate as well as numerous scholarships to top senior schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: We provide all of our pupils with an abundance of opportunities to discover, develop and showcase new talents. On-site facilities include 52 acres of grounds, a golf course, swimming pool and AstroTurf pitches. Our Performing Arts are first rate and produce West End stars, renowned choristers and National Youth Orchestra musicians. PASTORAL CARE: We consider the nurturing of our pupils at Lambrook to be of paramount importance, through an outstanding level of pastoral care; enabling them to flourish in a happy environment. A strong focus on kindness and a team spirit is encouraged by teaching and boarding staff.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The gold standard in all boys’ preparatory education. We believe that the period from 4–13 years of age are the most critical in any boys’ life. These are the years where the foundations of the men they can become are laid. At a crucial stage in their cultural development, we believe that an all-boys’ school provides the optimal setting where boys will exercise their intellectual inquisitiveness, free to explore all avenues, building self-confidence and awareness in a safe and encouraging environment. High expectations of each boy both inside and outside of the classroom. New for 2019, Horris Hill will be offering its unique nurturing and academic experience from age four upwards.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Many scholarships are consistently offered in Art, Music, Sport and Academic. Our leavers go on to top Senior Schools such as Eton, Bradfield, Wellington, Downe House, St George’s Ascot and Charterhouse.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: No humbug was one of the beliefs of the founder. Horris Hill is intentionally small and unique. Every boy is treated and developed as an individual. Excellent staff give their expertise, experience and time to ensure that the boys develop into confident young men (not arrogant) who are appreciated by the senior schools they move on to. Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Extensive grounds of over 52 acres – Day school with both weekly and flexi boarding available – Sports facilities inspire players from county to international level – Performing Arts Centre and brand new Art, Design, and IT Facilities – Opportunities to make a difference through charity work and conservation
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘Whilst opportunities abound at Lambrook, we recognise the vital role we also play in raising happy children. They have one opportunity for the education that will form the basis of their lives, and at the same time one childhood: our aim is to keep a happy balance between the two and to develop their “feathers to fly” ready for their senior school and life beyond.’
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Maltman’s Green School
ADDRESS: Maltmans Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8RR WEBSITE: www.maltmansgreen.com FOUNDED: 1918 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 410 girls AGES: 2–11 FEES: Little Malties Day Care (fees on request). Nursery mornings, £1860 per week (optional afternoon sessions available). Reception, £3720. Yr1-2, £4295 Yr3-4 £4915, Yr5-6, £5090. All fees are per term. HEAD TEACHER: Mrs J R Pardon RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective.§ £100 registration fee. CONTACT: Registrar, Mrs Katherine Day 01753 883022 EMAIL: registrar@maltmansgreen.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open day 22 March and 14 June. School visits outside of this time are available on request.
THE CURRICULUM: An individualised, pupil-focused approach gives every girl the chance to succeed. Our curriculum is broad, engaging and rich with transformational technology, providing stimulation and challenge. Excellent record of entry and scholarships to independent and grammar schools. GAMES & THE ARTS: Our sports provision is an outstanding feature of the School, with dedicated facilities, daily lessons and the opportunity to compete at local, regional and national level. Music, drama, art and design are key elements – we have specialist teaching and excellent facilities. PASTORAL CARE: The emotional, social and physical wellbeing of our girls is paramount, and we believe that individual support and a nurturing environment form the foundation from which children can flourish. By providing an encouraging, caring and secure atmosphere, we ensure our girls feel happy, confident and valued – a perfect grounding for academic enrichment. This ethos has been recognised by the ISI who applauded our ‘outstanding’ pastoral care. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We believe in the pursuit of excellence whilst maintaining a sense of enjoyment, yet remain ready to adapt our approach to meet the needs of the individual. Our girls’ impressive achievements across academic subjects, sport, music and drama affirms our position as one of the foremost prep schools in the country. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Maltman’s Green delivers an outstanding academic and extra-curricular programme from our 400-year-old malting house in the heart of home counties green-belt. Allied to outstanding teaching and excellent academic results, our high-end facilities expose talents and develop the skills and mindsets needed for life-long learning and success.
Papplewick
ADDRESS: Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH WEBSITE: www.papplewick.org.uk FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 216 boys AGES: 6–13 FEES: Boarding £9,915. Day: Year 2 £5,485. Years 3 and 4 £7,185. Years 5 and 6 £7,615. Forces bursary available. HEAD TEACHER: Tom Bunbury BA, P.G.C.E. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Visit and meeting with headmaster – all boys assessed but no entrance exam. CONTACT: Sarah Tysoe, 01344 621488 EMAIL: registrar@papplewick.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Next Open Mornings: Saturday 11 May 9am finishing 11am and Saturday 2 November 9am finishing 11am. THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding record academically at both CE and scholarship level to major public schools. We aim to challenge and excite boys through inspirational teaching. Broad but challenging curriculum with small class sizes. GAMES & THE ARTS: Rugby/football/cricket (12 teams), athletics, hockey, tennis, squash, golf, fencing, shooting, karate, scuba, polo. Covered swimming pool. Art and drama flourish. Cathedral standard choir. Three quarters learn musical instruments. PASTORAL CARE: A school which celebrates individuality and where boys can still be boys. The tutor/houseparent system ensures outstanding pastoral care. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Charterhouse, Stowe, Shrewsbury, Oratory. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Papplewick maintains its high academic record gaining no less than 21 scholarships to top independent schools in the last two years, including 2 King’s Scholarships to Eton. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The excellence our boys achieve is worth little unless they are happy – thus, our most coveted prize is for greatest enthusiasm for life, contribution to the community and kindness to others. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Tatler Good Schools Guide award: Prep School of the Year 2018/19. Exceptional scholarship record.Outstanding preparation for top public schools. Best known for happy, confident and well-mannered boys. Three daily London transport services run from Brook Green, Hammersmith, and Gloucester Road area. Comprehensive daily activities programme (30 activities including 100-strong snake club). Daily chapel. Modern and family-friendly approach to boarding.
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You can’t beat the right start Sian Townsend Research Manager at Instagram and Felstedian
Open Morning Sat 11 May Individual visits welcome at any time Leading all-round education with pupil wellbeing at its heart. Give your child the space to thrive with our variety of modern boarding options, just one hour from London.
www.felsted.org +44 (0)1371 822605 Independent, Co-educational, Ages 4-18, IB Diploma & A Levels
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Excellent independent boarding and day
01462 670 511
school located in Letchworth Garden City for girls aged 3 - 18 years
admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk
Open Days Spring 2019 Saturday 23rd March Friday 29th March
L E TC H W O R T H G A R D E N C I T Y P R E P A R ATO R Y - S E N I O R - S I X T H F O R M
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Queen Anne’s School, Caversham
St Edward’s School, Oxford
ADDRESS: Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DX WEBSITE: www.qas.org.uk FOUNDED: 1874 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £8,045 per term; Flexi-boarding £10,690 - £11,270 per term; Full boarding £11,860 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Julia HarringtonRELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment day & Common Entrance CONTACT: Registrar, Mrs Rachel Wright EMAIL: admissions@qas.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings (8 March & 11 May), open evening (13 June) or individual appointments with the headmistress.
ADDRESS: Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN WEBSITE: www.stedwardsoxford.org FOUNDED: 1863 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 695 AGES: 13-18 FEES: Boarding: £12,615; Day £10,095 (per term) HEAD TEACHER: Stephen Jones RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Academic entry exams, Common Entrance or St Edward’s own exam. Interview and school reports. CONTACT: Nicola Jones, Registrar EMAIL: registrar@stedwardsoxford.org SCHOOL VISITS: Most Saturdays during terms. Main Open Days: May for 13+ and September for Sixth Form
THE CURRICULUM: Academic teaching is structured to allow each girl’s needs to be met so they can thrive and achieve. The broad curriculum encourages them to engage with their subjects and develop a passion for learning. GAMES & THE ARTS: The school is renowned for academic success alongside a rich programme of co-curricular opportunities and excellence in the arts, drama, music and sport. Our major sports are athletics, lacrosse, netball, rowing, swimming and tennis with many of our girls going on to represent their county and country. PASTORAL CARE: The excellent reputation the school has for pastoral care is wide-spread. We believe girls perform best when they are happy and secure, and we have effective pastoral systems in place to ensure this. We see pastoral care and academic development as interwoven; one cannot flourish without the other. The school environment fostered allows girls to find their own path and flourish as individuals. The girls enjoy success whilst having fun and build strong relationships where they are in a happy and caring school environment. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Fantastic A-level results lead the girls on to top UK and overseas universities. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are proud to say that there is no such thing as a ‘Queen Anne’s girl’! Here at Queen Anne’s School you will find a strong community of real girls. Girls who are individuals. Girls who are curious, thoughtful and eager to learn and grow, whilst being energetic, driven and exuberant about life. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – The school’s 35-acre campus combines traditional and contemporary architecture to provide cutting-edge facilities – Boasts a TES award-winning, cutting-edge Sixth Form Centre – New music centre state-of-the-art which opened in June 2018 – Fast rail links, only 26 minutes to London Paddington – ISI Inspection 2017 rated ‘EXCELLENT’.
THE CURRICULUM: St Edward’s is at the forefront of modern educational thinking. A collaborative, engaging, discussion-based approach in the classroom prepares our pupils for university study and the workplace beyond. GAMES & THE ARTS: The professionally-run North Wall Arts Centre and the new Ogston Music School combine to create outstanding cultural opportunities for our pupils. Sport is a big part of school life with pupils able to participate at many levels. PASTORAL CARE: St Edward’s is well known for the strength of its community and the quality of its pastoral care. A comprehensive network of support surrounds each individual pupil, including House staff, Tutors, specially-trained Sixth Formers, on-site Counsellors, and our Health Centre and Chaplaincy teams. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 80% go to the best universities in the UK and overseas. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We deliberately select on ambition, energy and curiosity rather than on raw test results; we actively seek a community in which a broad range of academic abilities is represented. Our character is shaped by our pupils’ willingness to engage – with each other, in the classroom, on stage, on the sports field, in the recital room – and in our local community. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – A green and spacious 100-acre site in the vibrant university city of Oxford. – Easy access to all the academic facilities of the University as well as the cafes, shops, cinemas and cultural attractions of the city. – A major new development opening in 2020 to provide world-class academic facilities and a stunning new Hall. – A professional arts centre, The North Wall, running an impressive public programme alongside its role as home to pupil drama, dance and exhibitions. – A stunning new Music School, and exceptional art and design facilities. – Alumni including Kenneth Grahame, Sir Laurence Olivier, WWII heroes Guy Gibson and Douglas Bader, aviation pioneer and engineer Geoffrey de Havilland, leading actors Emilia Clarke, Florence Pugh, Pippa Bennett-Warner, presenter Jon Snow and composer George Fenton.
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Open Morning Saturday 4 May 2019, 9.00am - 12noon Catholic, independent, diamond model school for girls and boys aged 3-18. Day, weekly, flexi and full boarding options
www.newhallschool.co.uk
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Blundell’s School
ADDRESS: Blundell’s Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DN WEBSITE: www.blundells.org FOUNDED: 1604 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 347 boys, 257 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £4,710-£7,470; Boarding: flexi £5,450-£8,170; weekly £7,190-£10,220; full £8,020-£11,735 per term. Scholarships available. HEAD TEACHER: Mr Bart Wielenga B Ed. Natal RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Common entrance or Blundell’s Entrance Test, scholarship exams, interview. CONTACT: Tracy Frankpitt, 01884 232310, t.frankpitt@blundells.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning Saturday 14 September. Please contact the school to reserve your place or to arrange a visit on another day. THE CURRICULUM: The school combines a strong tradition of academic ambition with an innovative emphasis on the moral, spiritual and cultural development of pupils. A broad, challenging and stimulating range of subjects are offered, supported by a rich programme of extra-curricular activities, lectures, conferences and visits.
Bryanston School
ADDRESS: Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PX WEBSITE: www.bryanston.co.uk FOUNDED: 1928 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 381 boys, 313 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding £12,728 per term; day £10,437 per term. HEAD TEACHER: Ms Sarah Thomas (BA) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but other faiths welcome. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: At 13, assessments and interviews (full details at www.bryanston.co.uk/admissions). At 16, entrance tests and interview. CONTACT: Anne Megdiche, Admissions Registrar, 01258 484500 EMAIL: admissions@bryanston.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Small group visits most weeks during term time. To arrange a visit please contact the admissions office. THE CURRICULUM: Bryanston prides itself on the breadth and flexibility of its curriculum. Each pupil’s timetable is individually tailored to include one-to-one periods. Strong tutoring and state-of-the-art online assessment encourage pupils to develop independent learning while supporting progress at every stage. In the sixth form we offer A levels and the IB.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Excellent facilities and reputation for sport (especially rugby, cricket,hockey and fives) and the creative arts, with purpose-built theatre and music school providing a focus for cultural activities.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Bryanston is renowned for the variety and sheer quality of its creative life. Creativity is encouraged in all pupils. We offer opportunity and choice that aims to help pupils form an affectionate connection with sport. Many pupils excel at sports they may never previously have considered.
PASTORAL CARE: Each individual pupil is known and cared for throughout their time at school. All pupils (day and boarders) are included in the life of the boarding houses, a system which promotes pastoral welfare, happiness and fosters a strong spirit of achievement and sense of community.
PASTORAL CARE: Every pupil has a one-to-one conversation with their tutor every week, which encompasses both the academic and the pastoral. There is an extensive network of support and a house system which avoids tribalism and encourages lifelong friendships.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Blundell’s supports and guides young people to achieve their very best in whatever sphere they choose. We provide ‘roots’ for security, based on friendship, respect for others and personal values and ‘wings’ to succeed in the challenging world beyond school, based on self-confidence and a sense of excitement. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Blundellians have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and there is a fantastic community spirit within the school. Blundell’s provides a rounded education in which pupils learn to be flexible, articulate and independent, capable of motivating themselves and others.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: One-to-one support from tutors and subject specialists ensures that pupils apply to courses best suited to their individual strengths and aspirations, at a range of universities including Oxbridge and the Russell Group, prestigious art foundation courses, as well as universities overseas. Nearly all pupils are placed in their first-choice institution. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bryanston values creativity, independence of thinking and individual achievements. We delight in the variety of our pupils, and we will always pursue and celebrate excellence, in whatever form it takes. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Every school will tell you it cares about the individual. Where Bryanston differs in practice is the time it allocates for pupils’ one-to-one contact with teachers. This support makes a significant impact academically, socially and pastorally. We send pupils onto the next stage of their education who are comfortable in adult company, and who know how to work successfully and independently.
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Canford School
CANFORD FULL BOARDING AND DAY • CO-EDUCATIONAL • 13-18
BOARDING SCHOOL
OF THE YEAR 2018 ADDRESS: Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD WEBSITE: www.canford.com FOUNDED: 1923 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 375 boys, 265 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding per term £12,140; day per term £9,241 HEAD TEACHER: Ben Vessey MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: At 13+, pre-assessment leading to Common Entrance, scholarship or our own entry tests in Year 8. At 16+, scholarship or our own entry tests in the autumn of Year 11. CONTACT: Mike Owen, registrar, 01202 847207, admissions@canford.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 27 April and 5 October 2019. Personal visits also welcome – please contact the admissions office. THE CURRICULUM: The academic curriculum offers GCSEs, IGCSEs, A-levels and Pre-U qualifications. Canford is proud of its reputation for academic rigour and high achievement. Canford was among the top 25 co-ed boarding schools for A*/A A Level results in recent years (www.best-schools.co.uk) and has been Runner up Public School of the Year twice in three years (Tatler). GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport should be for all, and at Canford it is. Sports scholars receive additional specialist coaching, with regular England and GB representation. Art, music and drama thrive and are integral to school life, with co-curricular opportunities as well as academic choices. The school’s extensive Community Service programme promotes social responsibility, teamwork, resilience and leadership. PASTORAL CARE: Ofsted rated the school ‘outstanding’ in its last inspection. ISI found the quality of pastoral care to be ‘excellent’ – the highest category – and a major strength of the school. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 95 per cent of our upper sixth pupils move on to university with 80 per cent to Russell Group/Top 12 universities plus US Ivy League scholarships and 100 medical school places in the past 11 years PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Around 30 per cent of the upper sixth apply each year. A strong record of success with 111 offers in the past decade. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are ambitious for our pupils and strive to ensure they recognise the coherence across and connections between their learning in all contexts. A key to our success is creating an expectation of personal achievement and ensuring the support is there to fulfil this. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Canford has a culture which encourages participation and hard work. Examination results lead the way in the region. It is an environment where pupils can truly flourish. Recent national recognition: ‘Best for School Setting’ by The Week; a top 100 cricket school according to The Cricketer; ‘Finalist - Boarding School of the Year and Co-educational School of the Year’ by Independent School Parent.
www.canford.com t: 01202 847207 e: admissions@canford.com
WIMBORNE
DORSET
BH21 3AD
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NEW SWIMMING ACADEMY with SWIM ENGLAND COACH OF THE YEAR
THINK BIG Talbot Heath
Independent School for Girls aged 3-18
We have launched a groundbreaking curriculum for the future taught from age 3, key content areas will be DESIGN THINKING Modelling, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainability, Product Design ETHICS Links to AI, Philosophy, Sustainability, Technological Advances DIGITAL DESIGN Coding, Robotics, Animation, Electronics, Film-making MATERIAL SCIENCE Key skills within all subjects will include critiquing work, problem solving and project management. Call Kerry Wills to talk about a free taster night for your daughter, a warm welcome awaits.
Bournemouth | Dorset | Tel: 01202 761881 | talbotheath.org Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding | Private Mini Buses to London
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Pinewood School
Port Regis
ADDRESS: Bourton, Shrivenham, Wiltshire SN6 8HZ WEBSITE: www.pinewoodschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1875 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 (215 Boys, 185 Girls) AGES: 3–13 FEES: Pre-prep and nursery (full days) - £2,930-£3,100; Prep School - £5,230 - £5,965; Boarding Supplement - £1,455 HEAD TEACHER: Philip Hoyland B Ed (Exeter) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Early registration is recommended CONTACT: Emily Miller, Registrar: 01793 782554 EMAIL: emilymiller@pinewoodschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please telephone the school office and speak to the Registrar, Emily Miller.
ADDRESS: Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA WEBSITE: www.portregis.com FOUNDED: 1881 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 (co-ed) AGES: 2–13 FEES: Pre-Prep £2,990; Prep £5,200–£6,450 (Day), £8,950 (Boarding) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Stephen Ilett MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal interview and assessment. CONTACT: Mrs Lally Holme, Registrar, 01747 857914 EMAIL: admissions@portregis.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings are held every term or personal tours are available upon request.
THE CURRICULUM: We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that gives our children the necessary skills and knowledge to gain entry into their chosen senior schools at 13+. Pinewood is leading the way in a change of CE curriculum, with the support of senior schools. We seek to enrich the learning experience for our pupils beyond the usual confines of the National Curriculum and the prescriptive Common Entrance, and importantly, to promote in our children a curiosity and love of learning.
THE CURRICULUM: Our broad academic curriculum is second to none, enabling pupils to to meet the challenges of pre-testing, Common Entrance and scholarship examinations. It is also designed to instil a love of learning and inquisitive, independent thinking.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Facilities include a dedicated music school, theatre and art studios, as well as an astro pitch and a purpose-built sports hall. 75 per cent of children take up a musical instrument or participate in our many choirs and bands. The games programme is full, competitive and varied; sport is coached most afternoons. We strive to make sure all children play in a team regularly. PASTORAL CARE: The school is spilt into four sections (pre-prep, lower, middle and upper schools, each with a head). Each form has a tutor and there is a head of boarding who, alongside the headmaster, his wife and a boarding team look after the 130 boarding children in the evenings. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To release the children’s potential by developing character, curiosity, learning and skills through a variety of opportunities within the academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic arenas, as well as through our wide-ranging activity and adventure programmes. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Pinewood co-educational philosophy, country location, flexible approach to boarding, size and high levels of pastoral care all combine to create an environment that allows children to enjoy a happy, secure and fulfilled childhood.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The school has an excellent reputation for sport at both team and individual levels. Music, art, design, drama and technology are also very strong and we benefit from outstanding facilities. Dozens more hobbies, clubs and after school activities are also offered. PASTORAL CARE: Every child matters at Port Regis and we take the responsibility of caring for all our pupils extremely seriously. We work tirelessly to ensure a nurturing atmosphere in which each child feels secure and happy. Boarding, in all forms, thrives at Port Regis and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Pupils go on to the country’s premier schools including: Bryanston, Canford, Charterhouse, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Wellington, Winchester and Wycombe Abbey. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Twenty-two scholarships won this year to Marlborough, Bryanston, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Downside, St Edward’s Oxford, Oundle, Roedean and King’s Bruton. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our aim is to provide an outstanding education which will set your child up for life. We also strive to equip pupils with the qualities of character and the confidence which will see them through the next stage of their education and beyond. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Superb education and teaching by experienced and highly qualified, specialist staff, as well as excellent pastoral care. • Proven track record of CE and Scholarship success. • Exceptional academic, sporting and musical facilities. • Pupils go on to a wide range of local and national schools.
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Welcoming boys from September 2019 Day boys join the girls in Year 7 this year and Year 9 from 2020. Contact us to find out more. Next Open Day 2 March 9am-12noon admissions@westonbirt.org www.westonbirt.org 206 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Spring/Summer 2019
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St Mary’s Calne
ADDRESS: Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF WEBSITE: www.stmaryscalne.org FOUNDED: 1873 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 365 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding £12,975 per term; Day £9,675 per term HEAD TEACHER: Dr Felicia Kirk BA (University of Maryland), MA (Brown University), PhD (Brown University) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Common Entrance, own entrance papers and interviews. CONTACT: 01249 857200, admissions@stmaryscalne.org SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits throughout the term. Open days: 9 March and 11 May 2019. Pre-booking essential. THE CURRICULUM: Our focus is ‘Connected Teaching and Learning,’ encouraging girls to think broadly and deeply. We challenge girls to grow and develop personally, academically and socially, empowering them to be independent learners. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is key to school life and success is achieved at local, national and international level. The arts are very strong, with world premieres in music, London theatre transfers and art exhibitions. St Mary’s offers a unique course with RADA in the Sixth Form. PASTORAL CARE: Praised as consistently outstanding, St Mary’s has a close and caring atmosphere, with a vibrant, warm community. Every girl is known and cared for as an individual. Girls can approach anyone for support, with tutors fulfilling a vital role. They support and guide the girls through every aspect of school life; from organisational skills and subject choices through to university application. UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority of the girls gain places at their first choice university. Expert advice is given on UCAS, careers and university choices. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: St Mary’s Calne offers a transformative and empowering education in a relaxed environment where girls love learning and aspire to be their best selves. In a successful, happy school such as St Mary’s the pupils feel good about themselves; their talents and gifts are spotted and nourished. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We provide an enriching, personalised curriculum, inspirational teaching and outstanding exam results. The school experience is enhanced by excellent facilities as well as trips, outings and over 40 extracurricular clubs. We are the top achieving independent school in the South West (Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power 2018).
Warminster School
ADDRESS: Church Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8PJ WEBSITE: www.warminsterschool.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1707
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approx. 550
AGES: 3–18
FEES: Prep from £2,755, Senior Day £5,110, Senior Boarding £10,195 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Mortimer RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but welcomes all faiths. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exams, school reports and interview with headmaster. Entry at Yr 7, 9 and Lower Sixth. CONTACT: Fiona Beach-MacGeagh, head of admissions EMAIL: admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please register online for open days: 27 April and 5 October. Private visits also welcome. THE CURRICULUM: We offer an extensive range of subjects to enable pupils to reach their potential. The co-curricular programme is a vibrant and vital part of school life. GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport at Warminster helps our pupils develop their understanding of the importance of teamwork, commitment, responsibility and leadership. Self-expression and the ability to communicate with confidence are crucial tools for life, with over 40 performances a year, our pupils have numerous opportunities to perform in music concerts, drama productions. PASTORAL CARE: Warminster prides itself on the strength, warmth, consistency and thoroughness of its pastoral care. Every pupil, whether day or boarding, is in a small tutor group and sees his or her tutor twice daily. Their relationship is vital and the keystone of effective tutoring. UNIVERSITY PLACES: 92% of our leavers get into their first choice university and course. Includes Russell Group and overseas universities. We advise and focus on the needs and ambitions of each pupil. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our educational philosophy is simple. What happens outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside it. Secondly, every child is good at something and a school’s job is to help them find their interests and nurture them. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: “We believe that it is our sense of community, mutual support and happy atmosphere that set us apart. It is genuine, authentic and impossible to contrive.”
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S C H O O L H O U S E M AG A Z I N E
The next issue of SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE is out in March 2019 To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk, please contact Camilla van Praagh on 020 7384 9023 or alternatively, email her on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 209
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Bromsgrove School
ADDRESS: Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU WEBSITE: www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk FOUNDED: 1553 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 500 (7–13), 950 (13–18), 507 Boarders FEES: Prep day: £3,880 - £5,035. Weekly board: £5,895 - £7,130. Full board: £8,080 - £9,965. Senior day: £5,555. Weekly board: £8,240. Full board: £12,430 (all per term) HEAD TEACHER: Peter Clague, BA, MBA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Anglican ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination and interview. CONTACT: admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcomed – contact Mrs Amanda James, ajames@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding results at all levels including the IB Diploma, the majority of pupils go on to top UK and world universities. GAMES & THE ARTS: There is genuinely a big variety of sport on offer and Bromsgrove is consistently ranked in the top five independent schools for sport in School Sports Magazine. The school has recently had teams in national finals for hockey, netball, cricket and rugby. The extracurricular life of the school is hugely important with activities sessions every afternoon and on Saturday mornings. Pupils are encouraged to reach their highest possible level at sport, music, drama, debating, CCF and in numerous other areas. Major productions take place every year. A new performing arts centre was opened in November 2017. PASTORAL CARE: Each house has resident Houseparents and a dedicated tutor team. There are no exeats: Bromsgrove is always open at weekends. The school has a team of nurses who, under the control of the school doctor, provide on-site medical care in the school’s modern health centre. Pupils enjoy high-quality varied food. Prep school boarders are housed in a superb state-of-the-art facility, and weekly as well as full boarding is offered. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bromsgrove’s scope is staggering: from A-level to the International Baccalaureate, day to boarding, the arts to sport, pupils can soar. Utterly dedicated to the individual pupil, Bromsgrove looks to produce creative citizens with a strong moral compass. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The passion, vision and flair that have transformed Bromsgrove intellectually, culturally and on the games fields is also manifest in its latest facilities: a new home for performing arts; new residential buildings for senior and prep pupils and an immense sports arena development all show the School’s commitment to providing pupils with the very best environment in which to live and learn.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
ADDRESS: Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3EP WEBSITE: www.cheltladiescollege.org FOUNDED: 1853 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 850 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding £12,315; Day £8,270; New Sixth Form entrants boarding £13,870; New Sixth From entrants day £9,410 (all per term). HEAD TEACHER: Ms Eve Jardine-Young MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian by tradition – all faiths welcome. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 11+, 12+ and 13+: CLC’s own exams. Sixth form: exams in chosen subjects for A-level or IB. CONTACT: Senior Admissions Officer, 01242 707070, admissions@cheltladiescollege.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 9 March 2019 and 8 June 2019. More dates and private visits available, see the website for details. THE CURRICULUM: Girls are taught in small classes by teachers with a deep enthusiasm for their subjects. We are committed to providing highquality teaching which develops intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning. GAMES & THE ARTS: We support each girl in striking a successful balance between academic and co-curricular activities. Our co-curricular provision is exciting and well-resourced, presenting every girl with an opportunity to find her niche from the 160+ activities on offer, from astronomy to lacrosse, gospel choir to engineering club. PASTORAL CARE: Cheltenham Ladies’ College is a busy place and pastoral care forms an underlying foundation, which supports every girl throughout their time here. Our academic staff, tutors, house system, chaplain and medical centre create a pastoral network to support every girl, from the reserved to the extrovert. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our dedicated Professional Guidance Centre supports girls applying for higher education both in the UK and abroad, including specialist provision for the US and Oxbridge applications. In 2018, girls took up places at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as leading US universities, including Stanford, Yale, Brown and Northeastern. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A 21st-century education needs to inspire, prepare and equip children to sustain a lifetime of independently sought learning, and give them the flexibility and resourcefulness to flourish in our rapidly changing world. Academic excellence forms the basis of College life, but girls also embrace the co-curricular programme, develop a global outlook and enrich the communities to which they belong. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: College was founded in 1853 with the purpose of providing girls with a thorough academic education. We remain committed to that pioneering goal and pupils from all corners of the globe benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained from over 160 years of putting girls first and pursuing educational opportunities for young women. Girls are at the heart of all we do and we are ambitious for their futures.
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EASTERN SCHOOLS
STONYHURST STONYHURST STONYHURST
Quant je puis. As much as I can.
Quant je puis. As muchjeaspuis. I can. Quant As much as I can. The UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for 3 - 18 year olds. Boarding from boarding 7 years. and day school for 3 - 18 year olds. The UK’sThe leading Catholic UK’s co-educational leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for STONYHURST Boarding from 7 years. The UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and 7 day school for 3 - 18 year olds. 3 - 18 year olds. Boarding from years Boarding from 7 years.
Stonyhurst College Open Doors Saturday 16th March 2019
St Mary’s Hall Open Doors Saturday 9th March 2019 Quant je puis. As much as I can.
The UK’s leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for 3 - 18 year olds. Boarding from 7 years.
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Open the door to a brighter future.
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Tel: +44 (0)Tel: 1254 Email: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk +44 827073 (0)Tel:1254 Email: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk +44 (0)827073 1254 827073 Email: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk Stonyhurst • Clitheroe • Lancashire BB7 9PZ Stonyhurst • Clitheroe • Lancashire • •BB7 9PZ Stonyhurst • Clitheroe • BB7 9PZ Tel: +44 (0) 1254 827073 Email:• Lancashire admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk Stonyhurst • Clitheroe • Lancashire • BB7 9PZ
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EASTERN SCHOOLS
S C H O O L H O U S E M AG A Z I N E
South Lee School #allhavetalent
OPEN MORNING Saturday 9th February 2019 10am-12noon BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
T: 01284 754654 E: office@southlee.co.uk W: www.southlee.co.uk
The next issue of SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE is out in March 2019 To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk, please contact Camilla van Praagh on 020 7384 9023 or alternatively, email her on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 217
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EASTERN SCHOOLS
Orwell Park School
Royal Hospital School
ADDRESS: Holbrook, Ipswich Suffolk IP9 2RX ADDRESS: Orwell Park School, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 OER
WEBSITE: www.royalhospitalschool.org
WEBSITE: www.orwellpark.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1712 in Greenwich London, moved to current site 1933
FOUNDED: 1868 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 293
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 750 AGES: 2 ½–13
AGES: 11-18
FEES: Day £15,690 - £17,490; Weekly Boarding £24,090 - £29,910;
FEES: Pre-prep day: £2,700 - £3,840. Prep Boarding: £7,207-£8,667.
Full Boarding £25,690 - £32,595
Prep day: £5,621- 6,230
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Simon Lockyer, BSc MEd
HEAD TEACHER: Adrian Brown MA, PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Interdominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective at 11+ and 13+ (assessment
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview and assessment.
test, interview and reference). 16+ entry subject to GCSEs.
CONTACT: Bernadette Ross-Smith, Registrar
CONTACT: Mrs Kate Evers, Registrar
EMAIL: admissions@orwellpark.co.uk
EMAIL: admissions@royalhospitalschool.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings: 11 May 2019
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings on 11 May and in the Michaelmas term. Private visits by arrangement during term time.
THE CURRICULUM: ‘The school is extremely successful in fulfilling its aims of providing an academically challenging and fulfilling all-round education, and strong pastoral care where all pupils are able to benefit form a vibrant boarding experience.’ Independent Schools Inspectorate November 2014 GAMES & THE ARTS: Extensive grounds provide abundant opportunities for sport. Excellent facilities include an assault course, astroturf, golf course, games pitches, swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall. Art, design technology and music are real strengths. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is given top priority in ensuring that every child is listened to, cared for, valued and encouraged. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 31 awarded this year. Academic, allrounder, sport, art, DT and drama. Local and national exit schools – Radley, Wellington College, Gordonstoun, Benenden, The Leys, Oakham, Haileybury, Oundle, Framlingham, Ipswich, Woodbridge. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Inspire our children and make earning fun. Help every child to fulfil their potential in a supportive, nurturing environment in which they can develop a lifelong love of learning and the self-confidence and self-esteem that will prepare them for the future. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: High quality education in one of the most beautiful school settings in England. Orwell Park is a unique school where boys and girls of all abilities will thrive and enjoy their childhood.
THE CURRICULUM: Balanced and enriched with the aim of stretching and challenging pupils of all abilities through active differentiation in teaching and learning. Twenty eight subjects offered at A Level. GAMES & THE ARTS: Achievements outside of the classroom are as important as those within and all pupils are encouraged to become fully involved in school life. This involvement helps produce confident, healthy and well-round individuals who will contribute to society beyond school. PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral Care is at the heart of the school community and the House evokes a sense of pride and belonging. Blake House for juniors in their first year offers a nurturing environment and a valuable steppingstone to the Senior Houses (four boys’, three girls’ and two co-educational Houses). Pupils in their final year are encouraged to live more independently in Nelson House preparing them for life beyond school. UNIVERSITY PLACES: 97% gain places to their first choice university. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage pupils to show commitment, integrity and belief in themselves, whatever path they choose. Everyone has the potential to achieve exceptional things but we are all different. We focus on the individual looking for their strengths and nurturing their motivations. Education should be the foundation for lifelong happiness and success. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sailing Academy on site: RYA accredited training centre with 60 racing dinghies from beginner to Olympic Pathway craft and a fleet of Cornish Shrimpers. Musical excellence: Chapel Choir perform at the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral annually and Marching Band regularly play at Royal occasions and sporting events.
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NORTHERN IRELAND / ROI / SCOTLAND / WALES SCHOOLS
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NORTHERN IRELAND / ROI / SCOTLAND / WALES SCHOOLS
A leading boarding school for boys aged 12 - 18 years in Ireland
• A small s hool of 0 students with small lass si es to • A arin ommunit offerin personal pastoral are for our son • he hi hest edu ational standards in our broad and di erse urri ulum with students a hie in the e ui alent of three A rades in the rish ea in ertifi ate • Situated in 00 a res of par land in the heart of unster • 40 minuets from Shannon Airport and two hours from Dublin Airport
Every Day is an Open Day
please do come and see for yourself…
Glenstal Abbey School, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland +353 61 621044 admissions@glenstal.com www.glenstal.com
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NORTHERN IRELAND / ROI / SCOTLAND / WALES SCHOOLS
Glenstal Abbey School
TAKE A LOOK AT
OUR WEBSITE
ADDRESS: Murroe, Co. Limerick, V94 HC84 Ireland WEBSITE: www.glenstal.com FOUNDED: 1932 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 12–18 FEES: €19,300 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Fr Simon Sleeman RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Benedictine ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Students and Parents are invited to visit the school and meet with the Headmaster, staff and students. CONTACT: Admissions office, +35361621044 EMAIL: admissions@glenstal.com SCHOOL VISITS: Personal visits are encouraged and welcomed throughout the year. Please contact admissions@glenstal.com to arrange your visit. THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is balanced, broad and diverse. Scholarship and academic depth are its central features. We aim to stimulate, and challenge each student, and this is supported by careful monitoring and reporting. GAMES & THE ARTS: Games and the Arts are an integral and enjoyable element of student life. Each student is supported in developing a balance between academic, sports and the arts. Our programme fosters an environment of inclusion, excellence, participation by all and builds skills for life thus fully realising each student’s talents.
www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk
PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on the quality of the pastoral care of its students, made possible by the collaborative effort of staff from many different areas of the school’s life. For further information see glenstal.com/ school/our-students/pastoral-care. UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our dedicated Guidance Counsellor supports students applying for higher education in the top Universities in Ireland, UK and Internationally. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Glenstal we aim to develop the unique talents of each boy. We provide a supportive, stimulating and caring environment where people are free to express their individuality. OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – A small school of 250 students, with small class sizes (12 to 16 students) – A caring environment with a strong sense of community – The highest educational standards in our broad and diverse curriculum, with students achieving the equivalent of three A* grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate – Situated in 500 acres of park land in the heart of Munster with easy access to Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports from the UK
For the best in education
EV ERY DAY
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DIRECTORY LONDON SCHOOLS | COUNTRY SCHOOLS
St George’s School, Windsor Castle
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LONDON SCHOOLS
London NURSERIES 117
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Cumnor House School Nursery 91 Pampisford Road, CR2 6DH & 13 Woodcote Lane, CR8 3HB T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Personal Tours every day throughout the year. nnL
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Eaton Square Nursery, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX T: 020 7052 9019 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
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Eaton Square Nursery, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ T: 020 7976 6511 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys 2 Burnaby Gardens, London W4 3DT T: 020 8747 8393 www.falconsboys.co.uk Open Days: 16 March. nnn9 Hurlingham Nursery & Pre-Prep The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Hyde Park Nursery & Pre-Prep The Long Garden, St George’s Fields, Albion Street, London W2 2AX T: 020 7262 1190 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL North Bridge House Nursery 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 5JY T: 020 7428 1520 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL The Minors Nursery School 10 Pembridge Square, London W2 4ED T: 020 7727 7253 www.minorsnurseryschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
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Peregrine’s Pre-Prep 11 Woodborough Road Putney, London SW15 6PY T: 020 8992 5189 www.peregrinespreprep.co.uk Open Days: 13 March. nnnL
St Benedict’s Nursery School 5 Montpelier Avenue, London W5 2XP T: 020 8862 2253 www.stbenedicts.org.uk Open Days: 21 May. nnnnL Thomas’s Kindergarten, Battersea St Mary’s Church, Battersea Church Road, London SW11 3NA T: 020 7738 0400 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
Eaton House The Manor Nursery 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www. eatonhouseschools.com nnL Eaton Square Nursery, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY T: 020 7823 6217 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
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Eaton House Belgravia Nursery 3-5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www. eatonhouseschools.com nnL
147
Bute House Preparatory School Luxemburg Gardens, London W6 7EA T: 020 7603 7381 www.butehouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn8
Rolfe’s Nusery School 34A Oxford Gardens, London W10 5UG T: 020 7727 8300 www.rolfesnurseryschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
University College School Pre-Prep 36 College Crescent, London NW3 5LF T: 020 7722 4433 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Young England Kindergarten St Saviours Hall, St George’s Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 2HP T: 020 7834 3171 www.youngenglandkindergarten. co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
127
Cameron House 4 The Vale, London SW3 6AH T: 020 7352 4040 www.cameronhouseschool.org Open Days: Contact the school nnnL
122
Channing School 1 Highgate High Street, Highgate, London N6 5JR T: 020 8342 9862 www.channing.co.uk Open Days: 7, 14 & 21 May, 4, 18 & 27 June. nnnnn8
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PREPARATORY 118
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Abercorn School 28 Abercorn Place, London NW8 9XP T: 020 7286 4785 www.abercornschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL Alleyn’s Junior School Townley Road London SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1519 www.alleyns.org.uk Open Days: Please see website. nnnL
115 IBC
Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP T: 020 8206 7431 www.bassetths.org.uk Open Days: 1 March, 11 May. nnnnL
118
Blackheath Preparatory School 4 St Germans Place, London SE3 ONJ T: 020 8858 0692 www.blackheathprepschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
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Blackheath High School Weymss Road, London SE3 0TF SE3 0TF T: 020 8852 1537 www.blackheathhighschool.gdst. net Open Days: 12 March. nn8 Broomwood Hall Lower School 192 Ramsden Road SW12, 50 Nightingale Lane SW12 & 3 Garrad’s Road, London SW16. T: 020 8682 8830 www.northwoodschools.com Open Days: 11 October. nnL Broomwood Hall Upper School 68–74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR T: 020 8682 8810 www.northwoodschools.com Open Days: 11 October. nn8
Chepstow House 108a Lancaster Road, London W11 1QS T: 020 7243 0243 www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX T: 020 8994 1804 www.cbppschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
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Durston House 12-14 Castlebar Road, London W5 2DR T: 020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
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Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep 3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www. eatonhouseschools.com nn9
124
Eaton House Belgravia Prep 3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www.eatonhouseschools.com nn9
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Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www.eatonhouseschools.com nn9
126
Eaton House The Manor Prep School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www.eatonhouseschools.com nn9
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Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open House or individual tours. Book at www.eatonhouseschools.com nnn8
147
Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP T: 020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
134
L’Ecole de Battersea Trott Street, London SW11 3DS T: 020 7371 8350 Hampton Court House www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Open Days: Weekly visits by arrangement. nnnnL
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L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Road, London SW6 2NB T: 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Open Days: Weekly Thursday morning visits by arrangement. nnnL
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Fairley House School 30 Causton St, London, SW1P 4AU T: 020 7976 5456 www.fairleyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
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The Falcons School for Boys 41 Kew Foot Road, TW9 2SS T: 020 8948 9490 www.falconsprep.co.uk Open Days: 8 March. nnnn9
City of London School for Girls St Giles Terrace, London EC2Y 8BB T: 020 7847 5500 www.clsg.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn8 144
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Croydon High School GDST Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB T: 020 8260 7543 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 2 March (7+), 15 May (Senior School). nnnn8 Cumnor House School, Boys 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6DA T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9 Cumnor House School, Girls 11 Woodcote Lane, Purley, Surrey CR8 3HB T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8 Devonshire House Prep School 2 Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6AE T: 020 7435 1916 www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk Open Days: 1 & 2 May. nnnnL Dolphin School (inc Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools) 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW T: 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL Dulwich College Junior School Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD T: 020 8299 8432 www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 Dulwich Prep London 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA T: 020 8766 5525 www.dulwichpreplondon.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
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The Falcons School for Girls 11 Woodborough Road, London SW15 6PY T: 020 8992 5189 www.falconsgirls.co.uk Open Days: 13 March. Email the registrar to book your place. nnnn8
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James Allen’s Preparatory School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE T: 020 8693 0374 www.jags.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.nnn8
Falkner House 19 Brechin Place, London SW7 4QB T: 020 7373 4501 www.falknerhouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8 149
Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF T: 020 7730 2971 www.fhs-sw1.org.uk Open Days: 18 March, 29 April, 10 June (Junior); 20 March, 13 & 21 June (Senior). nnn8
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Kew College 24–26 Cumberland Road, Kew, Surrey TW9 3HQ T: 020 8940 2039 www.keorchardwcollege.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
133
Kew Green Preparatory School Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF T: 020 8948 5999 www.kgps.co.uk Open Days: 6 March, 15 May & 12 June. nnL
Garden House School Turks Row, London SW3 4TW T: 020 7330 1652 www.gardenhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2UQ T: 020 8979 1844 www.hamptonprep.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL 122
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Hornsby House Hearnville Road, Balham, London SW12 8RS T: 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
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Hyde Park School 24 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NL T: 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
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North Bridge House Prep 1 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 7AB T: 020 7428 1520 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
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Northcote Lodge 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL T: 020 8682 8830 www.northwoodschools.com Open Days: 11 Oct. nn9
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Old Vicarage School 48, Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6QX T: 020 8940 0922 www.oldvicarageschool.com Open Days: 1 March. nnn8
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Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB T: 020 8987 9886 www.orchardhs.org.uk Open Days: 16 March, 8 May and 10 Oct. nnL
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The Mall School 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham, TW2 5NQ T: 020 8977 2523 www.themallschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
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The Moat School Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EG T: 020 7610 9018 www.moatschool.org.uk Open Days: Please call for a tour. nnL
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GIRLS BOYS MIXED MIXED SIXTH FORM SpLD
Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School 16 Ravenscourt Ave, London W6 0SL T: 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk Open Days: 7 March, 9 May & 11 June. nnnL Redcliffe School 47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH T: 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com Open Days: Tours every Tues and Thurs. Please call to book. nnnnL St Anthony’s School for Boys 90 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NP T: 020 7435 3597 www.stanthonysprep.org.uk Open Days: Visit the website. nn9 St Anthony’s School for Girls Ivy House, North End Road, London NW11 7SX T: 020 3869 3070 www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk Open Days: Visit the website. nn8
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St Benedict’s Junior School 5 Montpelier Avenue, London W5 2XP T: 020 8862 2253 www.stbenedicts.org.uk Open Days: 21 May. nnnnL
Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3NU T: 020 8869 7634 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Open Days: Wednesday mornings by appointment. nnnL
138
St Dunstan’s College Junior School Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY T: 020 8516 7200 www.stdunstans.org.uk Open Days: 30 April and throughout Sept and Oct. nnnnL
Parsons Green Prep School 1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ T: 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
139
St James Prep School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH T: 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesprep.org.uk Open Days: 14 March, 21 May, 27 June. nnnL
140
St Nicholas Preparatory School 23 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT T: 020 7225 1277 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk Open Days: 2 May. nnnnL
Prospect House School 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT T: 020 8246 4897 www.prospecths.org.uk Open Days: 28 Feb, 9 May and 5 Oct. Book online. nnnnL
St Paul’s Juniors St Paul’s School, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT T: 020 8748 3461 www.stpaulsschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9
Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School (Opening September 2020) 10-13 Prince’s Gardens T: 020 7591 4620 www.princesgardensprep.co.uk Open Events: 27 Feb, 28 March, 23 May (at the Mandarin Oriental). nnnnL Putney High Junior School 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 6523 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nn8
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Pembridge Hall School 18 Pembridge Square, London W2 4EH T: 020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn8
Lyndhurst House Prep School 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, London NW3 5NW T: 020 74354936 www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk Open Days: Visit website. nnn9
Milbourne Lodge School 43 Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EG T: 01372 462737 www.milbournelodge.co.uk Open Days: 8 March, 17 May. Please book online. nnnL Newton Prep 149 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BX T: 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk Open Days: 12 Oct. Book online. nnnL
BOARDING WEEKLY BOARDING FLEXIBOARDING BOARDING & DAY DAY
North Bridge House Pre-Prep 8 Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5RR T: 020 7428 1520 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
Latymer Prep School 36 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA T: 020 7993 0061 www.latymerprep.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
The Holmewood School 88 Woodside Park Rd, London, N12 8SH T: 020 8920 0660 www.thsl.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
Hurlingham School 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ T: 020 8874 7186 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD T: 020 7590 9000 www.knightsbridgeschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
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King’s House School 61 Kings Rd, Richmond TW10 6EG. T: 020 8940 7015 www.kingshouseschool.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn9
Hawkesdown House School 27 Edge Street, London W8 7PN T: 020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk Open Days: 14 Feb. nnn9
Hurlingham Pre-Prep The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Ave, London SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
Kensington Prep School GDST 596 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PA T: 020 7731 9300 www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net Open Days: Visit the website. nnn8
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Fulham Pre-Prep School 47A Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ T: 020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD T: 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
Ibstock Place Prep Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY T: 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Open Days: 1 May, 19 June. nnnn
NURSERY PRE PREP PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM
Quainton Hall Harrow HA1 1RX T: 020 8861 8861 www.quaintonhall.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8 Queen’s Gate Junior School 131–133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE T: 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8
Sussex House School 68 Cadogan Square, London SW1X 0EA T: 020 7584 1741 www.sussexhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 140
Sydenham High Prep School GDST 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL T: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool. gdst.net Open Days: 26 March. nnn8
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The Lyceum School 6 Paul St, City of London EC2A 4JH T: 020 7247 1588 www.lyceumschool.co.uk Open Days: First Tuesday of every month. nnnnL
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The Study Preparatory School Wilberforce House, Camp Road, London SW19 4UN T: 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Open Days: Regular tours; contact the school for details. nnn8 Thomas’s Battersea 28-40 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3JB T: 020 7978 0900 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Thomas’s Clapham Broomwood Road, London SW11 6JZ T: 020 7326 9300 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Thomas’s Fulham Hugon Road, London SW6 3ES T: 020 7751 8200 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Thomas’s Kensington 17–19 Cottesmore Gardens, London W8 5PR T: 020 7361 6500 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL University College Junior School 11 Holly Hill, London NW3 6QN T: 020 7435 3068 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9
Wetherby School 11 Pembridge Square, London W2 4ED T: 020 7727 9581 www.wetherbyschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 Wetherby Preparatory School Bryanston Square, London W1H 2EA T: 020 7535 3520 www.wetherbyprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 142
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Abingdon House School Broadley Terrace, London NW1 6LG T: 020 3750 5526 www.abingdonhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Please contact school. nnnnL Alleyn’s School Townley Road London SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1500 www.alleyns.org.uk Open Days: Please see website. nnnnL Ashbourne College 17 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL T: 020 7937 3858 www.ashbournecollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the college. nnL
148
Blackheath High School Vanbrugh Park, London SE3 7AG T: 020 8853 2929 www.blackheathhighschool. gdst.net Open Days: 8 March. nn8
149
Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park, NW1) Ivor Place, London NW1 6XR T: 020 7723 0176 www.fhs-nw1.org.uk Open Days: 20 June (Senior). nnn8
Ibstock Place School Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY T: 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Open Days: 1 May, 19 June (Prep). 8 May, 21 Sept (Senior). Book online. nnnnnnL
Bromley High School, GDST Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, BR1 2TW T: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 3 May, 5 Oct. nnnnn8
149
Channing School Senior The Bank, Highgate London N6 5HF T: 020 8340 2328 www.channing.co.uk Open Days: 2 July. nnnnn8
Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road, London W6 0PG T: 020 8741 1936 www.godolphinandlatymercom Open Days: 20 & 26 Sept, 16 Oct. nn8 151
144 Croydon High School, GDST Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB T: 020 8260 7543 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnn8 146
DLD College 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7FX T: 020 7935 8411 www.dldcollege.co.uk Open Days: Please contact the college. nnL
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Eaton Square Mayfair 106 Piccadilly London W1J 7NL T: 020 7491 7393 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: 12 March, 16 May. nnnL Fairley House School 30 Causton Street, London SW1P 4AU T: 020 79765456 www.fairleyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, WD6 3AF T: 020 8266 1700 www.habsboys.org.uk Open Days: 5 Oct. nnnnn9 Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Aldenham Road, Elstree WD6 3BT T: 020 8266 2300 www.habsgirls.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8
Dulwich College Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD T: 020 8299 9263 www.dulwich.org.uk Open Days: Please contact the school. nnnnnnn8 147
Francis Holland School (Sloane Square, SW1) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF T: 020 7730 2971 www.fhs-sw1.org.uk Open Days: 18 March, 29 April, 10 June (Junior); 20 March, 13 & 21 June (Senior). nnn8 Fulham Senior School 200 Greyhound Rd, London W14 9SD T: 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
City of London School Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 3AL T: 020 3680 6300 www.cityoflondonschool.org. uk Open Days: 27 & 30 September. Book online. nn9 City of London School for Girls St Giles’ Terrace, London EC2Y 8BB T: 020 7847 5565 www.clsg.org.uk Open Days: 18 & 27 September & 12 October. nn8
SENIOR 29
Forest School College Place, London E17 3PY T: 020 8520 1744 www.forest.org.uk Open Days: 24 June. nnnnL
145
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF T: 020 8674 9514 www.whitehouseschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
GIRLS BOYS MIXED MIXED SIXTH FORM SpLD
149
Bancroft’s School High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0RF T: 020 8505 4821 www.www.bancrofts.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
Wetherby Kensington 4 Wetherby Gardens SW5 0JN T: 0203 910 9760 www.wetherby-kensington.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. n9
8 9 L
The Holmewood School 88 Woodside Park Rd, London N12 8SH T: 020 8920 0669 www.thsl.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
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29
Babington House School Chislehurst, London Borough of Bromley, Kent BR7 5ES T: 020 8467 5537 www.babingtonhouse.com Open Days: 2 March. nnnnL
146
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Fine Arts College Centre Studios, 41-43 England’s Lane, London NW3 4YD T: 020 7586 0312 www.hampsteadfinearts.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
120
120
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151
James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE T: 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn8 150
John Lyon School Middle Road, Harrow on the Hill HA2 0HN T: 020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org Open Days: 18 June, 21 Sept. nnn9
152
Kensington Park School (Years 7-11) 40-44 Bark Place, London W2 4AT T: 020 7225 0577 www.kps.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
152
Kensington Park School Sixth Form 59 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JP T: 020 7225 0577 www.kps.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
153
Kew House School 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0EX T: 020 8742 2038 www.kewhouseschool.com Open Days: 7 & 27 March, 13 May, 26 June & 2 July. nnnL
155
King’s College School Southside, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4TT T: 020 8255 5300 www.kcs.org.uk Open Days: 10 June, 12 June, 21 June. nnnn9
Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BS T: 020 8614 0857 www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Open Days: Every Wednesday. Please contact the school. nnnnnL
Kingston Grammar School London Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6PY T: 020 8546 5875 www.kgs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
Hampton School Hanworth Rd, Hampton TW12 3HD T: 020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk Open Days: Year-round visitors’ afternoons. Visit the website. nnn9
Lady Eleanor Holles Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HF T: 020 8979 1601 www.lehs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8
Harrow School 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3HP T: 020 8872 8007 www.harrowschool.org.uk Open Days: 3 & 10 Nov. nnn9
Latymer Upper School King Street, London W6 9LR T: 020 7993 0063 www.latymer–upper.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
Highgate School North Road, London N6 4AY T: 020 8340 1524 www.highgateschool.org.uk Open Days: Please visit our website for details. nnnnL
152
Lycée International de Londres 1 Kings Drive, Wembley HA9 9HP T: 020 3824 4900 www.lyceeinternational.london Open Days: Contact the school nnnnnL
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Home Counties South Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT T: 01923 845514 www.mtsn.org.uk Open Day: Contact the school. nnn9 93
154
154
St Helen’s School Eastbury Road, Northwood HA6 3AS T: 01923 843210 www.sthelens.london Open Days: 13 June, 21 Sept. nnnnnn8
MPW London 90–92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB T: 020 7835 1355 www.mpw.ac.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
St James Senior Girls’ School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH T: 020 7348 1748 www.stjamesschools.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8
North Bridge House Senior Canonbury 6-9 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NQ T: 020 7428 1520 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
St Paul’s School Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9JT T: 020 8748 9162 www.stpaulsschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
Old Palace of John Whitgift School Old Palace Road, Croydon CR0 1AX T: 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Open Days: 9 Feb (Senior), 14 March (Prep). nnnnnn8
154
Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ T: 020 7307 8700 www.portland-place.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
157
Putney High School GDST 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
Sutton High School GDST 55 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 2AX T: 020 8642 0594 www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnn8 160
Sydenham High Senior School GDST 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL T: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool. gdst.net Open Days: 19 March, 2 May. nnn8
29 158
The Moat School Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EG T: 020 7610 9018 www.moatschool.org.uk Open Days: Please call for a tour. nnL
159
Trinity School Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT T: 020 8656 9541 www.trinity-school.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
156
Queen’s Gate 131-133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE. T: 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.nnnnn8
University College School Frognal, London NW3 6XH T: 020 7433 2117 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
157
Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS T: 01707 602500 www.queenswood.org Open Days: 16 March. nnnnn8
Westminster School Little Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PF T: 020 7963 1003 www.westminster.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.
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South Hampstead High School GDST 3 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SS T: 020 7435 2899 www.shhs.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
160
St Benedict’s School – Senior & Sixth Form 54, Eaton Rise, London W5 2ES T: 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk Open Days: 9 May. nnnnnnL
159
St Dunstan’s College Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY T: 020 8516 7200 www.stdunstans.org.uk Open Days: Tours available in summer term. Open Days in Sept and Nov. nnnnnnL
163
ACS International Cobham Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BL T: 01932 869744 www.acs-schools.com/acs-cobham Open Days: 9 February. nnnnnnnnL
163
ACS International Egham London Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 0HS T: 01784 430611 www.acs-schools.com/acs-egham Open Days: 23 March. nnnnnnL
162
Aldro Lombard St, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS T: 01483 813535 www.aldro.org Open Days: 9 March. nnnn9
St Paul’s Girls’ School Brook Green, London W6 7BS T: 020 7605 4882 www.spgs.org Open Days: Contact the school. nn8
North Bridge House Senior Hampstead 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5UD T: 020 7428 1520 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnL North London Collegiate School Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware HA8 7RJ T: 020 8952 0912 www.nlcs.org.uk Open Days: Visit the website. nnnnn8
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Wetherby Senior School 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU T: 020 7535 3530 www.wetherbysenior.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9
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Banstead Prep School Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA T: 01737 363600 www.bansteadprep.com Open Days: 1 Feb, 26 April, 7 June. nnnnL
Bede’s Prep School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL T: 01323 734222 www.bedes.org Open Days: 2 March, 28 Sept. nnL Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker, East Sussex BN27 3QH T: 01323 843252 www.bedes.org Open Days: 9 March, 14 Sept. nnnL
166
Brambletye East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3PD T: 01342 321004 www.brambletye.co.uk Open Days: 1 & 2 March. nnnL
162
Breaside School 41– 43 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PR T: 020 8460 0916 www.breaside.co.uk Open Days: 20 March. nnnnL
Brighton College Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL T: 01273 704200 www.brightoncollege.org.uk Open Days: 27 April, 11 May. nnnnnnnL Box Hill School Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6EA T: 01372 384240 www.boxhillschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
169
Caterham School Harestone Valley Rd, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA T: 01883 343028 www.caterhamschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 March & 15 May. nnnnnnnnL
20
Charterhouse Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX T: 01483 291501 www.charterhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
13 167
Christ’s Hospital School Horsham,West Sussex RH13 0YP. T: 01403 211293 www.christs-hospital.org.uk Open Days: 27 April & 14 Sept. nnL Chinthurst School 52 Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5QZ T: 01737 812011 www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
Bedales Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2DG T: 01730 711733 www.bedales.org.uk Open Days: 2 March, 11 May. nnnnnnnnL
Benenden Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA T: 01580 240592 www.benenden.kent.sch.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8
Whitgift School Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT T: 020 8688 9222 www.whitgift.co.uk Open Days: By appointment. nnnnnn9 Wimbledon High School GDST Mansel Road, London SW19 4AB T: 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
Ashdown House Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JY T: 01342 822574 www.ashdownhouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
9 167
Copthorne Preparatory School Effingham Lane, Copthorne West Sussex,RH10 3HR T: 01342 710200 www.copthorneprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL 171
Cranleigh Preparatory School Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH T: 01483 542051 www.cranprep.org Open Days: 27 Feb, 11 May, 19 June. nnnL
18 171
Cranleigh School Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ T: 01483 273666 www.cranleigh.org Open Days: Please book a visit online. nnnnL
166
Cranmore School Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT T: 01483 280355 www.cranmoreprep.co.uk Open Days: 2 March, 3 May. nnnnL
170
Cottesmore School Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU T: 01293 520648 www.cottesmoreschool.com Open Days: 2 March, 11 May, 28 Sept, 23 Nov. nnnL
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Home Counties South Cumnor House Sussex London Rd, Danehill, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 7HT T: 01825 792006 www.cumnor.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
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168
Dover College Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent CT17 9RH T: 01304 205969 www.dovercollege.org.uk Open Days: 9 March, 18 May. nnnnnL
168
Downsend School 1 Leatherhead Rd, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8TJ T: 01372 372197 www.downsend.co.uk Open Days: 8 March, 11 May. nnnnL
OBC Hurtwood House Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU T: 01483 279000 www.hurtwoodhouse.com Open Days: Headmaster’s interviews by appointment only. nnnL
170
Dunottar School High Trees Rd, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL T: 01737 761945 www.dunottarschool.com Open Days: 27 Feb, 30 April, 27 June. Book online. nnL
172
Eastbourne College Old Wish Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4JX T: 01323 452323 www.eastbourne-college.co.uk Open Days: 9 March, 15 June. nnnnnnnL
173
Edgeborough School Frensham, Surrey, GU10 3AH T: 01252 792495 www.edgeborough.co.uk Open Days: 8 March. nnnnL
173
Farringtons School Perry St, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256 www.farringtons.org.uk Open Days: 5 March. nnnnnnnnL
174
Guildford High School London Rd Guildford, Surrey GU1 1SJ. T: 01483 543853 www.guildfordhigh.co.uk Open Days: 28 Feb, 6 & 19 March, 24 Apr, 2 & 9 May, 4 & 11 June. nnnnn8
174
King Edward’s Witley Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG T: 01428 686700 www.kesw.org Open Days: 14 Mar, 25 Apr, 15 June. nnnnnnL King’s School, Rochester Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1TE T: 01634 888555 www.kings-rochester.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept. nnnnnnnnL
n n n n n
BOARDING WEEKLY BOARDING FLEXIBOARDING BOARDING & DAY DAY
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD T: 01737 649000 www.raa-school.co.uk Open Days: 16 March, 18 May. nnnnnL
175
Mayfield School The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH T: 01435 874642 www.mayfieldgirls.org Open Days: 22 March, 30 April. nnnnn8
177 179
The Royal Grammar School, Guildford High St, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB T: 01483 880600 www.rgs-guildford.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
40
More House School Moons Hill, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3AP T: 01252 792303 www.morehouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8
176
Parkside School The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham,Surrey KT11 3PX T: 01932 862749 www.parkside-school.co.uk Open Days:22 June. nnn n9
183
The Pilgrims’ School The Close, Winchester SO23 9LT T: 01962 854189 www.thepilgrims–school.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
Lancing College Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW T: 01273 465805 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: 4 May. nnnnnL
Prior’s Field Priorsfield Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2RH T: 01483 810551 www.priorsfieldschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
4
Lancing College Prep at Hove The Droveway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6LU T: 01273 503452 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
4
Lancing College Prep at Worthing Broadwater Rd, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 8HU T: 01903 201123 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
Reed’s School Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES T: 01932 869001 www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn9
Lanesborough Prep School Maori Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2EL T: 01483 880650 www.lanesborough.surrey.sch.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn9
173
Highfield and Brookham Schools Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ T: 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk Open Days: 9 Feb, 21 March. nnnL
174
Hoe Bridge School Hoe Place, Old Woking Rd, Woking, Surrey GU22 8JE T: 01483 227909 www.hoebridgeschool.co.uk Open Days: 5 March, 1 Oct. nnnnL
Leighton Park Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7ED T: 01189 879600 www.leightonpark.com Open Days: 29 Sept. nnnL Longacre School Hullbrook Ln, Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0NQ T: 01483 893225 www.longacreschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
GIRLS BOYS MIXED MIXED SIXTH FORM SpLD
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4
Hampshire Collegiate School Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire S051 6ZE T: 01794 512206 www.hampshirecs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. . nnnnnL
8 9 L
Manor House School Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT23 4EN T: 01372 457077 www.manorhouseschool.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
Hurstpierpoint College College Ln, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9JS T: 01273 833636 www.hppc.co.uk Open Days: 9 March, 11 May. nnnnnnnL
Kent College, Canterbury Whitstable Rd, Canterbury, Kent CT2 9DT T: 01227 763231 www.kentcollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
NURSERY PRE PREP PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM
177
Reigate Grammar School Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS T: 01737 222231 www.reigategrammar.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL Reigate St Mary’s Chart Lane, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RN T: 01737 244880 www.reigatestmarys.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
178
Roedean Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ T: 01273 667500 www.roedean.co.uk Open Days: 2 March, 11 May. nnnnnn8
180
Rowan Prep School 6 Fitzalan Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey, KT10 0LX T: 01372 462627 www.rowanprepschool.co.uk Open Days: 14 March, 16 May. nnn8
Sevenoaks Prep School Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0JU T: 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk Open Days: Open to visits any day during term time. nnnL 181
Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU T: 01732 455133 www.sevenoaksschool.org Open Days: 15 June. nnnL
180
St Catherine’s, Bramley Station Rd, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF T: 01483 899609 www.stcatherines.info Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnn8 St Edmund’s School Canterbury St Thomas’ Hill, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8HU T: 01227 475601 www.stedmunds.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept. nnnnnnL
178
St Hilary’s Preparatory School Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ T: 01483 416551 www.sthilarysschool.com Open Days: 1 March, 3 May. nnnnL
178
St Swithun’s School Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com Open Days: 13 March, 3 May & 22 June. nnnn8
176
The New Beacon School Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PB T: 01732 452131 www.newbeacon.org.uk Open Days: 22 March, 24 May. nnnnn9
181
Tonbridge School High St, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP T: 01732 304297 www.tonbridge-school.co.uk Open Days: 9 March, 18 May. nnnn9
182
Tormead School Cranley Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD T: 01483 796040 www.tormeadschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
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Twyford School Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1NW T: 01962 714 622 www.twyfordschool.com Open Days: 10 May. nnnnnnL
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ACS International Hillingdon 108 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BE T: 01895 818402 www.acs-schools.com/acshillingdon Open Days: 16 March. nnnnnnL
186
Ashfold School Dorton House, Dorton, Bucks HP18 9NG T: 01844 238237 www.ashfoldschool.co.uk Open Days: 13 Feb, 13 March. nnnnnL
186
Beachborough School Westbury, Nr. Brackley, Northants NN13 5LB T: 01280 700071 www.beachborough.com Open Days: 2 March. nnnnL
188
Bedford School De Parys Ave, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU T: 01234 362216 www.bedfordschool.org.uk Open Days: April 27. nnn9
48
Berkhamsted School Overton House, 131 High Street Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2DJ T: 01442 358001 www.berkhamsted.com Open Days: 1 March, Sept/Oct. nnnnnnL
186
Caldicott Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Bucks SL2 3SL T: 01753 649301 www.caldicott.com Open Days: 2 March, 11 May. nn9
8
Cheam School Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD T: 01635 267822 www.cheamschool.com Open Days: Visits by appointment. nnnnnnL
Winchester College College St, Winchester, SO23 9NA T: 01962 621100 www.winchestercollege.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn9
187
Christ Church Cathedral School 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW T: 01865 242 561 www.cccs.org.uk Open Days: 19 March, 12 Oct. nnnn9
Windlesham House School West Sussex RH20 4AY T: 01903 874701 www.windlesham.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
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Cothill House Cothill, Oxfordshire, OX13 6JL T: 01865 390800 www.cothill.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Walhampton Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5ZG T: 01590 613300 www.walhampton.com Open Days: 3 May. nnnnnnL Walthamstow Hall Holly Bush Ln, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL T: 01732 451334 www.walthamstow–hall.co.uk Open Days: 7 March. nnnnnn8 Walthamstow Hall Junior School Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LD T: 01732 451334 www.walthamstow–hall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8 Wellington College Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU T: 01344 444013 www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
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Westbourne House School Coach Rd, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2BH T: 01243 782739 www.westbournehouse.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Worth School Paddock Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD T: 01342 710200 www.worthschool.org.uk Open Days: 2 Feb, 16 March. nnnL
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Felsted Preparatory School Felsted, Essex CM6 3JL T: 01371 822611 www.felsted.org/prephome Open Days: 19 Sept. nnnnnL
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Papplewick Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH T: 01344 621488 www.papplewick.org.uk Open Days: 11 May. nnn9
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Felsted School Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL T: 01371 822600 www.felsted.org Open Days: 29 Sept. nnnnL
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Greenes Tutorial College 45, Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP T: 01865 248308 www.greenes.org.uk Open Days: Please contact the college. nnL
Pipers Corner School Pipers Lane, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6LP T: 01494 718255 www.piperscorner.co.uk Open Days: 30 April. nnnnn8
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Highfield Preparatory School 2, West Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1PD T: 01628 624918 www.highfieldprep.org Open Days: 13 March, 3 May & 28 June. nnnn8
38
Heathfield School London Road, Ascot SL5 8BQ T: 01344 898 342 www.heathfieldschool.net Open Days: 9 March, 11 May. nnnn8
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Princess Helena College Preston, Hertfordshire SG4 7RT T: 01462 432100 www.princesshelenacollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8 195
Queen Anne’s School Henley Rd, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX T: 01189 187333 www.qas.org.uk Open Days: 8 March, 11 May, 13 June. nnn8
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Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Herts AL9 6NS T: 01707 602500 www.queenswood.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8
Horris Hill Newtown, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9DJ T: 01635 40594 www.horrishill.com Open Days: 9 March. nn9
7 195
St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 7NN T: 01865 319200 www.stedwardsoxford.org Open Days: 18 May. nnL
Lambrook School Winkfield Road, Nr Ascot Berkshire RG42 6LU T: 01344 882717 www.lambrookschool.co.uk Open Days: 11 May. nnnnnnL
194
St Francis’ College Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3PJ T: 01462 670511 www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk Open Days: 23 & 29 March. nnnnnnn8
Ludgrove School Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB T: 01189 789881 www.ludgrove.net Open Days: Contact the school. nn9
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St George’s Ascot Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7DZ T: 01344 629920 www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk Open Days: 8 March, 10 May. nnn8
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Maltman’s Green School Maltman’s Lane, Gerrard’s Cross, Bucks SL9 8RR T: 01753 883022 www.maltmansgreen.com Open Days: 22 March, 14 June. nnnn8
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St George’s School, Windsor Windsor Castle, Datchet Rd, Windsor SL4 1QB T: 01753 865553 www.stgwindsor.org Open Days: 15 March. nnnnnnL
d’Overbroeck’s 333 Banbury Road, OX2 7PL T: 01865 310000 www.doverbroecks.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
196
Moulsford Preparatory School Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR T: 01491 651438 www.moulsford.com Open Days: 17 May. nnnn9
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Stowe School Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH T: 01280 818205 www.stowe.co.uk Open Days: (Lower) 2 March, 11 May, (Upper) 27 April. nnnL
The Dragon School Bardwell Rd, Oxford OX2 6SS T: 01865 315405 www.dragonschool.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
196
New Hall School The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS T: 01245 236098 www.newhallschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
198
Eton College Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW T: 01753 370611 www.etoncollege.com Open Days: Contact the school. nn9
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The Oratory Preparatory School Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire RG8 7SF T: 0118 9844511 www.oratoryprep.co.uk Open Days: 2 March. nnnnnL
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts Mansion Drive, Tring, Herts HP23 5LX T: 01442 824255 www.tringpark.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
197
Elstree School Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD T: 0118971 3302 www.elstreeschool.org.uk Open Days: 2 March, 11 May. nnnnn9
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Tudor Hall Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9UR T: 01295 756263 www.tudorhallschool.com Open Days: 11 May. nnn8
Farleigh School Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire SP11 7PW T: 01264 712838 www.farleighschool.com Open Days: 16 March. nnnnnnL
192
The Oratory School Woodcote, Nr Reading, South Oxfordshire RG8 0PJ T: 01491 683522 www.oratory.co.uk Open Days: 9 March. nnnn9 Pangbourne College Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire RG8 8LA T: 01189 767415 www.pangbourne.com Open Days: 27 April. nnnL
Winchester House School 44 High St, Brackley, Northants NN13 7AZ T: 01280 846497 www.winchester-house.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL 197
York House Sarratt Road, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4LW T: 01923 772 395 www.york-house.com Open Days: 18 May. nnnL
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n n n n n
South West All Hallows Prep School Cranmore Hall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4SF T: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL 199
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200
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King Edward’s School Bath North Road, Bath BA2 6HU T: 01225 820399 www.kesbath.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Badminton School Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA. T: 0117 905 5271 www.badmintonschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 May. nnnnnnnn8
Kingsley School Bideford Northdown Rd, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LY T: 01237 426200 www.kingsleyschoolbideford. co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnnL
Blundell’s School Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DN T: 01884 252543 www.blundells.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnnL Bryanston School Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PX T: 01258 452411 www.bryanston.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL Canford School Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD T: 01202 847207 www.canford.com Open Days: 27 April, 5 Oct. nnnL Clifton College Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3EZ T: 01173 157000 www.cliftoncollege.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnnL
199
Hazlegrove Preparatory School Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA T: 01963 442606 www.hazlegrove.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
202
Kingswood Prep College Road, Bath BA1 5SD T: 01225 734460 www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk/prep Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
202
Kingswood Senior Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T: 01225 734200 www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
203
Leweston School Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6EN T: 01963 210691 www.leweston.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Downe House Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 200286 www.downehouse.net Open Days: 23 March, 27 April, 15 June. nnn8
Marlborough College Bath Rd, Marlborough, Wilts SN81PA T: 01672 892300 www.marlboroughcollege.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnL 202
Godolphin School Milford Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2RA T: 01722 430509 www.godolphin.org Open Days: Visit the website. nnnnnnnn8
202
Hanford School Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HN T: 01258 860219 www.hanford.dorset.sch.uk Open Days: 9 March. nnnn8
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Milton Abbey School Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BZ T: 01258 880484 www.miltonabbey.co.uk Open Days: 2 March, 18 May. nnnL
BOARDING WEEKLY BOARDING FLEXIBOARDING BOARDING & DAY DAY
Monkton School Monkton Combe,Bath BA2 7HG T: 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com Open Days: Pre-Prep & Prep – 2 March, 11 May; Senior – 9 March, 18 May. nnnnnnnnL
Port Regis Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA T: 01747 857800 www.portregis.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
GIRLS BOYS MIXED MIXED SIXTH FORM SpLD
St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9LP T: 01747 852416 www.stmarys.eu Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8 204
Perrott Hill School North Perrott, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 7SL T: 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com Open Days: 10 May. nnnnnnL Pinewood School Bourton, Shrivenham, Wilts SN6 8HZ T: 01793 782554 www.pinewoodschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
8 9 L
Talbot Heath Rothesay Rd, Bournemouth BH4 9NJ T: 01202 761881 www.talbotheath.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnn8 Taunton School Staplegrove Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD T: 01823 703703 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
206 207
Warminster School Church St, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8PJ T: 01985 210160 www.warminsterschool.org.uk Open Days: 27 April & 5 Oct. nnnnnnL Wells Cathedral School The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST T: 01749 834200 wells.cathedral.school Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnL
Sandroyd School Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Sailsbury, Wilts SP5 5QD T: 01725 530124 www.sandroyd.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL Sherborne School Abbey Rd, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AP T: 01935 810403 www.sherborne.org Open Days: Group open mornings available, please call to find out more and book a place. nnnn9 Sherborne Girls Bradford Rd, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3QN T: 01935 818224 www.sherborne.com Open Days: Group open mornings available, please call to find out more and book a place. nnn8
Millfield Street, Somerset BA16 0YD T: 01458 444296 www.millfieldschool.com Open Days: 2 March, 4 May. nnnL Millfield Prep Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD T: 01458 832446 www.millfieldprep.com Open Days: 2 March, 4 May. nnnnnnL
n n n n n
The Royal High School Bath, GDST Lansdown Rd, Bath BA1 5SZ T: 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnn8
Knighton House School Durweston, Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PY T: 01258 452065 www.knightonhouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8
Dauntsey’s School West Lavington, Devizes,Wiltshire SN10 4HE T: 01380 814500 www.dauntseys.org Open Days: 11 May. nnnL
Downside School Stratton on the Fosse, Bath, Somerset BA3 4RJ T: 01761 235330 www.downside.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
204
NURSERY PRE PREP PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM
Sherborne Preparatory School Acreman St, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NY T: 01935 810911 www.sherborneprep.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL 207
St Mary’s Calne Calne, Wilts SN11 0DF T: 01249 857206 www.stmaryscalne.org Open Days: 9 March, 11 May. nnn8
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n n n n n
Central Davenport Lodge Nursery School 21 Davenport Road, Coventry CV5 6QA T: 02476 675051 davenportlodgeschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nL
Abbotsholme School Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS T: 01889 590217 www.abbotsholme.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnL 213
The Downs Malvern Brockhill Rd, Colwall, Worcestershire WR13 6EY T: 01684 544100 www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk Open Days: 6 May. nnnnnL
208
Adcote School for Girls Little Ness, Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 2JY T: 01939 261346 www.adcoteschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school nnnnnnn8
208
Abberley Hall School Worcester WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 www.abberleyhall.co.uk Open Days: 24 Feb. nnnnnL
Foremarke Hall Repton Preparatory School, Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ T: 01283 707102 www.foremarke.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
208
Beaudesert Park School Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF T: 01453 832072 www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk Open Day: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Headington School 26 London Road, Oxford, OX3 7PB T: 01865 759400 www.headington.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn8
209
Bilton Grange School Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 6QU T: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk Open Days: 2 March 2, 10 May. nnnnnnL
29
Bredon School Pull Court Bushley, Tewkesbury Gloucestershire, GL20 6AH T: 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
210
Bromsgrove School Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU T: 01527 579679 www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Open Day: Contact the school nnnnnnL
211
Magdalen College School Oxford OX4 1DZ. T: 01865 242191 www.mcsoxford.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9 Maidwell Hall Maidwell, Northampton,NN6 9JG T: 01604 686234 www.maidwellhall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL 213
Cheltenham College Bath Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7LD T: 01242 265600 www.cheltenhamcollege.org Open Day: Contact the school. nnnnnnL 210
Cheltenham Ladies’ College Bayshill Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3EP T: 01242 520691 www.cheltladiescollege.org Open Days: 9 March, 8 June 2019 Concord College Acton Burnell Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7PF T: 01694 731631 www.concordcollegeuk.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
King’s High Warwick Smith St, Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnn8
Malvern College College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF T: 01684 581500 www.malverncollege.org.uk Open Days: 4 May, 15 June. nnL Malvern St James Girls’ School 15 Avenue Rd, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3BA T: 01684 584624 www.malvernstjames.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnn8
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Moor Park Richard’s Castle, Ludlow Shropshire SY8 4DZ T: 01584 876061 www.moorpark.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
NURSERY PRE PREP PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM
n n n n n
BOARDING WEEKLY BOARDING FLEXIBOARDING BOARDING & DAY DAY
211
Moreton Hall Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 3EW T: 01691 773671 www.moretonhall.org Open Days: 11 May. nnnnnnn8
212
Oakham School Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT T: 01572 758758 www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk Open Days: 2 March, 18 May (Lower), 27 April, 8 June (Middle), 4 May (Upper) nnnnL Oundle School Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4GH T: 01832 277125 www.oundleschool.org.uk Open Day: Contact the school. nnL
8 9 L
GIRLS BOYS MIXED MIXED SIXTH FORM SpLD
Uppingham School Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QE T: 01572 820611 www.uppingham.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept (13+), 15 Sept (16+) nnnL 206
Westonbirt School Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG T: 01666 880333 www.westonbirt.org Open Days: 2 March. nnnnn8 Winchester House 44 High St, Brackley, Northants NN13 7AZ T: 01280 702483 www.winchester-house.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
Radley College Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 2HR T: 01235 543174 www.radley.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 215
Repton School Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH T: 01283 559222 www.repton.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
214
Rugby School Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5EH T: 01788 556274 www.rugbyschool.co.uk Open Days: 23 March, 11 May, 18 May (13+), 8 June, 14 Sept (16+). nnnL
216 Shrewsbury School The Schools, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA T: 01743 280500 www.shrewsbury.org.uk Open Days: 2 March, 11 May, 8 June. nnnnL 7 195
St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 7NN T: 01865 319204 www.stedwardsoxford.org Open Days: 18 May. nnL Summer Fields Mayfield Road, Oxford OX2 7EN T: 01865 459 204 www.summerfields.com Open Days: Contact the school. nn9 Tettenhall College Wood Rd, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QX T: 01902 751119 www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept. nnnnnnL
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Eastern
Northern Ampleforth College York YO62 4ER T: 01439 766863 www.ampleforth.org.uk/college Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
Abbey College Homerton Gardens, Cambridge CB2 8EB T: 01223 578280 www.abbeycambridge.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL 217
Beeston Hall School West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9NQ T: 01263 837324 www.beestonhall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnL
209
Gresham’s Cromer Rd, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA T: 01263 714500 www.greshams.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL 29
218
217
Gretton School Manor Farm Rd, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0RX T: 01223 277438 www.grettonschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL
219
Aysgarth School Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, N.Yorks DL8 1TF T: 01677 450240 www.aysgarthschool.com Open Days: Visitors welcome at all times, no formal open days. nnnn9
214
Orwell Park School Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER T: 01473 653224 www.orwellpark.co.uk Open Days: 11 May. nnnnnnL
212
Queen Ethelburga’s Thorpe Underwood Estate, York YO26 9SS T: 01423 333300 www.qe.org Open Days: 16 March, 11 May, 8 June. nnnnnL Queen Margaret’s School Escrick Park, York YO19 6EU T: 01904 727600 www.queenmargarets.com Open Days: 30 March, 14 Sept. nnn8 Rossall School Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW T: 01253 774201 www.rossall.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnL S. Anselm’s Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DP T: 01629 812734 www.sanselms.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX T: 01473 326136 www.royalhospitalschool.org Open Days: 11 May. nnnnnnnL
St Peter’s School, York Clifton, York, YO30 6AB T: 01904 527300 www.stpetersyork.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL 216
Stonyhurst College Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ T: 01254 827073 www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Open Days: 16 March, 9 March (St Mary’s Hall). nnnL
220
Fettes College Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX T: 0131 311 6744 www.fettes.com Open Days: Visits available all year round. nnnL
Myddelton College Peakes Ln, Denbigh, North Wales LL16 3EN T: 01745 472201 www.myddeltoncollege.com Open Days: 2 March. nnnL
37
Gordonstoun Elgin, Moray IV30 5RF T: 01343 837829 www.gordonstoun.org.uk Open Days: Visits available all year round. nnnnnnL
UWC Atlantic College St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, CF61 1WF T: 01446 799000 www.atlanticcollege.org Open Days: www.uwc. org/howtoapply nnL
IRELAND Alexandra College Milltown Road, Dublin 6 T: (+353) 1497 7571 www.alexandracollege.eu Open Days: 17 October. nnnnnn8
Kilgraston School Bridge of Earn, Perthshire PH2 9BQ T: 01738 812257 www.kilgraston.com Open Days: 29 Sept, 2 Feb. nnnnnn8 Lathallan School Brotherton Castle, Johnshaven, By Montrose DD10 0HN T: 01561 362220 www.lathallan.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnL
Manchester High School For Girls Grangethorpe Rd, Manchester M14 6HS T: 0161 2240447 www.manchesterhigh.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnn8
King’s School Ely Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW T: 01353 660700 www.kingsely.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnL
South Lee School Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 2BT T: 01284 754 654 www.southlee.co.uk Open Days: 9 Feb, 17 May. nnnnnnnnL
SCOTLAND
Harrogate Ladies’ College Clarence Drive, Harrogate HG1 2QG T: 01423 537045 www.hlc.org.uk Open Days: 28 September. nnnnnnnn8
Perse Girls’ School & Stephen Perse Sixth Form College Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8QF T: 01223 403800 www.stephenperse.com Open Days: Contact the school. nn8 218
Scotland, Wales & Ireland
11
Loretto School Linkfield Rd, Musselburgh, East Lothian EH21 7RE T: 0131 653 4455 www.loretto.com Open Days: 23 March nnnnnnL
219
Campbell College Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2ND T: 028 90763076 www.campbellcollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
51
Clongowes Wood College Clane, Co Kildare W91 DN40 T: +353(0)45 838258 www.clongowes.net Open Days: Contact the school. nnn9
220 222
Glenstal Abbey School Murroe, Co. Limerick T: (+353) 6162 1010 www.glenstal.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn9
Merchiston Castle School Colinton Road, Edinkensburgh EH13 0PU T: 0131 312 2201 www.merchiston.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnn9
The King’s Hospital Lucan Road Old, Brooklawn, Dublin 20 T: (+353) 1643 6500 www.kingshospital.ie Open Day: Contact the school. nnnnnnnnL
St George’s School for Girls Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6BG T: 0131 3118000 www.stge.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnn8
Rathdown School Upper Glenageary Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin T: (+353) 1285 3133 www.rathdownschool.ie Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnn8
Strathallan School Forgandenny, Perthshire PH2 9EG T: 01738 815003 www.strathallan.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnL
Rockport School Craigavad, Holywood BT18 0DD T: 028 9042 8372 www.rockportschool.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnnnL
WALES Christ College Brecon Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF T: 01874 615440 www.christcollegebrecon.com Open Days: 22 Sept. nnnnnnL Haberdashers’ Agincourt School Dixton Lane, Monmouth NP25 3SY T: 01600 713970 www.agincourtschool.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnL Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools Hereford Road, Monmouth NP25 5XT T: 01600 711100 www.habs-monmouth.org Open Days: Contact the school. nnnnnn8
221
St. Columba’s College Whitechurch, Dublin 16, Ireland T: +353 1 490 6791 www.stcolumbas.ie Open Days: 16 May. Viewings also made by appointment. nnnL
REST OF WORLD 61
Windsor School Albany Campus, Nassau, The Bahamas T: 024 2603 0180 www.windsorschoolbahamas.com Open Days: Contact the school. nnnL
232 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Spring/Summer 2019
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Our new additional premises (artist’s impression) Additional architect-designed space. Created to inspire academic success. And facilitate endless fun and games. New premises open Autumn 2019.
Bassett House School, 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP 020 8969 0313 | registrar@bassetths.org.uk | bassetths.org.uk
Bassett House S&B19.indd 1
05/02/2019 09:52
YES, IT’S A CRYING SHAME…
…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film-making – “A Utopia for creative minds” – as the Good Schools Guide says. And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top co-ed boarding schools in the UK. So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late. Call or visit our website for more information.
Please contact Cosmo Jackson
T: 01483 279000
E: info@hurtwood.net
hurtwoodhouse.com Hurtwood House SS19.indd 1 HH-Litchenstein-Ad-300x230.indd 1
05/02/2019 09:53 7/17/18 9:12 AM