So Education Guide September 2015 by One Media

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Every parent knows that choosing a school for their child is one of the most important decisions they will ever make – consequently, it can also be among the most daunting. In our indispensable guide, leading local schools reveal why they deserve to be top of the class When you’re looking for the right school, there is so much more to consider than just the league table results. Of course, a high standard of academic achievement and expectation is essential, as the grades your child earns at school could set the scene for their future career. However, school life is a full and varied experience with so much to offer in terms of your child’s social, emotional and physical development that the whole ethos of the establishment must be taken into account. Impressive sports and educational facilities will

play a part, as will the range of leisure and extracurricular activities on offer. The school’s approach to learning, discipline and pastoral care is also important, as finding the ‘right fit’ for your child could have a far-reaching influence on their academic, social and ultimately, professional life. In the following pages, top schools from across the area talk about the ways in which they’re helping to shape the next generation. We meet the head teachers, parents and students to find out what’s special about their school and why you should consider entrusting your child’s precious school days to their care.

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Bricklehurst Manor School B A R D O W N R O A D , S T O N E G A T E , W A D H U R S T, E A S T S U S S E X T N 5 7 E L TYPE: Independent Prep School COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,700-3,600 WEB: www.bricklehurst.co.uk TEL: 01580 200 448 HEAD: Mrs Christine Flowers STUDENT: Olivia Johnson (age 9)

to visit Battle Abbey, where we re-enacted the battle wearing our helmets and using our swords and shields that we had made in class. This year we also completed our first project – it was all about the Ancient Egyptians and the River Nile. We did lots of research in class and for our homework.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? History; I have loved learning about the Battle of Hastings and the Egyptians. We were lucky enough

TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE We have lots to choose from. We can do Dance,

Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Tennis, Art classes, Board Games and Swimming. This summer I joined the Cricket Club for the first time and loved it. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? I love the teachers. Although we work very hard, they all make the lessons lots of fun, which helps us to learn. Bricklehurst has the most beautiful garden and I love playing in the orchard in the summer. It’s a very friendly school and everyone looks after each other. We are also very lucky to go on some amazing school trips; we get to visit the museums in London, castles and last year the whole school went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In Years 5 and 6 we have our residential trip and next year we will be visiting the Isle of Wight. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? I would like to be a teacher when I grow up. I love all the teachers at Bricklehurst and would like to help other children to enjoy going to school and learn like my teachers have helped me.

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EASTBOURNE COLLEGE

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Visit our SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING • Thursday ll September 2014 • 6.00pm - 8.00pm

For further information and to book on line

www.EastbourneCollegeSixthForm.co. uk The Birley Centre. Eastbourne College. Carlisle Road. Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EF T: 01323 452323 • E: admissions@eastboume-college.co.uk

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COBHAM HALL School COBHAM HALL, COBHAM, KENT DA12 3BL UK TYPE: Boarding and Day School for Girls COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,156 - £6526 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £7,789 - £9,817 WEB: www.cobhamhall.com PHONE: +44(0)1474 823371 HEAD: Mr P Mitchell BSc PARENT: Dr K O’Neill-Byrne WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILDREN? Primarily because of the values and ethos of worldwide school association Round Square International, which permeate the school, and because of the internationalism of the school community. The values of Round Square resonate with our own family values and we were clear from our first Open Day that the school was in the business of building strong global citizens who would make a positive contribution to a world that sorely needs it. DO YOU FEEL THEY ARE RECEIVING A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE? Absolutely. They are stretched in every way possible, from the academic to the social and all points in between, and we can actually see them developing as a direct result of their experiences at and through Cobham.

school anyway and we can pick them up afterwards. AS A PARENT, WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE SCHOOL? Without a doubt it is the support shown by each and every member of the school staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to all the girls in their care. It’s going to sound cheesy to say this, but I have witnessed numerous times over the past six years the way in which teachers seem to love the girls rather than simply tolerate them. As parents, we could never imagine the girls to be in a place where they would be more understood and supported than they are here. We feel able to say this, particularly as the two daughters we currently have at Cobham Hall are very different. One is highly socially-skilled, while the other really struggles socially at times; yet the school makes each of them feel that they are special and valued and, as a result, our socially-constrained daughter is growing steadily in confidence. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff and they make themselves accessible to parents instantly when asked to do so. The academic support received is also outstanding; teachers make themselves available in all

breaks to support girls and our older daughter got results in her GCSEs far beyond what we had dared to hope. Whatever is in a student upon entering Cobham Hall will certainly be discovered and nurtured during her years there.

HOW HAVE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES HELPED ENHANCE THEIR TIME THERE? To a great extent. Our older daughter had not even played netball before coming to Cobham Hall, yet discovered an aptitude for it while here and this allowed her to take part in a sports tour to South Africa in Year 9. Our younger daughter has been able to do all of the Skill and Physical areas for her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award through the afterschool activities. Also, on a practical note, since I work fulltime as a doctor in the NHS and my husband is a nurse, it would be impossible for us to collect the girls at 4.30pm, but because of the wide range of activities, they more often than not have a reason to stay at

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“ACHIEVEMENT BEYOND EXPECTATION”

Combe Bank School in Sevenoaks becomes co-educational from September 2014. Excellent Exam results in 2014. With 100% passing at A Level and 97% GCSE success with 5 or more A*-C grades.

ositioned on the East Surrey and North West Kent border near Sevenoaks, Combe Bank School is the perfect environment for children to achieve academic excellence whilst developing their individual characters, abilities and interests. Our incredibly talented teaching staff are second to none and, coupled with small class numbers, ensure our children have a carefully tailored educational programme. We are an independent prep and senior school and take children from 3yrs to 18yrs. This is a very exciting time for our school as from September 2014 we will become co-educational, introducing boys into Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 and our sixth form. From September 2015 boys will be introduced into Year 7 of the senior school. We are also introducing wraparound care in the prep school from September 2014, so families can take advantage of our extended opening hours where children will be supervised from 7am to 7pm five days a week. Both our Prep and Senior schools are housed in elegant and stunning Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, with 26 acres of beautiful grounds and a state-of-the-art Sports Centre.

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At Combe Bank School we are committed to providing: ■ Academic excellence supported by excellent teaching ■ Small classes and personal attention ■ Outstanding pastoral care ■ Values based on Christian principles and respect for others ■ First-class facilities in a superb setting, including outstanding sporting facilities We offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities throughout the week and regularly get involved with outside professionals coming into school to teach and inspire our pupils. For example, this year a team of artists from the Royal Academy of Art joined us for a day to engage our own talented artists and those in other schools. Our distinguished community choral society became a Gospel Choir for the summer season. The well-known singer, conductor and instrumentalist Ken Burton (a panel judge of BBC 2’s Sing While You Work) led all the rehearsals, which culminated in a major performance at the Stag Theatre in June this year.

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KEY DATES For further details on any of the listed events please contact our Registrar on 01959 567 166 or email registrar@combebank.co.uk

AUTUMN OPEN MORNINGS Saturday October 11 2014 10am – 12 noon Tuesday October 14 2014 10am – 12 noon SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING November 6 2014 – 7pm 11+ ENTRANCE EXAM November 11 2014 13+ ENTRANCE EXAM

Jane Abbotts, Headmistress commented: “There are very few independent schools offering tailored teaching, outstanding sporting facilities and extensive extracurricular programmes that can match Combe Bank. Now we are becoming co-educational in September, it is no wonder we have never been so busy recruiting new pupils!”

December 4 2014 SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIP EXAM December 4 2014 11+ SCHOLARSHIPS Art – November 24 2014 Music – November 25 2014 Sport – November 26 2014 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP Interviews November 28 2014

Please contact our Registrar, Francesca Wade, for further details about admissions at registrar@combebank.co.uk Combe Bank School Sevenoaks Kent TN14 6AE 01959 567 166 www.combebank.co.uk enquiries@combebank.co.uk

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Dulwich Preparatory School COURSEHORN, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 3NP TYPE: Day and Flexible Boarding Preparatory School for Boys and Girls aged 3-13 COST PER TERM (DAY): £3,325 (Reception)/£5,165 (Upper School) COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £40.75 per night WEB: www.dcpskent.org TWITTER: @DPS_Cranbrook TEL: 01580 712 179 HEAD: Mr Paul David TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY AND ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL Evacuated from London to Cranbrook in 1939, the school is one of two preparatory schools administered as a charitable trust by a Board of Governors, the other being Dulwich College Preparatory School in London. Now in our 75th anniversary year, we are celebrating all that has been achieved since those humble early days in the orchards of Cranbrook at the outbreak of World War Two. Throughout the school there is a twofold purpose: to enable the children to learn as much as possible according to their individual abilities, and to be happy and confident in an environment of learning. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURES? Our school is set in 50 acres of countryside in the heart of the Weald of Kent, surrounded by farmland. We offer nursery, pre-prep and preparatory education for children from the ages of three to 13. The school is divided into three sections – Nash House, Little Stream and Upper School – which work together to make a stronger, more vibrant whole. Four brand new light, bright classrooms have been rebuilt for Nash House

(Early Years), featuring outdoor learning areas under a retractable canopy. Sports facilities include a fully equipped Sports Hall, AstroTurf, two swimming pools, tennis courts and a 400m athletics track. Children in Years 7 and 8 are all issued with an iPad, which is a great tool for both independent and group study, and for collaboration between children and staff. The school offers a broad programme of Outdoor Education, from innovative forest school activities to overnight camps and a challenging five-day trip to Snowdonia in Year 8. FROM WHAT SORT OF CATCHMENT AREA DO YOU ATTRACT PUPILS? The majority of children live in Cranbrook and the surrounding villages. Morning minibuses draw children from Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and Maidstone areas. The option of part-boarding is highly popular and adds flexibility for parents. HOW MUCH OPPORTUNITY IS THERE FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE? We are lucky at Dulwich to have a fantastically supportive parent body called ‘The Friends’. They do an enormous amount to benefit the pupils by running whole school events such as Christmas Fairs and Summer Festivals. Last term they organised a Grand 75th Anniversary Ball with over 400 guests, which was a wonderful launch to our anniversary year. There is a real feeling of community within the school as a result of their involvement. Parents in Nash House and Little Stream are invited regularly to craft days, outings and assemblies and Form showings give the children a chance to show parents what they have been learning.

WHAT ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES? There is a vast array of clubs and activities for all ages, both at lunchtime and after school. There are music groups for all levels, including a school orchestra, jazz band, choirs and recorder groups. Arts Week in the Autumn Term will culminate in a 75th Anniversary Gala Concert with songs, poetry and music performed by the children at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells. Drama Club is very popular and each year group produces a play or revue. Sports Clubs cater for all levels and ages in most of the major sports; Triathlon Club is proving particularly popular in Upper School. Art, Sewing, Gardening, Cookery, Newspaper and Eco Clubs are some of the other options on offer. GIVE US A FEW WORDS THAT BEST SUM UP THE SCHOOL Space to breathe, time to grow.

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Independent education for girls and boys aged 3 - 18 • Boarding available from I I Exceptional academic results from broad-ability intake • First-rate ISI inspection report in 20 I 3 Small classes • Award-winning music • Fantastic range of extra-curricular activities Preparatory School listed in The Sunday Times Top I00 Prep Schools • Extensive sports facilities Academic, Music, Sports and All-rounder scholarships available at I II 13/ 16 Organ scholarships offered at 13/ 16 and Chorister scholarships at age 8

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King’s Rochester SATIS HOUSE, BOLEY HILL, ROCHESTER, KENT ME1 1TE TYPE: Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 – 18 COST PER TERM (DAY): Pre Preparatory £3020, Preparatory £3875 (Forms L1/1) £4400 (Forms 2/3/4), Senior £5680 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Preparatory £6425 (Forms 3/4). Senior £9225 WEB: www.kings-rochester.co.uk PHONE: 01634 888 555 HEAD: Mr Jeremy Walker STUDENT: Charlie Medhurst WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT? I am currently studying A-Levels in English, Geography, History and RS, but Geography is probably my favorite subject. Last year I took part in a World Challenge expedition to Ladakh in Northern India and it was unbelievable to trek in the Himalayas. I enjoyed studying the physical geography of the area, but Geography is unique in providing an insight into how society, the economy and environment combine to bring about change and this is vital in a complex and rapidly changing world. TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON OFFER The options available are many and varied. I have been involved in Drama since the Pre-Preparatory School, when I was picked to play the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes (fortunately I did not have to perform naked) and I have enjoyed General Knowledge and Debating. Sporting clubs have always been popular. I have represented the school first team at Cricket, Hockey and Rugby and I have just returned from an Old Boys cricket tour to Yorkshire. Chess, Choir and Orchestra are popular activities, while many enjoy the opportunities available in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). School does not end at 4.10pm; there are always things available to be doing. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? It isn’t just for your 14 years of education and its focus isn’t just grades. You will be nurtured and developed even after you have left. Its age and eye to tradition teaches you how to be part of something bigger and how to look beyond yourself. For this reason, I particularly enjoy chapel in Rochester Cathedral. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? University applications are the current focus, but first of all I would like to take a gap year to Australia and parts of South East Asia. I enjoy travelling and this is partly down to the opportunities given at school. School trips to Barbados, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy and Russia have encouraged my desire to see more of the world, and then it will be back to another three years in education, hopefully studying Geography. SEPTEMBER 2014

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Kent College Pembury O L D C H U R C H R O A D , P E M B U R Y, T U N B R I D G E W E L L S , K E N T T N 2 4 A X TYPE: Independent Day and Boarding for Girls 3-18 COST PER TERM (DAY): £5,975 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £9,633 WEB: www.kent-college.co.uk TEL: 01892 822 006 HEAD: Mrs Sally-Anne Huang TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED I applied for the headship of KC back in 2007 because it was committed to boarding and to girls’ education – which were my two main drivers. Since then I’ve come to realise that it’s also the Methodist ethos of the school that suits me. We are relaxed and happy to let people be themselves (including the head), but we also want to produce young adults with a sense of responsibility and the ambition to lead purposeful lives. I’m immensely proud of that combination.

Confidential, personal issues with both staff and pupils are the painful times when you have to be strongest. However, accompanying a group of sixth formers to our sister school in Nepal and camping in a paddy field with no running water or toilets was a very positive challenge. That definitely broke down any barriers between head and pupils! HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? This is all about relationships. If you can take the

time to get to know pupils and their families well – and give them the time to know you personally – then it’s easy to understand their perspective and to have useful conversations, based on trust, when there are challenges. Although there is the stereotype of fee-paying parents wanting straight A*s and Oxbridge because they have ‘bought’ it, my own experience is that most parents just want you to know their child and to be honest with them at all times. That’s fair enough.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED? Most heads know that the challenges people see – pupil discipline, results – are nothing in comparison to the behind the scenes issues people don’t see.

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Marlborough House School H I G H S T R E E T, H A W K H U R S T, K E N T T N 1 8 4 P Y TYPE: Independent, co-educational prep school for ages 2¾ - 13+, day and flexi-boarding COST PER TERM (DAY): £2,450 – £5,070 WEB: www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk TEL: 01580 753 555 HEAD: Mr Martyn Ward ABOUT THE SCHOOL Marlborough House School is set in 34 acres of grounds with extensive sports pitches, orchard, ponds and woodland. The school boasts superb sports facilities including an astroturf pitch, indoor sports hall, netball and tennis courts, shooting range, outdoor swimming pool and dance hall. The newly extended and refurbished Pre-Prep was opened last year. Happy, confident children are keen to learn, to push themselves and to achieve more. That is our belief at Marlborough House and one which we know is shared by parents. It is our job not only to help your child to achieve academically but also to become a well-rounded, enthusiastic and self-confident individual. Academic achievement is, of course, at the heart of our work and year on year Marlborough

House children have been hugely successful in securing places at leading senior schools. Our pupils leave with lasting friendships, happy memories and more importantly, a love of life and learning. MARTYN WARD, HEADMASTER “There is no getting away from the fact that educating children in the private sector is a significant financial commitment for many. And yet against the backdrop of the deepest, longest recession for a hundred years, the sector has remained largely buoyant. There are flickering signs of life but the economic conditions out there are very tough. Parents who have chosen to educate their children privately don’t need me to remind them of the sacrifices that many of them make in order to fund this. So, the question then is, why do parents make these sacrifices? “The answer, I believe, is that private education is the best investment you can ever make; it is something that will pay dividends to your children throughout their lives. In educating your child at a private school you are providing them with opportunities and experiences that are significantly better than ‘good enough’. Excellent results should be taken as read, but it is the round development of the child that is so important: personal happiness,

wellbeing, the confidence to face the challenges of the future as responsible, confident, compassionate leaders are paramount in a child’s education. “Schools like us make substantial investments to offer facilities and surroundings that enthuse and stimulate our children, but what you really pay for in an independent school is the people. At Marlborough House that means employing and developing the very best teachers and then giving them the freedom to take on a bit more, to inspire, to excite, to challenge, to create a bit of magic. “Given the sacrifices that so many parents make, they are right to expect all of these things from an independent education. Parents are right to expect value for money. ‘Good enough’ for your children should not be good enough. I would like to invite you to come and see for yourself what Marlborough House can offer your child.”

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RosE HILL ScHooL ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS Independent Co-education from 3-13 Coniston Avenue, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SY Telephone: 01892 525591 Email: admissions@rosehillschool co.uk wwwrosc.-hillschool.co.uk

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Rose Hill School C O N I S T O N AV E N U E , T U N B R I D G E W E L L S , K E N T, T N 4 9 S Y TYPE: Independent prep school COST PER TERM (DAY): £1,820-£4,275 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): N/A WEB: www.rosehillschool.co.uk TEL: 01892 525 591 HEAD: David Westcombe WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION? I believe it is the children’s personal development, through the sporting, creative, social and spiritual opportunities Rose Hill provides, which underpins their academic success and enables them to move successfully and happily through their secondary education and beyond. TALK US THROUGH THE NOTABLE FACILITIES? Last year we opened a new £2.1m teaching facility, including a 95sq m science laboratory, six teaching classrooms, two ICT suites, a learning skills suite and a medical room for the school nurse. We also have a fantastic creative arts centre including a 220 seat theatre, an astroturf and a sports hall in 18 acres of land in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. WHY MIGHT A PARENT CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL OVER ANOTHER? Rose Hill is friendly and open and relatively small with just over 300 pupils across the Pre-Prep and Prep departments. Its size allows each child to be known and valued. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT YOUR SCHOOL? In December 2013 Rose Hill was awarded ‘excellent in all areas’ by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate). Inspectors commented that ‘parents expressed their overwhelming satisfaction with the education and care the school provides for their children’ We are thrilled with the results as an excellent grading across the board is extremely hard to achieve and is a tribute to the hard work of the staff and pupils and the strong support of parents. I am very proud of the school. The staff and pupils all work incredibly hard to make it a happy place to learn and develop.

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An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 For more information, please contact Clare Harrison: admissions@theprep.org.uk 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk

SEVENOAKS

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Call us on 0 1323 733203 or email admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk

www.VisitStAndrewsPrep.co.uk

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Skippers Hill Manor FIVE ASHES, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN20 6HR TYPE: Preparatory School COST PER TERM (DAY): From £1,437 (Fulltime Kindergarten including EYEE) to £4,000 (Years 7 & 8) WEB: www.skippershill.com TEL: 01825 830 234 HEAD: Mr Tim Lewis STUDENT: Verity Mack (age 12)

graciousness, kindness and trying your best at everything. WHEN YOU LEAVE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO? I would like to be a psychiatrist because I think it would be interesting to help people get through their problems and to understand how their brains work.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? Biology because I find it very interesting being able to know how living things work. I also enjoy English because it’s fun and I love writing, as well as Drama and Sport, especially hockey. TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES There’s a widespread selection of options available in both winter and summer. The afterschool activities I’m involved in are Gym, Athletics, Cricket and French conversation. I would love to do more, but I don’t have enough time! WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? The friendliness between the pupils and teachers is amazing and the spirit of the school, which is about

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Educating mind, body, heart & soul 'Excellent Academic Achievement' 'Excellent Pastoral Care' 'Excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development' Inspectorate Report 2012

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St Leonards-Mayfield THE OLD PALACE, MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN20 6PH TYPE: Catholic Independent Boarding and Day School for girls aged 11-18 COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,250 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £10,000 WEB: www.mayfieldgirls.org TEL: 01435 874 600 HEAD: Miss Antonia Beary MA MPhil PGCE (Cantab) TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED A visionary American, the venerable Cornelia Connelly, founded St Leonards-Mayfield 150 years ago. Mayfield is now one of Britain’s leading Catholic girls’ schools. I became Headmistress in 2008. HOW ABOUT THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR APPROACH AS HEAD? I am passionate about girls’ education. I want our girls to challenge the boundaries of what a ‘successful’ woman can achieve. At Mayfield we accept each girl for who she is. While we will stretch her academically to attain the best exam results, we also want to give her the time, space, spiritual and emotional support she needs to flourish. Most importantly, we nurture

creativity – not just in art, but in every subject. We aim to inspire a love of learning, a sense of perspective and an independence of mind. Our most popular A Level subjects are Maths and Chemistry and many of our girls go on to study sciences and engineering at university. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED? People often have preconceived and erroneous ideas about single sex girls’ schools and convent schools in particular. While our values may be traditional, they are also forward looking. We are educating young women to make a difference – they can’t do that if we wrap them in cotton wool. Girls and boys learn in different ways and one size does not fit all. While co-ed schools can work for some, many girls are more successful personally and academically in a single sex environment. It is also our responsibility to ensure that the education we provide is excellent value for money. Any surplus is reinvested into school facilities and teaching resources. HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN THE CLASSROOM OVER THE YEARS? The pressure on students, especially girls, to be brilliant at everything is almost intolerable nowadays. If a girl is capable of straight A*s then we will make sure she achieves this. On the other hand, not everyone’s talents are academic and there is more to life than just passing exams. A good education provides a wide variety of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? Parents naturally want the best teaching, facilities and resources for their daughters and we take pride in providing them. One of our particular strengths is our ‘Value Added’ – helping girls who have traditionally underperformed to fulfil their potential and surpass their expectations. While our exam results are excellent, we are careful to avoid the pitfalls of academic hot-housing. We place great emphasis on nurturing well-rounded young women who can handle pressure and have a balanced and robust approach to life. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON PASTORAL CARE? Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We have an extensive support network including our lay chaplain, housemistresses and health centre, not forgetting the kitchen staff – food is very important at Mayfield! The girls are immensely supportive of each other and there is a real sense of community. As a school founded on strong Catholic principles, we place great importance on spiritual and emotional development. Community service is fundamental. Approximately one fifth of our students come from overseas, giving the girls an opportunity to live and work with friends from a variety of different cultures – an ideal preparation for taking up future roles on a global stage.

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SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL N O R T H S T R E E T, S U T T O N VA L E N C E , M A I D S T O N E , K E N T M E 1 7 3 H L COST PER TERM (DAY): £4,925-6,435 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): Flexible boarding available from three nights per week to full. Three nights: £1,630-1,820 in addition to day fees WEB: www.svs.org.uk TEL: 01622 845 200 HEAD: Bruce Grindlay PARENT: Mrs Grabowska WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILDREN? Unlike many other schools we considered, SVS seemed to adapt to its students (rather than adapting its students to the school) to build their confidence and unlock their latent academic and broader life skills. Whatever their performance at 11, whether in Maths or on the rugby pitch, the evident ethos was to help them deliver their potential. From the Headmaster to the student who showed us around, all those we met reinforced this impression. Our one hesitation was the distance from Tunbridge Wells. We could have taken advantage of the school’s flexible boarding arrangements. If they had stayed for three nights or more, the children would have had their own room, been able to take advantage of supervised prep and had full use of the school’s facilities in the evenings. However, for us, the journey (lift to Paddock Wood, train and then SVS

bus from Headcorn) works very well. This takes 45 minutes. DO YOU FEEL THEY ARE RECEIVING A WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE? Absolutely. As well as the academic education – which delivers excellent results across a full spectrum of abilities – there is every opportunity and

encouragement for the students to become involved in a very dynamic and wide-ranging co-curricular line-up. The culture of participation is instilled from day one and each student is encouraged to find his or her niche. The pastoral approach has also been very effective in working both with the students and with us as parents. HOW HAVE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES HELPED ENHANCE THEIR TIME THERE? The array of opportunities has been impressive and has included a wide variety of Music groups (from chamber choir to brass band), Drama events (from Macbeth to We Will Rock You), Sports (from rugby to archery), Debating, an energetic Combined Cadet Force, a programme of outside speakers, the Duke of Edinburgh awards and caring for the elderly at a local home. These have provided valuable experiences of leadership, self-challenge, working in teams, inspiring and caring for others and much more. AS A PARENT, WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE SCHOOL? In the end, it is the whole package: a sense that the school understands our children as individuals and, as an institution, has the necessary financial strength, cultural values and, most importantly, a coherent and effective leadership, dedicated teaching staff of a very high standard and strong governance support to foster our children’s development into self-confident adults who can achieve their best in life. SEPTEMBER 2014

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St Edmund’s School S T T H O M A S H I L L , C A N T E R B U R Y, K E N T C T 2 8 H U TYPE: Co-educational day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 years COST PER TERM (DAY): £2289 - £6018 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £5966 - £9365 WEB: www.stedmunds.org.uk EMAIL: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk TEL: 01227 475 601 HEAD: Mrs Louise Moelwyn-Hughes St Edmund’s School Canterbury understands and upholds the values of both stability and change. The Head, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, explains: “The school’s core values remain constant in that at the heart of all that we do remains a tradition of academic excellence, a respect for the individual, a belief in

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meritocracy and a commitment to ensuring that our young men and women leave St Edmund’s not only with the exam grades they will require for university and employment, but with the interpersonal skills and qualities they will need to lead happy, fulfilling and successful lives. Government statisticians increasingly know the price – or at least the UCAS tariff score – of every conceivable qualification, but they do not always recognise the value of a high quality, all round education. “At St Edmund’s, we are confident that pupils have been well taught to excel in GCSE and A level, but we are equally sure that important benefits of a St Edmund’s education are the intangibles, the values and inner strengths, that underpin adult life. “In many ways, St Edmund’s, although true to its traditional roots, is a changing school, with the recent upgrading of classroom, boarding and House facilities, and the creation of a new astro pitch, Medical Centre and Sixth Form Centre very much enjoyed by our pupils and staff. So too has the curriculum seen change in the last two years with Arabic, economics,

Greek and government and politics being added to the wide range of subjects on offer to our pupils. “St Edmund’s welcomes new pupils and their families to come along and experience our excellent classroom teaching, our outstanding extracurricular provision and our lively and vibrant charitable and service programmes.”

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The Mead School 16 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5SN (200M FROM THE PANTILES) TYPE: Prep, Co-educational, Day COST PER TERM (DAY): £3315 per term (Years 3 - 6), £2990 per term (Reception, Years 1 & 2), £1625 per term (Pre-Reception) & £1300 per term (Kindergarten) WEB: www.meadschool.info EMAIL ADDRESS: office@themeadschool.co.uk TEL: 01892 525 837 HEAD: Mrs Angela Culley TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SCHOOL AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED The aim of The Mead was always to provide a first-class education at a more affordable price. We started in 1987 under the current management and the passion for this and the school’s ethos gets stronger each year. Our recent inspection report with no fewer than 46 rankings of ‘Excellent’ was thrilling and completely recognised our values. HOW ABOUT THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR APPROACH AS HEAD? Every child is unique and deserves to be treated as such. A child who is happy and secure in school, where each

day is exciting and the curriculum is creative, stretching and well planned, will become an independent, lifelong learner and reach their potential, whatever that may be. WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN INSPIRATION FOR BECOMING A HEAD? I did not enjoy my own prep school years and certainly did not reach my potential until adulthood. I am passionate that the children entrusted to The Mead’s care have a totally different experience. HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN THE CLASSROOM OVER THE YEARS? The curriculum is more creative, the days fuller, the expectations and pressure enormous, but the children are just as wonderful. HAS THE EMERGENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE WAY YOUR SCHOOL OPERATES? Inevitably! Information is at the press of a key and it is very easy to whistle off an email and expect an immediate reply. There is little time for reflection and thought, which can be a shame. Generally the pace of life is much quicker and more transparent.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A SCHOOL AND RUNNING A BUSINESS? I have a wonderful business team and we work incredibly closely together. They completely and totally appreciate the machinations and values of a school. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING? I wonder how I find time to work! Spending time with friends and family, being a besotted grandmother, gardening, cycling, reading, swimming, knitting and sewing and relaxing on the gorgeous island of Alderney! HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS? Through constant two-way communication, both formal i.e. school policies, information and regular reports, and non-formal i.e. one-to-one discussions, meetings or email. We operate an open-door policy and no question or worry is too small. Each child is respected and treated as an individual. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE? To ensure every child feels cherished and that the whole school community works and lives within the ethos of The Mead.

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lt's not too late! • Not sure that you have made the right choice of course? • School sixth form is not for you? • Missed out on a university place? We offer a wide range of courses at all levels; places are still available on some of these. Come along to our Information Evening to see if there is something to suit you.

Information Evening Wednesday 22nd October

Brook Street Ton bridge TN92PW

Kingstanding Way Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UP

4.30 - 7 .30pm westkentcollege

@westkentcollege

0845 207 8220 I """"""·""estkent.ac .uk Part of the Hadlow Group Untitled-5 2

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woldingham school MARDEN PARK, WOLDINGHAM, SURREY CR3 7LR TYPE: Independent Catholic Boarding and Day School for girls COST PER TERM (DAY): £6,160-6,715 COST PER TERM (BOARDING): £9,850-10,725 WEB: www.woldinghamschool.co.uk PHONE: 01883 654 206 (Registrar) HEAD: Jayne Triffitt STUDENTS: Tilly Morgan (age 12, Year 7) and Holly Castle (age 14, Year 9) WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT? Tilly: I love learning in general and usually get high marks and there are so many interesting facts to learn in History. My teachers are all very kind and approachable, helpful and supportive – I wasn’t expecting such kindness when I started here. Although I’m only about to go up to Year 8, I’m also really excited to start Politics in Year 9. Holly: I am passionate about Sport and I like Science too. I have recently been accepted as a county netball and hockey player for Surrey. It’s helped my confidence levels, especially in English, Maths and Science, which are all subjects I was keen to improve on and I’ve become a lot more focused in my studies. TELL US ABOUT THE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE Tilly: I enjoy all of the ones I do, but my favourite is swimming and I love debating. I also like gym and Saturday Active – which we do on Saturday mornings and includes anything from trampolining and artistic roller-skating to jewellery-making.

Holly: We are lucky to have so many extra-curricular options to choose from. I think there are around 80 different activities and my favourites are sports – I currently do nine activities. The good thing is that there are new ones on offer most terms, so you can stick with your preferred ones and still have the chance to try something new. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL? Tilly: I just love being at school and learning. I have made really good friends, including older girls, which has made me more confident and outgoing and it feels like a huge family – there’s always someone to talk to. I wasn’t sure what to expect, coming from a co-ed prep school, but I do feel comfortable and happy in a single sex environment. I think the best thing this year has been the House Festival, when everyone in each House had to dress up and sing and dance in the style of a female icon we were given. I love that the Houses

encourage different age groups to mix. I am also amazed by the grounds – they seemed so big when I first arrived and we even have our own station, but I’ve got used to it now. Holly: I chose Woldingham to improve academically and I really like the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to become more independent and more focused. I live locally but decided to board from Year 8, as I prefer the routine of boarding and the study sessions – study is really important to me. The bonding between

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“I have made really good friends, including older girls, which has made me more confident and outgoing and it feels like a huge family” us all is that much stronger – we can have deeper discussions about topical issues, apprehensions, or air anything we want and I enjoy breaking down stereotype ideas. It all makes for a more relaxing relationship and there’s always time to be yourself. I like the integration we have here between day girls and boarders and all our House events and sports tours are with a mix of year groups. I also like the varying styles of teaching around the school – it’s helped make me a more adaptive learner. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU LEAVE? Tilly: I’m not entirely sure, but probably something to do with politics. Holly: At the moment I’m thinking of Marine Biology, but I’m still not sure.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Classroom days might seem like a distant memory, but it’s never too late to revisit your education. If you’ve been inspired by the many options on offer for young people today, why not take the plunge and try that course you’ve always fancied? You certainly won’t be alone...

or some time now, university has not been the sole preserve of collegeleavers – last year, around a quarter of the UK’s full-time undergraduate students were aged over 21 and recent figures have shown that more than 5,000 over-50s have taken out student loans. But if you don’t have the time, funds or inclination to take a full-time degree in an academic subject, there are countless other ways to indulge your interests, expand your horizons and improve your skills. From enhancing your employability to simply having a bit of fun, there’s an adult education programme to cater for just about every interest and need. And if you’ve got enduring memories of stern teachers and disruptive fellow students, be prepared for a pleasant surprise – with adult education, everyone is there because they want to be and are eager to learn! For those looking to take vocational qualifications or embark on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or any other kind of higher education, many local campuses offer part-time options – these will take longer than the full-time programme, but often provide classes in the evenings, at weekends or one day per week, making it easier for

working people to fit study into their schedule. There are also numerous distance learning institutions, including Open University, which offer the chance to study at home in your own time and submit work via post, email or the internet, often with the aid of residential elements or regular meet-ups for students and tutors. If you’re not looking for higher education but would like to improve upon, or resume, subjects you studied at school, there are also opportunities to take GCSEs in a variety of subjects or simply improve core skills such as English and maths.

Got a holiday coming up or fancy moving abroad? Language courses are a really enjoyable way to pick up a useful new skill and gain an insight into other cultures, all in the company of likeminded adults. Even if you’re not looking to gain a qualification, you can still get a great sense of satisfaction from taking courses

simply for fun. Joining an evening class is a fantastic way to meet new people and brighten up those winter nights. Plus, having new skills can create fresh opportunities and increase self-confidence. Indulge your creative side by taking an art course – local colleges offer everything from the study of art history

and antiques, to painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Crafts are big news too, with courses on offer in baking, silversmithing, embroidery, floristry, woodwork, pottery and much more. Why not warm yourself up this winter with a health or fitness course? You can boogie on down with Zumba or tone up in a more sedate fashion with yoga – alternatively, why not train to be a fitness instructor, or give yourself peace of mind with self defence lessons? You could master the many arts of computing, pick up some beauty tips, reach out with sign language, learn the vital skill of first aid, get a buzz from bee keeping, push yourself forward with assertiveness classes or open up a whole new world by learning coastal navigation – the possibilities are endless. SEPTEMBER 2014

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FPERAT O PUERRET Y

SCHOOL’S IN FOR HOMEBUYERS ARUNDEL ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £749,950 • Substantial detached Victorian townhouse in the heart of the ‘Village’ area • 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, courtyard garden • Ideally located for Claremont Primary School

HAWKHURST • Guide Price: £1.395million • Occupying a delightful setting on the edge of Hawkhurst • 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, attractive gardens and grounds, outbuildings, swimming pool • Ideally located for Cranbrook School

ST JAMES’ ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £1.495million • A beautifully refurbished Victorian town house close to the town centre • 3 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gardens with terrace, garage, off-road parking • Ideally located for St James’ Primary School

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As term time begins for another school year, we turn our attention to the many benefits of buying a property near a local school. Whether it’s the convenience, security or facilities that catch your eye, there are plenty of reasons to snap up that dream home with your child’s education in mind

s the old one-liner goes, the three most important things to look for when buying a home are location, location and location. When deciding where you’d like to put down your roots, you investigate many aspects of the community you’ve set your sights on. Buyers check into a neighborhood’s quality of life, demographic, convenience of the commute and availability of shopping. Buyers gravitate towards a home with a view, a house on a quiet street or a place close to nature. Most buyers avoid a home on a busy street, near railroad tracks, in view of a cemetery or close to the town’s commercial district. What about buying a house near a school? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage? It all depends on your viewpoint. As with most areas of life, there are two ways to look at the situation. Deciding whether to buy a home in proximity to a school will depend on you and your position in life. Your age, family status, personal preferences and noise tolerance levels will all play a part in forming your conclusion.

BUYERS WITH CHILDREN Buyers with school-age children will likely view living in close proximity to a school as a positive. There are some towns with excellent school systems that actually charge a premium for homes in the vicinity of the school. It is

super convenient to have your child attend a school that’s a stone’s throw away from your front door; no carpools, frantic calls about forgotten lunches or searching for parking for PTA meetings. However, keep in mind that your kids will grow up eventually. Before you know it, you will still be living next to a school, but now it will be someone else’s kids who attend.

ADVANTAGES TO LIVING NEAR A SCHOOL Even after your kids move on, there still may be some plus points to living alongside a school. School zones are generally considered safer locations as they are closely monitored by the police. Residents have easy access to school facilities, such as track and fields and sometimes even the school library. Remember that school is only in session for roughly half the days of the year, so the disruption to your life may be minimised, especially if you are at work during school hours. Another potential benefit is the employment opportunities the school presents, particularly if you are interested in babysitting or childcare.

tunwells@knightfrank.com 01892 515 035 Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells.

2014

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

P RF O E AT P EU RT RY E

GOUDHURST • Guide Price: £1.75million • Attractive farmhouse on the market for only the second time in 40 years • 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outbuildings, wonderful gardens, swimming pool, orchard, pond, paddock • Ideally located for Cranbrook School

PARK ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £1million • A spacious detached family home within a mile of the station • 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double garage, landscaped garden • Ideally located for grammar schools and Bennett Memorial

BAYHALL ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS • Guide Price: £525,000 • A beautifully presented Victorian town house • 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, courtyard garden • Ideally located for St Peter’s Primary School

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Pipe a rose, create jewellery, fine dine, sketch with confidence, create with stained glass, upcycle a chair, arrange a bouquet ... Courses start from only ÂŁ25

For more information visit kentadulteducation.co.uk your local centre or call 0845 606 5606

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Moving With the Times K E N T A D U LT E D U C A T I O N B U I L D S O N T H E S U C C E S S O F I T S ‘ E X P E R I E N C E S ’

ave you ever wanted to have a go, but were worried about how much it will cost, or whether you can fit it in? It’s time to shake off the dusty old image of evening classes and have a new look at what’s on offer. Kent Adult Education is moving with the times, so you’ll find a range of courses designed to fit around you and your lifestyle. There’s no need to worry about having to commit to long, expensive courses; they now have a huge range of short courses, suitable for all budgets. A great example of how Kent Adult Education is

helping people like you is with their increasingly popular Experience Courses. Introduced just over two years ago, these courses allow students to try a range of media on one course. For example, if you’re interested in Art, you can try the ‘Art Experience Course’, where over five weeks you’ll be introduced to pencil, charcoal, pastels (oil or chalk), watercolour and acrylics. And with courses starting from only £70, they’re perfect for those looking for something new. Due to popular demand, this year Kent Adult Education has increased the number of Experience

Courses on offer. You can now choose from: ■ Art ■ Jewellery ■ Pottery ■ Sewing ■ Sugarcraft ■ Textiles To find out more go to www.kentadulteducation.co.uk where you can find over 3,500 courses to choose from. Alternatively phone their Student Services Team on 0845 606 5606. SEPTEMBER 2014

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MidKent College MEDWAY ROAD, GILLINGHAM, KENT ME7 1FN Young people eager to learn valuable job skills while earning money at the same time are being urged to consider an apprenticeship at MidKent College. As one of the top training providers in the country, the College is approved by the Skills Funding Agency to offer both apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships – perfect to help school leavers climb the career ladder. Young people aged 16-18 are eligible to become an apprentice and have access to priority funding. This means their employers will pay them a wage while all other training costs will be covered. Over-19s are still eligible to carry out an apprenticeship, but in this case their employer will be required to contribute to the cost. Charlie Croucher, 18, is one of thousands of young people to have reaped the benefits of an apprenticeship after deciding the academic route of sixth form followed by university was not for him. The Maidstone resident spent a day a week learning motor vehicle repair skills at MidKent College and recently purchased his first car, which he maintained with help from his new colleagues at the Marshams car dealership. “On-the-job training makes a big difference

Apprentice Charlie Croucher with Ricky Munro of Marshams car dealership

PJS owner Paul Matthes (left) with apprentice Jordan Jennings

because there’s a lot more variety and it helps you learn things more quickly,” says Charlie. “I didn’t like school one bit so I knew I was going to leave and go to MidKent College as soon as I could.” Charlie’s manager Ricky Munro – who began his own career as an apprentice – contacted the College last year for help in appointing a student to follow in his footsteps from MidKent College JobShop “We received a lot of support and assistance with selecting the right apprentice to join our team, and we are really pleased with how well Charlie is doing,” he says. “We had reservations as to the quality of applicants at first, but our fears proved unfounded and the entire process has exceeded our expectations.” MidKent College offers apprenticeships in a wide range of subject areas including Catering, Customer Service, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Plumbing, Vehicle Fitting and many more. Meanwhile, the College also offers traineeships for young people who want to work but who require extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job, with the initiative helping them develop the

skills and experience most employers are looking for. Jordan Jennings, 18, from Gillingham, spent eight weeks gaining valuable job skills through the MidKent College JopShop traineeship programmeh before progressing onto an apprenticeship with Strood-based PJS Direct, which supplies equipment to the beauty industry. “My traineeship helped me learn how to speak to customers and made me a lot more employable,” he says. “The courses I attended at the College were very helpful too. I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship; the work is varied and it’s much better than being at school.” PJS owner Paul Matthes says: “Jordan’s personality and confidence shone through when I was interviewing for his role, and you could tell he had benefited from being in a work environment. He’s doing really well and I notice improvements in him all the time. He’s a fast learner and can think on his feet, which is important in the workplace.” Visit www.midkent.ac.uk/courses/ apprenticeships or call 01634 383 118 for more information. Alternatively email apprenticeships@midkent.ac.uk SEPTEMBER 2014

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