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SCHOOLS & COLLEGES The best
Schools & Colleges
Here, we profile some of the best independent schools and colleges, across Stamford and Rutland, offering the very best education the region has to offer...
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Words: Rob Davis.
Laxton Junior School
Laxton Junior School, (LJS) is an incredibly happy school that knows children learn best when they feel cared for, secure and valued as an individual. From the moment children join in Reception, staff develop an in-depth knowledge of each individual child. “Young minds don’t think in straight lines and children learn at different speeds, so our teachers don’t adhere to a pre-determined plan” says Sam Robertson, Head of LJS. Through creative and responsive teaching, children are able to learn at different rates and in different ways, all within the same class. “Our children feel secure in both themselves and their environment; they are confident enough to ask questions and to challenge the status quo, whilst resilient enough to accept that getting things wrong is an important part of learning and developing”. There is a great deal of pride that, despite LJS being non-selective, 95% of pupils progress to Oundle School after Year 6 and those who choose to continue their education elsewhere are supported to progress to a range of local independent and state grammar schools. For Sam Robertson, success isn’t just about results however, it is about nurturing a sense of community and the inherent kindness that should run through it: “Kindness is everywhere you look at LJS and every day I see little acts of kindness shown by our children which make me proud.” n To find out more about Laxton Junior School, please visit www.laxtonjunior.org.uk, call 01832 277275 or email admissions@laxtonjunior.org.uk.
Bourne Grammar School
Bourne Grammar School, is a mixed selective School with a large Sixth Form offering academic A-Levels. The School is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and in the last decade it has expanded rapidly. There are now over 1,600 students on roll, including over 400 in the Sixth Form.
This growth in student numbers has been matched by the development of the site; recent years have seen the opening of a number of impressive, well-appointed buildings including a new £4m Science Block. The School attaches great importance to the pursuit of academic excellence. It has a tradition of hard work, respect for achievement and outstanding pastoral support for all. Public examination results, at all levels, are also outstanding. The school seeks to provide an ethos which encourages in its students an attitude of hard work and consideration for others. It is Bourne Grammar School’s intention that former students will reflect on their time at the School as being intellectually stimulating, personally challenging, and rewarding. The academic curriculum, is enhanced by the many extra-curricular activities on offer in the areas of sport, music, drama, dance and art. There are also many different clubs and societies run at lunch and after school. In addition, trips and visits to concerts, plays, art galleries and other events and places are offered, both in this country and abroad. n For details of how to attend a tour around the school, see www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk or call 01778 422 288.
Brooke Priory School
Established in 1989, Brooke Priory is an independent co-educational Preparatory School based in Oakham. Brooke Priory creates a unique environment where childhood is cherished and children are encouraged ‘to be the best they can be.’ Family pervades all we do within the school by valuing hard work and ensuring each day is special for every child. We teach children to become independent, reflective learners. We foster excellent relationships with our pupils who succeed and thrive in an environment of mutual respect. Our small class sizes promote a supportive culture in the classroom and whilst children remain competitive, they also celebrate and encourage each other’s success. Whilst academic distinctions are always a priority we focus on the ‘whole child’ in all aspects of school life. Sport is high profile at Brooke Priory, we offer a full and varied list developing a lifelong love of competitive sport. We have a thriving music and creative arts department, mindfulness activities and an unrivalled extra-curricular programme. We encourage a healthy mind and body promoting nutritious snacks and outdoor countryside pursuits via ‘Welly Days.’ We recognise that some children will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. Children perform better if their emotional needs are addressed, we have an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) programme and we also have our Emotional Support dog Elsie! n To find out more or to request a prospectus, contact Admissions on 01572 724778 or email:
communications@ brooke.rutland.sch.uk, www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk.
Brooke Hill Academy Trust
In September 2013 a group of local school committed to the highest standards of education formed the Brooke Hill Academy Trust Multi Academy Trust, with Edith Weston Academy. This successful collaboration benefits both schools as we are able to offer a richer curriculum and opportunities for pupils including shared resources, a comprehensive gifted and talented programme, a broad extra- curricular activity timetable and staff expertise. At Brooke Hill Academy we provide an all-round education, offering opportunities for children to develop academic, social, sporting and creative skills in a caring and supportive environment.
We inspire all children to reach their full potential. Our school has an idyllic setting, on the edge of the picturesque market town of Oakham, in the heart of England. Located next to a woodland, we are proud of our Forest School status and commitment to outdoor learning and use the local environment, including Rutland Water, as much as possible to enrich teaching and learning throughout the school. Our modern, free flow environment is well-equipped and supports all learning styles. We also have a separate, purpose built nursery on site as well as playgrounds equipped for all age groups, a trim trail, quiet garden area and an astroturf pitch for outdoor sports as well as an allotment area.
n To find out more about Brooke Hill Academy, call 01572 724 214 or see www.brookehillacademy.com.
Oakham School, Oakham
Oakham School is a vibrant, fully co-educational boarding and day school for 10–18 year olds. Our key strengths lie in the spectacularly wide range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that we provide and a caring and balanced school community. Whilst academic excellence lies at the heart of everything we do, our focus goes far beyond just encouraging our students to achieve outstanding results in their examinations. Our genuinely holistic approach to education means that pupils leave Oakham as intellectually ambitious thinkers, who are effective and independent learners, well equipped with the skills and habits of mind to thrive in tomorrow’s world. Over many years, the School has also been recognised nationally for its outstanding achievements in sport, music, drama and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Our House structure ensures we nurture all aspects of our pupils’ well-being during every stage of their Oakham journey. Pupils are surrounded by staff who are expertly trained to support their needs, who challenge them to become independent, thoughtful and responsible young adults. The School’s location close to Rutland Water, in the picturesque town of Oakham, means our pupils and staff enjoy the safety of living and working in a beautifully green campus just a few minutes’ walk from its historic town centre and amenities. n A series of Open Events are being held in September and October. For more information and to book a place, contact Admissions on 01572 758758 or find out more at oakham.rutland.sch.uk
Stamford Endowed Schools
“Steeped in a 488 year history in Stamford...”
Nestled within the heart of Stamford are the Stamford Endowed Schools, day and boarding schools for boys and girls, 2-18. Whilst steeped in history, everything the Schools do is firmly focused on preparing young people to lead happy and fulfilling lives in the 21st century. The Schools operate a ‘diamond’ model – blending single-sex and co-education from ages 2-18. It’s the best of both worlds: co-education in the formative years, 2-11, and at Sixth Form, when sharing ideas is so fruitful; and single-sex learning environments with tailored care and support during the crucial 11-16 stage. The Schools take pride in developing active, engaged, and independent learners. From their first days in the Nursery, children are taught to learn from experience, form good habits of mind and understand how to make informed choices, through independent learning programmes appropriate for their developmental age. Children aren’t pigeon-holed; the Schools channel enthusiasm into an enquiring mind and inspire confidence to follow their interests independently. Pastoral care is given the highest priority; valuing and supporting each student’s individuality, encouraging personal resilience, and equipping children with a toolkit to lead a healthy life. Children leave the Schools a Stamfordian; happy, socially responsible, with potential filled, inner belief, a clear sense of self, skills for life and the right qualifications for their next steps, whatever they may be. n Visit www.stamfordschools.org.uk, or call the Admissions Team on 01780 750311.
Stamford Welland Academy
“Committed to the quality of our education...”
Stamford Welland Academy is a rapidly growing and successful secondary school and is part of Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT). At Stamford Welland Academy, every child is known, valued and supported to achieve above and beyond their potential. We combine the best educational practices in our taught curriculum, with the character-building opportunities afforded in our parallel curriculum, to develop our young people and prepare them for the future and life beyond Stamford. We pride ourselves on educating the ‘whole child’ and ensuring each of our pupils are ready to succeed in a world beyond Stamford. SWA has gone from strength to strength in recent years and has benefitted from significant financial investment from CMAT and Lincolnshire Local Authority. This will see a programme of expansion and building works over the coming years to accommodate the ever-expanding number of students on roll. Aspiration is one of our school values and we instill this in all our students in everything they do. Visitors to our school always comment on how warm and welcoming the school is, and this view is replicated by students, staff and parents. Our pastoral care is second to none, and the wellbeing of our students and staff is at the heart of all that we do. n Stamford Welland Academy will host an Open Evening event on 28th September from 5pm-7pm. For more information visit www.stamfordwellandacademy.org or call 01780 761000.
Suthers School
“Providing an inspiring education, for life...”
The Suthers School is Newark’s newest secondary school, which was established in 2017 by the area’s Nova Education Trust.
The school is based in a brand new, purpose-built, state-ofthe-art building at Fernwood, just south of Newark. The building was completed in the summer of 2020 with pupils moving in for the start of the new academic year. The school’s uniquely character-centred approach means that personal development is ranked alongside academic preparation and through its extended day the school guarantees access to a broad range of enrichment opportunities. “The Suthers School has at its heart the absolute conviction that young people deserve an education that excites and enthuses,” says Head of School, Andrew Pettit. “Our ‘work hard, be kind’ philosophy, together with our unique approach to character development means that there is something very special about The Suthers School. In short, we aim to deliver a highly academic, enriching curriculum and to empower the young people of Newark to do more than they ever thought possible.” We will be holding Open Events in the autumn term. To find out more or if you would like to arrange a visit to the school, please explore our website or get in touch. n For further information about The Suthers School and to register your interest, visit www.suthersschool.co.uk or call 01636 957690.
Putting Clients First
Personal planning and advice tailored to your circumstances are hallmarks of BCM Wealth Management. Offering a range of investment, pension and mortage services, Jamie Gibson and the team have seen many clients’ circumstances change over the past year and discusses the implications for their retirement...
Words: Rob Davis.
THINGS CHANGE. It’s a fact of life. And during the last years, the five-strong team at BCM Wealth Management has seen for themselves the ripple effect that Covid has had on the aspirations, plans and circumstances of many of their 400 or so clients. Jamie Gibson is one of the five-strong team which offers advice on pensions, investments and mortgages. “It’s been an unprecedented time, and one that’s caused us all to evaluate our lives,” says Jamie. “We’ve actually been really busy during the last year as people have a taste of working from home, or they wonder if they can work only a couple of days a week once things return to normal.” “Some have had an insight into life as a retiree during lockdown, and they’ve loved it. Others, though, have realised they really enjoy working and want to extend their working lives a little further.” “For both practical and emotional reasons, many have reevaluated their circumstances and have come to reconsider what retirement will mean for them.”
“Still the same questions come up, because surprisingly, though most people will retire at some point, many people don’t know how to retire, or at least have questions as to how to go about making the transition from working to retirement.”
What age should I consider pensions? “Typically people start to think about pensions in their 40s. That’s not too late, but it’s never too early either. Where possible we encourage people to consider their pensions from their 20s or 30s.” “Everyone’s circumstances and aspirations are different, but the more time we have to help them plan, the more advantageous that will be.”
How much should I put away? “Sadly there’s no easy answer to that, since your retirement plans, your income, your age and many other aspects of your life will effect the answer.” “We represent about 400 clients or businesses from sole traders to large companies, each of whom are at different stages of their lives.” “We’re proud that each person has received advice tailored to their circumstances and receives one-to-one advice with annual reviews to ensure our advice can evolve as their circumstances and goals change.”
What types of pension are there? “The introduction of workplace pensions has seen them increase in numbers, and they will become almost as ubiquitous as personal pensions. Other types of pensions include final salary, government-sponsored and deferred benefit plans, SIPS and SAS-based arrangements. Each have their pros and cons, and each necessitates the same individual advice that we’ve already advocated. Something else to consider is that you may have separate and disparate pensions.” What does flexibility mean in this context? “Pensions used to be quite inflexible, but with changes to rules about five years ago, the option to draw down lump sums in a tax-efficient way or to take ad hoc sums from your pension provide a number of options depending on your needs.” “Some of our clients actually want to preserve their funds to pass on to beneficiaries, whereas others want to use their funds to allow them to travel abroad, move house or improve their homes.” Are there any other considerations? “Aside from the fact that everyone’s circumstances are different, and that personal advice is essential, BCM Wealth Management doesn’t just consider pensions in isolation, but with an overall ‘holistic’ approach, offering a range of products, with advice that changes at all different stages of your life.” “We are also part of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, which gives us an advantage when it comes to reliability and helps us to remain focused on our clients.” n
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances. BCM Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and service, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
