Senior and Prep School
Information for Applicants Ages
7-18
Contents Welcome
3
Ethos & Values
4
A Distinctive Education
5
Admission to Prep School
6
Prep School Curriculum
8
Admission to Senior School
10
Senior School Curriculum
12
Extra-Curricular Activities
14
External Examination Results
16
Fees & General Advice
18
Scholarships & Exhibitions
19
Financial Assistance
20
Bus Routes
21
Admissions Procedure
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Welcome
Dear Parent Thank you for considering Culford for your child’s future education. While our website and prospectus give you a flavour of what Culford has to offer, they are no substitute for coming to visit us. We hold Open Mornings every term, and we can also arrange taster days and boarding tasters for pupils. This booklet should provide all the details you need when applying for a place at Culford. However, please do contact our friendly Admissions team on +44 (0)1284 385308 or email admissions@culford.co.uk to organise a visit or help with any queries you may have. We very much hope that you choose to visit Culford soon. You will receive a warm welcome from us all. Yours faithfully,
Mr Julian Johnson-Munday MA MBA Headmaster
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Ethos & Values
Ethos & Values Culford provides an education which is challenging, enriching and fun. We are a Christian school with a Methodist Foundation but pupils from all faiths, and none, are welcome. Our guiding values are fair-mindedness, hard work, enjoyment and treating others with respect and consideration. We also attach great importance to good manners, discipline, service to others and to caring for the school and the environment. We value effort and achievement and encourage every positive contribution a pupil makes to the life of the Culford School community. The principles informing the School’s policies are explained to each pupil and compliance is a condition of membership of the School. Some also apply to parents who are asked to read through the detailed policies contained in the Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbooks with their child from time to time.
“Our values of flexibility, innovation, dynamism and resilience will deliver individuals fit to embrace the modern age.” 4
At Culford, we place the individual at the heart of what we do. Our highly qualified teachers are committed to helping pupils develop self-awareness, compassion, and confidence, and taking a creative approach to problem solving. We offer programmes that are tailored to each child’s needs, whether for academic enrichment or academic support; artistic and musical development or specialised sports training and coaching.
Extended Day As a boarding school, we are uniquely placed to support parents in balancing family life with the demands of careers and commuting. Flexible boarding options, Breakfast Club and Extended Day are popular offerings designed to help parents manage their many responsibilities. After the school day and activities have ended, day pupils in Prep and Senior School have the option of staying for dinner and completing their prep.
A Distinctive Education
A Distinctive Education
Senior School 17:00 to 21:00
Includes dinner and prep time
No charge
17:00 to 19:00
Includes dinner and prep time
No charge
19:00 to 20:00
Supervised free time
Additional cost
Prep School
Breakfast Club 07:30 to 08:30
Hot and cold selections in Ashby Dining Hall
Additional Cost
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Admission to Prep School
Assessment & Entrance Our admissions procedure is both personalised and friendly. Applicants to Culford complete entrance assessments on an individual basis in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Value of Awards •
Academic and Music Scholarships are worth up to 25% of tuition fees.
•
The Headmaster’s all-rounder Jubilee Scholarship is worth up to 25% of fees. This award is reserved for pupils who demonstrate an outstanding contribution to school life.
•
Specific Scholarships in swimming, tennis and golf (from 11+) are worth up to 25% of fees.
Scholarships & Exhibitions External candidates are invited to sit the 11+ Academic Scholarship examinations following outstanding performance in the Entrance Examinations. Internal candidates from Culford are invited to sit the 11+ Academic Scholarship examinations following outstanding performance during the preceding Autumn term.
Admission to Prep School
Admission to Prep School
A separate brochure regarding Scholarships, Exhibitions and Bursaries is available at culford.co.uk/scholarship-and-bursaries
Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions at 11+ are awarded for excellent achievement in examinations in English, mathematics, science and the Humanities. Scholarships and Exhibitions apply for two years until the end of Prep School, subject to a pupil’s continuing good progress. On transfer to Culford Senior School, Scholars and Exhibitioners sit 13+ scholarship papers to reconfirm their award.
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Prep School Curriculum
Prep School Curriculum Culford Prep provides a broad and balanced curriculum to prepare pupils for the next stage in their education. We aim to develop confident, independent learners with enquiring minds and high ethical standards, who have fun together in a spirit of mutual care and toleration. We offer a rigorous academic programme, which is balanced by exciting extra-curricular activities in which pupils develop the social confidence to achieve their individual potential. These include art, drama, music and sport as well as academic clubs. Our enrichment programme stretches even the keenest academic minds. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and networked projectors, and our pupils benefit from banks of laptops that bring digital learning into the classroom. The Library, located at the heart of the Prep School contains a great array of fiction and non-fiction works, along with plenty of research resources. Additionally, pupils have access to our central modern library and the wider school facilities for art, design and technology, drama and sport. Specialist facilities for music and science are also provided. Lessons are 40 minutes each, starting at 08:45 and ending at 15:30. A programme of extra-curricular activities is on offer from 16:00 to 17:20. Pupils are expected to complete prep (homework), according to their year group timetable.
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Curriculum Lower and Upper First (Years 3 & 4) Lower and Upper First study English, mathematics, science, French, Spanish, history, geography, philosophy, religion and ethics (PRE), art and design technology, ICT, physical education, music and games. PSHCE (personal, social, health, citizenship and education) is taught once a week by the Form Teacher. Individual music and speech and drama lessons are available at additional cost. Library research skills and drama are taught within the English curriculum.
Lower and Upper Second (Years 5 & 6) Lower and Upper Second study English, mathematics, science, French, Spanish, history, geography, PRE, art and design technology, ICT, physical education, music, drama and games. PSHCE is taught once a week. Individual music and speech and drama lessons are available at additional cost. Library research skills are taught within the English curriculum. Subjects are taught by individual subject specialists in Upper Second.
“Our flexible, dynamic and innovative curriculum brings learning to life for every pupil.�
In Lower Third and Upper Third, pupils follow our Enhanced Curriculum, which include English, mathematics, science (biology, physics, chemistry), French, Spanish, Latin, history, geography, PRE, art and design technology, computing, physical education, drama and music. PSHCEE (personal, social, health, citizenship & economic education) is taught once a week by the Associate Form Teacher. Pupils also receive one-to-one academic tutorials from their Form Teacher. Individual music and speech and drama lessons are available at an additional cost. All subjects are taught by individual subject specialists. Pupils remain with their Form Teacher for both years.
Prep School Curriculum
Lower and Upper Third (Years 7 & 8)
Prep Boarding Within Cadogan House, separate dormitories for boys and girls offer a safe and happy community. The Houseparent and residential team look after the pupils in Cadogan and are responsible for the children’s day-to-day welfare and happiness, and for maintaining contact with parents. Children may opt to board on a full or flexible basis. Full boarding: termly commitment to board five to seven nights per week. Part boarding: termly commitment to board two to three nights per week. Occasional boarding: One-off sleepovers may be booked when places are available, up to ten nights per term.
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Admission to Senior School
Admission to Senior School Assessment & Entrance Examinations Entry at 13+ Fourth Form (Year 9) Our admissions procedure is both personalised and friendly. Applicants to Culford complete online entrance assessments on an individual basis in a welcoming and supportive environment. Successful candidates will be invited to the Culford Discovery Day, which provides an exciting and fun opportunity to learn what our School has to offer.
Entry at Lower & Upper Fifth (Years 10 & 11) Entry is based on online examinations in English and mathematics, verbal and non-verbal aptitude tests, current school reports and references. The Admissions Office will arrange your child’s entrance examinations. Candidates may also be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management Team and, along with their parents, invited to a meeting with the Headmaster.
Admission to the Sixth Form (At Age 16+) Pupils entering the Sixth Form should achieve at least seven GCSE passes at grade 4 or above, with grade 6 or above in English and maths and in the three subjects they will study at A Level. Additional criteria for specific subjects are in place to ensure success at A Level.
House Structure All Senior School pupils belong to one of four Houses: • Cornwallis (Boys)
• Edwards (Boys)
• Jocelyn (Girls)
• Fitzgerald (Girls)
A Housemaster or Housemistress is responsible for each House, which incudes boarding and day pupils. Pupils also meet regularly with their tutor to ensure they are happy and their schoolwork is progressing well. Approximately 60% of Senior School pupils are full boarders. A comprehensive weekend activities programme includes outings to London, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, punting in Cambridge and the Clothes Show Live, to name but a few. Our most recent ISI inspection judged our boarding provision to be excellent.
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Scholarships & Exhibitions for Entry at 16+
Applicants applying for Academic Scholarships should be recommended by their current Head and will be invited to sit Culford’s 13+ Academic Scholarship examinations.
The Headmaster’s Foundation Scholarship is awarded for outstanding academic achievement and is worth up to 50% of tuition fees. Other Academic Scholarships are worth up to 25% of tuition fees. Assessments take place in the November preceding the year of entry. Candidates sit a verbal and non-verbal aptitude test, plus papers in two subjects of their choice. They will also be interviewed by the Head of Sixth Form and/or the Deputy Head.
Awards are also given for outstanding performance in art, design and technology, drama, music, and sports, including individual awards in tennis, rugby, swimming, hockey and golf. Pupils may apply for a maximum of two scholarships. The Headmaster’s Jubilee Scholarship is awarded for outstanding contribution to school life. The Headmaster’s Foundation Scholarship is for exceptional academic performance. Our Scholars’ and Gifted and Talented Programme stretches high-ability pupils by providing the opportunity to extend their academic interests across a broad spectrum of subjects. All pupils are welcome to attend the Scholars’ Programme lectures and workshops.
Admission to Senior School
Scholarships & Exhibitions for Entry at 13+
Scholarships are available in art, design and technology, drama, music, hockey, rugby, swimming, tennis, golf and sports. Exhibitions are worth up to 10% of tuition fees. For details of all available scholarships please contact the Admissions Office on +44 (0)1284 385308.
Scholarships and Exhibitions, awarded at age 13+, apply for three years, subject to continuing good progress. On transfer to Sixth Form, the award is confirmed by a Scholarship exam taken the previous November. We ask that parents consult their child’s current Head or specialist teachers before applying for awards.
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Senior School Curriculum
Senior School Curriculum Academically, we instil an enthusiasm for inquiry and learning, and facilitate success and high achievement. We produce independent learners who benefit from a high degree of individual academic and pastoral support, which ensures that each individual reaches their potential. The curriculum provides breadth and balance, as well as a degree of specialism, in both our GCSE and A Level programmes.
Curriculum Enrichment
Our classrooms are fully equipped for learning in a technological world and feature smartboards and networked projectors. Senior School Houses are fully networked and pupils use their own laptops for coursework.
Fourth Form (Year 9)
There are dedicated facilities for science, art, music and design and technology; a studio theatre for drama, music, seminars/presentations; and a digital language laboratory for modern languages. Our impressive library opened in 2015, providing a social learning foyer, an 80-seat lecture theatre and a mezzanine area with tea and coffee facilities, reserved for the Sixth Form. Lessons of 40 or 80 minutes begin at 08:45 and end at 15:30, with extra-curricular activities available each weekday between 15:50 and 17:20. Senior School pupils attend Saturday morning school. Pupils are expected to do prep (homework) every evening, according to year group.
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Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular academic clubs and societies and many visits, trips, field courses and competitions specific to departments. Structured programmes for study skills include organisation, independent study, research, revision and careers advice, UCAS applications and Oxbridge guidance.
Fourth Form pupils study art, design and technology, drama, English language and literature, French, Spanish, geography, history, information and communication technology (ICT), mathematics, music, Philosophy, religion and ethics (PRE) and science (biology, chemistry and physics). Pupils join streamed classes in mathematics, science, the humanities (English, history, geography and PRE), French and Spanish. Weekly tutorial sessions encourage active learning, and pupils experience target setting and monitoring, Learning to Learn (study skills) and PSHCE (personal, social, health, citizenship and education) through seminars and discussions.
Lower & Upper Fifth (Years 10 & 11) Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth pupils study a number of GCSE subjects according to individual aptitude and needs. However, most pupils take the compulsory core GCSE courses: English language and English literature, mathematics, double award science (biology, chemistry, physics), and at least one language (French or Spanish).
Pupils also study up to four optional subjects from: art, design and technology, drama, geography, history, languages, music, physical education, philosophy, religion and ethics and separate sciences. Pupils are grouped according to ability for: English, mathematics, science and languages. IGCSE is studied in geography, mathematics, English literature and English language. Pupils also attend one weekly period of PSHCE (covering relationships, assertiveness, health, government and finance) together with one period of physical education and two double games periods.
Lower & Upper Sixth (Years 12 & 13) In Lower Sixth (Year 12) most pupils take three subjects and continue into Upper Sixth (Year 13) with three subjects alongside a Leadership and Life Skills Programme. Some pupils, such as Further Mathematicians, may take four subjects in Lower Sixth, reducing to three in Upper Sixth. Subjects include the following (although others may sometimes also be available): art, craft and design; textiles art and design; 3D art and design; biology; business; chemistry; design and technology; economics; English literature; geography; history; mathematics; French; Spanish; music; music technology; physics; physical education; psychology; PRE; and theatre studies. Culford’s Sixth Form Enrichment Programme is both exciting and diverse, enabling pupils to significantly develop their potential in preparation for life beyond secondary education. It includes events, seminars, workshops on topics such as team building, communication skills, leadership and Learning to Learn (study skills) as well as many other life skills. Sixth Form starts with a Freshers’ Week of bonding, leadership and team activities in the Peak District National Park.
Sixth Form Curriculum Details of the curriculum, and of each subject are fully explained in the Sixth Form Prospectus, available from the Admissions Office or in the Sixth Form section of our website: culford.co.uk/sixth-form-home
Sixth Form Facilities
Senior School Curriculum
Sixth Form Curriculum
Sixth Formers have exclusive use of Paddy and Scott’s café in the Sports and Tennis Centre from 10:30-15:00 every weekday. In the style of a university campus, it is a place for meeting socially, discussing work projects and enjoying a snack or light lunch. Sixth Formers also have exclusive use of the library’s mezzanine floor for private study.
For further information contact: admissions@culford.co.uk or +44(0)1284 385308
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Extra-curricular Activities
Extra-curricular Activities Sporting provision at Culford is exceptional. Our superb Sports & Tennis Centre is equipped with a 25m heated indoor pool, large sports hall with an indoor climbing wall, fitness centre, golf swing studio, strength and conditioning suite and a championshipstandard indoor tennis centre. All major sports are played (rugby, hockey, netball, tennis and cricket), as well as swimming and golf, with many other sports on offer from horse riding to scuba diving. Culford offers an excellent variety of extracurricular activities. Mid-week activities take place at the end of the school day Monday to Friday 15:50-17:20 and every pupil is encouraged to participate. Some additional activities, usually music and drama, take place in the lunch break. A separate activities programme of events is on offer at the weekends for boarders and day pupils are also welcome to take part in these. There are also a wide variety of plays and musical performances taking place each term at each of the three schools. In addition, Senior School pupils organise and participate in many annual events such as the Senior School Rock Concert, as well as Arts and Sports Presentation Evenings. The Sixth Form also organise their own termly events.
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Monday 15:50-17:20
Tuesday 15:50-17:20
Wednesday 15:50-17:20
Thursday 15:50-17:20
Friday 15:50-17:20
Typical Senior School Activities Schedule Teams
Physical Recreation
Performing Arts
Academic
Hobbies
Senior Sport
Football
Tech Crew
Humanities
Chess
Music and Drama
Languages
Gardening
Advanced Horse Wind Band Riding
Sciences and Psychology
Book Club
CCF, DoE Pathfinders
Table Tennis
Art
Psychology Society
Debating
Dance
DT Workshop
German
Music Theory
Humanities
Boys’ and Girls’ Fitness (Girls) Cricket
Athletics
Football
Learn to DJ
Reading Zone
Croquet
Girls’ Cross Country
Golf (beginners & experienced)
Rock Society & Harmony Singing
Living History Society
Volunteering
Martial Arts
Art
DT Systems
Fitness (Boys)
2D and Laser Cutting
Medical Society Bee Club
Climbing
Music Composition
Junior Sport
Malawi Scholars’ Seminars
Saturday
Arts and Sports Presentation Dinners • BBQ • Beach trip to Aldeburgh • Bowling • Cinema • Punting in Cambridge • Sports Activities • South Suffolk Show
Sunday
Cinema • Clothes Show Live • Go Ape in Thetford Forest • Harry Potter Studio Tour • House Events and Dinner • Laser Quest • London • RAF Duxford Air Museum
Monday 16:00-17:20
Teams
Physical Recreation
Rugby
Squad swimming
Girls’ Hockey
Performing Arts
Summer Sports
Hobbies
Art Attack Learning Development
Football
Tuesday
Academic
School Play
16:00-17:20
Assisted Prep
Graphic Design
Minimus Latin Club
Book Club
Extra-curricular Activities
Typical Prep School Activities Schedule
French Film Club
Wednesday
Prep Matches
16:00-17:20
Thursday 16:00-17:20
Squad Swimming
16:00-17:20
Supervised Prep
Tennis Squads
Squad Swimming
String Orchestra Art Plus
Sewing Club
Indoor Hockey (Mixed)
Martial Arts
Wind Band
Photography
Golf
School Orchestra
French Film Club IT Activity
Book Club
Assisted Prep
Board Games
Horse Riding
Friday
Our Planet
Rugby
Swimming
Girls’ Hockey
Pioneers
Tennis Squads
Music Enrichment
Keep up with Latin
Saturday
Baking • Bike Riding • Camel Park Visit • Catwalk and Fashion Show • Den Building • Go Karting • Harry Potter Filmathon • Kite Flying
Sunday
Baylham House Visit • Cinema • Football Tournament • Harry Potter Studios Visit • Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park • Pool & Table Tennis Competition • Swimming
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External Examination Results
External Examination Results 2016-2018 GCSE Grades
2018
2017
2016
A Level Grades
2018
2017
2016
A* and A
47%
45%
45%
A* and A
22%
28%
29%
A* to B
68%
68%
70%
A* to B
45%
51%
59%
A* to C
93%
92%
91%
A* to C
71%
79%
81%
A* to E
99%
98%
99%
We take great pride that our pupils go on to enjoy university courses which enable them to broaden their experiences, pursue academic areas about which they are passionate and embark upon fulfilling careers. Culford’s Sixth Formers take up places on a wide range of competitive courses at many excellent Higher Education institutions. Nine pupils have received Oxbridge offers in the last six years.
Recent Leavers’ University Destinations University of Bath
University of Liverpool
University of Bristol
Loughborough University
Royal Holloway, University of London
University of Cambridge
University of Manchester
SOAS (University of London)
University of Cardiff
University of Newcastle
University of Sheffield
Coventry University
University of Nottingham
University of Southampton
Univesity of Durham
Nottingham Trent University
University of St Andrews
University of East Anglia
University of Oxford
University of Sussex
University of Edinburgh
Oxford Brookes University
University of Surrey
University of Exeter
University of Portsmouth
University of Swansea
Goldsmiths University
Queen Mary, University of London
University of the Arts London
Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
University of Westminster
Harper Adams University Imperial College London University of Leeds
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University of Warwick University of York
Anthropology (Social) Arabic Architecture Art Art History Biology Biomedical Science Business and Management Business Studies and Finance Chemical Engineering Chemistry Civil and Coastal Engineering Economics Education Studies
External Examination Results
Subject Course Examples
English Electrical Engineering Equine Science and Thoroughbred Management French and Italian History Hospitality Management with Tourism International Business Law Marine Biology Medicine Middle Eastern and a Modern European Language Philosophy, Politics and Economics Physics Politics of the International Economy Psychology Science and Society Sociology Sports management Textile Design Veterinary Science
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Fees & General Advice
Fees & General Advice Fees
Extra Charges
Learning Development
Please visit culford.co.uk/fees to view our current fees.
We try to make any extra charges as low as possible. Pupils are, however, billed for:
Culford is a mainstream school with a small and successful Learning Development Department serving the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools. We offer support to pupils with mild specific learning difficulties who are able to manage independently in the classroom.
Payment of Fees A non-refundable registration fee of £100 per pupil is payable prior to assessments/entrance examinations. An acceptance fee of £300 (day), £500 (UK boarder) and £750 (international boarder) per pupil, is payable with the acceptance form and secures your child’s place once offered. These sums are retained and contribute to the School’s Bursaries Fund. For non-EU residents (excluding HM Forces) one full term’s fees are payable in addition to the first term’s fees. This payment is held on deposit and is refunded against the pupil’s final bill. Fees cover tuition, meals, standard textbooks and teaching resources. They do not include optional subjects and examination entry fees. Fees are payable on or before the first day of term. Payment by direct debit is available over ten months (August-May). It is also possible to arrange a lump sum advance payment of fees.
Bring your own Device Senior School pupils are required to bring their own laptop or tablet to use in the classroom for research and various assignments. Minimum software and hardware requirements apply.
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•
Non-transferable academic texts
•
School trips and visits
•
Boarders’ outings
•
House social events
•
Extended Day and Breakfast Club
Parents wishing to limit such charges should speak to their child’s Housemaster or Housemistress.
Uniform Culford’s uniform is one of our distinctive hallmarks and enables even the youngest children to take pride in their appearance and their school. Our uniform is available to purchase online: schoolblazer.com
Standard Terms & Conditions A copy of our Standard Terms and Conditions will be provided for parents when a formal offer of a place is made. If you would like a copy in advance please download it from culford.co.uk/terms-and-conditions
Our aim is to meet every child’s individual needs with a tailor-made provision, which is incorporated into the mainstream timetable. Learning Development lessons are either embedded in a pupil’s timetable, offered on a withdrawal basis or arranged before or after school. Additional costs apply and our Admissions Team can answer any questions you might have.
Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded as an honour on the basis of merit: • Scholarships are reserved for candidates who show a breadth of strong talents and exceptional potential. • Exhibitions are awarded to candidates who show strength in a particular area, or whose talents are broad. There is a monetary value to each award, expressed as a discount on school fees. Awards made at age 11+ are expected to apply until the end of Prep School, subject to satisfactory progress. All Scholarships and Exhibition awards are reviewed on entry to Culford Senior School. Scholarships and Exhibitions awarded at age 13+ apply for three years, subject to continuing good progress. On transfer to Culford’s Sixth Form, the award is confirmed by a Scholarship exam taken the previous November. Our vibrant Scholars’ Programme, in which all scholars participate, provides a comprehensive calendar of events throughout the academic year. In the Senior School there are frequent scholars’ tutorials as well as a variety of visiting speakers. Many of these events are open to all pupils, and some also welcome parents and guests. We encourage pupils to explore new ideas and to challenge their own thinking and that of others, in order to achieve their full potential.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBTIONS ON OFFER: Academic Scholarships (11+, 13+ and 16+) The William Miller Science Scholarship (16+) The Professor Watson Science Scholarship (16+) Sixth Form Maths Scholarship (16+) Music Scholarships (11+, 13+ and 16+) Art and Design Technology Scholarships (13+ and 16+) Drama Scholarships (13+ and 16+) Sports Scholarships in Major Games (from 13+) Tennis, Golf and Swimming Scholarships (from 11+) The Headmaster’s Jubilee (All Rounder) Scholarship (11+, 13+ and 16+) The Headmaster’s Foundation Scholarship (13+ & 16+)
Value of the Awards The value of a Scholarship is worth up to 25% and an Exhibition is worth up to 10% of the tuition fees.
Application Process All applicants are required to complete a Registration Form in order to sit Entrance and Scholarship examinations or assessments and must also attend an interview. Applications for Scholarships should be received at least one month before the Culford Scholarship Examinations, and a supporting reference must be received from the Head of the pupil’s current school before he/she sits those examinations.
Scholarships & Exhibitions
Scholarships & Exhibitions: A Summary
To request our Scholarship and Exhibition Awards brochure and for application forms please contact the Admissions Office on +44 (0)1284 385308 or email admissions@culford.co.uk
Bursaries Where there is a financial need, parents may apply for a bursary to augment the value of any award. All bursaries are means-tested. Please see the next page for more information.
The exception to this is the Headmaster’s Foundation Scholarship, which recognises exceptional academic performance. Foundation Scholarship candidates demonstrate strong Oxbridge potential and the awards are made at the Headmaster’s discretion. Candidates may sit for up to two awards but the total award will not exceed the value of the major award. The maintenance of each award is at the discretion of the Headmaster and is subject to the pupil’s continued good performance.
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Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance Bursaries are a way of enabling children to attend Culford who might not otherwise be able to; or to help pupils who already attend the school to remain here. They are awarded privately, are means-tested and may also be made to augment the value of a Scholarship or Exhibition. Bursaries are a limited resource provided from income, endowments and gifts. To apply for financial support you will need to complete a Financial Circumstances Form. Support is reviewed every year and the financial circumstances paperwork must be completed annually. The bursary application process is entirely confidential. Forms can be downloaded from the website culford.co.uk/scholarships-and-bursaries or requested from the Admissions Office.
“We pride ourselves on providing every opportunity for children to join the Culford family.� Applications are assessed by the Finance Director and discussed only with the Headmaster and the Bursary Committee. Bursaries are not offered for pupils under 11, except those already at the School whose parents encounter financial hardship.
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There is no closing date for applicants, but early submissions are encouraged. Applications made late in the School year are accepted, but parents may be required to accept or decline a place at Culford before the result of any bursary application is known.
Forces Allowances Culford’s Forces Allowances are normally awarded automatically to parents who are serving in the Armed Forces and are in receipt of the MOD Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), and who wish their children to board at Culford. In addition, we offer a generous Services Allowance. Means-tested bursaries are also available for children of serving or ex-servicemen and women, subject to their child satisfying our entrance requirements.
Bus Routes
Bus Routes Express Shuttle Services The Cambridge and Norwich Express Shuttle services operate between Cambridge (Milton or Trumpington Park & Ride) and Norwich (Thickthorn Park & Ride) and Culford. The convenient collection and drop-off points make it easy for children to take advantage of the huge range of academic, sporting and artistic opportunities offered by the School.
Day Pupils’ Bus Service We also offer a comprehensive bus service for day pupils operating from towns and villages located as far as 30 miles from the School. The service runs inbound and outbound during term time from Monday to Friday and inbound only on Saturday mornings. Additional routes may be added subject to sufficient demand. Routes are confirmed and places allocated in August of each year. We are able to accommodate requests received before 15 July for the year ahead; after this date we will do our best to help.
Bus Routes Thickthorn Park & Ride
Bury St Edmunds Cambridge Ipswich Newmarket Norwich Sudbury West Suffolk
Norwich
Newmarket Milton Park & Ride
Kentford Higham Tuddenham
Cambridge
Culford School Bury St Edmunds Swann Surgery
Trumpington Park & Ride
Westley Horringer
Routes are subject to change, depending on demand.
Whepstead
Chevington Chedburgh
Brockley Green
Great Barton Thurston
Sicklesmere
Beyton
Bradfield Combust
Wetherden Stowmarket
Cockfield
Lawshall Bridge Street
Wickhambrook Highpoint Kedington
Hartest
Ipswich
Long Melford
Sudbury
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Admissions Procedure
Admissions Procedure How to Apply
Admissions Policy
The majority of pupils will join Culford at the start of the academic year in September, although we welcome enquiries at any time.
The educational interests of the child are at the heart of our admissions process and we will only admit pupils whose educational needs we can adequately meet.
The application process has been designed for simplicity: 1. Contact the Admissions Office to check on the availability of places and to arrange a personal visit. 2. Once you have decided to apply for a place at Culford, complete and return a Registration Form with a non-refundable registration fee of £100. 3. Speak with the Admissions Office to arrange an entrance assessment, which will be appropriate for your child’s age and year group.
Offers Each formal offer is made subject to our Standard Terms and Conditions. Your child’s place will be secured upon receipt of the signed acceptance form, medical form and the non-refundable acceptance fee. A copy of the Standard Terms and Conditions will accompany the formal offer of a place.
It is a general principle that no part of Culford School will admit a pupil in the belief that they will not qualify for the next stage of their education within the School. It is, however, recognised that, especially at younger ages, making such judgements may be difficult and there may, on occasion, be pupils at Culford who do not qualify for transfer to the next part of the School.
In all cases, the Head of the relevant school is responsible for deciding to admit or refuse entry to a pupil. Where such a decision is challenged, the School’s normal Complaints Procedure should be followed.
School Policies You will find all Culford’s policies and handbooks, including the School Safeguarding policy, in the policies section on our website culford.co.uk
Any decision to refuse such progress will be made: •
with timely, documented and open discussions with the parents
•
with regard to the best educational interests of the child concerned
Parents whose children are admitted with such reservations will be informed regularly of the likelihood of progression to the next stage of education. Any parent whose child is deemed unlikely to progress to the next stage at Culford will receive a formal letter outlining concerns at least one calendar year prior to the end of the academic year in which transfer occurs. Culford reserves the right, in consultation with parents/guardians, not to offer places to those whom it considers would not benefit from the School’s education, or whose presence might have a detrimental effect on other pupils.
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Responsibility for Admission to Culford
We look forward to speaking to you soon. admissions@culford.co.uk +44(0)1284 385308
Culford prospectus documents describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although the information in this booklet is believed to be correct at the time of printing, it does not form part of any binding agreement between parents and the School and may be subject to change. Š Culford School 2018-19 Culford School is a Registered Charity.
Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Admissions: +44 (0)1284 385308 Reception: +44 (0)1284 728615
culford.co.uk Culford School is a Registered Charity