RUGBY LESSONS

Bath Rugby Foundation

Not all children thrive in school, and part of the work of the Bath Rugby Foundation is designed to create a learning environment for young people at risk of not being in education, employment or training. The Foundation tells us more

When was the Bath Rugby Foundation set up?

Bath Rugby Foundation was first founded in 2003 (the year that England won the World Cup!) Our main aim and objective at Bath Rugby Foundation is to change the lives of young people for the better. We understand that not everyone has an equal start in life and not everyone gets to follow the same path. We want to change this, we aim to equip young people with the skills needed to change the social norms by working with them to build confidence, develop life skills and build a path to independence.

The foundation has multiple sources of funding, including partnerships with organisations such as Premiership Rugby as well as grants and donations which are generated and handled by our fundraising team.

The Foundation helps around 3000 youngsters each year. How do you choose which children to help?

We recruit students to join our HITZ learning academy via several sources, including our own in-house outreach effort, which includes school visits with our programmes such as ‘Raising the Game’, ‘Project Rugby’ or ‘HITZ on Track’, as well as through multi-agency referrals from local colleges, supported housing units or youth offending teams.

With the work we do in and out of schools, we can promote multiple programmes for young people with varying needs and ages. Some of our programmes are aimed at certain age groups due to the nature of the provision, however we are also able to offer access to grassroot sports opportunities including Walcot Warriors and Bath Ladies Mixed ability rugby team where participants of all abilities can join in!

How does the HITZ programme work?

HITZ is a programme that collaborates both Premiership Rugby and SCL education to create a learning environment for 16–24-year-olds who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). We work with young adults who have struggled at school due to exclusion from schools or have been unsuccessful at obtaining GCSE qualifications, HITZ runs throughout the country in connection with a handful of premiership teams.

We have observed that negative experiences at school can have an impact on their ability to find employment, meaning they are often left out of education or work. HITZ works collaboratively with SCL education to support 16–24-year-olds to gain a qualification in either Employability or BTEC sports, and the chance to re-sit their GCSE’s. The programme prides itself on creating a supportive and empowering environment for young people to develop the skills they need to re-enter into today’s society with confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Why is rugby such a powerful tool in attracting and giving new chances to these vulnerable youngsters?

Rugby is inclusive of all ages and abilities; the foundation works with vast numbers of young people from primary school age to adults. With the ability to offer this provision for such a wide group of ages, we see great success in participation. Rugby allows the young people to challenge their energy into sports in a safe and engaging way.

In 2017, the Foundation founded the first mixed ability rugby team, (Walcot Warriors) in the south west which welcomes participants with varying needs and abilities the opportunity to be part of a team. The team was created following great interest in the Project Rugby programme, which seeks to introduce players from hard-to-reach areas of our society to the sport and local clubs. Off the back of Walcot Warriors, England’s first female mixed ability rugby team Bath Ladies Team was created.

BRF work with different kinds of groups –is this an effective way of maximising the impact of your work?

Collaboration is key in producing unthinkable results. We can achieve more by bringing together different ways of thinking. Drawing on more expertise than one organisation can hold on its own. We value the chance for collaborations with schools, charities, and youth community groups because it allows us to extend our reach to those who need us, avoiding any of them slipping through the net and missing out on the provision they deserve.

Do you offer access to sports other than rugby?

Although rugby is at the heart of what we do, it’s not all we do! Many of our programmes focus on rugby and the core rugby values, however, we see great values in getting involved in other sports too. This year during the HITZ programme we have participated in other sports such as golf, yoga, dancing and boccia, to mention a few!

Many of the youngsters you support don’t have a good relationship with schools and learning environments. How do you help them?

Sadly, this is very common for or learners on the HITZ programme, we find that most of our referrals come following college dropout or not being successful in obtaining GSCE’s, which can lead to little or no aspirations for the future to continue into employment or training.

At HITZ we not only offer academic courses in both Sports and Employability, which are both taught through practical sessions within the classrooms, but also enrichment sessions. These provide young people with opportunities to experience different sports and gain life skills such as confidence building and participate in work experience to get an understanding of different vocations they can progress into.

We find that there is a wonderful relationship between learners and the team which allows the young people to feel safe enough to let us support them. They can see that the team care and are there to help them grow on their individual journeys. There is great value in participation in sports and we enjoy teaching lessons through sports, and we can use our wonderful facilities to create environments for learning about ourselves and our capabilities.

Our learners often refer to HITZ as a family which we believe truly highlights what our provision is to them and what it means for them to be a part of this programme.

How much is the fact that some children feel ostracised and don’t fit in at school a fault of the education system?

We believe we want the same things as teachers and schools –success for our young people. What we see is many young people who aren’t catered for by the education system. They need something different. Something schools want to offer but don’t have the resources or time to achieve. That’s why we work so closely with our schools to help them create that offering.

As for poverty there are plenty of studies to show that those from financially stable background will most likely achieve more than their disadvantaged peers. What’s more we know that it is strongly linked to their resilience. That's why we specialise in this area.

That’s not all. The world has changed so quickly in the last 10 years with the emergence of technology and social media that there are a host of new pressures on the younger generations. Helping them build a stronger sense of identity in a world flooded with imagery of the perfect world allows them to confidently navigate through life. n

Find out how you can help change the lives of young people in our community by signing up to Bath Rugby Foundation’s newsletter: bathrugbyfoundation.com Case study: Jasmine Ford

Jaz joined HITZ in 2018 following a tough time in both school and college. Before arriving Jaz was ruled by her negative thoughts. She spent a lot of time at home on her own with those thoughts and her mental health was suffering greatly. Jaz has had the bravery to confront her issues, such as her fear of maths which she developed in school. Jaz has not only completed her Level 2 NCFE Diploma in Sport, but she has also just passed her GCSE English obtaining a grade 5!

HITZ allowed Jaz to take on her challenges in manageable steps so she could develop at a pace that was right for her. As part of this Jaz has built a positive friendship group around her and learned to believe in herself and manage her negative thoughts. As a result of getting out, socialising, and seeing herself personally develop Jaz’s mental health has improved, and she is a lot happier and more open. She regularly enjoys sport both on her course and in her own time, this is a huge achievement for Jaz who openly admits to not participating in sports as she didn’t enjoy it. She now coaches the Foundation’s mixed ability ladies team and has obtained employment as operations assistant with Bath Rugby Foundation.

Mia Suter from Bath Rugby Foundation said, “Jaz is a pivotal member of the team. She presents as a true role model and is extremely caring to all her peers. Jaz has come very far in her journey with HITZ, continuing to work daily on her own challenges and fears.”

Case study: Ryan Mason

Ryan joined the HITZ programme 12 months ago following his exclusion from college. He had been disengaged with education the past few years, plagued with consistent behavioural and drug-related issues. When he was excluded, Ryan lost the apprenticeship plan that was part of the course.

His first year at HITZ did not go well as his relationship with education had impacted on his outlook. He said: “I didn’t get on with teachers and I got distracted far too easily. I didn’t like school and that’s what I thought this was going to be like.” Ryan failed his first year as he decided just a few days before the course ended that he would prefer to leave and find a job. He ended up unemployed and out of education.

“After a month I realised I needed to do something,” says Ryan. “I had started going out and getting into trouble, messing around and getting into fights.” However, Bath Rugby Foundation staff had seen Ryan’s potential and refused to give up: “They rang me up and said ‘come back, we can help you’.”

Ryan returned with a different outlook and is now an official HITZ Captain –he is positive, motivating, friendly, caring and hardworking, supporting other students on a daily basis and leading by example.

EDUCATION NEWS

WINNING SHOTS AT MILLFIELD

Millfield’s clay shooting team have enjoyed a successful year, winning every competition they entered. The 35-strong squad won four inter-school fixtures with the final fixture being the Independent Schools National competition held at the prestigious Holland and Holland ground in Northwood, where they beat last year’s winners Strathallen, and also beat Eton, Harrow and Bryanston.

The first team won both the overall competition and the flush in which they scored 78 out of 80, receiving a round of applause from the officials. Congratulations to: recent Upper Sixth leaver Myles Cullen (Captain), Lower Sixth Boris Findlay and Year 11 Patrick Salisbury and Ivor Fothergill. The trophies will be presented to the team during the autumn term. The second team came fifth and included Upper Sixth leavers Alex Ware and Spencer Findlay, Lower Sixth Alex Mayman and Year 11 James Hoddinott. millfieldschool.com St Margaret’s Prep in Calne is expanding its Bluebird Nursery to welcome 2-year-olds. From September 2021, following internal refurbishment and the development of a purpose-built Early Years outdoor courtyard, the school’s popular Kindergarten will become The Bluebird Nursery, providing a safe and stimulating environment for younger children to explore and develop.

Headmaster, Luke Bromwich said “We have been aware that some families have needed to educate their children in different settings due to the fact we could only accept children from three, but it has been our desire for some time to educate the whole family. Bluebird Nursery offers a great head start to a child’s learning journey. Our fledglings will enjoy Forest School, games and music, all taught by our experienced and caring Early Years staff.”

“Play is one of the most important ways in which young children learn and gain essential knowledge and skills and this is at the core of a St Margaret’s education. They love sensory play and the new courtyard will provide endless hours of fun and exploration.” stmargaretsprep.org.uk

NEW HEAD FOR BEECHEN

Tim Markall has been appointed the new Headteacher of Beechen Cliff from September, following the retirement of Andrew Davies. Tim has taught at Beechen Cliff for a number of years commencing as a Teacher of Mathematics and most recently in his role as Deputy Headteacher, responsible for the curriculum. During that time he has been a key part of extra-curricular programme running the school tennis teams and has assisted with outdoor education activities and led Sixth Form charity expeditions to Romania.

Tim says, “I am proud to be taking on leadership of Beechen Cliff, in what I believe is a really special community of pupils, students and staff. I am committed to ensuring we provide the best possible education for all our pupils and students leading to both exceptional academic outcomes and ensuring all benefit from a wide range of additional extra-curricular opportunities and experiences. The next year will no doubt provide many challenges as we continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic. I am looking forward to supporting our pupils, including their mental health and wellbeing, and rebuilding some aspects of schooling that have been missed over the past 18 months as soon as we are able to do so. beechencliff.org.uk

ST MARGARET’S PREP NURSERY EXPANDS

NEW ERA FOR HAYESFIELD

Hayesfield Girls’ School and Mixed Sixth Form has recently joined the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. This is a multiacademy trust which stretches from Bath to Yeovil and encompasses a wide range of schools united in delivering highquality education. Hayesfield’s Headteacher for the last seven years, Emma Yates will remain as Executive Headteacher helping to guide the school into its new phase. She will also lead the Bath Hub of secondary schools, which includes Hayesfield, Beechen Cliff and St. Mark’s, helping all three to work together to deliver outstanding education to over 2,000 students in Bath and beyond.

A new Head of School, Phillip White will work alongside Emma Yates to lead the school. Mr White has worked at Hayesfield for 20 years, first as a Head of Year, then as Assistant and Deputy Head and now as Head of School.

Miss Yates is also taking on the role of Deputy CEO of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust working, alongside CEO Alun Williams, to provide support and challenge to all schools so that their entire community can achieve their best. hayesfield.com

ALL HALLOWS PREP

Cranmore Hall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4SF. Tel: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Name of principal: Dr Trevor Richards CPsychol

Age of pupils: 3 - 13 years Number of pupils: 260

Fee Structure: Nursery £52.50 per day, Day: £2,860 to £5,460 Boarding: £7,345 to £8,420 per term

The curriculum: Younger children enjoy an exciting, hands-on, thematic-based curriculum including Forest School in the school’s extensive onsite woodland. Further up the school, the children work towards 13+ CE, or academic scholarship. Creativity is embedded within the curriculum throughout the school, equipping the children with the skills to think critically and to work collaboratively, coming up with solutions to complex problems. Opportunities for creative design, art, music, drama and games are outstanding as demonstrated by the children’s success at Year 8. Sport plays an integral role and we hope to instil a love of taking exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Extra curricular activities: Extensive opportunities including Tennis (with links to Team Bath), swimming, Ballet, Creative Design, Speech and Drama and many more

Pastoral care: Children learn best when they are happy and so first and foremost, we set out to ensure that our pupils are happy, healthy and well supported to meet the numerous and varied challenges that their childhood will throw at them. Full, weekly and our hugely popular flexi boarding options are available to help parents manage busy lives.

Outstanding characteristics: With Dr Richards (a child psychologist as well as an educationalist) at the helm, the school has a clear vision on how best to support the children and prepare them to thrive at their next schools and in the rapidly changing world in which they will live and work, where creativity and resilience will be key. It is an approach which is proving outstandingly successful with 62% of Year 8 pupils gaining a scholarship or award to their senior school over the past three years.

BATH COLLEGE

City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP Tel: 01225 328720

Somer Valley Campus, Wells Road, Radstock, BA3 3RW

www: bathcollege.ac.uk

Name of Head: Jayne Davis

Age of pupils: 16 - 19 years, Adult Learners Number of pupils: 8,500

Religious denomination: Non denominational

The curriculum: At Bath College we offer a range of vocational courses and qualifications. This includes BTECs at Level 1,2&3, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Higher Education Courses, and the new qualification: T Levels. Furthermore, we offer part time courses, adult community learning and leisure courses.

Extra curricular activities: We have a Students Union team that operates across both campuses, providing learners with the opportunity to engage in volunteering, college trips and day-to-day social activities.

Pastoral Care: Student support is at the heart of Bath College. The is a pro-active Welfare team that are approachable and accessible. All students also have a personal tutor to guide them in their studies and advise them on progression.

Outstanding characteristics: Bath College has two campuses: City Centre Campus in Bath and Somer Valley Campus in Westfield. Both of our campuses have unique identities with outstanding facilities. At our City Centre Campus our brand new Institute of Technology centre has recently opened, and the Construction Skills Centre is a highlight of our Somer Valley Campus.

BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL

Kipling Avenue, Bath, BA2 4RE Tel: 01225 480466 www.beechencliff.org.uk

Name of headteacher: Mr Tim Markall

Age of pupils: 11 – 16 boys, 16 – 18 mixed Number of pupils: 1,300 (including 400 in a large mixed Sixth Form)

Fee Structure: (Day) None, (Boarding) £11,300 per annum

2019 exam results

GCSE % 9-4 (A*-C): 83% A Level % A*-C: 75%

Religious denomination: None The curriculum: This high-achieving state day and boarding school offers an exceptional allround education. The ambitious and vibrant academic curriculum of predominantly GCSEs and A Levels includes the Extended Project Qualification and inspirational Super Curricular and Future Horizons programmes.

Extra curricular activities: The school’s commitment to the developing and celebrating activities beyond the classroom is legendary. These range from the character developing outdoor challenges (Centurion Challenge, Ten Tors, Three Peaks, Coast-to- Coast cycle ride) to the performing arts (Musical Theatre, Carol Service, Bands Nights, School Concerts). With activities such as the F1 Car Challenge, Warhammer, Code Breaking, Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and Bee Keeping there are opportunities for all. Sport at Beechen Cliff needs no introduction with high levels of participation and both local and national success for our teams.

Pastoral care: The pastoral system revolves around the House system. Each student is placed into a tutor group in one of four Houses, which helps to contribute to the Beechen Cliff family atmosphere about which so many visitors comment. There is a commitment to getting to know pupils as individuals and a strong focus on wellbeing, personal development and participation.

Outstanding characteristics: Home to the academy programmes of both Southampton FC and Bath Rugby, the school also has a popular boarding house. We are heavily oversubscribed in the lower school and Sixth Form. Beechen Cliff provides an environment where pupils thrive and develop rich and warm memories.

CALDER HOUSE SCHOOL

Thickwood Lane, Colerne, Wiltshire, SN14 8BN Tel: 01225 743 566 www.calderhouseschool.co.uk

Name of head: Mrs Julie Delahay

Age of pupils: 7 - 13 Number of pupils: 48

Fee Structure:

£6,500 per term / £19,500 per annum. All remedial support delivered by the school, including that provided by our specialist oneto-one support teachers or recommended by our Speech and Language therapist and/or Consultant Occupational Therapist, is provided at no extra cost.

Faith: Non- denominational

The Curriculum: Each pupil follows an individual timetable tailor-made to meet the needs of both the child and the National Curriculum. Our average class size is just eight with a staff to pupil ratio of one to four.

Outstanding characteristics: Calder House offer a whole-school approach to specialist education – one which delivers a carefully structured programme of one-to-one support, tailored to meet each child's individual needs, within a normal school environment.

Ofsted has rated Calder House as OUTSTANDING in every single one of its assessment criteria three times in a row.

A typical pupil: spends two years or three years at Calder House; leaves with a reading age appropriate for their chronological age or (in the case of one in three pupils) an adult reading age; returns to mainstream education equipped with the skills needed to thrive.

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Bath, Somerset, BA3 4RJ Tel: 01761 235103 www.downside.co.uk

Name of principal: Mr Andrew Hobbs

Age of pupils: 11 - 18

Number of pupils: 370, Sixth Formers 122 Number of boarders: 76%

Fee Structure: (Day) £5,827 - £6,908 per term (Boarding) £8,968 - £12,032 per term

2020 exam results

GCSE % 9-4 (A*-C): 98% A Level % A*-C: 94%

Religious denomination: Catholic Unique characteristics: The School provides over 100 exciting and engaging co-curricular opportunities, many of which offer outdoor learning in the magnificent rural 500 acre campus. Taking advantage of one of these activities could take your child on a journey that defines the rest of their life, create new friendships, help them to perfect a new skill, and develop their confidence -- such as Ten Tors, Rock Night, CCF and Environmental Group.

Pastoral care: Downside are fully committed to providing the best possible pastoral care for each individual pupil. The House communities are at the heart of the School and they are where lasting friendships are made and memories forged. The Houses always have plenty of activities, competitions and social events at weekends and there are numerous trips especially offered to the younger years. There are chances for responsibility and leadership in each year group throughout the School and everyone is encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, enjoy new challenges and embrace a growth mindset.

Outstanding characteristics: The school’s aim is for every child to be excited and challenged by the curriculum they will follow. The personal growth and change that occurs by being part of a community with Benedictine values at its centre allows every pupil to feel accepted and valued unconditionally. This means that they can grow and develop in confidence to achieve their best and to support others to do the same. Downside is uncompromising in the pursuit of excellence, in the classroom and out. In 2019, for adding value at A level, Downside was placed second in Somerset and 39th nationally in the DFE performance tables, ranking the value added score in the top 30 independent schools in England.

HAYESFIELD GIRLS’ SCHOOL & MIXED SIXTH KING EDWARD’S JUNIOR, PREPREP AND NURSERY SCHOOL

Upper Oldfield Park, Brougham Hayes, Bath, BA2 3QU. Tel: 01225 426151 www.hayesfield.com

Name of Principal: Ms Emma Yates (Executive Headteacher) Mr Phillip White (Head of School)

Age of pupils: 11 - 16 years girls, 16 - 18 years co-educational

Number of pupils: 1,465 Sixth Form pupils: 340

2020 Exam Results

GCSE % 9-4 ( A*-C): 93% A Level % A*-C: 95%

Fee Structure: N/A

Religious denomination: Non-denominational Unique Characteristics: Hayesfield provides an inspirational environment in which girls flourish. Here, all girls experience a strong sense of belonging, enjoy freedom from stereotyping and grow limitless aspirations.

The curriculum: Students achieve exceptional outcomes by studying a traditionally academic curriculum. The vast majority of girls study a language to GCSE and results in the Basics (English and Maths) and English Baccalaureate are always well above national expectations. Extra curricular activities: All students participate in the school’s “LEAP” afterschool enrichment programme. There is something for everyone – debating drama, wind band, choirs, Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze, Silver and Gold) as well as a huge range of both competitive and social sports teams. Hayesfield is also very proud of its thriving Navy CCF contingent, which is active and prominent in school life. Pastoral care: There is a strong belief in traditional values at Hayesfield: the school sets high standards of work, conduct and appearance. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills and values that will enable pupils to become thinking, informed and confident young women who will be able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Each tutor group belongs to a House, each named after an inspirational woman, which allows students to form friendships across the school community.

King Edward’s Junior School, North Road, Bath BA2 6JA Tel: 01225 463218

King Edward’s Pre-Prep & Nursery School, Weston Lane, Bath BA1 4AQ Tel: 01225 421681 www.kesbath.com

Name of Headteachers: Mr Greg Taylor (Junior); Ms Jayne Gilbert (Pre-Prep and Nursery)

Age of pupils: 3 - 11

Number of pupils: Pre-Prep - 90; Junior School - 186

Day fees (per term): Junior School £4,015; Pre-Prep £3,625; Nursery £2,990.

Co-ed day school

The curriculum: The Pre-Prep and Nursery follows an enhanced version of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the national curriculum and boasts specialist teaching in DT, Art, Music, French and Dance. Pupils also enjoy weekly Forest School sessions.

At the Junior School, the children study a broad curriculum, enhanced by a wide and varied enrichment programme. The school has high aspirations for its pupils in all aspects of school life, with a strong emphasis on each individual’s needs and capabilities, to ensure that each child develops into a well-rounded, happy, caring and active participant in society in later life.

Co-curricular activities: The Junior School and Prep-Prep co-curricular programme is varied, broad and interesting, creating opportunities for the children to increase their knowledge, to pursue their interests and talents or simply to try something new, helping with each child’s all-round development. Recent enhancements to outdoor facilities include a new all-weather sports pitch at the Junior School. Clubs include: Cookery Club, Animation Club, Jiu Jitsu, Eco Club to name just a few.

Outstanding characteristics: Awarded ‘excellent’ in every category in the most recent whole school ISI report. Good Schools Guide noted that ‘KES feels like a happy school’.

KING EDWARD’S SENIOR SCHOOL

King Edward’s Senior School, North Road, Bath BA2 6HU Tel: 01225 464313 www.kesbath.com

Name of Head: Mr Martin Boden

Age of pupils: Senior School: 11 - 18 years

Number of pupils: Senior School - 840

Fee Structure (per term): Senior School £5,075; Sixth Form £5,165

Co-ed day school

The curriculum: The school has high aspirations for its pupils in all aspects of school life with a strong emphasis on everyone’s needs and abilities, ensuring that each child develops into a well-rounded, happy, caring and active participant in later life. In the Senior School, every young person is encouraged to strive for excellence and to acquire a life-long passion for learning, discovery, adventure, creativity and culture. There is a broad offering in the academic curriculum at both GCSE and A Level.

Co-curricular activities: Senior School pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Ten Tors, Combined Cadet Force, sports, drama and music - the latter enjoying partnerships with Bath Abbey and Bath Philharmonia. In addition, there are more than 100 lunch-time and after-school clubs and activities on offer.

Pastoral care: The school’s most recent ISI report found the quality of pastoral care to be excellent. This is echoed in The Good Schools Guide which states that that ‘everything is directed toward the well-being of the pupils. No wonder they enjoy their education and do so well in it.' The school offers a strong, caring and supportive pastoral framework, working closely with parents to ensure that all member of the school feel respected and valued.

Outstanding characteristics: Awarded ‘excellent’ in the most recent whole school ISI report, with the school’s extra-curricular provision achieving ‘outstanding’. The school has previously been awarded Independent School of the Year for performing arts by Independent School Parent. King Edward’s is ranked as one of the top five independent schools in the southwest for its outstanding A Level and GCSE results in the most recent The Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power survey.

KINGSWOOD PREP & SENIOR SCHOOL

Senior School: Kingswood School, Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5RG Tel: 01225 734200

Prep School: Kingswood Prep School, College Road, Bath, BA1 5SD Tel: 01225 734460 www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Name of Head: Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown (Senior School Head and Principal of the Kingswood Foundation) Mr Mark Brearey (Prep School)

Age of pupils: Prep school: 9 months – 11 years, Senior school 11-18 years

Number of pupils: Senior school - 840 Prep - 400

Fees: Nursery fees from £66 per day, Prep day fees from £3,603 per term and Prep boarding fees from £6,795 per term. Senior school day from £5,208 per term, weekly boarding from £8,187 and full-time boarding from £9,371 per term

Religious denomination: Methodist/Non denominational

The curriculum: Kingswood offers an inclusive, extended family, day and boarding community which is free of pretension and provides academic rigour and real objectives for all pupils. Younger children benefit from learning-friendly classrooms which cultivate curious, confident and independent minds. In the senior school, students develop independent learning skills, securing impressive academic results, with the support of outstanding staff and access to excellent facilities. With a balance of traditional subjects such as Mathematics and Science, Kingswood also embraces contemporary changes in the curriculum, alongside a strong emphasis on Languages, Drama and Art.

Extra curricular activities: There are more than 100 extracurricular activities available to pupils during the week and at weekends which means there is something for everyone. The prep school’s Activities Programme focuses on music, drama, sport, design and technology, which ignite a spark in a child, increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem. Senior school options might include outdoor pursuits, Model United Nations (the school hosts a large conference in the Spring each year), fashion and textiles, climbing, script writing or jazz. These activities are the chance to hone skills, or discover new talents which often often becoming life long interests. Kingswood believes that an all round education is vital to prepare young people for life beyond school.

Pastoral care: Pastoral care is central to everything staff do at Kingswood Prep and it both supports and defines the School’s holistic approach to education. This child-centred framework drives the motivation to find and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual ensuring that children feel good about themselves, recognise their strengths and constantly develop any areas they find challenging. In the Senior School, Houses are at the heart of the pastoral structure, with staff providing daily support. This was ranked outstanding in the latest report and is highly regarded by parents. Personal tutors mentor and assist with the pupil’s independent learning plan and personal targets and offer support to achieve individual aims.

Outstanding characteristics: Kingswood has outstanding teaching staff, a strong sense of community and fantastic extra-curricular opportunities across both the Prep and Senior Schools. Academic achievement takes place in the context of all round personal development. Ambitious and determined, pupils at Kingswood are genuine, with a strong conscience and leave ready to make a meaningful difference to the world. An intelligent and outward looking school that provides excellent value for money and an outstanding education.

Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG Tel: 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com

Name of head: Senior School – Chris Wheeler, Prep School –Catherine Winchcombe

Age of pupils: 2 - 18

Fee structure 9 per term): Prep School: Kindergarten: £3,407; Reception: £3,407; Years 1 and 2: £3,504; Years 3-8: (Boarding) £8000 - £8640; (Weekly/flexi boarding) £7650-£7845; (Day) £4,115 - £5,995. Senior School: (Full boarding) £11,370 - £11,670 per term; (Weekly/flexi boarding) £10,315; (Day) £6,960 - £7,315

Faith: Christian

The curriculum: MonktonCombe School wants all its pupils to develop lively and enquiring minds. The aim is to excite pupils in their learning environments by providing a broad and balanced curriculum to foster every pupil’s educational development. Lessons are lively and enjoyable as well as rigorous and demanding. Ongoing self-reflection and teacher guidance ensure that pupils see progress in areas where they excel as well as in areas that they find more challenging. Outstanding exam results demonstrate the academic ambition which is inspired by Monkton’s teachers.

Extra curricular activities: Monkton isn’t just an all-round school, it is a school committed to all-rounders. Unlike many schools where 10% of children lead on 90% of activities, the school actively seeks and selects those who want to play a game of hockey, then sing with the ‘Choir Who Can’t Sing’, then head off to a play rehearsal before conservation club or fencing. Whatever the choice, the co-curricular activities encourage commitment, inspire curiosity and engender collaboration, skills that will serve students for life. Monkton sees these skills as an extension to the learning which pupils do in their academic pursuits, and encourages them to reflect on how each enriches the other.

Pastoral care: Monkton is a small school which allows it to develop excellent relationships and really get to know pupils. There is a strong sense of family and commitment to a vibrant boarding ethos which helps students to feel unconditionally valued. Monkton is a co-educational school, accepting the contention of single-sex schools that boys and girls learn differently, but in place of keeping that separate, they celebrate the opportunity for them to learn from each other. Boarding is the heart of Monkton, creating a unique atmosphere and thriving social scene that brings day pupils and boarders together, both during the week and at the weekends. All pupils are part of a Monkton boarding house which becomes part of the Monkton family. Every Saturday a full programme of trips, sporting and social activities follow morning lessons at both the Prep and Senior Schools. Many day pupils choose to spend all weekend at Monkton and the school offers flexible boarding arrangements to support them.

Outstanding characteristics: What is different about Monkton? Aside from the stunning views, outstanding academic exam results and passionate teachers which many schools boast, Monkton focuses on the journey of each individual in a way that is tangibly different. As pioneers in pastoral tracking, Monkton holds true to the belief that self-discovery is the key to success; not only do happy children learn but they also explore their strengths and weaknesses, develop resilience and face challenges with greater strength. The school believes in the power of failure of taking on challenges, accepting this will mean you get some things wrong and become better people because of that. No writing, no booklet, no website will ever capture something so hard to describe; you have to come and meet them yourselves.

Royal High School Bath, GDST Tel: 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Name of Head:: Mrs Kate Reynolds

Age of pupils: 3 - 18 Number of pupils: 550 Fees: (Per term – 3 term year) Nursery – Year 6 (£3,432-£3,616); Year 7 – Year 13 (£4,661-£4,865); Full Boarding Year 6 – Year 13 (£8,906-£10,762) Religious denomination: Multi faith

The curriculum: The stimulating curriculum promotes intellectual rigour, creative enquiry and critical thinking to ensure that girls will lead and shape the world confidently and positively, now and in the future. With excellent academic results, RHS girls become well-educated, well-rounded and wellbalanced, able to navigate a global, multicultural, and technology-driven world successfully. It is the only school in Bath to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Extra curricular activities: RHS girls get involved in just about everything offered on the extensive list of clubs and activities, during lunchtime and after school. Whether it’s fencing or French, swimming or science club, debating or digital photography, the school encourages girls to try something new. They meet challenges, develop passions, have fun and make new groups of friends.. Pastoral care: Pastoral care and academic development go hand in hand. Girls perform best when they are happy and secure, so the caring and supportive community gives girls a real sense of belonging. Student wellbeing is a key priority for Royal High School Bath and the school understands the pressures, uncertainties and challenges moving from childhood to adulthood. The pastoral care aims to nurture and support each student throughout their academic career, making sure every girl has a positive experience. Students have access to in-house counselling provided by a UKCP registered psychotherapist and a MBACP registered counsellor who both specialise in young people, as well as a wellbeing coordinator with her two dogs, who is on hand to listen and support. The Pastoral Hub is a new development for September 2021, which will include 'The Hive', a peaceful area for quiet reflection, and a Contemplation room and quiet study zone. All students from Years 8-11 have their own dedicated common rooms as well.

Outstanding characteristics: The school is a mix of day and boarding girls, a happy, thriving community, free from stereotypes. The girls build confidence and high self-esteem, whilst fostering the RHS learner qualities; creative, brave, sparky, inquisitive, collaborative, reflective, underpinned by the core value of kindness. Royal High School Bath is part of The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) which has 25 UK schools and academies nationwide. RHS is an innovative, high-achieving school, providing a wonderful environment for girls to excel academically, thrive emotionally and develop socially. The Royal High Prep School is situated in the beautiful grounds of Cranwell. androunds of Cranwell House in Weston, with a dynamic curriculum and opportunities for outdoor learning, which fosters an interest in ecology and conservation. Girls develop a deeper understanding of their studies, to help them see the connections within and between disciplines, to develop a flexible and creative mindset, and to enjoy learning. A great education lays the foundation for life-long learning, through RHS and beyond

Edgarley Hall, Glastonbury Somerset, BA6 8LD www.millfieldschool.com/

Name of principal: Mr Dan Thornburn

Age of pupils: 7 - 13 Number of pupils: 442

Fee Structure: Boarding students: (Full and weekly) (Years 3-8) £10,085 per term Day students: Year 3 - £3,825 per term Year 4 - £4,370 per term Year 5 - £4,915 per term Year 6 - £5,465 per term Years 7&8 - £6,615 per term Religious denomination: Although assemblies are Christian, they focus on common ideas and values held by the world’s great religions, and by those of no faith. The Curriculum: English and maths, as well as sciences, humanities and art through the inquiry-based International Primary Curriculum. Other subjects include languages, food technology, design and technology, ICT, music, drama and PE.

Extra Curricular Activities: With a broad, balanced sports programme, tailored to the individual, the school prepares children for a lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity, promoting confidence, health and wellbeing. Whether through art, music or drama, the arts instructors enable students to enjoy creative freedom. Pastoral care: Millfield sees the pastoral care and needs of the children as central to their success and personal development. There are four main areas of pastoral care that are provided to every student: Emotional, Social, Intellectual and Physical. Staff, both day and boarding, work together to ensure that every child’s individual needs are met. Outstanding characteristics: The school provides world-class resources, opportunities and teaching for children to discover their brilliance and to achieve their full potential. From the moment they arrive, children develop their character, resilience, relationships, abilities, skills and knowledge. Sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, golf course and equestrian centre. Purpose-built music department with recital hall and newly refurbished assembly hall/theatre. High levels of individual attention are central to achieving the school’s aims. Class sizes rarely exceed 16.

Kelston Road, Bath, BA1 9AB. Tel: 01225 423582 www.oldfieldschool.com

Name of Headteacher: Mr Steven Mackay

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years boys and girls Number of pupils: 1,270

The curriculum: Oldfield has a broad and balanced curriculum delivered through eight learning areas. In Years 7 to 9 the curriculum broadly follows the National Curriculum. Over 25 subjects are offered at A Level and students usually study 10 subjects at GCSE.

Extra-curricular activities: The school believes a vibrant and wide-ranging extra-curricular and enrichment programme is an essential part of personal development. Participation is encouraged from all students. Extracurricular activities include the debating society, language clubs, drama, and music clubs. Sports clubs include netball, football, boys’ and girls’ rugby, athletics, dance, crosscountry, badminton, basketball, tennis, and cricket. Residential and day trips are seen as an important part of the students’ educational lives, with trips offered to Barcelona, Paris, Moscow, Belgium, Dorset, and a week-long activities week, with all students participating in a wide variety of activities in this country and abroad.

Pastoral care: Seeing students as individual learners and promoting a fully rounded education is at the heart of what the school aims to achieve. Staff work in partnership with students and parents to raise students’ expectations and standards of achievement in a caring, secure and supportive environment. Each student is supported by a tutor who monitors their group attendance, celebrates their achievements and raises any concerns. There is a Year 7 evening in September for parents to meet the tutors and staff. Tutors remain with their tutor groups throughout a student’s time at Oldfield, enabling them to support them through their school life.

Outstanding characteristics: An exceptional education in an environment that challenges all students and fosters ambition. Students have respect for themselves, each other and their school and are well-prepared to face the world as compassionate, confident and resilient young people. The behaviour and conduct of students is excellent. Good work and behaviour is recognised and rewarded. The principles underlying this policy are based on respect – for self, for others and for the environment.

THE PARAGON SCHOOL

Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, BA2 4LT. Tel: 01225 310837, www: paragonschool.co.uk

Name of principal: Mrs Rosie Allen

Age of pupils: 3 - 11 years Number of pupils: 250

Termly fees: per term: Years 5&6 £3,909 per term. Years 3-4 £3,814 per term. Reception to Year 2, £3,428 per term. Squirrels Pre-School full time (5 days term time only) £3,200. Part time information available on request. Fees for all year groups include lunch.

Religious denomination: Christian

The curriculum: Broad, balanced curriculum with exciting topic-based work which is explored across all subject areas. Each child is supported to achieve their full potential academically with 'limitless' opportunities to discover their passions and learning strengths. Sport, art, music and outdoor learning are extremely strong.

Extra curricular activities: A fantastic range of extra-curricular activities from sewing and pottery to cricket and African drumming. Staff and external specialist teachers and coaches run over 65 lunchtime and after school clubs. The majority of the clubs focus on enjoyment and exploring new interests. Some of the clubs are by invitation only to provide the children with the opportunity to develop their skill level. There is also a rich mix of school trips and activity days, including a week in France for Year 6 children, a trip to Osmington Bay for Year 5 and a residential to Mill on the Brue for Year 4. Visits are to local historical and educational sites, and many themed days make full use of the school’s grounds.

Pastoral care: Every child at The Paragon should feel secure and affirmed, valued for who they are regardless of their ability. Children feel comfortable about approaching a teacher to talk about something that’s bothering them. Strong relationships with parents help identify problems at an early stage. A school council, with democratically elected representatives from Year 3 up, meets monthly with the Head.

Outstanding characteristics: The Paragon is a vibrant school, full of fun and energy. Its friendly family atmosphere and belief that happy children learn best, is at the heart of what they do.

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE

Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH Tel: 01225 835353 Website: www.priorparkcollege.com

Name of Headmaster: Mr Ben Horan

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years

Number of pupils: 620

Fee Structure: Day, £5,314 - £5,865 per term Weekly boarding, £7,686 - £9,056 per term Full boarding, £8,663 - £10,973 per term International boarding: £9,975 - £11,667 per term

Religious denomination: Catholic, but all faiths welcome.

The curriculum: Prior Park College offers a broad but balanced curriculum, allowing every child to find their talent. The College offers 26 A Level subjects while students study 10 or 11 GCSE subjects. The College prides itself on the very strong teacher/student partnerships based on mutual respect and commitment to learning.

Extra curricular activities: The College has outstanding facilities including a Sports’ Centre, Art and Design Faculty and Sixth Form Centre. An impressive number of music and drama productions are held in the Julian Slade Theatre and John Wood Chapel. Our Daily Activities programme features over 60 activities ranging from CCF to Sci-Fi club. Saturday Active runs throughout term time and offers over 25 courses to choose from, including computer programming, sailing, street dance and golf.

Pastoral Care: Prior Park prides itself on its pastoral care, aiming to provide a safe, stimulating and positive environment. It is very much a community that looks out for each other and after each other.

Outstanding characteristics: A happy, purposeful, high-achieving community which aims to develop as fully as possible the many talents of each student and providing an education for life.

SHELDON SCHOOL

Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6HJ Telephone: 01249 766020 www.sheldonschool.co.uk

Head of Sixth Form: Mr Eugene Spiers

Pupils: 1,696 Sixth Form pupils: 369 Age: 11 - 18

Unique Characteristics: Expectations and aspirations are high and we are committed to developing the young people in our care, whatever their talents. Children of all abilities succeed at this school and are encouraged to develop academically, physically and spiritually, fulfilling their potential in a happy, caring environment.

Extra curricular activities: Pupils have a wealth of opportunities available to them, which are provided by staff volunteers and specialist coaches, usually out of school hours. These range from DofE, Ten Tors, sport, drama, music and public speaking opportunities to chess, gardening and knitting clubs.

Pastoral care: Year groups are organised into tutor groups under the guidance of the same tutor, head of year and deputy from Year 7 through to Year 11. There are separate tutor groups in the Sixth Form with specialist tutors. Parents have the opportunity to meet the tutor and involve themselves with Parents’ Forums for each year group regularly throughout the year.

Outstanding characteristics: Sheldon Sixth Form is justly proud of our consistently strong A level results and wide-ranging Sixth Form package, aimed at developing confident and happy young adults. This includes oneto-one pastoral and subject support.

ST GREGORY’S, BATH

Saint Gregory’s, Bath Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 8PA Tel: 01225 832873 www.st-gregorys.org.uk

Name of Principal: Ms Ann Cusack

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: 980

Religious denomination: Catholic

The curriculum: Saint Gregory's curriculum encourages students to develop their talents, deepen their knowledge and become motivated, independent learners within a caring Christian setting. High expectations combined with excellent teaching and learning opportunities create an atmosphere that allows students to attain outstanding results. A broad and balanced curriculum with specialisms in Science and the Performing Arts inspire a particularly creative and engaging focus.

Extra-curricular activities: Students at Saint Gregory's are encouraged to explore their talents beyond the classroom and through a wide range of sporting and extra curricular activities. Through an engaging enrichment programme students develop a sense of selfawareness, an appreciation for healthy lifetsyles, key employability skills and build lasting friendships through teamwork and a spirit of togetherness and support. With a vast range of opportunities, each and every student has an opportunity to discover their talents and shine.

Pastoral care: At Saint Gregory’s, the personal development and well-being of students is paramount with Christian values central to their educational purpose, creating an aspirational, enriching and supportive environment for all. In the day-to-day life of the school, these values are evident in a strong ‘family’ atmosphere and a highly valued House System.

Outstanding characteristics: Saint Gregory’s is the only secondary school in B&NES rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in three consecutive inspections making it one of Ofsted’s highest achieving secondary schools locally and nationally. They were recognised once again in 2019, as an ‘Outstanding’ secondary school in their Section 48 Diocesan Inspection, highlighting Saint Gregory’s as a flourishing educational community where every child is valued and encouraged to grow as individuals.

ST MARGARET’S PREP, CALNE ST MARK’S SCHOOL

Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DF Tel: 01249 857220 www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk

Head: Mr Luke Bromwich

Pupils: 180 Age: 2 - 11 years

Fee Structure:

Nursery – session/funding dependent. Pre-Prep: £3,370/Prep: £4,120-£4,590 Religious denomination: Non-denominational

The curriculum: Children at St Margarets engage in a wide range of carefully planned, meaningful learning experiences designed to promote not only learning but also their personal growth and development. The curriculum is delivered, in the main, by class teachers, all of whom are experts in the relevant ages. This is then enhanced by specialist provision in Sport, Music, Computing, Art and Modern Foreign Languages. Teaching throughout the school is tailored to meet the needs of the individual child and children are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their own learning and with support identify their next steps.

Extra-curricular activities: The school offers an extensive range of clubs. Children have the opportunity to participate in a varied and rich programme of extra-curricular activities which is designed to ignite pupils’ curiosity and provide ample time for them to develop positive relationships with their peers. Each child will learn to grow into positive, responsible adults who can work and cooperate with others, whilst at the same time developing their knowledge and skills in order to achieve their true potential.

Pastoral care: Every effort is made to ensure that children flourish both in terms of their learning and personal growth. We fully commit to providing a nurturing, safe and supportive environment with a firm sense of belonging and community. Communication between staff, children and parents is both flexible and open, leading to the best possible outcomes for growth and development.

Outstanding characteristics: A school with real spirit and energy, which lives each day to the full and brings about a love of learning. We purposefully pack excitement and learning experiences into every moment. The children are thoroughly prepared for entrance examinations to senior schools and St Margaret’s has an impressive record of success in academic and specialist subject scholarships, as well as consistently gaining entry to first-choice schools.

Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 www.st-marks.org.uk

Name of Principal:

Mr Barnaby Ash, BSc (Hons) NPQH

Age of pupils: 11 - 18 years Number of pupils: c.500 Day fees: N/A

Religious denomination: Church of England

The curriculum: The St Mark’s curriculum is rigorous, challenging and motivating so that students find joy in learning, and learn to value the commitment they need to thrive and reach their full potential. St Mark’s believe in the importance of preparing students for the world of work, but more than that, the importance of enabling them to develop the skills and personal qualities to become healthy, resilient individuals - ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society. Students have internal access to the Hayesfield Girls' School and Beechen Cliff Sixth Forms which provide high-quality sixth form education as a platform for future success.

Extra curricular activities: The school’s personal development programme includes a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities for students to extend their learning and enrich their life experiences, in order that they achieve their personal best.

Pastoral care: The team at St Mark’s pride themselves on pastoral support and having the highest expectations of our students. Every student has a team around them that works tirelessly to ensure that they build character and support needs. The school actively promotes a compassionate and caring environment in which students can readily turn to the staff, and each other, for support. The school values working in partnership with parents and carers.

Outstanding characteristics: St Mark’s is a co-educational secondary school in the heart of Bath. The school promotes self-worth in students to inspire them to live well, achieve their goals and be a force for good both in school and the world beyond. The school’s motto of ‘Let your light shine’ is a reminder to have aspiration, resilience and to value the importance of community. They also have an ethos to work hard at St Mark’s to be the best version of themsleves.

STONAR

Cottles Park, Atworth, Wiltshire SN12 8NT Tel: 01225 701740 www.stonarschool.com

Name of principal: Mr Matthew Way, BSc.Econ. (Hons), PGCE, MEd

Age of pupils: 2 - 18 Number of pupils: Junior school 102; Senior school 295 Fees: Boarders: £8,762 – £11,413 per term; Reception/Prep: £3,071 – £4,147 per term; Senior school: £5,530 – £5,965 per term

Religious denomination: Non-denominational The curriculum: Stonar pupils are afforded a high degree of personal attention in a supportive yet challenging environment. They are expected to work hard and to be ambitious in their outlook. Small class sizes and excellent teaching ensures that each pupil is developed in line with their individual strengths and weaknesses. Stonar was in the top 2% of schools in 2020 at GCSE and A Level for value-added, meaning pupils achieve on average up to a grade higher than predicted in all subjects compared with pupils of the same ability at other schools. Pupils gain confidence in their strengths, acquire life-long learning skills and are expected to get involved in all aspects of school life. Extra curricular activities: Through the huge range of extra curricular activities on offer in the 80 acre campus pupils discover their own interests and talents and learn to respect and celebrate those of others. An array of clubs at lunchtime and after lessons enrich the experience at Stonar and academic work is enhanced by subject specific trips. Forty percent of Stonar pupils ride at our British Horse Society approved equestrian centre, which offers outstanding onsite facilities including stabling, indoor and outdoor schools and a cross country schooling field. Pastoral care: Pupils, parents and teachers alike often describe Stonar as a family. As a small school each pupil is known individually. A nurturing ethos is integral to the school, backed up by an outstanding and robust pastoral structure that ensures the very best care for every child. Stretched and inspired by everything they experience at Stonar, pupils develop into confident and outgoing young adults.

Outstanding characteristics: Stonar is proud to be part of the Globeducate Education Group, which consists of over 60 schools around the world. As a result pupils attending Stonar benefit from developing a global outlook that will be essential for the world in which they will live and work. Through its partnerships with the schools in the group, pupils engage in a wide range of academic and cultural events that allow them to work alongside peers of other nationalities and forge long-term connections and friendships. Stonar is fully co-educational and applications are welcomed from both boys and girls for all years.

WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

The Liberty, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2ST Tel: 01749 834 200 www.wells.cathedral.school

Name of Master: Mr Alastair Tighe Age of pupils: 2 - 18 Number of pupils: 700. 200 sixth form pupils; 290 boarders Fee Structure: Junior School Day fees: from £2,770 per term; Junior School Boarding fees: from £8,502 per term. Senior School Day fees: from £6,436 day per term; Senior School Boarding fees: from £10,738 per term

Faith: Christian. All faiths welcome

Exam Results 2020

GCSE: 9-4 = 97% A Level: A* – C = 90%

The curriculum: Wells Cathedral School provides an innovative and bold curriculum with an Integrated Arts Programme, Modern Foreign Languages, STEM, a Specialist Music Scheme and a Specialist Maths Scheme. Around one quarter of Senior School pupils are specialist musicians, however, it’s unique in being the only specialist music school in the world to be situated within the context of an all-round school, meaning that pupils benefit from “the best of both worlds.”

Co-curricular: Sport is an integral part of school life and they encourage pupils of all abilities to take part. They offer over 15 sport options and are proud to have the best cricket grounds in Somerset. The drama department has built a reputation for ambitious productions (one was attended by Sir Cameron Mackintosh!). Art flourishes with regular exhibitions in Cedars Hall, and CCF has over 200 cadets. A recent ISI report noted “The quality of pupils development is excellent.” The school won the Independent School of The Year Award for Performing Arts in 2020 and has also been shortlisted for Co-ed School of The Year 2021.

Pastoral care: Wells aims to provide all pupils with a family environment within a kind and caring community where they can be happy, healthy and, most importantly, who they are. With the mixed day and boarding houses situated in the heart of the school, this warm atmosphere extends into the day-to-day life of every pupil making Wells not just a school but a home. The Good Schools Guide 2020 noted “Pastoral care was voted outstanding by all we spoke to.” Outstanding characteristics: There is a strong sense of family, acceptance and kindness at the school that makes it a very special place in which to live and learn. Wells encourages every pupil to be curious and open-minded. Their core values of Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour, (CARE) represents the most important thing of all –that we all take care of each other, and that we are kind to each other.

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS

September Dates

Beechen Cliff School

www.beechencliff.org.uk

Prospective Parents Evening - Tuesday 14 Sept. 6.00pm -8.00pm Open Morning - Thursday 23 Sept. 9.00am - 12.00 noon

Hayesfield School

www.hayesfield.com

Open Evening - Tuesday 14 Sept. 5.45pm - 8.30pm Open Morning - Friday 17 Sept. 9.15am - 12.00 noon

Kingswood School

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Prep School Open Morning - Tuesday 21 Sept. 10.100am- 12 noon Sixth Form Open Evening - Thursday 23 Sept. 6.30pm - 9.00pm Senior School Open Morning - Saturday 25 Sept. 9.00am - 12 noon

Oldfield School

Open Mornings - Friday 24 & Monday 27 Sept. 9.00am - 10.30am Open Evening - Wednesday 22 Sept. 6.00pm - 8.30pm

Prior Park College

www.priorparkcollege.com

Main Open Morning - Saturday 18 Sept. Sixth Form Information Evening - Tuesday 28 Sept

Sheldon School

www.sheldonschool.co.uk

Open Evening - Thursday 16 Sept. Open Days - Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 Sept.

St. Gregory’s School

www.st-gregorys.org.uk

Open Evening - Thursday 16 Sept. Open Morning - Tuesday 28 Sept.

St. Mark’s School

www.st-marks.org.uk

Open Evening - Thursday 16 Sept. 6.30pm - 8.30pm Open Morning - Wednesday 22 Sept. 9.00am - 11.00am

Stonar

www.stonarschool.com

Reception Open Day - Wednesday 15 Sept. Senior Open Day - Saturday 25 Sept.

The Paragon School

www.paragonschool.co.uk Whole School Open Day - Friday 24 Sept. 9.30 - 12 noon

The Royal High School

www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Sixth Form Open Evening - Wednesday 22 Sept. 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Strategy for sustainability

Mike Randall, Deputy Head at Downside School, takes stock of the need for sustainable living and offers some practical ideas that we can all use in our everyday lives that will make a real difference

Sustainability is about the future. Living sustainably means making small sacrifices now, for the sake of the people who are going to live on our planet in the future.

As a civilisation, our current way of life is, in many ways, unsustainable. We cannot continue in the way we are now. We are dependent on fossil fuels, which will run out; we produce more carbon dioxide than the natural carbon cycle of our planet can support, leading to climate change; and we produce and distribute food so there are stark inequalities in different parts of the world that lead to food wastage, an obesity crisis in some areas and starvation in others. Sustainable development looks for solutions to these environmental concerns –at heart this is about seeking fairness across the generations, so that future generations have access to the same resources as we do. It also encompasses the idea of spreading out our resources now more fairly between different countries. The UN points to three differing strands to sustainable development: economic development, social development, and environmental protection. The Pope has also written about the Catholic Church’s response to this in Laudato Si’ and how we as a Catholic community should respond.

How can such an ambitious project be realised? Obviously, this issue can only be solved on an international, political scale. But personal choices can have a huge impact. The youngest pupils in our Downside School community, the First Form, undertook a week of activities looking at the future of food, and Mr Hobbs and I had the pleasure of listening to what they have learnt and their ‘Big Little Ideas’. Every member of this community

Big little ideas

• Recycle waste instead of throwing it in the bin, and put leftover food in the compost bin in house. The First Form measured the waste from the Refectory and found that nearly 10kg of food was wasted from one sitting!

• Use public transport, cycle and walk whenever possible. Do you need to be driven, can you organise car-pooling, where you share a car with your friends or family?

• Insulation: invest in double-glazing, and better wall and loft insulation, which will mean less energy will be lost in heating; it will also save money on the bills.

• Buy fuel-efficient machines and buy hybrid cars if you can.

When using the washing machine, turn it down to a 30degree cycle. And when replacing the boiler, try and switch to a fuel-efficient one.

• Eat less meat, particularly beef. Huge swathes of rainforest are cut down every day to make grazing space for cattle; these cattle then consume vast amounts of food and pass out tonnes of methane (a potent greenhouse gas) before they are slaughtered. Then they are transported to arrive in our supermarkets. The whole process is carbon-intensive and wasteful. You don’t have to go vegetarian; just cut down on meat to once a week, and drink less milk.

We are all going to have to make adjustments to our lifestyles to cut down on our consumption ❝

and every member of the community of humanity has a responsibility to think about what they can do, too.

The box here has some of the big little ideas you can adjust in your everyday life which will cut down your carbon use. Some of our pupils also join the St Francis community in the School. This community looks at ways pupils can have a positive impact on sustainability and have a voice in the school strategy for sustainability. Another idea is to campaign and write to your MP. You could also calculate your own ‘carbon footprint’ on a carbon calculator (you can do this online), and start to work on bringing that footprint down. You could also look at ‘carbon offsetting’ flights and high-carbon activities. If they can’t be avoided, you pay to have the carbon you produce ‘offset’ by planting a tree elsewhere.

As a school, we are developing a sustainability strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and to improve our sustainability. We committed to zero single use plastics in the school two years ago and achieved this before Covid meant we had to reintroduce them. We will ensure this commitment is restored as soon as we can. We have introduced compost bins in the Houses to recycle food waste and we are working with our caterers to reduce food miles and make the menus more sustainable. Our most difficult challenge is that of reducing our energy usage. The older buildings at Downside were not built with energy efficiency in mind. We are working with Historic England to find ways to insulate the Grade II listed buildings better to reduce energy wastage.

We are all going to have to make adjustments to our lifestyles to cut down on our consumption. They’re small sacrifices, but the good they will do for the environment, and our fellow human beings in the long term, make them worthwhile. And they’re sacrifices that will save you money and make you feel healthier – so not all that bad! ■

downside.co.uk

HIP TIDE

When pain prevents you from doing the activities you love, it’s a sign you should seek medical advice. For an amateur surfer from Almondsbury, this was his motivation to undergo hip surgery at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, and nine months later, he’s back on his surfboard.

When Nick Meads, 56, first began experiencing severe back pain a few years ago, he initially assumed – as many of us would – that he simply had a bad back. Father-of-three Nick is a keen sportsman, who enjoys surfing and competing in triathlons, but the constant pain meant that he was no longer able to take part without painkillers. He was struggling to walk, he wasn’t sleeping, and over the course of around five years, his pain got progressively worse. As Nick says, “I just got fed up, because I couldn’t do anything I loved doing.”

Last summer, during a family holiday to Portugal, Nick was finally convinced that something needed to be done. He says: "I was running about on the beach with the kids and felt crippled. They’re older now, so were just giving me grief, but my wife, Charlotte, who’s a physiotherapist, saw the pain I was in and told me I couldn’t go on like that. I also spoke to my brother, who’d recently had a hip operation. We were comparing notes about our pain, and everything he described matched what I had.”

It was at that point Nick realised it perhaps wasn’t his back that was the problem, but rather an issue with his hip.

Nick booked an appointment to see Mr Stephen Eastaugh-Waring, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, whose specialties include the treatment of sports-related hip conditions. During their consultation, the benefits of both a hip replacement and hip resurfacing surgery were discussed, and due to Nick’s love of extreme sports, it was decided that hip resurfacing would be the better option.

Hip resurfacing is a relatively new procedure for treating hip pain and hip osteoarthritis that, as the name implies, provides a new surface for the ball and socket that make up the hip joint. During surgery, the damaged surfaces of the femur head (ball of the thighbone) and the acetabulum (socket in your pelvis) are reshaped and replaced with a cover.

Mr Eastaugh-Waring explains: “Hip resurfacing has been popularised by Andy Murray, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. According to the National Joint Registry, younger and middle-aged, active males are the particular patient group who do best with this procedure, and because Nick is a very keen surfer, he benefits from the large bearing size which helps prevent dislocation.”

Nick had his surgery last November, and describes himself as “gob-smacked” by how quickly he felt the difference. “Compared to what it was like before, I was completely pain-free," he says. “Going down the stairs was just a joy, and within two weeks I was walking without needing to use crutches.

“Having hip surgery was a bit scary, but the hospital team were brilliant, and very reassuring. Mr Eastaugh-Waring was absolutely fantastic, the physios I saw were excellent, and the nurses were amazing.”

After three months, Nick was able to take what he calls “some good walks” with the family’s pet dog, and at six months, when he’d been advised by Mr Eastaugh-Waring that he would be able to do a bit more exercise, he cycled 110 miles. “It’s as if I’ve never had a bad hip,” he says. Obviously wanting to get back to surfing, Nick also booked some sessions at The Wave, the inland-surfing destination just outside Bristol. He explains, “I can focus on pushing myself a lot harder, which is great, and also, rather than being a ‘mediocre dad’ at surfing and other sports, I can start kicking my sons’ butts. They were taking the Mick before, saying they could easily catch up with me, but now, I can start challenging them again – even at my ripe old age!”

If you’ve been experiencing any form of joint pain and would like to book an appointment with a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, call 0117 911 5339, or visit our website: www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol.

“The College of Naturopathic Medicine gave me a purpose”

Carli-Louan Foster, CNM Nutritional Therapy Graduate

Life is too short to be stressed and miserable – take action before it’s too late, especially if it’s impacting your health.

My career led to chronic stress. I worked for a FTSE 100 company and did project work with the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, who had trained at one of the Big 4. Her success inspired me and I went on to work in a series of demanding, intense roles in the financial sector. This was the start of my chronic stress, working long hours with no work-life balance. I hit breaking point, running on adrenaline, not eating properly and experiencing chest pains. My wakeup call was when someone asked me what I wanted my legacy to be.

I used exercise to help cope with stress. My trainer (a graduate from the College of Naturopathic Medicine – CNM) ran an event on Nutrition which I attended, and that was it, I was hooked. I’ve always been interested in health but at that point I was exhausted, stressed, my hair was thinning and I was still struggling with acne and a hormone imbalance. Attending the event and working with my trainer transformed my health and my perspective on life. I realised the damage I was doing and that I had a huge desire to help other people.

CNM was my turning point. The college was familiar to me as I knew quite a few people who had studied or were studying there so I decided to join. The clinical experience, observing and working with clients was fascinating, emotionally intense and fulfilling. It challenged me, pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me an incredible sense of meaning and purpose.

I have “the ability to live my dreams” which is my favourite definition of health from Moshi Feldenkrais. I want my legacy to be helping other people live their dreams. The CNM course emphasises the need to tackle the root cause of symptoms, which is what I needed to do with my stress – I was in the wrong career that didn’t align with my core values. I feel so happy that I’m now on a path where I’m excited to get up in the morning and make a difference to someone’s health and wellbeing, I feel like a new person!

I use my knowledge from CNM to build a healthy foundation for myself. Recently I used this knowledge to prepare my body for having a baby and I managed to fall pregnant pretty much straight away at 37 and now have a beautiful, healthy baby girl at the end of a great pregnancy. I’m now planning to specialise in female health and fertility doing what I love.

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Geoff Don