Schools in the UK England Central & West

Berkhampstead School

11746 Central & West

(Founded 1945) Pittville Circus Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2QA Tel: 01242 523263

Email:

office@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk

Website:

www.berkhampsteadschool.co.uk Headmaster: Richard Cross Appointed: September 2010 School type: Co-educational Day Preparatory & Nursery Age range of pupils: 3 months–11 years No. of pupils enrolled as at 01/01/2022: 254

Fees per term as at 01/01/2022:

Day: £2,820–£4,045 Average class size: 17 Teacher/pupil ratio: 1:8

Exceptional school with a happy, closeknit community

Berkhampstead is an independent, coeducational School and Day Nursery for children aged 3 months to 11 years, and is located in pretty, tree-lined Pittville Circus Road, Cheltenham. We pride ourselves on our atmosphere of warmth, happiness and encouragement, which we believe is fundamental to each child’s achievement, and our fantastic results are testament to this. Our last ISI inspection affirmed that we offer a superb education and fantastic care. We were awarded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas - the finest possible outcome - and a huge accolade to the wonderful staff and strong leadership that we have here at the School and Day Nursery.

According to the report’s key findings, pupils have “extremely strong literacy and reading skills” and are “extremely confident at handling numbers and calculations.” The School’s emphasis on the value of creativity means that pupils also achieve “high standards in music and creative arts.” We are proud that the inspectors recognised that pupils are confident, have strong self-esteem and treat each other with consideration and respect. The staff throughout the Day Nursery and School work hard to encourage these all-important qualities.

The life in the school is based on the following aims: • To provide a happy, caring and fun environment, which encourages effort and achievement. • To foster a genuine feeling of community based on strong family and Christian values. • To provide a learning environment that is stimulating, exciting and varied where all pupils and staff feel respected and valued and will strive for excellence. • To focus on pupils’ individual strengths and support their weaknesses, to celebrate their achievements and to encourage the growth of selfconfidence and the development of social skills. • To foster a ‘can do’ attitude to all aspects of school and encourage participation and enjoyment of music, art, drama and competitive sport. • To prepare all pupils in such ways that they are able to transfer confidently to the next stage of their education and ultimately to the senior school of their choice. We take great pride that our pupils leave us confident and able learners, and ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

We offer private tours along with our regular schedule of Open Days throughout the year. Please call 01242 523263 or email admissions@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you!

Cranford House School

7066 Central & West

(Founded 1931) Moulsford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9HT Tel: 01491 651218 Email: admissions@cranfordhouse.net Website: www.cranfordhouse.net Headmaster: Dr James Raymond Appointed: 2014 School type: Co-educational Day Age range of pupils: 3–18 years No. of pupils enrolled as at 01/01/2022: 525

Fees per term as at 01/01/2022:

Day: £3,650–£6,175

Cranford House is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. It has an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment. Set in over 14 acres of rural South Oxfordshire in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection of November 2014. The Early Years Foundation Stage was rated as ‘Outstanding’. In September 2020, the school opened a new co-ed Sixth Form, with more than 20 A-level option choices and an extensive co-curricular programme.

At Cranford House, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities.

Academic attainment at Cranford House is outstanding. The school has been ranked 2nd nationally in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table 2022, based on their GCSE results. Value-added scores are more impressive than ever with pupils achieving an average 1.5 of a grade higher per subject than predicted elsewhere.

Pupils benefit from an excellent pastoral offering, key to which is a vibrant House system which encourages both a sense of community and leadership. The school has extensive recreational and games fields. In winter, hockey, football and netball are played, and in summer, tennis, rounders, cricket and athletics. Swimming takes place on site. Dramatic, musical and dance productions are an important aspect of school life and all are encouraged to take part.

In addition to the extensive range of enrichment activities offered throughout the school, all pupils have the opportunity to join educational trips and excursions. For Senior School pupils, Bronze and Silver levels of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme are offered, in addition to farflung expeditions with World Challenge. Opportunities for overseas travel are also offered through exchanges, ski and sports trips and choir tours. School transport operates over a wide area throughout both Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

To discover all that a Cranford education could offer your child, open events and personal tours are available throughout the year. Please contact our Admissions Department on 01491 651218.

Crown House Preparatory School

5775 Central & West

Bassetsbury Manor, Bassetsbury Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 1QX Tel: 01494 529927 Email: office@crownhouseschool.co.uk Website: www.crownhouseschool.co.uk Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Hobby

School type:

Co-educational Day Preparatory Age range of pupils: 3–11 years

Crown House Preparatory School in High Wycombe provides an outstanding education for girls and boys age 3-11 and prides itself on its close-knit community and nurturing environment. The school, named by the Sunday Times as the best performing independent coeducational school in Buckinghamshire in 2021, encourages all pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning through a rich and broad curriculum where activities are characterised by a sense of fun and challenge to ensure that all pupils flourish. Crown House, part of the Chatsworth Schools family of schools, has a reputation for dedicated and passionate staff who nurture and inspire the pupils in their care, not only academically but socially and emotionally too. The school knows that confidence and a sense of security and warmth is fundamental to success, so teachers work hard to create a secure and welcoming environment. At Crown House, every child is supported with individual attention throughout their journey at the school.

The school’s curriculum is designed around children’s interests and from an early age teachers harness children’s love of asking questions allowing them to become independent learners. As children progress throughout the school, Crown House continues to hold the development of the learner as well as the pursuit of academic excellence in equally high regard. Pupils enjoy a weekly timetable that emphasises the core subjects of English, mathematics and science as well as the foundation subjects of humanities, sport, art and languages alongside extra-curricular and wellbeing opportunities.

Crown House pupils are encouraged to question, discuss and reason across all areas of the curriculum. Experienced staff encourage curiosity and perseverance to develop enquiring minds and this approach along with a challenging curriculum and small class sizes ensures Crown House pupils achieve consistently high results.

Sport is an integral part of school life at Crown House and children enjoy playing different games with each other, learning the meaning of teamwork, patience, fair play and resilience. The school has timetabled PE and Games lessons that start in Reception and in the Prep School all pupils participate and represent the school in a wide range of sports including Cross-Country, Tag-Rugby, Netball, Football, Hockey, Rounders, Cricket and Athletics. The school also takes part in many regional and national tournaments.

Every child has a creative side and this is developed at Crown House where the school’s Creative Arts room and specialist teaching generates a vibrant and dynamic environment where exciting, innovative work takes place alongside reflective thinking. Drawing underpins all projects and each child from Year 2 to Year 6 has their own sketchbook to explore ideas and techniques. Pupils at all levels throughout the school are also encouraged to acquire a passion for music and the world of wonder that is drama. At the end of summer term, all

children from Reception upwards take part in the school’s Summer Production at the Swan Theatre in Wycombe.

Crown House consistently achieves a 90% 11+ pass rate and Year 6 leavers go on to a range of local grammar and independent schools including Wycombe High School, Beaconsfield School and Dr Challoners School. The Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team start to meet with parents from Years 4 and 5 to discuss the best options and fit for the next stage in their child’s education and this approach coupled with teachers’ excellent knowledge of the 11+ means that Year 6 pupils achieve excellent results and usually get into their first-choice school.

Pupils’ happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of the Crown House ethos and this combined with small class sizes and an individualised learning environment ensures that children are given the attention and support they deserve to excel and have an exceptional education. Crown House children find their passion and reach their full potential.

Griffin House Preparatory School

6792 Central & West

(Founded 1939) Little Kimble, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 0XP Tel: 01844 346154 Email: secretary@griffinhouseschool.co.uk Website: www.griffinhouseschool.co.uk Headmaster: Mr Tim Walford

School type:

Co-educational Day Preparatory Age range of pupils: 3–11 years

Set within 5 acres of grounds nestled in the Chiltern Hills, Griffin House School provides an outstanding education for boys and girls aged 3 - 11 in a happy and nurturing environment. The school’s small class sizes and individualised learning environment ensures that children are given the attention and support they deserve to excel as well as being exceptionally well cared for. This is reflected in excellent 11+ results and inclusion in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Schools list (based on SATs results) for the past five years.

Learning at Griffin House School, part of Chatsworth Schools, is brought to life in all subjects through the passion and knowledge of dedicated teachers. Committed staff team have high expectations of pupils inspiring them to believe anything is possible and there is a calm and purposeful learning environment that encourages mutual respect and enables children to reach their full potential. The personalised approach to teaching ensures that learners of all abilities are stretched and challenged or supported and encouraged. Furthermore, creative subjects of sport, art, music and drama enhance the academic curriculum to develop fully rounded and adventurous young people who engage joyfully in their learning.

Griffin House School encourages pupils to grow as a whole person, ensuring they develop self-confidence and become thoughtful and valuable members of the community. As part of the school’s pastoral care, younger pupils are encouraged to look up to the older children, whilst the older children in turn are taught responsibility and compassion. Every member of the school community has an important role in creating the distinct ethos of value and respect and the Head, Tim Walford, plays a part in each child’s day, welcoming them through the school gate every morning and taking opportunities to interact with the pupils through celebration assemblies and regular timetabling.

With 5 acres of grounds, Griffin House School boasts a unique opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. Each Early Years class has a specific, designated outdoor space and across the school the timetable includes outdoor learning opportunities. The school grounds host wonderful locations for den building, campfires and unearthing minibeasts as well as the chance to positively encourage children to look after their natural environment and to be part of the force for taking care of the planet and improving it for their future. The grounds are also home to an abundance of wildlife including red kites, rabbits, deer as well as local sheep and neighbourly ducks.

At Griffin House School, sport is an integral part of school life. All children enjoy playing different games with each other, learning the meaning of teamwork, patience, fair play and resilience. Through specialist taught, timetabled PE and Games lessons, weekly swimming lessons that start in Reception and after school activities, pupils are encouraged to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. In the Prep School all pupils (boys and girls) participate and represent the school in a wide range of sports including crosscountry, tag-rugby, netball, football, hockey, rounders, cricket and athletics. The school also takes part in many

Independent Schools Association regional and national tournaments.

After lessons end, Griffin House’s vibrant and diverse extra-curricular program kicks in with a termly timetable of sporting, artistic, educational and above all fun activities for children to choose from. The school runs a variety of exciting, interestled and seasonal clubs each term, giving children the chance to form friendships and links with others across different form groups.

Griffin House School children achieve fantastic academic success with exceptional 11+ results and around 75% of children moving onto selective grammar and independent schools - including Wycombe High School, Aylesbury Grammar School and Abingdon School. These results are all the more impressive as Griffin House School is non-selective. The school has a range of extra support in place, such as one-to-one time with the Headteacher to prepare for interviews, to make the transition as successful and smooth as possible and to ensure children fulfil their full potential. The school’s pastoral focus and attention to each child ensures all Griffin House children are ready to flourish in any setting that they are moving on to.

Griffin House School provides an outstanding education in a nurturing environment. The school takes pride in Year 6 pupils leaving as capable and confident individuals ready to continue their educational journey and take on the world.

Godstowe Preparatory School

6786 Central & West

(Founded 1900) Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 6PR Tel: 01494 529273 Email: schooloffice@godstowe.org Website: www.godstowe.org Headmistress: Ms Sophie Green School type: Girls’ Day & Boarding, Co-educational Nursery & Pre-Prep Age range of boys: 3–7 years Age range of girls: 3–13 years

”Something Special is happening at Godstowe”

Godstowe was founded by two strong, progressive women, originally in fact as a school whose purpose would be to prepare girls for the move down the hill to Wycombe Abbey School. Their vision was for an innovative, academic and broad education for girls and, without a doubt, this continues to live on in today’s school.

Our ethos is simple. All we want is for our girls and boys to be Confident, Happy and Successful. Indeed, if the first two are true, the third will almost certainly follow. Success is defined in many ways, and we mean successful in the broadest sense: successfully kind, successfully courteous as well as successful in achieving a wide range of goals. We keep our pupils busy and engaged, we entertain and intrigue them, encourage them, and excite them. Happy children are easy to teach. With outstanding, highly qualified teaching staff as well as a strong and experienced pastoral team, excellent facilities, wonderful surroundings, a non-selective intake policy and a more positive, exuberant and industrious atmosphere than you will find in other schools, it is likely that most of our children will be happy to learn, happy to stretch themselves, happy to support each other, and happy to do whatever they can to take an active part in their own education.

Why push children through the curriculum when they can be inspired to make their own journey, choose their own routes and arrive at their destination under their own steam?

Our pupils love their time at school. It never ceases to amaze me just how much highly motivated and enthusiastic people can willingly contribute, and we don’t just mean the girls and boys, we mean the staff and the parents too!

Godstowe is alive with opportunity. Remember, to learn a lesson you need to live it.

High March

6839 Central & West

23 Ledborough Lane, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2PZ Tel: 01494 675186 Email: office@highmarch.co.uk Website: www.highmarch.co.uk Head of School: Mrs Kate Gater Appointed: September 2019

School type:

Girls’ Day, Co-educational Nursery Age range of boys: 3–4 years Age range of girls: 3–11 years No. of pupils enrolled as at 01/01/2022: 280

Fees per annum as at 01/01/2022:

Day: £5,850–£16,185 Average class size: Max 20

Since our foundation in 1926, we at High March have treasured our core values of kindness, friendship and educational excellence. We are proud of our broad and inspiring curriculum and of our happy and vibrant spirit.

High March is a community in which everyone is welcomed, known and valued. We appreciate each girl’s individual strengths, support her growth and encourage her ambition and are dedicated to helping every girl make outstanding progress, to grow in selfconfidence and to develop the skills which will be the foundation of her future successes.

Our commitment to educational excellence is far-reaching and we embrace a love of learning in the broadest sense - academics, sport, music and the creative arts all have room to thrive at High March. Our academic results are impressive with an excellent pass rate in the Buckinghamshire 11+ Secondary Transfer Tests and in entrance examinations to a wide range of the best senior independent schools, both locally and further afield. Moreover, our girls are often successful in securing scholarship awards of every variety.

We ensure there is an abundance of opportunities throughout the school for girls to take part in sporting events, perform in dramatic and musical productions and exhibit their artistic endeavours. We love to sing together and our choirs perform regular concerts in our local community as well as participating in local and national choral competitions. Our annual public Art Exhibition is an extraordinary showcase of the girls’ artistic talents and industry.

Outside the classroom, High March girls enjoy an extensive extracurricular programme incorporating activities as diverse as judo, ballet, triathlon, coding and knitting, not to mention fencing and Mandarin! There is also an inclusive afterschool care facility from 8am until 5.30pm, which is a welcome boon for many parents.

We work in close partnership with parents to explore the many senior school options available and to help them choose the best next step for their daughter when she leaves High March at the end of Year Six. Above all, our aim is for High March girls to leave us as happy, assured, balanced and compassionate individuals ready for success in their chosen senior school and beyond.

We believe that High March is an exceptional preparatory day school for girls, and our girls believe it too - as does the Independent Schools Inspectorate! In our recent school inspection in June 2019, we were graded ‘excellent’ in every category, a testament to the outstanding teaching and care on offer at High March.

We would be delighted to welcome you in person, so do come along to an open event or arrange a personal tour to experience our ‘special something’ for yourself.

Moulsford Preparatory School

5127 Central & West

(Founded 1961) Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR Tel: 01491 651438 Email: admissions@moulsford.com Website: www.moulsford.com Headmaster: Mr B Beardmore-Gray Appointed: September 2014

School type:

Boys’ Day & Boarding Preparatory Age range of boys: 4–13 years No. of pupils enrolled as at 01/01/2022: 372

Fees per term as at 01/01/2022:

Full Boarding: £7,850 per term Prep Day Fee: £6,275 per term Pre-Prep: £4,200 per term Average class size: 16 Teacher/pupil ratio: 1:9

Moulsford is a thriving independent day and boarding Prep School for boys aged 4-13 years set on the banks of the River Thames in South Oxfordshire.

Moulsford offers boys superb opportunities for learning whilst having fun, with a restructured curriculum designed not only to prepare boys for senior schools, but also to ensure they have the skills for life beyond. The curriculum promotes intellectual agility, encourages them to think and analyse critically, makes connections across the subjects and gives plenty of opportunity for creativity and collaboration. The boys are encouraged to build resilience by having a go, taking a well-thought-out risk, and, on occasion, failing.

Through Moulsford’s Activities programme, the school aims to offer opportunities to develop new skills and talents, whilst becoming a conscientious citizen. Working towards the Moulsford Award, boys can try magic tricks, bike maintenance, cookery, bushcraft, photography, climbing, drama, sailing, chess, pantomime, parkour, stand-up comedy, geocaching and many more activities covering the five key elements of performance and arts, community, self-development, adventure and healthy living.

Moulsford’s reputation for sport remains extremely strong with all boys in teams A to F regularly playing competitive matches. Major sports are football, rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics. Minor sports have also seen significant successes in golf, skiing, fencing and judo. Music and drama remain popular with roughly three quarters of the boys from Years 3-8 playing an instrument.

Boys progress to the UK’s leading independent day and boarding schools at 13+ including Abingdon, Eton, Harrow, Magdalen College School, Marlborough, Radley, St Edward’s Oxford, and Wellington.

The riverside setting provides a different dimension to prep school life with kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and sailing dinghies all put to use. At Forest School there are opportunities for fire building, whittling and making bows and arrows. It is something of a cliché, but boys really can be boys at Moulsford.

A new purpose-built Pre-Prep will open in September 2022, and includes a new Pre-School for children age 3+.