Education News

More flexible approach to school starting age

Being young in a school class puts a child at a long-term disadvantage compared to their older peers according to new research.

The study by Kings College London, found that when children are the youngest in their class, they have a greater chance of experiencing educational problems, as well as social and even emotional complications. These findings could help parents considering when to enrol their child in school.

Senior author Professor Jonna Kuntsi said: ‘The difference between the youngest and oldest member of a class can be up to eleven months. In the early stages of childhood, this is a significant difference in terms of maturity, behaviour and cognitive abilities.’

The researchers are now calling for greater flexibility about school starting age.

More at www.kcl.ac.uk/news The government has published legally binding guidance which means that schools in England must ensure that the cost of their school uniform is reasonable and parents get the best value for money. From next autumn, schools will be required to remove unnecessary branded items from their uniform and allow more high-street options, like supermarket ownbrand uniform. Schools will also be required to have second-hand uniforms available, as an affordable Schools will be expected to have made changes before parents buy new uniform for the new academic year in September 2022. Research from the Department of Education in 2015 showed that parents can save almost £50 on average if they can buy all school uniform items from any store, compared to uniform which all needs to be bought from a designated shop or school.

Bradfield College and St Andrew’s School are excited to be entering a new era for both schools when, following over twelve months of due-diligence and talks, they joined to found the Bradfield Group on December 10th, 2021. This merger will enable the schools to share expertise as they build upon a common vision of an allround education through which children enjoy school, learn, grow in confidence and make a positive contribution to society. The two schools have shared close ties since St Andrew’s was established just two miles away from Bradfield (formally St Andrew’s College, Bradfield) in 1934. Both schools enjoy beautiful locations, extensive grounds, excellent facilities, and a proud heritage. Both have generated strong momentum in recent years, establishing reputations for educational excellence within a nurturing environment characterised by family values and outstanding pastoral care. This partnership offers the schools opportunities for sharing strategic thinking and developments in teaching and learning, for enhanced curriculum and professional development, for better use and improvement of facilities, and for delivering cost efficiencies through economies of scale. It will further strengthen both schools as they look towards the future. St Andrew’s and Bradfield will each retain their individual identity,

Moving Forward Together: Bradfield College and St Andrew’s School SCHOOL OPEN

DAYS

character and traditions, and will continue to be run on a day-to-day basis by their own leadership teams, overseen by a single, combined Governing Body and its Committees. Each school will continue to develop its own provision whilst building upon the links that exist between them. St Andrew’s will continue to feed a number of senior schools in the Berkshire area, and beyond, and Bradfield will continue to welcome pupils from a wide range of feeder schools. ELSTREE SCHOOL Saturday, 26th February from 10am to 12 noon.

KIDMORE END PRIMARY SCHOOL Final open morning for prospective parents on Thursday 6th January @ 9.30am for those interested in the 2022 reception intake (ahead of the registration deadline for 2022 entry of 15th January)

MOULSFORD PREP SCHOOL Saturday 4th February, 10am - 12pm and 1 – 3pm

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE Thursday 20 January: Early Years – Year 6 Open Morning (09.30-11.00) Thursday 10 February: Years 7 – 11 Open Morning (09.30-11.15)