Jay Piggot, Headmaster At Epsom we want our pupils to live happy and fulfilled lives. We want our pupils to find a passion for things that matter to them, an interest in and respect for others and their worlds, the chance of challenge and achievement, and an attachment to the life of the mind. The following pages attempt to provide an introduction to the breadth of an education at Epsom, as a community we recognise that boys and girls find success and achievement in a host of different ways and personal successes are to be gained at many levels of experience. We aim to provide an educational experience that is rich, diverse and exciting in an atmosphere that provides support, encouragement
and care for everyone, pupils and staff. We want our pupils to love coming to this school and to go from here prepared for all that human life has to offer. The total curriculum of the college offers not just the life of the classroom but also a world of sport, music, drama, societies, expeditions, camps, trips and laughter. The words and images in this prospectus do convey a truth about the school, but it is worth a visit, too, either at an Open Day or on an individual tour. There is so much to see and plenty to talk about. The most important thing of all is to come and get a sense of the place, its pupils and how they feel about their lives here.
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TRADITION
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EXCELLENCE
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PA S T O R A L
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COMMITMENT
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OPPORTUNITY
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RESPONSIBILITY
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L I S M
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C O N TA C T
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Y o u h a v e a l l do n e yo u r d u t y a n d I h o pe a n d tr u s t t h at o u r b u i l di n g wi l l e n d u re a n d be a b l e s s i n g t o g e n erati o n s y et t o c o me .
— D r John Pro pe rt —
TRADITION The College’s journey began in 1855 when Dr John Propert founded The Royal Medical Foundation. Its purpose was to provide an institution for qualified medical practitioners and their spouses as well as a school for their sons - The Royal Medical Benevolent College. The charitable Foundation was built through generosity and a dedication to improving the lives of the individual and society, values which are at the heart of the College’s ethos today. The Royal Medical Foundation continues to play an active part in College life, perpetuating the vision of our Founder and reflecting the community values that were originally established. The College’s mission is to nurture assured, inquisitive, tolerant young men and women. We encourage all of our pupils to aim high but are always conscious of highlighting the importance of showing
respect for everyone. Above all, by the time our pupils leave our care, they will have developed into well-rounded and assured individuals with the ability to make a difference in society. At the heart of the College’s original red brick buildings is our Chapel. The benevolence which welcomes all of our pupils through the Chapel’s doors resonates throughout every corner of school life, from the classroom to the sports pitches, art, music and drama. The legacy of Dr John Propert holds true to this day, enriching the lives and extending the horizons of pupils in a rapidly changing world whilst continuing to uphold the school’s core values and the best of its traditions.
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E xcellence Epsom College encourages everyone to excel and aim high in all that they do at school, whether in academia, sport, art, music or drama. A strong academic focus is at the heart of the College and is based on the principles of encouraging lifelong learning, independence and a culture of intellectual curiosity. Supported by well qualified and inspirational staff, pupils are challenged to question, to be reflective and to develop the life of the mind.
The provision of the Arts at the College gives pupils of all talents the opportunity to experiment and excel. Drama is thriving, with a stage performance each term, as well as frequent House plays and operas, both involving a large cast of pupils.
Epsom has always had a strong academic tradition, with an impressive track record of excellent examination results. The vast majority of our pupils secure places at leading Russell Group Universities in a widening range of disciplines including economics and engineering, as well as the traditional sciences.
The 80-strong Chapel Choir is one of the most high-profile pupil groups at the College and enjoys regular invitations to perform evensong at Cathedrals throughout the country.
The College is justly proud of its reputation as a school where musicians thrive, receiving inspiring support from a team of experienced specialist teachers.
The College also has an established reputation for sporting excellence, both within the school, throughout the region and, increasingly, nationally. Our excellence at a competitive level works hand in hand with a strong school ethos of embracing a ‘sport for all’ philosophy.
T h e o v era l l q u a l it y o f p u pi l s ’ ac h ie v eme n t s throughout the s c h o o l i s e x ce l l e n t.
— I S I 201 3 —
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B oarders fee l v a l u ed a n d h a v e a s tr o n g s e n s e o f H o u s e l o y a lt y, w h ic h i s pr o m o ted b y t h e o u t s ta n di n g s u pp o rt a n d care recei v ed fr o m dedicated b o ardi n g s taff a n d t u t o r s .
— I S I 2013 —
Pastoral The House system is at the heart of College life, forming a home away from home for all pupils. The Houses provide a secure, stable base where pastoral care is of the highest possible standard. With over 90% of Epsom’s staff residing on or very close to campus, each House is home to a Housemaster or Mistress and their family, complementing the relaxed and homely feel which typifies the school’s strong boarding ethos. Each House is also supported by a matron and a full team of dedicated domestic support staff, who are always on hand to care for the pupils’ welfare and practical needs. The team is further strengthened by dedicated House tutors, who closely monitor pupils’ academic progress and social development. Senior House prefects also serve as positive role models and mentors for the younger year groups.
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The physical health of all our pupils is monitored by a team of qualified doctors and nurses in the Medical Centre. Confidential help is also available from the School Counsellor as well as our Chaplain, to whom pupils of any faith or none may turn for advice and guidance. There is a healthy rivalry in the form of the popular inter-House competitions. Houses compete against each other in a number of activities, including a variety of sports and the annual Choral Competition. Each House also arranges Soirées and trips out, further contributing to a sense of belonging for all. One thing that is certain: every Epsomian proudly rejoices in the unique character of their House.
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COMMITMENT Fundamentally, Epsom’s teachers and staff have an unwavering commitment to each individual pupil in the school. Our mission is to help your son and daughter achieve the very best possible in everything they do. Our commitment further extends to providing high academic standards allied to a rich co-curricular programme - whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field or to one another, we encourage a culture of commitment, loyalty and mutual respect. The College promotes a way of life that fosters commitment from its pupils, teaching tolerance, good manners and hard work. Housemasters and Mistresses, House tutors and Senior Prefects dedicate much time to the social development of all pupils, fully aware that the skills they develop now will serve them well in their further education and careers.
We are also conscious of the commitment we have to pupils’ parents, keeping you fully involved and informed on your child’s progress and of significant developments in the wider College community. The College is wholly committed to innovation and to looking forward. The school’s continued investment in modern facilities, including state of the art technology and a recently upgraded WiFi infrastructure, ensures that our pupils and teachers will always have the best provisions available to succeed. We will also continue our commitment to growth by making an Epsom education available to international students and pupils throughout the UK.
W it h tw o c h i l dre n at t h e s c h o o l , we are kept v er y b u s y
Our commitment to all pupils lasts throughout their time here. The College provides the best possible experience for its Sixth Form students, with its dedicated Sixth Form Centre, academic enrichment programme and extensive higher education and careers provision.
atte n di n g s p o rt s a n d s o cia l f u n cti o n s . W e recei v e re g u l ar i n f o rmati o n a n d a n y co n cer n s are immediate ly addre s s ed b y t h eir H o u s emi s tre s s . A s a fami ly we fee l t h e C o l l e g e i s t o ta l ly c o mmitted t o u s a n d t h at ’ s v er y imp o rta n t.
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— 1C5ur re nt P a re nt —
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P r o v i s i o n f o r s p o rti n g participati o n i s a s tr o n g feat u re of t h e sc h oo l a n d t h ere are m y riad o pp o rt u n itie s f o r p u pi l s t o take part i n m u s ic , drama , debati n g , ba l l et a n d ot h er perf o rma n ce acti v itie s .
— I S I 2013 —
O pportunity Life at Epsom provides a richness of opportunity, the development of the individual, the fulfilling of potential and the chance for all to develop their talents and discover new skills. There is a plethora of activities available, from fencing and dance to fashion design and the Medical Society with every pupil, no matter their ability, receiving coaching from highlyskilled professionals. Recent years record significant investment into the fabric of the school. Within the beautiful College estate of over 80 acres, there is an extensive range of facilities, including all-weather floodlit pitches, an excellent sports hall complex, indoor cricket nets, squash courts, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, an indoor rifle range and a very well-equipped Fitness Centre. Furthermore, within comfortable reach of the College grounds are provisions for golf at Walton Heath Golf Club and crosscountry on the adjacent Epsom Downs.
Beyond the sports field, Epsom presents an eclectic programme of drama productions each year, which are the perfect opportunity for creative expression. Music is central to the all-round ethos of the school and large numbers of pupils of all standards are involved in making music on a regular basis each week. The Performing Arts Centre also provides opportunities for theatre performance, dance and the increasingly popular silks and aerial skills. Further opportunities abound within the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards for leadership training, as well as overseas adventure through World Challenge. Self-expression, involvement and personal development are at the core of all that the College offers. With a diverse and interesting range of activities and opportunities, pupils enjoy purposeful, rewarding lives.
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Grade 1 in seventeen areas
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RESPONSIBILITY The College takes its responsibilities seriously and always aims to provide an educational experience that is the richest, most diverse and exciting possible in an atmosphere that provides support, encouragement and care for everyone. Experienced, motivated teachers overseen by the College’s Senior Leadership Team, are accountable for pupil development in their positions as Head of Year. Together with a team of dedicated tutors they take responsibility for pupils in their care, encouraging them to reach the height of their ability by supporting and monitoring their progress. Equally, all pupils at Epsom are expected to immerse themselves in the College culture of personal responsibility. Through the work of the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, cadets are encouraged to take on responsibility, organising activities and in the process improving their self-confidence and leadership skills.
W e wa n t o u r
However, we firmly believe that personal responsibility carries with it a respect and care of other individuals. As such, many pupils also take part in some form of community service, in which we aim to highlight the importance every member plays in wider society. Voluntary service in the community takes the form of assisting local, charitable organisations, schools or other community based projects. The programme, in addition to putting something back into the community, offers an enriching experience for pupils, broadening their horizons and providing an enhanced sense of self-worth. Long established links to the community are regarded as exceptionally valuable and the contribution made by pupils at the College towards sustaining this relationship is significant. Good citizenship, accountability and consideration for others are cornerstones of the school’s philosophy.
We also give pupils the chance to take responsibility as School or House Prefects or, for example, as Charity Representatives.
p u pi l s t o l ea v e E p s o m C o l l e g e a s c o n fide n t, ba l a n ced , to l era n t h u ma n bei n g s w h o h a v e a s tr o n g s et o f v a l u e s t h at wi l l e n ab l e t h em t o make a differe n ce in the world.
— Paul W i l l i am s, De pu t y He a d —
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T h e n ati o n a l a n d i n ter n ati o n a l dime n s i o n to the College is a maj o r fact o r i n defi n i n g t h e sc h oo l a n d t h e f u l l i n te g rati o n o f a l l c u lt u res at E psom
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forms a part of t h e vision of the College.
— Jay Pi ggot , H ea dma st e r —
I N T E R N AT I O N A L I S M The international dimension of the College is a major factor in defining our ethos, the full integration of all cultures at Epsom forms a key part of the vision of the school. It is our aim to be an exceptional school of international standing. Geography is in our favour as Epsom will appeal very strongly to overseas students. Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are within easy reach and the M25 and M23 motorways are close by. Situated close to the idyllic, picturesque surroundings of Epsom Downs, the College is only 30 minutes by train from central London. Yet there are so many more reasons why overseas students come to Epsom. Attracted by the College’s history of high academic achievement and an impressive track record of pupils continuing their education in the UK at top Russell Group universities, students from a variety of continents have joined our thriving community in the past few years.
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The prestigious estate, with a range of superb facilities, enables Epsom to host a full range of courses, events and summer schools for young people from both the UK and overseas. The importance that the College attaches to internationalism is reflected in the establishment of our sister school in Malaysia. In future, pupils from the two schools will be offered exchange periods of study overseas. We also seek to increase our students’ cultural awareness, which we believe will benefit them in an ever-changing world, through overseas sports tours and field trips. We are confident that our future international links will continue to grow, maintaining and enhancing the College’s distinctive ethos and its reputation as one of the world’s leading co-educational, boarding schools.
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AT E P SO M W E W A N T OU R P U P I LS T O L I V E H A P P Y A N D F UL F I LL E D L I V E S . W E W A N T OU R P U P I LS T O F I N D A P A SS I ON F O R T H I NGS T H AT M AT T E R T O THEM, AN INTEREST IN AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND THEIR WORLDS, THE C H A N C E O F C H A LL E NG E A N D A C H I E V E M E N T, A N AT TA C H M E N T T O T H E L I F E OF THE MIND.
— Jay Pi ggot , H ea dma st e r —
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