NappyValleyNet Schools guide 2017

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S C H O O L S G U I D E 2 0 1 7/ 1 8 INSI Ope DE n D Guid ay e

LONG DECISION

24 PAGES

Single sex v co-ed Boarding v day schools Private v state schools

HOW TO

find the fees WHY YOUR CHILD

MUST CODE

of SW London schools, pre-schools and nurseries

11+ or 13+ exams?

OUT TO PLAY

Forest schools explored

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO EDUCATING YOUR CHILD IN SOUTH WEST LONDON nappyvalleynet.com /schools

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CONTENTS

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Welcome to the third annual NappyValleyNet Schools Guide Since we published our first guide back in 2015, the London schools landscape has continued to evolve and change. New schools have opened, exam systems have been modified, but some issues remain the same. Pressure on places is still high and parents are still presented with a dizzying array of choices.

Whatever the age of your child, and whether you are considering the state or fee-paying route, the aim of this guide is to make those choices easier and less stressful.

Over the next 116 pages you will find school profiles, interviews with education professionals, advice on how to make the most of open days and much, much, more.

On page 46 we discuss mental health and why, at last, it is starting to appear on our curriculums. On page 56 we consider the unassailable rise of coding and why every child should learn their bits from their bytes and, in total contrast, on page 65 we discover how some classrooms are moving into our fields and forests.

Newton Prep

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There are also email sign-ups to remind you of open day dates and entrance exam dates, while our jargon buster on page 14 helps you differentiate your Common Entrance from your 11+ and SATS! We hope you find this guide useful and, as always, we would love your feedback on what we can do better next time.

Warmest wishes

Founder, The London Magazine Company Ltd

NappyValleyNet’s Schools Guide 2017/18 is published by the London Magazine Company Ltd. Company number 9965295 Editor Gillian Upton Contributors Georgina Blaskey, Nicola Woolcock, Sian Griffiths Chief Sub-Editor Charlotte Peterson Listings Danique Hayden Design & Artwork eighthouse.co.uk Sales & Marketing Clare Sheta Publisher C Hanage While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, The London Magazine Company Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Printed by Elanders Polska Sp Published by The London Magazine Company Ltd info@thelondonmagazinecompany.co.uk

Alleyn’s School

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Wimbledon High School

4 Introduction 12 School timelines 14 Jargon buster 17 School profile: The White House 18 School building projects 20 School choices 24 Boarding schools 27 School profile: Cranleigh School 29 11+ or 13+ exams?

32 School profile: Woldingham School 33 Sixth form options 38 Early years education 46 Children’s wellbeing 52 Supply v demand for school places 55 School profile: Broomwood/ Northwood Group 56 Learning to code 58 Open day guide 65 Outdoor education 69 School profile: Peregrines Pre-Prep School 70 School profile: Eveline Day and Nursery Schools 71 School fees 77 School profile: Oliver House School 78 Finding the right school 85 Camp profile: Camp Suisse 86 School profile: Eaton Square Upper School 87 Q & A with new school heads 94 Find your local schools 96 School directory 114 Resources Cover photograph courtesy of Oliver House School

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INTRODUCTION

CHANGING THE RULES Nicola Woolcock, Education Correspondent, The Times, charts the constantly changing educational landscape

Just when parents think they’ve got to grips with the education system, another new policy, scheme or exam appears on the horizon. Last year it was the turn of primary school parents to experience the stress of seeing their children tackle new harder Sats papers and a more rigorous curriculum.

This year, GCSE pupils were the guinea pigs as teenagers sat the first of the new exams graded from 9-1 instead of A* to G. To add confusion, only two exams were graded numerically this year - English and Maths - and the new grades did not tally exactly with the old. A 9 was supposed to be roughly equivalent to an A**, an 8 to an A*, and so on. However, the pass mark was also unclear. Initially, it was thought that a 5 would be the pass mark - the equivalent of a strong C or weak B grade; then it was announced that a pass for individual pupils would be a 4, but that schools and colleges would be judged in government league tables on how many teenagers reached a 5 (deemed a strong pass) in certain subjects.

“LAST YEAR PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS EXPERIENCED THE STRESS OF HARDER SATS PAPERS AND A MORE RIGOROUS CURRICULUM” Unsurprisingly, this has left many employers and parents nonplussed. Jane Lunnon, head of Wimbledon High School, has mixed feelings about the changes. She believes the old GCSE system needed to be reformed, but is at the sharp end of having a child at the vanguard of the changes.

Bertrum House School

“JUST WHEN PARENTS THINK THEY’VE GOT TO GRIPS WITH THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, SOMETHING NEW APPEARS ON THE HORIZON”

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Dulwich College

“THIS YEAR, GCSE PUPILS WERE THE GUINEA PIGS AS TEENAGERS SAT THE FIRST OF THE NEW EXAMS” Speaking ahead of exam season, she said: “Our pupils take International GCSE in English and Maths (which retains the alphabetical grading this year). But I’m also a mum and my son is going through it at the moment so I have strong views on this.

“Ideologically I’m all for trying to reclaim the very very top grade, moving away from A* to trying for a 9 for the very outstanding.

I think there’s something to be said for that.

Grade inflation is an issue and it is helpful to be able to differentiate.

“But that rush to quick fixes, rushing them through, being politically expedient, isn’t in the best interests of our children.

“My son is having to deal with Maths which is much harder and more complex than last year when my daughter took it. It’s exponentially harder. It’s crazy.

“If this is what we’re aiming for, let’s give ourselves five years to bring it in. Our poor children are at the frontline of this for the next couple of years. They haven’t been taught for an exam as tough as this. There’s not enough exemplar material for teachers or children.

“A slow cooking approach would be better than a rush; it would have been of enormous benefit, especially in the context of mental health.”

The issue of mental health was one of great relevance ahead of the general election. Theresa May stressed the importance of addressing youth mental health problems and promised mental health first aid training for every secondary school.

However, schools are struggling with frozen budgets and rising costs, and many are cutting services such as counselling in an

BILINGUALISM – A LIFELONG GIFT There is a wealth of research documenting the positive aspects of raising your child bilingually. Benefits are particularly significant in the areas of social and cognitive development.

We strongly believe in and implement the One Person One Language (OPOL) principle. It ensures children acquire both languages distinctively and without confusion. Some children, who may not have been exposed to one of the two languages prior to school, may gravitate towards the adult who speaks their language at first. Children rapidly build up their confidence in the other language though. It is such a joy for parents and teachers when they start to express themselves in both languages, thus reaping the rewards of a bilingual education.

Source: L’Ecole du Parc

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Newton Prep

attempt to balance the books - or starting to charge parents who can afford it.

The head of a school in south London, who did not want to be identified, said recently: “We’re in one of the hardest-hit London boroughs and have received flat funding for a while, as costs go up. On just pensions alone, our staff contributions have gone up £50,000.

“We’ve expanded from two to three forms of entry but all that’s allowing us to do is stay still. Initially we were going to grow our back office but all that’s happened is the school is growing around us and we can’t afford to keep pace with it. We will have to be able to afford an extra teacher but the admin team and premises staff around the expansion they’re just going to have to stretch.

“We’re being asked to do more on less: more heads and deputy heads teaching in classrooms. No more luxury items, such as a French teacher or full-time teaching assistant per class.

“We’ve already cut back on speech and language therapy and counselling, from one full day to half a day, and are re-prioritising the waiting list.”

Other schools have reduced the number of subjects - focusing mostly on English and Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) - dropped music lessons or subsidies for school trips, charged parents for any extra academic help, and expanded class sizes.

“I BELIEVE, IN OUR CULTURE, THAT THE CREATIVE SUBJECTS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR ECONOMY AND SHOULD BE SUPPORTED” About 10,000 schools are set to lose even more money under a new National Funding Formula being introduced from September 2018.

Private tutoring has boomed in recent years and the financial pressure on schools will have done nothing to discourage parents from seeking extra support for their children, or a broader curriculum if arts subjects have been dropped.

David Adkins, deputy head at Thames Christian School in Battersea, is of the belief that the cuts in educational funding will “cause more pupils to join the private sector if state schools are no longer able to offer such a wide range of subjects in terms of curriculum.

“I believe, in our culture, that the creative subjects are really important to our economy and should be supported. For the arts to

BREADTH OF CURRICULUM Independent schools are fortunate enough to be able to choose a curriculum based on areas and subjects that inspire and engage their students on a daily basis. They can be tailored to individual needs with a clear focus on what students find important and interesting.

All schools offer a range of additional and extracurricular lessons – from Latin and Mandarin, to mindfulness and living history, to horse-riding, skiing and judo – alongside core subjects such as English and Maths.

London schools are also able to make use of the wealth of incredible resources on their doorstep, hosting regular lessons in London’s museums, galleries and theatres. Furthermore, we recognise that each child has their own skills, strengths and areas for development. With that in mind, our classes are small and intimate so that each student has as much interaction with teachers as possible.

Source: Eaton Square Upper School (Minerva Education)

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suffer would be a tragic thing. The arts are an outlet for self expression.”

However, much of the expenditure on tutoring to date has been to try to secure a private school place.

Yellowbird Education, a family business in Fulham, offers mock entrance tests, creative writing courses, and a consultancy to help families find school places. Janie Richardson, its co-founder, is a former head teacher

FIT FOR A KING The news that Prince George would be attending Thomas’s Battersea prep school from this month (September) was met with varying responses, from, ‘Will security be so tight that it will inconvenience other parents?’ to ‘What is the correct procedure for inviting the third in line to the throne on a playdate?’ The co-ed day school has 540 pupils aged between 4 and 13 and places special focus on the arts, sports and emotional wellbeing.

The choice is a break with tradition as both Prince William and Prince Harry attended Wetherby pre-prep in west London. Naturally, Thomas’s head Ben Thomas is “honoured and delighted” at the decision.

who said: “I see parents on a daily basis and tuition is always a hot topic. I am always asked if I can recommend tutors.

“I have definitely seen an increase in tutoring in the last year. We run a waiting list for tuition and the list is forever growing.

Parents are desperate to get a head start for their children, from the ages of three up to 11.

“All the parents we see are for independent school entry, within the Fulham area. We have also seen an increase in tuition for A levels and pupils from abroad seeking tuition to gain entry into British schools.”

She said handwriting lessons were of particular interest as it enabled children to write clearly but faster for exams, adding: “We see many young children who are sitting exams and parents would like them to be able to write faster and for their writing to be linked and legible.”

David Cameron pledged in 2015 that there would be 500 new free schools by 2020, and many of those already opened are in London and the South East, adding to the diversity of schools on offer in the area. Grammar schools were set to make a return, but a question mark hangs over this plan now that Theresa May heads a minority government.

Mrs Lunnon at Wimbledon High said families would welcome more choice.

“Our own experience is there’s enormous demand and not enough places across this part of London,” she said. “Choice is a very good thing. More schools can offer more choice to children and parents.”

At a time when arts and modern languages are struggling for a place on the curriculum at some schools, they are at the heart of others.

Kensington Wade, which opens this September, is the first British prep school to offer a dual-language English-Chinese education from the age of three to 11. It promises to “combine the rigorous Chinese approach to teaching and learning with the warmth, vibrancy and richness of a British prep school education...within a nurturing environment.”

Jo Wallace, the headmistress, who talks of living with wolves and bears in mountains in Croatia on the school’s website, acknowledges that increasing numbers of English schools are offering Chinese language teaching. She adds: “Given the nature of the Chinese language and the demands of the existing curriculum, the time and energy devoted to learning Chinese is insufficient to learn both the language and the culture properly.

“Kensington Wade gives children fluency in Mandarin Chinese, a bilingual mindset and

COPING WITH EXAM STRESS Provide support and motivation establish a feel-good factor about the learning, even though you appreciate it’s hard. For entrance exams, it helps to visualise being there.

Get organised - create a quiet, comfortable work area at home with all they need. Get hold of past exam papers and offer to help with interactive learning, but not if they’d rather study alone.

Manage revision stress - encourage your child to talk freely to you and to their friends. If they get frustrated during revision, play some sport or watch some television. Always take a 5-minute break in every hour.

Play down exam day pressure – eat a good breakfast and allow time for the brain to wake up. Remind them that controlled deep breathing can calm any distress before or during an exam, and reiterate that you love and value them, whatever happens.

Streatham & Clapham High School

Source: JK Educate

Open Morning 30 September 2017 ‘Delightful school with pupils to match, benefiting from first class leadership and a realistic day school option for anyone within striking distance of Clapham Junction.’ Good Schools Guide 2017

T: 01883 654206 woldinghamschool.co.uk

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MORE SCHOOL PLACES Some 750,000 more school places are needed in the next eight years - the bulk in secondary schools - says the Department of Education. Arguably, competition will increase rather than lessen. In the last year only one new school opened in the Nappy Valley area and that is Oasis Academy Putney, a primary academy on the Lower Richmond Road with an initial intake of 38 reception pupils in September 2016. It is a two-form entry, inclusive, non-selective, co-educational school.

“Our vision is to create a new academy based on the belief that all pupils, regardless of background or ability, should be able to fulfill their potential,” says Di Morgan, executive principal.

Plans to open Gipsy Hill School, a co-educational, 11-19 secondary school in Lambeth this month (September) were dashed as premises could not be found. Far more likely is the opening of a new school in Nine Elms.

King’s College School

the ability to transfer comfortably between two cultures.”

The popularity of Chinese lessons comes as more schools embrace methods of teaching used to great success in the Far East.

Joe Croft, head of Ravenstone Primary School in Wandsworth, is not alone in extolling the virtues of the mastery approach, which underpins the Maths curriculum being rolled out across primary schools. Finessed in Shanghai and Singapore, mastery involves a whole-class approach, ensuring all children have a deep understanding of a particular topic before progressing to the next stage.

Originally devised for Maths, Ravenstone is also starting to use this approach in English. Mr Croft said: “Under the old curriculum, children would start at the bottom and rush up through the levels, which left gaps in their knowledge. Now it’s more like going on a climbing frame than a ladder; sometimes you go up and learn something new, then you go along and find something linked to it, or go back down to re-learn or consolidate.

“I never want to look at a child’s maths book again and see three pages of the same calculations with ticks next to them. If they’ve done five of those, they’ve got it.”

The mastery approach was launched in summer 2016 and £41 million has been

promised to 8,000 primary schools, so it can become a standard fixture of the curriculum.

Mr Croft said mastery also focused on fluency, problem solving and reasoning - “getting them really to understand how maths works.”

He added: “Some schools call it Singapore Maths or Shanghai Maths. We’re just calling it Maths. It’s just quality teaching.”

Abacus Ark

What will open this month, however, is Eaton Square Upper School, a co-ed senior school for up to 420 students aged between 11 and 18. Located in Piccadilly, opposite Green Park, it will open with entry into Years 7, 8 and 9 this academic year. The school will be academically non-selective and aims to create “well-rounded, considerate, confident and resilient children,” explains Tommy MacDonald-Milner, CEO of Minerva Education, of which Eaton Square Upper School is part.

OPEN DAYS BRO OMWO OD HALL PRE-PREP BOYS & GIRLS 4-8 YEARS

8.45 – 10.15am (presentation starts at 9.30am)

192 RAMSDEN ROAD, SW12 8RQ

Tuesday 10 October 2017

9.00 – 10.30am (presentation starts at 9.45am)

3 GARRAD’S ROAD, SW16 1JZ

Thursday 12 October 2017

BRO OMWO OD HALL PREP

NORTHCOTE LODGE PREP

10.00 – 11.15am Commences immediately after the Ramsden Road Open Day.

9.00 – 10.30am

68-74 NIGHTINGALE LANE, SW12 8NR

26 BOLINGBROKE GROVE, SW11 6EL

GIRLS 8-13 YEARS

Tuesday 10 October 2017

BOYS 8-13 YEARS

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Please register your interest by emailing: admissions@northwoodschools.com Tel: 020 8682 8830 www.broomwood.co.uk www.northcotelodge.co.uk

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ESSENTIAL TIMELINES

New to the British education system? Here are the essential dates and milestones

0-1

State primary school your child will start in the academic year in which he/ she turns 4 years old

2½

Some pre-prep and prep schools require registration the day your child is born, or shortly after

1-2½

1

Dolphin School

4-11

4-7/8, 11 or 13

Pre-prep school

3

Start to consider catchment areas for state schools. Almost all pre-prep and prep school applications will need to be submitted within this period

4½ 7/8

Pre-school or kindergarten starts

Independent prep school: your child will be assessed for selective schools aged 3 or 4

State primary school application deadline.

This is the January of the year the child is due to start school, so those who will turn 4 during the coming academic year (1st Sept – 31st Aug)

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5

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State secondary school.

Apply by 31st October of Year 6. Grammar schools set their own exams, taken early in Year 6 (see below)

Independent boarding or day schools. The 13 + Common Entrance exam is taken in Year 8, often preceded by a Pre-Test in Year 6 or 7, and many London days schools have their own 13+ exams in the January of Year 8.

Applications for many boarding schools are often 18-24 months before the year of entry, not just 12 months like many London day schools

7/8 or 13 Independent day or boarding schools There is a Year 6 entry at some independent secondary schools, with exams taken in Year 5. The 11+ exam will be taken in January of Year 6.

The 13+ Common Entrance exam is taken in Year 8; in cases of selective boarding and day schools this will have been preceded by a Pre-test in Year 6 or 7. See the Pre-test definition in Jargon Buster on page 14. Some grammar school applications need to be in before mid-July of Year 5 with exams in the autumn of Year 6

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The results of GCSE exams dictate entry into the sixth form or a sixth form college. Check admission dates at individual colleges as some request earlier applications. For a 16+ move to an independent school, applications, written exams and interviews are undertaken during the autumn term of Year 11

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JARGON

BUSTER

Our glossary defines the different school types and all the terms associated with our education system 7+, 11+ and 13+ These are the names of the entrance exams used by state and independent schools, denoted by the age that they are taken. The 13+ exams are also known as Common Entrance exams.

Academy schools Publicly-funded schools run by an academy trust which employs the staff.

They don’t have to follow the national curriculum but do have to follow the same rules on admissions, SEN and exclusions as other state schools.

preferred entrance approach for more traditional boarding schools.

Community schools State-funded schools or colleges where the local council is responsible for the admissions policy.

Boarding schools

Day schools

Schools where pupils study and live during the school year. They can be single sex or co-ed and the majority are fee-paying.

Schools where children are educated during the day, after which they return home.

Faith schools Common Entrance The exams taken in English, Maths and Science in Year 6 (plus humanities, language and classical subjects in Year 8), to gain entrance to senior independent schools at 11+ and 13+ respectively. Exams are marked by the senior school for which the candidate has applied.

Common Entrance is usually the

Schools associated with a particular religion. They follow the national curriculum and priority is given to those children attending a place of religion or worship.

Free schools Schools funded by the government but not run by the local council.

They can be set up on a not-for-

Alleyn’s Junior School

We - lleyn's

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Open Events on 23 September, 5 October and 14 November

Alleyns_200x124.5_junior.indd 1

Co-educational excellence in a caring community for children aged 4 to 11.

Visit our website for details and open event times. www.alleyns.org.uk I @AlleynsJunior 020 8557 1519 I Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU

04/08/2017 10:19

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profit basis by teachers, parents, charities or community/faith groups and have more control over how they are run, so don’t have to follow the national curriculum, for example.

Foundation schools State-funded schools in which the governing body has greater freedom in the running of the school than a community school.

They own their own assets, employ their own staff and are their own admission authorities.

Grammar schools Academically-oriented secondary schools in the state system operating selective intake by means of entry tests. 164 left in England.

Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Provides rigorous, high quality

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examinations and assessments for pupils seeking entry to independent senior schools at 11+ and 13+.

The examinations, backed by the leading independent school associations, include the Common Pre-Tests, Common Entrance and Common Academic Scholarship examinations.

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations that make up the Independent Schools Council.

International Baccalaureate (IB) An international educational foundation headquartered in Switzerland. Originally designed

Eaton Square Upper School

Alleyn’s School

We - lleyn's

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Open Events on 12, 13 and 30 September and 8 November

Alleyns_200x124.5_senior_2.indd 1

Co-educational excellence in a caring community for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. Financial assistance is available.

Visit our website for open event times and age details. www.alleyns.org.uk I @Alleyns_School 020 8557 1500 I Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU

04/08/2017 10:20

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for the children of globetrotting diplomats, IB offers four programmes, the most popular in the UK being an alternative to A levels in the shape of a broader-based two-year diploma.

International schools These promote an international education (often the IB, see above), and cater for students who are not nationals of the host country. The Council of International Schools (CIS) lists 13 schools in London.

Ofsted The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills for state schools Ofsted inspection reports can be viewed online at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk and are often used as the basis of school selection criteria.

Oxbridge A collective term referring to the 800-year-old universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Pre-preps Schools for children aged three to seven. The majority are coeducational and independent.

Prep schools Schools for children aged seven to 11, or 13 depending on the departure age to senior school. The majority are co-educational and independent and either stand-alone or attached to a senior school.

DLD College London

Pre-test The ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board) Common Pre-Tests are taken when a pupil is in Year 6 or Year 7 and are a standardised measure of ability and attainment. They are commissioned from GL Assessment and are online and adaptive. The tests include Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English and Mathematics in a multiplechoice format and take about two-and-a-half hours to complete; the tests can be taken together or at separate times, either in the candidate’s own school or at the senior school for which he or she is entered. Among the senior schools using pre-tests to assess candidates for entry are Bradfield, Brighton College, Charterhouse, Wellington and Westminster.

For a full list see www.iseb.co.uk/ getmedia/74a04c0d-06514639-996e-3901db330542/ Documentation-CPT-SeniorSchools.pdf.aspx

Primary schools Schools for children aged four to 11, usually in the state sector.

curriculum and the schools are inspected regularly, either by Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate or The Bridge Schools Inspectorate.

Public schools These schools are not in fact open to the public and are fee paying.

They were originally established to educate the children of civil servants and soldiers working in far-flung corners of the British Empire, and as such tend to mirror establishment values.

Russell Group A term referring to the self-selected association of 24 leading UK universities with arguably the best research and teaching.

SEN schools Specialist and mainstream schools which provide specialist units or bases for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Secondary schools Schools for children aged 11-16 or 18, usually within the state sector.

Voluntary aided schools Private schools Yellowbird Education

Also known as independent schools, they charge fees to attend. Pupils don’t have to follow the national

State-funded faith schools or colleges where the governors are responsible for the admissions policy.

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SCHOOL PROFILE

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED The White House is Balham’s hidden gem, quietly focused on preparing its boys and girls for a successful progression onto some of the top London senior schools When parents at a school are so passionate about it and they say, “It’s a hidden gem, we don’t want other people to know about it!”, you know they must be doing something right. Within moments of arriving at The White House Preparatory School in Balham, a co-educational school for 4-11 year olds, it’s clear to see why. Engaged, happy children, confident and enthusiastic without a shred of arrogance, are achieving fantastic results in a nurturing environment that delivers for every pupil’s needs. “Our children are kind and well-mannered, they open doors and say good morning,” explains vice-principal Laura Randall, daughter of the school’s founder, Mary McCahery. “We let children be children, they are not under any pressure, but gradually they step up to where they need to be.”

It’s a 30-year-old formula that works.

With pupils heading off from Year 6 to a selection of the best schools in London, 40 per cent of those with a scholarship, The White House may be small (there are 146 pupils), but it more than prepares its charges for life beyond its walls. “Our classes have 16 children maximum, which allows us to support each and every child in their learning,” says principal and founder Mary McCahery. “We know them all so well and pride ourselves on avoiding the ‘forgotten middle’ – those children who are pottering along nicely but can often be sidelined in bigger class sizes.”

Every child reads with a teacher once a day and has the opportunity to explore the subjects that really excite them one afternoon a week. “On Thursdays we look beyond the curriculum and children can

(while retaining small class sizes), and a new headmaster at the helm. Tony Lewis has some 30 years’ experience in a wide range of schools, including most recently as head of St Nicholas Prep School and previously as a housemaster at Stowe.

“I am fully committed to an all-round education,” explains Tony. “We must nurture our children so they continue to enjoy a full and happy childhood (having fun is important!) whilst also challenging and stimulating them, encouraging curiosity and inquisitiveness as well as developing character and personal skills.”

A recent, glowing ISI report, which marked the school as excellent in every area, highlighted how the children celebrate their peers’ achievements and emphasised

The White House

choose what they do from Art, Music, Drama and Sport.” It’s an initiative that has seen some breathtaking results. “In the Radio 2 500 Words competition, Year 6 pupil Umar Syed’s ‘The Stranger’ got through to the last round and a Year 5 pupil, Edward Watson, has won the Fourth Plinth Schools Award 2017 for his art work ‘London Life Goes Round’, which will be exhibited at City Hall.”

The White House is entering an exciting new phase in its development, with extension work leading to a two-form entry from Reception in September 2017

the family ethos: “They enjoy the culture of supporting each other which is prevalent throughout the school. The pupils are confident and self-aware. They feel like one big family. They have a strong sense of self-esteem.” These qualities were spotted

by The Sunday Times when it named The White House as one of the Top 100 Prep Schools nationwide and number ten in London, a fantastic achievement of which the whole school community is very proud, and one which means it won’t be Balham’s little secret for much longer.

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NAPPY VALLEY SCHOOLS

WATCH THIS SPACE Architects have been busy changing the face and size of Nappy Valley schools Hornsby House is building again. After completing the striking Lime Tree Building a few years back (pictured), with new dining hall and classrooms, it has started work on a year-long project for a link building to the Little School (reception) which will provide a new entrance and two classrooms when it is completed in September 2018.

Burntwood School No-one can fail to be impressed with the new build at Burntwood. The design scooped the RIBA Stirling Prize 2015, rightly so. Six new energy efficient faculty buildings and two large cultural buildings linking original buildings are filled with light and air combining large colourful murals throughout and with finely modelled concrete facades. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM). Photographer: Timothy Soar

Eaton Square Upper School Some £5m has been spent on restoring this beautiful Grade I-listed neo-classical building, originally designed

by Robert Adam, and merging it with the more modern requirements of a 21st century school. The Palladian façade opens up to an interior with high, ornate ceilings, stained glass, original wood panelling, a grand stone staircase, chandeliers, marble pillars and decorative cornicing.

Eveline Day and Nursery Schools The Baby Room on Bellevue Parade in Balham bas been acquired by Eveline Day and Nursery Schools and will be absorbed into the group. It is adjacent to Eveline’s grand Swan House building on Balham High Road.

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The White House From this term, The White House will unveil a new wing built on the side of the school that will house a larger library, more classrooms as the school moves to two-form entry, full computer suite and a music block.

Chestnut Grove Academy has been transformed over this summer and children this term will be educated in a smart new, colourful building on the Hearnville Road side of the site. Another new build has replaced the current sports/activity/drama halls but the Art Pavillions have been retained and refurbished, and the original Victorian building also retained.

Emanuel The memorial bridge linking Windmill

Eaton House The Manor has been busy expanding. At the back of the school the old nursery disappeared and a brand new one took its place in April this year, together with colourful playground, science lab, design technology lab with 3D printers, two dining areas and extra classrooms. The exterior features a living wall of textured, coloured glass and small flowers.

Road to Emanuel for the first time provides a grand entrance to the school as well as a fitting memorial to those who died in the train accident at the same spot in 1988. The eco-friendly Dacre Building designed by Daniel Maloney and reminiscent of the Tate Modern extension, has added new art facilities, including a film studio and humanities classrooms.

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CHOICES: SCHOOL TYPES

JAGS

LONG DECISION Sian Griffiths, education editor of The Sunday Times, shares her expert guidance on whether you should send your child to a private or state school, be educated in a co-ed or single sex environment, and have them board or come home each day I am often asked by anxious parents whether they should pay for their child to be privately educated. Is boarding better than day? And what are the arguments for single sex versus co-education?

The answer, of course, is that it depends.

To start with, it depends on whether you can afford the six figure fee for seven years of private secondary schooling – and even more if you opt for private school for your child from the age of four.

It depends on whether you live in the catchment area of a good state school to which your child is likely to gain admission.

And, it depends on whether your child is

so bright that they will pass the 11 plus exam and gain a place at one of the highly academic 163 grammar schools that still remain in England.

Over the last few years the overall quality of state schools has been rising, particularly in terms of exam performance. But the very best schools are still a cluster of expensive day and boarding schools (£35,000 plus a year for boarding), which send a disproportionately large number of their sixth form to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge every year.

Their names can be discovered by looking at exam league tables. At the top are well

known private schools like St Paul’s Girls’ and St Paul’s Boys’ Schools, Wycombe Abbey, Eton and North London Collegiate.

Far fewer state schools climb into the upper echelons of the league tables. If your child is not academically minded then it is foolish to push them into a hothouse environment. Mental health problems are on the rise among children and recent surveys have suggested that we have some of the most anxious and stressed youngsters in Europe.

If your child is musical or sporty then you should try to find a school that excels in teaching music or sport. For arts subjects in the private sector that might be Bedales,

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“OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS THE OVERALL QUALITY OF STATE SCHOOLS HAS BEEN RISING, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF EXAM PERFORMANCE” and for sport, Millfield. But there might also be a local state school with a fantastic orchestra and a weekend programme of inter-school sporting fixtures.

Many of the top academic schools are single sex, and certainly head teachers of single-sex schools assert that girls in particular get better exam results when they are educated away from the distractions of the opposite sex, and away from the stereotypes of male and female roles taken for granted in many co-ed schools.

Argues Dr Millan Sachania, head of Streatham & Clapham High School, an all-girls school: “Single-sex education helps girls to contribute more effectively to the real world, since I believe they develop confidence, self-esteem and a propensity for intellectual risk in much greater measures than they might in a co-ed school.

“Not only this: they are emancipated from such gender stereotyping that often directs girls away from subjects such as Physics and Maths in co-ed schools.”

That may well be the case but Vania Adams, head of independent private nursery and prep school The Roche School in

Whitgift School

THE IMPORTANCE OF MATHS FROM A YOUNG AGE For children to reach a deep understanding of Mathematics and a love of numbers, it is important to start with play.

Children understand concepts more readily when they are applied to their daily lives. As they practice mathematics in familiar situations, when playing shops or creating patterns with shapes for instance, their understanding of mathematical concepts grows and they can progress to work with more abstract ideas. At Peregrines, boys and girls have a formal Maths lesson every day. Supported by expert teachers and surrounded by hands-on apparatus, the initial emphasis is on mathematical language, the four operations and number bonds.

Very quickly, as the children become comfortable and confident, there are opportunities to use and develop mental calculations and problem solving. By using practical examples, we make Maths approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

Source: Peregrines Pre-Prep at The Falcons School for Girls

Wandsworth, says differently. “The jury’s out as Dulwich College, JAGS and Alleyn’s educational outcomes are the same so it’s not conclusive.”

However, as Dr Sachania pointed out, girls in good single sex schools are more likely to study sciences at A level and go on to study

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for science and maths degrees at university.

A survey by the Institute of Physics, for instance, suggests that girls in single-sex schools are more likely to study A level Physics, one of the hardest sciences, than girls in mixed schools.

Likewise, boys in single sex schools are more likely to take English Literature A level and often thrive in an atmosphere such as that at Whitgift, where the greater emotionality and explosions of teenage boys are recognised as part of their natural adolescent development rather than punished as bad behaviour.

Vania Adams adds another reason to opt for co-ed. “It’s about knowing your child. If your son has no sisters, for example, co-ed makes sense.

“Listen to the head. If you’re leaning towards single sex then you need a head who is attentive to gender,” she says.

Co-educational schools like Alleyn’s are equally passionate in their belief that girls and boys need to learn to work together since that is what they will have to do in universities, careers and life. Without this skill, they say, pupils can flounder after leaving their protected classrooms, lacking

the skills to get along with the opposite sex at university and in the workplace.

“It means that girls and boys can learn together, and from each other, both emotionally and intellectually. It’s normal,” says Stuart Turner, head of Lower School at Alleyn’s.

“Just looking at exam results is a narrow measure,” he argues. “It’s about life skills in a multi-gender society. We want our pupils to learn that gender is not a barrier in life.”

The Dulwich-based school runs co-ed activities such as water polo, cricket teams, tennis, rounders and, from this term, PE. But there are no boys’ netball teams as yet!

“Good schools are about good education and good teachers, not gender,” says Turner.

“That’s at our centre and you can’t really go wrong from there.”

Sally-Ann Huang, head of all-girls James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), also in Dulwich, counters that “we’re not running convents and 13 to 16-year-old girls are very selfconscious and can do without being under the constant glare of the opposite gender.”

She also has another observation: “I reckon if you walk around a co-ed school at lunchtime you would see girls hanging out

Whitgift.

One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18

‘Superb cosmopolitan boys school, with outstanding facilities and a strong academic reputation – an example of what education is really about’ Good Schools Guide

Further information on visiting Whitgift can be found at www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom

A CAREER IN ENGINEERING FOR BOYS AND GIRLS Professor Dame Ann Dowling, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University, stresses how satisfying a career in engineering can be for both girls and boys. She has recently worked with Rolls Royce on the remarkable Silent Aircraft Initiative.

Engineering - civil, mechanical or electronic - requires both analytical and persuasive skills and involves imaginative design, finance and production methods applied in exciting new enterprises within widely different fields.

Mathematics is an essential discipline and many girls and boys relish its scope and precision. The school runs clubs in robotics, science and astrophysics and takes part in the annual UK Maths Challenge, as well as making regular visits to scientific exhibitions and societies such as the Royal Institution.

Source: The Roche School

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with other girls and boys with boys.”

Mary McCahery, principal at The White House, believes age is a factor and that co-ed is important, particularly from prep school age, “when children have fewer preconceived ideas about gender.

“We place a strong focus on the individuality of the children which allows both sexes to thrive and eliminates any passive learning so often associated with co-ed schools.”

Finally, boarding or day? Boarding has been slightly out of fashion for a long time.

Tales of abuse, bullying and austerity gave this peculiarly British institution — think Tom Brown’s Schooldays — a bad name.

The Harry Potter books and films and their romantic image of Hogwarts, the boarding school for trainee wizards, was credited with leading to a slight surge in boarding numbers but the most recent figures have flatlined.

While full boarding is financially prohibitive save for the fortunate few, it might make sense if your child is in a family where both parents are professionals, often away from home on work trips, or you are a single parent with a time-consuming career. You may find it better to send even young children away to board

Emanuel School

rather than rely on a patchwork of nannies and babysitters in the evenings.

At Woldingham, an all-girls day and boarding school in Surrey, boarding and day pupils are split 50/50. Half the 550 pupils are London-based, with 100 of the day pupils catching the train from Clapham Junction for the 25-minute journey direct to the school’s grounds.

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“You can live in urban Clapham but breathe the fresh country air,” says head Alex Hutchinson.

When girls have late-night hockey matches, for example, they can avoid the journey home and take advantage of a halfway house arrangement, flexi-boarding, for up to two nights a week in Years 7, 8 and 9. “It gives them a taste of boarding,” says Alex Hutchinson.

At Woldingham, full boarding is £33,000 pa and, like most boarding schools, it allows flexiboarding, where children board in the week and come home at weekends. But boarding is most popular and most effective among older children, especially sixth formers for whom it offers a chance to develop independence in preparation for university. “By Years 9 or 10 the proportion of full boarders is much higher,” says Alex Hutchinson.

When you compare the costs of boarding to having a nanny or a babysitter, it can make economic sense too.

In the end it comes down to what suits your child and your family. Visit any school you are considering, talk to the headteacher and trust your instinct. Can you imagine your child being happy there? In the end, that counts for a lot.

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CHOICES: BOARDING SCHOOLS

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS If the competitive London day school options are not a good fit for your child, you may want to look further afield.

Widening the net of schools not only brings more choice but the option to enjoy an entirely different educational experience.

It also highlights that “you don’t need to be next to a school to go to it,” observes Ben Hitchman, show director of The Independent Schools Show.

“More people are finding it so hard to get into schools in London yet there are so many amazing schools outside London. My advice is to look further afield and consider boarding,” says Hitchman.

“SOME BOARDING SCHOOLS ARE ONLY AN HOUR’S DRIVE AWAY, MOST PROVIDE TRANSPORT OPTIONS AND MANY ARE BROADER IN THEIR INTAKE OF STUDENTS” London-based Ben spent his prep school years at Caldicott in South Bucks, and you only have to observe the coaches unloading London children at Clapham South station on a Friday night from Ardingly College, the buses picking up from Putney en route to St John’s in Leatherhead, or the hordes of girls disembarking a train at Clapham Junction from Woldingham, to know that it’s become a popular choice.

The 4.29 on a Friday is the busiest of the week for the Woldingham girls, who have the luxury of a train station in the school grounds. “Many see us as an alternative to a London day school,” says Woldingham head, Alex Hutchinson.

Recent leavers from Newton Prep, Thomas’s, Broomwood Hall and Fulham Prep often find themselves catching the 6.40 bus at Clapham Common bright and early

Woldingham School

The over-subscribed London day school market is encouraging many families to choose boarding schools just outside London, says Gillian Upton

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on a Monday morning, heading for Ardingly College. They arrive back on a Friday evening at 6pm, ready for the weekend.

There are plenty of benefits when weighing up boarding for your child. Some boarding schools are only an hour’s drive away, most provide transport options to make it easier for London pupils and many are broader in their intake of students.

Moreover, the breadth of facilities cannot be matched in London. Woldingham lies in 700 acres of magnificent Surrey countryside, Cranleigh is set on a beautiful 240-acre campus and Ardingly College is spread over

Cranleigh School

420 acres of West Sussex countryside.

Andrea Saxel, deputy head pastoral at Cranleigh, outlines other plus points: “As well as the academic advantages of a longer day, more time with teachers and help with prep, they gain independence and the time and space to try new things and to flourish in their chosen activities.”

The introduction of flexi- or weekly boarding offers the best of both worlds.

Your children come home and can still enjoy a full weekend and experience the best of what an out-of-town school offers: expansive grounds, plenty of co-curricular activities, a chance to form robust friendship groups and to complete prep before heading home.

She believes weekly boarding enables an incredibly positive family experience.

“Teenagers are intellectually and physically challenged, and cared for, all week, then at weekends they come home for quality family time without the pressures of having to complete prep.” Around 20% of Cranleigh’s boarders live in London.

For those parents unsure of how they and their child will cope, flexi-boarding is the ideal way of dipping a toe in the water.

Prep schools usually offer a minimum of two consecutive nights per week for children aged 7 to 13, which can gradually be increased to weekly or full boarding at senior school.

“With flexi-boarding children can stay at school the night of their hockey match and save the journey home,” says Woldingham head, Alex Hutchinson. “We try and be as flexible as we can.” This September the

CHOOSING BUSINESS STUDIES It’s not all glamour The Wolf of Wall Street and The Social Network make for interesting discussion but Business lessons will not offer you quick tips on becoming a billionaire. You will learn the fundamental principles that underpin a commercial enterprise.

Observe and reflect Case studies are key to business courses. Get into the habit of looking at differences in business operations - why one might be more successful than another.

Application, application, application There is no commercial panacea.

Context is key in Business exams and many students struggle with this, so sharpen your exam technique from the start.

Select the right course Why Business instead of Economics or Accounting? Do not assume it is easy and do not underestimate the essay-writing. A Level Business is an excellent course but students also obtain places at some of the world’s best universities after studying BTEC Extended Diplomas and International Foundation Programmes.

Source: DLD College London

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school is extending flexi- boarding from Years 7 and 8 into Year 9.

“Flexi-boarding is very popular with working parents and those with a commute to school,” says Cranleigh’s Saxel. “Pupils board on the same nights each week for the whole term.”

By Years 8 and 9 flexi- and weekly boarding come into their own and by sixth form full boarding becomes the norm.

Having said that, St John’s School, Leatherhead stopped full boarding six years ago when it took the decision to stop Saturday school. As a co-ed independent school for 11-18 year-olds it offers day, weekly and flexible boarding for its 700+ pupils.

“Flexi-boarding is convenient for parents with their busy lives,” says Ashley Vargas, head of boarding at St John’s. “It breaks up the week and it’s a taster of what it’s like.”

Weekly boarding is £2,070 per term or pre-paid flexi boarding – two nights per week – is £54 per night. These costs are on top of termly school fees of £6,170 in lower school and £7,860 in the senior school.

Royal Russell has just opened a state-ofthe-art boarding house for boys, such is the demand for full boarding at the Croydon school, which comes mainly from Years 11,12 and 13 pupils.

“We’re looking at offering flexi-boarding but at the moment we’re full with full boarders,” says Nathalie Hart, deputy head pastoral.

Choosing to board your child is clearly a

St John’s School

large financial undertaking. Cranleigh’s fees are £35,370 per year, for example, Stowe in Buckinghamshire is £35,595. Woldingham’s start at £33,000 per year and are £35,500 from Year 9. “Full boarding is a tough one, naturally,” says Woldingham head Alex Hutchinson. Childcare costs don’t come cheap either though, and these would be

saved if your child boards.

Boarding is an excellent alternative to a London day school and should never be viewed as second best. Boarding schools should be firmly on your radar when weighing up where your child will best thrive and for some parents, the advantages will far outweigh the disadvantage of distance.

CRIB SHEET FOR NEW BOARDERS Aegrotat - illness or sickness, often shortened to aeger and is used mainly by classics students showing off their Latin. “Barty skipped rugger last night, a touch of the aeger.”

Beak - teacher.

Crammer - an educational institution which organizes intense series of stand-alone revision sessions, usually in the holidays before exams. Almost exclusively paid-for, these are often used by pupils hoping to “bump” a grade eg. “I was forecast a B in English so my parents sent me to a crammer and I somehow squeaked an A”.

Dormy raid - attack by one dormitory upon another. Usually performed under cover of darkness and when the stakes are high, eg. after a pizza delivery or visit to the tuck shop.

Exeat - a leave of absence from school.

It’s generally used to describe weekend leave from a boarding school.

Formal hall - the whole school eating together.

Soup strainer - moustache.

Mufti - the wearing of ordinary clothes, ie. not school uniform.

New bug - new boy or girl.

Prep - another word for homework in the private sector.

Tardy - late, used recently by Prince William to describe the overdue birth of Prince George. “I’ll remind him of his tardiness when he’s older.”

Trunk - errrr actually just a trunk! But it’s the most common method used to transport belongings to and from a boarding school.

Tuck box - a robust, lockable box essential for boarding school life.

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SCHOOL PROFILE

TIME LORDS Cranleigh, a popular boarding school near Guildford gives children back time and the facilities and experiences to spend it wisely and fruitfully Cranleigh appears to be bucking the trend when it comes to boarding. While national figures show there are less families choosing to send their children off to boarding school, this Surrey co-educational senior school for pupils aged 13-18 has long waiting lists and a lot of buzz from London families. Their weekly boarding model ensures all homework is done at school so weekends are purely about family time, a very attractive proposition for south-west London parents looking for a country school just minutes from Guildford, a manageable drive down the A3. After Saturday morning school there is a sports fixture when parents can support their child and take them straight home, giving them an opportunity to touch base with the staff and fellow parents.

When some people ask, why board?, headmaster Mr Martin Reader asks, why commute? “All that time spent travelling could be put to better use,” Mr Reader explains. “They could spend that time working, doing an activity or just being with their friends. The Cranleigh model works because they have a fantastic week at school followed by focused family time at the weekend. It gives kids space away from the party scene and space in a beautiful landscape. I see pupils go out with their friends to play tennis, golf or just walk a member of staff’s dog between exams. I believe children stay children longer at Cranleigh because they have time to play.”

Prep School headmaster, Mr Michael Wilson agrees that, at any age, time is far better spent in Cranleigh’s extensive fields and facilities than in the car. “The extra time and experiences that boarding affords can draw out a child’s particular talent and give them space to grow. We offer flexi-boarding between 7 and 13 years to help families get used to the boarding routine.”

Some facilities are currently enjoying an overhaul with new academics blocks under construction on both school sites, as well

as a new girls’ boarding house at the senior school. “We will then be 680 pupils – 60/40 ratio of boys to girls, with four boys’ houses and three girls’ houses.” Despite its growing physical size, Cranleigh has no plans to expand its student body. “We like that the whole school can fit in to the chapel and that we know every child. Our schools are family schools and there is sibling priority because we think it’s great for families to be together,” says Mr Reader.

The headmasters are passionate about encouraging pupils to think, and as a result the Cranleigh Thinking Project is an established learning programme to encourage students to question more from early ages. “The Cranleigh Thinking Project is all about teaching through asking questions, following the example of Socrates, and is based on four principles: teaching through questioning; learning

Cranleigh School

“CRANLEIGH APPEARS TO BE BUCKING THE TREND WHEN IT COMES TO BOARDING” through thinking; dialogue not monologue; teaching to think, not teaching to the test,” Mr Reader explains. “Why are we doing this? To make children problem-solvers and independent thinkers so they can move forward and broaden out.”

Mr Reader, who has been headmaster since 2014, suggests parents come to have a look at Cranleigh – it’s certainly not like boarding of old. “How much time do you think you have with a teenager in the week at a day school? Ask yourself, do you want them in a narrow, pressurised environment, or space and time where they can be stretched and challenged?

Boarding steers them through life well and gives them resilience.” In a changing world that is moving more rapidly than we could ever have imagined, schools that champion problem-solvers with staying power might be just the ticket.

A NEW ERA BEGINS...

EATON SQUARE UPPER SCHOOL HAS OPENED ITS DOORS! Join us on Tuesday 14th November at our Open Morning to find out all about London’s new co-educational senior school T: 0207 491 7393 E: registrar@eatonsquaremayfair.com 106 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NL

www.eatonsquareupper.school

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CHOICES: EXAMS

A TESTING TIME Heading for 11+ or 13+? Georgina Blaskey explains what each decision would mean in terms of selecting the right senior school for your child

The Roche School

Choosing whether to send your child to a school at 11 or 13 is an entirely personal decision, so it is hard to apply the same rules for all. For many parents, it’s not a simple, textbook process, so start by familiarising yourself with what each route involves.

The majority of selective schools (state or private) taking in pupils in Year 7 will use an exam to select their students called the 11+.

This refers to the age the child will be when they start the school, as the tests are usually taken in the January of the last year of primary school (Year 6), when some children will still be ten years old. Each school will set its own exam so your child will need to sit separate papers at each one, normally over a three-week period.

The 11+ exam will usually consist of Maths, English and Verbal and/or Non Verbal Reasoning. There may also be an interview involved although this varies from school to school. In addition, some schools may use computer-based tests for their selection process. Usually, these start easily, with the assessment getting harder as it continues, based on the child’s answer to the previous question. Typically, results are published the Friday before February half term, and you need to make your decision by early March.

Alternatively, there is the 13+ exam, also known as Common Entrance (CE), used by most private schools for their Year 9 intake.

In many cases, your child will have done a Pre-Test in Year 6 or 7 for several schools

and secured an offer from one, conditional on a satisfactory level of performance at CE. Pre-testing is intended to filter down the number of prospective applicants to a school and, although it can vary, consists of a series of tests, usually in Years 6 or 7. Increasingly these are computerised and focus on logic and reasoning (both Verbal and Non-Verbal) as well as English and Maths. If the required level is achieved in the Pre-Test, pupils will be invited for interview.

CE is taken in early June of Year 8 and pupils sit papers in Maths, English, Science, French, History, Geography, RE&P, and Latin. Papers are marked by the chosen senior school and the results are published a week later.

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“THE 11+ EXAM WILL USUALLY CONSIST OF MATHS, ENGLISH AND VERBAL AND/ OR NON-VERBAL REASONING. THERE MAY ALSO BE AN INTERVIEW INVOLVED” If you have a child at a school that continues until 13, you have the gift of many options and decisions to make on school choices and the ensuing exam processes. If your school finishes at 11, you have to move, but where? A senior school at 11 or an interim school for two years until their final school at 13?

Katie Krais of JK Educate suggests you ask yourself this: “When do you want them to start? What is the exam format? Does it play to their strengths - is it online or does it require lots of written work? What’s the numbers game - the size of a school’s intake at 11 might affect the number of places at

EXAM COMPOSITION TIPS Composition comes with practise, so the more you write the easier it becomes to think of ideas. The difficult bit is coming up with those ideas – especially in a short space of time.

Use your own experiences and bits of other stories. It’s fine to borrow ideas as long as you change them a bit: 1. Make a plan – especially the first and last paragraphs.

2. Always finish.

3. Keep it neat.

4. Have five to ten power words in your head that you know will impress and that you can spell.

5. Don’t lose marks for careless grammar and punctuation.

6. Balance the story in five paragraphs.

7. Stick to the title. Don’t make too much happen, but keep the story interesting with similes, senses and descriptions.

A story should flow with each paragraph leading to the next.

That’s it. Piece of cake really...

Source: Yellowbird Education

King’s College School

13. However, if your child appears to be maturing later and is happy where they are, they may benefit from having time to develop emotional and social intelligence and therefore applying at a later stage may be right for them.”

Janie Richardson, founder of Yellowbird Education, says, “Look at your child and decide how ready they are. Then look at the numbers and see what you’re up against.

There are advantages to going to a school at 13 for some children, while others have clearly outgrown their prep school by the time they’re 11.”

Tash Rosin of Teatime Tutors believes it’s also worth considering the practical implications – the logistics and the budget.

“If you’re going to end up spending lots of time in the car, and perhaps you’re also

working, that’s going to lead to parental stress. Your child will feel it too, so perhaps it’s not the right choice. The process is so personal but start with the basics of your family life and work from there.”

Another consideration is where your child will be able to get into. “Demand for London day school places is so high,” says Alex Hutchinson, head of Woldingham. “But avoid putting your child into too many 11+ exams.

Cast your net wide and think more laterally.”

For those entrance exams you do enter your child for, Dara Hanley, director of Exceptional Academics and head of English, has this advice: “Slow and steady wins the race; wherever possible, try to prepare your child for their exams in plenty of time.

“Last-minute cramming is stressful for you, your child and your tutor.”

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13+ taken by those migrating to the boarding schools out of town. For cultural and financial reasons, the 13+ boarding option is not appealing to many parents but it does present a viable option for the right child in an over-crowded London day school market.

Furthermore, there are some children, perhaps late developers academically, who will benefit from two additional years in a gentler, more nurturing prep school setting.”

Vania Adams of The Roche School, agrees that, although the 11+ entry point is desirable for many, the school will do its utmost in supporting families with different needs. “The day school market is a little overheated and somewhat competitive. In some schools, this can lead to pupils being pushed onto a steep academic trajectory unsuitable for their development.

“When we prepare our lists for transition to secondary school we often include a couple of 13+ options either for those parents who wish their child to board at 13+ or for those pupils who need a little more time to mature.

We have two or three ‘go to’ schools that we recommend to parents (both day and boarding) where we know the children will be expertly prepared by the head for transition at 13. This can be a very successful option and should not be ruled out.”

Year 9 options don’t just mean boarding, there are many London day schools that offer 13+ entry such as Emanuel, Streatham and Clapham High School, Ibstock Place and Dulwich College, to name a few, many of which have their 13+ exams in the January of the year of entry rather than

When deciding whether your child should sit CE and start their senior school at 13, it’s worth knowing the origins of this entry point. While girls’ schools traditionally started at 11, boys were thought to benefit from having a bit more time at prep school because they generally mature later. Now with many private boys’ schools becoming co-educational, the goal posts have moved as lots of girls are also waiting to start their secondary school at 13. But even if your current school finishes at 11, if your child is not suited to taking the 11+ or you want them to go to a school that starts at 13, you have options.

Edward Rees, headmaster at Hornsby House, explains: “In terms of 11+ and 13+, historically the 11+ exam served those children entering London day schools, with

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CAN MOCKS HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE REAL EXAMS? Mock exams are a practice run before students perform in the exam. We say ‘perform’ because an examination is a performance to gain entry into the top academic schools or make the cut to university.

The year that is the most pivotal is Year 6 when students take 11+ examinations, which set children up for life. To overcome the fear of the examination, hone exam technique, and ultimately, excel in the real examinations; practice makes perfect through exam papers and mocks. Students can then tailor their preparation for each school, adapt their exam techniques, familiarise themselves with the assessment criteria of each school and tailor their study skill accordingly.

By making mistakes in a mock, children learn, setting them up for exam success.

Source: Exceptional Academics

CE. Ultimately, you know your child and all our experts agree that the key is to look at how they’re doing, where they are now and whether they’re more suited to the 11+ format or 13+. From there, you can discern which is the best entry point for your child to help you narrow down your school choices.

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SCHOOL PROFILE

A PLACE TO THRIVE Combining academic performance and a pioneering ethos, Woldingham develops independent and influential young women

Woldingham is set in 700 acres of Surrey countryside

“My mantra for the girls is ‘Fill in from the front’,” explains Woldingham headmistress Alex Hutchinson. In a nutshell, life at Woldingham is about the girls taking the opportunities in front of them in everything they do. Alex’s passion for education is infectious, alongside her wish for every pupil to reach her potential. “Our Head Girl recently gave a speech in which she said, ‘I’m proud and happy to be the person I’ve become at Woldingham.’ That’s such a powerful statement from a teenage girl in the 21st century, and any parent or teacher would be delighted to hear a young woman say that about herself.”

Alex credits the all-girl environment as being one where pupils feel supported and confident; they feel free to explore any subject – half the current Lower Sixth are taking at least one STEM subject at A Level – and day-to-day life at Woldingham is happy and

relaxed. “Girls don’t bother with make-up and worry about how they look when they are rushing off to lessons and activities; the attitude here is ‘let’s get involved and give it a go’. There’s an established wellbeing programme called Thrive, excellent pastoral care, and the school actively educates girls and parents on how to lead a healthy digital life.

Balancing the pressures of 21st-century living while protecting those crucial formative years is a challenge for many urban families. Woldingham has seen soaring popularity as a viable day school option among savvy SW London parents who want a first-class education without the hothouse side effects. “We’re 25 minutes on the direct line from Clapham Junction, so girls hop on the train and arrive in 700 acres of countryside. There’s space, fresh air, great facilities and a huge sense of community, a place where the girls can just be

“AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL IS ITS SACRED HEART ETHOS. IT’S EMBEDDED IN EVERYTHING WE DO” themselves.” The school prides itself on both stretching and supporting its academically broad-ranging student body – the vast majority of leavers go on to Russell Group universities, including healthy numbers to Oxford and Cambridge.

With 50 per cent of pupils boarding, this is a school that never shuts, and with that comes a wide range of experiences and opportunities. Flexi-boarding has taken off in the last academic year at Woldingham, with many of the younger girls sleeping over for one or two nights in the week. This means they can stay late for a club, such as hockey or drama, do their study, have their supper, put their PJs on and enjoy an evening with their friends, taking a break from travelling mid-week. “It really gives them the best of both worlds,” explains Alex. Resourceful and flexible as ever, Woldingham calmly weathered the Southern train strikes, laying on coaches for their London day girls and offering temporary boarding too. “Every single girl got to school every single day,” says Alex proudly.

At the heart of the school is its Sacred Heart ethos. “It’s embedded in everything we do. Our Catholic school was founded 175 years ago this December on the five goals of a Sacred Heart education: intellect, community, faith, social justice and personal growth. These values have endured throughout Woldingham’s long history and remain astonishingly contemporary to this day; they remind us that there is a bigger picture and that we have a responsibility to think beyond just ourselves. When a school has a spiritual heart it simply feels different,” says Alex. It’s these differences that make Woldingham a stand-out option for all.

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CHOICES: SIXTH FORM

THE SIXTH SENSE Sixth Form is a pivotal time for teenagers as they emerge from the vagaries of adolescence and start to have a say in their futures. Gillian Upton has the lowdown of what’s in store at their existing or new school

For most 16-year-olds, deciding whether to stay on at their current school or look further afield for new opportunities, will be the first time that they have had a genuine say in the major decisions that affect their education.

Breadth of curriculum at A level - or indeed, whether other qualifications such as BTech or IB are offered – will be one of the deciding factors, but the decision may also be influenced by finances - with a move to a state college or to board - or by relocation of the entire family. There is one other reason; pupils may not have made the grades to stay in their current senior school and will have to re-sit, possibly in a specialist sixth form college. Whatever the reason, there are pros and cons to staying and leaving.

they’ve made good friends and Years 12 and 13 are incredibly special years. It’s when you’ve worked out who you are, and it’s a privilege for a school to see them through and finish off our work.”

Katherine Woodcock, head of Sydenham High School, adds: ”For most, the main advantage is that teachers know the girls incredibly well, which ensures that in the sixth form we can personalise their learning experience.”

Sixth Form follows hot on the heels of Year 11, which is often the worst year as pupils

DID YOU KNOW… …IN EXCESS OF 80% OF JAGS GIRLS STAY ON INTO SIXTH FORM AND 92% AT PUTNEY HIGH “My experience is that pupils who remain in their school for the sixth form do much better, not just academically, but also in terms of their personal development and leadership attributes,” says Dr Millan Sachania, head of Streatham & Clapham High School.

“They hit the ground running when starting the sixth form in an environment which they know and in a context where they are known. Our teachers are, after all, specialists in the pupils whom they teach, and this knowledge is invaluable, ensuring that every pupil reaches (and indeed exceeds) expectations.”

Sally-Anne Huang, head at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), adds: “It’s good to stay as pupils have built relationships with staff,

JAGS

are heavily hit by adolescence and they haven’t made too many of their own choices.

“By Year 12 they’ve come through the worst of adolescence and they can make their own choices,” says Huang. “It’s healthy to look elsewhere for sixth form, then it’s a proactive decision they’ve made.”

In excess of 80% of JAGS girls stay on into sixth form and the girls spend more time in discussion and take on leadership roles. The Dulwich-based school has introduced co-ed enrichment afternoons with Dulwich College boys, learning together across 50 courses

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Independent Co-educational Day & Boarding College in the heart of London GCSE, A LEVEL, IFP & BTEC

Open Evening

Wednesday 15th November 5pm-7pm

Sydenham High School

“MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT PUPILS WHO REMAIN IN THEIR SCHOOL FOR THE SIXTH FORM DO MUCH BETTER”

Visit www.dldcollege.co.uk or Call 020 7935 8411

including psychology and film studies.

Whitgift boys are guaranteed a place in sixth form so retention is high between Year 11 and 12. The school also attracts state school pupils to its more varied curriculum.

All-girls school Putney High School, has a 92% retention rate between Year 11 and Year 12, and head Suzie Longstaff believes the reason why so many of her pupils stay on is because of the support it offers.

“It’s a great sixth form” she says. “The teaching is outstanding. We offer university support, careers support, alumni come back to talk to pupils about universities and the process of choosing and getting in, we provide strong pastoral care, a strong curriculum plus an enrichment programme which includes subjects such as critical thinking.”

Enrichment programmes are commonplace in sixth form today as the disappearance of AS levels has freed up the timetable.

Co-curricular moves up a notch at Emanuel, for example, where sixth formers excel

CHOOSING A LEVELS Do I want to study medicine, engineering or architecture?

Some careers require A levels in certain subjects. You will have to study A level Chemistry to become a doctor (or vet), and Maths for engineering and architecture. It’s always good to check with your school’s university advisors.

What if I don’t have a career in mind yet?

That’s fine - just try and keep your options open. Play to your interests and strengths. Do some homework - look in-depth at a range of A level courses. Think about whether you would enjoy studying the material and talk to subject specialists, current A level students and careers advisors.

Choose wisely Most students specialise in either the humanities or sciences and choosing subjects which are broadly connected helps to develop key skills such as essay writing or numerical problem solving. Some students can successfully mix from across the spectrum, but this tends to be the exception rather than the rule.

Source: Dulwich College

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in first team sports – two of the school’s oarsmen became national champions last year – and in music, art and drama, while a Model United Nations and the Gender Equality Society clubs help widen their view of the world. There are four leadership roles to play for – “the selection process requires application letters, teacher recommendations and a rigorous interview process,” warns registrar Paul McMahon plus team prefect roles.

But if students don’t make the grade although some 90% do - then Emanuel helps them with their applications elsewhere, and they move on to pastures new, such as sixth form colleges including Esher College.

Enrichment at Sydenham High School includes wall climbing, cooking, first aid and photography while leadership opportunities span charity fundraising, school marketing, running lunchtime clubs and working alongside Dulwich College on the Young Enterprise Companies programme.

On the other hand, sixth form colleges are a real alternative to staying put. Shoaib Ali, senior head of faculty (social sciences) at DLD College flags up “having a fresh start and new opportunities that are age specific.

DLD teachers are experts in their subjects and

specialise in delivering sixth form lessons.”

The sixth form College, which offers A levels, GCSE, BTech and the International Foundation Programme to its largely international student body, is non-selective and helps students with low grades such as E and U leave with As and Bs. BTechs may well be a better option than

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A Levels for some sixth formers and all-boys state school Ernest Bevin offers six Level 3 BTech courses and five Level 2 BTech courses, aside from 22 A Level subjects. A good proportion of pupils take vocational courses, in public services, IT, engineering and sports coaching, for example.

“We get the brightest kids who apply to

Ernest Bevin College

Independent Day School for Boys Co-Educational Sixth Form Shirley Park Croydon

OPEN MORNING Saturday 7 October 2017 9am–12pm or visit us by appointment

A LEVEL CHOICES AND SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Monday 9 October 2017 by appointment

COMMUNITY trinity-school.org B6004 Trinity 200x124p5mmL.indd 1

•

OPPORTUNITY @TrinityCroydon

•

EXC ELLENC E 020 8656 9541 23/05/2017 11:59

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DID YOU KNOW… …OF THE 2,110 PLACES OFFERED AT WANDSWORTH SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MARCH THIS YEAR, 1,642 WERE OFFERED TO WANDSWORTH RESIDENTS. 468 PLACES WERE OFFERED TO OUT OF BOROUGH RESIDENTS. Source: Wandsworth Pupil Services

Trinity School

Oxford and Cambridge and also those who become plumbers and firemen as we’re a community school,” explains principal Rukhsana Sheikh. Ernest Bevin achieves the strongest BTech results in the borough. “We do exceptionally well with the BTechs and many of our pupils achieve distinctions,” says Sheikh.

The school retains between 72%-83% of pupils into sixth form and those that need to re-sit their Maths and English GCSEs try again in November of Year 12. “We won’t boot them out; we want to see the boys thrive,” says Sheikh.

For its inaugural sixth form year, Bolingbroke Academy is expecting a retention rate of around 70%, “which is fantastic”, says principal Claire Edison.

Those that stay can choose between A levels and BTecs L3 in applied science, sports coaching L1 & 2, LAMDA and ABRSM and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

“The EPQ is central to our curriculum and all students receive focused academic tutoring support from subject specialists. It helps students to develop their independent learning and critical thinking skills and is highly regarded by universities,” says Edison.

Those that chose to leave Bolingbroke are attending specialist colleges to study courses such as hair & beauty, animal wellbeing and engineering.

Girls at Sydenham High School also study

the EPQ and head Katharine Woodcock believes they ”afford the opportunity to explore subject areas that they may not be able to through their A level choices. It is a great opportunity to experience universitystyle study and expand your knowledge in an area of interest.”

Like DLD, MPW is another independent, non-selective sixth form college. Over the last decade it has lost its reputation as a crammer and today competes with other independent day schools.

Its student body is made up of many exboarders who want to “flex their wings and get out of a draconian environment,” says principal John Southworth.

“We’re a university environment, we treat students as young adults,” says Southworth.

“They call tutors by their first names, do not wear uniform and we provide focused teaching, small class sizes and intensive pastoral support. Our Directors of Study, as we call the pastoral team, take on an almost mentoring role.”

He boasts that often students who arrive with C grade GCSEs often leave with A and A* grades. “Suddenly they flourish,” he says.

“That’s not an unusual story here.”

Southworth cites highly qualified staff and the opportunity for students to achieve to the best of their ability as the reasons for the achievement turnarounds. “I hate the phrase,

‘realising their potential’. We will celebrate the fact that they have achieved a C. I don’t want pupils to get more A* at the expense of turning them into a mental mess.”

The jump up from GCSE to A levels is a significant one and just as it’s crucial that your child is in the right school at the beginning of the GCSE journey, so it is that the following two years are spent in a positive environment and studying the subject and qualification that is right for them, which might mean looking to other schools or colleges.

EXAM PREPARATION TIPS • Preparation is key. Past papers are easy to obtain now, so do as many as possible and proactively seek feedback from teachers who will be a superb source of advice.

• A sensible balance of work and relaxation is very important. Allow some time each day to relax and be sure to get plenty of sleep each night. Cramming for 12 hours a day can’t be sustained and physical and/ or mental fatigue are guaranteed to lead to underperformance in examination conditions.

• Children should commit to doing their best and mustn’t make up excuses as to why they didn’t do as well as they could have done.

They will want to look back on their results with a sense of personal pride, knowing they’ve achieved their potential.

Source: Cranleigh School

Independent thinkers and learners Prep School Open Day Saturday

7 October 2017

10.00 am - 12 noon

Open Morning for Years 3-6 (ages 7-10)

Senior School Open Day Saturday

30 September 2017

10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 4 October 2017

6.30 pm - 8.30 pm

Register for Open Days at www.schs.gdst.net Prep School (Girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 prep@schs.gdst.net

Senior School (Girls 11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 senior@schs.gdst.net

Saturday 14 October 9.30 – 12 noon (entry via Hunts Slip Road) Parents and boys will tour the College with our current pupils, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College and Dr Toby Griffiths about the Junior School. No appointment is necessary.

The offer of a place in the Junior School is the offer of a place at Dulwich College to age 18.

Mid-week visits are also available by appointment. Please call Junior Admissions on 0208 299 8432 or visit dulwich.org.uk/junior-school

OPEN DAYS

Thursday 12th October 5.15pm - 7.15pm (Evening) Principal’s talks - 5.15pm, 5.45pm & 6.30pm Saturday 14th October 9.30am - 12.30pm (Morning) Principal’s talks - 9.30am &10.45am

I’m going to Bolingbroke Sixth Form in September.

I CAN’T WAIT. FIND OUT MORE AT OUR SIXTH FORM EVENT

Saturday 14th October 9.30am - 12.30pm Head of Sixth Form talks - 10.15am & 11.30am

Bolingbroke Academy Wakehurst Road, London, SW11 6BF

+44 (0)20 7924 8200 arkbolingbrokeacademy.org info@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Open Morning for entry into Year 7 Saturday 7 October 9.30 – 12 noon Tour the College with boys, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College. No appointment is necessary.

Other opportunities are available to visit the College during the school day. Dates can be found on the Admissions section of our website, www.dulwich.org.uk, or please telephone the Registrar’s Office on 020 8299 9263.

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EARLY YEARS

EARLY TO RISE There’s a huge choice when it comes to nurseries and pre-schools.

Navigating the options may feel like an insurmountable task but by asking the right questions, you should be able to find a good fit one step at a time, says Georgina Blaskey

“SENDING YOUR CHILD TO NURSERY IS THE FIRST MILESTONE IN THEIR EDUCATION”

The first day your child goes to nursery is the inaugural milestone in their education.

For some children it can be an exciting journey, the prospect of which leaves them totally unfazed. For others, it can be a daunting, nerve-wracking first rung on the learning ladder.

In order to make the transition run smoothly, it is essential to fully investigate the options and choose the right path for your child. No one knows your family’s needs as well as you so while recommendations are invaluable, nothing can replace a personal visit to work out what the right fit is.

“Go and visit a nursery early in the day when the children are being dropped off,” advises Laura Randall, principal of Woodentops Nursery. “Ideally, you will see the children reaching out to their teachers. You want to go where your children will feel loved.”

What are my options?

Start by determining your needs: are you going back to work after maternity leave, requiring dawn ‘til dusk daycare? Do you want a few afternoons off while your child plays and learns to socialise? Do you want your child to begin learning the curriculum?

Here are the options: • Nursery schools – They provide education for children aged from two and a half to five. They are registered with Ofsted to provide childcare and are usually open part-time; they follow the EYFS curriculum. Private nurseries are also able to provide free nursery places if they are registered with both the council and Ofsted. In these cases, your child’s first 15 hours a week are free – any charges for extras or additional time must be invoiced separately.

• Pre-school playgroups – Pre-school playgroups provide places for small groups of children aged from two and a half to five to learn and play. Playgroups are usually

Streatham & Clapham Prep Nursery

open part-time and often parents need to stay for the session.

• Day nurseries – They provide childcare for children from under one year up to the age of five and they are registered with Ofsted. They are usually open from 8am-6pm, all year round. For three and four year olds, they follow the same EYFS curriculum as nursery schools.

• Independent schools – Some independent schools provide education for children aged from three to 11. They have to be registered with the Department for Education (DfE) and are usually only open part-time.

• Childminders – They provide paid-for childcare for more than two hours per day, usually in their own home. Their duties include providing a safe, loving environment and helping with children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and

social development. All childminders are registered with Ofsted.

What should I look for when choosing a nursery or pre-school?

On an open day or show round, turn up prepared with questions and queries about how each nursery, playgroup or pre-school operates and how children learn. The impartial education website, gettherightschool.co.uk, has compiled these questions to help guide parents on visits to aid decision-making: • What resources and equipment do you have to support children’s learning?

• How are activities planned and organised to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage?

• Do you provide any additional help and support to under 5s with special educational needs?

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• How many children do you have attending?

• What sort of activities do the children do?

• How is the average day/session organised?

• How do staff manage bad behaviour?

• What qualifications and experience do the staff have?

• How long have you been operating?

• Do you have outdoor and indoor areas for children to play and learn?

• Do children have a rest during the day?

• What time do sessions start and finish?

• Is there a sibling policy?

What should I expect when it’s time to start?

Practicalities – Starting nursery is as much about the practical side as it is about learning and socialisation. Getting up and being there on time after a couple of years of loose timetabling can feel like an immense challenge in itself – for you both! For choosy children, selecting their clothes together the night before and laying them out can help avoid confrontations in the morning. Equally, keeping breakfast options limited, brushing teeth downstairs and encouraging scooting to nursery can all aid a quick turnaround.

“The school run can be stressful but getting ready the night before can help make for a calm arrival at school,” says head of DUCKS

(Dulwich College Kindergarten and Infants’ School), Nicky Black.

Many nurseries don’t require your child to be toilet trained on starting (each one has a different policy so it’s worth checking), and you may even notice them beginning to think about going to the loo themselves once they’ve witnessed older children doing just that.

If your child is staying all day, they may need a nutritious packed lunch (most nurseries are nut-free) – if you can involve them in the making of it, they’ll be more likely to eat it! Usually mid-morning and midafternoon snacks are provided. If you have a fussy eater, you may find their tastes become more adventurous. Charna Walfall from Abacus Ark, says, “Respect a child’s tastes and preferences. Often they are being presented with foods that are new and look unfamiliar so they may want to ‘explore’ this before actually putting it in their mouths. Give them a little taste initially and give them some control. It can take up to fifteen ‘goes’ before a child will accept a new food, but their tastes do change so keep trying every now and then.”

Finally, always pack a change of clothes (including pants) as accidents will most likely happen – be it at the water table, snack table or changing table.

Emotional aspects – Children are brilliant at being on their best behaviour at nursery and saving their tantrums for when they get

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SEPARATION ANXIETY Separation anxiety is a normal stage of a child’s development.

By implementing simple steps and routines you can ensure a happy start to nursery.

• Make the most of settling-in sessions to familiarise children with their new teachers and classroom to help smooth their transition and improve their confidence.

• It is important children are encouraged to form new attachments with their key person.

This relationship helps ensure they settle sooner and are engaged at nursery.

• Make the morning drop-off a happy experience by developing a goodbye ritual.

• Talk positively about nursery and try to hide any anxiety you may be feeling.

• Bring something familiar from home, such as a favourite toy, which can provide comfort and create opportunities to build new attachments between children and adults.

Source: Bertrum House Nursery

home. Being ‘on show’ all day is exhausting – the new surroundings, routine, friends, and expectations are the perfect ingredients for an almighty meltdown when they see you, often before they even get home. You may need to greet them with a snack in your hand to steady rapidly declining blood sugar, and their lunchtime nap could even be brought back if necessary.

Parkgate Nursery

Separation anxiety – This is a normal part of development, according to clinical psychologist Dr Sharon Lewis, who specialises in working with parents of under fives. “Crying is to be expected when a baby is separated from their primary care giver and it’s good they have a healthy attachment,” explains Dr Lewis. “At a later stage, such as starting nursery, a child will often cry at drop-off for a few minutes but then move on and engage with what’s happening around them.” After a while, a bond builds with the teacher and the child feels secure. “Warning signs that separation anxiety has increased include bed-wetting, stomach aches, nightmares, refusing to go to school and a fear that something may happen to the parent while they are out of sight,” says Dr Lewis. Vicky Mould, head teacher of

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Bertrum House Nursery, says, “Talk to your key worker about the types of activity that will entice your child into nursery, try to hide your own anxieties with an upbeat goodbye and then talk about the lovely things they did during the session when you pick them up.”

Head of DUCKS, Nicky Black shares tips on how to make the drop off go as smoothly as possible.“Talk to your son or daughter before you leave the house or on the journey about the things they can look forward to at school. The school run can be stressful but getting ready the night before can help make for a calm arrival.

“In the early days go into the classroom with your child and help them to engage in activities, or with their key person. Say goodbye swiftly, reassuring that you will be back soon. Trust that the adults at school will take care of your child if they are upset and will contact you if needed. If your child finds drop-off stressful, do talk to the teacher who will be able to suggest more strategies to help.’’

There are easy steps to take to help reduce separation anxiety: • be consistent at drop-off and pick-up • have a goodbye ritual and stick to it - don’t

drag it out and don’t change your mind about leaving if you said you were going • reflect on your feelings about separation could your emotions be influencing theirs?

• play out the goodbye scenario together at home first • take a favourite toy in to comfort them • visit the nursery beforehand so it’s familiar

Do children need to be toilet trained?

DUCKS’ Nicky Black says, “In our Kindergarten there is no expectation that children will be toilet trained, but we do want children to be out of nappies when they join our nursery class in the year when they have their 4th birthday, so that we can focus on other aspects of learning and development.

We are well equipped to deal with accidents, which are normal, especially when children are engrossed in play.’’

Like any new phase, starting nursery can trigger a flurry of mixed emotions, but being prepared, staying calm and taking time to evaluate what lies ahead will make the change easier. While it may be the start of their education, there’s no doubting you’ll both learn a lot in the process.

HOW TO CHOOSE A NURSERY As this can be the most personal and important decision in the first step of a child’s education, always start with a visit. You will see the nursery in action and how much the children are enjoying themselves. Happy children thriving in the environment is essential, and a nursery achieves this by really knowing their children, what they love and what makes them tick. An exciting curriculum will combine plenty of play, getting messy and learning.

For parents, being in tune with the ethos of a nursery is also a key factor to consider. A great nursery supports families, not just children.

A belief in sharing and caring promotes good manners, encourages curiosity and a love of learning from an early age. Most importantly, if a child is in a nurturing, safe, happy and fun setting that feels like home, they will flourish and parents’ minds will be at ease.

Source: The White House

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WHAT AM I ENTITLED TO? Free nursery education All children can receive a free part-time nursery education place from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April following their third birthday. A free education place consists of up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks of the year. Not all providers offer 38 weeks but they must offer a minimum of 33 weeks.

If you and your partner are both working you could be entitled to an extra 15 hours, so 30 hours per week.

“The Early Years department at Wandsworth Council has worked hard to ensure that a maximum of nurseries are able to deliver the extended entitlement, which is great news to parents in our area,” say Elisa Sicking-Bressler and Eva Toth, coheads at L’Ecole du Parc nursery.

Free nursery education providers Types of providers offering free nursery education for three and four year olds include maintained nursery schools or primary school nursery classes.

Maintained nurseries:

• are council-run • usually open 9am to 3.15pm

• free to all parents/carers and offer up to 15 hours a week Many provide before school and after school childcare. They generally do not provide nursery places for two year olds.

When should I apply?

The closing date for applications for nursery places within a maintained primary school for entrance from September 2017 was Friday 10th February 2017. Each year follows a similar time frame. Planning ahead is essential. Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk

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active, exciting, fun and secure, but it must also support their development, care and learning needs.

• Nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and childminders registered to deliver the EYFS must follow a legal document called the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

• The EYFS Framework exists to support all professionals working in the EYFS to help your child, and was developed with a number of early years experts and parents.

It sets out:

• The legal welfare requirements that

WHAT IS THE EARLY YEARS STAGE? FOUNDATION STAGE? • The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is how the government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and five years old. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning. From when your child is born up until the age of five, their early years experience should be happy,

everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare

• The seven areas of learning and development which guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge

• Assessments that will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS

• Expected levels that your child should reach at age five, usually the end of the reception year; these expectations are called the “Early Learning Goals” (ELGs)

A BILINGUAL EDUCATION IS A LIFELONG GIFT!

The best of the British and French educational systems, in a warm and nurturing environment

The village pre-school nestled on the Balham / Tooting border To arrange a visit, please contact the school office: 290 Balham High Road, London SW17 7AL 020 8767 4051 www.bertrumhousenursery.co.uk

www.ecoleduparc.co.uk

020 7993 6460

64 Garfield Road - SW11 5PN

2 Stormont Road - SW11 5EN

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Noah’s Ark St Michaels Church Hall Cobham Close, SW11 6SP Noah’s Ark West Side Church Hall Melody Road, SW18 2QQ Parkgate Nursery Opened 1987 to provide a warm, welcoming and nurturing atmosphere with strong educational ethos 80 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 9SD 020 7350 2452 office@parkgate-school.co.uk parkgate-school.co.uk From two and a half to four Streatham & Clapham Prep Nursery 42 Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 enquiry@schs.gdst.net schs.gdst.net

Abacus Ark

• You should be able to get information about your child’s development at any time and there are two stages (at age two, and again at age five) when the professionals caring for your child must give you written information about how he or she is getting on

You can find the Early Years Foundation Stage, which includes the Early Learning Goals, at www.foundationyears.org.uk

NURSERY SCHOOLS Al-Risalah Nursery 10a Gatton Rd, SW17 OEE 020 8767 0716 nursery@alrisalahschool.co.uk From three to five years Bertrum House Nursery Spacious nursery with gorgeous field reminiscent of a village nursery. Children are encouraged to play and learn, whilst being nurtured in preparation for school.

290 Balham High Rd, SW17 7AL 020 8767 4051 office@bertrumhousenursery.co.uk bertrumhousenursery.co.uk From two and a half to five years Eaton Square Nursery 28/30 Eccleston Street, W1W 9PY 020 7931 9469 nursery@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com From two to four years Gateway House St Jude’s Church Hall, Heslop Road, SW12 8EG 020 8675 8258 gatewayhousenursery.co.uk From two and a half to five years

Marmalade Cat St Andrew’s United Reform Church 1 Altenburg Gardens, SW11 1JH 020 8265 5224 marmaladeschools.co.uk From two and a half to five years Mouse House 25 Mallinson Road, SW11 1BW 01622 833 331 thekindergartens.com From two and a half to five years Nightingale 1 Montessori Nursery School St Luke’s Community Hall 194 Ramsden Road, SW12 8RQ 07958 567210 nightingalemontessori.co.uk From two and a half to five years Noah’s Ark Endlesham Church Hall 48 Endlesham Road, SW12 8JL 020 7924 3472 noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk From two and a half to five years

The Little Red Hen Nursery School Christchurch Hall, Cabul Road, SW11 2PN 020 7738 0321 thelittleredhennursery.co.uk From two and a half to five years

DAY NURSERIES AND PRE-SCHOOLS Abacus Ark St Paul’s Church, St John’s Hill, SW11 1SH 020 3733 1921 abacusark.com From six months to five years Abacus Early Learning Nursery Family-run nursery founded in 1989 as an early learning school where children could become confident learners.

135 Laitwood Rd, SW12 9QH Also in Streatham (7 Drewstead Rd, SW16 1LY) & West Norwood 020 8675 8093 info@myabacusnursery.co.uk myabacusnursery.co.uk From nine months to five years

NEW SCHOOL OR CLASS? BE ‘READY TO LEARN’ Nine top tips to be new school or class-ready

Remember others will be feeling nervous too – you are not alone.

Be rested and arrive on time.

Label your belongings – uniform, pencil case and so on – it helps you feel in control.

Be ready to try, and don’t worry about making mistakes which are simply part of the learning process.

Learn to listen and to share, the building blocks for collaboration and group work.

Before the end of the first day, think of one thing you have really enjoyed and one person you would like to get to know better.

Smile, even if you feel uncertain. Others will smile back and new friendships will begin.

Remember to say ‘thank you’. It creates a positive feeling and helps the person you thank to remember you.

Develop a ‘can do’ attitude.

Source: Dolphin School

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Active Learning Fulham Grove House, Bagleys Lane, SW6 2QB 0330 838 1969 activelearningchildcare.co.uk From three months to five years Balham Day Nursery & Pre-School 36 Radbourne Road, SW12 0EF 0333 920 3046 asquithnurseries.co.uk From three months to five years Balham Rainbow Nursery 3a Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX 020 8355 0892 balhamrainbow.evolution-childcare.co.uk From four months to five years Bright Horizons Wandsworth Common Day Nursery and Preschool 4 Northside, Wandsworth Common, SW18 2SS 0370 218 5309 brighthorizons.co.uk From three months to five years Bright Horizons Clapham Village 4-14 Brommels Road, SW4 0BG 0330 134 6448 brighthorizons.co.uk From three months to five years Bright Horizons West Hill Day Nursery and Preschool 38 West Hill, SW18 1RX 0330 057 2970 brighthorizons.co.uk From three months to five years Bright Horizons Northcote Road Day Nursery and Preschool 119a Chatham Road, SW11 6HJ

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS Children will naturally watch and mimic adult behaviour. However much we tell them to behave in a certain way, the best results come from our own actions and examples, crucial to setting foundations for good practice in our children.

They will only develop a comprehensive skill set for making decisions if we talk about the things that we do, articulate our ideas and allow our children to see how we approach different situations.

They will then be able to learn and implement strategies to reach their own conclusions effectively and deal with a range of problems as they grow up.

The subliminal messages that we give out are so important in how we nurture our children. Our beliefs and attitudes become integrated to the child’s very being, and so it is vital that we reflect on how we show respect and concern for others or demonstrate confidence and trust.

Source: Abacus Ark

0333 305 7339 brighthorizons.co.uk From three months to five years Elm Park Nursery 90 Clarence Avenue, SW4 8JR 020 8678 1990 elmparknursery.co.uk From three months to five years Grove Hall Nursery 59 Balham Grove, SW12 8BD 020 8673 1943 grovehallnursery.com From five months to four years L’Ecole du Parc A warm and nurturing nursery school with two sections, French and bilingual (English/ French), taught by qualified native speakers and open to all French: 64 Garfield Road, SW11 5PN Bilingual: 2 Stormont Road, SW11 5EN 020 7993 6460 admissions@ecoleduparc.co.uk ecoleduparc.co.uk From two to five years Little Wombles Broomhill Road, SW18 4JG 07884 253398 littlewombles.co.uk From six months to five years Magdalen Nursery The Lodge, Magdalen Road, SW18 3NP 020 8870 4022 magdalennursery.com From three months to five years Playtime Wandsworth Spectrum Way, off Broomhill Road, SW18 4GQ 020 3735 9410 playtimenurseries.com From three months to five years The Baby Room 195 Lavender Hill, SW11 5TB 020 7228 8277 babyroom.co.uk From birth to five years The Baby Room 18 Old Town, SW4 0LB 020 7498 9450 babyroom.co.uk From birth to five years

The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd Seely Hall, Chillerton Road, SW17 9BE 020 8672 0501 evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd Geraldine Road, SW18 2NR 020 8870 0966 evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd 14 Trinity Crescent, SW17 7AE 020 8672 4673 evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd The Boulevard , 22-23 The Boulevard 205 Balham High Road, SW17 7BW 020 8675 7276 evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd 89a Quicks Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1EX 020 8545 0699 evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years The London Preschool 2 Knightley Walk, SW18 1GZ 020 3319 7330 londonpreschool.co.uk From six months to five years The Northcote House 67-69 Salcott Road, SW11 5TG 020 7924 3696 thehousenurseries.co.uk From one to five years Woodentops SW12 24 Thornton Road, SW12 0LF 020 8674 9514 woodentopsnurseries.com From 6 months to five years Woodentops SW4 1 Poynders Road, SW4 8NX 020 8675 5033 woodentopsnurseries.com From 6 months to five years

The Baby Room 52-54 Webbs Road, SW11 6SF 020 7924 2722 babyroom.co.uk From birth to five years The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd Family-run day nurseries providing excellent care in a warm, loving environment.

30 Ritherdon Road (Head Office), SW17 8QD 020 8672 7549 info@evelinedaynursery.com evelinedaynursery.com From 3 months to five years

The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd

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WELLBEING

MIND THE GAP Twenty-first century life for children can be challenging to say the least, judging by the increase in mental health issues among the young. Georgina Blaskey outlines the crucial role schools can play in providing an atmosphere conducive to good mental health

Alleyn’s School

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It’s top of the agenda in many schools and now, thanks to our younger royals, it’s making newspaper headlines too. Mental health is being discussed openly and without the stigma of past generations, and our schools are championing an honest dialogue with their pupils and parents. The rising statistics of young people seeking medical help for mental health issues and the increasing reports of tragic consequences among those most vulnerable, concern us all and need addressing urgently.

Jane Lunnon, headmistress of Wimbledon High, explains, “Psychologist Steve Biddulph told us in a recent talk that one in three girls have such high anxiety levels that they need some kind of medical intervention.” It’s a startling number. Lunnon continues: “You can’t be in education or working with young people and not be concerned about this. The rise in anxiety cannot be ignored or

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Finton House School

understated, and it is the responsibility of all in schools (as well as parents and those at home), to work together to address this.”

While there are many factors at play – social media, exam pressure, urban life, an unstable world – Biddulph believes the problem lies much closer to home. In his book, Ten Things Girls Need Most to Grow Up Strong and Free, he clearly sets out his argument that middle class, affluent, successful, time-poor, working parents are to blame for the mental health epidemic sweeping Britain.

“There is something about people in Britain not standing up for themselves; enjoying good incomes, but terrible lives. This way of life puts your child in the middle of everything, we have to find a way to make a change,” he recently said in a newspaper article. The answer?

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DEALING WITH SOCIAL PRESSURE Try to be proactive: At Finton, Playground Pals help children to manage disagreements; Listening Buddies are available to chat to at any time and class teachers deal with situations straight away. Children feel listened to and that is the key.

• Discourage exclusive friendships and ‘best friends’. Invite different children to playdates who share your child’s values and points of view.

• Don’t believe everything your child tells you. Listen to what they say and then ask questions to predict how somebody else may have viewed the situation.

• At pick up, ask what made them happy or intrigued rather than targeting stress points. This is important when there are friendship issues; it’s easy to enter a negative downward spiral.

cutting themselves, four times higher than a decade earlier.

Many schools are taking this issue seriously, starting with identifying the threats to our children’s state of mind and implementing strategies to help. Head of wellbeing at Dulwich College, Sarah Griffiths, believes: “The main threats to children’s wellbeing include: risky or inappropriate behaviour online, which can stem from the lack of boundaries in place on the internet; pressure from a multitude of angles to succeed academically and to present a ‘perfect’ life online; deep-rooted fears about personal and future security fed by the apparent prevalence of terrorism; and the perceived difficulty in finding employment after university or school.”

Lunnon agrees it’s a multi-faceted beast: “In some ways, there is no one single issue here. Instead, it feels like a perfect storm of a

• Stay offline! Social media and phone obsession are bad for selfworth, family communication and wellbeing. 1 in 4 children who own a phone have been bullied online.

Source: Finton House School

DID YOU KNOW… …HOW IMPORTANT QUALITY TIME TOGETHER AND SHARED EXPERIENCES ARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN, SUCH AS FAMILY MEALTIMES AND GROUP ACTIVITIES? Source: Young Minds

If that sounds a bit extreme, on a more achievable level Biddulph suggests we allow our children to spend more time with older role models - “That’s where girls got their affirmation of who they are, now they look to phones in the middle of the night” - and more time with parents. He claims a five per cent change in the way parents behave could make enough of a difference to move your daughter out of the mental health danger zone.

But is this hysterical hyperbole? The numbers don’t lie. In 2016, NHS figures show that 2,311 girls were hospitalised after

Wimbledon High School

number of things: the impact of social media, increasing exam pressure and the anxieties around that, growing commercialisation of very young children, and families under time and financial pressure. If I had to pick one thing though, I would probably sum it up for children and teens as being about not belonging to something bigger than themselves that really matters.”

It comes back to Biddulph’s earlier comments about girls looking for affirmation online in the middle of the night. Without a real community around them, they will look for a tribe elsewhere, but are the role models they follow the people you want your child to aspire to be? Instagram has been rated the worst social media site for young people’s mental health, according to a survey of 1,500 14 to 24 year olds. When asked to consider health and wellbeing issues such as access

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“FEELING PART OF A COMMUNITY, AS OPPOSED TO A VIRTUAL ONE, CAN HELP BUILD SELFESTEEM, IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING”

Thames Christian School

DID YOU KNOW… …RELATIONSHIPS ARE AT THE HEART OF CHILDREN’S WELLBEING, HIGHLIGHTING THEIR NEED FOR LOVE, SUPPORT, RESPECT, FAIRNESS, FREEDOM AND SAFETY Source: The Children’s Society

to expert information, emotional support, anxiety, depression, sleep, self-expression, body image, community-building and bullying, the platform has the most negative impact on users and puts them at risk of suffering loneliness, depression and body image anxiety. Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube followed, in that order.

Charlotte Owen, head of Marden (Years 7-8) at Woldingham is very concerned about how young girls behave online. “The main threat to children’s wellbeing is the constant pressure to be connected by social media and the lack of understanding that once something hurtful is said or an inappropriate picture posted, it’s out there forever and can’t be taken back.” Simply communicating in a virtual format makes the consequences unreal.

Feeling part of a real community, as opposed to a virtual one, can help build selfesteem, identity and a sense of belonging, something that must be nurtured in really young people to carry with them into their teens, as Edward Rees, headmaster of Hornsby House explains.

“At primary school age, the problems we witness often relate to relationships and the need, that we all experience, to feel accepted by the social group in which we sit.” It’s human nature to want to be part of something bigger than ourselves and this is where schools can make a tangible difference.

E-SAFETY Today’s pre-teens are the first pure digital generation, having grown up with mobile devices. Digital technology is powerful and brings huge opportunities, but learning to use the web and social media appropriately is an important process.

Workshops to engage parents in the digital world, with pupils and parents learning from each other, are key. Teaching children to use digital technology involves discussion, open communication and an environment at both home and school where mistakes can be made. This way, children develop a healthy relationship with technology and the online maturity to keep them safe. Draw up a ‘Family Agreement’ considering: • Filters alone are not enough.

Agree how you monitor what they look at and who they contact whilst respecting their privacy, eg spot checks.

• Set rules on how long your child will spend online, what behaviour is unacceptable, where they can use technology and what time the devices go away for the night.

• Keep the discussion going.

Teenagers are often at their most open later in the evening.

Source: Thames Christian School

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At Alleyn’s, deputy head Andy Skinnard takes this very seriously. “It is vital that children in their early teens have contact with the outside world, with society,” he explains. “But the school has an important role in this. It’s a community where everyone is valued, where there are people who can help, from their tutor to their housemaster to the chaplain or older pupils.”

Naturally, in the teenage years, taking risks becomes more apparent. “Risk taking is about socialisation,” says Skinnard. “Current studies show that on their own teens are safe, but with other teens, their behaviour becomes more risky.” Alleyn’s has dedicated lessons looking at many issues including risk, incorporating external speakers and ageappropriate material to encourage the pupils to ask themselves: How am I developing as a person?

Coping with life’s challenges is key to wellbeing and arming children to cope with failure is vital. Rees explains: “The competitive assessment process at 11+ and 13+ can be overwhelming for some children

and cause unwanted anxiety. Unfortunately, prep schools are a ‘captive audience’, dancing to the tune of the secondary schools who know that the demand for places greatly outstrips supply. Until this changes, there will always be pressure on prep schools to focus on exam preparation and outcomes, and young children are, sadly, exposed to an unreasonable level of anxiety.

“Our job, as educators, is to try and encourage parents and children to gain a sense of perspective. Your 11+ or 13+ results do not dictate how successful or, more importantly, happy you are going to be in your life. The balance between preparing children well for their exams and still providing a broad, balanced, creative and exciting curriculum is key, so that the process of learning becomes the focus as opposed to the outcome.”

Educating children with the knowledge and language they need to explore and understand the confusing emotions they feel will inevitably aid their progress. Dulwich College has created a comprehensive

“SCHOOL COMMUNITY HAS A ROLE IN HELPING STUDENTS REMEMBER WHY LIFE IS GOOD… REMINDING THEM THAT LIFE IS FUN, TO BE CELEBRATED” programme to prepare pupils for life’s journey. “Our wellbeing programmes cover topics in age-appropriate ways that support physical, emotional and spiritual health, promote healthy living, encourage engagement in local, regional and global communities and prepare pupils for their next steps”, Griffths says.

“We have a Quiet Room available to boys and staff with coaching and counselling

A PICTURE OF CHILDREN’S WELLBEING IN THE UK The Good Childhood Report 2015 reported a shift in attitudes over the last decade from ‘children should be seen and not heard’, to listening to them about how they feel about their lives as a whole, about their relationships, the amount of choice that they have in their lives, and their future.

In collaboration with the University of York, the research has found over the decade that while personality traits play a part in understanding why children’s subjective wellbeing varies, these kind of factors leave most of the variation unexplained.

However, the research has uncovered significant links between children’s subjective wellbeing and a range of socio-economic factors, contextual factors, life events, activities and behaviours.

Household income explains only a small amount of the variation, but material deprivation explains much more, as does quality of family relationships. Bullying has a more substantial impact on wellbeing.

Royal Russell School

Positive impacts include playing sport, exercising, paying attention to surroundings, connecting with other people and learning new things.

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services available to all. We actively promote emotional literacy across the age ranges from our smallest children in the Kindergarten to our senior boys preparing to sit their A levels; we look to promote healthy coping strategies and to develop resilience and empathy.”

Community is the buzz word that comes up again and again among all the educators to whom I spoke. “Schools hold a special position in society,” continues Griffiths.

“They are a bridge between parents and pupils and a hub of a community. If schools are resourced to educate their staff and students, they can change their environment and culture to provide an atmosphere conducive to good mental health and provide specialist support when needed for children who may be struggling with 21st century life. That the number of children with mental health issues is rising should provoke us to look at the root causes, but also to celebrate that such issues are now spoken about publicly.”

Lunnon believes the school community has a role in helping students remember why life is good: “It helps remind them that, despite the pressure, life is fun, to be celebrated.

It’s important that children find their thing, whatever it is, and we invest a lot of time and

energy into helping our girls to do that. Full engagement in another activity is a great way to help our children maintain perspective on life and, of course, to build their sense of confidence and of themselves.

“Secondly, it’s important that children feel they belong to something bigger than they are, and that should come from the school

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and the way it shares its values, its mission and its purpose with the children. The school will become part of their identity forever and we want them to be proud of that and to celebrate it for the rest of their lives, to feel connected to all who went before and come after them. That is a good way to reduce immediate and day-to-day anxieties.”

BUILDING RESILIENCE 1 Encourage your child to have a go.

Always. There’s no shame in getting the answer wrong in class (or in life).

watch for your reaction before crying, so with failure. Have a light touch, encourage your child to laugh it off.

2 Never say, “I was no good at Maths”.

We all struggle in some subjects; statements like this become selffulfilling.

7 When it comes to sport, music and other activities, some will come naturally, others will be difficult. That’s the point.

3 Instil the power of ‘yet’ - I haven’t grasped it yet...

8 Nurture a passion in your child; mastering something is fantastic for self-confidence.

4 Give your child space when trying to work something out.

5 Praise the effort and not the outcome.

If everything is ‘brilliant’, there’s no learning for when things go wrong.

6 And when they do, don’t make a drama. Just as the fallen child might

9 Model resilience (not stoicism or a stiff upper lip). Emotions matter show them. Talk openly about failures in your life and what you did to overcome them.

Source: Wimbledon High School

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SUPPLY V DEMAND

Alleyn’s School

DEMAND ECONOMY Getting into a school is a lengthy and frustrating process, seemingly geared to the tenacious. Gillian Upton suggests ways of easing the strain

Living in London takes some beating.

We live in a world-class capital city and enjoy all the benefits that affords, including having some of the best schools in the country on our doorstep.

However, getting into them is another matter. Flexing catchment areas, creating bulge classes and building new schools are some of the ways of matching supply to demand in the state sector. The two big popular state primary schools off Northcote Road - Belleville and Honeywell - are always a good benchmark and this year their threshold distances were expanded “quite significantly,” says Adam Wells, head of pupil services in the borough of Wandsworth.

The usual 190 metre threshold for Honeywell was widened to 350m, while

Belleville offered an additional form entry.

“Property prices may have affected the number of applications,” he believes, with people moving to places where they can afford to buy homes. This may account for the 5-6% drop in applications for primary school places across London this year.

It means that Wandsworth has had another successful year of offering parents their first choice of primary school, with an 80% Preference Net Rate. Secondary school is another story however, with a 60% Preference Net Rate. “That’s not brilliant,” admits Adam, “but we are satisfied that your child will gain admission into a local school. We can’t dictate to parents which schools they apply for.”

Switch to the private sector where the tactics employed in the state sector are

“PARENTS HAVE TOLD US THEY WOULD PREFER OFFERS FOR PLACES AT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE LOCAL AREA TO ALL BE MADE AT A SIMILAR TIME” not viable, and the squeeze is on in prep and senior schools. Private schools will not enlarge class sizes as that kills one of their vital USPs: a bespoke education. Some may move from a three-form entry to four to try and alleviate pressure on places - Putney High School did so a few years ago - while building or expanding schools in a city such as London is constrained by

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suitable sites. Hornsby House, for example, built underground to achieve three extra classrooms and a dining hall.

Oliver House is limited at its site near Clapham South but that suits them. “We’re never going to be a big school,” says head Rob Farrell. “Our ideal is two classes of 14 in a year group and the thing we like about the school is that it’s small and we have a strong parent body.”

Yet some 120,000 more school places are needed in the next ten years so competition is set to increase. Furthermore, London schools are also becoming increasingly selective, so how can parents improve their

September 2019, a one-mile catchment area has been introduced, with priority going to siblings, children of alumnae and members of staff, with offers made 18 months prior to a September start. Non-priority offers will be drawn by ballot in early April 2018 to ensure a good spread of birthdays and genders.

Broomwood Hall is not alone. The number of applications has doubled at Putney High School over the last three years. Suzie Longstaff, head of Putney High School, describes the agonising method she employs each year to choose who gets a place and who doesn’t. “I literally crawl around the floor looking at the application packs,” she says.

Places do arise in non–selective schools after the initial offers have come out.

Families re-locating or declining school places once they’ve made their decision frees up places for others on the waiting list.

“Hold your nerve and stay in contact with us,” advises Alison Fleming, head of Newton Prep. “We make offers in October, 11 months before they’re going to arrive and there is always movement in that year.”

The key is to be patient. Schools need to fill their classes each year, but with the right children. Last year Simon Beck, registrar at Whitgift School, and his team of six, interviewed over 850 boys to get the right pupils. “If you have a passion to come here you will lift yourself way above the others,” he says.

“BE FRIENDLY WITH THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT, BUT NOT OVERLY FRIENDLY”

The Roche School

chances of a place for their children? How many school deposits should they pay to massively over-subscribed schools, in the hope that a place may come up?

At 11+ entry, Alleyn’s received 700 applications for 138 places, Woldingham received 200 applications for 55-60 places; Royal Russell some 300 for 90 places; Oliver House, 800 applications for 80 places; Newton Prep has four or five children for every place available. It’s the same at Streatham & Clapham High School.

Numbers for entry in September 2018 for Broomwood Hall Lower School - into reception/prep - have increased by 20% on the previous year, so the school has acted to create a new system “which is more transparent and user-friendly,” explains registrar Susannah Lloyd.

“Parents have told us they would prefer offers for places at independent schools in the local area to all be made at a similar time, so they can make informed choices without the need to potentially pay several acceptance deposits,” she says.

So for all children due to enter prep from

“I take every application really seriously. I look through the exam papers, the interview notes, the references from school, and they all help me make up my mind. I speak to the heads of Maths and English and decide who will thrive at Putney High.

“I ask, ‘Did they run out of time in their exam?’ ‘Did they tackle the harder questions?’

‘What does their creative writing say about them?’ It is one of the hardest things I do.”

Janie Richardson of Yellowbird Education suggests understanding the system really well before making a decision and also to, “Be friendly with the admissions department, but not overly friendly.” She also believes schools should manage their admissions procedure far better than they do. “Schools should have a cut-off number and stick to it but they don’t want to miss out on the brighter children coming later,” she says.

Emanuel caps registrations at two of its four entry points: for 10+ at 200 (48 places max) and 11+ at 1,000 (approx 95 places), then at 13+ it’s uncapped but typically 180 (10 places max) and at 16+ it’s also uncapped for about 12 places.

Nor do you need to put your child through too many entrance exams so choose wisely.

“We are very clear from the outset that we are an academically selective school, so parents are not surprised if their daughter does not win a place,” explains Katharine Crouch, head at Sutton High School, part of GDST. Better still is to be realistic and listen to what your child’s current teachers recommend and do your homework on your aspirational school, particularly during school visits. “We work very closely with our feeder schools so that parents have a good idea if we are the right ‘fit’ from early in the admissions process,” says Katharine.

It’s a view mirrored by Sebastian Hepher, head of Eaton Square Schools Group.

“Parents have to listen to their existing head.

Parents are right to be aspirational and give the best for their children but it’s also difficult for them to see where their children are. Finding the right school is crucial.”

One cautionary tale comes from Vania Adams, head at The Roche School, who recalls a story told to her by another head.

“He was interviewing a boy who was sitting ten entrance exams and the poor child didn’t know where he was.”

The final word comes from Tash Roisin of Teatime Tutors: “Parents need to take a step back and lower their expectations.

Picture a year ahead and how your child will be feeling if they are in the wrong school.

An aspirational school may be right for the dinner party chat but not anything else.”

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SCHOOL PROFILE

A UNIQUE MODEL Co-ed at the start then nurtured in single-sex schools for the prep years, the Northwood group’s approach has proved popular and effective for both parents and children alike Broomwood Hall and Northcote Lodge may have their own sites and identities, but they share a special ethos that binds their children together. The schools, which make up the Northwood family, champion their model of co-education in the pre-prep and single sex in the two prep schools, believing it works extremely well for children, enabling them to feel ‘special’ within their own space (whether that is in pre-prep or prep), whilst also feeling part of a bigger family. “Our children get to know each other really well between the ages of four and seven when gender differences are less pronounced and children are happy to play together and enjoy many of the same activities,” explains Carole Jenkinson, headmistress of Broomwood Hall.

“However, boys and girls mature at different speeds and in different ways – there is a big difference in how they interact, play and learn between the ages of eight and 11. By giving girls and boys the space to be themselves, they can read the books that most interest them and take advantage of lessons and activities that are specifically geared to their different learning styles and levels of maturity.”

For the final two years (Years 7 and 8), the children collaborate on joint activities such as debates, music, sport (including crosscountry, cricket and rugby) and access to specialist teaching and masterclasses. “We also encourage them to mix on expeditions in France and Wales at this point too, and the Parents’ Association runs discos and school fairs which children from both schools are encouraged to attend,” adds Mark Smith, headmaster of Northcote Lodge. “In reality, most of the children already know each other from their time in the pre-preps and have brothers or sisters in each school.” It’s the family feel that parents adore, whether they have mixed or single-sex families themselves, and the Northwood group prides itself on being the only pre-prep/prep school in south London that offers this combination, allowing parents to keep their children in one family

of schools while reaping the benefits of a single-sex education during those allimportant prep years.

The family theme goes back to the founding of Broomwood Hall and Northcote Lodge by Sir Malcolm and Lady Colquhoun and this personal, family touch is evident throughout, from the way they are furnished (carpets and curtains rather than lino and blinds) to the blooming, well-tended gardens and the excellent pastoral care. “A family looks after its members, cares about what the different members are doing and enjoys spending time together. The three schools that comprise the Northwood Schools family exemplify that attitude and approach, and the fact that we are family-owned has a big impact on how we feel and how we behave,” says principal, Lady Colquhoun.

Broomwood Hall Lower School

Nurturing the children and tailoring educational provision within their stunning buildings means the staff can really get to know every child and bolster their self-esteem. “This means that whatever secondary school they choose, they are secure in their abilities, confident in themselves and able to interact with the opposite sex naturally and easily,” adds Lady Colquhoun. It’s worth noting that children from both sites continue to single sex and co-educational schools in roughly equal numbers, successfully adapting to either environment, proving the unique model is working for children and their families.

“IT’S THE FAMILY FEEL THAT PARENTS ADORE”

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CURRICULUM

CODE READY Coding presents one of the growing job opportunities in the workplace and we should encourage our children to embrace the challenge, says Georgina Blaskey Our children and our schools are entering a brave new world where computers are at the forefront of almost every industry. It’s predicted that 60% of the jobs our children will do haven’t even been thought of yet. So how to go about preparing them for a world which still doesn’t exist?

Over 20 years ago, Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc, said, “Everyone should learn how to programme a computer, because it teaches you how to think.” About four years ago the British government decided to become the first G7 country to introduce compulsory computer science for all children aged five to 16. Now, when a child leaves primary school aged 11, they should be able to design, write and debug programmes that accomplish specific goals, use sequence, selection, and repetition in programmes, and use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programmes. It’s called coding.

London schools have fully embraced this challenge. “The art of coding is essentially computational thinking and at Dulwich College we consider this to be a decision-

“CHILDREN OF TODAY WILL BE READY TO LEAD IN AN AS YET UNIMAGINABLE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGIAL WONDERS”

Dulwich College

CODING TIPS 1 Don’t be afraid to start early, some concepts we as adults struggle with, an 8-year-old will accept straightaway 2 Start with simple Apps such as Light Bot – Code Hour or Swift Playground (needs iOS 10) on an iPad are designed to help develop logical thinking and analytical skills.

3 Little robots such as bee bots, Ozbots make good Christmas & birthday presents and are a fun and engaging way to introduce programming 4 Sign up on the Kano (kano.me) website for free projects and new challenges to

start coding without a kit for children aged 6+. You can buy a simple starter kit from £139 which includes userfriendly instructions that the kids will be able to follow themselves.

5 Attend a Coderdojo event (https:// coderdojo.com/): these 3 hour workshops happen in London regularly and are staffed by computer literate volunteers who will help your child get started. They are great if you don’t feel confident yourself as there are many experts on hand who will help get the kids up and running plus give them ideas to try when they get back home.

6 Invest in a Raspberry Pi computer for as little as £30. You can hook it up to a TV screen or monitor or buy Raspbery Pi accessories at an additional cost. Kids may need a bit more help setting the Raspberry Pi up so go down this route when you know they are interested.

Both Kano & Raspberry Pis come preloaded with Scratch (good beginner programming software) & Python.

7 It’s not for everybody so encourage your child but don’t force them. If they have a natural interest they should be able to explore further on their own.

Source: Ernest Bevin College

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making life skill that everyone needs on a daily basis,” explains deputy master academic, Damian King. “Planning tasks, spotting patterns and considering the consequences of actions are what we as humans do naturally, and learning how to code improves the way we do these.

“In addition, we believe that boys need an understanding of what takes place behind the touch screen or keyboard of modern devices.

Coding gives a glimpse of the language of computers, the way they operate, how they use data and the implications of its use.”

Viewing code as a language children need to master, alongside French or Mandarin, is a common theme. Jane Lunnon, headmistress at Wimbledon High, says: “It matters to us that girls in particular become comfortable with and adept at coding. It is the language of the 21st century and we want our pupils to be confident creators of programmes, not just consumers of them.

I also think it is increasingly important for all our young people to understand how the algorithms, and those that create them, are driving our politics, our society and our choices in really seminal ways.”

Primary educators feel just as strongly and their eyes are firmly on the future

prospects of their pupils as much as the present. “Raising a generation of children who can code can have massive benefits to our future economy,” informs Hornsby House headmaster Edward Rees. “Teaching coding throughout their school life puts children in control of the computer and lets them turn into reality the amazing and creative ideas they have, while mastering concepts such as logic and consequences.”

“WHILE WE CAN’T FUTURE-PROOF OUR KIDS, WE CAN GIVE THEM THE GROUNDWORK THEY NEED” At Finton House, empowering children is also a driver in their approach to technology.

Ben Freeman, headmaster, explains, “Coding gives children opportunities in school and later in the world of work. It gives them the ability to be creative in a different kind of way. We already have a shortage of programmers in this country so if we can

TECHNOLOGICAL WONDERS There is no doubt that job opportunities in the future will rely heavily on the development of computer software or close interaction with new forms of technology. Coding has been a cornerstone of the curriculum here for four years, during which time pupils have been able to work with hackable hardware such as Raspberry Pi and the BBC’s micro:bit, code their own software for mobile phones and animate robots of various shapes and sizes. All of these ventures have been closely linked with other areas of learning, which has led to a flowering of creativity and ingenuity, and it is easy to see how the Newton children of today will be ready to lead in an asyet-unimaginable future of technological wonders.

Source: Newton Prep

Wimbledon High School

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inspire some children to take this path, that will be a huge advantage for them.”

And while we can’t future-proof our kids, we can give them the groundwork they need, says Malcolm McKinlay of Parkgate School: “In the future, coding will be developed even further as today’s coding becomes out-of-date, but without the knowledge of today how can they learn the knowledge of the future? Without this core understanding they won’t be prepared for further learning and job prospects.”

Coding can be fun, creative and encourages logical thinking, and at the very least, it helps day-to-day life as we become engaged in technology rather than simply consuming it. The concept of coding as an essential life skill is echoed by headmistress Vania Adams at The Roche School. “There’s a quality-of-life aspect, getting the most out of our personal and household devices and then being able to help those closest to us. Along with programming, we are engaging in more practical explorations into how things work, including dismantling everyday technology such as Wi-Fi routers, mobile phones and computers, in order to demystify them. Both practical and creative, this is why children need to learn code.”

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King’s College School

OPEN DAY GUIDE

QUIZ TIME Make the most of a school visit as it’s the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the school, ask searching questions and discover whether the pupils are how you’d like your child to turn out. Read on for the essential diary dates

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OPEN DAYS

WANDSWORTH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

34 Ravenstone

65 The Eveline Day School

Call the school to arrange a tour

October 7th 9.30am - 12.30pm.

Booking required

35 Riversdale 4 Allfarthing September 29th, October 13th & November 10th 9.30 - 10.30am. October 19th, December 8th & 14th 9.15 - 10am

5 Beatrix Potter Open afternoons each Tuesday from 2pm

13 Falconbrook September 21st, October 19th & November 16th 9.30am. Booking required

Tours by appointment every Thursday morning

66 Finton House

38 Rutherford House

68 Hornsby House

Booking required for open mornings or afternoons

Booking required for showrounds.

Weekday open mornings scheduled for parents already registered.

44 St Faith’s September 20th, October 4th, 17th, November 7th & 29th, December 6th 9 - 10am

70 Ibstock Place

October & November - dates to be confirmed

Pre-Prep and Prep (Kindergarten to Year 6) September 27th, November 15th 9.30am, January 31st, May 2nd & June 20th 2018 9.30am

51 Shaftesbury Park

74 Newton Prep

50 Sellincourt 15 Floreat Wandsworth

Individual tours bookable

Call to book a school tour (Reception) October 11th, 17th & November 23rd 9.30 - 11am. Nursery, November 7th & 30th 9.30 - 11am

58 Trinity St Mary’s Call to book a tour

October 7th 9.30am - 12.30pm plus tours most Fridays during term time. Booking required

75 Northcote Lodge October 11th 9 - 10.30am

76 Oliver House

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS (UP TO 11/13) 62 Broomwood Hall Lower School, Ramsden Rd October 10th 8.45 - 10.15am

October 7th 10am - 1pm

77 Parkgate House October 7th 9.30am - 12pm

81 The Falcons School for Girls September 16th 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Please register

Emanuel School

16 Franciscan October 10th 9.15am, October 18th 10.45am, November 7th & 16th 9.15am

63 Broomwood Hall Upper School

82 The Roche School

October 10th 10 - 11.15am. Booking required

September 23rd am, October 6th, November 15th & January 17th, March 2nd, May 11th & June 13th 2018. Booking required

64 Dolphin School 19 Granard September 19th, October 18th, November 16th 9.30am & January 10th 2018 9.30am. Booking required

25 Honeywell Infant Regular tours take place on Thursday mornings

26 Honeywell Junior Regular tours take place on Thursday mornings

29 Mosaic September 28th, October 18th & December 7th 9.30am. November 14th 1.30pm. January 4th 2018 9.30am

Thursday morning tours for parents only (except nursing babies) 9.15 - 10.40am.

Booking required

87 Wandsworth Prep September 20th & November 15th 9 - 11am

THE CASE FOR CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS School is supposed to prepare children for adult life, which is co-ed! There is no doubt that boys learn a lot from girls and vice versa. Co-educational schools are often very happy, partly because the presence of boys lessens the potential friction between girls and the presence of girls stops the boys from being too rowdy! Being a co-ed school makes life a lot easier when putting on a play or a musical. Recent productions at Emanuel including The Producers, Brief Encounter and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe were all perfectly balanced with roles for both boys and girls. Before you know it, they’ve done their A levels and they’re off to Uni, but not before the Leavers’ Ball - black tie for boys, posh frocks for girls - how very glamorous they look and so grown-up - and so well prepared for the real world.

Source: Emanuel School

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OTHER PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS POPULAR WITH CHILDREN LIVING IN NAPPY VALLEY DUCKS (Kindergarten and Infants’ School; part of Dulwich College) Booking required

Dulwich College Junior School (Years 3 - 6) October 14th 9.30am - 12pm & November 15th 1.30 - 3.15pm

Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep October 10th 7 - 9pm

Eaton House Belgravia Prep October 3rd 7 - 9pm

Hill House Drop-ins any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 8.30am term time without appointment

JAGS Pre-Prep & Prep

The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys September 23rd & March 10th 2018 10.30am - 12.30pm. Please register

Tower House School September 22nd 9.15am. Booking required

Wimbledon High Junior School (4+ & 7+) October 10th 8.50am.

Booking required

WANDSWORTH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 88 Ark Putney Academy September 25th, 26th, 27th & 28th 9 - 10.45am & September 26th 5 - 8pm.

September 30th 9, 10 & 11am.

Booking required

89 Ashcroft Technology College September 12th 6 - 8pm. September 14th & 15th 9 - 11am. Booking required

October 7th 10am - 12pm

90 Bolingbroke Academy Oakwood School October 7th 10am - 1pm

October 12th 5.15 - 7.15pm & October 14th 9.30 - 12.30pm

Parsons Green Prep School

91 Burntwood School

October 7th 9.30am. Booking required

Peregrines Pre-Prep September 16th

September 27th 6 - 8pm & October 10th 8.45 - 11am

92 Chestnut Grove Academy

Sydenham High School

September 19th & October 10th 9 10.45am, September 28th 5 - 8pm

Reception & Junior School: September 30th 10am - 1pm; October 11th & 19th 9.30 11am. Online pre-booking required. Weekly bookable tours on Wednesday mornings

93 Ernest Bevin College September 29th & October 5th 9 - 11am.

October 3rd 5.30 - 8pm

94 Graveney School October 11th & 12th 9.30am - 12.30pm.

October 12th 5.30 - 8.30pm

MAKING THE MOST OF SCHOOL VISITS • Find out about Open Mornings, Taster Days and private tours via the school’s website.

• Most school websites offer a pretty comprehensive profile of school life, so get a sense of the school before your visit.

• Does the school cater for your child’s passion?

• Can the school accommodate any special needs?

• Once you have selected your school choices, plan a timetable of visits so you are able to see them all – some dates may clash.

• Using the school website as a prompt, prepare questions before your visit and make a list of the areas you want to see so you’ll come away with a real insight.

• Always take your child with you to visit the school.

• Think about travel logistics: you’ll arrive on time and be able to make the most of your visit, but you’ll also be able to work out how easily your child would travel to the school.

Source: James Allen’s Girls’ School

98 Southfields Academy September 20th, 22nd, 25th & October 9th 8.45 - 10.30am. October 5th 5.30 7.30pm. Tours by appointment on weeks commencing October 9th & 16th

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 102 Emanuel

September 21st, 26th & 28th 9 - 11am, September 27th 5 - 7.30pm

September 16th. Headmaster’s talks followed by tour at 9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm. Booking required Sixth Form Open Evening September 20th 5.30 - 7.30pm

96 St Cecilia’s

104 Ibstock Place School

95 Harris Academy Battersea

September 18th & October 16th 9am 12pm, September 21st 6.30 - 8.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening October 5th 6.30 - 8.30pm

Senior School September 20th 5pm & September 23rd 9am - 12pm Sixth form September 26th 5 - 8pm

105 King’s College School 97 St John Bosco College Newton Preparatory School

September 18th & October 16th 9 - 12pm.

September 23rd 9 - 11am

(7 - 16+) September 9th 9am, Lower School (11+) October 10th 6pm & Sixth Form September 14th & October 5th 6pm

NappyValleyNet.com

106 Putney High School

Cranleigh School

Junior School October 14th 9 - 11.45am, October 19th & 20th 9.30 - 10.45am.

Year 7 October 14th 9.45 & 10.45, October 16th 2.15pm, October 17th & 18th 8.45am.

Sixth Form October 14th 11.45am

Small group tours on Saturdays

107 Thames Christian School September 30th 10am - 1pm, September 26th & October 11th 11am - 1pm

108 Wimbledon High School October 7th 9.30 - 11.30am, October 11th 8.50am. Sixth Form October 7th 9.30 11.30am

OTHER PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS POPULAR WITH CHILDREN LIVING IN NAPPY VALLEY Alleyn’s School For 11+ & 13+ September 13th & November 8th 2 - 3.45pm, September 30th 9.30am - 12pm. Sixth Form September 12th 2pm & September 30th 9.30am - 12pm

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9.30am - 12pm, & September 14th 2.15pm, September 20th & 29th, October 18th & November 15th 11am. Booking required. Small group tours on Tuesday and Friday mornings; booking required.

Middle School (Year 9) September 13th, October 11th & November 9th 2.15pm, plus individual visits can be arranged. Booking required. Upper School (Year 12), book an individual visit

DLD College London November 15th & February 28th 2018 5 7pm. Booking required

Dulwich College Lower School (Year 7) October 7th

CHOOSING BETWEEN 11+ AND 13+ ENTRY There are many opportunities that come with choosing either the 11+ or 13+ as entry points to a new secondary school. These will, of course, depend on what best suits your child, but here are some tips to consider when making that decision: • How is your child feeling? Are they ready for the next step, or will they relish the positions of responsibility that will come their way during their final years at their prep school?

• What are the academic requirements of the schools you’re thinking of applying to and is your child ready to face the challenge which will come with meeting them?

Most schools should be able to provide some sample questions.

• What structures are in place to look after younger pupils at the school? Pay a visit and ask about induction and pastoral systems to ensure that 11+ entrants are given the extra care and support they need.

Source: Trinity School

Open morning Saturday 30th September 10.00-1.00

Passion for learning Preparation for life We are a 5 minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction Station Contact telephone: 020 7228 3933

Scholarships available

CONFIDENCE

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

ENTHUSIASM

SUCCESS

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Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair October 12th & November 14th. February 7th, May 1st & June 14th 2018 9.30am.

November 1st evening.

Booking required

JAGS Senior School September 27th & October 19th 10.30am 12pm, October 7th 10am - 1pm. Sixth Form October 11th 1.45 - 5.30pm

MPW November 7th, February 6th, April 24th & June 20th 2018 4.15 - 6pm. Booking required

Royal Russell September 23rd 8.30am - 1pm.

Sixth Form October 4th 6.30pm

St John’s School Senior School & Sixth Form September 29th 5 - 7pm & September 30th 9 - 11am Sixth Form September 26th 5 - 6.30pm.

Sutton High School September 23rd am. Booking required

Sydenham High School September 23rd 10am - 1pm, October 3rd, November 7th & November 23rd 9.30 - 11am.

Sixth Form October 3rd 6.30 - 8.30pm

The Cedars School

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER

September 30th & October 8th 10am - 12pm

• Use holiday time to expose youngsters to other countries, cultures and languages. Generating a spirit of enquiry at a young age helps to instil values of openmindedness, acceptance and tolerance.

October 7th 9am - 12pm. Tours available during summer and autumn terms by appointment.

• For teens, consider a language immersion experience, setting them up well for travelling, a gap year or a year abroad.

• Start or improve on activities that don’t feature on the normal termtime schedule such as climbing, mountain biking, dance and camping. You never know - newfound strengths and interests may develop.

• Try a residential stay away from home without the normal peer group. Confidence and character development are most marked when given the independence to be themselves among a new peer group.

• Get them outdoors and out of their comfort zone - challenge their notion of fun and their stamina.

Can they achieve that hike, bike ride or nature trail?

• Maximise learning through play and discovery on a summer camp with an educational focus.

Source: Camp Suisse

Trinity School

Whitgift September 23rd 9am - 1pm, October 10th 4 - 8pm. Booking required for afternoons on October 11th, 16th, November 8th, 15th, 16th, 20th & 21st

Parkgate Nursery

130 London Steiner School Every Wednesday 9am. Booking required

132 Streatham & Clapham Prep School October 7th 10am - 12pm

Woldingham School September 30th 9.30am, April 28th & June 16th 2018 9.30am. Sixth Form October 3rd 7pm. Booking required

LAMBETH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

133 The White House Kindergarten & Prep School Tuesdays 9.15am, personal tours and open mornings. Booking required

LAMBETH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

127 Telferscot Weekly throughout October, November, December, and early January 2018 (term time). Check website

LAMBETH PRIVATE SCHOOLS (UP TO 11/13)

135 Dunraven Autumn 2017. Check website

LAMBETH PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

128 Broomwood Hall Lower School

139 Streatham & Clapham High School

Garrad’s Road October 12th 9 - 10.30am

September 30th 10am - 1pm. Sixth Form October 4th 6.30 - 8.30pm

129 Eaton House The Manor

140 The Laurels School

October 7th, 9 - 10.30am & 11am 12.30pm. Booking required

September 13th & 21st & October 14th 10am - 1pm. September 21st 6 - 8pm

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STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL The start of a new academic year brings excitement, a buzz and chatter around school; a time of beginnings, new experiences and friendships that will shape the years ahead.

Broad friendships At this stage, pupils really do make friends for life. Encourage your child not to gravitate to those they already know and not to make snap decisions about whom they will and won’t like. Try to meet many and varied new people; benefit from a rich group of friends and develop social skills for the world beyond school.

Be involved Try out new experiences; the benefits of a holistic education are numerous, so make the most of opportunities. By switching out of ‘work mode’ children can develop a passion for another activity, be that the adrenalin of a sports fixture, the thrill of a music performance or the peace of mindfulness.

Balance Learn to balance school work and extra-curricular activities, and make sure routines allow space to relax.

Brainfood Curiosity is an invaluable skill: to be excited about learning, to see new concepts as a stimulating challenge and to be part of the intellectual discussion.

Be bothered Everyone wants your child to do well and to be happy and fulfilled in all aspects of school life. The school community will be key to their wellbeing and development. Remind them to look out for their peers, to be kind and to care about others’ feelings.

Source: Woldingham School

AD.1144 (6.17).qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2017 10:06 Page 1

Choosing a Primary and Secondary school in Wandsworth

Choose a Primary School

Choose a Secondary School

Closing date for applications for September 2018: 15 January 2018.

Closing date for applications for September 2018: 31 October 2017.

For a copy of the admissions brochure email admissions@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 020 8871 7316.

AD.1144 (6.17)

For further information and to apply online visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions

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OUTDOOR EDUCATION

BACK TO NATURE Georgina Blaskey traces the trend in teaching soft skills as part of school’s everyday learning, and the many benefits it brings for our children While mainstream educators agree on the role of technology in today’s schooling, many believe this needs to be balanced with a healthy exposure to and understanding of the natural world, particularly for children growing up in a city. Leanna Barrett was so dismayed by the outdoor facilities when looking for a nursery for her daughter, she decided to start one herself. “I’d often be told the children went out for an hour a day and be shown a man-made spongy play surface,” Leanna recalls. “I was so disappointed that I started Little Forest Folk on Wimbledon Common. It’s a fully outdoor forest nursery that immerses two to five year olds in nature, helping them become creative, resilient little learners.” The concept has proved very popular. “Now we have three nurseries in London with two more opening this year and a waiting list of over 1,000 parents! The nurseries connect children with nature, inspiring them to live a naturally healthy lifestyle that builds confidence, independence and self-motivation – tools for a happy and successful life.”

“EXTENDING SCHOOL LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM IS A WONDERFUL WAY OF ENGAGING CHILDREN”

Little Forest Folk

While Leanna’s fully outdoor nursery may be at the more extreme end of the spectrum, outdoor education is high on the agenda of most mainstream schools in both primary and secondary sectors. The benefits she cites of life in The Great Outdoors – futureproofing children by teaching them to be strong, to problem solve, to have good self-esteem – are buzzwords in city staff rooms, and developing these ‘soft skills’ is an increasingly popular approach.

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Dolphin School is committed to the idea, as principal Nicola Baldwin explains: “We want to instil healthy lifestyles in our pupils as well as equipping them academically, so it is very important that they can run, explore and play outdoors - they relish the freedom.

We have the tremendous advantage of being so close to Wandsworth Common and our children are out there at least twice a day.”

Malcolm McKinlay, headmaster of Parkgate School, believes getting outdoors has a positive impact on all areas of children’s development, giving them the freedom to explore and to be active. “It offers children the opportunity to do things in different ways and without the physical boundaries of indoors.”

Extending school life beyond the classroom is a wonderful way of engaging children and breaking down friendship cliques. On residential trips away for instance, social groups are diluted as children support each other in activities and pupil/teacher relationships shift to a deeper level. “As well as investigating the local history and geography of a new area, they experience the fun of camp fires and dark country nights,” adds Nicola Baldwin. “This is in stark contrast to busy London life and

“THE BEST CLASSROOM AND THE RICHEST CUPBOARD ARE ROOFED BY THE SKY” Source: Margaret McMillany

enriches the body, mind and soul!” Malcolm McKinlay agrees: “It can have a great influence on a child’s sense of wellbeing and helps them work well together.”

Thomas’s Clapham have a dedicated programme for Outdoor Education, with Reception to Year 3 undertaking Woodland Adventures on Wimbledon Common twice a term: “Each session has two interwoven themes. The first is the academic curriculum (to help the children learn and bring lessons to life), and the second is the great outdoors and all it offers as a teaching and learning tool.” For Years 4, 5 and 6, Young Explorers includes canoeing, yachting and orienteering.

Finton House offers an after-school sailing club and headmaster Ben Freeman is passionate in his aim of getting pupils outside more beyond school hours. “From Year 3

Parkgate House School

upwards there are residential stays and I am looking to introduce camping and adventurer trips at the weekends from next term.”

Hornsby House, Thomas’s, Northcote Lodge and Broomwood Hall use The Train Station Gym behind Wandsworth Common station for 45-minute sessions often with a theme during rugby or cricket season, for example. “We’re making them a little bit more aware about staying fit and keeping healthy,” says James Cash, co-founder and director. “A lot of schools around here have

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OUTDOOR LEARNING The awe and wonder of learning in an outdoor environment cannot be under-estimated. In the 1920s, Margaret McMillan, an early pioneer of outdoor learning wrote, “The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed by the sky.” All subjects can be taken outdoors, which helps to enhance the children’s experience as it removes the pressure of academia and allows them to play to their strengths.

Residential trips, Forest School and classroom-free days are not only beneficial to children but also to teachers, allowing them to observe their children in a different setting and gain a new perspective and understanding of their class. These trips are educational and fun. The fresh air, excitement and getting messy are all sensory experiences which help to improve communication skills. Children develop an interest in the great outdoors and a relationship with the natural world, helping to protect the environment for generations to come.

Broomwood Hall Lower School

Source: The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The clue lies in the word. The cocurriculum should run alongside the academic curriculum, supporting and extending skills that are learnt in the classroom and introducing children to new experiences and opportunities beyond their regular lessons. An extra-curricular programme suggests activities that might be accessed separately, isolated from the ‘curriculum’ which is misleading.

Parsons Green Prep School

the luxury of co-curricular budgets and the mentality and interest to push their children towards this way of life.”

While young children love an excuse to leave the premises and explore nature’s classroom, teens can be harder to convince.

Woldingham has the huge benefit of being set in a 700-acre valley yet only 25 minutes by train from Clapham Junction.

“The outdoors allows children to be children again, encouraging curiosity and exploration. We make the most of this by incorporating the outdoors into our Thrive (PSHEE) programme with activities such as bluebell walks and tree climbing,” explains Charlotte Owen, head of Years 7 and 8.

“We have many clubs which make the most of the surroundings and our facilities:

Dolphin School

A strong co-curricular programme should offer breadth and variety, appealing to the many, not the few.

Although it cannot always be avoided, there are few more demoralising

power-walking, cross-country, mountain biking, horse riding, archery and golf, to name a few.”

Summer camps for children go one step further. PGL has been offering life-enriching outdoor adventures for children since 1957, while Julie Tyler has been running Camp Suisse for 15 years in an alpine village. She says such adventures, ”help campers grow as people, improving self-belief, confidence, responsibility and time management.” She also believes such programmes “help forge lifelong relationships with like-minded individuals from a range of backgrounds and cultures.”

The pinnacle of outdoor education is the

experiences for a child than never being able to participate in an activity because it is either over-subscribed or the same children are chosen for it each term.

Some of the essential life skills cultivated through an inclusive cocurricular programme are team work, patience, enquiry and an ability to present or perform to an audience.

Ideally, co-curricular activities should promote enthusiasm, happiness, awe and wonder and, for some, will offer a welcome distraction from the academic curriculum.

Source: Hornsby House School

Duke of Edinburgh scheme which teaches teenagers the soft skills Leanna holds dear.

Richard Alldrick, housemaster and Duke of Edinburgh award manager at Alleyn’s School, says: “In my experience, the challenging expeditions bring out the best in the boys and girls, as they have to dig deep and pull together to overcome inevitable hurdles.

Their confidence increases, as does a certain sense of leadership. It is also gratifying for both staff and parents to see how the benefits of participation come back to the classroom - increased confidence and determination, proactivity, the ability to problem solve, as well as many other attributes.”

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SCHOOL PROFILE

NEW SCHOOL

Peregrines Pre-Prep

WE ARE FAMILY

“PEREGRINES PRE-PREP PROMOTES EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE & TRADITION”

Falcons School for Girls is opening Peregrines Pre-Prep, providing co-ed education from 3 to 8 Exciting developments are ahead for siblings and new families at Falcons School for Girls in Putney. From September 2017, boys can join Peregrines Pre-Prep, an independent school for boys and girls age three to eight years old located within Falcons School for Girls. A fully coeducational Reception class, open to all, will begin in September 2018.

Creating a family-centred collection of schools, the Alpha Plus Group prides itself on its Gold Standard of Education, which marries a culture of high aspirations and expectations for all pupils and staff with a robust governance process that supports outstanding leadership and effective resource management at all levels.

Falcons School for Girls readily embraces this philosophy and Peregrines Pre-Prep

provides an environment that promotes educational excellence and tradition through a forward-thinking, holistic curriculum within which the needs of individual pupils are fostered. As part of Falcons School for Girls, it shares the same ethos and values, summed up in the phrase, ‘Cherishing, challenging and creative’.

Headmistress Sophia Ashworth Jones says: “We have high expectations of the entire community. From the very beginning of their time with us, we teach the children to love learning. They quickly settle into school life, grow in self-confidence and learn to work and play as a member of a group. Reaching far beyond the national curriculum, we strive to strengthen and enhance our pupils’ learning through carefully planned lessons and activities.

We have very clear academic goals – our girls have achieved an outstanding history of 11+ results making our school’s reputation enviable in this area.”

While the school prides itself on outstanding exit results, with girls gaining entry to schools such as Francis Holland, Godolphin & Latymer, Harrodian, Ibstock Place, St Paul’s Girls’ School and Wycombe Abbey, creativity and life-long learning is celebrated, reflected in the wealth of experience of Mrs Ashworth Jones. Her passion for sciences and performing arts means that she is as likely to be in the laboratory with the Year 6 pupils as on the stage with the Pre-Reception group.

Physical education at Peregrines is not only a vital subject within the national curriculum, but also integral to the development of a healthy and happy life.

Peregrines pupils enjoy superb facilities: the school is housed in four Edwardian houses within the leafy Conservation Area of Putney Park and always resonates with laughter. Each of the buildings has its own outside playground and additional sporting activities take place at Barn Elms Sports Ground and Putney Lawn Tennis club, as well as sports day at Bank of England playing fields.

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SCHOOL PROFILE

SCHOOL WITH A DIFFERENCE When someone creates something purely to respond to a growing need, you can be sure they only have the best interests of everyone involved at heart. That’s why The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools’ unique model of education and childcare continues from strength to strength since it was founded 55 years ago by Maria Keaveney-Jessiman

The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd

Seven nurseries and a prep school – all offering wraparound childcare from 7.30am6.30pm, 51 weeks a year – accommodate children from three months to 11 years, with leavers continuing their education at London schools such as King’s College, Dulwich College, Wimbledon High, Emanuel, James Allen’s Prep School, Alleyn’s, Wilson’s and Graveney. “We have a very high staff/pupil ratio in the school. Staff are selected for their unique understanding of the individual needs of their pupils and their genuine love of children,” explains headmistress Eveline Drut, whose mother founded the school.

“At The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools (EDNS), as well as pursuing academic excellence, we believe that the education of the whole child is paramount in helping the children in our care to become wellrounded, purposeful and successful adults,” continues Ms Eveline. “We give children

the opportunity to develop different areas of intelligence by experiencing a wide range of learning opportunities within the school and nursery settings, and in the local environment.” At The Eveline Day School (EDS) all children study French from nursery and Spanish from Key Stage Two. Mandarin and Spanish clubs are offered from the age of six. They promote music throughout education, beginning with the nursery, where babies as young as six months old enjoy music, singing, dancing and drama weekly. All children learn an instrument and have knowledge of musical notation from an early age – “every child in Key Stage 2 forms part of our strings orchestra of cello, viola, double bass and violin, and each year they perform at the Royal Festival Hall,” says Ms Eveline proudly.

Sport is also high on the agenda. Each week children take part in a range of

FEES CAN BE PAID WEEKLY, MONTHLY OR TERMLY IN ADVANCE

physical activities with specialist coaches to develop their love of sport and recreation, in anticipation of life-long participation. Weekly yoga classes take place before class twice a week, teaching the children mindfulness and relaxation. All children swim bi-weekly from Year 2 and inter-school competitions take place on a regular basis in football, netball, cricket, swimming and athletics.

Extra-curricular physical activities include martial arts, dance and sports’ leader activities (peer coaching). Theatre also features highly at the school. “We believe speech and drama competitions and exams instil confidence in our children and they learn to listen and observe, perform and develop an appreciation of culture and the arts,” explains Ms Eveline, who has a drama background. Outdoor education through an active Forest School programme and residential trips, plus a sensory garden in the school grounds, give children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, and the school recently won a Gold Accreditation from ‘Transport for London’ for sustainable travel to school.

“WE GIVE CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP DIFFERENT AREAS OF INTELLIGENCE” But at the core of the school is the nurturing, pastoral care on offer. The staff and pupils develop strong bonds and EDNS prides itself on their open door policy. “Our children leave The Eveline Day School (some having been within the EDNS group for eleven years) as smart, respectful, happy and polite young adults, ready to face the challenges ahead,” smiles Ms Eveline.

“We are very proud of every pupil who has passed through our doors and they will always remain part of our EDNS family.”

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SCHOOL FEES

CHEQUE-ING IN What are the options to ease the full burden of school fees when you decide to send your child to a private school? Gillian Upton has some answers

“INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS HAVE TO BALANCE AFFORDABILITY WITH THE NEED TO COVER INCREASED COSTS” FIGURING IT OUT In 2016, across all surveyed schools (junior and senior), total concessions of £621m were granted (£589m in 2015). This amounts to 10.1% of the sector’s gross fee income of £6.14bn; in 2015 it was 9.9%. So the percentage is creeping up year-on-year, meaning £1 in £10 of headline fees are now waived in some way.

Nearly 50% of all concessions are means-tested bursaries. In 2000 this figure was only 35%. “This demonstrates the significant amount the sector is doing already,” says The Independent Schools Financial Benchmarking Survey from Baines Cutler Solutions, from which the above statistics are taken.

Northcote Lodge

One look at the plenary sessions tackled at the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) annual conference last year indicates the state of play in the independent schools sector: affordability, income generation, means-tested bursaries and debt management. Overlay those with ‘Inside the battle for Brexit’ and ‘Should we worry about the economy’ plenary sessions from ISBA’s 2017 conference in Manchester this summer, and a clear picture emerges of the challenging times ahead for schools.

“Whatever we do is tagged to the economy,” explains John Murphie, ISBA’s director of finance & resources. Schools are diversifying to make sure their assets are working for them and earning incremental income when the children are not there.

Independent schools have to balance the desire to remain affordable with the need to cover increased costs. Naturally, fees have to go up to allow schools to operate but they also want to remain as open as possible to the local community.

Parsons Green Prep School

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“THE ONLY OPTION IS A MEANS-TESTED BURSARY AND IT IS HERE WHERE SCHOOLS ARE INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF FEE ASSISTANCE TO EASE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN”

Oliver House School

Sally-Anne Huang, head of JAGS, sees bursaries as “adding to the socio-economic mix of the school.”

So what hope do parents have of getting Little Johnnie into the school of their choice without the sting of paying the full fees?

That they will still want to, despite the uncertain financial backdrop, is supported

by ISBA statistics that show that during the last recession their member schools did better than ever at attracting pupils. “People treat the education of their children as an essential, not a luxury,” said ISBA’s Murphie.

Moreover, the need for parents to find help with the fees is even greater today as they are rising more rapidly than our incomes. Fees at independent day schools have more than quadrupled since 1990 and have increased ahead of earnings every year since then. London parents are hit hardest, with the highest hike in fees of 4.2%, compared to other regions.

Furthermore, one of the two established ways of reducing fees – through scholarships – has shrunk beyond all recognition. What might have eased the burden of full fees by up to 75% is now a paltry 15% on average, according to ISBA. Most schools are capping scholarships so today they are more about the kudos than the cash. At Trinity School, for example, most scholarship awards are in the 10% to 20% range.

“A scholarship is an acknowledgment that you’re up at that level, that’s all,” says

DID YOU KNOW… …THAT SCHOOL FEES ARE RISING MORE RAPIDLY THAN OUR INCOMES?

Whitgift School

Sally-Anne Huang of JAGS. Her school’s scholarships are worth around £1,000.

Newton Prep’s head Alison Fleming agrees: “I think scholarships are increasingly for the honour, to recognise talent,” she says.

The only option is a means-tested bursary and it is here where schools are increasing the amount of fee assistance to ease the financial burden. Good news at last.

“We’re offering more and more bursaries as customers are feeling the pinch,” says Nathalie Hart, deputy head pastoral at Royal Russell. It’s a common picture across all schools.

Alleyn’s is relaunching its bursary programme to celebrate the school’s 400th anniversary in 2019, offering higher amounts, explains the head, Dr Gary Savage.

“Our spending on bursaries has doubled over the last five years and this year we have

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£1.3m in the bursary fund which is part of our mission to make the school as open as we can.

We want to focus our resource on bursaries to those who couldn’t otherwise be here.”

By 2019 the school will be able to offer an additional 12 bursaries at 100%. A mixture of fundraising, investments, the Dulwich Estate and the school livery company adds to the bursary coffers each year, and Alleyn’s is now seeking new benefactors for its bursary fund.

That’s not to say that receiving a bursary is not a highly competitive process. Of the 163 candidates who applied for a bursary at Alleyn’s this year, only 46 were called for interview and just 21 given places. “That’s a good number,” considers Dr Savage, who says Alleyn’s numbers are “very high compared to other schools. We tend to offer large bursaries, rarely less than 50%”.

The school has a total of 84 children on bursaries, and 70% of those – 59 - are on 100% bursaries.

Alleyn’s takes each potential bursary child through a careful process of selection, including a visit to the child’s home. As with other schools, bursary awards are tiered, comprising a complex calculation based around income and assets. The more you

JAGS

earn the smaller the bursary, and so there is a threshold above which it will not be granted.

If parental income is up to £80,000 then Dulwich College, for example, will offer bursary assistance of just £2,350 and the parents pay £16,550. However, if parental income is up to £30,000 then parents pay

nothing and the school bursary pays the full £18,900.

Dulwich College’s ambition is to offer financial support to up to 50% of its pupils, an increasing proportion of which will be in the form of bursaries. The number granted has been growing steadily, up from 148

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Royal Russell is supporting one 18-year-old footballer, offering 100%+ bursary to cover food, lodging, football boots, a phone and even a new suit so he’s presentable for interviews. “We’ve seen him through thick and thin,” says Nathalie Hart.

“We are his ‘parents’ so to speak - offering him a safe haven and nurturing him.”

A similar story comes from King’s College School (KCS) and former bursary recipient Johnny Thalassites.

“Without a bursary scheme, I might be in a very different life. I probably wouldn’t be at Bristol University studying Law and I wouldn’t have had so many great opportunities. Being at KCS made an enormous difference, both academically and personally, even with more subtle things such as how to approach a job interview and how to network informally.

Trinity School

“Bursaries don’t just transform the opportunities available to recipients though; widening access means greater diversity in the student body which creates a more rounded experience for everyone.”

The Roche School Ofsted Outstanding independent co-ed primary and nursery schools at 11 Frogmore SW18 1HW off Putney Bridge Road and at 42 Keswick Road, East Putney SW15 2JE. Clear teaching and small class sizes ensure pupils can develop their academic, sporting and artistic talents in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

See our website for details of open days, or visit us at any other time by appointment with our school office Please contact our office on 020 8877 0823 email admissions@therocheschool.co.uk www.therocheschool.com

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Alleyn’s School

in 2012 to 165 in 2016, with more 100% bursaries (up from 17 in 2012 to 36 in 2016) and more in the 75%-100% range (from 58 in 2012 to 94 in 2016).

Trinity School already has 50% of its pupils receiving financial support by means of a bursary, scholarship or both. “The total number of students in the school with bursary awards reaches 200 every year, of a total of 1,000 students,” explains head Alasdair Kennedy. The average award is around 65% of the total fee.

One thing to be made clear is that a bursary is not a back door entry into an academically selective independent school. Dr Cameron Pyke, deputy master external at Dulwich College, explains: “Bursary funding is offered to successful applicants to Dulwich College on the basis of academic merit …whose families are not able to afford the fees.”

Newton Prep spends a day with potential bursary recipients and during that time they will sit a Maths and English assessment, another on Verbal Reasoning, and an interview. “That’s often when an innate sparkly mind shows through,” says head Alison Fleming.

The selection process for bursaries is critical, adds registrar and marketing manager Lucy Wheeler at Finton House.

“We turn away quite a lot as the match is important. We have to be certain that they’ll be happy socially and that they are exceptional pupils in some way so we can find an onward placing.

“IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A BURSARY, THEN THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO EASE THE FINANCIAL PAIN” “They’ve got to have a fantastic string to their bow – either academic, sport or music for example – but the first criteria is financial need.” While a means-test is the main criteria, Wheeler admits that they are looking for children who are scholarship material, but adds, “Theresa May’s squeezed middle should definitely get in contact with us”.

Finton House, which doesn’t offer scholarships, is trying to attract new bursary candidates, particularly for its prep school. The school is in a position to offer 100% bursaries every year; in the last academic year there were only four children out of 320 on a bursary, and most of them at 100%. “We would really like more people to apply; we’d like two or three pupils in each year group,” says Wheeler.

JAGS is another school keen to offer more bursary places. The school is launching a fundraising campaign in 2018 to add to the school foundation from which the bursary monies are found, and a target figure will be set.

Currently, pupils on bursaries comprise 16-20% of any year group, and they are largely 90-100% bursaries, “and some go over,

covering transport, uniform and overseas trips,” explains Huang. Of the 100 applications, JAGS gives out 15-20 bursaries each year.

“Pupils have to reach certain academic standards first so that figure of 100 comes down to 35 post the pass mark. “The one thing that all JAGS girls have in common is that they’re academically, unashamedly bright.

We’re an academically selective school.”

If your child is not bursary material, then there are other ways to ease the financial pain. Schools often give a reduction if parents pay the whole year’s fee in advance.

Dulwich College offers credits against future school fees – and a discount on the amount of credits purchased – if parents are able to pay a lump sum in advance.

The Heights Educational Bursary Trust helps children gifted in sport and music, for example, while grandparents can often be leaned upon to ease their inheritance tax liability by paying the fees instead. Other options include staff discounts, sibling discounts, and concessions for the forces, clergy and so on.

One thing to remember is that this is a stressful time for your child, and you. JAGS’ registrar Henrietta Kiezun advises, “to refrain from applying for every scholarship going; think instead of your child’s particular talents and passions.”

Assessment for a bursary place involves a close look at the applicant’s family income, assets and financial circumstances, and a home visit, so you have to feel comfortable with laying yourself bare.

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SCHOOL PROFILE

STRONG CHARACTERS One non-selective prep school in Clapham stands out for its commitment to an all-round education: Oliver House Thirteen years ago the face of primary education in SW London changed for the better with the opening of Oliver House, a non-selective, co-educational prep school with a Catholic ethos. Over a decade later, Oliver House continues to push the boundaries of a first-class education, championing a ‘character first’ approach.

“This means that we strive to develop in children those qualities that will enable the achievement of their academic potential and also help them to develop in all aspects of their lives at school and into adulthood,” explains headmaster Rob Farrell. “At Oliver House, we offer a service to parents to help them raise their children, so that they grow up to be outstanding young men and women.”

This vision is underpinned by three fundamental commitments: an all-round education – an uncompromising commitment to personal, academic, cultural and sporting excellence; education and virtue within a Catholic ethos – children follow a unique programme of character development based on a Christian vision, tailored to the needs of each child via the personal tutorial system; partnership with parents – a practical working partnership with the family of each child, where parents and teachers work together in the shared endeavour of raising children who can fulfil their potential and become responsible members of society.

The combination of these three commitments with small class sizes, outstanding teaching and a nurturing environment make Oliver House a stand-out choice for families, with this year seeing the highest number of applications for places in the school’s history, and being the most successful for scholarship offers. “We are a non-selective school, so our pupils go on to a range of schools, including many which

have the highest number of applicants per place in the country,” says Mr Farrell.

“Popular destinations include Dulwich College, Whitgift, Trinity, Emanuel, Alleyn’s, Streatham & Clapham, Woldingham, JAGS, Mayfield, and our sister schools The Laurels and The Cedars. We spend a great deal of time working with parents to find the right school for their child, as we recognise that this is an incredibly difficult decision.”

Secondary school head teachers consistently remark to the headmaster how much Oliver House children have brought to the life of their school, with their excellent character shining through, proving how the ‘character first’ approach really means something, staying with the children well beyond their time at the school. “Oliver House pupils are happy children who work hard and enjoy school. They are good friends

Oliver House School

“OLIVER HOUSE PUPILS ARE HAPPY CHILDREN WHO WORK HARD AND ENJOY SCHOOL”

who think of others and who are kind,” Mr Farrell notes. While the school continues to enjoy great success, it is also working hard at improving on the fantastically located site

by Clapham Common, conveniently near Clapham South tube. “We recently installed a new multi-sport surface on site and we have also introduced iPads as an effective teaching and learning tool across the school. Our next planned developments are improvements to our library facilities and art room. We have also recently been given planning permission for a major redevelopment of our Early Years facilities, so it is a very exciting time at Oliver House,” says Mr Farrell. “The school has been open for 13 years and has grown a huge amount in that time. Facilities and resources will continue to change, but at its heart the school will remain the same and its approach to education founded in character development will not change.”

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FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

MATCH FIT Finding the right school is imperative if your child is to thrive.

Gillian Upton explores how to find the perfect fit

“CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL IS A BIG SOURCE OF STRESS FOR MANY LONDON PARENTS”

Woldingham School

Every parent wants the best for their child but it’s equally not fair to put a child in a school where they will flounder. Tutoring may get them through the entrance exam but what happens after they start school?

The bottom line is that not every child is St Paul’s or Westminster material, and children should not be put under pressure to be something they’re not.

“Choosing a secondary school is a big source of stress for many London parents,” says

Sophia Ashworth Jones, head at Peregrines Pre-Prep at Falcons School for Girls. “It’s compounded by insufficient provision of places allocated non-selectively and the need for children to sit the 11+ exam”.

So where do those children go to find the right education? The number of schools for children who reach age-related expectations is shrinking as more and more non-selective private sector schools become more rigorously selective.

“The London market is so competitive, and selective, that parents of ‘all-rounder’ children find it hard to find the right, inclusive school,” says Dr Millan Sachania, head of Streatham & Clapham High School.

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in Maths and English to better differentiate the A star students – will effectively segregate the top 3% who are expected to achieve a grade 9.

Todd Rose, director of the Mind, Brain & Education Programme at Harvard University, argues that measuring us against a yardstick of averages is scientifically wrong. In his book, ‘The End of Average.

How to Succeed in a World that Values Sameness,’ he asserts that no one is average and using that yardstick is a onedimensional understanding of achievement.

“This seriously underestimates human potential,” he says.

“While we know people learn and develop in distinctive ways, these unique patterns of behaviours are lost in our schools and businesses which have been designed around the mythical ‘average person.’ This average-size-fits-all model ignores our differences and fails at recognising talent.

It’s time to change it.”

But while there are school league table positions to maintain, it’s highly unlikely that schools will change their admissions policies on this side of the pond. One head admitted: “No school wants to sell themselves in the lower leagues”.

Peregrines Pre-Prep

Katharine Crouch, head of Sutton High School, believes that too many London schools are focused on their A level league table position and fail those students whose strengths lie elsewhere. “Parents increasingly base their selection of senior schools on the infamous league tables,” she says. “In order to maintain pupil numbers,

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schools need to climb these league tables so cannot afford to carry less able students.”

“These children can be really wellrounded and perfectly able to enjoy their education,” says Mary Lonsdale, owner of London Home Tutors. “Things have really changed. To get into an independent school years ago was relatively easy but now pupils

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are competing with the global elite in some of these schools.”

Any governing body will ask a new head what their vision is and inevitably the reply will be to get the academic standards up.

Tash Roisin of Teatime Tutors is wary of schools that, “in another few years will turn into another hothouse. This is London, that’s the problem and the competition is so tough.”

The good news is that there are schools that look further than exam results.

Naturally, the state sector caters for widerranging abilities, as they are all-inclusive schools that reflect the community, although the best of these schools are becoming more difficult to get into. The obvious example here is Graveney. Mary Lonsdale of London Home Tutors says that applicants have to be in the top 70 from the Wandsworth Test to be offered a place here. Still in the state sector, she also rates the Ark Academy (Bolingbroke), Ashcroft Technology College and Ernest Bevin.

Finding the right private school for secondary is more challenging and Mary believes it’s less competitive to get into schools in Surrey. Another suggestion is to keep your child in prep until 13+ if the 11+

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exam results are disappointing, or if your child is going on to board.

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entry via a scholarship is one way forward.

See our feature on scholarships and bursaries on page 71.

Katie Krais of JK Educate advises to “box

THE IMPORTANCE OF HANDWRITING Writing is how we communicate knowledge, understanding and ability in almost all subjects.

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clever and choose the subjects they enjoy.

Avoid the hard subjects which rely more on memory and opt for those which are not 100% reliant on the exam, such as drama,

RELUCTANT READERS Many children find reading a chore.

When your child is selecting an appropriate book, try choosing one that also has an audio copy; if they’re not keen on reading they can always follow the words in the book as they listen. This not only gives them independence if they lack confidence in reading, but also helps with the pronunciation of words.

Books can be followed up with the film or cartoon version which help stimulate their imagination; seeing how they’ve imagined a setting compared with how a movie shows it, is a good way to increase their creative writing.

Try to find books that fuel their interests. As long as your child is reading that’s a good thing, and they should come to learn to love it.

Source: Teatime Tutors

media studies or dance.” She also advises BTechs rather than A levels, “which keeps your child in education to 18 and will still get them into university”.

One benchmark to look for is those schools that place equal emphasis on the interview and team activity on interview day as they do on exam results. The Hall and Royal Russell focus heavily on the interview, for example.

“We’re not just taking the crème de la crème,” says Nathalie Hart, deputy head pastoral at Royal Russell. “We’re a nonselective school.”

Another such school is the just-opened Eaton Square Upper School in Mayfair.

Located in a Grade I listed building near Green Park tube station, it is proud to declare itself a non-selective school. “There are not enough places for good average children; they’ve been squeezed out of London and many now go to boarding school,” says Sebastian Hepher, head of the Eaton Square Schools Group. “We’ll take the lid off the pressure pot and allow them to stay in London.

“The children may not be academic but they’ll have fantastic character and if their school report is honest and positive then

we will offer a place. We’re a mixed ability school; that’s our ethos.”

With pitches in Hyde Park, a boathouse on Fulham Reach, lunch breaks in Green Park and a rich co-curricular programme, the school is aiming for a co-ed cohort of up to 460 with class sizes of up to 22.

Many will come from its prep school in Ecclestone Square.

A lesser-known option in the private sector is Thames Christian School near Clapham Junction. The inclusive school recognises a child’s individual gifts and nurtures them. “It’s about supporting and challenging the pupils and finding out what it is that gives them confidence and fires them up,” says deputy head David Adkins.

For all the pupils at Thames, the school establishes how pupils learn best and plans around them. “The job of a teacher is to know how students learn. Confidence is really important as from there comes enthusiasm. It’s not just about being academic, there are a whole host of skills young people need to be successful in life.”

Thames takes a small number of children with dyslexia and dyspraxia as part of its mix, rather than just the top 5%

“Thanks so much to my tutor, Sam. I can’t wait to start next term!”

Zac was awarded a 13+ academic scholarship this year to Bedales.

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“IT’S ABOUT FIT AND YOU WILL KNOW IF YOUR CHILD WILL THRIVE OR NOT”

of students. “They may struggle at primary but by the time they get to secondary in Year 8 and 9, they have developed some strategies and resilience to problem solve and overcome difficulties,” says Adkins.

Thames currently caters for pupils aged

HOW TO CHOOSE A TUTOR Make sure any tutor you are considering has teaching qualifications and experience teaching the same age group as your child. Unqualified tutors such as graduates often have subject experience but they won’t have varied learning strategies at their fingertips to help visual, kinesthetic or dyslexic learners, and won’t necessarily know how to help your child overcome their particular learning humps.

Pick a tutor who fits in with your family values, educational beliefs and with whom you feel comfortable. Pick someone who you think your child will like. Explain how you are hoping to help your child with tuition and check the tutor agrees with your approach from the outset. Ask if they think your plans are realistic, especially if an 11+ London Day School campaign is the plan! Finally, always make sure any tutor you employ has an up-to-date DBS certificate.

London Home Tutors

Source: London Home Tutors

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11-16 but is expanding to include two-form entry and a sixth form by 2020.

Tutoring is another route for parents to take and tutors are thriving, but Adkins warns against the temptation to cram your child to try and get them into an academically selective school. “We hear a lot about wellbeing and some of that is a consequence of trying to be an A-star student,” he believes. “To force them is really tricky because schooling is far more than just the grades,” he says.

Katie Krais of JK Educate agrees. “Don’t artificially raise their game through blitz tutoring,” she warns. “Have a Plan A, but you also need a Plan B and Plan C, in private and state,” she says. “It might mean re-locating; you have to play the system.

If you go the state route it’s a real lottery, particularly if you want to get your child into a religious school.”

She believes that class size matters and it is this issue that often pushes parents into the private sector with tutoring to help children pass the entrance exams.

She recommends The Hall in Wimbledon as an inclusive private option. Tash Roisin of Teatime Tutors recommends Fulham Prep and Wetherby, while Alison Fleming, head of Newton Prep, suggests St Dunstan’s, Queen’s College, Epsom College and Caterham School.

“Parents have to go further afield, to Notre Dame, Radnor House or Moor House School & College [which specialises in children with speech and language difficulties]” adds Tash. “Ewell Castle is

now co-ed so that has opened up places for girls too. Royal Russell is another and maybe Woldingham.”

Woldingham is “selective but across a much broader range,” explains head Alex Hutchinson, adding, “the definition of success is not academic results at A level.”

Woldingham girls are banded according to their different strengths, a Learning Enhancement Department provides a ‘light touch’ provision and some pupils are recommended to drop a GCSE to focus on other subjects.

“If there is mild learning difficulty we will happily support that. It’s about fit and you will know if your child will thrive or not.”

This month (September), London Home Tutors is launching an Academic Assessment service for Year 4 and 5 pupils to give real advice to parents so they can make better choices for senior school, both for the private sector and the best of the state system. “In Clapham and Balham we’re short of schools and there is not enough provision for the average child,” says Mary.

One cannot underestimate the challenge of finding the right school for your child and the further struggle to be offered a place.

A first step is to glean as much as you can from a school visit. See our Open Day Guide on page 58 and our feature on supply versus demand on page 52. Dara Hanley, director of Exceptional Academics and head of English stresses the one clear strategy to follow for all parents: “choose a school that is right for your child, not necessarily right for you”.

Good luck.

JK Educate

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES Parents need to be emotionally ready to accept that their child requires specialist help. The state sector has wide-ranging provision for those on the autistic spectrum, with hearing impairments or speech, language and communication needs. The borough of Wandsworth offers schools and colleges with SEN units as well as a handful of SEN schools. For a full list see page 113 of our Directory.

Conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD or ADD can usually be coped with in mainstream schools with the support of specialist teaching. “If you’re mild, you’re fine,” says Amanda McLeod, who runs The McLeod Centre for Learning, one of the handful of private schools for learning difficulties, a facility which works well if parents don’t want their child to attend a specialist school. “They come to me instead for morning school and organized play in the afternoon,” says Amanda.

The Centre tackles comprehension, handwriting, spelling, maths, verbal reasoning and gross and fine motor skills. She will then match the child to a suitable school. “I know the nurturing schools that I can recommend,” she says.

Source: The McLeod Centre for Learning

Sutton High School

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CAMP PROFILE

ACTION STATIONS How about an action-packed summer of adventure combined with the opportunity to improve language skills, while making international friends in a natural environment so stunning your child will never forget it?

International Camp Suisse offers your child an adventurous, unforgettable holiday in the stunning Swiss Alps. Set in the spectacular Alpine village of Torgon, the organisation’s ethos of learning and laughing in a safe and secure environment has ensured Camp Suisse has developed into one of the leading summer camps in Europe.

Camp Suisse helps develop skills, knowledge and understanding in sport, languages, team work, culture and outdoor pursuits, all in fun and enriching surroundings. It is a challenging and constructive experience of learning, discovery and development shared with like-minded individuals from a range of backgrounds and cultures.

The organisation strives for all campers to discover the satisfaction of achievement.

Camp Suisse presents an exciting, healthy, enriching adventure, which through worthwhile sports, leisure, and educational activities, makes a constructive contribution to the personal development of all campers.

They acquire a sense of responsibility and an awareness of potential.

“We foster self-belief, self-confidence, a sense of identity, independence of thought and action, and effective time management,” explains camp director Julie Tyler. “Campers learn to appreciate the value of making a personal contribution, and of doing so with competence and insight.”

Juniors (7-11) will enjoy in-house adventurous activities such as mountain biking, climbing and archery, and other highlights include the glacier excursion and husky dog sledding, the Adventure Labyrinth maze, an overnight stay in an Alpine refuge and banana boating on Lake Geneva.

Seniors’ (12-17) activities include a high ropes course, the chocolate factory, mountain biking, bushcraft and the all-important visit to the glacier. All this in addition to a full programme of foreign language tuition in French, German or Spanish!

It’s a taste of life beyond London.

Camp Suisse

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SCHOOL PROFILE

CAPITAL IDEA Eaton Square Upper School is a new co-ed day school breathing fresh air into the secondary school market, helping to take the lid off the pressure pot through a balanced admissions process

It’s an exciting time for secondary education in central London as Eaton Square Upper School opens this month (September), filling in the gaping hole in the capital’s options for 11-18 year olds. Based right in the heart of London at 106 Piccadilly, Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair, is located in a stunning building directly opposite Green Park. The building’s rich history, iconic design and central location make it the perfect base for many families with children across central London.

At the helm is headmaster Phillip Williams, former senior deputy head at Francis Holland and an advocate for a rigorous and exciting curriculum. “We need to prepare students for a new and fastchanging world,” Phillip explains. “But I also believe that many of the things that have been important educationally over the last thousand years will continue to be important for many years to come.” The flexibility and adaptability that come with opening a new school are elements in which Phillip is particularly interested. “Children will come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and they will be working with people from many different cultures in the future; I want our curriculum to reflect that so our students are prepared for their adult lives.”

Many London-based families who don’t want boarding are challenged to find a coeducational day school which offers a wellrounded, hands-on education. Eaton Square Upper School is a breath of fresh air for these parents. Many pupils have signed up from the Eaton Square group’s prep schools, including The Lyceum and Hyde Park, with interest growing across the city. Initially the school will start with Years 7, 8, and 9, and then grow as these years progress.

With nurseries included in the Eaton Square group, children could start at two years old and stay in the family of schools until 18, a very attractive proposition.

“WE NEED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR A NEW AND FASTCHANGING WORLD”

Eaton Square Upper School

“Our family-centric ethos is something we have always prided ourselves on, and will absolutely continue at the Upper School,” adds Phillip. “The school will be a place that encourages, inspires and drives a passion for learning across all areas, and we will work closely with all of our students to help them achieve their goals.”

The school occupies a Grade I-listed building steeped in rich history, features of which can be seen in every room – from beautiful ceiling murals to a grand stone staircase and state rooms lined in silk wallpaper; even the art room is domed. But stuck in the past it is not as the state-of-

the-art DT room and cutting-edge-designed canteen demonstrate. There’s no outdoor space but with Green Park just across the road, the children will have access to acres of recreational expanse, as well as the city beyond. Whether it’s rowing on the Thames, afternoons at a specialised sports facility in Acton, drama workshops in local theatres or art sessions at world-renowned galleries, the school intends to enjoy the wealth of resources on its doorstep. “I hope that within five years, Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair will be firmly established as a school in Zone 1 which is exceeding the needs of London families,” concludes Phillip.

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HEAD TEACHER PROFILES

HEADS UP A handful of new headteachers will make a big impact on a clutch of schools popular with children living in Nappy Valley in this next academic year. Georgina Blaskey has their details

“WE REALLY LIKED THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG THE SCHOOL’S PARENTS”

What changes are you hoping to make?

I am very much looking to build on the successes of Sydenham High and a fresh pair of eyes brings new ideas and initiatives.

Ensuring our pupils are engaging with exciting opportunities, be that through STEM events, volunteering, sport, music or rowing is paramount. Academically there is no doubt that the school is on an upwards trajectory and academic excellence here is matched with pastoral excellence.

Mrs Katharine Woodcock

“I WANT ALL OUR GIRLS TO PUT THEMSELVES FORWARD, AIM TO OUTSTRIP EXPECTATIONS”

Headmistress, Sydenham High School

What challenges do you face?

What do you love about your new school?

I am extremely proud of our pupils and all that they do. They are ambitious, well rounded, down-to-earth and are not afraid to have a go at anything they put their minds to. They really do live up to our school motto of ‘Fear Nothing.’

Headmaster Oliver House School There are still too many sectors where women are under-represented so an exciting challenge is to help them break into these areas and ensure they have the strength and confidence to do so. There are many outstanding female role models out there and we need to continue to inspire our girls so that they realise that every door is open to them.

What is your vision for the school?

To ensure that we deliver the very best educational experience for every single girl, academically, pastorally and on a co-curricular level. Allowing girls to be themselves and have confidence in all that they do is imperative and in a girls-only setting stereotypes and pre-conceived expectations must fly out of the window. I want all our girls to put themselves forward, aim to outstrip expectations and have that inner strength to excel in all that they do.

Rob Farrell

What do you love about your new school?

My son joined Oliver House in the nursery, five years ago when I was teaching in a boys school in Surrey. My wife and I were looking for a school where our son would be happy and reach his full potential. We chose Oliver House because of its focus on character development and an all-round education. I was particularly impressed with the smaller class sizes and we really liked the sense of community among the school’s parents. I loved the school and believed in its approach to education so much that I applied to work here, which I think says a great deal.

What is your vision for the school?

Sydenham High School

I fundamentally believe in the approach to education that Oliver House has, so that will not change. My vision is to ensure that we support that approach with the best facilities and resources that we can provide.

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“WE CHOSE OLIVER HOUSE BECAUSE OF ITS FOCUS ON CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND AN ALL-ROUND EDUCATION” What changes are you hoping to make?

This summer we will be developing fantastic new library facilities and a new art room. We recently installed a new multi-sports surface playground and introduced iPads across the school. We recently received planning permission for a major development to our Early Years facilities, so it is a really exciting time at Oliver House.

What challenges do you face?

Making sure I have a good balance of family time around work can be difficult. I work hard on getting that right.

Eaton Square Upper School

What is your vision for the school?

For years, parents at Eaton Square Prep School have been asking what is the equivalent senior school in central London, but there hasn’t really been one. So many pupils, boys especially, have had to board when this hasn’t necessarily been what they would have chosen. I hope Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair will fill this gap in the market by providing a traditionally British, high-quality, all-round co-educational experience, in the heart of the capital.

“PROVIDING A TRADITIONALLY BRITISH, HIGHQUALITY, ALL-ROUND CO-EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE, IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL” What challenges do you face?

Phillip Williams Headmaster, Eaton Square Upper School What do you love about your school?

As well as the incredible location of the school and the magnificent Grade I-listed building, it’s a real privilege to be able to start working for a school from a year before it opens. Often a Head arrives at a school knowing the direction in which they would like to take that school, but inertia from previous years can make things very difficult. We are starting with a blank slate, so we don’t have any obstacles to our decisions about the school.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was marketing the new school to prospective parents with a building site rather than a school. But parents and pupils have trusted us, and whereas we’d originally hoped to open with four classes spread over Years 7, 8, and 9, we’ve had so much interest we’ve needed to hire extra staff and open with six.

Delivering top-quality education when many systems need to be set up from scratch requires a bit of work, but we have hugely committed staff, many of whom have put in much time already. We also have the backing and experience of Eaton Square Schools and other associated schools within the group, and using this experience wisely helps us face and conquer these challenges.

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so as to flourish in the here and now, in their next school and beyond into university.

What changes are you hoping to make?

Evolution rather than revolution! Keeping pace is the minimum requirement but we want to be ahead of the curve to ensure the children have the best possible experience and are fully equipped to continue to flourish as they move away from the school and this means retaining a firm focus on our core values, our ethos and our vision for the children.

What challenges do you face?

Tony Lewis Headmaster, The White House What do you love about your new school?

The vision, values and ethos of the school all of which run deep; the warmth and the intimacy where each person is significant in their own right – especially the children; the ambition for each and every child and the fun they enjoy in trying to achieve, most importantly embracing a sensible risk-taking approach where being wrong and making mistakes is very much part of developing as a person, empowering children to push forward to test their limits.

What is your vision for the school?

To continue to build on the excellence that is already very present. Perhaps with my senior school experience I have a sense of what it is that children need to develop now

The 11+ experience is common to all schools and Heads, and we need to focus firmly on the priorities which means developing academic excellence and outstanding progress while embracing the whole child as they mature as a person to enable them to create as well as take advantage of opportunities. Given the outstanding ISI report earlier this year, the most obvious challenge is to maintain and build upon that excellence and there is real excitement in that.

DID YOU KNOW… …ENGLAND WILL NEED BETWEEN 14,000 AND 19,000 MORE HEADS, DEPUTY HEADS AND ASSISTANT HEADS BY 2022 ?

Source: The Future Leaders Trust, Teaching Leaders and TechFirst

A charming end-of-terrace property with planning permission to extend.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS - STRETCH & CHALLENGE Academic rigour and excellence is paramount in any good school but to fully understand a school’s aims and vision, enquire about stretch and challenge opportunities and how a school will encourage your child to excel in all they do.

Every child’s learning journey should be personalised and high-performance learning should be an integral feature for every pupil, rather than the preserve of the most academically gifted. They should be encouraged to exceed and outstrip expectations, be that in their everyday learning or in activities

outside the classroom. A rich and varied enrichment programme offers rewarding and exciting opportunities so that pupils become confident, resilient and bold in their outlook.

Seek out those additional little gems, those hidden extras that will distinguish one school from another. A first-class education is more than achieving outstanding examination results; it is also about equipping young people with the requisite skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing, and at times challenging, world.

Source: Sydenham High School

Matching people and property in London for over 160 years.

www.marshandparsons.co.uk

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having spent the last 11 years of my time in education in outstanding schools, I want to provide the children with an outstanding education.

REASON #124

Taking a client’s best friend for a walk

What changes are you hoping to make?

Consistency in our teaching and learning across the school. We are involved in some exciting new initiatives such as being part of a research group for Mastery maths, Power of reading for English and a new PSHCE scheme called PATHS. As they are firmly established, I need to ensure they are effectively embedded. Continue to provide an excellent education in the core subjects while expanding opportunities for children in and out of the curriculum in the arts and sport.

What challenges do you face?

Tom Holmes Headteacher, Allfarthing Primary School What do you love about your school?

The community feel and the friendliness.

Both in terms of existing pupils, parents and staff plus future and past ones. Having stood at the gate during the summer fair, this shone through as I spoke to neighbours, past pupils and members of staff.

What is your vision for the school?

The difference between them and us, is us.

To make Allfarthing the school of choice in the area and to follow the existing school motto of ‘Excellence for all’. Ultimately

With an eager buyer wanting a viewing and our client’s dog home alone, man’s best friend became Hamptons’ best friend. Coming in on their day off, one of our team volunteered to look after Rover while their colleague took the buyers around. An hour or so of fetch later, they said goodbye and a few days later, we said hello to an offer.

020 3620 1004 | hamptons.co.uk Allfarthing Primary School

Financial is the most obvious one. It can be very challenging to save money in primary schools when all classes need teachers. You have to be creative and think outside of the box, which leads to new and different ways of doing things. We have to make every penny count.

“WE ARE INVOLVED IN SOME EXCITING NEW INITIATIVES SUCH AS BEING PART OF A RESEARCH GROUP FOR MASTERY MATHS”

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DLD College London

“I WANT DLD COLLEGE, LONDON TO BE RECOGNISED GLOBALLY” CHAPLAINCY IN SCHOOLS Chaplains play a crucial role in the life of a school and recent reports suggest their numbers are growing.

Forming part of the pastoral care provided for students, they work closely with teaching staff and school counsellors, but offer a slightly different perspective on what can be troubling times for young people.

Irfan H Latif Principal, DLD College London What do you love about your new school?

The feel of the place is one of the first things that struck me about DLD; a combination of college life with the best aspects of a traditional boarding school. I was also deeply impressed by DLD’s commitment to excellence within a community defined by diversity, kindness and respect. The fact that it is in central London, right opposite the Houses of Parliament, lends itself to thousands of opportunities for our students to experience and flourish academically. At DLD, they will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become the next generation of global leaders.

Religion is a hot topic in society and it can be helpful for pupils to have access to someone who is experienced in such matters, and who can support them in conversations about spirituality.

Whilst not a counsellor, a chaplain provides a similar role in a more informal way, but with the wellbeing of the pupil always paramount, he or she may guide to further support.

Reverend Anthony Buckley, Chaplain at Alleyn’s School, says, “At Alleyn’s, the Chaplaincy service is open to all backgrounds and all faiths within the whole school community - pupils, colleagues and parents. All of us have needs, interests and questions; it is a great privilege to be alongside others as their chaplain.”

Source: Alleyn’s School

Airbnb Management Housekeeping Guest Communication Interior Styling

portico.com/valuation

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What is your vision for the school?

individual boy, understanding what makes them tick and nurturing their talents. We develop grit, optimism, self-control and resilience and these qualities prepare them for Prep school life and beyond. Parents should feel fully involved in their child’s education. With two children of my own I know first-hand how precious regular feedback is. An open door policy and effective communication is vital.

I want DLD College, London to be recognised, globally, as a leading provider of a world-class, holistic education underpinned by the Alpha Plus “Gold Standard” philosophy. Boarding plays a big part of this vision and I see our students developing as independent and confident citizens full of character ready to take on the challenges of the modern world.

What changes are you hoping to make?

What changes are you hoping to make?

As I will only be taking up the post at DLD College, London at the beginning of 2018, it is a bit too early to say, but I have plenty of ideas to develop, enhance and expand the college. Watch this space! It’s a great privilege and honour to have been appointed the College’s next Principal and I look forward to working with colleagues and the Alpha Plus Group to build on its numerous strengths in the years to come.

In the first instance, just minor adjustments to build on existing achievements. A good relationship with the Headmistress of our Prep school ensures the boys’ educational journey transitions smoothly from 4-13 years.

What challenges do you face?

Nicola Borthwick, Headmistress, Eaton House The Manor Pre-Preparatory School

What challenges do you face?

What do you love about your new school?

There are social, political and economic challenges that we are currently facing, such as Brexit and globalisation but we must embrace these as opportunities as opposed to threats. Being in central London, some will say site development ie space, is an issue. However, I believe that there are many opportunities on our door step to develop and foster strong partnerships and friendships. This will only help to deliver the world-class education we aspire for all our students in the heart of a vibrant and exciting city.

Children learn best when they feel happy and secure and this is really evident here.

Exceptional teachers understand and support the boys so that they feel valued and grow in confidence. There is a strong emphasis on good manners and every day starts with a hearty handshake at the school gates. Everyone looks out for one another and Eaton House truly feels like a family.

What is your vision for the school?

The focus should be on developing the whole child. That means recognising each

Education is always changing and the pressures on young children are growing.

Competition for school places and a resultsdriven society makes it challenging to get the balance right between preparing pupils for the necessary exams and allowing them time to be children. It is our responsibility to help them to hold on to their childhood just that little bit longer.

“EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT THE BOYS SO THAT THEY FEEL VALUED AND GROW IN CONFIDENCE”

THE POWER OF MUSIC “Music…gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination…and life to everything.”

Plato Music impacts on the intellectual, social and personal development of young people. Singing aids language development and musical stories improve listening skills in younger children; musical games encourage exploration and curiosity; dancing helps a child’s coordination and encourages a love of music.

Repeated positive experiences of music in childhood can provide a lifelong Source: The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd Eaton House The Manor

bond with it. When children interact with one another by singing, dancing or performing in an ensemble, they learn a multitude of skills that are crucial to peer relationships and teamwork. The benefits of music learning are many - enhancing self-esteem, self-discipline and engagement with school, and developing a sense of belonging.

Those who have access to music in childhood will gain a greater understanding of how music is made and will discover qualities in themselves, as well as in music, that will shape and enhance the rest of their lives.

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FIND YOUR LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS State and private schools in Nappy Valley Primary Schools

KEY:

Secondary Schools

Turn to the school listings on page 96 to find the detail of each school by the number reference

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© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licensed to Wandsworth Council. LA 1000019270 (2015)

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DID YOU KNOW… …IN EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE, 73% OF PUPILS IN WANDSWORTH ACHIEVED A GOOD LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT OVERALL, COMPARED TO 69% NATIONALLY?

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WANDSWORTH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS 1 Albemarle 2 Alderbrook 3 All Saints (CE) 4 Allfarthing 5 Beatrix Potter 6a Belleville (Webbs Road site) 6b Belleville (Meteor Street site) 7 Brandlehow 8 Broadwater 9 Chesterton 10 Christchurch (CE) 11 Eardley 12 Earlsfield 13 Falconbrook 14 Fircroft 15 Floreat Wandsworth 16 Franciscan 17 Furzedown 18 Gatton (Muslim) 19 Granard 20 Griffin 21 Heathmere 22 High View 23 Hillbrook 24 Holy Ghost (Catholic) 25 Honeywell Infant 26 Honeywell Junior 27 Hotham 28 John Burns 29 Mosaic (Jewish) 30 Oasis Putney Academy 31 Our Lady of Victories (Catholic) 32 Our Lady Queen of Heaven (Catholic) 33 Penwortham 34 Ravenstone 35 Riversdale 36 Roehampton Church (CE) 37 Ronald Ross 38 Rutherford House 39 Sacred Heart Battersea (Catholic) 40 Sacred Heart Roehampton (Catholic) 41 St Anne’s (CE) 42 St Anselm’s (Catholic) 43 St Boniface (Catholic) 44 St Faith’s (CE) 45 St George’s (CE) 46 St Joseph’s (Catholic) 47 St Mary’s Battersea (Catholic) 48 St Mary’s Putney (CE) 49 St Michael’s (CE) 50 Sellincourt 51 Shaftesbury Park 52 Sheringdale 53 Smallwood 54 Southmead 55 Swaffield 56 The Alton

57 Tooting Primary 58 Trinity St Mary’s (CE) 59 West Hill 60 Westbridge 61 Wix

105 King’s College School 106 Putney High School 107 Thames Christian School 108 Wimbledon High School

LAMBETH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS (UP TO 11/13) 62 63 64

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

Broomwood Hall Lower School, Ramsden Rd Broomwood Hall Upper School Dolphin School (incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools) The Eveline Day School Finton House School Hall School Wimbledon Hornsby House School Hurlingham School Ibstock Place School L’Ecole de Battersea Lion House School Merlin School Newton Prep Northcote Lodge School Oliver House School Parkgate House School Prospect House School Putney High School The Dominie The Falcon School for Girls The Roche School The St Michael Steiner School Thomas’s Battersea Thomas’s Clapham Ursuline Prep School Wandsworth Preparatory School

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109 Bonneville 110 Clapham Manor 111 Corpus Christi 112 Glenbrook 113 Granton 114 Heathbrook 115 Henry Cavendish, Balham site 116 Henry Cavendish, Streatham site 117 Iqra (Muslim) 118 Kings Avenue 119 Lark Hall Primary 120 Macaulay (CE) 121 Richard Atkins 122 St Bede’s (Catholic) 123 St Bernadette’s (Catholic) 124 St Leonard’s (CE) 125 St Mary’s (Catholic) 126 Sudbourne 127 Telferscot

LAMBETH PRIVATE SCHOOLS (UP TO 11/13) 128 Broomwood Hall Lower School, Garrad’s Rd

WANDSWORTH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 88 Ark Putney Academy 89 Ashcroft Technology Academy 90 Bolingbroke Academy 91 Burntwood School 92 Chestnut Grove Academy 93 Ernest Bevin College 94 Graveney School 95 Harris Academy Battersea 96 Saint Cecilia’s C of E School 97 St John Bosco College 98 Southfields Academy 99 South Thames College 100 St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College

129 Eaton House The Manor 130 London Steiner School 131 Rann Horizon School 132 Streatham & Clapham Prep School 133 The White House

LAMBETH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 134 Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic

Secondary School

135 Dunraven 136 Lambeth Academy 137 La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School 138 Trinity Academy

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 101 Al-Risalah 102 Emanuel 103 Hall School Wimbledon 104 Ibstock Place School

LAMBETH PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 139 Streatham & Clapham High School 140 The Laurels

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Nappy Valley Schools Directory KEY FOR STATE SCHOOLS A Academy school C Community school

Head: Ms E Loughnan MA Pupils: 330 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

C

Rated good by Ofsted St Ann’s Crescent, SW18 2LR T: 020 8874 1301 E: info@allfarthing.wandsworth.sch.uk allfarthing.org.uk

F Foundation school V Voluntary aided school (C of E, Catholic, Muslim)

8 Broadwater Primary School

Head: Mr Tom Holmes Pupils: 397 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care available from September 2017, plus a range of school clubs

lass size: maximum 30 C Gender: mixed

WANDSWORTH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS (AGES 5-11) 1 Albemarle Primary School

4 Allfarthing Primary School

Broadwater Road, SW17 0DZ

Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Technology College, Wallington Grammar, Burntwood, London Oratory, Ernest Bevin, Graveney, Lady Margaret’s, Ricards Lodge, Fulham Boys, St Cecilia’s, Southfields Academy plus a range of private schools

F

Rated outstanding by Ofsted Princes Way, SW19 6JP T: 020 8788 3170 E: info@albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs T Moses Pupils: 209 Ages: Nursery to Year 6 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus holiday clubs Leavers’ destinations: St Cecilia’s, Ashcroft Technology College, Southfields Academy

2 Alderbrook Primary School

C

Rated good by Ofsted Oldridge Road, SW12 8PP T: 020 8673 4913 E: info@alderbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk alderbrookprimaryschool.co.uk Head: Ms J Revell Pupils: 233 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care and a range of school clubs

3 All Saints’ C of E Primary School, Putney V Nurtures individuality, provides challenge, develops self-esteem and promotes respect and care for each other Putney Common, SW15 1HL T: 020 8788 5196 E: admin@allsaints.wandsworth.sch.uk allsaints.wandsworth.sch.uk

5 Beatrix Potter Primary School

C

Rated good by Ofsted

T: 020 8672 3062 E: admin@broadwater.wandsworth.sch.uk broadwaterschool.org.uk Head: Ms Clare Scarlett Pupils: 378 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

9 Chesterton Primary School

C

Shares a vision of individuals who exceed expectations and enjoy education

Magdalen Road, SW18 3ER T: 020 8874 1482 E: info@beatrixpotter.wandsworth.sch.uk beatrixpotterschool.com Head: Mr Steph Neale Pupils: 339 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Ernest Bevin, St Cecilia’s, Emanuel, Whitgift, Streatham & Clapham High School, Dulwich College, Wallington Grammar, Lady Margaret’s, Alleyn’s School and a further range of state and independent schools both reduced fees and scholarships achieved

6 Belleville Primary School

C

Pupil care, guidance and support praised by Ofsted in its last report

Dagnall Street, SW11 5DT T: 020 7622 1619 E: office@chesterton.wandsworth.sch.uk chesterton.wandsworth.sch.uk Executive Headteacher: Mr Siswick Head of School: Miss Smith Pupils: 394 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Harris Academy, Wallington Grammar

A

Rated outstanding by Ofsted Webbs Road, SW11 6PR Meteor Street, SW11 5NZ T: 020 7228 6727 E: enquiries@bellevilleschool.org belleville-school.org.uk Head: Mr J Grove Pupils: 766 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Bolingbroke Academy, Graveney, Burntwood, Ashcroft Technology College

Head: Ms C Wood Pupils: 260 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

7 Brandlehow Primary School

Leavers’ destinations: Christ’s School, St James Senior Boys’ School, Emanuel, Ibstock Place, St Cecilia’s

T: 020 8874 5429 E: info@brandlehow.wandsworth.sch.uk brandlehowschool.org.uk

C

Rated outstanding by Ofsted Brandlehow Road, SW15 2ED Royal Russell School

NappyValleyNet.com

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fircroftprimaryschool.sch.uk Head: Mrs A Wilson Pupils: 415 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Chestnut Grove, Dunraven, Ernest Bevin and various Harris Academies

15 Floreat Wandsworth

A

Opened September 2015 305 Garratt Lane, SW18 4EQ T: 020 8353 4195 E: office@wandsworth.floreat.org.uk floreatwandsworth.org.uk Head: Mr M Custance Pupils: 420 ultimately Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Camp Suisse

10 Christchurch C of E Primary School V

T: 020 8946 5452 E: admin@earlsfield.wandsworth.sch.uk earlsfield.wandsworth.sch.uk

Rated good by Ofsted T: 020 7228 2812 E: info@christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk christchurchbattersea.co.uk

Head: Mr S Trow Pupils: 485 Ages: Nursery to 11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Head: Mrs C Morris Pupils: 179 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Ashcroft Technology Academy,Southfields Academy, Ark Putney Academy, Graveney and also various independent schools

Leavers’ destinations: St Cecilia’s, St John Bosco, Harris Academy Battersea, Ashcroft Technology College, Burntwood

13 Falconbrook Primary School

Batten Street, SW11 2TH

C

Rated good by Ofsted

F

T: 020 7228 7706 E: admin@falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk

Rated good by Ofsted Cunliffe Street, SW16 6DS T: 020 8769 6486 E: info@eardley.wandsworth.sch.uk eardley.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Seana Henry Pupils: 450 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Chestnut Grove, Southfields Academy, Graveney, Dunraven, Ernest Bevin

12 Earlsfield Primary School Rated outstanding by Ofsted Tranmere Road, SW18 3QQ

C

Head: Mrs S Smith Pupils: 269 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of pre- and post-school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Harris Academy Battersea, Burntwood, Bolingbroke Academy, Chelsea Academy, Hurlingham Academy, Ark Putney Academy, Saint John Bosco College

C

Rated good by Ofsted 221 Franciscan Road, SW17 8HQ T: 020 8672 3048 E: admin@franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs P Andre-Watson Pupils: 412 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

17 Furzedown Primary School

Wye Street, SW11 2LX

11 Eardley School

16 Franciscan Primary School

C

Mission is to make every child feel valued and to experience the thrill of learning Beclands Road, SW17 9TJ T: 020 8672 3480 E: admin@furzedown.wandsworth.sch.uk furzedownschool.co.uk Head: Mrs M Kitchlew-Wilson Pupils: 410 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

18 Gatton Primary School

V F

Rated good by Ofsted

First Muslim voluntary-aided primary school in UK to be rated outstanding

by Ofsted

Fircroft Road, SW17 7PP

10 Gatton Road, SW17 0EU

T: 020 8672 6258 E: officemanager@fircroft.wandsworth.sch.uk

Tooting sIte:13E Broadwater Road, SW17 0DS Balham site: 47A Balham High Rd, SW12 9AW

14 Fircroft Primary School

C

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T: 020 8682 5570 E: info@gatton.wandsworth.sch.uk gatton.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs Rifat Batool Pupils: 420 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Al-Risalah Secondary School, Burntwood, Ernest Bevin

19 Granard Primary School

C

Rated good by Ofsted Cortis Road, SW15 6XA T: 020 8788 3606 E: info@granard.wandsworth.sch.uk granardprimary.co.uk Head: Mrs C Grigg Pupils: 516 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Academy, Ark Putney Academy, Richmond Park Academy, Ricards Lodge

Ernest Bevin College

Head: Georgina Roberts Pupils: 358 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

23 Hillbrook School 20 Griffin Primary

A

Stewarts Road, SW8 4JB T: 020 7622 5087 E: info@griffinprimary.org.uk griffinprimary.org.uk Executive Head: Ms Karen Bastick-Styles Pupils: 360 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Harris Academy Battersea, Burntwood, Southfields Academy, Platanos College, Ashcroft Academy, Graveney, Chestnut Grove

Hillbrook Road, SW17 8SG T: 020 8672 3957 E: admin@hillbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk hillbrookschool.org.uk Head: Mrs D Hart Pupils: 700 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care on site, a wide range of school clubs, an autistic base nursery and a children centre on site.

24 Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School V

T: 020 8673 3080 E: olivia@holyghost.wandsworth.sch.uk holyghost.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Miss S Lawless Pupils: 206 Ages: 5-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Alton Road, SW15 4LJ T: 020 8788 9057 E: sbm@heathmere.wandsworth.sch.uk heathmereprimary.org Head: Mrs E Lewis Pupils: 285 Ages: 3-11

25 Honeywell Infant School

Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Honeywell Road, SW11 6EF

22 High View Primary School Motto: “Together as one”, providing the best all-round education Plough Terrace, SW11 2AA T: 020 7228 1710 E: admin@highview.wandsworth.sch.uk highview.wandsworth.sch.uk

C

Head: Mr D Roberts Pupils: 360 Ages: 7-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, JAGS, Emanuel and Whitgift

27 Hotham Primary School

C

Develops independence, confidence and celebrates achievements and diversity T: 020 8788 6468 E: info@hotham.wandsworth.sch.uk hothamprimaryschool.org.uk

Nightingale Square, SW12 8QJ

Rated good by Ofsted

Honeywell Road, SW11 6EF

Charlwood Road, SW15 1PN

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

C

F

Rated outstanding by Ofsted. Throughschool that encourages children to enjoy learning and to be successful T: 020 7223 5185 E: office@honeywell.wandsworth.sch.uk honeywellschools.org

F

Rated outstanding in all features

A vibrant multicultural school with aspiring global learners, nurturing students to develop their individual talents.

21 Heathmere Primary School

26 Honeywell Junior School

C

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

Head: Ms S Martin Pupils: 377 * Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Techology Academy, Richmond Park Academy, Ark Putney Academy, St Cecilia’s and Whitgift * 30 bilingual French/English places and 30 English-only places offered

28 John Burns Primary School

C

T: 020 7228 6811 E: office@honeywell.wandsworth.sch.uk honeywellschools.org

Rated “good with outstanding features” by Ofsted

Head: Mrs J Neal Pupils: 270 Ages: 3-7 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs

T: 020 7228 3857 E: office@johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk

Leavers’ destination: Honeywell Junior School

Wycliffe Road, SW11 5QR

Executive Head Teacher: Ms C Grigg Head: Ms S Rutherford Pupils: 180

NappyValleyNet.com

Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of a school clubs

33 Penwortham Primary School

29 Mosaic Jewish Primary School

T: 020 8769 3949 E: admin@penwortham.wandsworth.sch.uk penwortham.wandsworth.sch.uk

A

Judged as outstanding by Ofsted. Moving to new premises, as below 170 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4EU T: 020 8944 8731 E: info@mjps.org.uk or admin@mjps.org.uk mjps.org.uk Head: Miss Nerrissa Bear (Acting) Pupils: 22 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: The first cohort of Year 6 children leave in 2020

C

Rated good by Ofsted Penwortham Road, SW16 6RJ

Ages: 3-11 Clubs: No pre- & post-school care, but a range of school clubs

38 Rutherford House School

C

Rated good by Ofsted Ravenstone Street, SW12 9SS T: 020 8673 0594 E: info@ravenstone.wandsworth.sch.uk ravenstoneschool.co.uk

Balham High Street, SW17 7BS T: 020 8672 5901 E: info@rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk Head: Ms M Mallett Pupils: 180 at present, with full capacity by 2020 Ages: 4-7 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Leavers’ destinations: The first cohort of Year 6 children will leave in 2019

Head: Joe Croft Pupils: 408 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

39 Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Battersea

T: 020 7884 6000 E: info@oasisputney.org oasisacademyputney.org

Leavers’ destinations: Chestnut Grove, Graveney, Burntwood, Ricards Lodge plus private schools such as Streatham & Clapham High, Whitgift

Este Road, SW11 2TD

Head: Ms D Morgan Pupils: Initial intake of 38; Reception and Year 1 places only for 2017 entry Ages: 3-11

35 Riversdale Primary School

30 Oasis Academy Putney Brand new academy opened in September 2016 as an inclusive, non-selective, co-ed school 184 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1LY

C

Developing full academic, personal and social potential 1 Clarendon Drive, SW15 1AW T: 020 8788 7957 E: info@ourladyofvictories.wandsworth.sch.uk ourladyofvictories.wandsworth.sch.uk

T: 020 8874 6904 E: info@riversdale.wandsworth.sch.uk riversdaleprimaryschool.co.uk Head: Amy Roberts Pupils: 257 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

T: 020 7223 5611 E: admin@sacredheart-battersea. wandsworth.sch.uk sacredheartschoolbattersea.co.uk

40 Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Roehampton

36 Roehampton C of E Primary School V

Leavers’ destinations: London Oratory, Sacred Heart, Cardinal Vaughan, Ursuline High School, Lady Margaret’s, Tiffin

T: 020 8788 8650 E: info@roehampton.wandsworth.sch.uk roehampton.wandsworth.sch.uk

32 Our Lady Queen of Heaven RC SchooL V

Head: Mr R Woodfin Pupils: 200 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

T: 020 8876 7074 E: info@sacredheart-roe.wandsworth.sch.uk sacredheart-roe.wandsworth.sch.uk

Rated good by Ofsted

Head: Mr A Gibbons Pupils: 429

245 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4AA

Victoria Drive, SW19 6AD T: 020 8788 7420 E: info@ourladyqueenofheaven. wandsworth.sch.uk ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms A Pitcher Pupils: 212 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, Wimbledon College

37 Ronald Ross Primary School

C

Commended by Ofsted for “very effective help with learning in Early Years Foundation Stage”. Rated outstanding by Ofsted Beaumont Road, SW19 6RY T: 020 8788 5233 E: info@ronaldross.wandsworth.sch.uk ronaldross.org.uk Head: Mrs D Hart Pupils: 204

V

Recently commended by Ofsted for “exceptional progress across Key Stage 2” Roehampton Lane, SW15 5NX

Head: Ms D McDonald Pupils: 195 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

V

Giving firmest-possible grounding in the core academic subjects

Head: Mr J Brading Pupils: 454 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Ofsted July 2015 rated good 302a Merton Road, SW18 5JP

31 Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School V

A

Focus on literacy and numeracy

Head: Ms S Andrews Pupils: 491 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

34 Ravenstone Primary School

99

Sutton High School

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Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: St John Bosco College, Richmond Park Academy, Wimbledon College, Ashcroft Technology Academy, St Cecilia’s, Ursuline High School, Holy Cross School, Gumley House RC Convent School, Christ’s C of E School Richmond

41 St Anne’s C of E Primary School

V

Main focus on excellent academic progress and achievement 208 St Ann’s Hill, SW18 2RU T: 020 8874 1863 E: admin@st-annes.wandsworth.sch.uk st-annes-wandsworth.sch.uk

43 St Boniface RC Primary School V

47 St Mary’s RC Primary School (Battersea) V

Strong Catholic ethos that values good manners, respect for others and hard work

Rated good by Ofsted

Undine Street, SW17 8PP

T: 020 7622 5460 E: admin@st-marys-pri.wandsworth.sch.uk stmarysschoolbattersea.co.uk

Lockington Road, SW8 4BE

T: 020 8672 5874 E: admin@stboniface.wandsworth.sch.uk stboniface.wandsworth.sch.uk

Head: Mr J Brading (executive) Pupils: 217 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Head: Mrs S Kerins Pupils: 314 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, St Philomena’s High School for Girls, Wimbledon College, Graveney plus a selection of the Sutton grammar schools

48 St Mary’s C of E Primary School (Putney) V Belief that all children are capable of achievement within inclusive and nurturing Christian environment

Head: Mrs L Steward Pupils: 148 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

44 St Faith’s C of E Primary School V

42 St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School V

Belief in success coming from a safe, nurturing and purposeful learning environment

T: 020 8788 9591 E: admin@st-marys-putney.wandsworth.sch.uk stmarysschoolputney.co.uk

Alma Road, SW18 1AE

Head: Ms C Payne Pupils: 208 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

Teaching and learning firmly centred on Christian values within a culture of love and respect for others 19 Tooting Bec Road, SW17 8BS T: 020 8672 9227 E: admin@stanselms.wandsworth.sch.uk stanselms.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms H Elwes Pupils: 201 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre-school care only, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ursuline High School, Coloma Convent Girls’ School, London Oratory, Wimbledon College

Felsham Road, SW15 1BA

T: 020 8874 2653 E: admin@stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mr S Cook Pupils: 205 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

49 St Michael’s C of E Primary School V

45 St George’s C of E Primary School V

Granville Road, SW18 5SQ

Attainments well above national expectations in a calm, learning-focused environment

T: 020 8874 7786 E: info@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk

Corunna Road, SW8 4JS

Head: Mrs A M Grant Pupils: 410 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

T: 020 7622 1870 E: admin@st-georges.wandsworth.sch.uk www.st-georges.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs S Collymore Pupils: 195 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: St John Bosco College, Lady Margaret’s C of E Academy, Greycoats, Harris Academy Battersea, Westminster City School

46 St Joseph’s RC Primary School

V

Rated good by Ofsted 90 Oakhill Road, SW15 2QD T: 020 8874 1888 E: info@stjosephsrc.wandsworth.sch.uk stjosephsrc.wandsworth.sch.uk

The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd

Christian values that include humility, endurance, thankfulness, reverence and wisdom

Head: Mrs Y Wozniak Pupils: 228 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care only plus a range of school clubs

Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Technology College, St Cecilia’s, Lady Margaret’s plus private schools such as Wimbledon High, Whitgift

50 Sellincourt Primary School

C

Vision is to “Aim high and achieve your full potential” Sellincourt Road, SW17 9SA T: 020 8672 6796 E: info@sellincourt.wandsworth.sch.uk sellincourt.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Ms J Hillman Pupils: 406 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Chestnut Grove

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51 Shaftesbury Park Primary School C

T: 020 3700 0790 E: admin@tootingprimary.org tootingprimary.org.uk

“A Local School with a Global Perspective”

Head: Mr D Milligan Pupils: 63 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

Ashbury Road, SW11 5UW T: 020 7228 3652 E: info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs O Richards Pupils: 345 Ages: 3-11

Leavers’ destinations: First cohort of Year 6 children leave in 2019

Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

58 Trinity St Mary’s C of E Primary School V

Leavers’ destinations: (for English-only stream) Lambeth Academy, Graveney, Southfields Academy, Burntwood, Harris Academy, Chestnut Grove. First cohort of Year 6 bilingual children will leave in 2019

In the top 5% nationally for Maths and top 20% nationally for English, placing the school 10th in Wandsworth. Rated good by Ofsted 6 Balham Park Road, SW12 8DR T: 020 8673 4166 E: sao@tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk

* Number of places split into 30 bilingual French/English and 30 English only Belleville Primary School

52 Sheringdale Primary School

C

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

55 Swaffield Primary School

Standen Road, SW18 5TR

Creative and inclusive environment for children to develop both academically and socially

T: 020 8874 7340 E: info@sheringdale.wandsworth.sch.uk sheringdale.org

St Ann’s Hill, SW18 2SA

Head: Ms S Jones Pupils: 346 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ashcroft Technology Academy, St Cecilia’s, Burntwood, Ricards Lodge, Graveney plus a few private schools such as Emanuel and Putney High

53 Smallwood Primary School

C

Celebrating all achievement, developing confidence, self-belief and sense of worth Smallwood Road, SW17 OTW T: 020 8672 6024 E: admin@smallwood.wandsworth.sch.uk smallwood.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs F Loudon Pupils: 302 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs

54 Southmead Primary School

C

T: 020 8874 2825 E: swaffield@swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk Head: Mrs C Lilley Pupils: 450 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Ark Putney Academy, Ashcroft Technology Academy, Blenheim High School, Bolingbroke Academy, Burntwood, Chestnut Grove, Ernest Bevin, Fulham Cross Girls’ School, Harris Academy Battersea, Ricards Lodge, Southfields Academy, St Cecilia’s, Wimbledon College

56 The Alton School

C

C

C

Rated good by Ofsted 5 Merton Road, SW18 5ST T: 020 8874 5900 E: info@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk westhillprimaryschool.org Head: Ms J Dobson Pupils: 266 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs

60 Westbridge Primary School

A

Part of the Chapel St family of schools; encourages children to aim high Bolingbroke Walk, SW11 3NE T: 020 7228 1293 E: info@westbridge.wandsworth.sch.uk westbridgeprimaryschool.com

Danebury Avenue, SW15 4PD

Head: Mrs D Thompson Pupils: 189 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

T: 020 8876 8482 E: admin@thealton.wandsworth.sch.uk thealtonprimaryschool.co.uk

Princes Way, SW19 6QT T: 020 8788 8901 E: office@southmead.wandsworth.sch.uk southmeadschool.co.uk

Leavers’ destinations: Ark Putney Academy, Ashcroft Academy, Richmond Park Academy

Head: Miss A Watts Pupils: 372 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care plus a range of school clubs

59 West Hill Primary School

Works hard to develop children’s self-esteem.

‘Give me a firm place to stand and I will move the Earth.’ Rated good by Ofsted.

Head: Ms R Hudson Pupils: 225 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care and a range of school clubs

Rated “making good progress, with children growing in confidence and happiness” by Ofsted

Head: Miss Lynn Anderson Pupils: 173 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre-school care and a range of school clubs

57 Tooting Primary

A

Provides a first-class education for all Franciscan Road, SW17 8HE

61 Wix Primary School

C

English and bilingual school which shares its site with Ecole de Wix French primary, an annexe of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington. 14 places per year group available in each bilingual class via Wandsworth and 14 available via the Lycée Wix’s Lane, SW4 0AJ T: 020 7228 3055 E: admin@wix.wandsworth.sch.uk wix.wandsworth.sch.uk

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Executive Headteacher: John Grove Acting Headteacher: Rebecca Osuntokun Pupils: 283* Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care plus a range of school clubs

bring out the best in every child

65 The Eveline Day School

68-74 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR

*14 bilingual French/English and 30 English-only places

Head: Principal: Lady K Colquhoun, Headmistress: Ms C Jenkinson Pupils: 240 Ages: 8-13, girls Clubs: A range of clubs available

A warm and nurturing school with small classes and high-quality teaching. Open 51 weeks a year from 7.30am-6.30pm. Ideal for working parents who require excellent education and pastoral care

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS (UP TO AGES 11/13) 62 Broomwood Hall Lower School, Ramsden Road A pre-preparatory school with four-form entry at the Ramsden Road site and twoform entry at Garrad’s Road. All-round education that incorporates lots of art, music, drama and sport. We aim to bring out the best in every child The Vicarage, Ramsden Road, SW12 8RQ T: 020 8682 8820 E: broomwood@northwoodschools.com broomwood.co.uk Head: Principal: Lady K Colquhoun Headmistress: Ms C Jenkinson Pupils: 290 Ages: 4-8 co-ed Clubs: A range of clubs available for all from class 1 upwards Term fees: 2017/18 £5,125 Leavers’ destinations: Boys to Northcote Lodge and girls to Broomwood Hall Upper School Term Fees: From £1,725 to £3,985

63 Broomwood Hall Upper School A preparatory school for girls offering an all-round education that incorporates lots of art, music, drama and sport. We aim to

T: 020 8682 8810 E: broomwood@northwoodschools.com broomwood.co.uk

Term fees: 2017/2018 £6,295 Leavers’ destinations: At 11 & 13 to a mix of London day schools eg JAGS, Emanuel, Streatham & Clapham High School and Alleyn’s, and boarding eg Benenden, Bradfield, Woldingham, Wellington, Marlborough

Swan House, 207 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ T: 020 8673 3188 E: eveline@evelinedayschool.com evelinedayschools.com Head: Ms Eveline Drut Deputy Head: Mrs Gillian Tomlins-Young Pupils: 120 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- and post-school care clubs and prep-club, including compulsory strings orchestra for KS2 Term Fees: £4,619.68 (8.45am to 4pm)

64 Dolphin School (incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools) Dolphin aims to nurture children’s potential in academic and creative work and sport and develop character according to a Christian understanding 106 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW T: 020 7924 3472 E: pa@dolphinschool.org.uk dolphinschool.org.uk Heads: Mrs N S Baldwin Senior Deputy Head: Mr J Schmidt Pupils: 200+ Ages: 3-11 Clubs: No pre- and post-school care but a range of school clubs Term fees: Reception, Years 1 and 2 £3,895, Years 3-6 £4,295 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Fulham Boys’, The Hall School, Ibstock Place, JAGS, Putney High, Royal Russell, Dulwich College, Lady Margaret’s, Thames Christian College and Streatham & Clapham High School

Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, JAGS, Streatham & Clapham High School, Wimbledon High, Dulwich College, King’s College School, Whitgift, Trinity, Royal Russell, Wilson’s, Wallington and Graveney

66 Finton House School An inclusive school that offers a broad and inspiring education, embracing technology and outdoor learning, which is based on the belief that happiness, kindness and confidence are the foundations of success 171 Trinity Road, SW17 7HL T: 020 8682 0921 E: info@fintonhouse.org.uk fintonhouse.org.uk Head: Ben Freeman Pupils: 321 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: For 2016-2017 £4,905 - £5,045 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Francis Holland, Hall School Wimbledon, JAGS, King’s College School, More House, Royal Russell, Streatham & Clapham High School, Trinity, Whitgift and Wimbledon High School

67 Hall School Wimbledon Early Years education emphasises multisensory learning and first-hand experience, nurturing individual strengths and encouragement to reach full potential Junior School Beavers Holt, Stroud Crescent, SW15 3EQ T: 020 8788 2370 Senior School The Downs, 17 The Downs, SW20 8HF T: 020 8879 9200 E: enquiries@hsw.co.uk hsw.co.uk Head: Mr T Hobbs Pupils: 250 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Northcote Lodge

Term fees: Reception to Year 2: £3,744, Years 3 to 6: £4,321

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Leavers’ destinations: Junior school feeds into the senior school plus Emanuel, Epsom College, Harrow, Hurstpierpoint, King’s College School, Sevenoaks and Tiffin

68 Hornsby House School A warm, nurturing and inclusive school but with academic vigour

T: 020 8876 9991 E: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Head: Ms Marion McDonald Pupils: 960 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Prep to 5pm plus a range of school clubs

Hearnville Road, SW12 8RS

Term fees: Kindergarten/Prep 1: £5,220 per term. Prep 2 to Prep 6: £5,415 per term

T: 020 8673 7573 E: school@hornsbyhouse.org.uk hornsbyhouse.org.uk

Leavers’ destinations: Ibstock Place secondary school. A few leave at 11+ and 13+ but the vast majority stay; however, no automatic entry

Head: Mr E Rees Pupils: 400+ Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care, prep club and a range of school clubs until 5.15pm

71 L’Ecole de Battersea

Term fees: Lower school £4,585, Upper school £4,925 plus lunch cost of £250 per term Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, JAGS, Whitgift, Emanuel, Ewell Castle, Royal Russell, Woldingham, Feltonfleet, Francis Holland, Graveney, Trinity and Wimbledon High

69 Hurlingham School Experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic staff provide opportunities which strongly promote creativity and independence of thought, essential attributes for the 21st century 122 Putney Bridge Road, SW15 2NQ T: 020 8874 7186 E: office@hurlinghamschool.co.uk hurlinghamschool.co.uk Head: Mr J Brough Pupils: 326 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Post-school care and a range of school clubs Term fees: Reception, Years 1 and 2: £5,180 and Years 3 to 6: £5,395

Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Epsom College, Godolphin and Latymer, Ibstock Place, Kingston Grammar, King’s College School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Latymer Upper, Putney High, Queen’s Gate, St Paul’s Girls’, Surbiton High, Whitgift and Wimbledon High

English-French preparatory school, opened in 2005. A strong emphasis on its French/ English bilingual context, aiming for all pupils to be immersed in both cultures and becoming fluent in both tongues Trott Street, SW11 3DS T: 020 7924 3186 E: battersea@lecoledespetits.co.uk lecoledespetits.co.uk/lecol--battersea/

Finton House School

73 Merlin School Aims to encourage a sense of excitement about learning that nurtures children and ensures individual attention in order to reach full potential 4 Carlton Drive, SW15 2BZ T: 020 8788 2769 E: secretary@merlinschool.net merlinschool.net

Head: Mme Frederique Brisset Pupils: 255 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- & post-school care

Head: Ms K Prest Pupils: 200+ Ages: 5-8 Clubs: A variety on a Monday only.

Term fees: £3,665

Term fees: £3,988

Leavers’ destinations: Automatic right of entry to the AEFE French schools network. Some pupils go onto English schools and are tutored in CM2 to achieve the required standard

74 Newton Preparatory School

72 Lion House School Encourages individuality and creativity and fosters self-esteem in a harmonious and happy learning environment Old Methodist Hall, Putney SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 E: admissions@lionhouseschool.co.uk lionhouseschool.co.uk Head: Ms J Luard Pupils: 100+ Ages: 2-8 Clubs: A range of school clubs

70 Ibstock Place School

Term fees: £1,035-£4,525

Lots of extracurricular activities aim to produce happy, well-rounded, socially responsible, honest, resilient young people with determination, ambition and self-confidence

Leavers’ destinations: KCS, Latymer

Clarence Lane, SW15 5PY

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Junior, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Fulham Prep, Tower House School, Shrewsbury House School, Ibstock Place, The Hall School and Prospect House

Offers a vibrant, challenging education for inquisitive children. Aims to inspire adventurousness and commitment to learning, providing balance and breadth in intellectual, aesthetic, physical, moral and spiritual education 149 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BX T: 020 7720 4091 E: hmpa@newtonprep.co.uk or registrar@newtonprep.co.uk newtonprepschool.co.uk Head: Ms A Fleming; Dep Head Lower School: Victoria Goodson Pupils: 600+ Ages: 3-13 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery, mornings only: £2,980, Lower School Reception to Year 2: £5,510, Upper School Year 3-8: £6,310

Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, JAGs, King’s College School, St Paul’s, Westminster, Eton, Harrow, Tonbridge, Winchester, Benenden, Wycombe Abbey, Wellington, Rugby, The King’s School, Canterbury & Marlborough

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75 Northcote Lodge School A traditional boys’ prep school that delivers an outstanding all-round education including lots of sport, music and drama. A place where boys can be boys 26 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 6EL T: 020 8682 8888 E: admissions@northwoodschools.com northcotelodge.co.uk Head: Mark Smith Pupils: 250 Ages: 8-13 Gender: Boys Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £6,295 Leavers’ destinations: At 13 to London day schools eg Dulwich College, Whitgift, Emanuel, and boarding schools eg Bradfield, Marlborough, Harrow, Tonbridge, Wellington, Charterhouse, Eton, Radley

76 Oliver House School A character-based approach aims to foster respect, sound judgment, resilience and making wise choices based on personal values.

A Sunday Times Top 100 Preparatory School 7-11 Nightingale Lane, SW4 9AH T: 020 8772 1911 E: enquiries@oliverhouse.org.uk oliverhouse.org.uk Head: Mr R Farrell Pupils: 165 Gender: Boys and girls Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Pre- and post-school care plus a range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery full time: £4,220, 5 mornings: £2,470, Reception to Year 1: £4,630, Year 2: £4,690, Years 3-6: £4,860 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Francis Holland, JAGS, Royal Russell, Streatham & Clapham HIgh School, Trinity, Whitgift, Wimbledon High, Woldingham, The Cedars, The Laurels

77 Parkgate House School Opened 1987 to provide a warm, welcoming and nurturing atmosphere with strong educational ethos 80 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 9SD T: 020 7350 2452 E: office@parkgate-school.co.uk parkgate-school.co.uk Heads: Principal: Ms Catherine Shanley, Head: Mr Malcolm McKinley Pupils: 230 Ages: 2.5-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery: £1,920-£4,210, Reception/Pre-prep: £4,840, Prep: £5,020 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Hall School, Ibstock Place, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Whitgift

The Falcons School for Girls

78 Prospect House School

80 The Dominie

Aims to create an atmosphere where children feel valued and secure in an educational experience that is both challenging and fun

Education for dyslexic and dyspraxic children.

Recently rated ‘oustanding’ by Ofsted

75 Putney Hill, SW15 3NT T: 020 8780 0456 E: info@prospecths.org.uk or registrar@prospecths.org.uk prospecths.org.uk Head: Mrs D Barratt Pupils: 295 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery: £1,920-£4,210, Reception/Pre-prep: £4,840, Prep: £5,020 Leavers’ destinations: Benenden, Colet Court, Emanuel, Harrodian, King’s School Canterbury, Putney High, St Paul’s Girls’ School, Tiffin, Westminster Under, Wimbledon High

55 Warriner Gardens, SW11 4DX T: 020 7720 8783 E: info@thedominie.co.uk thedominie.co.uk Head: Ms A O’Doherty Pupils: 31 registered Ages: 6-12 Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £8,550 Leavers’ destinations: Mainstream schools

81 The Falcons School for Girls A non–selective school for girls with a reputation for academic excellence, creativity and lifelong learning 11 Woodborough Road, SW15 6PY

79 Putney High School

T: 020 8992 5189 E: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk falconsgirls.co.uk

Academically selective with an ethos of excellence, outstanding opportunity and care. “Teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage is excellent. It is lively, imaginative and fun,” concluded ISI

Head: Mrs Sophia Ashworth-Jones Pupils: 105 at present, will rise to 350 in new premises Ages: 3-11 Gender: Girls

35 Putney Hill, SW15 6BH

Clubs: A range of school clubs

T: 020 8788 4886 E: putneyhigh@put.gdst.net putneyhigh.gdst.net

Term fees: £4,725, pre-reception: £2,625

Head: Ms Pippa Daverson Pupils: Junior School – 320 Ages: 4-11 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs across art, design, drama, music and sport Term fees: £5,017 per term Leavers’ destinations: Junior to senior school entry not automatic, but don’t have to compete with external candidates, just qualify

Leavers’ destinations: Notting Hill & Ealing, St James’, Latymer Upper, Godolphin & Latymer, St Paul’s, Lady Eleanor Holles, Kew House, Francis Holland

82 The Roche School Established in 1983, The Roche School, rated outstanding by Ofsted, provides a thorough, wide-ranging education within the context of a warm, lively atmosphere.

Respect for others and fulfilling personal potential are key to its aims.

11 Frogmore, SW18 1HW

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T: 020 8877 0823 E: admissions@therocheschool.co.uk therocheschool.co.uk Head: Ms V Adams, Nursery head: Ms G Emery Pupils: 300 Ages: 2.5-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

Wellington, Westminster, KCS, Downe House, Francis Holland, Dulwich College, Eton, Harrow, St Pauls’ Boys’, St Paul’s Girls’, Radley, Alleyn’s, Latymer Upper and JAGS.

85 Thomas’s Clapham

Term fees: Nursery £1,714 - 4 mornings, £3,596 – 5 mornings & 4 afternoons, Years 1 to 2 £4,390, Years 3 to 6 £4,710

Ethos of kindness and understanding in which pupils’ strengths are supported

Leavers’ destinations: Latymer Upper, KCS, Dulwich College, St Catherine’s Twickenham, Ibstock Place, Wimbledon High, Emanuel, JAGS, Whitgift

T: 020 7326 9300 E: clapham@thomas-s.co.uk thomas-s.co.uk

83 The St Michael Steiner School Parent & Child Group Ofsted judged it as providing a good quality of education Merton Road, SW18 5ST T: 020 8870 0500 E: info@stmichaelsteinerschool.co.uk stmichaelsteiner.wandsworth.sch.uk Pupils: 62 full-time, +11 part-time Ages: 3-14

Broomwood Road, SW11 6JZ

Head: Mr P Ward Pupils: 650 Ages: 4-13 Clubs: No pre/post school care but a range of after school clubs Term fees: from £5,483 a term in Reception Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, Brighton College, Emanuel, Marlborough, Wellington, Benenden, St Mary’s Ascot, Woldingham, Dulwich College, King’s College School, Eton, Radley, St Paul’s, Tonbridge, Whitgift, Westminster, JAGS, Wimbledon High

Term fees: £4,375-£5,800 pa

84 Thomas’s Battersea

A non-selective independent catholic prep school for girls aged 3-11 (and boys up to age 4 and co-ed nursery) 18 The Downs, SW20 8HR

28-40 Battersea High Street, SW11 3JB

T: 020 8947 0859 E: office@wups.co.uk ursuline-prep.merton.sch.uk

T: 020 7978 0900 E: Battersea@thomas-s.co.uk thomas-s.co.uk

Head: Anne Farnish Pupils: 250 Ages: 3-11

Head: Mr Simon O’Malley Pupils: 550 Ages: 4-13 Clubs: No pre/post school care but a range of after school clubs and sports activities

Term fees: £3,465 (Nursery to Year 6)

Term fees: Reception-Year 2: £5,563, Years 3-8: £6,385 Leavers’ destinations: Bradfield, Brighton College, Bryanston, Harrodian, Marlborough,

OTHER SCHOOLS POPULAR WITH CHILDREN LIVING IN NAPPY VALLEY Alleyn’s Junior School A top ten Sunday Times Parent Power school providing co-educational excellence in a warm and caring community. Takes pride in its holistic approach to pupils’ wellbeing Townley Road, SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1519 E: juniorregistration@alleyns.org.uk alleyns.org.uk Head: Simon Severino Ages: 4 – 11 Pupils: 240 Term fees: Reception, Years 1-2 £5,465.

Years 3-6 £5,691 Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s School

Dulwich Prep London 86 Ursuline Prep School

Opened in 1977, it aims to embed kindness and understanding in which pupils’ strengths are identified and supported

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Independent prep school founded in 1885. Formerly known as Dulwich College Preparatory School 38-42 Alleyn Park, SE21 7AA T: 020 8670 3217 E: admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org Head: Michael Roulston Pupils: 850 Ages: 3-13 Leavers’ destinations: Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Trinity, Whitgift, Westminster, Tonbridge, Marlborough, Eton, Harrow

Leavers’ destinations: Emanuel, Kingston Grammar, The Laurels School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Putney High School, Sutton High School, Ursuline High School, Ibstock Place, Royal Russell, Streatham & Clapham High School, Wimbledon High School, Woldingham

Eaton Square Pre-Prep and Prep School

87 Wandsworth Preparatory School

Head: Sebastian Hepher Pupils: 300 Age: 4-11

Believes that education should not simply be about exam results, reading, writing or arithmetic but also spark learning by developing the courage to take risks, the confidence to ask questions and the desire to know not just ‘what’ but ‘how’ and ‘why’

79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP T: 020 7931 9469 E: registrar@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com

Term Fees: £6,875 - £7,090 Leavers’ destinations: Eaton Square Upper School and many other excellent schools in London and beyond

The Old Library, Allfarthing Lane, SW18 2PQ

Hornsby House

T: 020 8870 4133 E: office@wandsworthprep.com wandsworthprep.com

Hill House International Junior School

Head: Miss B Saul Pupils: 90 Ages: 4-11

A family-owned and run school with the guiding ethos of “A child’s mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled”

Term fees: £4,458

Hans Place, SW1X OEP

Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s, City of

T: 020 7584 1331 E: info@hillhouseschool.co.uk hillhouseschool.co.uk

London Boys’ and Girls’, St Paul’s Boys’ and Girls’, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Ibstock Place, JAGS, Kew House, Ewell Castle, Reeds

Head: Richard Townend

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Ages: 4-13 Pupils: 800

Head: Ms A Downey Pupils: 449 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

Term fees: From £4,000 for Reception to £5,500 for Year 8 Leavers’ destinations: Girls to More House School, Putney High School, Queen’s Gate School, Latymer Upper School, JAGS, Francis Holland, Alleyn’s School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Boys to Dulwich College, Wetherby Senior School, Westminster School, St Paul’s, Emanuel, The London Oratory, Eton, Stowe, Harrow and Bradfield College

89 Ashcroft Technology Academy

Offers excellent opportunities to achieve the highest possible standards of learning in a technology-rich environment, including the IB Diploma 100 West Hill, SW15 2UT T: 020 8877 0357 E: info@ashcroftacademy.org.uk atacademy.org.uk

Harrodian School Harrodian is a friendly educational community which encourages pupils’ individuality and excellent academic results Lonsdale Road, SW13 9QN T: 020 8748 6117 E: admin@harrodian.com harrodian.com Head: James Hooke Ages: 4-18 Pupils: 282 Term fees: Pre-prep £4,431, Prep £5,076, Senior £5,867, Sixth form £6,766 Leavers’ destinations: Bournemouth, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Kings College London, Loughborough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, St Andrews, UCL

Head: Mr D Mitchell Pupils: 1,000 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: Wide range of school clubs

Dulwich Prep

E: admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Head: Mr Tim Cannell Pupils: 200 Ages: 4-11 Clubs: Chess, coding, STEM, Chelsea Foundation football etc Term fees: £4,910-£5,890 Leavers’ destinations: King’s College School, St Paul’s Girls’, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London Boys, Fulham Boys, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Ibstock Place, Lady Margaret’s, The Harrodian and many others.

Tower House School

Independent co-ed school with a Catholic ethos. Part of the PACT Educational Trust. A Sunday Times Top 100 Preparatory School

Founded in 1932, this is “A traditional boys’ prep school but with a modern twist,” says The Good Schools Guide

59 Godstone Road, Purley, CR8 2AN

188 Sheen Lane, SW14 8LF

T: 020 8668 8080 E: enquiries@oakwoodschool.org.uk

T: 020 8876 3323 E: admissions@thsboys.org.uk thsboys.org.uk

Leavers’ destinations: Caterham School, Coloma Convent Girls’ School, Croydon High, John Fisher, London Oratory, Nonsuch, St Philomena’s Catholic High School, The Cedars School, The Laurels School, Trinity, Wilson’s

Parsons Green Prep School Opened 2001. The teachers deliver an exciting and contemporary curriculum in a unique setting, with an abundance of inside and outside space in which to learn and play. Winner of the 2016/2017 ISA award for Outstanding Provision in STEM. ‘Well ahead of the curve at primary level in putting STEM subjects at the heart of the maths curriculum’.

(Good Schools Guide) 1 Fulham Park Road, SW6 4LJ T: 020 7610 8085

90 Bolingbroke Academy

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Prepares all pupils for university courses or a career of their choice. Specialisms are maths and music Wakehurst Road, SW11 6BF T: 020 7924 8200 E: info@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org arkbolingbrokeacademy.org Head: Ms C Edis Pupils: 600 by 2018 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: Wide range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: First cohort of Year 13 children leave in 2019

Oakwood School

Head: Mr C Candia Pupils: 160 Ages: 3-11 Gender: mixed Term fees: Year 1-2 £2,910; Years 3-6 £3,170

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91 Burntwood School

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Encourages students to be independent, articulate young women who take power and control over their lives in an informed and intelligent way Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AQ

Head: Gregory Evans Pupils: 180 Ages: 4-13

T: 020 8946 6201 E: info@burntwoodschool.com burntwoodschool.com

Term fees: Reception & Year 1 £4,155, Year 2 & 3 £4,585, Senior school £4,710

Head: Mrs H Dorfman Pupils: 1,779 Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: 70% go on to university, of which 35% go to Oxbridge & Russell Group universities

Leavers’ destinations: St Paul’s, King’s College School, Hampton, Reeds, Emanuel, Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse, Marlborough, Wellington, Bradfield

WANDSWORTH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 88 Ark Putney Academy

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92 Chestnut Grove Academy

A culture of high aspiration for all is central to the school’s vision and ethos

Ensures outstanding progress through a well-designed curriculum, a broad range of enrichment and extension programmes and excellent pastoral care

Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JZ

Pullman Gardens, SW15 3DG

Head: Mr C Kingsley Pupils: 958 Ages: 11-19 Clubs: A range of school clubs

T: 020 8788 3421 E: receptionist@arkputneyacademy.org arkputney.org

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T: 020 8673 8737 E: info@chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk

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93 Ernest Bevin College & Sixth Form Centre C Ofsted rated Outstanding and awarded STEM Assured status in recognition of the excellence in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Computing & Maths.

Beechcroft Road, SW17 7DF

Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, Durham, Exeter, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Royal Academy of Music, LSE and universities abroad

Rated good with outstanding leadership by Ofsted

Head: Ms R Sheikh Pupils: 1,272 including 375 in Sixth Form Ages: Boys 11-18, Girls 16-18 Gender: Boys Clubs: A range of school clubs

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Ofsted remarked in March 2015 on the pupils’ “positive attitude to learning”, their outstanding results and how the school develops the whole person Welham Road, SW17 9BU T: 020 8682 7000 E: info@graveney.wandsworth.sch.uk graveney.org Head: Mr G Stapleton Pupils: 1,949 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs Leavers’ destinations: Oxford, Cambridge & Russell Group universities

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Part of the Harris Federation, the motto is “head, heart and heroism” in order to promote curiosity, endeavour, skills and knowledge ready for an ever-changing world

T: 020 7924 8310 E: info@sjbc.wandsworth.sch.uk stjohnboscobattersea.org

T: 020 7622 0026 E: info@harrisbattersea.org.uk harrisbattersea.org.uk Head: Dr D Moody Pupils: 1,150 including 250 in sixth form Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

96 Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School V Outstanding teaching within a caring and supportive Christian environment. “The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Saint Cecilia’s as a Church of England school are outstanding” SIAM report, November 2016.

T: 020 8780 1244 E: admissions@saintcecilias.london E: info@saintcecilias.london saintcecilias.london Head: Mr N Gallagher Pupils: 950

Leavers’ destinations: Around 15% go to Russell Group universities

WANDSWORTH & MERTON PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 101 Al-Risalah A faith school that aims to equip students with life skills in order to be role-model citizens and ambassadors for Islam as well as good Muslims

Head: Mr S Uttley Pupils: 446 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

98 Southfields Academy

145 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TJ

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T: 020 8767 6057 E: admin@alrisalahschool.co.uk alrisalahschool.co.uk

Rated good by Ofsted. Excellent A Level results. Achievement-focused in all areas of its broad curriculum, allowing students to achieve their potential in academic subjects and applied-learning disciplines

Head: Mr S Lee Pupils: 210 Ages: 11-16 Clubs: No pre- or post-school care but a range of school clubs

333 Merton Road, SW18 5JU

Term fees: £3,300 per year

T: 020 8875 2600 E: info@southfields.wandsworth.sch.uk southfields.wandsworth.sch.uk

Leavers’ destinations: Burntwood, Graveney, Virgo, Ashcroft

Head: Ms W Golinska Pupils: 1,741 including 391 in sixth form Ages: 11-19 Clubs: A range of clubs, societies and afterschool booster sessions

102 Emanuel School

Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, top universities including many Russell Group, apprenticeships in banking, IT and telecommunications, work-related training, further education and employment

401 Battersea Park Road, SW11 5AP

Sutherland Grove, SW18 5JR

Head: Mrs S Flannery Pupils: 1,400 Ages: 16+

Parkham Street, SW11 3DQ

Leavers’ destinations: 100+ to universities every year, approx. two-thirds to study STEM subjects

95 Harris Academy Battersea

sfx.ac.uk

97 St John Bosco Catholic School & College V

T: 020 8672 8582 E: mail@ernestbevin.london ernestbevin.london

94 Graveney School

Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

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99 South Thames College Offers a wide range of courses, including BTECS, HNDs, apprenticeships and leisure courses

The school pursues academic excellence, respect and tolerance and caring for the environment. The Good Schools Guide says it is “happy, friendly and welcoming” Battersea Rise, SW11 1HS T: 020 8870 4171 E: enquiries@emanuel.org.uk emanuel.org.uk Head: Mr R Milne Pupils: 910 Ages: 10-18

Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PP T: 020 8918 7777 E: info@south-thames.ac.uk south-thames.ac.uk Head: Ms S Rimmer Pupils: 20,000+ Ages: 16+ Leavers’ destinations: Russell Group universities & London-based universities

100 St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College Offers 50 courses; one out of three students achieved grades A* – B in 2014 Malwood Road, SW12 8EN T: 020 8772 6000 E: enquiries@sfx.ac.uk

Cranleigh School

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Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme Term fees: £5,999 Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge and Russell Group universities

103 Hall School Wimbledon Aims to provide an all-round education through a balanced curriculum, in which art, music, sport and drama play a valuable role alongside core academic subjects. Believes that learning should be a pleasure. Pupils also benefit from high-quality pastoral care 17 The Downs, SW20 8HF T: 020 8879 9200 E: admissions@hsw.co.uk or enquiries@hsw.co.uk hsw.co.uk Head: Mr T Hobbs Pupils: 270 Ages: 11-16 Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme Term fees: £5,513 Leavers’ destinations: Graveney, Westminster, King’s College School, St Cecilia’s, Esher College, Richmond College, Epsom College, Royal Russell, Whitgift

104 Ibstock Place School

106 Putney High School Intellectual agility, pupil wellbeing and outstanding opportunity are at the heart of the school’s ethos. “A spirit of innovation, openness and creativity pervade the school,” said ISI report

109 Bonneville Primary School

T: 020 8788 4886 E: putneyhigh@put.gdst.net putneyhigh.gdst.net

Rated good by Ofsted

Head: Ms Pippa Daverson, Director of Sixth form: Mr P Dwyer Pupils: 320 (including junior school) Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Term fees: £5,017 per term Leavers’ destinations: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, Stanford USA, Russell Group, music conservatoires, art colleges

107 Thames Christian School Individuals are known and valued enabling teachers to develop each pupil’s talents and inspire them to achieve. “Performance across the subject range at GCSE is markedly higher than that predicted from their prior attainment.” ISI 2015 Wye Street, SW11 2HB T: 020 7228 3933 E: info@thameschristianschool.org.uk thameschristianschool.org.uk Head: Dr Stephen Holsgrove Pupils: 126 Ages: 11-16 (adding sixth form in 2020) Clubs: A wide range of school clubs

Clarence Lane, SW15 5PY

Leavers’ destinations: Alleyn’s School, Ashcroft Technology Academy, City of London Freemen’s School, Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Esher College, Francis Holland School, Parmiter’s School, The Brit School, Tiffin Boys’ School, Seaford College

Head: Mrs A Sylvester-Johnson Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme

Term fees: £4,960

108 Wimbledon High School

Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Nottingham, Imperial College, KIng’s College, LSE, St Andrew’s

A beacon school of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Keen to provoke intellectual curiosity and help students equip themselves for the challenges of 21st-century life

Junior and Senior School. The Good Schools Guide called it, “a top school offering an exceptional education” Southside, Wimbledon Common SW19 4TT T: 020 8255 5300 E: Junior: hmjssec@kcs.org.uk; senior: reception@kcs.org.uk kcs.org.uk Head: Mr A D Halls Pupils: 1,400 Ages: 7-18 Gender: boys 7-18; girls 16-18 Term fees: Year 7-8 (lower school) £6,325 Year 9 onwards (senior school) £6,995

Mansel Road, SW19 4AB T: 020 8971 0900 E: info@wim.gdst.net wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Head: Mrs Jane Lunnon Pupils: 630 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: Over 100 clubs a week Term Fees: £6,035 Academic, Sports & Music Scholarships for Year 7 & sixth form, plus Science, Drama, Art Scholarships for sixth form. Meanstested Bursaries available.

Leavers’ destinations: Oxbridge, Russell Group, top universities in the US, Canada and mainland Europe

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Bonneville Gardens, SW4 9LB T: 020 8673 1183 E: admin@bonneville-primary.lambeth.sch.uk bonneville-primary.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Andrea Parker Pupils: 397 Ages: 3-11

110 Clapham Manor Primary School and Children’s Centre

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Outstanding by Ofsted Belmont Road, SW4 OBZ T: 0207 622 3919 E: admin@claphammanor.lambeth.sch.uk claphammanor.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Mr B Hazell Pupils: 453 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: A range of school clubs

111 Corpus Christi Academy Catholic Primary School A Rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Trent Road, SW2 5BL T: 020 7737 2796 E: office@corpuschristi.lambeth.sch.uk corpuschristischool.co.uk Head: Mrs J Connery and Mr R Coyle Pupils: 413 Ages: 3-11

112 Glenbrook Primary School

Term fees: £6,690 per term

105 King’s College School (KCS)

(AGES 5-11)

35 Putney Hill, SW15 6BH

Aims to produce happy well-rounded children with lots of extracurricular activities to become socially responsible, honest and resilient with determination, ambition and self-confidence T: 020 8876 9991 E: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

LAMBETH STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

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Part of Gipsy Hill Federation. Ofsted rated it good in terms of overall effectiveness Clarence Avenue, SW4 8LD T: 020 8674 2387 / 020 8674 1407 E: glenbrook@ghf.london gipsyhillfederartion.org.uk Head: Ms Carmel Longley Pupils: 315 Ages: 3-11

113 Granton Primary School Rated good by Ofsted Granton Road, SW16 5AN T: 020 8764 6414 E: admin1@grantonprimary.org.uk grantonprimary.org.uk Head: Mr Andrew Terrey Pupils: 492 Ages: 3-11

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114 Heathbrook Primary School and Children’s Centre C Rated good for overall effectiveness by Ofsted St Rule Street, SW8 3EH T: 020 7622 4101 E: admin@heathbrook.lambeth.sch.uk heathbrook.org Head: Mr Ben Roberts Pupils: 409 Ages: 3-11

115 Henry Cavendish Primary School Balham site C Rated outstanding by Ofsted Hydethorpe Road, SW12 0JA T: 020 8673 3376 E: office@henrycavendish.co.uk henrycavendish.co.uk Head: Mrs Alexandra Hardy Pupils: 761 Ages: 3-11

Thames Christian School

119 Lark Hall Primary School and Children’s Centre C

116 Henry Cavendish Primary School Streatham site C

Rated good by Ofsted

Rated outstanding by Ofsted Dingley Lane, SW16 IAU

Smedley Street, SW4 6PH

Head: Ms A Hardy T: 020 8673 3376 E: office@henrycavendish.co.uk henrycavendish.co.uk

T: 020 7622 3820 E: admin@larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk

117 Iqra Primary School

V A

Rated good for overall effectiveness by Ofsted 127 Park Hill, SW4 9PA

Rated good for overall effectiveness by Ofsted

120 Macaulay CE Primary School V A

Thornton Road, SW12 OLF T: 020 8674 7292 E: office@st-bedes.lambeth.sch.uk st-bedes.lambeth.sch.uk

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

T: 020 7622 3630 E: admin@iqra.lambeth.sch.uk iqra.lambeth.sch.uk

Victoria Rise, SW4 ONU

Head: Mrs H Saleem Pupils: 211 Ages: 4-11

T: 020 7720 9378 E: admin@macaulay.lambeth.sch.uk macaulaycofeschool.co.uk macaulay.lambeth.sch.uk

118 Kings Avenue Primary School

Heads: Miss Jo Samways Pupils: 222 Ages: 3-11

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Heads: Ewa Ostrynska and Laura Lowney Pupils: 226 Ages: 3-7

123 St Bernadette’s Catholic Junior School V A Rated good by Ofsted

Requires improvement according to Ofsted Kings Avenue, SW4 8BQ T: 020 7622 1208 E: office@kingsavenue.lambeth.sch.uk kingsavenueschool.co.uk Head: Elizabeth Maxted Pupils: 452 Ages: 3-11

121 Richard Atkins Primary School

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Rated good by Ofsted. ‘Inspiring curiosity & the courage to succeed’ New Park Road, SW2 4JP T: 020 8674 0156 E: admin@richardatkins.lambeth.sch.uk

Head: Nadia Macintosh Pupils: 372 Ages: 3-11 Clubs: Breakfast Club & a range of after school clubs

122 St Bede’s Catholic Infants School V A

Head: Mr Gary Nichol Pupils: 450 Ages: 3-11

Details as above

richardatkins.lambeth.sch.uk

1-4 Atkins Road, SW12 0AB T: 020 8673 2061 E: office@st-bernadette-rc.lambeth.sch.uk stbernadette.co.uk Head: Mrs Deborah Hogan Pupils: 241 Ages: 7-11

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124 St Leonard’s CE Primary School V A

LAMBETH PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Rated good by Ofsted

(UP TO AGES 11/13)

42 Mitcham Lane, SW16 6NP T: 020 8769 2712 E: mgr@st-leonards.lambeth.sch.uk st-leonards.lambeth.sch.uk

128 Broomwood Hall Lower School, Garrad’s Road

Head: Mr Simon Jackson Pupils: 207 Ages: 4-11

125 St Mary’s RC Primary School V

A pre-preparatory school (co-ed, ages 4 to 8) with two-form entry at Garrad’s Road and four-form entry at the Ramsden Road site. All-round education that incorporates lots of art, music, drama and sport. We aim to bring out the best in every child

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3 Garrad’s Road, SW16 1JZ

Rated outstanding by Ofsted

T: 020 8682 8850 E: broomwood@northwoodschools.com broomwood.co.uk

Crescent Lane, SW4 9QJ T: 020 7622 5479 E: office@st-marys.lambeth.sch.uk st-marys.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Miss Karen Pluckrose Pupils: 348 Ages: 3-11

126 Sudbourne Primary School

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Rated outstanding by Ofsted

Head: Principal: Lady K Colquhoun Headmistress: Ms C Jenkinson Pupils: 130 Ages: 4-8 co-ed Clubs: A range of clubs available for all from class 1 upwards Term fees: 2017/18 £5,125 Leavers’ destinations: Boys to Northcote Lodge and girls to Broomwood Hall Upper School

Hayter Road, SW2 5AP T: 020 7274 7631 E: shardy@sudbourne.lambeth.sch.uk sudbourne.com

129 Eaton House The Manor Family-owned and run Christian nondenominational school whose aim is to provide a caring and secure environment that treats each child as an individual so they can blossom academically, socially and behaviourally

Head: Mr Milan Stevanovic Pupils: 350 Ages: 3-11

127 Telferscot Primary School Rated outstanding by Ofsted Telferscot Road, SW12 OHW T: 020 8673 7362 E: admin@telferscot.lambeth.sch.uk telferscot.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Ms Jennifer Martin Pupils: 455 including nursery Ages: 3-11

58 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 9RU

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T: 020 7924 6000 E: admin@eatonhouseschools.com eatonhouseschools.com Heads: Prep: Mrs Sarah Segrave Pre-Prep: Mrs Nicola Borthwick Girls’: Mr Oliver Snowball Nursery: Ms Roosha Sue Pupils: Boys’ Pre-prep 210, Boys’ Prep 190, Girls’ 180, Nursery 40.

Ages: Boys’ Pre-prep 4-8, Boys’ Prep 8-13, Girls’ 4-11, Nursery 3-4 Term fees: Nursery £2,135 up to £3,540, Pre-prep £4,748, Prep £5,808, Girls’ £4,748 Leavers’ destinations: Boys go to top boarding schools, as well as day schools such as Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Emanuel, King’s College School, St Paul’s, Westminster and City of London Boys Girls go to top boarding schools as well as day schools such as Alleyn’s, Francis Holland, Godolphin & Latymer, Ibstock Place, JAGS, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Streatham & Clapham High School, Emanuel, Queen’s College, More House and City of London Girls

130 London Steiner School Eaton Square Upper School

The curriculum focuses on the academic creative, physical and emotional development of the whole child with an

emphasis not just on passing exams but on loving learning 9 Weir Road, SW12 0LT T: 020 8772 3504 E: info@londonsteinerschool.org LondonSteinerSchool.org Head: College of teachers (no head) Pupils: 80 Ages: 3-14 Term fees: Kindergarten: £3,967 to £6,612 pa; Classes 1-8: £7,014 to £8,412 pa Leavers’ destinations: State and independent secondary schools, the Brit School, or Steiner education in St Michaels in Hounslow or Michael Hall in Forest Row Sussex and Kings Langley

131 Rann Horizon School Rated good by Ofsted 121 Nelsons Row, SW4 7JR T: 020 7720 1591 E: rannhorizonschool@gmail.com rannhorizonschool.com Heads: Robert Timmerman and Lorraine Timmerman Ages: 5-11 Term Fees: 5-7 £1,596; 7-11 £2,196

132 Streatham & Clapham Prep School The school aims to empower pupils and help them exceed expectations in a caring, nurturing environment. A rich, challenging curriculum is matched by opportunities outside the classroom Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR T: 020 8674 6912 E: prep@schs.gdst.net Head: Dr M Sachania, Head of Prep school: Mr T Mylne Pupils: 220 Ages: 3-11 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: Nursery £3,360; Prep £4,410

133 The White House Prep With a strong family ethos, the school allows children to fulfil their potential through a vibrant and broad curriculum that stimulates, challenges and excites. Excellent pastoral support. Rated outstanding by Ofsted 24 Thornton Avenue, SW12 OLF T: 020 8674 9514 E: office@whitehouseschool.com whitehouseschool.com Head: Tony Lewis Pupils: 130 Ages: 2.5 - 11 Clubs: A range of after school clubs including swimming, ballet, computing, Spanish and cooking Term fees: £4,436 (Reception - Yr 2), £4,740 (Yr3-Yr6)

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LAMBETH PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 139 Streatham & Clapham High School In the top 20% of independent schools nationally, with a focus on achieving beyond expectation and with exceptional pastoral care in a ‘family’ school 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW T: 020 8677 8400 E: senior@schs.gdst.net schs.gdst.net Head: Dr M Sachania Pupils: 478 Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of clubs plus the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme Term fees: Senior £5,676 Little Forest Folk

Leavers’ destinations: Dulwich College, JAGS, Streatham & Clapham High School, Whitgift, Trinity, Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Sydenham High School, Woldingham, Bedales, Harrow

LAMBETH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 134 Bishop Thomas Grant Roman Catholic Secondary School V A Rated outstanding by Ofsted. A specialist maths and computing school Belltrees Grove, SW16 2HY T: 020 8769 3294 E: info@btg-secondary.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Ms Bernadette Boyle Pupils: 180 Year 7 intake Ages: 11-18

135 Dunraven Secondary School An all-through school aiming to offer an exciting and enriching learning experience for all its students. Rated outstanding by Ofsted 94/98 Leigham Court Road, SW16 2QB T: 020 8696 5600 E: info@dunraven.org.uk dunraven.org.uk

140 The Laurels School

137 La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School

126 Atkins Road, SW12 OAN

Rated outstanding by Ofsted. Specialises in science. Achieves very high exam results Atkins Road, SW12 OAB T: 020 8673 5644 E: schsec@laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk Head: Dominic Malins Pupils: 168 Year 7 intake Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of clubs, including hockey, gymnastics and Music School Leavers’ destinations: 90% of students go to university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge

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A character-based approach strives to develop qualities of greatness to achieve academic potential and also help in every other aspect of life T: 020 8674 7229 E: enquiries@thelaurelsschool.org.uk thelaurelsschool.org.uk Head: Mrs L Sanders Pupils: 90 Ages: 11-18 Gender: Girls Clubs: A range of school clubs Term fees: £4,580

OTHER SCHOOLS POPULAR WITH CHILDREN LIVING IN NAPPY VALLEY Alleyn’s School

138 Trinity Academy

56 Brixton Hill, SW2 1QS

Part of United Learning, it is committed to bringing out the best in everyone to achieve their potential as confident, well-rounded individuals Elms Road, SW4 9ET

Head: Jan Shadick Pupils: 1,039 Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

Opened 2014. Relentless focus on academic rigour and style of education associated with grammar schools and the independent sector. Brand new campus being built

Head: Mr D Boyle Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range of school clubs

136 Lambeth Academy

T: 020 7819 4700/ 7498 5004 E: admin@lambeth-academy.org lambeth-academy.org

Leavers’ destinations: Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, East Anglia, Exeter, Goldsmiths, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Royal Holloway, Sheffield, Sussex and UCL universities

T: 020 3126 4993 E: info@trinityacademylondon.org trinityacademylondon.org Head: Ben Thompson Pupils: 120 Year 7 intake Ages: 11-18 Clubs: A range including Capoeira, steel pans and fencing

Co-educational excellence for boys and girls in a caring community. Judged excellent in an ISI report concluding “the quality of the pupils’ personal development is outstanding” Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1500 E: registrar@alleyns.org.uk alleyns.org.uk Head: Dr Gary Savage Ages: 11-18 Term fees: Years 7-13 £6,284 Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Leeds, Oxford, Cambridge, University College London and US universities

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Ardingly College In Tatler list of top public schools. Excellent results and Top 10 IB school in the UK College Road, Haywards Heath RH17 6SQ T: 01444 893000 ardingly.com Head: Ben Figgis Ages: 4-18 Gender: mixed Term fees: Nursery/pre-nursery (5 days), Reception & Years 1 & 2: £2,800; Prep as day pupils from £4,020; Senior as day pupils from £7,460, boarding from £10,160 Leavers’ destinations: Russell Group universities

Cranleigh School Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8QQ T: 01483 276377 E: admissions@cranleigh.org cranleigh.org Head: Mr Martin Reader Pupils: 626 Gender: Co-ed Ages: 13–18

BTEC and £9,333 International Foundation Programme Leavers’ destinations: Russell Group universities, Swiss hotel school and Oxbridge

Dulwich College An academically-selective school, Dulwich was rated excellent in every category in ISIs report.

The college produces some of the finest actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers in the country Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD T: 020 8693 3601 E: enquiries@dulwich.org.uk dulwich.org.uk Head: Dr Spence (Master) Ages: 3-18 Gender: boys Term fees: £6,554 (Day), £12,826 (weekly boarders) and £13,680 boarders Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, Leeds, University College London, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford and Warwick universities

Term Fees: Boarding £12,205, Day: £9,995 Leavers’ destinations: 99 per cent of pupils go on to higher education, with around 80 per cent getting into their first-choice university, including Oxbridge, Bristol, Durham, LSE and UCL

Eaton Square Upper School

Cumnor House School

Head: Phillip Williams Pupils: 400 Gender: Co-ed Ages: 11-18 Term Fees: £7,250-£7,500

Separate boys’ and girls’ prep schools owned and operated by Cognita Boys: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA Girls: 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley CR8 3HB T: boys: 020 8660 3445; girls: 020 8668 0050 E: boys: admin@cumnorhouse.com; girls: admin.purley@cumnorhouse.com cumnorhouse.com Head: boys: Floyd Steadman; girls: Dina Mallett Ages: 4-11 Gender: separate boys’ and girls’ schools Term fees: Pre-prep £3,350; Prep £4,030 Leavers’ destinations: Boys to Westminster, Dulwich College, Charterhouse, Whitgift and Trinity; girls to Woldingham, Caterham, Royal Russell and Rodean

DLD College London Co-educational day and boarding college in the heart of London offering A level, GCSE, BTEC and International Foundation Programmes

106 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NL T: 020 7491 7393 E: registrar@eatonsquaremayfair.com eatonsquareupper.school

Leavers’ destinations: Opens September 2017; no leavers as yet

James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS)

Head: Irfan Latif (Principal) Ages: 16-18 Gender: mixed Term fees: £7,333 for GCSE, A levels /

T: 020 7835 1355 E: london@mpw.ac.uk Head: John Southworth (Principal) Ages: 16-18 Gender: mixed Term fees: £8,845 - £9,374 for full-time students at A level; £8,651-£9,374 at GCSE Leavers’ destinations: Manchester, Exeter, King’s College, Bristol, UCL, Warwick, SOAS, Bournemouth, Goldsmiths, Imperial, Loughborough, St Andrews, Glasgow

Royal Russell Independent day and boarding school in Croydon, Surrey, set in 110 acres of stunning private parkland. Extensive modern facilities for sport, music and drama. Less than 30 minutes from many SW London prep schools Coombe Lane, CR9 5BX T: 020 8657 4433 E: admissions@royalrussell.co.uk Head: Chris Hutchinson Ages: 3-18 Gender: mixed Term fees: Junior £2,160 - £4,575. Senior and Sixth form £5,945. Boarding £11,750 Leavers’ destinations: Bath, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leeds, Loughborough, Manchester, UCL, Westminster, York

Sutton High School Independent school for girls in Sutton and part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) 55 Cheam Road, SM1 2AX T: 020 8642 0594 E: office@sut.gdst.net suttonhigh.gdst.net

144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE

Head: Katherine Crouch Ages: 3-18 Gender: girls Term fees: Senior School and Sixth Form £5,516

T: 020 8693 1181 E: admissions@jags.org.uk. jags.org.uk

Leavers’ destinations: Russell Group universities including one or two to Oxbridge

Head: Mrs Sally-Anne Huang Ages: 4-18 Gender: girls Term fees: Senior School: £5,755 per term

Sydenham High School

JAGs aims to help all pupils fulfill their potential by stimulating their intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and imagination

Leavers’ destinations: Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, York

199 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7FX T: 020 7935 8411 E: dld@dld.org

90-92 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5AB

MPW Independent fifth and sixth form college with non-selective intake, offering A level, GCSE and specialised retake and revision courses. Set up by ex-Cambridge graduates Mander Portman Woodward

An independent girls’ day school delivering a first-class education through academic and pastoral excellence. The school motto, Fear Nothing, lies at the heart of the school. A Sydenham High education offers exceptional learning opportunities, ensuring every girl reaches her potential and gains the necessary skills and confidence to prosper and succeed.

Junior: 15 Westwood Hill SE26 6BL; Senior & Sixth Form: 19 Westwood Hill, SE26 6BL T: Junior: 020 8557 7070; T: Senior & Sixth Form: 020 8557 7000 E: info@syd.gdst.net sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

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Sacred Heart Primary School

Head: Mrs Katharine Woodcock Ages: 4-18 Gender: girls

Autistic Resource Base T: 020 7223 5611

Term fees: Junior £4,260; Senior and Sixth Form £5,417

Sellincourt School

Leavers’ destinations: Oxford, Exeter, London, Manchester, Southampton, Warwick, York

Hearing Impaired Unit T: 020 8672 5982

The Cedars School

Smallwood School

Independent school for boys with Catholic ethos. Part of PACT Educational Trust. A character-based education with a rigorous academic curriculum and an outstanding personalised tutorial system. Part of PACT Educational Trust.

Language Unit T: 020 8672 6024

Southfields Community College Hearing Impaired Unit; Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0 5RD T: 020 8185 7770 E: enquiries@thecedarsschool.org.uk thecedarsschool.org.uk

T: 020 8874 0585

Head: Mr R Teague Pupils: 135 Ages: 11-18 Gender: boys Term fees: Years 7-11 £4,580; Sixth form £4,830

Autistic Resource Based Provision

Trinity School A Sunday Times top 50 Independent School and best independent school in Croydon for boys aged 10-18 with co-educational Sixth Form.

Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT T: 020 8656 9541 E: admissions@trinity.croydon.sch.uk trinity-school.org Head: Alasdair Kennedy Ages: 10-18 Gender: boys with co-educational sixth form Term fees: £5,552 Leavers’ destinations: Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, LSE, Imperial College London, Edinburgh, Exeter, Bristol, Durham, Warwick, Southampton, Loughborough

Whitgift School Whitgift is ranked among Britain’s finest schools, with expansive facilities akin to a country estate. Offers day, boarding (full, weekly or flexi) A Levels, IB, BTEC and Pre-U in certain subjects.

Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT T: 020 8633 9935 E: admissions@whitgift.co.uk whitgift.co.uk Head: Mr C.D. Ramsey, MA Ages: 10-18 Gender: boys Term fees: £6,454 day pupils, £10,149 weekly boarding £12,137 full boarding Leavers’ destinations: Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial, LSE, Leeds, Oxford, Reading,Sheffield, UCL, Warwick

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Southmead School T: 020 8788 8901 Ardingly College

Woldingham Independent boarding and day school for girls set in 700 acres of Surrey countryside and with its own train station in the grounds; 25 minute journey from Clapham Junction

St John Bosco College Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit T: 020 8246 6000

The Alton School

Marden Park, CR3 7YA

Resource Based Provision for moderate learners

T: 01883 349431 E: registrar@woldinghamschool.co.uk

Tooting Primary School

Head: Mrs Alex Hutchinson Ages: 11-18 Gender: girls Term fees: £10,810 boarding Years 7 & 8; £11,769 boarding for Years 9-U6 Leavers’ destinations: Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Cornell (USA), Durham, Exeter, Imperial College, Leeds, King’s London, UCL, Manchester, Oxford, St Andrews, Trinity College Dublin, Warwick, York

Autistic Spectrum Disorders T: 020 3700 0790

The Livity Special School A special school for children with complex needs T: 020 8769 1009

SEN SCHOOLS STATE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES WITH SEN UNITS Ashcroft Technology Academy

Bradstow School, Kent Supports children with severe and complex learning difficulties or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder with Severe Learning Difficulties T: 01843 862123

Autistic Spectrum Disorder T: 020 8877 0357

Centre Academy

Eastwood Nursery

Provides support for all students with special needs and specific learning difficulties

Autistic spectrum disorder and social communication disorders

T: 020 7738 2344

T: 020 8876 3976

Hillbrook Resource Base Autistic spectrum disorder and social communication disorders T: 020 8672 3857

Garratt Park School Caters for children with moderate learning difficulties with associated complex needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder T: 020 8946 5769

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Greenmead School Mixed day school for physically disabled and profound and multiple learning difficulties

PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

T: 020 8789 1466

Linden Lodge Day and weekly boarding school for children with severe sight impairment, multiple disability and profound needs T: 020 8788 0107

Nightingale School Caters for boys with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties T: 020 8874 9096

Oak Lodge

Fairley House School and Fairley House Assessment Clinic Specialist day school for children with dyslexia and dyspraxia

74 Lupus Street, SWIV 3EL T: 020 7630 6970 E: amanda@amandamcleod.org amandamcleod.org

Rainbow School Wandsworth Provides a specialist education using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behaviour (VB) for children and young people with autism and related communication disorders aged 4-19 Head of Lower School (R-Yr8) Mr K Bird Head of Upper School (Yr9-6th form) Mr D Anthony

T: 020 8673 3453

Primary site: SW17 0NY T: 020 3031 9707

Paddock Secondary School

Spencer Park: 48 North Side Wandsworth Common, SW18 2SL T: 020 3031 9700

T: 020 8878 1521

A tutorial centre for touch-typing, handwriting, literacy, maths, study skills, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia

30 Causton Street, SWIP 4AU T: 020 7976 5456 E: ps@fairleyhouse.org.uk fairleyhouse.org.uk

Residential and day school for deaf and language impaired pupils

Caters for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder with severe Learning Difficulties

The McLeod Centre For Learning

E: rainbowschool@beyondautism.org.uk rainbowschool.org.uk and beyondautism.org.uk

The McLeod Centre For Learning

Where to find help and information Childcare & Business Consultancy Services (Formerly Wandsworth Primary Play Association) For a list of Wandsworth pre-school playgroups and holiday play schemes for three and four year-olds, www. cbcservices.org.uk, tel: 020 7738 1958 Department for Education Find a list of school and college performance tables and find and compare schools and colleges using a map, www.education.gov.uk Independent Schools Show The annual exhibition showcasing 200 of the UK’s independent schools, from nurseries to sixth form. Venue: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ. Date: 11th & 12th November 2017.

Tickets are free if you register in advance. www.schoolsshow.co.uk

Local Authority websites Wandsworth www.wandsworth.gov.uk/

schoolsandadmissions tel: 020 8871 6000 Lambeth www.lambeth.gov.uk/schools-andeducation, tel: 020 7926 9503 Merton www.merton.gov.uk/admissions tel: 020 8274 4906 Merton play areas (covering Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon) For a list of Merton play areas, log on to www.merton.gov.uk/environment/ openspaces/play-areas.htm Ofsted The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

Find an Ofsted inspection report at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk The Good Schools Guide A guide to independent and state schools. www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

The Independent Schools Council Includes a search facility for the 1,300 independent schools it represents, www.isc.co.uk, tel: 020 7766 7070 The Independent Schools Inspectorate Log on and browse school reports, www.isi.net The State Boarding Schools’ Association Rather than paying £25,000+ pa on a private boarding school, a state boarding school would cost nearer £10,000 pa, www.sbsa.org.uk UK Boarding Schools Impartial help and advice for parents on UK boarding schools, www.stateboarding.org.uk Wandsworth Family Information Services (FIS) tel: 020 8871 7899, email: fis@wandsworth.gov.uk, or log on to www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fis

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS A dedicated boarding community of pupils aged 7 to 18 with a strong continuity of academics and co-curricular activity across both schools.

Boarding and Day places available.

Admissions at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.

For more information, or to arrange a visit, email admissions@cranleigh.org or admissions@cranprep.org

Peregrines Peregrines PRE-PREPAR ATORY PRE-PREPAR ATORY

Peregrines Pre-Preparatory Peregrines Pre-Preparatory

Co-educational Pre-Prep School Co-educational Pre-Prep School Boys 3-8 Girls 3-11 Boys 3-8

Cherishing Cherishing

Challenging Challenging

Open Day: Open Day: Saturday 16th September, 10.30 - 12.30 Saturday 16th September, 10.30 - 12.30 020 8992 5189 admin@falconsgirls.co.uk peregrinespreprep.co.uk 020 8992 5189 admin@falconsgirls.co.uk peregrinespreprep.co.uk

Girls 3-11

Creative Creative

Peregrines Pre-Prep School is part of PeregrinesFalcons Pre-Prep School is part of Falcons School for Girls SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Falcons SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

11 Woodborough Falcons School for Road Girls 11 WoodboroughPutney Road London SW15 6PY Putney London SW15 6PY