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10-page Education Guide 2021
EDUCATION GUIDE 2021
From Early Years to Sixth Form, the choices we make for our children's education are crucial and yet also sometimes overwhelming. Here are some of the best options around..
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Heywood is a non-selective school for children aged 2-11
activities.” A Heywood parent PREP & SENIOR SCHOOLS
HEYWOOD PREP SCHOOL
Priory Street, Corsham, SN13 0AP Heywood Prep is a happy, caring, non-selective school for boys and girls aged 2-11, in which children discover a love of learning and the confidence to fulfil their potential. Located in the heart of Corsham, with 2 acres of beautiful gardens where children play, explore and learn.
At the very heart of Heywood’s ethos is learning tailored to every child, and this is built into the curriculum through Individualised Learning Sessions. In this way, children at every level are supported to maximise their learning and achieve their very best. Heywood offers limitless opportunities, from the academic and the arts to entrepreneurship and leadership challenges, in small class sizes of 14-16 but in healthy year groups of 28-32: small enough to nurture but big enough to challenge. Specialist staff work with children as young as 2 years, and their objective is to find the unique strength in every child and help them to shine. As a stand-alone prep school, they are in a uniquely unbiased position to advise parents honestly about their choices at age 11. A Heywood parent says: “Heywood Prep is a wonderfully nurturing school with the child placed at the heart of everything they do. A varied and exciting curriculum full of opportunities and exciting activities”
Heywood is holding an Open Door event on Friday 24 September. Make an enquiry on the website or call 01249 713379 to find out more. • heywoodprep.com
KINGSWOOD SCHOOL
College Road, Bath BA1 5SD (Prep School) Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG (Senior School) Kingswood Prep School is situated on a magnificent 100-acre site in Lansdown, Bath, a short distance from the Senior School. It embodies a bucolic atmosphere, with open fields and plenty of space for the children to explore. A family-
friendly day and boarding school, Kingswood balances academic rigour and real objectives for all pupils with superb pastoral care Rated ‘excellent’ in all areas of their latest Inspection Report.
The Senior School meanwhile has the highest aspirations for all pupils. Within a community that promotes the importance of shared values, they encourage a real enthusiasm for learning and a spirit of enquiry.
Firmly based on Christian principles, Kingswood is a happy, vibrant and forward-looking school. Intellectual achievement is highly valued, and the pursuit of excellence in other fields is central to the School's commitment to provide the very best all-round education.
You can have a virtual tour online or come along to one of their upcoming open events. The Prep School Open Morning is on 21 September, the Sixth Form Open Evening is on 23 September and the Senior School Open Morning is on 25 September. If you are interested in attending, please register on the event of your choice on the website. • kingswood.bath.sch.uk
Stonar has an excellent track record of academic success Cottles Park, Atworth SN12 8NT Established in 1895, Stonar is a leading day and boarding school from Nursery to Sixth Form in a charming countryside setting, and home to the UK's finest riding academy. The school’s progressive curriculum transcends the purely academic, creating an enriching environment in which pupils discover and develop their individual talents - and gain a deeper experience of the world.
Stonar has an excellent track record of academic success, typically in the top 5% nationwide for valueadded at both GCSE and A Level. Pupils benefit from an 80 acre site, excellent facilities and a hardworking and friendly environment. There is a freedom from negative social pressures and children feel free to be themselves, developing positive self-esteem and confidence.
Individual tours are encouraged and can be booked by contacting the Admissions Office on 01225 701744 or emailing admissions@ stonarschool.com. The school will also be holding numerous Open Days during September and October. See the website for more information. • stonarschool.com
St Margaret's is opening their new Bluebird Nursery to welcome 2 year olds
ST MARGARET’S PREP SCHOOL
63 Curzon Street, Calne SN11 0DF St Margaret’s Prep in Calne is expanding its Bluebird Nursery to welcome 2-year-olds. From September 2021, following internal refurbishment and the development of a purpose-built Early Years outdoor courtyard, the school’s popular Kindergarten will become The Bluebird Nursery, providing a safe and stimulating environment for younger children to explore and develop.
Headmaster, Luke Bromwich said “We have been aware that some families have needed to educate their children in different settings due to the fact we could only accept children from 3, but it has been our desire for some time to educate the whole family – now we can do that! Bluebird Nursery offers a great head start to a child’s learning journey. Our fledglings will enjoy Forest School, games and music, all taught by our experienced and caring Early Years staff.
“Research shows that play is one of the most important ways in which young children learn and gain essential knowledge and skills and this is at the core of a St Margaret’s education. Children love sensory play and the new courtyard will provide endless hours of fun and exploration.”
Find out more by registering for their next Open Morning on 14 October - visit the website for details. • stmargaretsprep.org.uk
Little Willows Day Nursery in Corsham cares for children from 12 weeks to 5 years
Tutoring can help your child grow in confidence
TUITION
KIP MCGRATH
45 Castle Street, Trowbridge BA14 8AY Kip McGrath provide professional tuition in English, maths and science to primary and secondary aged children. They aim to provide the best specialist facilities and professional expertise to help children realise their potential in English, reading, writing, spelling, maths and science. Children can study at the centre or via their bespoke interactive online platform. Whilst studying, students grow in confidence as they are provided with a programme tailored specifically for them, with any new or difficult concepts clearly and patiently
explained. Kip McGrath’s tutors find that increased confidence can have a massive impact on a child's progress, and this can affect all subjects.
All tutors are fully qualified, DBS checked teachers and they provide feedback on a regular basis so parents can see how their child is improving. “We emphasise the positive aspects with every child so outright failure is eliminated. Kip McGrath Education Centres provide an opportunity to repair self-esteem and confidence, in an atmosphere of encouragement where learning can be fun,” said Centre Director Matt Hughes. To
find out more call the Trowbridge office on 01225 777514 or email trowbridge@kipmcgrath.co.uk • kipmcgrath.co.uk/trowbridge
KUMON
4 Palmer Street, Frome BA11 1DS The aim at Kumon is to help children of any age and ability to discover their full potential. Established for over 60 years, the Kumon maths and English programmes enable students to develop the confidence and skills to tackle challenging work independently.
The Kumon Frome Study Centre, which is based in the heart of the St Catherine’s district of Frome, has been running since 2007 under the guidance of instructor Susan Gatward. Over the last 14 years it has supported hundreds of children to develop the core study skills to achieve beyond expectations.
In September, the Frome centre is offering a free trial of the Kumon Programme for all new students. To find out how Kumon study can help your child excel, or to book a free assessment, please contact Susan Gatward on 07930 127919, or email frome@kumoncentre.co.uk • kumon.co.uk/frome
LITTLE WILLOWS
Stokes Rd, Corsham SN13 9AA Little Willows Day Nursery, based near the centre of Corsham, is owned by former Bath & England rugby player, Steve Ojomoh. The day nursery is open from 7.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday, 51 weeks of the year and offers care for babies and children aged 12 weeks to 5 years. Little Willows has one main play room, with a large indoor sandpit, and sensory room, and an outdoor play area. The nursery has a dedicated on-site chef who freshly prepares all meals and snacks daily, using locally sourced produce.
Little Willows strives to make its nursery accessible for everyone, providing the best possible care for all children, including those with additional needs. The nursery is set on one level so is physically accessible for all who attend.
If you would like any further information about the nursery, call 01249 701444 or email corsham@ littlewillowsdaynursery.co.uk. They also have a nursery in Bath. • daynurseryinbath.co.uk
LONGSCROFT NURSERY SCHOOL
Trowle Common, Trowbridge BA14 9BL At Longscroft Nursery School they have been caring for children from 3 months to 5 years for 30 years. Situated in a rural environment between Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon they have separate rooms for each age range - with a free flow garden attached to each. There is a huge amount of outdoor space for little ones to enjoy including an allotment, a sensory garden and a pet’s corner with rabbits to help care for.
Their on-site kitchen cooks fresh meals every day using locally bought ingredients, and they cater for dietary requirements. The nursery follows the themes and principles of the EYFS and incorporates learning in both the indoor and outdoor environments. Children enjoy activities including yoga, messy play (especially in the mud kitchen!), gardening and story times as part of the daily routine and accept 2, 3 and 4 year old funding. Please enquire at the office for more information on 01225 777698 or email office@longscroftnursery.co.uk. • longscroftnursery.co.uk
2021 GRADUATION AT FAIRFIELD FARM COLLEGE
43 High Street, Dilton Marsh, Wiltshire BA13 4DL Students at Fairfield Farm College recently celebrated their graduation. With 25 students graduating, it was the largest graduation event in the college’s history. Students were able to enjoy a motivational presentation by Paralympic Swimmer, Liz Johnson. Liz got up at 5am to Zoom in from Brazil, speaking to students about her experiences and challenges, and how she overcame many hurdles in her career.
Students took it in turns to enjoy their moment in the spotlight. Each student was invited to collect their certificates and a framed photo of their memories at the college. Students had completed a range of programmes from 1 to 5 years and there were many laughs, but also tears from students and staff. Many students have already secured future plans as they transition to adulthood, with some remaining in the Trust progressing to the STEPS programme, preparing them to take the next step to independent or supported living. Other students have secured supported internships, courses at mainstream colleges, employment and work placements as well as moving to their long-term homes.
• ffc.ac.uk
25 students recently graduated from Fairfield Farm College