When it comes to a good education, one size does not necessarily t all. At MPW, one of the UK’s best-known names in fth and sixth-form education, we have been offering a distinctive alternative to traditional schools for 50 years.
A levels and GCSEs in over 40 subjects, plus retakes and Year 12 transfers
Personal tutors providing individual academic and pastoral support
Oxbridge-style tutorial groups with nine students or fewer
Excellent results and progression to top tier universities
Best in class inspection reports from the ISI and Ofsted
us to book your visit.
Students make rapid progress from their various starting points, in small-sized classes, due to highly e ective specialist teaching and closely focused pastoral support. MPW London
Meet over 250 London schools, boarding schools, specialist schools, schools within commuting distance.
4 theatres for parents to get answers. Find out how to: find the right school, prepare for entry tests, start boarding, transfer from a state school, see if you qualify for fee assistance.
Plan your child’s next steps from nursery to sixth form.
Saturday 11 November
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Every Heathfield girl has an irrepressible spirit. Uniquely hers, it drives her passion, voice and character. As well as providing an excellent academic education and top-class pastoral care, Heathfield identifies your daughter’s distinctive strengths and encourages her to live her ambitions, embrace her spirit and talent so that she develops as the best possible version of herself. Live life like a Heathfield girl.
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Being at Lancing has allowed me to be my best self.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Berkhamsted School
SENIOR HEAD VIEW
Westonbirt’s Natasha Danger eld SCHOOL HOUSE AWARDS
PREP NEWS
SENIOR NEWS
PREP HEAD VIEW
Port Regis’ Titus Mills
LEADER COLUMN Sebastian
Hepher from Eaton Square Schools
ONCE UPON A RHYME
Peter Stanford on the enduring popularity of poetry
HATS OFF TO THE ALL-BOY
PREP! Sally Jones shares the joy and japes of boys’ prep schools
SEW FANTASTIC Textiles is booming in the classroom, reports Alice Smellie
WIDE BLUE YONDER e return of the great school escape
HOW AI IS REWRITING EDUCATION? ea Jourdan investigates the e ects BOSSING IT Emma Reed showcases the latest in eco-innovations GREEN DREAMS
ea Jourdan on how pupils are driving their own eco initiatives A LIFE IN FINANCE
What is it like to work in the City? SH asks Jacky Lambert HORSE POWER e UK’s top equestrian schools
MATCH FIT Could you swim the Channel, asks Sally Jones EXTRA TIME With teenage anxiety on the rise, Annabel Heseltine discovers a retreat that can help them rest and reconnect
INSIDERS’ GUIDE Eleanor Doughty advises on how to nd the best school for a budding linguist
THE CULTURE KIT Your diary dates for the season, by Anoop Bhuller SPICE UP YOUR LIFE! Grenada is the dream destination for a lively family holiday, says Victoria Lambert WHEN IN ROME Lucy Cleland makes childhood memories with her son, Hector, at the Hassler Hotel
ON THE REEF
Raif Duncan gets involved with marine conservation DR EMEKA EXPLAINS SH ’s new resident doctor discusses allergies IT’S TIME TO DEMYSTIFY THE MENOPAUSE e menopause is not just for the middle-aged, everyone should understand it, argues Mariella Frostup RISE & SHINE Lara Isaac shares how to make a nutritious breakfast for kids MY SCHOOL REPORT Miranda Hart shares her favourite memories
NURSERY NEWS Celebrations, day trips and gardening INTO THE WOODS Alice Smellie on the bene ts of an outdoors education PLAY WITH PURPOSE Zanna Clarke on the role of play in a child’s development TODDLER TRAVELS Planning is paramount, says Rebecca Cox WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE Little ones need to get on their feet, says Kate Jones
NURSERY AND PRE-PREPS LONDON SCHOOLS COUNTRY SCHOOLS THE DIRECTORY
Photographed by Edward Lloyd Owen
One of my favourite poets is the great writer Walt Whitman. His thoughts on nature and the earth are inspirational, and his wisdom worth sharing with young people. ‘Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you’; ‘Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes’; ‘To have great poets, there must be great audiences.’ It seems to me that last aphorism is vital when it comes to education. If we fail to encourage our young people in the arts, how will we develop the great thinkers, writers and artists of the future? As the numbers choosing to study English Literature at A-level and for degrees are falling, it’s worth asking how schools are acting to reignite our enthusiasm for letters. So this edition looks at poetry in our preps (P 47) – how verse is being taught and what experts think we can do to make it a satisfying, inspiring and contemporary topic.
Staying with the arts, we’re also exploring schools with a strong tradition in fashion, the launchpads for careers in design, textiles, modelling, commerce, and fashion journalism.
Looking to the outdoors, we’re taking a cue from another poet, Robert Frost, who wrote – when presented with a fork in the road, that he took the path less travelled by, ‘And that has made all the di erence.’ How do we encourage that sense of adventure, which we know is vital to being self-su cient and resilient later in life? e answer lies in the school expedition, which post Covid, seems to be thriving. Find out more on P 73.
Further a eld, we’re exploring what the Caribbean island of Grenada has to o er families, and our teen reviewer Raif tries his hand at marine biology in the Maldives. In Europe, Lucy Cleland reviews a stunning hotel in Rome – perfect for an autumn getaway. And we’ve got an under- ves travel guide in our Nurseries section, helping you to make the most of trips abroad when passengers are small. Back in the UK, and our ‘10 of the best’ looks at schools with stables, where enthusiastic riders can enjoy an education that includes plenty of time in the saddle.
As ever, the sheer variety of superb educational opportunities we showcase makes me very proud. ‘Every moment of light and dark is a miracle,’ wrote Walt Whitman. How lucky we are to have so many schools where curiosity, passion and a belief in the power of humanity to do good ourishes.
Myddelton College equestrians; p99
Lancing College; p90
Ludgrove School; p22
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Education is getting smarter. From young athletes who want to take A Levels flexibly alongside their sport to those who prefer studying for their GCSEs at home, our award-winning virtual school helps students who don't fit the traditional system discover that 'I love school' feeling.
Predominantly focusing on health and consumer features, Alice Smellie has written for a number of national newspapers and magazines over the years, including e Daily Mail , e Daily Telegraph, e Times and Marie Claire. Most recently, she co-wrote Cracking the Menopause with presenter Mariella Frostrup. On page 66, Alice discusses why Textiles and Fashion are becoming increasingly popular subjects at school.
School House ’s new doctorin-residence, Dr Emeka is an author and frontline NHS worker, based in hospitals near East London and Kent. He has worked with the NHS and Government on healthy campaigns and also as a presenter on several BBC series. Named one of the top TikTok Educators of 2020, his content is both inspiring and informative. On page 120, he tackles allergies.
Born in Oslo, Mariella grew up in Ireland before moving to London. She worked as a music PR, before becoming a broadcaster; she has since become one of Britain’s most prominent arts presenters. She has sat on award panels for books and lm. More recently, Mariella has become well known for her outspoken advocacy on menopause and gender equality – issues she discusses on page 123.
Julia Martin joined ISEB as Chief Executive in 2021, bringing experience in the education and assessment sectors. Coupled with her desire to ensure all pupils have access to and the capability for success, she has driven ISEB forward into its 120th year with a focus on digital products and quali cations, while also championing children’s wellbeing and the transformative capabilities of assessments and quali cations.
Now head of Port Regis prep school in Dorset, Titus Mills attended Pilgrims’ Prep School and Eton College, before studying History of Art at the University of East Anglia. Mills believes that education should not only be purposeful and stretching, but also great fun, saying, ‘ e best schools should be joyful schools.’ On page 33, Mills discusses the importance of reading and why children are now reading less.
Online Content Director of Country & Town House and a former Associate Editor at Glamour.com, Rebecca Cox has written on topics including beauty, fashion, entertainment, women’s rights, single parenting, travel and ecotourism. She has just published her rst book, How to Be a Happy Single Parent and is happiest when adventuring with her son, Jack. On page 133, Rebecca shares how to make travel easier with an under- ve.
EDITOR
CAMILLA VAN PRAAGH
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LUCY CLELAND
DEPUTY EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ANOOP BHULLER
ASSISTANT EDITOR TESSA DUNTHORNE
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
ALICE SMELLIE, EMMA REED
SALLY JONES, DR EMEKA, REBECCA COX
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA
PRODUCTION DESIGNER MIA BIAGIONI
ONLINE CONTENT DIRECTOR REBECCA COX
DEPUTY ONLINE EDITOR ELLIE SMITH
ONLINE WRITERS CHARLIE COLVILLE, OLIVIA EMILY
ONLINE ASSISTANT MARTHA DAVIES
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER DANIELLA SAUNDERS
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE MELISSA CAMPBELL
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ELLIE RIX
HEAD OF FASHION EMMA MARSH
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS PANDORA LEWIS, SERENA KNIGHT
ACCOUNT MANAGER SABRINA RAVEN
DIGITAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR ADAM DEAN
SENIOR DIGITAL SALES EXECUTIVE AISLING WHITE
SALES SUPPORT, OFFICE & JOINT B CORP PROJECT MANAGER XA RODGER
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON
FINANCE DIRECTOR GARETH MORRIS
FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY
FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR RIA HARRISON
HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT ZOE JONES
PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
AND JOINT B CORP PROJECT MANAGER GEMMA COWLEY
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER TIA GRAHAM
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JAMES THROWER
MANAGING DIRECTOR JEREMY ISAAC
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES victorialambert@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk
SCHOOL HOUSE is a biannual magazine published with Country & Town House magazine and distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Hampstead, Highgate, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, Putney, Richmond, South Kensington, St John’s Wood, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, M&S, and Waitrose stores and independent newsagents nationwide. School House is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2022 School House. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to press, it is subject to change, and School House takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.
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Liv, 18, arrived at Berkhamsted, a family of independent schools based in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, o ering high quality education and care for boys and girls aged 5 months to 18 years, in 2016. Seven years later, with A-levels in English Literature, History and Spanish under her belt, Liv is looking forward to taking up a place at Cambridge, and a future in law or journalism.
Aside from studying, Liv has also found time for music: ute, piano and voice, performing in and outside school, and playing in the orchestra when the school performed Shrek e Musical.
Like her peers, Liv is a Covid senior, but says she found the pandemic years did not slow down her education. ‘We were already working online a bit but within two weeks of the lockdown, lessons were back on as normal.’
She found the school’s diamond structure – where boys and girls are taught together in the early years, separated for GSCEs but on e ectively neighbouring campuses, and brought back together in sixth form, to be a real advantage. ‘I had a strong nucleus of female friends for ve years,’ she explains, ‘and then in sixth form, I already knew the boys from seeing them around school. It felt a very natural integration.’ e hub of sixth form life is the cafe where students meet for tea and hot chocolate.
She speaks proudly of the school’s high-calibre teaching, ethos and, particularly, its values – be adventurous, aim high, serve others – which, as a prefect, Liv has a duty to encourage in others through student-led assemblies and cultural-themed days.
What will she miss? ‘Friends are a big part of it, but also the teachers. I’ve really enjoyed the dynamic shift that happens as you get to sixth form and the teachers you have known throughout school become more like friends.’
Freddie, 18, has been hard at work studying for A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, and is hoping to study eoretical Physics at Manchester after a gap year. Beyond that, he says, there is no clear idea of what comes next: ‘I chose my degree because that’s the thing I want to do most.’
Like Liv, he remembers school life in lockdown as a time when the school was very supportive. Looking back, he says, ‘I thrived quite well. It was the peak of my GCSEs and the computers were de nitely a novelty, a di erent way of learning. I could work much harder; I used to be distracted in the classroom.’
When school life resumed as normal, Freddie explored his passion for music, an extracurricular activity which Berkhamsted takes seriously. ‘I run the Year 9 jazz ensemble,’ he says, ‘and teach them, and we perform a lot.’ He is involved in di erent bands, including the school Big Band plus following his individual interests of piano, bass and voice. And there has still been time for rugby in the junior years and keeping t in the gym more recently.
What makes the school special? ‘It doesn’t feel like there are restrictions on what is possible so you do anything – like start a jazz ensemble!’ Like Liv, he praises the teachers: ‘It’s a friendly, homely environment here. We can discuss anything with them.’ To future students, he says, ‘ ere are so many opportunities here so take them all, clubs, cadets, everything. Just say yes and try it all out to nd out what you like.’
Portrait by Edward Lloyd Owen
Working in a Grade 1 listed, heritage building in a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds is a bittersweet experience. We are surrounded by a signi cant heritage, beautiful vistas and some teaching spaces which inspire future architects or form the basis for some fantastic gothic literature lessons! But it takes an awful lot of management to balance old and new.
Westonbirt has been a school since 1928, most recently converting to a fully co-educational school and houses day and boarding pupils. Weston, as it was recorded in the Domesday Book, with Birt added as a separate word in about the 13th Century, came into the Holford family in 1665. e house which stands now, was the third iteration, the country seat, and was set with such precision, that roads were re-sited and the village transplanted to ensure that the model of Victorian renaissance architecture stood proud; nestled impressively amongst its sculpted gardens.
Robert Stayner Holford was the visionary in this development. Interestingly, he also acquired a London residence in 1849 and in 1856, Dorchester House on Park Lane was transformed. It was said to be ‘cleverly designed, expertly executed, beautifully finished and furnished in impeccable taste.’
Holford died after a long illness in 1892, at home in London and his son, George Lindsay Holford, took upon himself the continued custodianship of the estates. Great collectors of art, literature and plants, each house was nely managed by both Robert, then George. In 1926, he died aged 66 and the grand living on the estate and in London came to a halt. With no heirs remaining and after 261 years of ownership, both houses, estates and their veritable treasures fetched one of the highest totals ever seen in an auction house. Importantly, one of the greatest plant collections remained around Westonbirt House and what began with Robert in 1839, as a collection of exotic trees took hold, now sits as one of the National Arboretums.
Westonbirt became a school 90 years ago; there has been development and progress but the footprint of the house is essentially the same. It is a balance: Victorian plumbing and electrical works are a complication; walls with purpose-built rebreaks and cast-iron oor and roof structures were not designed for wi ; and huge panes of glass once created to establish extraordinary lighting, are not a happy safety feature. However, we work well in it and we tolerate the complications for the delight of location and the quality of the build. at it still stands as it does is a privilege to sit within and children behave better as a result I think of having to think twice.
We must find slightly di erent approaches to x and repair and while this can be frustrating, it also makes for exceptional projects for our fantastic estates team. Occasionally we even nd some real gems hidden in places we least expect!
A recent programme for site change to develop our school and grounds, has required a signi cant investment of time and money. We have had to navigate the world of English Heritage and Council approval. Heritage gains have challenged us, complications with the existing infrastructure causes headaches, but careful negotiation and time spent with both structural and landscape architects have supported the development of a secure vision to ensure the school site remains relevant and future-proofed.
As I took on the role of Head at this fantastic school, an outgoing governor suggested that we should sell the site and reform the school in a new space. Tempting… possibly cheaper and more sustainable but as inspiring, as characterful and as wonderful to work in –de nitely not. Westonbirt stimulates an education in itself and produces children who not only recognise an unusual beauty in things, but a respect for their environment which goes beyond the norm. Working and being educated here is both a privilege, but also a responsibility and a ne message for old and young alike.
‘Working and being educated here is both a privilege, but also a responsibility and a fine message for old and young alike’
Awell-mannered scrum has broken out in a corridor at Ludgrove, just outside Wokingham in Berkshire. It’s fruit break time, and a laden trolley is coming through. Boys aged between 8 and 13 run and jump in puddles outside, playing together much as they would do at home on a rainy day. e only di erence here is that they are dressed in Ludgrove’s traditional uniform: blue cords, a checked shirt and tie, and a v-necked jumper (the colour a matter of their own choice from blue, light blue, green and claret). It is clear to see why the inspectors from 2022’s ISI inspection wrote in their report: ‘Pupils are not just physically healthy; they radiate cheerfulness and care for each other.’
Ludgrove is the last all-boys, all-boarding prep school. e headmaster Simon Barber and his wife, Sophie, head of pastoral care, use the phrase ‘fortnightly boarding’, since there is an exeat every other weekend. Most of the 186 boys join at eight, and ‘the majority of parents have come on a personal recommendation,’ says Sophie. Parents come twice-weekly for matches, as well as for concerts; there is no PTA.
Average class sizes are 12, and the boys’ timetable includes the usual subjects, with Latin introduced in year 5. In CDT, year 8s make tuck boxes to take to senior school, a north-facing art room has been designed to get the right light, and the ceramics studio has two kilns. About 80 percent of boys learn a musical instrument.
ursday afternoons are dedicated to activities, and boys have a huge choice, from chess to outdoor skills, metal detecting to the Ubuntu Club. ere are no pupil pets but plenty of dogs on site, including the Barbers’ Labrador. Boys are divided into ‘sets’ – Ludgrove’s name for houses – and play inter-set competitions as well as ‘sets football’, in which the 30-boy set plays football against another set, with three footballs and three referees. ere is no personal technology in school; to call home, boys can go into an old red phone-box, a donation from leavers. On Sundays, they don their tweed jackets – which can be any tweed – for chapel. Afterwards they enjoy a roast lunch, before returning to more activities, from skateboarding, playing in the cricket nets to golf, or ‘Cosy Cafe’ in the chapel, where they can go to have hot chocolate. Trips are frequent, and guest speakers often come in to talk to the boys or put on workshops.
Eleanor Doughty reveals why Ludgrove School is perfectly unique
Boys sleep in single beds or bunkbeds in dorms above the main school and rotate every term, boarding by year group. An older boy lives in as dorm monitor and dorm cricket is played. Ms Knowles operates a teddy bear hospital, if someone needs repairing. All three meals are eaten in the dining hall, below names on the wall of every Ludgrovian since the school’s foundation in 1892. Food is served family-style, with a member of sta at each table; meat is supplied by a local butcher, and fruit and vegetables from a local greengrocers. Boys express their opinions via the food committee.
Old Etonian Simon Barber is the third generation of his family to lead Ludgrove, after his father Gerald and grandfather Alan, the school is run as a Charitable Trust. e Barbers’ Ludgrove is as close to home as school can get; on Sunday nights, year 4s have story time in their pyjamas with Sophie Barber, and when it’s a boy’s birthday, he has an ice-cream cake. Painted on a wall is a letter sent by Alan Barber to his son who was going to Eton – ‘a few things to remember: always speak the truth, stick up for yourself, never do anything that you would be ashamed to tell mum or myself’. ere are six matrons, and Alison Bridge, in charge of the year 4s, has worked at Ludgrove for 30 years, famous for her ‘Ma’am’s Jam’. Tory and Jon Pinchin-Hughes make it a home-awayfrom-home upstairs with TV nights and bedtime stories, and host a sweet shop, ‘Pinchin’ Mix’, on Sunday afternoons.
Ludgrove takes 30 boys in year 4, with an
entrance exam for year 5 upwards. Fees, as of September 2023, are £11,100 per team, and the school o ers a range of transformational bursaries up to 110 percent, in conjunction with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation. Boys’ names can be put down at birth - but, says Sophie Barber, if a family inquires before then, they are gently directed to get back in touch after their son’s arrival.
e Prince of Wales is one of Ludgrove’s most famous recent old boys, along with the adventurer Bear Grylls, the amboyant late Marquess of Bath, and the former prime minister Alec Douglas-Home.
About 60-65 percent go on to Eton, Harrow or Radley. Parents will tell the Barbers if they have a school in mind, but thanks to testing, expectations are ‘easier to manage now than 20 years ago,’ says Simon Barber.
Year groups at Ludgrove have their own special names: year 4s are ‘sixes’, year 5s are ‘fours’, year 6s are ‘threes’, and year 7s are ‘twos’. ere are no ‘ ves’, as this might get confused with the sport. ludgrove.net
Next month, with plenty of fanfare, the winners of the School House Awards will be revealed in our Scholarships and Bursaries edition. It will be a thrill to reveal nally the prize winners: beacons of excellence across the independent school sector.
Since announcing the creation of the awards last February, we have been inundated with several hundred entries from schools great and small, every one with a signi cant story to tell.
It’s made judging exceptionally di cult but also rewarding. Luckily we have been blessed with thoughtful, open-minded and enthusiastic judges who promise me they have enjoyed the process. We’re also very grateful to our sponsors, the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) which has been supporting the education sector for more than 120 years.
e winners will be presented with a commemorative School House Champion plaque and a selection of relevant books. ey will also be interviewed by podcast host Lisa Chuma.
e winner of last year’s inaugural award, the Green Champion Award, was Cottesmore School, and headmaster Tom Rogerson has
been thinking about the impact winning the award has had. ‘Cottesmore was hugely honoured to be given the Green Champion Award at the School House Awards 2022,’ he con rms.
‘A year on, we are still grateful for the impetus that the award created. It has served as a spur to double down on our work on sustainability.’
Rogerson adds: ‘Since then Cottesmore has embarked upon an in depth aquaponics project and the school’s farm has continued on its mission to be entirely self-reliant nancially. e new food-waste project has been a great success, feeding the animals on the farm sustainably.’
Furthermore he says: ‘ e Year 7 girls and boys produced some on-point sustainability pieces of work through the ISEB’s Project Quali cation programme and the ISEB CEO Julia Martin will be presenting certi cates to the entrants at Cottesmore next term in praise of Cottesmore using this wonderful framework.
‘ e award delighted the girls, boys, parents and teaching team to know that the school’s e orts have been recognised in this way.’
Clearly our School House awards carry more than just prestige; they have the power to create change.
The shortlist has been decided, reveals Victoria Lambertand the fi nal judgement is now underway
VICTORIA LAMBERT
Editor, School House
Victoria Lambert is Editor of School House
She is a firm believer in the idea of a rounded education which brings out the best in every child.
JULIA MARTIN
Chief Executive, ISEB
Julia Martin has extensive experience in the education and assessment sectors and is a strong believer in championing student wellbeing and creativity.
DR EMEKA OKOROCHA
NHS Doctor and author
Dr Emeka is a NHS doctor who is passionate about sharing information and has presented shows for kids on BBC Teach.
LUCY CLELAND
Editor in Chief, Country & Town House
Lucy Cleland has worked in the magazine industry for more than 20 years and is driving Country & Town’s Houses sustainability agenda.
Raising con dent young people ready to live up to their potential requires attention to more than their education. e best schools turn out well-rounded young people who are emotionally aware and resilient thanks to their excellent pastoral teams.
We’re looking for recommendations for care that exceeds expectations – whether it’s a one-to-one tutoring system that can spot problems like bullying before they develop or a network of support which wraps around students to make sure they are thoroughly supported in mind, body and spirit. A welldeveloped system of communication with parents is also something that impresses.
ANNA TURNS
Specialist environmental author
Oxford biology graduate, Anna Turns writes on sustainability and our connection with nature. She is a host on BBC’s Costing the Earth
Formerly our Green Champion, this award will recognise a school where environmental awareness is a verb, not a noun. With the astonishing range of eco-endeavours underway, schools will have to impress the judges with a really innovative plan, which puts sustainability and green concepts at the heart of the operation.
Many parents’ number one concern is whether their child is feeling OK. e pressures of the modern world and social media in particular are leading to worrying increases in the amount of children reporting anxiety and depression. We’d like to hear what steps schools are taking to ensure that those students who are struggling get the best possible support – and that it is fully integrated with teachers and parents.
Independent schools are rightly collaborating more often with local academies and primaries, sharing resources and even lessons to justify their place in the community. is trend is a powerful signi er of change in the sector and we know that many independents are justly proud of how much they have achieved already and their plans to widen their charitable purpose. We can’t wait to hear them.
who’s always available for cuddles, exotica like llamas and wallabies popping up unexpectedly, or farm animals which are there to be reared and sent to market, animals have many roles to play at school. We’re looking for some special, unexpected stories of how animals are used in the most interesting educational way.
Whether home or abroad, students at many schools enjoy working in and supporting settings that take them from their comfort zone. at might be an orphanage in Cape Town or an elderly persons’ home in London. We’re interested in schools that are really exploring the concept of what it means to do good for others and seeing the results it has on students.
School House believes animals of all shapes and sizes belong in our schools; whether that’s guinea pigs brought from home to keep boarders cheery, or ponies to be used in competition. From the headmaster’s dog
What do we all seek for our children?
Happiness, joy, contentment – the intangibles on which a good life is built. A school full of happy children is a thriving home-from-home, where students reach their academic, sporting and social potential. Leavers head o with a clutch of exam certi cates and that joie de vivre which once discovered can become a sustaining principle for life. So how do schools build happiness into every aspect of their daily life? We can’t wait to nd out.
e school boasts a ‘Culture of Wellbeing’ built gradually over the past few years, with the Pembridge Pulse initiative – a weekly drop-in at its heart. is aims to foster the girls’ emotional language development, encourage conversations and help them to regulate their own mental health and wellbeing. Alongside this dedicated space for Wellbeing, there are about 70 clubs, with some focused on mindfulness and mental health. Sta say, ‘Utilising the Pembridge Pulse, we have truly seen happier girls here.’
No green stone goes unturned here, whether it’s appointing external auditors (ReEnergise) to identify opportunities for renewables in an Estate Decarbonisation Plan, or the funding of two new electric minibuses plus charging points and new solar panels. Truro has invested £10k in waste and recycling, is phasing out single-use plastics and 95 percent of all lights are LED. Moreover, sustainability is also at the heart of the academic curriculum.
An extensive, award-winning pastoral programme from a small school punching well above its weight. Sta , parents and students all play a role – and the PSHE curriculum is newly redesigned. We love the sound of Hot Chocolate Fridays and the school’s self-belief: ‘We think that Bassett House is an outstanding example of what excellent pastoral care should look like and we want to shout about it from the rooftops!’
A unique three-phased approach to boarding and ‘family’ style boarding houses, bespoke one-to-one tutor system, friendly and accessible Chaplaincy team and pro-active Health Centre, is underpinned by a culture which prioritises wellbeing, maximises pupil voice and encourages girls to support each other. Says one Sherborne girl, ‘Every girl… has support from her peers, her teachers and her tutor… there is a big sister round every corner.’
‘ ey don’t care what you know until they know that you care.’ says Headteacher Shaun Fenton – this really is at the core of everything the school does. Children feel valued and understood, secure among friends and looked after by adults. e wellbeing programme permeates almost every facet of Reigate life delivered through electives, PSHE and PE lessons, lectures and workshops, talks in assemblies and discussions in tutorials, as well as day-to-day conduct. We particularly liked Drop Everything and Read week.
A preventative rather than reactive approach, no topics o limits and ‘everyone feels noticed; everyone feels heard’ – that’s the core of what Putney is doing. e school has its own wellbeing podcast ( anks for Asking), a Wellbeing Within week, and the whole school shares ‘gratitude’ da odils. Putney boasts a unique Biophilic Classroom – with indoor horticulture; it was shown to improve mental wellbeing by 65 percent.
Bryanston’s approach to mental health and wellbeing is impressively all-encompassing and multi-layered. One example is the recent partnership with e Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips to host a one-of-a-kind event, ‘21st Century Parenting – Inspired thinking for the modern parent’. e school has also established the annual Nurturing Equality Festival with sixth form ambassadors leading special workshops for over 75 young pupils from nine neighbouring schools.
JAGS has ‘sharpened our focus’ in the past 18 months, and appointed a designated Sustainability Lead to spearhead innovative school-wide initiatives and work with pupils. Highlights include a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream using only recycled materials, the regular Climate Cafe (where pupils discuss anxiety around global warming and bake low-carbon snacks), clothes swaps and book drives (donating over 2,000kg of books to charity). e school has installed a 200-litre composter to transform our food waste into compost – all part of its goal is to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Royal
is Gold Carbon Charter status school aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, too. ere is a proposed solar initiative to provide the majority of the school’s electrical needs and Carbon O setting has led to a reduction in footprint from 2.6 to 0.3 tCO2e annually per person. Other initiatives range from sustainability workshops to a recycled christmas ornament competition.
With entries from around the country, from schools big and small, prep and senior, the judges were impressed with the brilliance, passion and innovation on show. Every school which entered should be proud; judging has been very difficult. With that in mind, here are the shortlisted candidates – winners will be revealed next month.
We love the way Wellington School looks to the community beyond its gates. e school has engaged local children in its performing arts programme. is includes setting up a Saturday morning Stage School and a dance studio. Each year, the school also hosts a three-day Winter Wonderland, open to the whole community with hordes of stalls from local crafters, Father Christmas, and a double-sized ice rink.
ACS, Cobham, Surrey
e school impressed us with its bespoke impact monitoring tool – as well as the data revealed: more than 60,000 hours of ACS service learning involvement with local community, 21,000 staff hours dedicated to public bene t, 42,236 hours of teacher training, 80,987 hours of outreach box usage and 610,358 hours of external student interaction with our activities. It also has a team of 5 full time members of sta who work on community projects as part of its charitable endeavour.
A partnership and sponsorship of local school e Bourne Academy is the centrepiece of Canford’s impressive outreach work – and could be a model for all other schools. Pupils work and socialise together in multiple ways whether that’s in a drama production, for a book club or working on the F24 racing car ‘design and race’ project. One Bourne pupil says: ‘Canford has helped me to aspire to be the best I can be’. It’s a source of justi able pride to both schools and all involved.
Breaking news: Great White
Pig Ivanka has had eight piglets – who will surely t right in with the huge range of animals the school has accumulated on its farm. We like the school’s overall attitude to its animals. Children learn about the food chain and –Ivanka, reproduction. Animal husbandry comes up as does conservation and even politics: Rocket the Cat recently stood for election as President of the animals and the children learnt about ballot papers, hustings and voting.
A Repton education wouldn’t be the same without furry friends, says the school and you can see why. From a comforting welcome from each boarding house’s very own dog, to a tarantula crawling up an arm in a science lesson, animals are a fully edged part of Repton life. Animals are very much part of science and environment lessons too. Plus the school says: ‘ e excitement of seeing a cow in the playground would appear to be unmatched!’
Aside from its fundraising, on average the school raises £18,000 yearly for three nominated charities, the judges admired the Mill eld Brilliance Award (MBA). is project has the dual aims of giving back to the community and educating students on philanthropy, with opportunit ies to volunteer, support, teach and provide resources locally and worldwide. For example, 22 MBA students undertook ballroom dancing lessons to run a tea dance in the local community centre, as a way of bringing young and old generations together.
At Godolphin, kindness is everywhere; we liked the way it was treated as an achievement – just like excellence in sport or music. e ‘Spirit of Godolphin Award’ honours individuals who exemplify considerate and kind-hearted behaviour, support others, demonstrate community spirit and maintain a positive outlook. One student from each year group and a member of sta are presented with this award.
Last year, the school launched its centenary with the impressive Claremont 100 charity initiative. Designed to develop empathy and community awareness among pupils, parents, alumni and sta , it had the goal of raising £100,000 for ve local charities, roughly equating to £100 per pupil. It’s a project with longevity: beyond the fundraising goal, the school is determined to leave a positive, lasting legacy for the next 100 years.
Our only double shortlist-ee, Saint Ronan’s stands out for its school culture which prizes ‘doing things’ differently, nding humour in wholesome things, embracing eccentricity and championing kindness and inclusivity. We were particularly taken with the school song: ‘If perchance this school may be, A Happier place because of me, Stronger for the strength I bring, Brighter for the songs I sing, Purer for the path I tread, Wiser for the light I shed, en I can leave without a sigh, For not in vain have I been I.’
A glorious collection of pigs, ponies and goats, sheep, cattle, Indian runner ducks and scores of rescue hens creates a haven for children - supported by a Rural Studies curriculum. Even the youngest children get involved, collecting eggs and walking dogs. e Early Years Nativity play sounds marvellous: ‘It takes place in the farmyard surrounded by the animals, who normally upstage the cast!’
e school’s approach to charity is part of its DNA; its aim is to form ‘men and women for others’: people who value community, who know what they stand for, and will speak up for what they believe in. Head Boy, Dilip, 17, is ‘a shining example’ working tirelssly for charity while recovering from a major, lifesaving heart transplant operation – something which shows true grit and courage.
‘Kindness lays the foundation for us to make positive contributions to society,’ says Will Newman, Headmaster. To ensure pupils know how highly kindness is valued at Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School, a system of values called the Ways of the Wolf has been set up allowing pupils to be recognised for kind acts. A recent initiative was 24 hours of random kindness, paying kindness forward child to child like a game of tag.
A Year 4 pupil at St Augustine’s Priory, Miranda So a, has published her rst book, Poems and Stories for Little People (written by one). It is a collection of her imaginative work about friendships, family and the world around her. She is the youngest author to be published by Wisdom House Publishing. Featured poems include e Magical Christmas Tree. £13.99
After winning the ‘F1 in Schools’ regional nals at the start of July, Kingswood School prep pupils arrived ready for the nal in Leeds. e rst part of the nal required a verbal presentation, followed by a Design and Engineering interview. e afternoon was spent racing and Kingswood took a quarter of the trophies available with them, which for their rst time participating is a huge achievement.
TOWER
Tower House School is delighted to announce the completion of Project 190: the addition of a 690sq/m site, including expanded outdoor play areas, the development of four bespoke classrooms and a large multi-purpose hall. There is also state-of-the-art equipment throughout.
Town Close School celebrated its 90th anniversary this year by distributing tree saplings. Celebrations involved an afternoon tea for current pupils and families, followed by a drinks and canapé reception for associates of the school, local producers and suppliers. Everyone attending was invited to choose a sapling to plant. Looking ahead to the 100th anniversary, guests were asked to write down their hopes and aspirations for the next 10 years school.
The Falcons School for Girls has become Falcons School Putney, as they become fully co-educational following the success of the co-ed Nursery. The school will now accept boys and girls aged 2-11.
St Anthony’s School for Girls has become Ivy House School, now co-educational and accepting boys from Reception to Year 6. e name honours the heritage of the school building, which dates back to the 18th century and has views of Golders Hill Park, London. It has been home to both JMW Turner and Anna Pavlova.
Blackheath Prep School hosted a Family Fun Day & Children’s Book Festival in July. The day included a performance from author and poet Michael Rosen of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. Professor Strange, from Britain’s Got Talent, made an appearance with a show containing magic, illusion and circus skills. The event also featured charity stalls, activities, face painting and bouncy castles.
Saturday 1 July saw Claremont Fan Court School conclude its year of centenary celebrations with a school community Gala Day. Over 3,000 pupils, families, alumni and staff came together to celebrate at the vintage funfair-themed event, featuring a Ferris wheel, traditional carousel and dodgems. The day saw performances, academic demonstrations, a bake-off, sports events and musical concerts taking place around the campus. In the evening, the school celebrated 100 years, 1920s style, with a centenary ball in a marquee on the rear lawns of the iconic Claremont Fan Court mansion.
Hilary Phillips joins Hanford with a wealth of experience, and a degree in French and Education. Hilary speaks fluent French and excellent Portuguese. She joins from Benenden Lower School.
Badminton welcomes Jessica Miles as Head. Mrs Miles comes from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and Queen Margaret’s, York. She has years of experience in girls’ boarding and day schools.
Liz Norris starts as Head at St Swithun’s Prep School this September. She brings more than 25 years’ experience. to her new role. She was previously interim head of prep at St Helen’s School.
Neill Lunnon joins Tower House School as the new Head this September. He has a wealth of experience in prep and senior school education. and will be joining from Fulham Prep School.
Paul David will become Head of Wetherby School this September, joining from Dulwich Prep Cranbrook. He studied Mathematics and Physical Education at the University of Exeter.
Liz McLaughlin started as head of Wetherby Kensington School in the summer term Previously, Ms McLaughlin was the Head of Falcons Pre-Prep school.
Leweston School has appointed Mr Richard Thompson as Head of Prep. He starts his new role in September 2023. Previously, he was Deputy Head of Old Hall School.
Alexandra Haydon, current Deputy Head Academic at Millfield, will succeed Lucy Elphinstone as Head of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square in January 2024.
Mrs Clare Strickland has been appointed as the new Head of Old Vicarage School She joined from the Dragon School in Oxford where she was previously Deputy Head.
ISEB will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. First created in 1903 to run the Common Entrance, it offers a diverse range of assessment options for schools. It also works with UK education associations and the government to discuss how best to keep pupil outcomes as a focus.
BUILDING A FUTURE
London Park School has opened in Clapham with Suzie Longstaff as Head. With its Victorian mansion buildings undergoing renovation, the school is temporarily located by Tooting Common. The updated school will have an Art and DT studio, drama space and social working spaces.
SIXTH FORM CENTRE FOR FRANCIS HOLLAND
Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park has opened its new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre. Linhope House has increased the sixth-form space by 300 percent, and features a Reading Room, Think Lab and new study spaces.
Tonbridge Upper Sixth pupils have received a record number of o ers from top universities. More than 65 percent of boys have had four or more o ers from universities. For pupils who applied to international universities, more than 44 unconditional o ers have been made by US universities including Princeton, Harvard and Columbia. Twenty-seven Tonbridge students received o ers for Oxford or Cambridge.
GOING GREEN AT NOTTING HILL & EALING HIGH SCHOOL
With sustainability at its heart, the new eco-friendly building includes specialist teaching spaces for Music, Art, Science and Computing. It is due for completion this autumn. The GDST has targeted a net zero carbon development.
MODERN SIXTH FORM CENTRE DESIGNED BY STUDENTS
King’s College, Taunton has opened a new Sixth Form Centre which was designed by the pupils. The building features modern social spaces, a silent study area and a cafe. Head of Sixth Form, Oliver Ridley, said: ‘The building provided an environment for a productive, mind-expanding conversation.’
Winner of this year’s Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prize, Anthony Anaxagrou, is to become Rugby School’s Poet in Residence 2023-24. He won the prize for his collection of poems, Heritage Aesthetics
During the residence Mr Anaxgorou will give readings of his work, run workshops for the creative writing group and hold poetry sessions at Festival on the Close next year.
A former pupil at Malvern College spent over 98 days at sea taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Lara Va adis completed the challenge rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, while pupils of the school virtually cheered her on. is raised ten of thousands of pounds for three charities.
Connie, a Scholar in her nal year at Stonyhurst College, was selected to play for the starting XV in the U18 England Women’s rugby team, and scored two tries, helping them to reign victorious. Connie played on the left wing and made her 15-a-side international debut, after playing for the England U18 7s team last summer. Connie is balancing her Sixth Form studies, with her training programmes.
Head Girl at St Swithun’s, Jamie, travelled to Geneva as one of three representatives of the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board. She was chosen by her peers and spent her time in Geneva in meetings with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Jamie took on the responsibility of moderating the Children’s meeting which discussed inequalities in education. Jamie said: ‘I hope the UN Committee will consider our perspectives and make appropriate recommendations to the UK government.’
On 25 June, over 2,200 guests gathered for a ‘Proms in the Park’ Garden Party to mark Canford School’s centenary year. e day was lled with art workshops, lawn games, a music concert and a special performance from Headmaster Ben Vessey.
Natalie Argile will become the new Head of Blackheath High having been Acting Head since 2022. Argile wants to focus on the benefits of a girls-only school.
For its 150th anniversary, St Mary’s Calne is bringing together its communities, past and present, to celebrate friendship, experiences, ambition, and positive social change. During the year, the school will have a programme in place to celebrate the people who shaped the school.
Cranleigh School has appointed Samantha Price as the new Head. She will start her role in September 2024, joining with a focus on pupils’ future skills, co-currcicular and academics.
St Benedict’s School in Ealing has announced Joe Smith as the new Head from September 2023. Mr Smith will bring a range of experience to his new role at St Benedict’s.
Louise Chamberlain recently became the 10th Headmistress in Walthamstow Hall’s 185year history, taking up her post in Sevenoaks in June. Her experience includes 14 years at Worth School.
Latymer Upper School, Hammersmith welcomes its new Head, Susan Wijeratna. She arrives with the Latymer Foundation’s 400th anniversary next year.
The #700STEMChallenge was created by a Sydenham High School pupil in 2018. This year’s task involved writing a mini-dissertation of 700 words on any topic. Hollie Burrell-Saward, Nina Pimblett and Camilla Carson gave inspiring speeches.
Wells Cathedral School’s violinist, Luke Doyle, has been appointed Leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Luke is one of the youngest leaders ever!
Alex Laing, Director of Music, added: ‘It is quite an accolade to get this chair, especially as he got it so young.‘
ree teams from Year 10 travelled to Harlow College to present their Formula 1 in Schools projects at the Regional Finals. e pupils spent the last term preparing their projects, which include car designs, posters, merchandise and technical information. is was the rst time Berkhamsted had attended a Regional Finals Peregrine Racing won the award for Fastest Car, Sennamatic picked up the award for Best Research and Design, while Inferno Wheels achieved the second fastest start.
Minerva Virtual Academy announced that Mark Edwards will join as the new Head of Middle School. He will run Year 7 & 8 which opens in September. He joins from Dragon School. as Deputy Head.
Mr Guest joins St Columba’s College from a Catholic School in Hampshire where he has been Headmaster since 2020. He brings a wealth of experience in coeducational leadership.
Mr James Watson will join as the new Head of Milton Abbey School, taking over from Mrs Judith FremontBarnes. Mrs Barnes will join St Paul’s Cathedral School in London.
Emma Bell is the new Head of St James Senior Girls School in West Kensington; replacing retiring Sarah Labram. Emma was previously Deputy Head at Tudor Hall school in Oxfordshire.
We believe that every child has immense potential that, in the right environment, can be uncovered, nurtured and realised. Co-educational excellence in the heart of Berkshire.
wellingtoncollege.org.uk
t’s not been long since changes to Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s books sparked erce debate. e removal of references to certain characters’ appearance provoked strong feelings on both sides. Even the Prime Minister was drawn into the ‘airbrushing’ of historic works of ction about Mrs Twit and Augustus Gloop.
But amid this war of words a bigger and arguably more alarming point was overlooked: far fewer children are reading Roald Dahl books at all. In fact, fewer children are picking up books by any author. All the statistics show that young people are reading less frequently than any previous generation – and far fewer children are being read to at home by adults. And that should be of greater concern than precisely how we describe e BFG
As teachers and parents, we’re all aware of the significant social and educational bene ts of reading, as well as the positive impact books, and storytelling, can play in sustaining mental health and wellbeing. So the current research is deeply worrying.
Literature now has to compete with an array of electronic media. The ubiquity of devices means spare moments are easily and compulsively lled with screens. According to a recent UK survey, 69 percent of 0-17 year olds prefer screens to books.
I saw this myself on a recent family holiday. Our eldest son (21) was enthusiastic about digging into a good book, while his younger brother (14) had to be prized away from his screen. In my mind, this was less about a di erence in their individual characters, and more a wider generational shift. Increasingly, the young are choosing screens over books, and TikTok over narrative.
Ag ainst this backdrop, schools need to work harder than ever to
preserve storytelling in all its forms. Since the beginning of time, and in every country and culture, stories have passed on traditions and taught life skills in compelling and memorable ways. Stories are how humans learn best. ey are the oldest form of education.
I am reminded of this every September when I travel to a battle eld in Holland with a group of pupils and parents. It’s a trip I’ve taken for many years to hear, first-hand, the dramatic stories of life and loss, from a dwindling number of elderly men and women who endured the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. eir eyewitness accounts are profoundly moving and leave an indelible mark on young and old alike. is is learning at its most powerful and visceral. It’s living proof that, as Rudyard Kipling once wrote, ‘If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.’
So, what should we do to keep young readers engaged? I believe the answer lies in keeping stories and storytelling front and centre in all our schools. It is as crucial to our pupils’ development as regular exercise, or a balanced diet. In practice, this can take many forms – from assemblies to dramatic productions, library sessions to bedtime reading in boarding life. And crucially, it can complement and bring colour to new fast-paced technology, rather than working in opposition to it.
Al l of which brings us full circle. Roald Dahl wrote, ‘I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader provides a terri c advantage in life.’
Nothing controversial here. I think we would all agree with these wise words by Dahl.
‘All the statistics show that young people are reading less frequently than any previous generation - and far fewer children are being read to at home by adults’
When I meet parents of children who are looking to join one of our Nurseries or the Junior Prep School, they occasionally ask me whether we have seen any e ect left by the pandemic on the younger children in the school. It is an interesting and pertinent question. Nursery Heads and those who lead Early Years settings within schools, have found that the pandemic is still playing out in terms of how the youngest of our pupils are engaging, interacting and developing. It is not uncommon for some children to have separation anxiety, to nd it di cult to socialise and understand facial and tonal cues, and for others to have signi cant delay in their speech and language.
ose who lead the support and care of these pupils, the SENDCOs and their teams, have noticed a substantial rise in the number of children on their registers and it appears that this has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the ‘loss’ of the normal growing and developmental processes which would have occurred pre 2019/2020, although the trends for increased numbers of children with a statement of SEND/Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has been rising since 2017.
In 2022, the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEND) increased to 1.49 million pupils, representing 16.5 percent of all pupils nationwide.
The proportion of pupils with a statement of SEND/Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) increased to four percent in 2022.
e number of pupils with an EHCP has increased by nine percent between 2021 and 2022, and by a total of 50 percent since 2016.
It is clear then that schools and their pupils are still living with the after e ects of the pandemic, and that a growing number of children require
support as a direct consequence of their time away from the socially active and engaging classroom environments.
Nevertheless, one often hears that there were bene ts from being locked down with parents for such a period of time and that it was highly unusual for families to be together for such long, uninterrupted periods. e chance to be able to form such strong bonds, to have time to fully understand and engage with one another and to interact for weeks and months on end is unlikely to be repeated.
Today we are still living through the consequences of those missed years with our youngest pupils and we can still see the impact, although with strong teaching, excellent support and proactive initiatives the vast majority of children have caught up and are back on course. Reading and numeracy are, in general, aligned to where we would usually expect the pupils to have been pre-pandemic, although there are pupils who are delayed in speech to a degree and numbers appear to have grown in this area.
e e ects of the pandemic therefore appear to now be more focused on the missed social interaction and how this has a ected the well-being of the young children within our schools, rather than academic attainment and progression. And of course this should not be surprising; children need to be with children when they are very young, and with their teachers to guide them. Simply watching the pupils at play in the nurseries is enough to make one understand just how much they are learning from each other each and every day; feeding their growth in so many ways. Having this time so crudely removed from their early years did have a huge impact, and although now diminishing, it is still evident. However the positive within this is that they are returning to where they should be, and they will most certainly do so in the months and years ahead.
‘It is not uncommon for some children to have separation anxiety, to find it difficult to socialise and understand facial cues, and for others to have significant delay in their speech’PHOTOS: EATON SQUARE SCHOOL
Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham Schools,a progressive Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School in Liphook, Hampshire, explains why joining a prep school in Year 7 could be the perfect fit for your child
London parents know all too well the huge burden attached to securing a place at a top senior school. Social pressure, admissions deadlines and piles of school prospectuses, not to mention the anxiety around pre-tests and interviews, can be overwhelming. It’s a demanding and time-pressured situation often without the option of being able to stop and
consider if the conveyer belt your child is on is best for them. And breathe. We want to reassure parents there is choice out there and these looming deadlines are not the be all and end all. The option of a prep school for Year 7 and Year 8 is appealing to more parents as they search for the right option, not the right now.
Parents choose a prep school at Year 7 for a multitude of reasons. In recent years,
especially post pandemic, we have seen three shared motivations among the London parents who are looking to bridge the gap between primary and secondary education.
Parents who have already secured their child’s senior school place look to prep schools to enrich their children’s lives for two years in a comparatively safe space compared to their current school. From age 11 to 13, boys and girls go through a vast amount of changes: socially, hormonally and emotionally. To experience these changes in the secure environment at the top of a prep school without the influence of much older peers is invaluable. We help prolong childhood. It’s such a cherished time, why rush it?
Children who have chosen the boarding route benefit hugely from boarding at a prep school first. Being the big kid in the boarding house helps with the transition of staying away from home and allows children to get used to the routine and demands of boarding with peers their own age.
Joining in the penultimate year has the additional benefit of gaining roles of responsibility almost immediately rather
than potentially waiting for them in the later years at a senior school. Our Year 8 pupils wear their badges with pride: Peer Listener, School Councillor and Head of School. The sense of leadership and responsibility leaves them feeling on top of the world.
Moving straight from Year 6 to senior school results in bouncing from one set of exams to the next. Pre-tests will barely be behind you before GCSEs appear on the horizon. Parents choose Year 7 and Year 8 at prep school to give their children something different from an exam-based curriculum.
We have moved away from the restrictive nature of the Common Entrance syllabus and are packing the children’s last two years with an enviable education. Filling the void with a rich and dynamic programme. Our bespoke curriculum is centred on the four Cs – communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. These essential skills will equip your children for senior school and beyond. We will teach your children to adapt for a future world we can’t yet envisage.
Year 6 is full of emotion as children wait to hear from their chosen senior schools. Most of the time the prevailing emotion is joy – except for a handful of children
who hear the heart-breaking news that they have missed out on their first (or even second) choice school. At this point parents look to prep schools who are extremely experienced in helping children in Year 7 secure senior school places. These may be children who have not been successful in their pre-tests or been advised to re-sit them in Year 7.
On average, ten new children join us in Year 7 each academic year, around a sixth of the year group. These children experience a prep school education for a magical couple of years before successfully moving on to one of their chosen senior schools. Among the top destinations are
Marlborough College, Canford School, Cranleigh School, Wellington College, Eton College, Bryanston School and Winchester College.
So why wait on the platform for the delayed train to senior school? Leap off the platform and into the first-class carriage to arrive at a prep school bang on time.
Mind the gap. What gap?
FIND OUT MORE: Open Mornings are held termly. Contact Admissions at admissions@highfieldandbrookha.co.uk Or call +44 (0)1428 728000 For general information and news check highfieldandbrookham.co.uk
CRANLEIGH PREP SCHOOL, DAY AND BOARDING FOR CHILDREN AGED 7 TO 13 IN THE HEART OF THE SURREY HILLS
OPEN MORNINGS
Saturday 30th September 2023
Wednesday 21st February 2024
Saturday 11th May 2024
To book your place or to arrange an individual appointment please contact:
Miss Catherine Staples, Head of Admissions
Cranleigh Prep School
A new interest in long-distance and open water swimming means exciting new challenges for pupils, says Sally Jones
‘When I started sea swimming, I couldn’t have stayed in for a few minutes, let alone an hour,’ says Clara Burton-Dowsett, from Roedean School near Brighton. ‘At rst it was 30 seconds at a time as the cold water felt really painful on our ngers and feet. But I was determined to be part of the team and I kept going. It took ages to stay in the water for an hour and to qualify, you had to do a two-hour swim.’
After months of dawn training sessions o Brighton beach, Clara and ve teammates, including gutsy 12-year-old Bella Mapledoram successfully crossed the Channel in a relay last June. ey completed the crossing from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in 13 hours 13 minutes, swimming overnight beside the pilot boat in one-hour rotation.
On paper it hardly sounds like every parent’s ideal school trip: negotiating choppy, pitchblack water, coping with strong tides, two metre-high waves and even jelly sh. And all
this in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, criss-crossed by 600 tankers and 200 ferries a day. Shockingly, for those of us inured through Mediterranean holidays, to seas like tepid bathwater, it’s swimming costumes only in breathtakingly cold water with no wetsuits allowed.
Despite the discomfort, the girls had the extra motivation of fundraising for a great cause. e £8,000 they raised in sponsorship has helped to provide full bursaries for six Ukraininan refugees who joined the school last September.
e achievement has made sea-swimming a hot ticket at Roedean: this year 48 girls joined the sea-swimming club, part of the school’s strong tradition dating back to 1896. It even
boasts a historic tunnel built in 1910, cut through the chalk cli from school to shore for early bathing forays. Rarely used these days, it was originally unlit, three feet wide and with 144 steps. Health and Safety? Bah!
Although it is a rare feat for an all-girls’ squad to swim the Channel, the crossing has become the ultimate challenge for numerous independent schools, helping their pupils develop teamwork, resilience and sheer determination. Malvern College even made headlines in 2019 when a team of 10 teenagers became the rst school group to cross the Channel on a stand-up paddleboard.
Like Roedean, Taunton School is a stalwart of longdistance swimming, with club members racing round iconic spots like St Michael’s Mount and Burgh Island. In 2022, three teams of 12-year-olds from their prep school swam the Channel after training for two years –while their rivals, a group of pampered luminaries from ‘Celebrity Sink or Swim’ gave up half-way.
For Atul Gudsoorkar, now 13, the success was particularly satisfying because of the sheer e ort required. ‘ I joined the club to improve my tness, endurance and swimming ability,’ he remembers, ‘but also because I though it would be a great achievement as I was weak at swimming previously. e best bit is how everyone supports each other.’
R oedean’s youngest Channel swimmer Bella Mapledorham agrees, recalling how the camaraderie and fun carried her through the toughest moments.
‘Each time I had a wobble, I looked up to see the rest of the girls on the boat dancing to Elton John’s I’m Still Standing she said, ‘ ey were wol ng pasta to keep their strength up and urging me on so I knew I couldn’t let the team down.’
For Kate Wakeling, Roedean’s Director of Sport, who herself trained as a backup squad member, despite admitting, ‘I’m not an amazing swimmer’, the endeavour has a wider resonance for everyone. ‘Several of the girls hadn’t swum much before they started training,’ she
says. ‘My message to them all is ‘You don’t have be special to achieve great things in life – all you need is hard work and a dream.’
‘Distance swimming facilitates team spirit, engenders self-discipline and builds resilience,’ says Hamish McCarthy, Taunton School’s Long Distance Swimming Club Lead and Head of Geography.
‘ e swimmers build strong social bonds. It’s not a quick- x sport but about the long game; there is a build-up process before a challenge and this requires great mental strength and patience.’
‘Our swimmers take away something really valuable and unforgettable from distance swimming,’ adds Kate Wakeling. ‘Whether it’s getting into the water for the rst time ever, or screwing up their courage to swim under the pier or through jelly sh, it gives every child a huge sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
‘ e cold water and exercise produces an endorphin rush which is great for everyone’s mental health ey turn up to training, sleepy-eyed, eyes half shut and they get out buzzing.’
1
COSY CHANGING ROBE
Invest in a padded, weatherproof changing robe such as a Dryrobe. From £160, dryrobe.com
2
APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR
Those in the know also recommend a pair of Crocs for exiting the sea over sharp pebbles and shingles. From £29.99, crocs.co.uk
3 PROTECTIVE GOGGLES
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Poems and verse are as popular as ever in schools, finds Peter Stanford – and not just during English lessons
Sometimes a few well-chosen words can sum up a big and broad idea better than several paragraphs. A case in point is a poster on a classroom wall at Notting Hill and Ealing High School in west London. ‘Prose is the right words,’ it reads, ‘poetry is the right words in the right order’. It is up on display, explains Simon Piesse, Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) consultant teacher for languages and classics, ‘because it encapsulates what we try to do in fostering creativity across the curriculum by using poetry’. e teaching of poetry in schools has of late been a controversial subject. Last summer the removal from the GCSE English syllabus of Keats, Hardy, Larkin and Owen in favour of living but less familiar writers caused a storm in Parliament and beyond. And earlier this year, a survey by the education polling experts Teacher Tapp reported that, ‘poetry got a real kicking when we asked what English teachers would like to see removed from the curriculum.’ It was ‘hard to grasp’ for too many students, they said, and turned them o learning.
But Simon Piesse is one of the many who believe the opposite - that there are real and tangible gains to be had when poetry is harnessed, especially in prep schools, to promote critical thinking and cultural awareness across a range of classroom subjects. A French and Spanish specialist teacher at Notting Hill and Ealing High School with its 4-18 intake, in addition to his
wider role in the 25 GDST schools, in 2022 he won a commendation from the Stephen Spender Trust as part of its annual awards to encourage schools to engage in its nationwide ‘Poetry in Translation’ programme.
Piesse explains: ‘It was all about enthusing students through workshops to examine the backstory of a foreign language poem, to think about the vocabulary, and then come up with a translation that isn’t so much literal as a faithful retelling that stands up in its own right in English.’ His year 8 pupils had worked on Calligrammes, a collection of poetry by the French writer Apollinaire, published in 1918 as a protest at the First World War, where the words appeared on the printed page in a variety of shapes that carried a meaning of their own.
‘We were encouraging them to put their own creative hats on, to understand the First World War, and how we can build bridges with other people in other places, in other ages, with other ideas: in other words, unlocking knowledge in a creative way.’
Piesse – whose teaching career has covered both the state and the independent sector – feels that such initiatives around poetry run counter to a trend in recent years, such as the introduction in 2019 of a core group of EBacc subjects in schools that have marginalised music, art, drama and
poetry. ‘It has had a negative impact, especially at a time when organisations such as the OECD have published a report saying that creativity and critical thinking are ‘key skills’ to learn in the classroom in an increasingly complex, AI world.’
A similar point was made in March by the award-winning American Young Adult novelist Katherine Marsh in e Atlantic magazine. Recalling her own mid-childhood years at school in the 1980s, she described how the focus in the classroom had been ‘on reading as many books as possible and engaging emotionally as a way of developing the requisite skills.’
Nowadays, Marsh fears youngsters at that same stage in education are prey to the dominance of a ‘technical mindset’ which prizes analysing texts and so takes away any joy and creativity. ‘Reading analytically,’ she warns, ‘seems to be squashing that organic enjoyment.’
It is a viewpoint for which Simon Piesse has sympathy as a frontline teacher, but he also worries that it risks creating a ‘false dichotomy’. ‘Students need to understand 95 percent of what they are reading – the bread-and-butter vocabulary. And once they have done that, you can help them to read for pleasure, to develop empathy. It is a balance.’
How to achieve just such a balance is a challenge many prep schools are tackling head on. At Saint Paul’s Juniors in London, Head of English Jo Wielebinska says she combines more traditional methods with new thinking when it comes to her 7-13 year old cohort. ‘As a department we think learning poetry by heart is very important, and we also use poetry as a means for boys to express themselves. We like the fact that poetry can allow weaker or SEND writers to excel.’
Termly open-mics in the school library to encourage recitation and memorising of poems are very popular, she reports. ‘I think we had 100 boys come to the last one. Some pupils recite poems they have written themselves.’ ere is also a poetry soiree to which parents are invited and student poetry appears in both the weekly newsletter or school magazine.
‘ We teach poetry incrementally,’ says Wielebinska, ‘through an initial grounding of poetic conventions in Year Five, ballads in Year Six, sonnets in Year Seven, and then on to free verse in Year Eight, which allows the pupils to explore and play with rhyme and meter, and develop as writers themselves.’
Developing writing skills by creating their own poetry is one bene t. But it is also time well-spent in promoting good mental health in youngsters on the cusp of adolescence, suggests Rachel Kelly, author of You’ll Never Walk Alone: Poems for Life’s Ups and Downs who runs regular ‘Healing Words’ workshops in schools. ‘My theme is that poetry can be helpful for students to make sense of their feelings, part of their mental health toolkit, not this scary thing they have to analyse in a lit crit way. I talk about it as something that can make them feel less alone and more understood at three o’clock in the morning.’
A 2021 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics backs up her contention that poetry helps youngsters at a stage in their life when so many appear to be going through turbulent and challenging emotions. It evaluated the e ects on a group of 44 hospitalised children, who were given poetry-writing kits, with paper, pens, markers, and writing prompts, along with poems to read, including Hope is the ing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson. e conclusion was that there was a reduction in fear, sadness, anger, worry and fatigue.
‘Often,’ says Kelly of students studying poetry, ‘it is less about the result, the actual poem, but there’s a value to the creative process. Being in the ow, in the moment, being attuned to feelings and enjoying the release and indeed exhilaration that can come in putting them down on the page.’
Harry Baker, poet, performer and 2012 World Poetry Slam Champion while still a student at university, is another who goes into schools to engage students with creativity that comes with poetry. e challenge, he says, is to break down prejudices among them about what poetry is and isn’t.
‘ e teenage boys are the most reluctant, I nd, but they also love rap, so I am able to share something by Dave [Mercury Prize and Brit Award winner in 2019] or Stormzy. ese are people who come from the world of Grime, but they also talk about vulnerability and real life. It is not all bravado.’
With the push in classrooms on STEM subjects, nding new ways to engage pupils with the arts and creativity, suggests Simon Piesse of Notting Hill and Ealing High School, should also be an integral part in any school’s culture. And poetry has an important role to play. ‘It crosses subjects, teaches key habits of mind, and promotes well-being when, post-Covid, many schools are grappling with the legacy of the disruption.’
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK; GETTY IMAGES
“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent...The school successfully meets its ambition to empower pupils to become independent thinkers and fearless learners.”
ISI Inspection Report 2022
Visit our website to nd out more: www.channing.co.uk
choirs, cricket and character – single-sex starter schools have so much to offer, finds SALLY JONES
‘When you’re educating all boys, the atmosphere is very di erent from a co-ed school,’ says Sarah Segrave, Headmistress of the highly successful all-boy prep school Eaton House e Manor in Clapham, which the TES recently shortlisted for its Prep School of the Year Award. Segrave adds: ‘Humour is the key. Boys don’t like to be nagged so we really encourage lots of fun and laughs, and they love the sense of camaraderie.’ Activity and exercise are central, too, she points out. ‘ ey go haring round Clapham Common for 40 minutes at lunchtime and come back covered in mud – half-boy half-labrador. en, when they get down to work there’s this great buzz and energy – and a real sense of purposefulness.’
Eaton House e Manor is one of a select group of sought-after all-boy preps that are bucking the trend towards mixed schools. Although non-selective on entry, almost half its pupils go on to seven top public schools, including Eton, Westminster, Dulwich and Winchester. So what are they and the other thriving boys’ preps doing so well?
Segrave insists courtesy and communication skills are as important as the intellectual curiosity her school instils. She shakes hands with all 223 boys, each morning and evening while the younger pupils still do their caps.
‘
ere’s a lovely blend of formal and informal,’ she says, ‘and a high standard of kindness and empathy. If someone’s done something really good they come in to see me for a “good show”. It can be doing well in a maths test, helping tidy up at lunch or being kind to another pupil. We rely on fabulous teachers, a really rigorous curriculum focusing on the humanities – History, Geography, Religion, Philosophy – and high expectations to get the most out of everyone.’
is is not a quiet school, she points out: ‘We ensure the kids’ voices are heard, encouraging them to debate and explore ideas out loud to develop their critical thinking skills and academic resilience.’
Variety and imaginative teaching methods seem to be common factors among the boys’ schools which are succeeding in a highly competitive sector.
e educational world may be moving away from single sex education, admits Ben Beardmore-Gray, Head of Moulsford Prep School in Oxfordshire. ‘Several schools around here have gone fully co-ed in the past few years,’ Beardmore-Gray says, yet adding, ‘Over the same period we’ve grown – and gone from strength to strength.
‘
I’m a rm believer that there’s still a market for all-boys prep education but the absolute key is to run a rst-class school.’
He explains: ‘We know what makes boys tick. We focus on variety and a practical education, so they’re not stuck in the classroom the whole time. We re-enact battles in our fantastic school grounds or do relay-style spelling tests outdoors: a boy runs from A to B, tags his partner and recites the spelling then the next guy goes.
‘ We have a large patio by the river tiled with perfect squares so sometimes in maths lessons, the boys will draw graphs with chalk on the squares. ey love doing something di erent, and it makes the lessons really memorable.’
Papplewick School near Ascot, renowned for its close-knit, quirky atmosphere and impressive academic credentials, is so popular that its current roll of 225 boys means ‘it’s bursting at the gunwales’. Its head, Tom Bunbury, believes that teaching boys is a distinctive skill and that even for those going on to co-ed senior schools, there are particular bene ts in an all-boy environment up to 13.
‘ In co-ed prep schools,’ says Bunbury, ‘the girls mostly sit together and the boys sit together. ey’re very di erent beasts; their interests aren’t shared and they develop at di erent ages.
‘At 11, many girls are quite mature and can sit and concentrate. e boys are still little boys and we gear our teaching to this: lots of
PHOTOS: MOULSFORD, EATON HOUSE, PAPPLEWICK SCHOOLCountry all-boy prep schools
AYSGARTH SCHOOL aysgarthschool.com
CALDICOTT PREPARATORY SCHOOL caldicott.com
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL cccs.org.uk
CUMNOR HOUSE BOYS cumnorhouse.com
LUDGROVE SCHOOL ludgrove.net
MOULSFORD PREP SCHOOL moulsford.com
NEW BEACON SCHOOL newbeacon.org.uk
PAPPLEWICK papplewick.org.uk
PARKSIDE SCHOOL parkside-school.co.uk
SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL sunningdaleschool.co.uk
THE BEACON thebeaconschool.co.uk
Playing outside at Papplewick School Science at Eaton House The Manormovement in the classroom and boys competing with others learning and maturing in the same way.’
He adds: ‘We’re very much an all-boys school but not in a macho way. ere are crazy things like our famous Snake Club, which grew from one snake and a handful of boys involved to about 20 animals, including bearded dragons. e little boys love it, as they do the rocket club and making dens – the sort of activities featured in e Dangerous Book for Boys.’
Bunbury laughs: ‘You could say we’re the Dangerous School for Boys!’ before saying, ‘Boys need bags of humour in their lives: banter’s become a dirty word but there’s lots of friendly banter in an all-boys school. ere’s plenty of sport but most stay really involved in the arts too: people ght to get into our four-part First Choir and the art here is extraordinary – both things which senior boys in mixed prep schools often drop out of, perhaps self-conscious about being judged by the girls.’
R ichard Berlie, Headmaster of St Anthony’s Prep School for Boys in Hampstead, agrees, insisting that in an increasingly pressurised world, it is vital that boys be allowed to develop at their own pace.
‘Getting the best out of boys requires careful nurturing and the chance to try new activities, develop skills and build con dence,’ Berlie says. ‘ e all-boy environment at St Anthony’s fosters a camaraderie of learning, in an atmosphere of kindness and respect, rather than brittle competitiveness. It also allows our pupils to sing and perform, dance, play with Lego, code or exercise without fear of embarrassment – they can be themselves.’
For Alex omas, Head of St Philip’s, an outstanding Catholic Prep School in South Kensington, this lack of self-consciousness is an important element. e current leavers are bound for most of the top schools, including Winchester, Tonbridge, Radley, Eton and St Paul’s but he is particularly proud that the school is ‘absolutely not a hothouse’.
‘ I see St Philip’s as lots of boys having a good laugh,’ omas insists. ‘ ey love nothing more than being gently teased. It’s a bit like having 100 puppies: they need to be well run and exercised – and they thrive on routine, a bit of discipline, encouragement and loads of fun.
‘ When I arrived in 2016, I opened the gardens, so rather than chatting in the classroom when they arrived at school, the boys would spend half-an-hour running around, playing games, then once they got into lessons they were ready to switch on and concentrate.’
He is enthusiastic about his charges. ‘I want the boys to have a ball. We work them really hard and they thrive on it but what they remember most are the conker competition and singing in Latin every Friday morning. e majority are Catholics but we have Muslim families who choose the school because of our clear values.’
Like most traditional all-boys preps, St Philip’s seems untrammelled by the wilder excesses of ‘woke’ and gender politics. omas is grateful that as a Catholic school they ‘can opt out of the odd sex education stu ’ and he encourages general tolerance of di erence and diversity by explaining that not everyone is the same and that God loves everyone as individuals regardless of our choices.
‘ ere’s too much reach into people’s family life by government,’ he con des. ‘We should let boys be children as long as possible.’
High- ying Wetherby Prep in Central London sends numerous boys to Eton, Harrow and Winchester as well as all the top London day schools, but here too, personal qualities are as prized as academic achievement. Boys are nominated by their peers and teachers for the Kindness Cup, or to receive the coveted trophy as Citizen of the Week or Sportsman of the Week, the beaming winners featuring prominently in the school newsletter. It is an early lesson that character and integrity are crucial, and thoughtful youngsters with good people-skills are most likely to thrive in their future careers.
PHOTOS: ST ANTHONY ‘S BOYS, ST PHILIP’S SCHOOLLondon all-boy prep schools
BROOMWOOD PREP, BOYS northwoodschools.com
DULWICH COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL dulwich.org.uk
DULWICH PREP dulwichpreplondon.org
EATON HOUSE, BELGRAVIA eatonhouseschools.com
EATON HOUSE, THE MANOR eatonhouseschools.com
ELMHURST SCHOOL FOR BOYS elmhurstschool.net
KING’S HOUSE SCHOOL kingshouseschool.org
MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PREP SCHOOL mtpn.org.uk
SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL shrewsburyhouse.net
ST ANTHONY’S SCHOOL FOR BOYS stanthonysprep.org.uk
ST PHILIP’S SCHOOL stpschool.co.uk
WETHERBY PREPARATORY SCHOOL wetherbyprep.co.uk
Cricket celebrations at St Philip’s School Having fun outdoors at St Anthony’s BoysAt Dulwich Prep London, empathy and high standards of behaviour are central to the school’s positivity and sense of purpose. Around 40% of pupils go on to Dulwich College and several boys each year win places at other top schools including Eton and Tonbridge, whilst two of last year’s head boys are now at Winchester.
“We are an unashamedly all-boys school with a reputation for assuring excellence and with something for every type of boy whether he be scholarly, sporty, or artistic,” explains Head Master Louise Davidson. “Our music and drama provisions offer a wide variety of choice, and our extensive co-curricular offer allows boys to carve their own niche. Every year we fundraise for a range of charities, and recently our Year 8 boys slept out in the school grounds for the homeless charity Centrepoint raising over £6,500. We promote our eight values across the school, designed to develop character and empathy, and our academic and sporting excellence stems from this approach.”
Though small, close-knit and ultra-traditional, with only 110 boys, family-owned and run Sunningdale School, alma mater of Prince Michael of Kent, is famous as a feeder for Eton, Winchester and Harrow.
“The boys lap up our 25 acres in leafy Berkshire,” smiles Admissions Registrar, Susannah Knight. “We are a full boarding school with a well-balanced mix of boys from the UK and all over the world. Most of our boys go onto the major boarding schools so this really helps build resilience. The senior schools say they see a big difference between those who’ve boarded for at least two years and those who haven’t.”
Looking round the top all-boys preps, especially the smaller boarding schools, the nurturing environment, camaraderie and fun are almost tangible. Even visiting parents initially suspicious of boarding often come away converts.
As one mother of a former Papplewick pupil admitted: ‘Beforehand, I’d hated the thought of Ben boarding but the moment he arrived, I knew it was perfect for him – in fact I almost wished that in my next existence, I could come back as a little boy and go there myself!’ High praise indeed. n
PHOTOS: DULWICH PREP SCHOOL, PAPPLEWICK Cycling at Dulwich Prep
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John Evans, Headmaster of Royal Russell Junior School, reflects on the value of Primary education on a learner’s long-term outcomes.
‘The continuing economic uncertainty is causing some families to ask themselves tough questions regarding independent education. There is a natural concern around public examinations which can dismiss how much difference a truly deep and broad primary education can have on future outcomes.
‘Over my 20 years in schools, the one element of education that has not changed is that everyone has a passion. Every child has something that hooks them into school life and, eventually, develops their love of learning for the
future. Truly great schools actively seek this moment for each child and the result is an affinity with personal development and growth that should last a lifetime. Missing this opportunity in the formative years means that the ‘sell’ of rigorous academic performance in teenage years may be even more challenging.
‘The early years of child development are crucial. Not only in terms of character and personality, but physiologically. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to modify its connections and function in response to its environment, a process fundamental in learning. Young children demonstrate greater neuroplasticity than adults and capitalising on this stage of development is too good an opportunity to miss. A rich and vibrant learning environment with an explicit focus on Early Years and
Primary development will pay dividends in the future.
‘In a world of stickers, grades and reports, the importance of intrinsic motivation and the development of self-efficacy can be missed. Honing an environment where children foster their sense of self-worth and belief in their own abilities is vital. This is so powerful that a child’s perceived self-efficacy can be more important in determining their career and socioeconomic outcomes than the beliefs of their parents or even their own actual academic achievement (Bandura et al: Self-Efficacy Beliefs as Shapers of Children’s Aspirations and Career Trajectories). In short, building self–belief must start from an early age.
‘As senior schools, universities and employers continually move the goal posts for what they look for in prospective students or employees, a successful Early Years and Primary education focusing on breadth, depth and childcentered development is a necessity.’
FIND OUT MORE: Royal Russell School is different by design. It provides boys and girls aged 3–18 with an outstanding range of exciting learning opportunities in a day and boarding environment. You are invited to its Open Day on Saturday 23 Sept, from 8.30am to 1pm (final tours at 12pm). For more information, email admissions@royalrussell.co.uk
This August, 14 girls aged 14 to 16 gathered on retreat at 42 Acres, a 200 acre farm in Somerset where beavers are naturally re-landscaping the woods; tree stumps like sharpened pencils stand sentinel in muddy wetlands alive with birds and insects. A mist hangs over a silken lake ethereal in the early morning sun. It’s not likely but perfectly possible, that if they stand still, they might hear a shy scuttle of a wild boar. Like his neighbour Ben Goldsmith, Seth Tabatznik has created a haven of wilderness with a beautiful retreat space for those looking for respite from an increasingly hectic and sick world. It was just the place for Natasha Richardson, 34, a life coach to launch her rst teenage retreat Rewire, ‘to give girls the space to explore who they are and where they are going without feeling judged’ ‘ ey are young, but we are getting so many more requests for retreats for young adults and teenagers,’ says Victoria Fuller, founder of e Global Retreat Company, which is supporting Richardson; to ensure wraparound care Richardson has invited Pippa Richardson, founder of the Girlness Project and a somatic therapist to work with her over the two and a half days. ‘ e girls had to sign up for handing in their phones at the beginning of the retreat. ey didn’t get them back until the end but the emphasis was on keeping it light and fun with forest-bathing, breathwork and yoga, camp re chats and being outside.’
e weekend clashed with a popular Cornwall festival but, says Fuller, that’s no bad thing. ‘My daughter doesn’t have any mental health di culties, but she is a slam dunk introvert and hates festivals. ey did talking group work, sharing how they felt, the pressure of social media but there was also
dancing, music and talks by a successful musician.’ e aim of the retreat was to head o future mental issues.
‘I am saddened and upset by the way teenagers are feeling,’ says Richardson, drawing on her experience of teaching well-being in schools. ‘Schools ask what do you excel in, not what do you love,’ she adds, pinpointing the catalyst of such anxiety as social media. ‘I have had so many talks, discussions and research groups with teenage groups, largely girls and there is this feeling that they don’t want to be online, but they don’t know how not to be.’
Her thoughts are echoed by a growing body of scienti c research suggesting that smart phones and social media have contributed to the anxiety epidemic more than previously acknowledged, and that while the pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the rise in levels of anxiety, the trend was there well beforehand. ‘Smart phones were used by the majority of Americans around 2012, and that’s the same time loneliness increases. at’s very suspicious,’ says psychologist Jean Twenge, who studies generational trends at San Diego State University, and this year bought out a book, Generations, encapsulating her research.
In 2017, by which time in the UK, 96 percent of all 16 -34 year olds owned a smartphone, she warned of a new trend of mental health deterioration among teens and young adults caused by phones and associated social media. Now she is being listened to. Studies asking critical questions about its impact on teenage depression support her theory. ‘ e picture is getting more and more consistent,’ said economist Alexey Makarin, an associate professor at MIT.
But girls like Alexandra (name-changed) didn’t need a Harvard professor to tell them what they already know. ‘ ere is so much pressure to be yourself,
Retreats run by experienced practitioners can help teenagers ward off social anxiety, says Annabel Heseltine
and also to be perfect, but to be yourself you have to make mistakes,’ explains the bright, vivacious 20-year-old girl who swapped her smart phone for a ‘brick’ while at a girls’ boarding school to protect herself from the media messages worrying her. Now she is at a Russell Group university but still wrestling with anxiety, feeling that the challenge of standing out in her peer group is overwhelming. ‘In my grandmother’s time, very few went to university, those that did went on into a career but now everyone goes to university, so it’s much more competitive. Yet we are still expected to be just as successful,’ she explains.
‘Kids get caught up in this bind, seeking an identity in a much more uid world, wondering what to do when they grow up,’ says Joshua Dickinson, a London-based trauma therapist with a background in addictions who treats patients aged 14–74 for mental health problems using EMDR through music and tapping. He urges parents to learn more about the neuroplasticity of the teenage brain and to stand back and let therapists support their children.
‘ ey are told at school you have got to think about your career, put your own life rst and do what you need to do. But then they are also told that they have to do what their parents and teachers tell them. at’s very confusing.’
Not all social media is bad. ‘A phone provides social connections, especially for those with quite niche interests who feel lonely,’ says Dickinson. ‘ at’s powerful. Kids report receiving support from other people on TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram; presenting their work online can be positive, rea rming creativity, self-expression and pride. So it’s a tool.’ But a tool which can easily sabotage what in earlier generations would have been the carefree days of young adulthood. ‘ ere is a fear, and it’s not just around climate anxiety although that’s in the mix too, of the unknown, what could happen to them, especially online because of the speed with which things happen.’
Dickinson is seeing a large increase in the diagnosis of anxiety-exacerbated conditions; eating disorders, gaming addiction, self-harm, irregular substance abuse, alcoholism, as well as added anxiety around sexual identity. In 2017, he opened Resurface, o ering sur ng retreats in Morocco, UK and USA treating trauma. ‘Learning to surf puts you in the ow channel, in the zone, where stress and trauma of daily life seem to dissolve,’ he says. Like Richardson, he feels that giving young adults an opportunity to retreat is a way of heading o escalating mental health problems. e good thing about trauma is that it can be treated, he says. e trick is to catch it as early as possible before anxiety becomes a way of life.
More information about e Global Retreat Company theglobalretreatcompany.com
Studying fashion and textiles is increasingly popular as schools cotton on to its enduring appeal, finds ALICE SMELLIE
Recollections may vary, but if memory serves correctly, sewing classes used to be rather dreary. A hapless student would spend weeks labouring with bloodied ngers over an apron or a peg bag that would never be used. How times have changed. Textiles is now considered a cool subject all the way through school to GCSE, A-level and beyond, coming with a range of practical and transferable techniques and a host of career possibilities. Sewing is very rmly back in style.
‘Everyone thinks of textiles as being a 1950s home economics choice for girls, but it’s a far broader subject than that,’ says Jemma Lacey, Head of Art and Design at Leweston School. Its Norfolk Art and Design centre has a designated sewing studio as well as 3D printing and laser cutting facilities. Fashion and Textile design is part of the curriculum for Years 7 to 9, and pupils may then choose to study Textiles at GCSE or A-level standard.
Of course, part of the subject is the practicality of understanding garments and how they’re made, as well as learning to look after clothes. To that end Leweston teaches hand-stitching and mending, providing skills that come in handy later in life.
It’s also very much perceived as a fun subject to study. ‘ ere’s huge joy in creating something,’ says Vicki Brandon, who teaches Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET) and Textiles at Cheltenham Ladies’
College, where the subject is woven into the fabric of school life and o ered as a subject from year 9 onwards.
‘ I currently have four classes and it’s increasingly popular,’ says Brandon. ‘In the spring term we do a sustainable fashion project where pupils convert a second hand man’s shirt into wearable fashion.’ e girls learn fabric manipulation, and they dart, pleat and tuck on a mannequin. ‘ is is hugely popular, as it’s just like fashion school.’
As an added challenge they aren’t allowed to waste any fabric. ‘It’s the sort of project given to undergraduates, and as you can imagine, outcomes are wildly di erent.’ At the end of the term the girls have an upcycled fashion show.
It’s fair to say that although there is a great deal of hard work, there is a certain amount of glamour. Many schools o ering textiles have some form of fashion show, and these frequently have as impressive sounding a FROW (front row) as any Fashion Week show.
Heath eld School’s most recent show had a theme of Primavera and stretched across two evenings. ‘We showcased KS3, GCSE and A-level work, and most of the school was involved,’ says Angela Farrugia, Head of Art and Design. ‘We think of the school as having a creative thread running through from start to nish, and from Year 7 we integrate textiles into the curriculum.’ e old girls very much came into their own in terms of support. ‘Before the show, Charlotte Stockdale, stylist
to the stars, and who has worked with publications from US Harper’s Bazaar to Dazed & Confused , gave a webinar talking through students’ out ts and accessories. Amber Le Bon, model and daughter of Yasmin and Simon Le Bon, helped the girls with their runway routines, giving insider hints and tips.’
A n arch of owers welcomed the guests - in tting with the Primavera theme - and the school hired an independent production company for lighting and music. A representative from Dior came and sat in the audience, along with parents and prospective parents, and liked the work so much that they inquired whether certain garments were for sale. Harrods did the goody bags. ‘It’s an e ort that involves the entire school and brings together our community,’ admits Farrugia. It’s also a cut above apron making!
Leweston also hosts an annual fashion show; over the years this has included such diverse items as tie-dye t-shirts, kimonos and top hats. ‘It’s a brilliant way of showcasing the vast amount of talent
in the school,’ says Jemma Lacey. Equally vital to the subject are the topics of sustainability, politics and human rights. ‘Our course has gone through a big change,’ says Louise Fellingham, Head of Fashion Design at Bedales.
e school has just rewritten their BAC (Bedales Assessed Course, which is accepted as a GCSE by all institutions) speci cation, and at A-level standard, they no longer have a written exam, but a practical A-level quali cation in design with a subheading of fashion and textiles. ‘I don’t feel I could teach the subject if we weren’t instilling the importance of sustainability. Pupils learn about ethical practices and recycling fabrics.’
Pupils are all interested in saving the planet, says Cheltenham’s Vicki Brandon. ‘We’ve just done a year 9 presentation looking at issues around sustainability and fast fashion. e girls wrote a policy pitch addressing the UK government about what needs changing in terms of reducing land ll reliance on fashion.’
She says that they’ve also explored growing fabric from mushrooms - certainly a sustainable option - and reinvigorating
PHOTOS: BEDALES; DOWNE HOUSE; LEWESTON; CHELTENHAM LADIES
ABOVE & CENTRE: Cheltenham Ladies showcasing their Upcycled Fashion Show designs
manufacturing in the UK. ‘I run an upcycling club two nights a week, and our annual fashion show included a highly popular ‘trashion’ category - making clothes from rubbish.
‘ ere was a dress made entirely from 3,200 co ee pods and another from Covid test kits.’
Fashion lessons build a wide range of skills, as well as teaching a huge amount of independence. ‘Textiles processes require an artistic air, thoughtful decision making and resilience o the back of thorough research,’ says Amy Majerski, Head of Textiles at Downe House. Her GCSE pupils are taught an extensive bank of skills such as drawing and mark making, the manipulation of textiles, weaving, knitting, printmaking, and construction.
e GCSE Art and Design
Textiles course focuses on natural forms and sketchbook pages, and explorative sampling and nal garments are utterly stunning, with each independent sketchbook showing how much dedication and creativity is required to produce a nal item.
Although it might appear that if you take textiles you want to work in fashion, this is by no means the case. In terms of the job market it’s an incredibly important and exible subject, says Farrugia. ‘Obviously textiles sits at the heart of many creative industries, but also involves dye manufacturers, software developers, statisticians, journalists, fabric construction for practical uses, such as in hospitals. e breadth of possibilities is extraordinary.’ It’s worth remembering that the UK textiles industry contributes almost £20 billion to the economy.
ere’s a broad spectrum of careers available, agrees Amy Majerski. ‘Textiles at A-level is quite
Thread connects these old girls to their schools
HEATHFIELD
Amber Le Bon, Model
Isabella Blow, Magazine editor
CHELTENHAM LADIES
Amanda Wakeley, Fashion designer
Katherine Hamnett, Fashion designer
Tamara Hill-Norton, Sweaty Betty founder
Bryony Thomasson, Textiles expert for West End and film designer
DOWNE HOUSE
Annette Worsley-Taylor, Fashion entrepreneur and the founder of London
Fashion Week
LEWESTON
Alice Wedge, Senior womenswear designer for Tommy Hilfiger, prior to which she worked for five years at Vivienne Westwood
BEDALES
Edie Ashley, Vivienne Westwood charitable foundation
Coco Conran, Womenswear designer
‘I don’t feel I could teach the subject if we weren’t instilling the importance of sustainability. Pupils learn about ethical practises and recycling fabrics’ABOVE: Coco Conran visiting Bedales
a vocational subject, and girls tend to want to take it further. Many now work as fashion designers, either for high-end brands or as independent entrepreneurs.’
For Charlotte Weaver, now a designer for H&M Divided, who was at Pennthorpe Preparatory School and then the College of Richard Collyer, this dream has come true, and her love of art and fashion started at school. ‘I had an amazing art teacher at Pennthorpe and he really nurtured my art, helping me realise I had a talent.’
At sixth form, she went on to study textiles. ‘Although the course was about fabric development, I was so interested in the subject that I bought a sewing machine and taught myself how to make my own clothes. e independence of the course meant that I could choose my own pathway. Now I have my dream job.’
And fashion success can start at any age. Nell Kittoe, who is in year 11 at King’s Ely Senior, was awarded rst place in the ‘Evening wear Teenage’ category of the 2023 Stitch Festival Dressmaking Competition with a jacket inspired by the oyster shells and seaweed she saw on a holiday to France.
‘Although everyone assumes that textiles is about an interest in fashion, we’ve had pupils enter marketing, buying, merchandising and interiors,’ points out Lacey. ‘ ere’s a Year 12 boy doing a Game of rones project because he wants to go into costume design, and he is working with leather and metal.’
Bedales agrees that it’s no longer a gendered subject. ‘We have a steady ow of boys doing textiles, and they don’t see it as being embarrassing in any way,’ says Fellingham. She also references the wellbeing link. ‘Sewing and creating is practical and also mindful. In addition, it gives students the opportunity to have ownership of a theme and communicate a message, whether that’s political or a personal story.’
Whether it’s a career designing for the catwalk or a lifetime love of crafting, clearly textiles is still part of the rich tapestry of school life.
Co-educational in Sixth Form
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A new enthusiasm for expeditions has emerged post-Lockdown – and the benefits are both physical and mental, says Thea Jourdan
Young people need wilderness and adventure in their lives to help them develop into well-rounded young adults. Not surprisingly, expeditions run by schools, charities and private companies continue to inspire thousands of children to develop their potential, connect to nature and test themselves morally and physically. Since the end of Covid lockdowns, many schools have restarted expeditions, many of them to the wilder places in the UK, and some further a eld.
And not a moment too soon, says Simon Young, head of outdoor education at Cranleigh School, a co-educational day and boarding school set in nearly 300 acres of leafy Surrey.
‘We are nally settling back to normal again after Covid, and apart from the experience and time having fun with friends, the main thing the pupils learn on expeditions is how to look after themselves,’ Young explains. ‘So much is done for them in their normal lives that it is really important for them to be placed in a managed situation when the mistakes they make have consequences.’
Like many independent schools, lots of Cranleigh’s expeditions are geared towards attaining the bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) awards. At any one time, about half a million young people are taking part in the awards in more than 130 countries and territories, not just all four countries in the UK.
As well as volunteering and becoming ‘active citizens’, to achieve an award, young people are encouraged to take part in expeditions, lasting two days and one night in the case of bronze, three days and two nights for the silver and a minimum of four days, and three nights with eight
hours planned activity each day, for the prestigious gold. An alternative to DoE is the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, o ers young people a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities with a military bent.
Each CCF is an educational partnership between an individual school and the Ministry of Defence. More than 500 senior schools all over the UK, including many private schools, take part.
In March this year, my son, Hugo, a Year 10 pupil at Cranleigh School, spent his rst CCF camp at Crowborough Cadet Training Camp where he enjoyed eating excellent Gurkha curry from the military chefs, while taking part in activities which included rst aid, night navigation, night movement and Close Target Reconnaissance.
Despite the managed risks, safety is right at the top of the agenda when it comes to expeditions for school-age children. Although mobile phones are usually not allowed, many children now get issued GPS trackers when they head o to the hills in small groups. Dr John Warren, the director of outdoor education at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, and O cer in Command of the Royal Marines detachment of the CCF, says that GPS trackers are issued as a matter of routine. ‘I think if we have the technology to track their progress, we should use it. It’s all about risk management.’
Preparation is also key as children start expeditions again. ‘ is year we introduced the bronze award for the rst time for Year 9 and all 182 children took part,’ says Dr Warren. ‘After a long hiatus there is de nitely an appetite for it. e bronze award is great and teaches them how to be self su cient and that it’s ne to get things wrong as long as
you retrace your steps and try again.’ Older children get a chance to take part in the school’s Endurance Challenge, a bracing 50-mile walk that needs to be covered in less than 24 hours. ‘ ey don’t always look forward to walking, camping and spending time away from their mobile phones but at the end of it, they almost always say when is the next one?’ says Dr Warren.
Some schools have a distinct advantage when it comes to o ering expeditions right on their doorstep. Rob Hoey, Head of Adventure at Canford School, explains: ‘We’re blessed to be based in south Dorset with Poole Harbour, the Purbecks and the New Forest, amazing heathland and the Jurassic Coast.’
e school is on the River Stour so there are plenty of opportunities for canoeing and rowing. ‘Slightly further a eld, we run camping trips in the Purbecks, use Bovington and Lulworth for CCF (Cadets) exercises, and are overhauling our watersports programme to make better use of our proximity to Poole Harbour and the interests of our pupils, many of whom sail, windsurf, paddleboard or swim.’
e school’s main DoE focus is the gold award in the sixth form and between 30 to 40 sign up for gold each
year, (around 25 percent of a year group). ‘While there are so many bene ts to a four-day gold walking expedition, we do encourage pupils to think outside the box and take advantage of the wider expedition options available,’ says Rob Hoey. ‘ is year we have a number doing a sailing expedition, and last summer an enterprising group did the Inverpolly Canoe Trail, an epic route through the wilderness of the Cairngorms, linking rivers and lakes in a truly wild and memorable journey.’
Another school to make the most of its location is Truro School. ‘Being in Cornwall, our children have a rare opportunity to experience their educational journey ‘in real life’, rather than through digital platforms,’ says Zoe Jobling, Truro School Deputy Head (Partnerships and Co-curricular). ‘We have access to some of the UK’s best natural environments, from beaches and geographical formations to moorland, mining, farming and other outdoor pursuits and industries.’
Truro School has an enviable reputation in the Ten Tors Event and pupils start preparing for the event in May in locations closer to home, including the South West Coastal Path, Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.
Two years on from Covid lockdowns, the demand for expeditions and outdoor adventure is higher than ever, despite rising costs and the cost of living crisis, says Zoe Jobling. ‘ e uptake of the school’s clubs, trips and experiences is strong and we have looked to increase our provision in certain o erings, like our bronze Duke of Edinburgh. is may be a consequence of the pandemic; a renewed vigour to live life to the fullest. Or perhaps it is a side-e ect of our time in lockdown, where we were so heavily reliant on our natural world as a source of exercise, relaxation and well-being.’
Canford has a large and thriving CCF of some 280 cadets, split across Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines detachments. Cadets can take part in the Ten Tors, when teams of six navigate their way across Dartmoor’s demanding terrain between 10 checkpoints. ‘With 2,400 young people taking part, and full support from the military who organise it, it is quite an occasion,’ says Hoey.
While many schools run expeditions themselves, dedicated private companies can provide packages that allow for complex schedules in di cult terrain. Go Adventure is a global company that organises adventure trips for young people including school pupils, army personnel and individuals. Its Hardangervidda & Heroes of Telemark Extended Tour in Norway includes spending a night in a snow hole, cross country skiing while learning avalanche awareness training. It’s a popular option for schools and has now been running for many years. Depending on numbers taking part, a trip like this can cost around £2,000 per person.
Local expeditions have the advantage of being much more a ordable and may not even involve extra cost at all. Active, which o ers adventure education trips for schools in the Cairngorms National Park, o ers ve-day, fournight residential stays for £329, not including VAT, which includes everything except travel to and from the centre.
Few schools are as well known for their outdoor activities and adventurous spirit as Sedbergh School in the Lake District. Nestled at the foot of the Howgill Fells, the co-educational boarding school is renowned
Canford School
CCF Parade and Inspection
Canford School CCF Cross Country Skiing in Norway
for creating champion sports stars and hardy adventurers. Typical outdoor activities on o er include caving, fell running, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and gill scrambling (a wetsuit-clad scramble up a steep river). e yearly 12-mile Wilson Run, which has been called the ‘longest and toughest school run’, is a rite of passage for sixth form pupils.
Gwyneth Parry, Director of Adventure Activities and DoE gold expeditions lead, says Sedbergh has ‘a very proud, lively tradition of expeditions’.
She says: ‘Our youngest pupils learn the skills required for safe travel and camping in wild country through weekly sessions culminating in a summer expedition where they walk out of the school gates into the hills, camp, and return a di erent way without the use of any form of transport other than their legs. Our older pupils are regularly given the opportunity to undertake expeditions to an exciting variety of locations: recently we have been to Ladakh, Madagascar and Bolivia.’
e school also has a thriving DoE Award Scheme, with a high uptake for both silver and gold. ‘We currently have 50 sixth formers undertaking the gold award. Our gold expeditions have taken place on foot, on horseback, on mountain-bikes, in canoes and under sail.’
She believes expeditions allow young people the freedom from the pressures of busy modern life to discover and express themselves. ‘It encourages them to work empathetically with others, to push themselves beyond what they believe to be their limits, to surprise themselves, and to feel the bene cial in uence of the natural world. Expeditions promote our community’s collective goals of Humility, Ambition, Resilience and Kindness; they are what we are all about!’
It’s a sentiment shared by Barry Dawe, head of outdoor pursuits at Blundell’s School, a co-educational boarding school in Devon, ‘Our outdoor expeditions are important to us as they develop our pupil’s resilience, teamwork, con dence and knowledge of the environment.’
Many expeditions take place nearby Dartmoor and Exmoor, where year 7 and 8 pupils undertake an overnight expedition, which is called ’ e Journey’. Pupils prepare for their bronze, silver and gold DoE
awards here, as well as Brecon and the Lake District, and they are run by the school’s own trained sta .
e School’s World Challenge Expedition, which takes place every two years, is a more formidable undertaking. Last year, pupils headed to Morocco where they divided their time between taking part in a community project on the edge of the Sahara Desert, helping to renovate the grounds of a local school in one of the poorest parts of Morocco, trekking though the Atlas Mountains and nally rest and recuperation in Marrakech.
All agree that pupils who go on expeditions while at school grow up to be adventurous independent adults with a broad view of life’s many opportunities. Simon Young, who has led trips to the Indian Himalayas, China, Greenland and the Atlas mountain of Morocco, says he takes ‘huge pride’ in seeing the pupils develop and become independent adventurers, leaving school, equipped with the necessary skills to go it alone. ‘I get a great thrill from random postcards and emails from former pupils telling me what they are up to and where they have been.’
Blundells School on their expedition to Morocco Sedburgh’s annual Wilson Run, with 200 sixth formers taking part
Arti cial intelligence is revolutionising education – and schools are evolving at lightning speed to keep up with the new technology. ChatGPT, which has gained a massive following since its launch late last year, is one of the leading chatbots which has made its way into the heart of the classroom, (when it’s not banned) causing consternation and excitement in equal measure. Put simply, this chatbot, which works like supercharged predictive text putting words in order based on statistical probability, can write CVs, solve science and maths problems, and produce a working computer code. It’s also churning out readable essays in seconds, which has led to concerns that unsupervised homework assignments will become a thing of the past. Recent research conducted by BCS, the chartered institute for IT, found that 62 percent of professionals believe that chatbots like ChatGPT will make it harder to mark students’ work fairly.
While ChatGPT is restricted to language, dozens of other AI apps can produce videos, sounds and images. All you have to do is ask a question or provide a prompt.
But is AI a threat or an opportunity to educators and their students? Certainly, there is no going back. AI has already dramatically altered the way we work, shop and play. Voice recognition, online searches, ‘smart’ home devices – all have their roots in AI. Yet it’s still concerning when Elon Musk, who co-founded Open AI, the research lab responsible for ChatGPT, and others recently called for a moratorium for AI labs to observe for at least six months as they race to produce ever more powerful AI engines.
Musk thinks that the capabilities and dangers of the technology can be properly studied and mitigated. e UK’s Department of Education recently published its own statement on the issue which was broadly welcoming. ‘When used appropriately, technology (including generative AI), has the potential to reduce workload across the education sector, and free up teachers’ time, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent teaching. Schools, colleges and universities, as
well as awarding organisations, need to continue to take reasonable steps where applicable to prevent malpractice, including malpractice involving use of generative AI and other emerging technologies.’
So how are schools nding a happy medium? At Institut auf dem Rosenberg, an international boarding school located in St Gallen in Switzerland, students as young as eight are being encouraged to use AI as a tool in the classroom both as a learning aid and to enlarge their viewpoint. ‘Instead of fearing this powerful technology, we should embrace it and teach students how to harness it responsibly,’ says Anita Gademann, the school’s director and head of innovation. ‘AI presents enormous opportunities as a tool of democratisation and progress for mankind.’
Gademann adds: ‘ e important thing is not to fear using AI and we need to believe in human agency. We have created AI and now we have to govern it. Are we going to help shape this or remain on the outside?’ Prior to its launch to the general public, Gademann was part of the early access programme of Open AI’s DALL·E AI Artist and GPT-3. Since then, teachers, known as ‘artisans’ at Rosenberg, have already spent hours testing and exploring AI’s ability to answer student assignments and exam questions across all subject areas.
Rosenberg students are also taught the shortcomings of AI tools which can produce unreliable information. In recent history classes for example, students were asked to use the AI app DALL-E AI Artist to create images of medieval life, and then critique the images looking at elements of the computer-generated images that were historically inaccurate. ‘It really helped them to look more deeply at medieval life in an interesting way,’ says Gademann.
ChatGPT is easy to use but is a creative writing tool, she says, and is not particularly reliable when it comes to data and sources. ‘We judge AI tools with an expectation that they can do anything but di erent AI tools have di erent skills. ere’s also this caveat that students need to know which AI tools to reach for.’
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, professor of ethics in the Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, is rmly on the side of opportunitywith caveats. Speaking recently on a BBC Radio 4 documentary By ChatGPT, he said: ‘One of the guiding ethical principles I always use: a thing should say what it is and be what it says. We will de nitely need to regulate the use in exam conditions or in formal assessment conditions but in other areas we can see these tools as enhancing or enriching a learning experience.’
Dr Matt Glanville, Head of Assessment Principles and Practice at the IB, released a statement saying that the board would allow the use of AI, as long as software was credited. ‘ e IB believes that arti cial intelligence (AI) technology will become part of our everyday lives, says Glanville, ‘like spell checkers, translation software and calculators. We, therefore, need to adapt and transform our educational programmes and assessment practices so that students can use these new AI tools ethically and e ectively. e IB is not going to ban the use of such software but will work with schools to help them support their students on how to use these tools ethically in line with our principles of academic integrity.’
Just in case, Google and others have already developed software that can detect AI output, including essays, but the race to outwit the arbitrators has also begun. Instagram is full of videos instructing students on how they can use other AI apps, including Quillbot, to rephrase their ChatGPT o erings so that they avoid detection.
At Haileybury, sta believe - if embraced e ectively and responsibly – AI can bolster independent thought and critical thinking. ‘We continually assess our curriculum to ensure it equips pupils to thrive in the modern world,’ says Stephen Campbell, Deputy Head (Academic) at Haileybury.
‘Currently, we o er a bespoke AI course in Year 9 to engage pupils in Computer Science, educate them on the ethical debate concerning AI and help them develop analytical skills. Our sixth form also studies the International Baccalaureate where ChatGPT can be used to support essay writing.’
Jonnie Noakes, Director of Teaching and Learning at Eton College in Windsor, says that the school aims to teach the boys how to use AI responsibly,
but the technology may lead to some unwanted outcomes. ‘On the down side it has the potential to ‘steal the struggle’ from students,’ Nokes says. ‘It also exerts a gravitational pull towards academic mediocrity. ere is potential for biases and misinformation deriving from bias in the dataset on which it has been trained. But these problems can be turned to bene ts by having pupils identify bias and by fact-checking information, which are central elements of critical thinking (and increasingly relevant in a world of deep fake videos, misinformation bots and so on). Also on the up side, legitimate uses of ChatGPT by pupils include research, brainstorming, and providing a new perspective on a topic.’
Teachers could bene t from AI tools in the classroom too, not least from new AI marking tools. For example, at Eton, IGCSE boys have been trialling a new AI platform called Progressay, which claims that it can mark English Literature essays more accurately than examiners. Noakes, who is also an English teacher, says he was initially sceptical. ‘So much of the study of literature is about an understanding of human experience, an appreciation of beauty, an awareness of the nuance of language, and an imaginative grasp of irony and metaphor. AI aims to simulate human responses, but it cannot be moved by poetry. What use could it be for marking English Literature essays?’
Yet the boys tested Progessay, using their own essays on Othello, alongside traditional human marking, and found that it did a ‘good job’. Noakes explains: ‘ e marks awarded by the platform across all the essays were on average within 1½ marks (out of 25) of my marks. It turns out that this is closer than between two experienced examiners.’
At Caterham School in Surrey, the teachers are already using AI to mark work and carve out more time for lesson planning. ‘AI enables teachers to spend their time making meaningful interventions,’ explains Headmaster Ceri Jones. ‘AI can also help with providing feedback on basic issues such as grammar, factual inaccuracies etc – enabling teachers to focus on issues of understanding and cognition.’ He says ‘Using AI to give feedback and guidance and ideas to pupils however, is a very easy and powerful opportunity for teachers right now. It will always be important for teachers to physically
mark some pupil work so that they understand of what they are capable of.’
At Caterham, teachers have used AI to create bespoke extension or support materials for individualised learning, to brainstorm schemes of work spanning and linking multiple curriculum areas and to create resources and sca olds to assist pupils in their learning, says Jones.
At Merchant Taylors’ School, in London, boys in Year 9 are going a step further and building their own AI chatbots. Laura Smith, Director of Teaching and Learning, explains: ‘AI is used by boys in Year 9 to create simple chat bots, which introduce the idea of how AI can take on tasks.’
Graham Macleod, Head of Academic Computing at Merchant Taylors’ School, says that the new AI revolution feels like the ‘pocket calculator moment for the humanities.’ He is impressed by how AI is revolutionising coding. ‘
ere have been signi cant AI-driven advances in the tools that the pupils use. e obvious example of this is the programming editor (Visual Studio) that we use for coding. e 2022 version which came out last year was a step change, o ering sensible and helpful suggestions about how to code. It was so impressive that we rushed out its installation ahead of last year’s exams, because it gave the pupils a signi cant advantage.’
Oliver Peck, the Director of Studies at e Leys School in Cambridge agrees that AI is an opportunity not to be missed: ‘With technological advancement, for as long as there has been compulsory schooling, there have been new and unimaginable career pathways for each generation. e advent of AI will be no di erent than the arrival of the printing press or factory line in that new jobs and careers will be created.’
Peck adds: ‘Our job, as educators, is to prepare pupils for this changing landscape by teaching them how to learn the new knowledge and skills which will be required of them and supporting them in being resilient enough to develop the aptitudes required in such an environment.’
e immersive metaverse, as envisaged by Mark Zuckerberg among others, is also likely to become a reality in the years to come. Minerva’s Virtual Academy is an online independent school for home-schooled students aged 11-18, delivering learning online. ‘We are a new vision for education in the 21st century, combining the best of independent schooling with homeschooling and delivering it all online,’ says Headmaster Lawrence Tubb. Students learn
at their own pace through a mixture of live group lessons and online modules, all with the support and care of a personal mentor.
Deputy Head Academic, Jack Child, adds ‘Our students don’t learn in the metaverse - but we are exploring how this might bring classes closer together across countries. It will also allow us to plan and create very interactive lessons where we can immerse our students in di erent environments; this will serve to enrich their learning.’
Tom Rogerson, Headmaster at Cottesmore Prep School, believes the future lies in augmented reality. ‘Virtual reality – sorry to say, virtual reality enthusiasts – is a bit rubbish, because all it is is like watching a screen without the sides.
‘Augmented reality, though – the real awesome holograms, realistic holograms, augmented reality – that is, I think, where it’s going to get super, super exciting, because you can be outside, you can have the sun on your face, you can be doing stu , you can be in the Battle of Hastings on the cricket pitch.’
AI is ‘ubiquitous’ at Cottesmore where the school has bought into many platforms including Century Tech, GL Assessment, Languagenut, Atom Learning, EducationCity, Planet BOFA and Mangahigh. ‘Many of these applications use adaptive testing which adjusts to the characteristics of the user, varying the contents’ di culty in reaction to responses. e applications also create learning maps to highlight areas on which the pupil needs to work,’ says Rogerson.
As for virtual reality classrooms, Anita Gademann, says ‘bring it on’ –but emphasises excellent teachers will always have the pre-eminent place in education, con rming ‘Our artisan teachers are our unique selling point.’ And real-world experiences are hard to beat. Pupils at Rosenberg have their own 3D-printed Space Habitat, designed by them in collaboration with SAGA Space Architects, which allows them to feel what it’s like to be an astronaut on a mission - minus the zero gravity. e space-optimised structure consists of lab research and workshop facilities, areas for recreation and entertainment as well as for privacy and rest.
When you have real-life classroom assets like this, Gademann points out, a virtual tour wearing a headset just doesn’t quite measure up.
It ’s fair to say that the future of the workplace is becoming ever harder to predict. Rapid developments in AI will render some jobs obsolete and others, not currently within our contemplation, will exist. What is certain, is that the next generation will need to be adaptable, responsive, resilient and globally minded, armed with a set of skills to enable them to thrive in a fast-changing world. An entrepreneurial way of thinking will bene t them even if they have no desire to emerge as the next Dragons’ Den success story. Philip Salter, founder of e Entrepreneurs Network, wrote in Forbes last year about the UK’s top entrepreneurs calling on the government to prioritise entrepreneurship education, to embed it in the curriculum rather than teach it as a separate subject. Some schools are increasingly active in this area and see this as a way of future-proo ng their pupils.
For example, Sherborne Girls runs a speci c Entrepreneurship in
Education Programme, showcased in an inspiring video on their website. Emma Wimhurst, their Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator and A-level business teacher, is a dynamic role model for the pupils. She grew a cosmetics business with a multi-million pound turnover from her kitchen table, wrote Boom, a book about business, and appeared on the BBC show Beat the Boss, before she decided to take what she had learned into the education sector.
‘I wanted to make a genuine di erence to young people,’ Wimhurst says. As a result, Sherborne runs its entrepreneurship programme throughout the school and it is not con ned to sixth formers, as in many places.
Wimhurst emphasises that you don’t need to have running a business as your aim to derive all the bene ts from the skills learned in entrepreneurship. ‘Having a clear vision, being able to communicate well, being part of a team and creative problem solving. Most rms are looking for employees that have all the skills of an entrepreneur.’ It’s never too early to learn either;
years seven and eight enjoy an entrepreneurship day where a company comes into school and pupils participate in a real-world business problem. ‘ ey work in teams, but not in a team they would naturally choose,’ says Wimhurst, a re ection of life in the workplace. ‘ ey nd creative solutions to the problem and then present together as a team and those are skills that I think are crucial to success in life,’ she adds. Director of Development, Katherine Massey explains that one of the recent activities was the NatWest ‘Go Green’ Challenge where pupils were asked to come up with a product or service to help NatWest customers ‘Go Green’ by saving energy or reducing their carbon footprint. e winners came up with ‘Co ee Print,’ a paper manufactured from co ee grounds by solar-powered machines, reducing dependence on trees, co ee waste and carbon footprint.
Wimhurst also introduced a six-week entrepreneurship programme for year nine which took the form of a ‘Co ee Shop Challenge’ last year. It involved teams creating a new co ee shop concept which saw them going into the local community conducting market research, identifying their target market and then presenting their new co ee shop idea to a panel of external judges. Crucially, pupils were able to draw upon the expertise of sta across the curriculum to help them with their ideas in areas such as computer science, food, art and design.
Massey refers to the 2019 ‘Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship,’ commissioned by the Treasury, identifying female
entrepreneurship as one of the greatest opportunities for economic growth in the 21st century with an aim of increasing their number by an additional 600,000 by 2030 through a range of education initiatives and nancial support. ‘We need to equip girls with the skills to be con dent, risk takers and bold enough to put their ideas into action,’ adds Wimhurst. ‘You have to be adaptable to change because most sectors are very dynamic now and you need more than ever to be able to step into those di erent roles quite uidly.’
Pupils are exposed to entrepreneurs as a result of a year-round programme of visiting speakers. Many are alumni of Sherborne Girls, the shared experience of the school serving to inspire pupils. A link up with Sherborne School through a recent Joint Schools’ Leadership Conference featured a heavy emphasis on entrepreneurship. Massey highlights that the skills vital to entrepreneurship are actively reinforced by sta in every sphere of school life, ‘whether it’s performing in our Recital Hall, playing hockey on the astro or out on exercise with our Joint Schools CCF or up a mountain on a DofE challenge.’
But Sherborne is not an outlier. In March this year, Fettes College appointed Michael Alton as founding Head of Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET) who took up the position in August. He worked brie y as a Design Engineer before moving into teaching and so brings direct experience of the industry with him. Fettes sees this as a signi cant appointment focusing on an area that will provide pupils with the skills they will require in life in order to succeed. Jonathan Marchant, Deputy Head (Academic) states that this will equip pupils to thrive in an ever-changing and technical labour market and Head of Fettes, Helen Harrison, notes that this is an exciting development embedding a new subject into the curriculum which is future-focused.
At St Mary’s Calne, Head of Economics Mark Cleaver runs the Young Enterprise Company programme which has become a rite of passage for girls in the lower sixth. ‘It’s an extra-curricular opportunity in which a team of pupils set up and run a real business over the course of one academic year,’ he says. ‘ e company elects a board of directors and raises share capital before designing, producing and marketing a product of their choice. At the end of the year, they present a report of their accounts to their shareholders and enter a competition against companies from other schools.’ Past initiatives have included an educational treasure hunt game for young children, an
Through entrepreneurship programmes pupils learn how to present and pitch productsinteractive cookbook to bring parents and children together over food and a book and podcast series to raise awareness of the issues young people face. In 2017, they competed at the national nals and pro ts earned from their business ventures have often been donated to charities chosen by the girls.
Cleaver highlights the bene ts a pupil gains from the scheme: ‘First, she learns many practicalities from the business world from designing a product to conducting market research and recording nancial transactions. Second, she develops many enterprise skills including team-work, creativity and problem-solving. Finally, the shared experience of working with friends to create a product that they really believe in can be a truly amazing journey and a real highlight of their time at school.’
Many entrepreneurs feature among the guest speakers of St. Mary’s careers programme such as the ‘Inspiring Futures’ conference held this year. Recent speakers have included Camilla Byk (an alumna), founder of podcast platform, ‘Podium.me,’ who was also awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s 2022 birthday honours, and Celia Pool, co-founder of DAME, a sustainable period product company who received an award from Innovate UK who support leading female entrepreneurs and address the under-representation of women in innovation. One of the students who attended the conference and hosted the entrepreneurs commented that, ‘they talked about the importance of making mistakes and bouncing back from failure which is a key message that I found useful and inspirational.’ It’s this entrepreneurial mindset that is taken on board even if pupils don’t end becoming an entrepreneur in their chosen career path.
However, Emma Wimhurst picks up on the practical application of these skills as well as a mindset. ‘I defy anybody to give me a career that doesn’t need some sort of business acumen to be successful even if you are
a creative person. Part of our ethos is that we recognise that these skills are crucial for success, and it’s integrated across the curriculum. ey need soft skills as well because they are no less vital.’
e entrepreneurial mindset is what could set individuals apart in the future workplace where academic quali cations are a given, she notes. ‘Your unique selling point is going to come down to how you interact with people, what your work ethic is, how you communicate, whether you are prepared to go that extra mile and whether you are prepared to be constantly learning. Find your passion and exploit it. at is going to be what makes you di erent.’
In a world of ever-diverging career paths and portfolio careers, schools are wise to embed entrepreneurial skills into their curriculums and to hone in on them, rather than featuring them as an interesting and diverting aside. Whilst the business world itself can be risky, equipping pupils with these skills means there is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
Joint Schools Leadership Conference with Sherborne School Teamwork is a crucial aspect of any businessprogra e
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To find out more go to www.charterhouseonline.co.uk or email admissions@charterhouseonline.co.uk
With four London locations, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres offers children access to an extraordinary education which looks to the wider world but is conveniently close to home
Basing its curricula on scientific observation, tailored pedagogy and the diversity of its community, the Lycée includes a broad range of languages in its educational offer. Pupils end up bilingual in French and English, and proficient in at least one of the following: Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian; they can also combine these with Ancient Greek or Latin. This year, a cohort of students is preparing a new qualification, called the International French Baccalaureate, with a tweak: they do so in a trilingual curriculum, which includes German.
Naturally, many pupils attending have at least dual citizenship. Though most of them have a connection to France or the French language, it is notable that many European or international families choose the Lycée for their children. With over forty nationalities in its community and a natural connection with more than 500 French schools around 138 countries in the unique worldwide network of the Agency for French Education Abroad, the Lycée attracts families on the go. Their children can seamlessly attend school and follow the same curriculum whilst moving from one country to another.
Whether during their primary and secondary school years or considering their further studies and employment prospects, the Lycée’s pupils find a world of opportunities. The best higher education institutions worldwide welcome its alumni after their baccalaureate or their A-Levels – for those attending the British Section from Year 10. Fostering citizens of the world and nurturing their curiosity, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle offers excellence in international education since 1915.
Find Out More: All our sites hold open day events in November. Make sure to follow our website and social media to book early. For admissions, email: inscription@lyceefrancais.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 7584 6322 For general information and news, check lyceefrancais.org.uk.
Students are passionate about the environment, says EMMA REED - and they are driving school initiatives with real impact
Environmental issues can seem overwhelming in scale for all of us but they have a particular impact on teenagers: a study in e Lancet published in 2021 following a survey of 10,000 young people across 10 countries reported: ‘Climate anxiety and dissatisfaction with government responses are widespread in children and young people in countries across the world and impact their daily functioning.’
But today’s students are far from placid or powerless. As the policy makers of tomorrow and, with this in mind, they are also the ones driving awareness and change, especially within schools.
Stowe has had an active environmental group for a considerable time, initially looking at the environment within the school itself and its grounds in areas such as recycling and partnering with the National Trust. In recent years, this has greatly expanded. Tori Roddy, Group Director of Marketing and Admissions, explains that three years ago, a group of Sixth Formers passionate about environmental issues set up a Climate Action Group via the Geography Society. ‘ ey’ve lobbied the executive team here to set a target for carbon net zero and they wanted to give opportunities for children from state schools to be involved in learning about climate.’ is resulted in a huge conference with state schools from across the country joining in. Roddy explains how they secured a donor to support it who was able to bring in John Sauven, previously executive director of Greenpeace, and TV presenter Michaela Strachan.
e group have also been instrumental in arranging for Luke Jerram’s artwork Gaia, a replica of Earth, measuring seven metres in diameter, to be displayed in one of the state rooms at Stowe during the Autumn term where it can be viewed by other schools and members of the public, serving to open up dialogue around habitat and climate change. ey have also run climate action days with 100 pupils applying to be climate ambassadors for the day. ‘ ey feel like they have agency,’ notes Roddy. ‘It’s the job of schools to make sure they feel they can go out and think of solutions. It’s incredible what they can use their platform to do.’
Fast fashion is an issue that is often highlighted by pupils. At St. Catherine’s, Bramley, Eco Prefect Lottie arranged a clothing sale to raise awareness of the negative impact of fast fashion. e event, ‘Don’t row It Out – row It On!’ involved sta modelling clothes to promote it. ‘I’m quite passionate about second hand clothing,’ says Lottie, ‘and I wanted to do something to raise awareness about how fast fashion is a really big problem. We had people bring in donations and raised just under £400.’ At St. Edward’s Oxford, Sixth Formers Edie DouglasPennant and Alice Kenelm put on a sustainable fashion show in March. Eco Society Secretary, Venetia Hamilton explains that the clothes were provided by Oxfam; ‘We were inspired to make creative fashion choices that also reduce our carbon footprint.’
Charlotte Scho eld, a teacher at St. Edwards in charge of the school’s Eco Society mentions that Hamilton, along with the other Secretary of the Eco Society, Seb Wilcox, set up a group chat of interested pupils across all year groups where they established the areas they wanted to focus on. ese were, alongside fashion, the reduction in plastic pollution and the promotion of plant-based food. is led to a school assembly on sustainability in March with a focus on taking action in those areas.
Caroline Willis and Nabila Gordon teach maths at St. Catherine’s and are Eco Group sta leaders. ey emphasise how much is pupil-led, whether it’s with initiatives from the Green Kittens group in the prep, or the Green Cats in the senior school. ‘We believe that by giving our students a platform,’ they say, ‘where they can feel heard and empowered to suggest
changes and ways to improve the sustainability of our school and our local area, we are also giving them the self-belief and con dence to know that when they are out in the workplace, they can also be heard; they can be changemakers. With 37% of UK rms now appointing Chief Sustainability O cers, for a young person who feels passionate about environmental issues, a new potential career path has emerged.’ Pupils have been involved in the nationwide ‘Guardians of Grub’ initiative to reduce food waste and the school is also a member of the UK Sustainability for Schools Network where the older pupils exchange ideas with other local students.
Speaking to Eco Prefects Lottie and Emily, it’s evident how seriously they take their roles and the satisfaction they gain from being able to actively do something rather than just reading about it. Lottie has been involved in producing newsletters for the school on such topics as the Willow Project and the UN High Seas Treaty, learning much in the process and being able to raise awareness more widely.
Some pupils are achieving signi cant recognition for their eco e orts. At University College School (UCS), Hampstead, Sixth Former Anna and Year 10 pupil Stefan were recognised as Eco Champions for their engagement with environmental issues at the Camden Eco Champions Awards. Anna has led their Green Impact campaigning group and helped organise the school’s inaugural Sustainability Open Evening last year, and Stefan has been heavily involved in air pollution monitoring having built a portable air monitor using his coding and problem-solving skills. Year 10 pupil Alexander has designed reusable co ee cups which are sold at breaktime to raise money for Parley, a charity that cleans up ocean plastics. UCS is now also moving over to a 100% renewable energy provider thanks to Sixth Formers’ research into companies o ering this and presenting their ndings to the school’s Head of Estates.
Engagement from pupils ranges from the small but e ective initiatives to those on a grander scale. At Liberty Woodland School in South-West London, pupils hosted ‘Save our Futures,’ a London-wide community festival in April 2022 including speakers from COP26. Environmentalism is taught as a core skill by a specialist teacher and there is an active pupil-led Eco Committee that has been involved with reducing food waste and litter, recycling and improving the school’s pond. With a child-centred approach to learning, pupils feel fully involved. ‘We’ve had meetings to discuss our ideas,’ the committee says, ‘and then we have had an assembly where we were able to share our ideas with the whole school and all the teachers. We also have a newsletter so that parents know what we have been doing and our own board to add information for children and parents. We do feel listened to.’
At Gresham’s School, Norfolk, pupils forming the Eco Committee, ‘Team Eco,’ appreciate the value in starting at ground level. ‘We are making an e ort to reuse old materials, plant trees and create a biodiverse area,’ they say. ‘Although it may not have a large impact on the overall issue, we believe that everything we do will have a positive e ect. Every little bit counts! e sta at Gresham’s have been incredibly supportive of our project. We have frequent meetings with the Estates Department and greatly appreciate the help and advice we are given, as well as the support of the various teachers to make our plans come to fruition.’
It feels only right to leave the nal words to Year 10 pupil Daniel, one of those making changes now as a member of Gresham’s Team Eco and who could be one of those changing the future for the better: ‘I feel being involved in these groups is one of the rst steps people can make to help the environment,’ he says ‘I personally feel good about myself doing this as I know I’m making a di erence, whether it is big or small.’
PHOTOS: PEXELS‘They’ve lobbied the executive team here to set a target for carbon net zero and to give opportunities for other children to be involved learning about climate change’
Our experts offer advice on choosing the best school for an enthusiastic linguist,
by Eleanor DoughtyTHE PANEL:
Andrew Hunt
Head of languages, Whitgift School
Catherine Liaudet
Head of modern languages, Sevenoaks School
Sergei Drozdov
Head of modern foreign languages, Lancing College
Fabienne Collombon-Branson
Head of French, Queen’s Gate School 1
What is the most popular language for students and why?
Spanish is most favoured at Whitgift – there is a perception that it is easier than the other languages. But all of our languages are popular; in terms of the combination of languages studied, it is
2
What modern careers can linguists explore?
In today’s world, having a language under your belt is fantastic and will de nitely help you to open many doors. Possible careers include journalism, consultancy, marketing, the diplomatic services, teaching, interpretation and translation. One of our recent students did Russian at IB Standard Level before studying nance at university where he did a module in Russian. When he got a job he was told that he had got it because he had Russian skills.
Catherine Liaudet3
What is your favourite language to teach and why? German – though I am biased as I am a Germanist. English has many similarities with German which makes it easier to learn. It’s a logical language with patterns and rules – if you have learned your rule and if you remember the pattern you will get to your answer. It is a phonetic language which makes it easier to learn in comparison to French. Sergei Drozdov 4
How do you support children whose first language is not English, such as Ukrainian refugees? As a school we provide specialist support to those girls, and in French lessons, for example, they often do
really well. I’ve got a couple in year 7 and as everybody is a beginner, it’s not a big problem if they don’t speak so much English because of what I am teaching them. Any girl who is a native French speaker is taught separately from year 7 on a native speaker curriculum, and takes French IGCSE at the end of year 9.
Fabienne Collombon-BransonHow do you use technology in language labs? Technology does play a part, but is best used during independent work at home, to light the re and trick them into engaging more with the language. For GCSE, role-play students use a virtual reality headset and have conversations.
Andrew HuntShould all pupils learn a compulsory modern language until 16 or 18? I think languages should be compulsory in all schools until GCSE. At A-level, though, it should be a personal choice as to whether students would like to continue with a language. Sergei
Drozdov
Cyrillic, but once you know the letters you can read it and it’s not hard. In Mandarin there are characters, and to be able to read it you need to have learnt that speci c character. Fabienne
Collombon-Branson8
Mandarin or Russian – which is more useful and easier to pick up? Mandarin is a strategic choice and a useful language, fascinating too in terms of cultural enrichment. In terms of di culty, Mandarin is harder than Russian. In Russian, the alphabet is
7
What opportunities are there for study abroad? Plenty – we run many school trips, which we call study trips or cultural trips. We also organise traditional exchanges as we believe that they are the best way to get the students out of the classroom; the school we work closely with in Spain has just been named best school in the country. It’s so much more relevant when students experience the language in the country, it just makes everything click.
Catherine Liaudet9
Do you recommend studying languages at university?
Yes, frequently – it’s a fantastic degree! It has the bene t of being interesting and varied, and it’s a fantastic springboard for all sorts of careers. We have upwards of 20 boys a year who leave here to do languages at university. Andrew Hunt 10
Is there still a place for Latin or Greek? Yes, de nitely, and like any language, the earlier you start the better –both languages give you a great skill. We o er Latin to A-level, and though we do not have the demand for Greek on the timetable, we o er it o -timetable as a co-curricular activity. S
11
ergei DrozdovAre you able to offer unusual languages?
Because we are an IB school all students have to do a language all the way through and we o er French, Spanish,
German, Russian and Mandarin. We also o er Italian as an additional course in the sixth form which students nd attractive because they don’t do it in lower school, and other languages for those who speak it as a mother tongue – Dutch, Japanese and Hindi, for example – as Sevenoaks is a very international school.
Catherine Liaudet
How can you advance students with a natural aptitude? We have an ambitious programme of enrichment activities, all of which are very motivating for the girls, from exchange programmes with French schools to lm clubs for both sixth formers and those in years 7-9, and trips to the French Institute. We take part in debating competitions too – every year in February the Central London French Debating Competition is held at St Paul’s Girls’ school, and we take part whenever we have girls who want to do it. We also run a French Scrabble club which works very well.
Fabienne Collombon-BransonSome students will want to do two modern foreign languages at GCSE – it’s great that they love languages but we don’t want them to narrow down their curriculum too early. We want everyone to enjoy their language lessons and pick something that they will find valuable.
Catherine LiaudetParents are always keen for their children to do languages, knowing it’s an asset – it’s the girls who decide not to continue with them - as their parents really want their kids to speak one or two foreign languages.
Fabienne Collombon-BransonParents often ask whether a pupil can study a combination of two different languages, and we try to accommodate as many requests as possible. Any language is a great language to learn – I might be biased promoting German, but Russian is my first language.
Sergei DrozdovAt options evenings, I always say to boys that there are only two things adults regret from school – not learning a musical instrument, and not learning a language properly.
Andrew Hunt Co-educational Ages 2 to 18 Esher, Surrey
Autumn term open days are available to book now, scan the QR code or visit:
There’s more to a Hurst education than academic excellence. Here, self-expression is positively encouraged. Children are inspired to explore. Invaluable years in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life.
If you live near Winchester, you can send your sons to The Pilgrims’ School and daughters to St Swithun’s. Both schools offer top-quality education and an array of exciting extra-curricular activities
The Pilgrims’ School is an independent, day and boarding pre-prep and prep school, for boys aged 4-13, in central Winchester.
With an enviable academic reputation, Pilgrims’ promotes all-round excellence and boys regularly win academic, music, art and sport awards to top public schools. A boy who meets his potential, in whatever circumstances, at whatever age, is a happy boy.
As a double choir school, our Choristers sing with the Winchester Cathedral Choir and Quiristers with the Winchester College Chapel Choir, plus a multitude of ensembles, Pilgrims’ inspires an understanding and appreciation of music in every boy.
Pilgrims’ also offers a varied curriculum and an array of after school activities, including fencing, scuba diving and sailing.
In a fast changing and multicultural world, boarding at Pilgrims’ represents an opportunity for boys to learn about themselves and others, embracing diversity and cultural differences.
FIND OUT MORE: Arrange a visit at www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk
St Swithun’s School is a renowned independent boarding and day school for girls. Set in 45 acres of rural Hampshire countryside, the school is within easy walking distance of the city centre, yet only 55 minutes by train from London. They offer full and weekly boarding options for girls aged 11 – 18, while the prep school welcomes girls aged 4-11 with a co-educational pre-school.
St Swithun’s has a long-standing reputation for academic success which it combines with award winning pastoral care. Girls take up a wealth of activities and opportunities beyond the classroom. They have students who are part of the London Children’s Ballet, represent their country age groups in Football, Lacrosse and Waterpolo and one is a member of the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board.
When girls leave they are ready for the world: resilient, enquiring, optimistic and collaborative. They will stand on their own two feet and pull others up to stand alongside them.
FIND OUT MORE: Book an individual tour by visiting www.stswithuns.com
Jacky Lambert was educated in three countries – Korea, Belgium and the UK, where she attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College. After reading politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, she began work as an investment banker. In 2020, she founded the education charity, Tutor e Nation.
Did you enjoy school? My father was a diplomat; moving countries meant that I had to learn languages very quickly. If you do that from an early age you quickly adapt to it. I think I may be dyslexic but studying in di erent languages helped. How did you find education in the UK? I came to Cheltenham Ladies’ from a French convent in Belgium, where we had mass four times a week. Cheltenham Ladies’ was academically strong, but there was almost no pastoral care. It wasn’t somewhere which formed you – you went there, studied, and then left. Why did you choose to study PPE? I got into Oxford for medicine thinking I wanted to be a doctor, but I found dissecting dead bodies o -putting. I left for a year and then came back to read PPE. I wasn’t particularly good at anything and it allowed me to move into humanities-based subjects rather than science.
Did it have the reputation that it has now, as a course for politicians? No, that image has developed over the past 20 years or so, as many of those now holding great o ces of state did PPE. In my day it was considered a degree which gave you a certain amount of exibility.
O xford was very male-dominated in those days – did you mind that? I just felt lucky that I had a place – you could hardly see a man if you wanted, as you only saw them at lectures which were not compulsory, and in the library.
What career did you have in mind? I thought of becoming a journalist but was put o when I attended a UN debate and afterwards saw all the journalists rushing to the telephones. I realised that they were reporting what had happened – they couldn’t change anything. I thought, let’s see if nance can.
Did you have a good experience in the City? W hen I joined Manufacturers Hanover Merchant Bank, they initially put me on the Asian desk and when the men walked in they thought I was the receptionist and tried to give me their coats. I transferred to the French desk because I spoke French, and that was much better.
What sort of attitude do you need to work in that kind of environment? You have to be goal-driven because you don’t get any prizes for almost winning a deal. It is about having the right temperament, and knowing what you want in life. When did you have the idea for Tutor The Nation? In 2020, when the National Tutoring Programme was announced. I thought it was a great idea but that it would be una ordable. I decided to set up a charity where university students could volunteer to tutor state school pupils for free. In the rst year, our pilot scheme had 60 students, and we worked with Bolton Metropolitan Council. Last year we nished the academic year with 580 matched pairs.
What was your motivation in setting up Tutor The Nation? Part of it is being Korean – education is in my DNA. When Korea came out of Japanese occupation in 1945 it was one of the poorest countries in the world. Everything we have built has been with education, and in Korea if you do well, you can be anything. I wanted to bring something of that to the UK, and give back.
W hat is the future of Tutor The Nation? We are now in the process of building up corporate partnerships. We ask very little of them – we say that if one of our volunteers would like to come to their sector, can they consider their CV for employment. It’s a win-win for both sides.
Get involved:
Tutor the Nation is always looking for tutors; visit tutorthenation.org to register your interest. If you think your school would bene t from the work of a Tutor the Nation volunteer, get in touch at admin@tutorthenation.org
‘Everything we have has been built on education, and in Korea if you do well, you can be anything. I wanted to bring something of that to the UK, and give back’PHOTOS: JACKY LAMBERT
We have learnt that these challenges do not exist in isolation. As well as societal and cultural influences, there are often many components such as neurological differences, genetics and family dynamics, learning challenges and the personal experience of these growing up. As parents we find ourselves desperate for answers, understanding and, crucially, to be understood. Healing and recovery is multi-faceted and is often achieved as much through human compassion and insight as it is through medical and psychological intervention.
We all ask ourselves, ‘What is going on? Why are so many young people finding it so hard?’ At We Thrive we know that there aren’t always definitive answers or overnight solutions, but we also know from our own experience that so much guidance and help has come from other parents, and that the medium of lived experience is a hugely valuable source of help. We come together to share resources, insights and learning that have been helpful and also to be held and heard in a community that truly understands, often when we are at our most vulnerable as a parent, desperate to help our child.
If you are concerned about your child’s well-being and are feeling confused and searching for a way ahead, please do contact We Thrive at info@we-thrive.org.uk
‘Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion’
BELL HOOKS
We Thrive aims to support parents of children struggling with emotional, mental and behavioural challenges. It was set up by four families with children who have had their own difficulties. These can look like depressive and anxious states, aggression and anger, school refusal, isolation and withdrawal, self-harming, eating disorders and addiction.
horsey herd will get their fill of Thelwell capers at these equestrian friendly schools, says Anoop Bhuller
Child Okeford, Dorset
Riding is central to the girls’ lives at Hanford. e stables, in a grade II listed Elizabethan barn, are a hive of activity. ere are about 30 ponies at Hanford, some girls bring their own and others belong to the school or sta . In the summer term, Hanford’s famous ‘Early Morning Rides’ before breakfast are a privilege enjoyed by the older girls and create memories that last a lifetime. No doubt the tradition will continue under the new Head, Hilary Phillips, a keen horsewoman, who admits to being impressed by the stables, and joined this year, says, ‘Building a relationship with a pony helps with self-con dence and selfcontrol, builds patience and encourages problem solving skills.’
Denbigh, Wales
Two years ago, Myddleton launched its ‘Pony Stars’ programme in association with the British Horse Society. Pony Stars is not just about pony care and riding, the programme covers lots of practical topics such as the countryside, farm animals, kindness, leadership and conservation. Facilities are excellent with two 20 metres by 40 metres all-weather arenas and a ten-acre eld with easy access to a network of bridle paths in the surrounding Vale of Clwyd countryside. Many pupils have gone on to achieve awards and win competitions such as the year 6 pupil Georgia who won the 128cm Hickstead Royal International Quali er, at Aintree Pony Premier this year.
Monmouth, Wales
With a thriving group of keen riders, who compete regularly throughout the year, Haberdashers’ Monmouth is proud to match its academic success with equestrian triumphs. As members of the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) and of School Equestrian Games (SEG), it enters teams and individuals in competitions for eventing, show jumping, dressage, and one-day events, as well as participating in other local school events. Students take riding lessons with dedicated trainers at Triley Fields Equestrian Centre near Abergavenny. And ability doesn’t matter: lessons run from beginner to advanced, after school.
PHOTOS: MYDDELTON COLLEGE; QUEEM MARGARET’S
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex Show jumping dominates at Hurst, where there are close links with the world-famous All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, it has sponsored the National Schools Show Jumping Championships since 2009, as well as hosting an annual Invitational Schools Show Jumping Competition. But there are opportunities here for all pupils, whatever the discipline, from beginners up. Around 40 pupils represent the College in show jumping, dressage and eventing at local and national competitions.
Cranleigh, Surrey
Competition rules at Surrey’s Cranleigh School. Last year, the co-educational boarding and day school scooped three national titles; two national Silvers; three national Bronzes; six Surrey titles; numerous regional wins; and third place in the Services Challenge at Royal Windsor. Cranleigh riders are already competing at the highest levels, with sisters Annie and Kristy Vitek impressing on the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) circuit in Europe, riding for their national Czech Republic team; DB Marcus gaining GB selection for dressage and Year 10 and 12 pupils, Tara Moore and Issy Hollidge, representing the U18 South East team at the BE Youth Championships.
Escrick, York
Paddocks lled with horses adorn the driveway of Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York. e school, for girls aged 11-18, is set in 75 acres of Yorkshire parkland and the QM Riding School is well equipped for students to either learn on one of its horses or bring their own horse to school with them. Riding lessons are scheduled to t with academic timetables and pupils can learn the ropes when it comes to stable management. QM girls consistently succeed in the saddle; from a Year 10 girl who has just competed in the BE90 Badminton Grassroots Championships and the Head Girl who competed at Chatsworth International Horse Trials this year, to the sisters who represent Edinburgh Polo Club. A number of the school’s alumnae now compete at the highest level, with some representing Great Britain and winning European gold medals.
A Cranleigh School pupil in the saddle
Blandford Forum, Dorset
For parents seeking an education that encompasses both academics and quality co-curricular activities, Dorset’s Bryanston is ideal. Equestrian pursuits start young: at Bryanston Prep, children learn the standard disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. Plus, they have the chance to participate in mounted games, polo, and hack in the picturesque countryside. Senior school pupils are able to work with their own horses and can ride as their main sport; the school’s coaching team works alongside nationally and internationally renowned coaches and professionals. Facilities at the Equestrian Centre are excellent, with a newly refurbished outdoor arena, indoor school and two full sets of show jumps.
Atworth, Wiltshire
Stonar School in Wiltshire is home to one of the UK’s nest riding academies. Whether pupils are complete beginners, who want to ride for fun, or are already riding competitively, Stonar o ers an equestrian education for pupils looking to continue their riding development, and can support those studying for equestrian quali cations. Stonar is home to a worldclass, British Horse Society-approved equestrian centre, which sits right in the heart of the school, so pupils can easily access the stables throughout the day. With both indoor and outdoor arenas, an extensive hacking track, cross-country course and show jumping eld – all for exclusive use by Stonar’s pupils – the school also has stabling for 62 horses. is means pupils are able to bring their horse or pony to school with them if they’d like, or loan one of the school’s 30 horses. Riding ts seamlessly around the school timetable and enables pupils to still contribute to all areas of school life, both inside and outside of the classroom, without neglecting their academic work.
Pupils here can take part in an exciting and fun equestrian programme, which includes show jumping, polo, dressage, military riding, hacking out and riding lessons at all levels. Currently, Heath eld is the National Champion at schools’ polo, for which it hires polo ponies. Most pupils leave their horses and ponies at home, but several girls have kept horses at liveries locally. Equestrian alumna include GB Dressage riders Ellie McCarthy and Rose Hugh Smith.
PHOTOS: HEATHFIELD; BRYANSTON; STONAR Show jumping at Stonar School Lessons in the outdoor arena at Bryanston
WHERE WILL YOU GO IN YOURS?
Drawing inspiration from the premium leathers in our footwear the garments in this stunning capsule collection will be life-long partners as they gather their own unique ageing characteristics with wear and time. Expert tailoring married with lightweight quilting gives an elegant silhouette, and with styles suited to both country sports and urban getaways, will offer a lifetime of wear. These jackets and gilets will turn heads wherever you go.
A creative and technical masterpiece, Disney’s Frozen e Musical brings the beloved lm to the stage with incredible special e ects and a dozen new songs written especially for the theatre adaptation. Of course, all the hits from the original, including Let It Go, will have you singing along and tapping your feet. Until early 2024, frozenthemusical.co.uk
Net ix’s groundbreaking hit Stranger ings is also treading the boards later on this year. e theatre production sees characters Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado as teenagers living normal lives in Hawkins until Henry Creel arrives... From December 2023, thephoenixtheatre.co.uk
Don your high heels and get down to the incredible music of Tina Turner in a production that reveals how her incredible career began. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, who also brought us Mama Mia!Until 11 February 2024, tinathemusical.com/uk
DUNE: PART 2
ankfully, this November, we get to nd out what happens to Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s characters as they return to our screens in Dune Part 2. While Paul Atriedes seeks to take revenge on the people who destroyed his family, he will be faced with a terrible choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe. From 3 November 2023
When an ancient power is released in Atlantis, Aquaman is forced to create unexpected allies to protect their home and damage to the rest of the world. Black Manta will be returning, as well as Tom Curry and Atlanna. From 29 December 2023
TROLLS 3: TROLLS BAND TOGETHER
Starring Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, the hugely successful Trolls franchise continues. e third movie follows Branch as he reconnects with his long-lost brothers after one of them is unexpectedly kidnapped. From 17 November 2023
Sani Resort on Greece’s idyllic Kassandra peninsula is a family paradise. Its exceptional o ering includes free stays for children in its Porto Sani, Sani Beach and Sani Club residences; an unbeatable schedule of activities including the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, and the Chelsea FC football academy; and delicious, adventurous kids’ menus by children’s cooking guru Annabel Karmel. Set in 300 acres of verdant forest and wetlands bursting with wildlife, Sani is also Greece’s rst carbon neutral resort. From €149 per night at Sani Beach, half-board. sani-resort.com
e Paddington Bear Experience is set to open in London County Hall, South Bank this year. Schools and the general public can sign up online now for priority access. e experience will immerse you in the world of the beloved characters. With live performances it’s a fun day out for anyone aged four and above.
LONDON HOTEL
Fun and scrummy –afternoon tea at Sanderson London Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it o ers a range of unique teas including Mad Hatters
– green tea infused with passion fruit, guava and mango. Indulge yourself in the opera cake and fresh scones, followed by a magical potion. Sitting around a spectacular water feature, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. book.ennismore.com
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
by Dina Gachman
This book explores what grieving is –whether for a pet, a family member or a relationship – how to live with loss and how we can stay connected to those we have lost. There are valuable insights from experts, as well as the personal experience of Dina Gachman herself. Union Square & Co, £11.99
EMERALD AND THE OCEAN PARADE
by Harriet MuncasterEmerald is learning how to be a mermaid princess, however she struggles to feel like one. As the Ocean Parade approaches, will Emerald embrace her differences and show that she can be a mermaid princess in her own way? This book provides magical escapism for kids aged from around five. Oxford University Press, £9.99
YOU HAVE THE POWER FIND YOUR STRENGTH AND BELIEVE YOU CAN
by Leah WilliamsonFootball star Leah
Williamson’s new book is a guide to help you discover what your passions are and how to become a leader in that area. Leah shares her story of getting into football and highlights moments of her career, and the valuable lessons she learnt. Macmillans Children’s Books £9.99
GREENWILD
THE WORLD BEHIND THE DOOR
by Pari ThomsonThe first book in a new fantasy series, Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has to solve the mystery of her missing mother. The book features beautiful illustrations from Elisa Paganelli and perfect for children aged from nine.
Macmillans Children’s Books, £12.99
CROOK HAVEN THE SCHOOL FOR THIEVES
by Joel ArcanjoJoel Arcanjo, alumnus of Christ’s Hospital School, has published his first novel Crook Haven The School for Thieves. A pickpocketer, Gabriel, is recruited by Crookhaven, a top secret school for thieves. Can he help them to win the Crooked Cup Competition?
Hodder Children’s Books, £7.99
Vibrant and welcoming, Grenada is the perfect place for a lively family holiday, finds Victoria Lambert
The air was warm and sweet, with the promise of a tropical shower. e earth dark red-ochre, and above, abundant bright green plants and trees heavy with fruit. Curlan, our guide, plucked a shiny viridescent orb, and handed it to eo. ‘Open that,’ he instructed, ‘and tell me what it is.’ eo obliged. ‘It’s citrus,’ he said, smelling it. ‘But what kind?’ Even biting into the pale pinkish segments didn’t help at rst. en, ‘But it’s sweet… it’s… grapefruit. But it doesn’t taste like grapefruit at home.’
Curlan laughed. He knew eating fresh Grenadian fruit was always going to be a revelation. From mangoes to avocados, melon to bananas, it all tastes fresher and sweeter on the island.
With that, eo and Rowena, both 18 and celebrating the end of A-levels, were o : picking and tasting satsumas, dragon fruit and the clear favourite: star fruit – a sort of delicate apple-melon avour. e pair have been best friends since Reception, at Bedales School’s Pre-prep Dunannie, and frankly had I known this was the way to get them to eat fruit, I might have booked ights to Grenada 14 years ago.
Still, we are here now, having own 10 hours across the Atlantic, with a pit-stop in St Lucia, to this small volcanic Commonwealth island, independent but with King Charles as head of state. ese British connections make it easy for the UK visitor; locals speak English, drive on the left and love cricket. But its location, at almost the most southerly end of the string of sparkling Caribbean islands, 90 miles north-east of Venezuela and Trinidad, means it has a unique feel derived from its complex heritage and modern in uences, most evident in its cuisine, which covers West African, Indian, French, British, North, South and Latin American and, of course, the Caribbean.
We’ve chosen to stay at Calabash, an award-winning Relais & Châteaux luxury boutique hotel with a long and charming history. Its British-Grenadian owners, Leo and Lilian, met and fell in love, buying the hotel in 1987 to make a base, and turning it into a welcoming yet glamorous home from home, which has seen families
return annually. e location is postcard-perfect; a horseshoeshaped array of suites and villas looks down to a stunning white sand beach and private bay. Outside, the gardens are stu ed with well-established native plants and trees – everything from towering palms to clumps of pink bougainvillaea and bright orange tiger lilies. Inside, the suites are generous – with king-sized beds, air conditioning, luxury bathrooms and a helpful Alexa. e newly renovated penthouse suite has a magical living-dining space that opens up fully on to a private pool, and features impeccable modern design: white walls and blond wood, gleaming chandeliers and a generous free-standing bath tub.
But what really makes Calabash stand out is its people. Everywhere there are delightful, warm and cheerful sta who have perfected that sweet spot between e cient, discreet and friendly. Whether it was keeping rooms immaculate or dropping by with a daily complimentary canape before dinner or just stopping for a chat, service was perfect.
And it is through Calabash that our excursions are arranged: to L’Esterre, the organic fruit farm home to all those star fruits, which is owned by Lilian’s family, the Ramdhannys; the rst generation of which arrived as indentured workers from India. Later, there will be a trip to a legendary local restaurant called Dexter’s – where we eat a ve-course dinner, watching the sun set from an open-faced verandah, fans swirling overhead.
But our rst jaunt is to one of the island’s most popular attractions: the Seven Sisters Waterfall set in the 3,816-acre Grand Etang National Park. Waterfalls are a must in Grenada and there are ve across the island which are particularly recommended –depending on your agility and stamina.
To reach the national park is an hour’s drive up winding roads from St George’s, past the stunning modern Parliament building, which looks out over the Caribbean in one direction and across to the island prison in the other. ( e locals joke that the prisoners have the best views.) Not that crime is a big issue here, Grenada is known thankfully as a very safe destination.
First stop at Grand Etang is the crater lake, formed from an extinct volcano, which holds the natural water supply for the island. Nearby you may be lucky to see one of the island’s native fauna, the friendly Mona Monkey. It’s also worth keeping eyes peeled for other locals: armadillos, opossums and mongoose – the latter were brought on to the island to rid it of snakes and have largely succeeded. Nor are there any large native animals on the island; your main predator of concern will be the mosquito. en it’s on to the waterfall. A guide is advisable – as is the stout bamboo cane you’ll be o ered, the route is steep and rough and it’s a good hour’s hike. But then the waterfall dramatically appears along with its enticing pool for a refreshing dip and some crucial Instagram opportunities. It’s one of those Ahh! moments which no successful holiday can do without.
e track back is uphill but somewhat easier, and after you leave the national park, you can stop at one of the many small roadside shops for the local soft drink Ting or a refreshing locally brewed Carib beer.
Later in the week, on the way to L’Esterre organic farm, we stop en route for some butter bread – soft inside, rm outside, doused in butter during the baking process – and tasty coconut roll or cut cake, the Grenadian version of swiss roll.
Once we arrive at L’Esterre, apart from eating as much fruit as possible, we are introduced to its environmentally friendly way of farming: intercropping. is means that trees and plants are grown together so that they bene t each other naturally. For example, cocoa trees capture carbon from the atmosphere, putting it back into the soil where it becomes food for other plants. Stronger soil regulates air and water underneath, encouraging a continuous fresh water cycle. So no nutrients and water are lost
through soil erosion, maintaining resilience in the local ecosystem.We are then taken to see how the cocoa beans are fermented and sundried alongside the farm’s other major crop, nutmeg. It’s hard to understate how important the latter is to the island’s economy: Grenada’s nutmeg industry supplies nearly 40 percent of the world’s annual crop.
Both cocoa beans and nutmeg seeds, plus the red mace which surrounds the nutmeg seed and is used in a variety of products from cosmetics to preserves as well as a spice, are laid out in huge wooden drawers which can be extended into the open air by day and closed by night or in rain. e process here is deliberately organic in every way: beans and seeds are turned by hand.
Walking around the farm takes you into the island’s darker history. Plantations were established by French and English settlers in the 17th and 18th century which led to the transportation of about 12,000 slaves from west Africa; 82 percent of the population are wholly descended from them
Some of the farm building walls are made from the ballast that arrived in British ships when they came to collect the sugar, cocoa and spices that would be sold back in England. And there are large pieces of rusted metal, remains of the rum stills that were established once Europeans had discovered sugar beet, and cane was no longer a viable crop. It’s a sobering experience and very worthwhile. You can learn more about the island’s tumultuous history at the National Museum in St George’s, or by visiting one of the Forts that have kept watch over the island for several hundred years.
Away from the countryside, no island holiday would be complete without exploring its waters. If you travel between March and June, you can join a turtle watching trip. And scuba divers can take a boat trip to the world’s rst underwater sculpture park, with work’s by Jason deCaires Taylor.Or you can enjoy – as we do – snorkelling around the Calabash’s clear bay looking at the reef sh, sea urchins and crabs. e hotel also o ers paddle boarding, pedalos, kayaks and Hobi cats to keep older teens busy, plus a tennis court, a separate
in nity pool and a boutique spa for frazzled parents.
Best of all, when the sun goes down, the food at the Calabash is the ultimate reward for a hard day’s sunbathing. Rhodes Restaurant – which was opened by Chef Gary Rhodes in 2004 and is now run by Chef Ramces Castillo, o ers a high standard of modern dishes, with a Grenadian twist and locally sourced ingredients, such as rum-glazed pork loin with plantain croquettes or soursop panna cotta with a star fruit salad. For a change, you can try Izakaya which provides Japanese and Latin inspired plates, some created at the table. Or grill night at the beach bar, where a local steel band provides an accompaniment to fresh shrimp, washed down with rum cocktails. But it is breakfast which becomes our favourite meal of the day as we indulge in our passion for the selection of fresh tropical fruit which is served at the beach or on our balcony, accompanied by u y pancakes and french toast. Do we want to return? Of course – for the Grenadians, the beaches and yes, just one more slice of star fruit.
BOOK IT: Audley Travel o ers tailor made trips to Calabash in Grenada. An eight-night trip includes four nights at Calabash on an all-inclusive basis (with $400 resort credit) and four nights in St Lucia on an all-inclusive basis. e itinerary also includes ights, transfers and excursions, and costs from £5,400 per person (based on four travelling), audleytravel.com/ grenada For more information on Grenada, please visit puregrenada.com
Suites at the Calabash
Soneva Fushi,Maldives
Why book through The Gambia Experience?
• We have over 35 years of experience, offering expert advice to our customers.
• We haveadedicatedgroupsteaminourUKoffice,plus a permanent resort team. In the past year, we have arrangedalmost40groupsfor600passengers.
• OurdirectflightsfromGatwickbenefitfromgroupcheck inandpre-bookedseatingontheaircraft.
• Enjoylowdepositsandflexibilityonnamechanges.
Why choose The Gambia for a school or college trip?
• TheGambiaisagreatintroductiontoAfrica,frombeingan English-speakingcountryandhavingrecentlyrejoinedthe Commonwealth.
• Manyaspectsoftheschoolcurriculumresonatewith the cultureandwayoflifeinTheGambia.
• ThepeopleofTheGambiaarefriendlyandmorethan willingtowelcomestudentsintotheirschools,giving yourstudentsthechancetoexperienceadayinthelife ofaGambianclass.
gambia.co.uk/school-group
01489 866912
The Gambia Experience is renowned for its expert destination knowledge, providing group trips to The Gambia for over 35 years. Through the team’s first-hand knowledge and dedicated group coordinators, they offer expert advice and competitive pricing for school groups looking for a unique trip. Group trips are perfect for schools and private groups; whatever is required, be it flights, single and multi-centre hotel packages, or tailor-made trips with excursions, you are guaranteed to have your ideal itinerary.
School group trips to The Gambia provide a multitude of parities between curriculum and local culture. The Gambia, is a fascinating country in Western Africa, boasting miles of coastline, a wide array of wildlife and birdlife, interesting culture, and fantastic opportunities for school or college groups to learn. Students will return equipped with the tools to appreciate the culture associated with The Gambia, as well as understand the impacts of climate change
on the country’s seasons and environment. Whilst you are in the country you will benefit from specialist local guides offering their expertise and passion for your group, showcasing their country in a fun and engaging manner. Taking part in an educational group trip will provide students with confidence and life skills to bring back to their education.
So why choose The Gambia Experience? They are experts, all their staff members have visited The Gambia, and they are able to advise on the array of room and accommodation types that will be best suited for your group. There are several exciting excursions to take part in and these can be personalised to suit the group’s needs, choose from the exciting Tanji kayaking tour for the chance to explore the River Gambia and spot local birdlife, or learn to cook a traditional meal in the home of Ida, a renowned cookery teacher. As for history, the Alex Haley’s Roots excursion will take students on a historic journey back 200 years with a visit to Jufureh, a village made famous by Alex Haley in his book Roots Meal plans can also be personalised to suit dietary requirements. Together, they can collaborate to tailor-make an itinerary to fulfil your group’s curriculum requirements.
Contact The Gambia Experience’s dedicated groups team: +44 (0)1489 866912; groups@gambia. co.uk; gambia.co.uk/holiday-ideas/group-traveleducation
PHOTOS: SERENITY HOLIDAYS
Childhood memories are made by staying at places like the storied Hassler hotel – even if you don’t like the tiramisu, says Lucy Cleland
It was when the bee-hive shaped domes arrived at our table that we glanced at one another, eyes crinkling in delight – the theatricality of our evening was reaching its inevitable apotheosis. Deconstructed tiramisu was the contents. Deftly reconstructed and handed back to us by our handsome waiter in his burgundy jacket with a knowing ourish, he’d done this before. We sighed, happily comfortable in our wingback chairs. Welcome to the Hassler, as iconic a Roman hotel as you could wish for – and its great warm, welcoming heart. While my nine-year-old son was perhaps less enamoured of his fried aubergine amuse-bouche or, in reality, the tiramisu (‘ugh, co ee, mum, please’), entreating me to eat his own deconstructed mess so as not to upset our waiter, I know for a fact he will never forget his stay at the Hassler. Surrounded by sumptuous velvets, heavy drapes, tinkling live piano music and enough silver to sink a small battalion, it might have felt intimidating had we not been made to feel like movie stars. Just like the many real ones who have stayed here before us: Tom Cruise, Madonna, Jennifer Aniston…
e Hassler, you see, is family-run (not by the
same family since it rst opened in 1893, granted, but almost) and it feels like it; with each and every member of sta as attentive and charming as can be. e current owner, Roberto Wirth, is second-generation and has hospitality running through his veins, tracing his pedigree back to the pioneering Swiss hotelier, Franz-Josef Bucher, who had bought Hotel Quirinale and later Albergo Minerva, in 1894.
Roberto himself was born in Rome and grew up in the nearby Hotel Eden, until, aged 14, he moved with his family to the Hassler, where he lived on the rst oor and saw rst-hand the ins and outs of what it meant to run a rst-class establishment. What might surprise his loyal clientele is that Roberto was born completely deaf, and was discouraged by his own father, Oscar, from following in his footsteps. But young Roberto was not to be deterred and today he still strolls the marbled entrance halls greeting his guests like family members.
e reason for our family stay? A new tradition of lial weekends
I’d started when I took my daughter to Paris for her eighth birthday (we stayed at the Crillon, no less, a similarly storied hotel). I wanted both of my children to have a solo trip, with a parent’s undivided attention. I’m lling up the memory bank, you see. And when you stay somewhere like the Hassler, it makes my job that much easier. Perhaps one day we’ll return and he’ll actually eat the tiramisu.
BOOK IT: Doubles from £750, excluding breakfast. hotelhasslerroma.com
with a nine- year- old
Join the gladiator school – for two hours. romegladiatorschool.com
Hop on and off an open-roof tour bus. greenlinetours.com
Try a self-guided scavenger hunt and tour around the city. getyourguide.co.uk
Walk to the nearest highlights from the Hassler after dark – the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are far less crowded and you can throw a coin in peace
Visit in the cooler, less touristy months
Embrace the joy of owning multiple homes in spectacular destinations all year round with August
Imagine a life where you can effortlessly experience the wonders of different destinations across Europe without the hassle of repetitive searching or concerns about accommodation quality. Welcome to August, the ultimate solution for holiday homeownership that provides unmatched freedom, luxury, and flexibility. We delve into how August revolutionizes the concept of second homeownership, offering beautiful homes perfect for your whole family, year after year.
August places utmost importance on the renovation and interior design of your homes, ensuring that they exude style and blend seamlessly with their respective surroundings. Each property is thoughtfully curated and meticulously designed to enhance your experience and create a harmonious connection with the region’s distinctive character.
With August, you become a part owner of the properties, meaning flexibility and travel for years to come, allowing you to embrace a world of versatility and adventure. Your collection of five homes from £375,000 spans the awe-inspiring landscapes of the French Alps, the cultural richness of Tuscany, the idyllic charm of Mallorca, the tranquillity of the Cotswolds, and the sun-drenched beauty of the Côte d’Azur. This diverse range of destinations ensures that each visit is a unique and cherished experience for you and your family.
It is understandable that once the holiday is over and normal life must resume that you don’t want any stresses around what may happen in your absence. No need to worry about leaks, maintenance or security; with August you benefit from a ‘lock and leave’ experience. Simply show up, typically enjoying between 8-12 weeks of holidays per year at your preferred destinations, and immerse yourself in the
experience of a lifetime. Once your stay concludes, you can confidently leave your home knowing that everything is taken care of. August’s dedicated team handles all aspects of maintenance and property management, allowing you to enjoy your time to the fullest.
As an August homeowner, you have the privilege of providing your children with freedom and familiarity. With each visit, they can embrace the joys of their favourite destinations, building lasting memories and developing a deep appreciation for different cultures and landscapes. Your friends will undoubtedly be clamoring for invitations to experience the allure of your gorgeous homes, as August creates an atmosphere that is perfect for hosting and creating cherished moments with loved ones.
If you are looking towards the next school holidays with the wonder of how to keep the family entertained as well as enjoy a life full of adventure but free of stress, start your journey to becoming an August homeowner today.
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PHOTOS: AUGUST COLLECTION August property in the South of France Expertly designed bedrooms for an extra touch of comfort Dine with a view in Tuscany
Ispent three days at the Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) on Landaa Giraavaru. It was amazing – far better than I could ever have imagined.On the rst day, I became part of the Manta Trust research team learning about the behaviour of these majestic creatures. Mantas have the most enormous mouth, deep cavernous belly and a unique spot pattern (like a ngerprint) that is used to identify them. e larger ocean rays can weigh up to 2,000kg (that’s about 24 people!) and it was only when snorkelling I realised just how big they really are. ey have massive ns, too and can swim twice the speed of humans.
e next day, I went to the resort’s onsite marine hospital, home to four injured turtles (three Olive Ridleys and one Hawksbill). Helen, the marine biologist, taught us about them; six of the seven species are at risk of extinction. en we got to know them personally.
Xanchi was found entangled in a discarded shing net last January. He did really well in hospital and soon after I left he happily returned to the open sea.
Sadly, Frisbee won’t be so lucky. He was rescued in 2018 oating in the open water, missing two front ippers and su ering from buoyancy syndrome where air and other gases get lodged under the shell, so he couldn’t dive for food. I fed him , sponged him down with water and iodine to remove algae and dirt and then brought him and Maw (a
female Olive Ridley) for a swim. Before being released into the sea, trackers are attached to the turtles which transmit signals when they come above the water surface- one was recently spotted in Indonesia. Once back in the ocean, whether they swim left towards Africa or right into the Bay of Bengal depends on the season. Turtles are obviously quite smart.
My last day was spent on the coral reef – which is the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. I spent most of the day learning about the coral restoration project that to date has regenerated about 8,500 coral frames. en I made my own. After collecting about 40 small fragments of living coral from existing colonies underwater, I attached them on to the circular-shaped frame (with zip ties) and made a tag with my name and tracking number (LG5201) that will be used to monitor coral growth. Finding a spot in the sea (close to our villa) I lowered the frame, anchoring it into the sand. Every six months, I will get photos of the coral growing on my frame. How cool!
The Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives offers the Trainee Marine Biologist programme, a serious foundation for scientifically minded 13- to 18-year-olds. There are six modules on offer, designed to immerse teenagers into ground-breaking conservation and research initiatives, so they learn by doing and enjoy a rare opportunity to become part of the life of the ocean at a time when they are ready to experiment and set foundations for life. Resort rates start at US$ 1,800 per night. The Trainee Marine Biologist programme is US$ 450 + tax per day.
‘I learnt a lot and the experience helped me realise that we can all do our part to protect these endangered species.’
‘We know that much of our learning happens outside of the classroom so this was especially exciting.’
MORE INFORMATION
reefscapers.com/fourseasons/ marinesavers.com
Raif Duncan in the ocean swimming with turtles
As a doctor working in busy London and Kent A&E departments, I am used to seeing children being brought in with allergic reactions. ey may be wheezing, developing a rash, eyes watering and nose running, even feeling sick. Or the symptoms may be far more severe – those of anaphylaxis, when the body starts to shut down: di culty breathing or a swollen tongue, swollen throat or being unable to speak. In these cases, time is of the essence. We administer adrenaline, attach a drip for uids and a mask for extra oxygen, all while trying to establish what the cause is – and keeping everyone calm. is is one of those situations where it is very normal to be very worried. ankfully, we have the medicines and the skills we need and most commonly, our young patient is back to normal in a few days.
Often though, it is the parent who takes it harder and worries for longer. Children are very good at getting back to their lives; for parents, life has changed forever and become more frightening. Some allergies are present from birth; others develop later in life. Either way, I’m always keen to spend time reassuring
parents and persuading them to learn as much as they can about their child’s situation. Nowhere do knowledge and power intersect more perfectly than in healthcare. e rst thing that it is important to know is what you are dealing with. An allergy is the body’s adverse response to an allergen by the body’s immune system. e body has identi ed something it thinks is dangerous and gears into action. Responses to allergens are not always lifethreatening so it’s important to understand what you are dealing with and what treatment might be needed. is is quite di erent to an intolerance – dairy for example, where the gut system may lack a way to process an item.
Allergies are really relatively common and about 25 percent of people in the UK will experience one at some point in their lives. Some of the more common things people are allergic to include animal fur, venom, pollen, dust, mould, latex, medication - and then there are food allergies, which covers a very broad range from nuts, eggs, and milk to some cereals, sh, shell sh and even beans. To nd out what the speci c problem is, parents can
organise testing for speci c allergies, via a GP referral to an allergy clinic.
Here investigations will range from skin prick tests, blood tests, and speci c diet testing in order to nd out the problem and how best the patient can be helped.
When a child has an allergy this can then be monitored via their medical records. As clinicians we will know the allergen and, very importantly, the reaction.
Mild symptoms can usually be treated easily with medications such as antihistamines, steroids or steroid creams often available over the counter.
However, patients with known previous anaphylaxis, that life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly and can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings, will need an EpiPen – a device which delivers a shot of adrenalin via injection - and this information should be passed on to schools or institutions they attend in case of emergency.
EpiPens come in di erent shapes and sizes depending on the brand so they don’t all look identical. And it’s important to check with your doctor and the manufacturer how long before the medication expires. Usually due to the instability of the epinephrine, which is the main ingredient, most EpiPens don’t last much longer than one year before you need a new one.
ey should always be stored in dark spaces at room temperature to ensure longevity and e ciency.
Schools should always be warned and all adults involved in care or teaching trained in helping the child administer the medication and call 999. Extra consideration can be given around lessons, too.
It’s easy to forget that allergies can have a big impact on children’s lives and the symptoms can hinder their learning at school especially if they are continually uncomfortable or nd it embarrassing to be di erent.
Finding a sweet spot between making sure a child understands the gravity of an allergy and not frightening them is the most important conversation you can have. And doctors like me are more than happy to help with that.
If you have any queries about this topic or other medical issue, please contact your GP
Dr Emeka Okorocha is a broadcaster, author and NHS Accident and Emergency doctor - and has been voted one of the world's top 10 educators on TikTok. He is the author of Your Health In Your Hands available to order from Amazon and Waterstones.
With climate change and warmer temperatures it seems pollen, from a number of sources like grasses and trees, remains in the atmosphere for longer. Changes in the climate can lead to an extended pollen season which could make life difficult for people who suffer with hay fever as their symptoms may prolong. Hay fever symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, runny or blocked noses and watery eyes. Although urban areas have lower pollen counts in general they also have higher cases of pollution which could make hay fever symptoms worse.
Could you be allergic to baths?
Believe it or not, yes. Aquagenic Urticaria is an extremely rare condition which is characterised by exposure to water. You may develop hives on exposure to water in many forms such as liquid, ice, snow, and even sweat and tears. You may experience burning, inflammation and rashes. We usually diagnose this clinically with a water challenge test to distinguish from other diseases. There’s currently no cure however antihistamines and lotions can help with symptoms but the best method is avoidance therapy, keeping your skin cool and dry as often as possible. 3
We talk about singing in the rain but how about using the rain to escape your allergies? Studies have shown that temperature, humidity, and yes even rain can affect the atmospheric pollen count. Pollen count tends to be lower just after heavy rain and highest between 10am and 4pm on hot, dry windy days. 4
When it comes to seasonal allergies, cartoons and myths have often taught us that picking flowers and having a bouquet of blossoms triggers our allergies and exacerbates hay fever. But this is actually a common myth as most of the atmospheric pollen we get comes from trees, grasses and weeds. So it’s important to look up the different types of pollen in your area and the pollen count to know when to keep yourself indoors!
5Some individuals may develop nickel allergy, which is essentially a form of contact dermatitis that can be caused by prolonged exposure to the metal, via piercings and jewelry. Unfortunately this could lead to long-term sensitivity to the metal. Symptoms are usually an itchy rash, redness, dry patches or blisters where the metal touches the skin. Certain risk factors such as having ear and body piercings, working closely with metal or having a family history or other allergies to metal can increase the chances of an allergy.
Accustomed as I am to public speaking, I am rarely nervous. But standing in front of the suited pupils of Eton earlier this year, and talking about my book Cracking e Menopause, along with my co-author Alice Smellie, was a surreal experience. I worried more about my words for this than any awards ceremony or Parliamentary speech. Perhaps it’s having teenage children myself that made me concerned that they might not listen, or they’d treat my words with derision. Clearly, I need not have worried. e boys weren’t only attentive listeners but they also asked intelligent and interested questions.
Bringing much needed education about menopause to younger people has recently become my priority. I am determined to ensure teenagers accept menopause as an aspect of female biology and not a toxic secret that is understood and su ered only by older women - while laughed about or ignored by everyone else!
But why is it so important that our young - many decades from that fertility end-game - understand what happens when the hormones that are currently ourishing, diminish and grind to a nal halt? First of all, menopause a ects all women, whether it’s at the average age of 51, or early or premature menopause.
e ovaries produce two key hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. In the years leading up to menopause, these uctuate and then go down. Women have oestrogen receptors around their entire bodies; from bones to the brain and heart. Take away oestrogen, and most women get at least one symptom. One in four have symptoms severe enough to a ect their quality of life.
Young people need to know that not only does menopause a ect women in general, but by default those around them; husbands, partners,
wives, children, colleagues and friends. Not only this, it’s an inevitable part of the biology of 50 percent of the population, and yet been dismissed as a medical footnote for the past three millennia. Admittedly, menopause is now on the school curriculum. But I suspect this is currently just a tick box at most, and implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Yet who better to understand hormones than young people, who are under the cosh themselves, although in a far more ‘acceptable’ fashion during puberty? ey need to know why their mothers or their relatives might be out of sorts, and to recognise the importance of understanding their hormones throughout their lives.
I tend to give something of a Horrible Histories style chat when addressing under 40s; with details of leeches being used for symptoms, chloroforming perimenopausal women to the point of unconsciousness and the fact that many a postmenopausal woman spent time on a ducking stool or being burnt at the stake. It’s interesting but also explains how we’ve reached the idea that menopause is unmentionable.
As the Chair of lobby group Menopause Mandate, I campaign for education for health professionals and women, and accessible, a ordable HRT, if required. It is a privilege to feel I might play some part in encouraging the next generation to take menopause, and women’s health, more seriously than before. And as a matter of personal pride I’ve now said ‘vulva’ in the House of Commons twice, and ‘vagina’ in the hallowed halls of Eton College. My bucket list tick box is a strange one, but it’s lling up nicely!
Cracking e Menopause by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie, £9.99, Bluebird. Good nutrition is essential at all stages of life, but pre-school children have particularly high nutrient requirements relative to their size. It’s important to nourish their bodies with nutrients that will lay down foundations for physical and mental development, as well as to establish healthy eating patterns that will in uence their relationship with food in future years.
Breakfast is a great opportunity for parents to set their children up for the day. While recent research has questioned whether breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day for adults (with studies suggesting that, for some individuals, metabolic health may be improved with an extended overnight fast), research continues to suggest that a balanced breakfast is crucial for children.
As an opportunity to incorporate food groups like carbohydrates, protein, dairy and fruit and vegetables, a satiating breakfast allows children to take in macronutrients that will support their energy, mood and brain function. As well as providing macronutrients, healthy breakfasts o er key micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins A, C and E.
Intakes of several of these nutrients have been found to be low among a large proportion of under- ves in the UK and this, in part, is due to overconsumption of processed, re ned foods that lack su cient nutrient density. erefore, while breakfast is vital for pre-schoolers, it needs to be rich in whole foods with a rainbow of colours, and a diversity of food groups to ensure it packs a nutritional punch.
What should you put on your plate in the morning?
Stay away from labelled ‘kids’ breakfast’ options
From the age of one, children can eat what the rest of the family eats. The food industry uses branding to persuade us to buy specific ‘kids’ yoghurts, cereals and snack bars, but these are almost always full of sugar and additives that are detrimental to their health. Try to stay away from these foods altogether and prepare breakfast from scratch; for example, instead of buying fruity yoghurts or shop-bought cereals, make your own bircher muesli with rolled porridge oats, milk, natural yoghurt and freshly chopped fruit.
DON’T
Rely on fruit juice for vitamin C
Pure fruit juice does provide nutrients but it’s incredibly high in sugar. Stripped of the fruit’s natural fibre, it’s digested very quickly so causes a rapid spike in children’s blood glucose levels – setting them up for a series of energy crashes for the rest of the day. Fruit should be eaten in its whole food form, or blended in a smoothie, which, unlike juicing, retains the fibrous pulp. If your child insists on orange juice, dilute it with some water (adding a little more water each time) until they’re ready to give it up entirely.
Make vegetables familiar and fun
In an ideal world, children should have a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (the greater the diversity throughout the week, the better) but with fussy-eaters this may seem unachievable. Parents sometimes try to ‘hide’ vegetables in meals: blending avocados into smoothies, grating courgette or carrots into oats or adding peppers to breakfast frittatas. In many ways, this is sensible as it can significantly increase the number of antioxidant-rich plant foods they’re exposed to. However, research demonstrates that it is familiarity with foods that encourages children to accept and, crucially, enjoy them, so ‘hiding’ foods may facilitate fussy tendencies in the long run. Preparing breakfast with your children actively involved is a wonderful way of making nutritious food familiar and fun. Similarly, it’s important to model good habits; children learn by copying so don’t underestimate the power of sitting down together, showing them how much you value nourishing your body with healthy whole foods.
What school did you go to and when? Downe House School in Berkshire from 1984 to 1991. I think they genuinely were the best days of my life.
Were you a boarder or day pupil? I was a boarder. My father was in the Navy and got posted abroad when I was 11, and they decided to keep me and my sister’s education in the UK. What A - levels did you choose? I did Politics and Geography. I also chose Biology but gave it up in the rst term because I didn’t want to go on a eld trip to look for algae somewhere. Perhaps not the wisest choice.
What were your passions at school? Lacrosse was my primary passion. I absolutely loved it. All sport really, but lacrosse suited me really well. I was a sprinter so I could whip down the eld cradling the ball higher than most. I didn’t admit I wanted to act until quite late in my life so just played one line parts here and there in plays –mainly playing men in various smelly suits. Oh, and another passion was playing piano duets – I was good at the piano but it was playing duets I loved. Did you have a memorable teacher? I was going to add to the above that I do remember being really passionate about directing the play I did in Sixth Form. It was Hay Fever by Noel Coward and I was really proud of how many laughs it got, and I will never forget what Mr Palmer, the French Teacher, said. He was always rather an intimidating gure, and I never had him as a teacher as he only taught the top divisions (somewhere you wouldn’t nd me), but he took the time to write me a note and tell me
that it was one of the best plays he had seen on at the school in all his years there. It was so encouraging because we all need champions to support our unique skills.
What do you remember about school food? Mainly that I absolutely blooming LOVED IT! In the main, I refer to the puddings. e apple crumbles with the six-foot high yummy crumble topping and the thick custard. e ice cream and chocolate sauce. Although I draw the line at bread and butter pudding... Can you recall the smell (and if so what is that)?
Custard! Yum!
Any regrets? Not getting the recipe for that custard. And not doing that third A-level. It had repercussions for where I could go to university. at said, I never regret following my passions, and I also gave it up to focus on lacrosse (at the time I thought I might be a PE teacher). e only regrets I think we can have in life is if we know what is true and right for us, but we go the other way due to fear. at still small voice within always knows the way. Have you been back since? Yes, a couple of times, which I have really enjoyed. Although once was at the height of fame with Miranda being on the screens, and I was very attered, but not expecting girls to be hanging out of their classrooms and screaming at me as I walked past. My moment of feeling like a pop star! If there was one perfect day at school you could relive what would it be? Need you ask – an afternoon on the lacrosse pitch, followed by a massive apple crumble and custard.
MATHS OR ENGLISH? Neither. You’ll see me in nature. HOCKEY OR TENNIS? Tennis. No question. UNIFORM OR MUFTI? Uniform. PIANO OR GUITAR? Piano. HEAD GIRL OR CHEEKY REBEL? A cheeky rebellious Head Girl. Changing the system in a jolly way.
A child who continues to develop their maths skills can feel confident that they’re on track for a successful school year. Mathnasium gives students the instruction they need to reinforce what they’re learning in school, to prepare for the 11+, work on concepts that may pose a challenge, and take their maths knowledge to a new level. In other words, we’ve got this.
Bede’s Prep School held an opening event for their new pirate ship playground which was completed recently. It features a climbing frame, slide and bridge and will be used by children in the nursery up until Year 2. Special guest Keith Ridley cut the opening ribbon and princess mermaid Ariel also made an appearance. Keith Ridley said: ‘ is brilliant new outside space will bring so much joy to the young people at Bede’s.’
King’s House School in Richmond is turning coeducational, welcoming girls into the school from September 2024. The decision was driven by the increasing demand for co-ed preparatory schools in Richmond. Head Mark Turner said: ‘Both boys and girls will now be able to benefit equally from our high-quality, broad and balanced education, which fosters a lifelong love of learning and best prepares them for the transition to senior school.’
Star of the Paddington Bear lms Hugh Bonneville opened the nursery extension at High eld and Brookham Schools e children were in awe of meeting Mr Bonneville, who also played Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey e new extension has enabled three-form entry throughout and measures 100-square metres inside. e building also has a retractable wall to allow the youngest children to nap. e extra space will be used for activities such as art, ballet, swimming, Spanish and cookery.
Written by Leanna Barrett, Little Forest Folk is a guide for parents on how to raise happy and healthy children who love being outdoors. Time outside is bene cial for children’s mental and physical health, helping them to feel calmer and harness their inner creativity. Leanna shares exciting activities you can do with your children, come rain or shine.
Over the course of last summer, the Devonshire House Nursery saw its playground completely renovated to become an ultra-sustainable extension of their indoor environment with clear areas to learn and play. After using it for the entire academic year, the school already saw remarkable progress in children’s gross motor skills. ese are supported by an imaginative pirate ship and climbing area. e large sandpit and designated gardening area allow children to get messy outdoors and to learn how to take care and love their environment. ere is also plenty of messy play in the mud kitchen and water pipe.
In April 2023, Mrs Sara Williams Ryan became Head of Falcons Pre-Prep in Chiswick. Sara is Head of the Falcons School for Girls, Putney, and will be taking over the leadership of both schools.
Rebecca Evans has been appointed the 13th Head of Sibford School, marking a major milestone in the school’s 181-year history. Rebecca will start as in September, succeeding Toby Spence.
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
Forest schools make the perfect environment for teaching toddlers, says Alice Smellie
By 9am every weekday morning, the small attendees of Little Forest Folk are ready to head outside for the entire day. Should the weather require, they will be kitted out in thermals and waterproofs. When things get a little too much – as they so easily can when one is only three or four years old – there are cosy tipis and thermal sleeping bags in which to snuggle, listen to a story and nap.
If parents were asked to imagine the perfect environment in which their pre-school children could start their education, it would almost undoubtedly involve them spending the majority of their time outside, playing and laughing as they learned from the sights and sounds of nature. So it’s hardly surprising that there’s a rise in nurseries and schools o ering Forest School options, and even establishments dedicated entirely to popping on a pair of wellies and heading outdoors for the day for den-building, nature walks, climbing and role play. It’s the ideal foil for a world full of devices and too much time in front of the telly. Forest School is becoming thoroughly mainstream, and the many practical and psychological bene ts increasingly recognised.
London-based Little Forest Folk now has seven nurseries, each of which has an indoor base from which they travel to their outdoor locations. In Fulham, days are spent in the grounds of Fulham Palace, and in Morden, they have their very own woodland garden. Launched eight years ago, the nurseries were then the only fully outdoor nurseries
in London, though now many more have followed suit. ‘Most settings o er Forest School sessions for a couple of hours a week,’ says director of operations, Jeni Dunning. ‘But our children are outside all day every day.’
UK research into forest schools back in the early 2000s suggested that they boost con dence, social skills, communication, motivation, physical skills, knowledge and understanding. at’s quite a list, but it’s been borne out by a host of subsequent studies. In March this year, a review of the studies into the psychological bene ts of attending Forest School for preschool children concluded that, ‘Higher bene ts were found...in various areas of child development: cognitive function, motor coordination and balance, connectedness to nature, and health and well-being outcomes.’
Jeni thoroughly agrees. ‘ is is a more spontaneous way of learning. It incorporates some technology, but children are never sitting in front of a screen. Mobile apps are used to record information and identify bugs and digital weighing scales are part of the equipment - supporting learning rather than being the foundation of entertainment. Children have huge natural curiosity and they learn that technology can support that.’
Forest schools originated in Denmark, where the rst school was created by Ella Flautau in 1952, and it has since been the norm in Scandinavian countries. Although the Forest School concept in the UK may seem recent, e Forest School Association – the professional
body - points out that the premise dates back to the 19th Century, with such pioneers as Ruskin, the Macmillan sisters and Kurt Hahn, who founded Gordonstoun. It truly took hold in the early 2000s, when a UK structure was created, and all those who are supervising children have had Forest School Association training.
It is likely skills learned in forest schools will be carried through into later life. Helene Mark runs Outdoor Owls for one to five-year-olds, and the jolly-looking website is festooned with pictures of laughing toddlers with grubby faces and expressions of sheer joy. She has a background in public health science and her co-founder studied psychology. ‘During my years working in HR I realised that being socially well-rounded and a self-starter was as important as any academic qualification.’
When pregnant with her first child she investigated early years learning. ‘I was hugely inspired by Forest Schools - the idea that children learn best via play, real-life experiences and in an outdoor environment.’
The fortunate little attendees of Outdoor Owls are dropped at the Richmond and Putney bases in the morning to meet their teachers, and they’re driven on minibuses (or ‘classrooms on wheels’ as they call them!) to a lush 36-acre nature site in Cobham, Surrey. Local parents drop off in Cobham. ‘We take them out for the entire day from the city to a nature site – it’s the real deal. We come back in the afternoon and they have supper at the bases, with parents picking up when convenient.’
Forest Schools are increasingly part of a school setting as well. ‘We decided to implement Forest School in 2016,’ says Latifa Mihoubi at Hampton Court House. ‘We feel that outdoor physical activity and children learning to take risks is important, and you can see children flourish when outside. From ages 2 to 7, every child spends a minimum of 2 1/2 hours per week in the designated area which is on the border of Bushey Park. Here, they – closely supervised – climb, build fires on which they cook, make dens and build with natural resources.’
For those concerned about the notion of toddlers roaming the fields of the UK, be reassured that everything is fully risk-assessed. ‘People think that Forest School is wild, but there are very clear rules and even the smallest of children understand the importance of following them,’ says Helene. ‘We use tools such as drills and saws (not the tiniest children!) with one-to-one supervision, and it’s
amazing to see how proud children are with their achievements.’ As for meals, these are equally carefully thought out – pre-school children need plenty of fuel throughout the day, and they get especially hungry running around outside. Outdoor Owls provides five meal servings a day including a hot lunch and hot tea. ‘They have protein-packed cups of soup or pasta sitting on a log with a cup and a spoon,’ says Helene. ‘It allows them flexibility to eat when and where they like. Those who are going through a growth spurt might sit for longer and eat more. We are constantly sustaining them.’
Latifa emphasises that Forest School is an extension of the curriculum. ‘For example, when they studied volcanoes and dinosaurs in the classroom, they created an outdoor area that was dedicated to the project, allowing their imaginations to run wild as they made models and mud became lava. It fosters a sense of exploration and adventure whilst providing great learning through play.’ There are no concerns about muddy faces and clothes. ‘It means they are happy and engaged.’
‘Little Forest Folk follows the core Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum,’ says Jeni. ‘But free play, fresh air, exposure to the natural world and physical activity are an integral part of that learning.’
For exhausted and hard-working parents, picking up a mentally and physically tired and happy child is the ultimate goal. And that – as much as anything else – is what’s being achieved in the verdant, exciting and educational environment of the Forest Schools. n
Hampton Court House pupils playing with bubbles
Children have a special approach to life, says Zanna Clarke, Principal of Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools
‘Play is the important work of childhood.’But what is Play? Play is a child’s approach to life. Nothing stimulates brain development and imagination, quite like play. It engages all ve senses, absorbs a child in activity and develops con dence and independence. It is essential for a child’s development and well-being. It enables them to explore the world around them, express themselves and cope with challenges. Whether you embrace the guidance from the Early Years Foundation Stage, Montessori philosophies, or the Reggio Emilia approach - Play is essential.
e ‘teacher’ is the biggest resource that a child has in any nursery school setting. Early years educators are now working with children from the alpha generation. Science is telling us that children of today have spent more time in virtual reality than reality by the age of ve years old. Parents, teachers, and adults spending time with young children need to be able to engage and tune in to their play. ey must try to understand how the young mind works and capture the interests of those in their care.
We need to be able to understand what stimulates this generation of children, what activates their mind. We must encourage them to be active in both mind and body. Embrace the technology where useful but ensure that this is balanced. Teach other skills that enrich their physical and emotional development. Playground games, board games, the many uses of a cardboard box. We must nourish a child’s whole development.
It is our duty to tap into every one of the ve senses. Play needs to have purpose. We cannot begin to imagine or understand the occupations that our children will have in the future, for they do not yet exist. We must ask ourselves, are our opportunities for play, preparing them for what lies ahead?
ere are many golden threads interwoven into a child’s play. Curiosity is key. We must provide children with open-ended resources,
allowing them to explore, think deeply, creatively, and imaginatively. If a child is inquisitive, the world is their oyster. Junk modelling, loose parts, role play opportunities all allow children to be imaginative and to connect with others. ey will be intrigued, their desire to communicate and engage with the adult who has provided them with the opportunity to play, will be clear. To the young mind, the adult is fascinating, interested, exciting – the best playmate. Care and love should be at the heart of play. Children seek warm, loving communicators. Communication is necessary to be a creative thinker. When you begin to communicate with a young child, using voices, tone, actions and expressions you are stimulating the brain. If children are curious, they will want to connect. If children lack communication skills in our schools, that is our fault! At the heart of play, I believe, should be care and love. Children seek warm, loving communicators. When you begin to engage with a young child, using voices, tone, actions, and expressions, you are stimulating the brain. If children are curious, they will want to connect.
When engaged, children can be astronauts, artists, hairdressers, police o cers, scientists, gardeners or even dinosaurs! rough play, children are free to choose, explore and most importantly experience joy. When children are provided with the resources and time to play, they create something unique, something new. Open ended play opportunities should never be limited.
At Miss Daisy’s, we believe that children are born to learn through play. We encourage our children to make choices, experiment, be kind and build relationships during their foundation years. Our teachers nurture, guide and direct the children in their care to be brave, curious, take risks, learn new skills, and respect the world in which they live.
e result? Creative, engaged lifelong learners who will thrive in the world and who will never be afraid to play.
‘Care and love should be at the heart of play. Children seek warm, loving communicators. Communication is necessary to be a creative thinker’
To fail to plan is, well, a disaster when it comes to holidaying with children. e days of booking an open ticket and seeing where life leads are over, for all but the most determinedly free-spirited. A detailed itinerary of where you need to be and when, plus how you’ll get there, saves stress and leave you free to focus on the kids. A thorough packing list will also mean you don’t miss crucial items: a favourite comfort item, colouring supplies and wipes are essentials.
Would you board a ight without a full bottle of water, a meal for mid-way, or the knowledge that they’ll be provided by the crew? If you want your under-5s to be happy, you must play cabin crew to their every need in the hunger department; hell hath no fury like a toddler denied a snack. Pack extra bottles and a variety of bite-sized foods: ones with minimal mess and that take a long time to eat.
It’s easy to forget that little ones are often strapped in and riding at crucial times, feeling restless. Waiting to board the plane? Let your toddler run riot and lay your newborn down on a mat for a wriggle. Take a walk up and down the aisles whenever the seat-belt sign is turned o or while
ETCH A SKETCH
Sometimes there just isn’t enough paper. Save the trees and get them something they can draw millions of travel doodles on. onbuy.com
INOBY PORTABLE BOTTLE WARMER
If you’re bottle feeding, being prepared for a hungry baby in a hurry is never a bad idea. inoby.co.uk
MELISSA & DOUG WOODEN DOORBELL HOUSE
A busy board will do exactly what it says on the tin on longer journeys. This one is compact and super cute. smythstoys.com
the train is in motion. Sightseeing in a city? Stop at an urban park. Being cooped up makes us all cranky, and under-5s aren’t shy in expressing it.
4
Stick to the same routine timings as they have at home. Plan journeys for nap times to make them as stress-free as possible, and keep meals and bedtimes as close to normal as you can. e more settled and well-rested they are, the more the whole family will be able to enjoy the holiday.
5
e single, most important piece of advice for travelling with kids? Worry about your child, not your fellow travellers. If you’re focused on yours and your children’s needs, rather than the comfort and peace of those around you, all should go smoothly. Calm parents make for calm(ish) kids, and if you’re able to stay present, you’ll gure out why your child is kicking the seat in front of them, or screaming by the pool, rather than prioritising apologising to the kick-ee or your fellow loungers. In this, you’ll nd the key to enjoying your next family holiday.
Rebecca is co-author of the brand new How To Be A Happy Single Parent, out 28 September, published by Piatkus
JETKIDS BY STOKKE BEDBOX
A ride-on, carry-on suitcase that turns an aeroplane seat into a bed. Genius. jet-kids.com
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If your baby or toddler usually naps or sleeps in darkness, make do with a travel black-out blind. johnlewis.com
FIRE HD 10 KIDS TABLET
If all else fails, their favourite cartoon might save your sanity. No judgement here, you deserve a holiday meal in peace. amazon.co.uk
Looking ahead to your next adventure with your under-5s? A little planning goes a long way, says Rebecca CoxVTECH KIDIZOOM DUO
As nursery school pupils begin a new academic year, parents and carers may well be looking forward to a quieter pace of life if they’ve spent the holidays trying to keep their little ones busy and active. Fortunately, the work of independent nurseries can go a signi cant way towards helping youngsters get enough daily movement — physical development is part of the government’s statutory early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework, and any good nursery setting should make available a range of methods to boost children’s physical activity. ‘An early years environment that embraces opportunities for pupils to increase their physical activity in a variety of ways will see physical development progress,’ Helen Stanton-Tonner, Director of Education and Inclusion at the Independent Schools Association (an organisation for private school heads), stresses.
The EYFS framework’s Early Learning Goals (indicating the expected developmental level for children at the end of the EYFS) cover gross and ne motor skills, with targets under these categories including energetic movement, demonstration of coordination and the e ective holding of a pencil in preparation for fluent writing. For Tadpoles Nursery, which has sites in Chelsea and Kensington, the development of both motor skill types is embedded across the two schools’ provision. Football, yoga, dance and drama are included in the schools’ curriculums, with rugby and tennis clubs also o ered. Both schools
have outdoor areas, and forest school is additionally included within the sites’ teaching. ‘Children need to develop a very good, strong core, and that is what we aim they do,’ says Claire Dimp , Tadpoles Owner and Head.
e philosophy is similar at the nursery schools at Eaton House e Manor in Clapham and Eaton House Belgravia, with Head of Early Years Roosha Sue noting that children without core strength cannot be expected ‘to hold a pencil and move on to more re ned skills’. Tap, gym, swimming, nature club and yoga are taught to Manor students, while gym and forest school make up part of Belgravia’s educational o ering. e latter nursery has a sensory playroom with mats and blocks, and the former has an outdoor pirate ship and a slide for nursery pupils to develop their climbing abilities on. ‘What we want the children to do is cross midline, using di erent parts of their brain for executive function and upskilling,’ Sue adds.
Across London at Kew Green Preparatory School’s nursery, examples of physical activity resources are a climbing frame and a mud kitchen, while teaching includes ballet, yoga and a ne motor skills focus session for younger learners. Specialist prep school PE teachers undertake PE with pre-eception students, with Mondays in particular devoted to movement. ‘ e lead for physical development makes sure that every week, the children learn a di erent skill,’ says Chantal Baard, Head of Nursery. ‘For instance, it could be throwing beanbags
enables children to develop their physical abilities, but it has other benefits, explains KATE JONES
into a bucket or a hula hoop and furthering that distance.’
As this indicates, valuable motor skills education at nursery schools need not always require expensive equipment or stateof-the-art resources. As another example, while the nursery at Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School in Esher in Surrey boasts facilities including a swimming pool, the school highlights how games are also used to assist in pupils’ physical development. ‘Our games always have a purpose, whether it’s children playing Shark Island or the classic Stuck in the Mud, where they’re running around and developing their coordination and awareness of others,’ notes the pre-prep’s Head, Jon Akhurst. It’s a similar picture at e Willow Nursery in Clapham Old Town – while the school has a garden with obstacle courses and climbing frames and uses the external companies Playball and Teddy Tennis, movement breaks (featuring activities like jumping jacks) and physical activity to music also help children to increase their physical capabilities. ‘Mentally, I think physical development is such an important part of life, and I think you want children to have the best possible love for it because it’s so crucial,’ says Tess Shepherd, Head of Nursery.
e Willow Nursery’s sister school, the Willow on the Farm Nursery near Hook Norton in Oxfordshire, meanwhile, has signi cantly distinctive physical development provision. Alongside an o ering that includes forest school and an external dance teacher, being on the farm a ords pupils access to a range of unique and safe opportunities for motor skill development, such as running in the elds, brushing the ponies and participating in tractor and trailer adventures. ‘ e students learn to manage risks when
they’re doing things on the farm,’ says Sharron Sheppard, Manager.
Of course, sports and movement education in independent nurseries doesn’t only improve motor skills. As Amanda Frolich, a former Change4Life Children’s Fitness Consultant and Founder of Amanda’s Action Club, explains, this type of teaching is also used by private settings, ‘as a way to develop pupils’ social skills and their ability to relate to others’. Tadpoles Kensington’s Head, Natalie Going, gives an example of this while discussing Tadpoles’ physical activity provision, saying: ‘ e children are learning to negotiate space with each other, learning collaborative play and doing problem-solving together as teams.’ Baard adds: ‘PE is about the physical, but it’s also about how students can work together as a team.’
Good sportsmanship is another valuable component of physical education, with Kirsty Davies-Duddy, Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep’s Deputy Head and Head of Early Years, highlighting the importance of ‘shaking hands and saying well done’. Akhurst adds that pupils in nursery ‘will begin to understand what it means to play in a team’, and Willow on the Farm Headmistress Alice Clark agrees, saying: ‘Our children know what it’s like to play a key role within a group.’ Interestingly, Shepherd also indicates that preschool pupils have an innate desire to o er support to their peers. ‘Nursery-age children in particular all want the best for each other,’ she says. ‘If they’re doing a running race, for instance, they’re always cheering each other on, and there’s a real sense of being part of something.’
It’s consequently encouraging that independent nursery schools are using their sports and movement education to draw out these kinds of strengths. What’s more, with myriad resources for students to develop their motor skills, there’s no reason why the pupils in their care can’t reach for the sky.
PHOTOS: KEW GREEN PREP NURSERY | EATON HOUSE SCHOOL NURSERY SHREWSBURY HOUSE PRE-PREP
Playtime at Eaton House School Nursery
Javelin at Shrewbury House Pre-Prep
ADDRESS: 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 6AE
WEBSITE: www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1989
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 550
AGES: 2-13 years
FEES: (termly) £3,697 to £7,816
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Henry Keighley-Elstub
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Mrs Helen Ridard, Head of Admissions, 020 7435 1916
EMAIL: admissions@dhprep.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: We organise several Open Mornings per term. Alternatively, contact Admissions to arrange a private tour.
THE CURRICULUM: Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. There is a balance between adult-directed teaching and child-initiated learning. In both indoor and outdoor environments, children learn through play-based and hands-on experiences.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Specialist subjects start from the Nursery School with Music, Games and rench, all taught by ualified teachers once a week. Physical education is extended to twice a week for 3 to 4 years old children.
PASTORAL CARE: With a clear focus on well-being, children grow in confidence, self-belief and resilience during their two years in Nursery School. Time is dedicated to mindfulness activities such as breathing techniques, yoga poses, and movement breaks, as well as enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature in our on-site outdoor learning areas.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Nursery School children move to our Lower School at the age of four. From there, we cater to children’s most unique pathways. Pupils win scholarships to a wide range of day and boarding schools every year.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We believe that learning and play represent a symbiotic relationship, one feeding the other. Children learn as much from studying bugs in our wild area as they do in the classroom. The great outdoors is critical to a child’s development and at Devonshire House, we ensure that the children spend as much time outdoors as possible.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Every child has a unique character and we embrace them all. Children grow, learn and play in a safe environment. Our grounds are spacious and include an on-site forest school where children learn to take risks. ‘Pupils leave the school as confident, resilient young people who have strong self-esteem and a well-developed understanding of how to improve their own learning.’ (ISI Report).
ADDRESS: 62 Standen Road, London SW18 5TG
WEBSITE: www.gardenschildcare.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1987
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 95
AGES: 9 Months to 5 Years
FEES: From £1,054 per month. Short term, weekly and hourly ad-hoc care available. 15/30 Hours Universal Funding available.
HEAD TEACHER: Sarah Bokaie N.N.E.B
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from pregnancy
CONTACT: Leila Bokaie, Admissions Manager
EMAIL: leila@gardenschildcare.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment
THE CURRICULUM: The Gardens offers flexible day care, within a structured, safe and exciting environment, where children have fun, make friends and enjoy learning through play. Children over 2 benefit from a nursery school routine during term time and more informal, fun sessions during the holidays. By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input, we offer a curriculum tailored to each child, enabling them to progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage and preparing them for the National Curriculum at ‘Big School’.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Throughout the year we introduce different themes incorporating colour, shape, number and letter recognition. We offer a variety of activities including Mandarin, French, ballet, music, singing, cooking, sports, arts & crafts, and lots of messy play. We visit the local par and go on farms visits, Safari Club and fruit picking. Weekly, the pre-school children bring a packed lunch as part of ‘Big School’ preparations. These sessions are more work based and include the Jolly Phonic writing and reading system.
PASTORAL CARE: As one parent put it so brilliantly, ‘Nourish & Flourish’ (the name on the old baby food factory opposite the nursery) is at the heart of our business. We only recruit who we believe to be high quality staff who are calm, ind and caring, and genuinely love wor ing with children. Our pastoral care extends to our brilliant team – we offer our staff a range of wellbeing supports, alongside training and social activities.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We have an eco-friendly ethos at The Gardens, only using organic food and ethically sourced products, supporting good animal welfare. Our nappies, wipes, cotton wool and lotion that we use provides a clean, healthy and nurturing environment for your child. Our menu is organic, free range and homemade daily from scratch, even the ketchup - as well as being sugar, salt and nut free (except birthday cakes!).
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our family-run nursery resides in a large and innovative building, where founder Mrs B and her team offer children, including her own grandchildren, a nurturing space to enjoy learning through play. Our bright airy classrooms are filled with an abundance of exciting and educational toys, and our Magical Faraway Tree on our roof garden is a very special place, accessed by a grassy bridge where our children enjoy listening to stories under the leafy canopy.
ADDRESS: The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, ondon SW15 6EH
WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.u
FOUNDED: 1947
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 100
AGES: 2-5
FEES: £3,530 (Nursery 5 sessions) £5,480 (Nursery 5 full days). We offer the 15 or 30 hours niversal unding to those who are eligible.
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Richard Mc elland
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth.
CONTACT: Anna Williams, Nursery School Administrator, 020 8874 7186
EMAIL: nursery.office hurlinghamschool.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham School s Nursery offers outstanding provision for girls and boys aged two to five in a cutting-edge setting on Gwendolen Avenue in west Putney. The final year emphasises all aspects of school readiness to give children a flying start to their formal education. It includes a one day per wee orest School option.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and sport are all co-ordinated by specialist staff. The children enjoy regular music, movement, yoga, arate and outdoor learning, including orest School.
PASTORAL CARE: Pupils are exceptionally well cared for. The school has excellent arrangements in place to ensure that pupils are safe at all times. The school is a ind place where adults are extremely caring and pupils are considerate towards others. A pupil summed this up by commenting: children are ind and we share what we have with one another . Ofsted, ebruary 2018.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Exit Schools: Hurlingham Nursery provides an excellent foundation for all children with a particular teaching and learning focus to prepare pupils for learning on the school s main site on the Putney ridge Road.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Nursery provision at Hurlingham fosters and develops children s interest in the world around them through initiating a life-long love of learning and academia.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An idyllic, small school with large classrooms and lots of scope for self-expression in a nurturing, academic setting. In addition to the three terms in the academic year an additional 16 wee s of holiday club are offered to allow parents to opt in for specific wee s re uired, without having to financially commit to a full 50 wee s a year. (This excludes a 2-wee period over Christmas and an holidays outside).
ADDRESS: Kew Green Nursery, 85 Kew Green, TW9 3AH
WEBSITE: www. ewgreennursery.com
FOUNDED: September 2022 (Prep School founded in 2004)
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 25
AGES: 2-4 years old
FEES: (termly) Starting at £2,653 (www. ewgreennursery.com our-sessions-and-fees)
HEAD TEACHER: Chantal aard
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Chantal aard, 020 3370 7301
EMAIL: chantal.baard ewgreennursery.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Please email chantal.baard ewgreennursery.com to boo a tour.
THE CURRICULUM: Creativity, collaboration, confidence, and communication are at the heart of Kew Green Nursery. Through an en uiry-based approach to the Early Years curriculum, it is our aim to provo e investigation and reflection. Children will become researchers, explorers, designers, problem-solvers and ris -ta ers.
GAMES & THE ARTS: To enhance learning, we ma e use of our specialist teachers from Kew Green Preparatory School for lessons such as PE, ICT, Music and Art. In addition, we use the glorious Kew Green for our orest School every riday afternoon.
PASTORAL CARE: We aim to nurture and educate our children to develop their self-confidence, resilience and passion for learning. We provide a safe and stimulating environment where children thrive and develop a sense of belonging as they are cared for by our dedicated and talented staffing team. During these early years, we hope to promote excellent social s ills and we encourage the children to become responsible, confident and independent learners.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Self-confidence is at the core of a child s education, and is our founding principle. We focus on who the children are becoming as individuals. With us, they establish an articulate voice and self-awareness. The growth-mindset is celebrated, and we encourage our children to embrace, learn and grow from their mista es.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to provo e a sense of wonder and excitement in our children and include bespo e areas for roleplay, sand and water play, art and construction, a reading wall and places for uiet time. We have e uipped the building with a creative studio for specialist learning and mini-classrooms to support the transition to Reception.
ADDRESS: Nursery & Pre-Prep, 85-87 Fordwych Road, NW2 3TL | Nursery, 33 it john s Ave, NW3 5JY
WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com
FOUNDED: 1939
NUMBER OF PUPILS: West Hampstead – 116, Hampstead - 140
AGES: 2-7
FEES: (yearly) £9,420 – £22,830
HEAD TEACHER: Eilish Sleator, Nishi Kapoor
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Families meet with the head teacher
CONTACT: Admissions office; 020 7428 1520
EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open events held year round, check the website.
THE CURRICULUM: Sensory, practical and social experiences inspire a lifelong love of learning in the nursery. Our resident storyteller and specialist music and dance lessons foster imaginative, creative thinking, while orest School develops essential soft s ills to aid higher cognitive abilities. Designed to spark children’s curiosity for knowledge and develop their ability to problem-solve, our curriculum is individually tailored, providing one-to-one support and a real sense of achievement for every child.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is essential to pupil wellbeing and growth. The schools have large playgrounds complete with climbing frames, and an indoor gym or music room for PE and dance lessons. The arts are key to the curricular and extra-curricular offering, and exhibitions, plays and concerts regularly feature in the school calendar.
PASTORAL CARE: With an embedded wellbeing programme and dedicated pastoral leads, the school promotes children’s personal and emotional growth. Staff are committed to nurturing confidence, and the school’s strong sense of community is grown further in the children’s small, close-knit classes. Happy children learn best and at NBH, the results speak for themselves.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils are placed at leading pre-prep and prep schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We pride ourselves on really getting to know each individual child on their journey to the next school milestone and beyond. It is through truly knowing the individual, cultivating their character and promoting their wellbeing, that we can help each child to achieve their full potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Children benefit from specialist teaching from the outset of their education, and EYFS and KS1 results in English and maths significantly exceed the national average. All NBH pupils can transition from nursery to sixth form without entrance examination pressure. NBH works closely with families to choose the right path for each child, providing an all-through education as well as bespoke preparation for highly competitive independent schools.
ADDRESS: Dolphin branch London SW11, West Side branch London SW18
WEBSITE: www.noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1986
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 66
AGES: 2-5
FEES: (termly) £2,405
HEAD TEACHER: Sam Gosden
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: isit, then offers for siblings first, then in order of date of registration.
CONTACT: Mrs ivienne enson. Admissions Registrar
EMAIL: admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: isits by appointment with the Admissions Registrar
THE CURRICULUM: We follow the new 2022 EYFS Development Matters alongside the Birth to 5 curriculum. We use “in-the-moment planning” which responds to children’s interests, stretching those who need greater challenges and supporting those who need to embed basic skills. We use visual aids, songs, rhymes, picture books, including Bible stories and prepare children for primary/prep school.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We have a weekly PE lesson with a specialised PE teacher. We also have weekly Rhythm and Movement sessions, responding to songs with voice, instruments and movement. Art materials are plentiful and aim to develop creative flair.
PASTORAL CARE: “Wonderful nursery that genuinely cares about bringing out the best in each and every child. The staff are incredibly ind and nurturing and the smaller class size means each child gets the support they need”. We know each child well and they know they are loved and cared for by all staff. Noah s Ar provides a great framewor for character development. Excellent behaviour is modelled at every turn, kindness that supports each other is communicated with grace and confidence. Positive interaction with peers and adults is key to the nursery.
EXIT PREP/PRIMARY SCHOOLS: Broomwood Hall, Dolphin School, Eaton House Schools, Finton House, Hornsby House, Parkgate School, The Roche, Thomas’s Schools, local state schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our approach is about the individual and supporting each child to foster a love for learning. We have a community of staff, parents and children, encouraging the children to have a real sense of independence in themselves, their minds and learning.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Loving, kind, relational, listening, nurturing and skilled teachers. Child centred learning – curriculum planned around the children’s interests. Children are allowed to be themselves, finding joy in the activities that interest them and their successes and discovering a deep love of learning. Children are encouraged to be independent, aspirational and positive in overcoming challenges. Kindness is at the heart of our community. The children skip in and leave with smiles on their faces and in their hearts – they love their teachers and friends.
Often in the independent sector, a school will either commit to being an all-through school or to delivering stage specific education, which prepares pupils for their future destinations. With benefits to each provision depending on the child and their own unique character, one co-educational North London school group is facilitating both a throughschool journey and tailored 7+, 11+ and 13+ preparation.
In line with its commitment to providing each child with a truly individualised experience, North Bridge House – a highachieving family of six independent day schools covering Hampstead, West Hampstead, Regent’s Park and Islington –works closely with families to choose the right school for their child, according to their personal strengths and interests. The school prides itself on its bespoke preparation for every path to success, providing boys and girls with the option of joining one of the UK’s leading private schools, or continuing at NBH until 18. A particularly attractive proposition for families with siblings or children who would not thrive in so called ‘hothouse’ schools, NBH provides a stress-free all-through education from age two, which does not compromise on academic excellence.
The school group’s unique proposition originated at its Prep School in Regent’s Park, where from ages 4 to 13 a broad, knowledge-rich and purposeful curriculum is designed to develop confidence and character as much as impressive outcomes. With over 40 after-school clubs, a thriving arts department and specialist academic
and pastoral provision, North Bridge House Prep School prepares happy, rounded individuals for entry to the UK’s top senior schools – often with prestigious scholarship awards.
On the other hand, students are welcomed into either one of the North Bridge House Senior Schools in Hampstead and Canonbury, with a guaranteed place subject to reference from the headteacher. Here ‘the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent’, they ‘make rapid progress from their starting points’ and ‘all leavers in 2022 gained a place at their first-choice institution, many with high entry requirements or in specific fields, or took a gap year. Academic outcomes are excellent for all pupils whatever their challenges and starting points.’ (Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023).
Having seen what a huge benefit it is for pupils to be able to progress with a through-school education or tailored 11+
and 13+ senior school preparation, NBH is now adopting the same educational model at its Pre-Prep campus in Hampstead. From September, NBH Pre-Prep will offer 7+ exam preparation, capitalising on its teaching expertise and children’s capabilities to facilitate entry to highly selective prep schools. At the same time, the school will continue to offer automatic progression to NBH Prep School, bypassing the 7+ exam and providing children with every opportunity for success, whichever route is right for them.
The school has also introduced interview preparation regardless of whether pupils are sitting the 7+ or continuing to NBH Prep School, so that they’re able to articulate themselves confidently in one-to-one and group conversation. ‘Confidence is one of the most important life skills and developing our children’s self-esteem is already a key focus here at NBH, so that we positively impact their overall success and wellbeing,’ says Head of School at North Bridge House Pre-Prep, Michelle Blaber.
NBH prioritises the social and emotional welfare of pupils as a whole, so that ‘children are supported in every aspect of their growth and development and empowered to develop a genuine love of learning in a low-pressure environment,’ Michelle explains. So, whichever route you choose for your child, you know that North Bridge House will give them the tools and confidence they need to thrive in any setting.
Children develop a sense of belonging, respect and autonomy of voice through a varied and well-directed early education.
We aim to provide a happy and enriching environment and a gentle introduction to pre-school life. We offer a broad range of experiences to the children to stimulate their interest, facilitate meaningful communication and promote purposeful, interactive play
A happy childhood, outstanding results
Broomwood offers a unique approach to independent school education in South West London. Our children are taught together at Broomwood PrePrep, after which they move to our single-sex prep schools. Boys and girls are allowed to develop at their own pace, but come together for extension activities beyond the classroom, including sporting events, workshops, drama, music and residential trips.
Inspiring children aged 3-13 to
#BeYourBEST
Find out more at
www.broomwood.com
admissions@broomwood.com
T: 020 8682 8830
ADDRESS: 192 Ramsden Road, SW12 8RQ and 50 Nightingale ane, SW12 8TE
WEBSITE: www.broomwood.com
FOUNDED: 1984
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 3-7
FEES: £6,600 per term
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Caron Mac ay Group Principal, Mr Kevin Doble
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: C of E – but all welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Little Broomwood (pre-school) register from 12 months, Reception random ballot 18 months pre-entry CONTACT: The Admissions team 020 8682 8830
EMAIL: admissions@broomwood.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning 7 October 2023. Also hold regular riday tours. oo in advance.
THE CURRICULUM: Broad and innovative and designed to provide a strong foundation in the basics. Specialist teaching in arts, sports, music, and French from the start. Strong emphasis on Maths Mastery, the ‘big write and thematic learning. earning Powers of Confidence, Resilience, Communication, Curiosity, and Independence embedded in all we offer.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Emphasis on building confidence, improving s ills, and having fun ive periods of PE and Games a wee . Wee ly art, drama, and music. A multitude of clubs including arate, coding, art and coo ery and more. Every child ta es part in one major drama music production a year.
PASTORAL CARE: Happiness is central to our offer, and we are proud to offer outstanding pastoral care. The school is split between two buildings, a short wal from one another. Each site is small enough for children to be well- nown to all staff. We have a strong pastoral team including learning support, a full-time nurse and ualified school counsellor.
MOVING ON: Automatic entry – providing it is right for the child – to Broomwood Prep – Girls or Broomwood Prep – Boys.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happiness and wellbeing go hand in hand with ambitious academic standards. Teaching is tailored to the needs of each child to deliver an outstanding education that excites, stimulates and nurtures in e ual measure and leaves them brimming with confidence, ready for the next stage.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Latest Independent Schools Inspection, ‘Excellent in all areas’. Children at Little Broomwood (aged 3-4) enjoy a stimulating education with indoor and outdoor classrooms, before moving seamlessly into Pre-Prep. Pupils join with older boys and girls at Broomwood Prep for some activities and share in the expertise of teaching staff and facilities. A happy childhood, outstanding results.
ADDRESS: 26 Bollingbroke Grove, London, SW11 6EL
WEBSITE: www.broomwood.com
FOUNDED: 1993
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 7-13
FEES: £8,100
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Kevin Doble (Also Group Principal of roomwood)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: C of E – but all welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry from Pre-Prep; Occasional places available. External candidates via testing and Head’s interview.
CONTACT: The Admissions team 020 8682 8830
EMAIL: admissions@broomwood.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings 7, 13 October 2023. Also hold regular Friday tours. Book in advance.
THE CURRICULUM: Boys thrive in our busy, friendly, and stimulating environment with outstanding teaching. Subject specialists ensure they are stretched and nurtured for entry to top senior schools at 11 and 13+ Boys collaborate with Broomwood Girls, for academic extension, sporting and creative activities.
GAMES & THE ARTS: All boys play matches in the major sports. Whilst inclusive, teams punch above their weight, even against much bigger schools. Wide-ranging clubs include karate, coding, and spy club. Vibrant music, drama and art departments with ambitious projects, multiple ensembles, and opportunities to perform.
PASTORAL CARE: Small class sizes and an excellent tutor system that ensures every boy has someone looking out for him. The small and friendly community enables staff and boys to get to now each other well. oys are taught mindfulness and techniques to manage anxiety and the learning support dog Lyra is a popular member of the school. Parent partnership is actively encouraged and the Head s office is always open.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 2023 Leavers won 22 scholarships for academic, sporting and creative achievements. They exit at 11 and 13+ to a mix of day schools (e.g. Alleyn s, Dulwich, Eltham and Whitgift) and boarding schools (e.g. radfield; righton College; Cranleigh; Charterhouse; Eton; Harrow; Marlborough; Tonbridge and Wellington).
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘The whole child is the whole point’. Academic rigour, a focus on traditional manners, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and holistic care and, a school that puts a boy s happiness centre stage to enable them to fulfil their academic potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We understand how to get the very best out of boys, giving them an outstanding all-round education in a stimulating and nurturing learning environment. Our children experience the best of both worlds by close collaboration with Broomwood Girls. Pupils benefit from sharing the facilities and teaching expertise across all school sites. The latest ISI Inspection found the school ‘Excellent in all areas.’
ADDRESS: 68-74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR
WEBSITE: www.broomwood.com
FOUNDED: 1984
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250
AGES: 7-13
FEES: £8,100
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs ouisa McCafferty
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: C of E – but all welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry from Pre-Prep; Occasional places available. External candidates via testing and Head’s interview.
CONTACT: The Admissions team 020 8682 8830
EMAIL: admissions@broomwood.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings 7, 13 October 2023. Also hold regular Friday tours. Book in advance.
THE CURRICULUM: A broad, stimulating mastery approach with technology used at every level, promoting self-confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Beyond the classroom, girls collaborate with Broomwood boys, for academic extension, sharing specialist teaching and facilities. We support and stretch in equal measure.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide variety of sports, e.g. netball, hockey, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, cross-country, athletics, and swimming. Exceptionally strong music, art & DT, and drama departments. New art and DT block. On-site cookery school.
PASTORAL CARE: Small class sizes, an excellent tutor system with mindfulness and wellbeing programmes built into the curriculum. We nurture the whole child and focus on developing individual strengths, so that when girls leave at 11 or 13, they are happy, well-rounded individuals, prepared to tac le the future with confidence.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Awards across all areas at both 11 and 13. Seven scholarships and places awarded to 18 schools in 2023. Senior exit schools include mix of day (e.g., Alleyn s; Emanuel; rancis Holland; JAGS; Streatham & Clapham High; Woldingham) and boarding (e.g., enenden; radfield; Downe House; righton College; Marlborough; St Mary s; Ascot; Sherborne; Wellington).
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We prepare for life, not just for the next school. Girls are stimulated, supported, and stretched in equal measure. We help them to develop creativity, resilience, independence, and confidence. Our results are outstanding and last a lifetime.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The only all-girls’ prep school preparing for both 11+ and 13+ in SW London. Broomwood girls are happy, confident and rounded individuals and are well prepared for future success. ‘Excellent in all areas’ in a recent ISI Inspection. Together with roomwood Pre-Prep and roomwood Prep – oys, children aged 3-13 years are inspired to #BeYourBEST.
ADDRESS: 60 assett Road, W10 6JP
WEBSITE: www.bassetths.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 140
AGES: 3-11
HEAD TEACHER: Kelly Gray
FEES: (termly) £3,543 - £7,364
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in early years. Priority placement to siblings of current students and children of alumnae. Taster days encouraged for pupils in Year 1 and above
CONTACT: Head of Admissions and Mar eting or the School Office
EMAIL: info@bassetths.org.uk or registrar@bassetths.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Stay & Play sessions for Nursery and Reception applicants take place regularly throughout each term. Personal tours are offered, and Open Days ta e place in the autumn and summer term, each year
THE CURRICULUM: We boast a bespoke future-focused Bassett Baccalaureate curriculum, taught by specialists for the best outcomes, where much-loved traditions meet innovation- a curriculum crammed with creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Our specialist PE and sports teachers encourage pupils to try a host of activities and games from introduction to team sports. Music, Drama and Art are also taught by specialist teachers and allow for pupils to express themselves with confidence across a spectrum of media.
PASTORAL CARE: Bassett House has a homely feel -where parents say their child is more nurtured, known and seen.We consider it a privilege to educate children in our academic school with small class sizes and expert staff committed to ma ing learning memorable. Happy children learn. When pupils join Bassett in our pre-school, they receive their very own pastoral plan from our Pastoral Lead. Communication Station supports pupils who need a boost.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over half offered scholarships to ondon s best, including St.Pauls.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: No matter where you go to school, you need somebody to catch you- to notice you and to catch you. Every child at Bassett sees the Head in their classroom at least once every single day, with Hot Chocolate riday s a highlight. We ta e children s talents and inquisitiveness and nurture them.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Tucked away in a thriving London village, we boast state of the art technology, performing arts studio, gym, stage and library. Our bespoke Early Years comprise of multi structure play spaces developed with House of Kin, which clearly say, You Matter . Not to mention the popular annual staff panto. In summer 2022, horse riding was introduced to the curriculum for all year groups. Children learn not only to ride but biology, animal care and much more through the pioneering partnership with Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre.
ADDRESS: 108a ancaster Road, Notting Hill, ondon W11 1QS
WEBSITE: www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 2010
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400
AGES: 2-11
FEES: (termly) £8,330 - School; £7,125 – Nursery 4 half days & 1 half day; £6,340 - 3 full days & 2 half days; £3,985 - 5 half day sessions (AM or PM); £3,300 - 3 half day sessions
HEAD TEACHER: Angela Barr
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception inta e. Informal assessment for 7 , 8 , 11 entry.
CONTACT: Rose O Grady, School Administrator, 0207 243 0243
EMAIL: info@chepstowhouseschool.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Tours available on request
THE CURRICULUM: A rigorous curriculum prepares children for 11 Common Entrance. However, we encourage boys and girls to strive in all areas through providing a broad and balanced learning experience.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Music recitals, whole school productions and art specialist weeks are highlights throughout the key stages. PE lessons enhance physical skills and knowledge of the sports the children play and a strong emphasis is placed on competitive sporting activities through wee ly fixtures.
PASTORAL CARE: Staff encourage pupils to apply themselves diligently to tasks and develop positive attitudes both in their work and in their personal relationships. The house system creates a strong community within the school and the extremely successful links with both local and international charities promotes a sense of wider social interaction and responsibility.
SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Children follow on to a variety of schools including St Paul s, City of ondon, The Harrodian and Wetherby.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Chepstow House is a happy and purposeful family environment, where every member of the school community is important and all are valued as individuals, We aim to discover the best in every child and challenge them to go beyond their expectations.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The highly nurturing and welcoming ethos and environment. By the end of Year 3, the majority of pupils achieve well above expected levels of attainment in reading, writing, spea ing and mathematics. Teachers don t teach the cohort, they teach the child and use children s strengths to ma e them feel good about themselves resulting in Well-rounded pupils, bubbling over with enthusiasm and curiosity. (Review from Good Schools Guide 2022)
ADDRESS: 106 Northcote Road, ondon SW11 6QW
WEBSITE: www.dolphinschool.org.u
FOUNDED: 1986
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 177
AGES: 2-11
FEES: Termly: Nursery £2,405; Reception, Years 1 and 2 £4,465; Years 3–6 £4,890
HEAD TEACHER: Sam Gosden
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Reception class, early registration recommended. Non-selective for Reception; or Year 1–6, assessment day and past school reports
CONTACT: ivienne enson, 020 7924 3472 ext 2
EMAIL: admissions dolphinschool.org.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the Admissions Registrar
THE CURRICULUM: Our small class sizes enable us to get to know your child extremely well so that we can not only set specific individualised academic targets, but also discover how they learn best. We prioritise English and maths, however, we do offer a holistic programme including science, geography, history, Spanish, computer coding, gardening and a vast array of extracurricular activities, clubs and outings.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We train pupils in the arts (drama, music, painting, drawing, clay and design and technology) with fantastic specialist teaching and a plethora of performing and exhibiting opportunities. We also coach children in a wide range of sports (football, tag rugby, hoc ey, netball, cricket, dance, athletics and cross-country running) through dynamic teaching and a superb fixture list.
PASTORAL CARE: We are committed to giving both time and care to grow your child s character on their journey from nursery to year six. Dolphin children are nown to be caring, compassionate, supportive, funny, ambitious, give-it-a-go people who value integrity and truth and who go the extra mile to inspire others to achieve,
SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Alleyn’s, Box Hill, Caterham, Christ’s Hospital, Dulwich College, Eaton Square Senior, Emanuel, Epsom College, Farnborough Hill, Francis Holland, Frensham Heights, Hurstpierpoint, Ibstock Place, James Allen’s Girls’ School, Kew House, King’s College Wimbledon, Northwood Senior, Priors ield, Royal Russell, St John s Leatherhead, Streatham and Clapham High, Thomas’s Battersea Square, Trinity, Whitgift, Woldingham, Worth School.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: If we want children to be the best they can be, academically, artistically, in sport or as people, we must start by valuing them for who they are and to appreciate that they have different intelligences which need opportunities to be developed.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: With a combination of nurture and dynamism and the passionate and compassionate commitment of the highly s illed staff Dolphin School provides a fantastic all-round education allowing children to be nown, heard and to have joy in finding their interests and gifts.
ADDRESS: 38-42 Alleyn Par , ondon, SE21 (Years 1 - 8), 8 Gallery Road, ondon SE21 (Early Years)
WEBSITE: www.dulwichpreplondon.org
FOUNDED: 1885
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 839 AGES: oys 3–13, Girls 3–4
FEES: Nursery and Reception £5,375; Years 1 and 2 £6,135
Years 3 and 4 £6,960; Years 5 to 8 £7,795
HEAD TEACHER: Miss ouise Davidson
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: The main entry points are Nursery (3 ), Reception (4 ), Year 3 (7 ) and Year 7 (11 ). rom September 2025, the school will extend its provision to age 16.
CONTACT: Mrs Olivia Patton, Registrar
EMAIL: admissions dulwichpreplondon.org
SCHOOL VISITS: The school hosts an annual open morning which will ta e place on Saturday 23 September 2023.
THE CURRICULUM: Dulwich Prep ondon believes in unloc ing every child s potential through an innovative and challenging curriculum. The school values of ove, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice, Service, Selfdiscipline, and Honesty are taught to foster empathy and inspire boys to impact society positively.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport, Music, Drama, Art, and Design Technology all play a fundamental part in daily life at Dulwich Prep ondon. The school champions the ability to play sports or be creative with intelligence and passion, and they recognise the benefits of both. The co-curricular programme is vibrant and varied. oys are encouraged to participate in musical activities and drama productions, with competitive sports offered for all s ill levels.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is of the utmost importance to the staff team and community beyond. Dulwich Prep ondon s extensive experience wor ing with boys to 13 years old gives them a clear understanding of the physical, emotional, and developmental needs that boys may encounter at school. oys can only achieve their highest potential when they feel secure and confident.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over the last six years (2018-2023), boys have transitioned to over 50 of the top ondon Day Schools and the best boarding schools in the country. Pupils have been awarded over 260 scholarships (2020-2023), and 95 of families secured their first-choice senior school.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Miss Davidson is passionate about boys learning holistically, building good character, and developing meaningful s ills for their future. She effectively balances the school s heritage and traditions with the need to be at the forefront of what is new and best in education.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Dulwich Prep London is renowned for providing an exceptional education for boys aged 3 to 13. Situated on 29 acres, including extensive sports fields and woodland, the school offers a uni ue blend of a country atmosphere in a suburban setting in one of the world s most vibrant cities.
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common North Side, ondon SW4 9R & 3-5 Eaton Gate, elgravia, ondon SW1W 9 A
WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com
FOUNDED: 1993 & 2017
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 42 (EHTM); 24 (EHB))
AGES: 2 – 4
FEES: Costs vary with number of sessions per wee . isit eatonhouseschools.com for more info.
HEAD TEACHER: Roosha Sue (EHTM); Gemma Poulley (EHB)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Sam eilding, Head of Admissions, 020 3917 5050
EMAIL: admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
SCHOOL VISITS: oo Open House tours online at eatonhouseschools.com, or via admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
THE CURRICULUM: The ISI’s latest report (2022) rated Eaton House The Manor ‘Excellent’ with ‘diversity and inclusion being openly celebrated’. Our nurseries are a hive of activity, where children are happy, busy and curious to learn. Each child is challenged at their own level, to improve their cognition, fine and gross motor s ills, and speech. Individual and small group wor allows our nurseries to assess each pupil’s individual strengths.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Our Nursery students benefit from the use of the excellent facilities of our adjoining schools, whether it be sports in the gym or performances in our theatre. Every child has the opportunity to ta e part in sporting activities, swimming lessons, music ma ing and more. Nursery activities are guided by the EYFS Early Learning Goals.
PASTORAL CARE: ‘Pastoral care is extremely strong, 100 percent rated it excellent or good’ – Cappco. Each child is supported and encouraged, gaining independence and confidence. When children leave our nurseries they are fully prepared for school at 4+. This allows them an easy transition to Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep and Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Roosha Sue (The Manor Nursery): ‘My philosophy for our nursery is for every child to settle in, be happy and treated as uni ue. Our pastoral care is second to none. We hope that all of our Cubs and Bears are excited and curious to learn through being exposed to a variety of experiences, from coo ing, yoga and pottery to languages. Our children leave school-ready, confident and eager to continue their learning journey. Gemma Poulley (Belgravia Nursery) says, ‘I believe that nursery should be a ‘happy place’ where children have the freedom to explore and discover. They should be encouraged to ta e ris s to achieve their full potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Easy transition to Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep for the boys and Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School for the girls. At Belgravia, boys are well prepared for Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep and girls for Eaton House The Manor Girls School. We empower children to be happy, independent and curious learners, and we aim to have your child completely ‘school ready’ when they leave us. Children are unique and so is their learning journey. Eaton House The Manor and Eaton House Belgravia Nurseries are part of Eaton House Schools and the Du es Education family.
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common North Side, ondon, SW4 9R
WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com
FOUNDED: 2008
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220
AGES: 4-11
FEES: (termly) £6,740 (Reception - Year 3); £7,875 (Year 4 - 6)
HEAD TEACHER: Claire Fildes
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4; English & Maths assessment for older girls.
CONTACT: Sam eilding, Head of Admissions, 020 3917 5050
EMAIL: admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
SCHOOL VISITS: oo Open House tours online at eatonhouseschools.com, or via admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
THE CURRICULUM: An ISI Report in 2022 rated Eaton House The Manor ‘Excellent’ with ‘diversity and inclusion being openly celebrated’. ‘Teaching is highly effective in promoting pupils excellent progress and attainment. (ISI Report). A relaxed but highly stimulating classroom environment promotes intellectual curiosity. Academic exploration and ris -ta ing are two essential ingredients in the school’s teaching. Girls leave for a range of schools, including St Paul s Girls , JAGS, Alleyn s and Wycombe Abbey.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Being regularly active enhances the girls’ physical and emotional health. They have access to excellent sports facilities both indoors and outdoors. Music and drama are strong and varied throughout the School, with most pupils playing at least one instrument, and all girls ta ing part in theatrical performances.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is about understanding and supporting each individual child. The House system, excellent form teachers and visible senior management team combine to ensure that each girl feels supported in her learning. A Head of Wellbeing supports all parents. The head says, When the girls really feel that they’re cared for and happy in their learning environment, I really believe that the learning falls into place. (The Good Schools Guide, 2023)
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2022 and 2023, the girls received an outstanding 41 Scholarships and Awards across Academics, Sport, Drama, Music and Art. This year these included Woldingham, righton College, Streatham & Clapham High School, Emanuel and Royal Russell.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2023) comments that for Mrs Fildes ‘Teaching is clearly a vocation, spurred on by childhood experiences’. She says ‘I was never told “you can be anything you want to be and I really want our girls to thin li e that. Conse uently, Mrs ildes encourages the girls to find their confidence in STEAM learning and champions their individual interests and passions.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: There is a s y is the limit approach to learning – anything is possible. Each girl is treated as a confident individual so that she can blossom academically, socially and behaviourally, ready to ta e on the world. Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School is part of Eaton House Schools and the Du es Education family.
ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common North Side, ondon SW4 9R
WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com
FOUNDED: 1993
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 430
AGES: 4 – 13
FEES: (termly) £6,740 (Pre-Prep); £8,090 (Prep)
HEAD TEACHER: Sarah Segrave (Prep); David Wingfield (Pre-Prep)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at 4+; English and Maths assessment for other year groups; selective 8+ entry
CONTACT: Sam Feilding, Head of Admissions, 020 3917 5050
EMAIL: admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours (live tours) online at eatonhouseschools.com, or via admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
THE CURRICULUM: EHTM is one of the top feeder schools to Westminster, Eton, St Paul’s, Dulwich and many more, from a non-selective at 4+ entry. An ISI Report in 2022 rated Eaton House the Manor Excellent with diversity and inclusion being openly celebrated’. The Good Schools Guide (2022): ‘A warm, welcoming, inclusive school with a traditional style that focuses on its pupils academic progress, personal development and wellbeing. Offering a curriculum adjusted to fit boys developmental stages, interests and strengths, we create the best start for each boy. This begins in the Pre-Prep where learning is active, academic and exploratory.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at school, whether boys are representing the school or their House. Specialist sports staff nurture a love of sport and nearly 75 percent of our boys play a musical instrument. Every boy has weekly drama lessons and can get involved in many plays and musical events in the school – all to a high standard.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is intrinsic in all we do, the fundamental cornerstone of the school. Our form tutors and House system provide the structure for pastoral care. Our buddy system helps integrate boys into the school from the beginning and our Head of Wellbeing supports all parents.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: An impressive number of scholarships in 2023, including four to Alleyn’s School, two to St Paul’s, two to Dulwich College, one to ancing College, and one to Royal Russell.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Sarah Segrave has been with Eaton House since 1993, yet she is ‘outward looking’. (The Good Schools Guide, 2023) She feels that: ‘A school is a place where children grow, guided by teachers who are determined that they succeed and are happy.’ David Wingfield is a maths specialist, bringing a high academic pedigree to the school’. (The Good Schools Guide, 2023) He aims to foster in each boy a ‘genuine love of learning’.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Academically outstanding, with many scholarships. Generations of boys go on to Eton, Westminster, St Paul’s, Dulwich, Tonbridge, Harrow, King’s College Wimbledon, Winchester. All pupils receive offers to an excellent range of schools. Eaton House The Manor oys School is part of Eaton House Schools and the Dukes Education family.
ADDRESS: 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA
WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com
FOUNDED: 1897
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220
AGES: 4 – 11
FEES: (termly) £7,740 (Pre-Prep); £8,575 (Prep)
HEAD TEACHER: Mr rendan O Keeffe (Interim Head), Mr Ross Montague (Head from Jan 2023)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non–selective at age 4, older children may be subject to assessment. Co-educational Nursery 2-4.
CONTACT: Sam Feilding, Head of Admissions, 020 3917 5050
EMAIL: admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Book Open House tours online at eatonhouseschools.com, or via admissions@eatonhouseschools.com
THE CURRICULUM: EHB Pre-Prep School is a Westminster and St Paul’s feeder, with an impressive number of 7 and 8 boys receiving offers each year. Our curriculum is designed to offer our boys a breadth of experience and prepare them for examinations to the highest academic standards, with each receiving an individual learning plan. The Prep takes boys at age eight and prepares them for the 11 examination.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and arts are central to our philosophy, as we want the boys to feel creative and fulfilled. PE lessons, off-site games and swimming sessions help develop key sports skills. Drama and music are popular, and there are many after-school clubs and extra-curricular trips.
PASTORAL CARE: Wellbeing is central to the school’s philosophy and the ‘Teachers have a lovely supportive dynamic with their charges.’ Good Schools Guide (2023). Our buddy system integrates new boys, together with a sense of community in each form and House. The Good Schools Guide (2023) says Pastoral care is excellent, accommodating and proactive, pic ing up on any potential anxieties very uic ly .
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: oys regularly receive offers to other top schools, including Westminster, St Paul’s, Westminster Cathedral Choir School, King’s College Junior School, Eaton House Belgravia Prep, The Dragon School and Summer ields. Prep exit schools at 11 have included Westminster nder, Dulwich College and Merchant Taylor’s School.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mr Montague intends to maintain the traditional, academic values of Eaton House Belgravia whilst bringing a fresh eye to the school. He will build on previous headmaster, Mr Huw May’s philosophy of ‘stretch and support’. He says, ‘We want Belgravia boys to be leaders in life – successful, public-spirited, adaptable and innovative.’
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We achieve some of the most outstanding 7+ and 8+ Pre-Prep results in London, with an impressive number of 7 and 8 boys receiving Westminster and St Paul s offers. There is also the option for boys to enter the Prep and sit the 11 . We offer a blend of traditional values with a forward-thinking education. An ‘open door’ policy means parents are fully involved. Eaton House Belgravia is part of Eaton House Schools and the Dukes Education family.
ADDRESS: 2 Ar wright Road, Hampstead, ondon, NW3 6AE
WEBSITE: www.devonshirehouseschool.co.u
FOUNDED: 1989
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 550
AGES: 2-13 years
FEES: (termly) £7,816 to £8,394
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Henry Keighley-Elstub
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry in Year 1: informal, group, playbased. Years 2-7: assessment and taster morning
CONTACT: Mrs Helen Ridard, Head of Admissions, 020 7435 1916
EMAIL: admissions dhprep.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: We organise several Open Mornings per term. Alternatively, contact Admissions to arrange a private tour.
THE CURRICULUM: Our ualified teachers ma e learning fun. Specialist subjects - rench, Technology, Music and Games - start in Reception. rom Year 3 (age 7), children learn in a senior school-li e campus. They enjoy Science experiments in the lab, robot coding in the technology room or music rehearsals with the school band.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We provide solid foundations in a variety of sports including football, netball, rugby, cric et and athletis, and promote healthy competition opportunities inside and outside the school. Dynamic music and drama departments, with performances for all ages. Art and DT bu ing with creativity.
PASTORAL CARE: Small class si es form a friendly, inviting, safe and happy place to learn. We listen to the child s voice with observation and trac ing. Children now they can come to teachers who will give them the necessary tools to feel more e uipped to deal with future situations. Strong relationships with children and parents alongside an ethos of family values.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We cater to children s most uni ue pathways. Pupils win scholarships to a wide range of day and boarding schools every year.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Devonshire House offers an intellectual, creative learning environment in which girls and boys of all characters and learning profiles can thrive and maximise their potential. We believe that parents shouldn t have to choose between academically rigorous and pastorally nurturing schools: their children can have both at Devonshire House.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Every child has a uni ue character and we embrace them all. Children grow, learn and play in a safe environment. Our grounds are spacious and include an on-site forest school where children learn to ta e ris s. Pupils leave the school as confident, resilient young people who have strong self-esteem and a well-developed understanding of how to improve their own learning. (ISI Report).
ADDRESS: alcons School, 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, SW15 6PY
WEBSITE: www.falconsschool.co.u
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 130
AGES: 2-11 boys and girls
FEES: Nursery from £3,075 term; Reception Class £5,190 term; Year 1 to Year 6 £6,025 term
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational CONTACT: Miss Nadine Yor
EMAIL: Admissions falconsschool.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings offer a chance to visit our fantastic facilities, hear from our Headmistress and Head of Early Years about our uni ue school ethos, meet with our incredible team of specialist teachers and of course, our pupils. We also offer individual family tours
THE CURRICULUM: Our exciting and stimulating curriculum covers a broad range of subjects and we use traditional and modern teaching methods using the latest classroom technology. In 2021, we gained accreditation as a Thin ing School . This means we are an educational community in which all members share a common commitment to thin reflectively, critically and creatively, and employ these s ills and techni ues in the co-construction of a meaningful curriculum and associated activities.
GAMES & THE ARTS: At alcons we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get involved in sport to promote teamwor , leadership and proficiency. Sport is also about self-improvement. We encourage and support each child to reach their individual sporting ambition whether that be as part of a team or in an individual event.
PASTORAL CARE: Our philosophy is to provide the right ind of opportunities and support, creating a safe and happy environment in which pupils feel comfortable ta ing ris s and challenging their own and others views, nowing that they are valued as they are and will be listened to.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic scholarships at EH, Notre Dame School, Putney High School, Surbiton High School. Sport scholarships at Kingston Grammar, Ibstoc Place School. Music scholarships at Woldingham and Heathfield. Drama scholarhsips at Epsom College and More House school.
HEADMISTRESS’ PHILOSOPHY: At our small, family school we believe passionately in the close lin s between academic achievement and emotional wellbeing. Children need to feel emotionally secure in order to ta e ris s, challenge themselves and ma e progress. We have very clear academic goals and our pupils have achieved an outstanding history of 11 results, ma ing our school s reputation enviable in this area.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: alcons School is an Excellent school with on-site nursery school, providing independent education for boys and girls aged two to eleven. We are a warm and caring school, ta ing great pride in developing our pupils into happy, ind and confident individuals.
ADDRESS: 17 The Downs, Wimbledon, SW20 8H
WEBSITE: www.hsw.co.u
FOUNDED: 1990
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 185
AGES: 7-18
FEES: (termly) Years 3-6 £5,940; Year 7 £6,690; Years 8-12 £6,870
HEAD TEACHER: Andrew Hammond
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective, Taster Day, Academic reports and reference from current school
CONTACT: Nalini Chamane, Head of Admissions
EMAIL: admissions hsw.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Ma e an en uiry and boo individual tours at www. hsw.co.u open-days
THE CURRICULUM: HSW offers a well-rounded curriculum with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities to instil enthusiasm and joy for learning. Great emphasis is placed on practical learning, encouraging in uisitiveness and an ability to thin for oneself, within a supportive environment.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is played daily across our nine acres of playing fields with e ual emphasis placed on team and individual sports. We are one of the few schools to offer all Girl and all oy training for Wimbledon for our Year 9 pupils and have a great trac record. HSW has regular music recitals, productions and showcases as well as photography and art classes in our well-e uipped Art studio.
PASTORAL CARE: Every pupil has a Class Teacher or Head of Year whom they can confide in and who oversees their academic, moral and pastoral development. Our approach recognises each pupil s uni ue ualities and provides them with the specific care, attention and support they re uire at each stage of their school life. ltimately, when pupils leave Hall School Wimbledon, they are emotionally and socially mature.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: HSW offers scholarships (Academic, Expressive Arts or Sport) to gifted and talented children applying for Year 7.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Innate ability comes in many forms, extending far beyond the narrow metric of academic assessment. At HSW, we as How are you smart rather than How smart are you . inding ways to boost our pupils self-worth, in order to support their self-discipline and self-confidence is fundamental to life here.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: HSW is a dynamic and vibrant place of learning that offers an all-round holistic education in the heart of Wimbledon, with sport played daily. Our excellent pastoral care fosters a postive atmosphere that promotes resillience, fairness and e ual opportunities and our small class si es ensure each child gets the attention they need and are encouraged to express their opinions.
ADDRESS: Kew College Prep, 24-26 Cumberland Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3HQ
WEBSITE: www. ewcollegeprep.com
FOUNDED: 1927
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 280
AGES: 3–11
FEES: ( Termly) Nursery(half-day) £2,730; Nursery(full day) £5,105; Reception to Year 6 £5,105
HEAD TEACHER: Jane ond Sc MA (Ed) PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children must be registered as soon as possible after birth. Occasional places sometimes available.
CONTACT: Michelle Warburton, 020 8940 2039
EMAIL: registrar ewcollegeprep.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the registrar to arrange a visit or to attend an Open Morning
THE CURRICULUM: The importance of English, maths and science is emphasised at the school, but within a broad curriculum. This includes art, drama, rench, history, geography, ICT, music and sport.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Netball, hoc ey, cric et, rugby, football, swimming, dance, athletics and gymnastics. Inter-school matches. Drama and music are encouraged, there are summer plays, Christmas and Spring concerts, as well as several school choirs, an orchestra, string and wind groups and music technology.
PASTORAL CARE: Our Pastoral Curriculum underpins everything we do at Kew College Prep. We wor as a team to ensure all children are listened to and feel valued. The mutual respect between staff and pupils is perfectly exemplified by our School Council, where elected representatives from each class put forward suggestions to improve the school, with many ideas put into practice.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Year 6 pupils this year were awarded 27 scholarships.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are a purposeful, hardwor ing and nurturing school that eeps children at the heart of everything we do. As a small, supportive and vibrant community, Kew College Prep aims to develop children into independent and critical thin ers with a natural curiosity to learn and discover.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Kew College Prep is an outstanding prep school achieving high academic standards and a consistent record of scholarships to ondon secondary schools. We have a uni ue 11 programme with a tailored learning plan for each child. The Good Schools Guide mentions we are warm-hearted and have an effervescent learning environment .
ADDRESS: 122 Putney ridge Road, Putney, ondonSW15 2NQ
WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.u
FOUNDED: 1947
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 340
AGES: 4-11
FEES: ower School (Reception to orm II) £6,575, pper School ( rom III to orm I) £6,800
HEAD TEACHER: Simon Gould
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: iona Driver, Admissions Registrar, 020 8874 7186
EMAIL: admissions hurlinghamschool.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment
THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham School’s exciting curriculum is designed to spark academic curiosity, identify talents and nurture passions within a psychologically safe environment that enables every child to flourish. It values childhood and places learning at the heart of every experience and opportunity.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Children enjoy a range of sports including football, netball, rugby, hoc ey, cric et, athletics, ballet and arate. These are all taught by specialists both on-site and in Wandsworth Park and Rocks ane. Music, including four choirs and an orchestra, is a particular strength of the school. Creative art is dynamic and original.
PASTORAL CARE: Happiness is central to everything that goes on at Hurlingham. Our pupils successes result from their confidence, enjoyment of school life and ever-increasing appetite for new learning and discovery. Our focus on the individual affords us the opportunity to tailor our pastoral care to each child. We now a happy child is more open to learning, open to challenge and can perform at their best. We care deeply about their emotional wellbeing and make pastoral care our absolute priority.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Emanuel, Surbiton High, King’s College School, Wimbledon High School, Kingston Grammar School, Hampton, Cranleigh, Woldingham, Epsom College, Whitgift.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children at Hurlingham will be educated in the broadest sense of the word. Academic excellence is vitally important but let s prepare them for life not just an A grade. An education that teaches them to be kind, compassionate, and to build agency on how they can have a positive impact on the world around them.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Fantastic children, wonderful, dedicated staff, purpose-built learning environment for the 21st century. Rated excellent in all areas of recent inspection ( eb 2022 – available on website).
ADDRESS: ayton House, erry ane, Kew Green TW9 3A
WEBSITE: www. gps.co.u
FOUNDED: 2004
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 270 (135 boys, 135 girls)
AGES: 2-11
FEES: £6,995 per term, all ages
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sasha Davies
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: There are three main points of entry: Nursery (2 ), Pre-Prep (3 ) and Reception (4 ).
CONTACT: Michelle Wadsley, 020 8948 5999
EMAIL: Admissions gps.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: y appointment or Open Mornings: www. gps.co.u openmornings
THE CURRICULUM: KGPS delivers a curriculum that far exceeds the national curriculum in both breadth and depth. Purposeful, ambitious and inspiring lessons are delivered to nurture creativity and instil resilience.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We have outstanding art, music, drama and sports departments as any visitor would realise immediately. All our children compete, perform and enjoy the exceptional standards we achieve in these areas.
PASTORAL CARE: We operate a genuine Open Door policy where parents play a very active role in school life. Every adult in school nows every child. Relationships are strong, children are happy, well-motivated and confident to as uestions, ma e mista es and give opinions. They are valued and listened to. The behaviour we encourage and expect from our pupils at Kew Green is based on a whole-school ethos of respect and tolerance.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Hampton, Tiffins, rancis Holland, Notting Hill and Ealing, Putney High.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, respected, challenged and inspired. Excellent education must reach beyond a prescribed knowledge-based curriculum and recognise a child’s full potential in terms of physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. ocusing on who the child is becoming while they succeed and achieve academically.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Kew Green Nursery opened in September 2022, located at a new site close to the main school. Nursery children benefit from use of the Prep school facilities and specialist teaching in subjects such as art, computing, music, languages and PE. They also have an automatic place in Reception at the Prep school. Conse uently, children can attend KGPS from ages 2 to 11, and, if desired, ages 2-18 within the Gardener Schools Group. KGPS is nestled in a peaceful corner of Kew Green by the ban s of the River Thames. It feels li e a country school while it is very much in ondon.
Open Morning
Friday 22nd September 2023
9.15am - Arrival and Coffee, 9.30am - Head’s Welcome Talk 10am - School Tours
Book your place at: www.milbourneloge.co.uk/admissions
Register now for Reception Entry in September 2024
Milbourne Lodge offers a traditional, highly personalised education for energetic, bright pupils. We foster intellectual curiosity, creativity and independent learning habits throughout our school community.
We want all our children to discover the joy of learning, across our broad curriculum.
Open events will take place in September, October and November 2023 for 4+, 7+ and 9+ entry in September 2024.
www.alleyns.org.uk
ADDRESS: Hampton Court House, Hampton Court Road, Richmondpon-Thames, ondon, KT8 9 S
WEBSITE: www.hamptoncourthouse.co.u
FOUNDED: 2001
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 300
AGES: 2-18
FEES: (termly) rom £5,352 to £7,825
HEAD TEACHER: Katherine intiner
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective: Trial mornings from PreNursery to Year 2; entrance assessments & interviews from Year 2
CONTACT: Dale Cash, Head of Admissions, 020 8614 0857
EMAIL: admissions hchnet.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings held wee ly during term time
THE CURRICULUM: Hampton Court House offers a bespo e, childcentred curriculum, focussing on exploration and discovery. Education blooms on our par land campus: wee ly orest School enables Prep children to connect with nature, and they thrive through tailored tuition in a nurturing environment.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils engage in a vibrant array of games and performing arts activities throughout the year. They loo forward to exciting productions li e ion King, Macbeth, and Matilda, regular fixtures, and choose from 50 clubs including yoga, animation, ballet and pottery.
PASTORAL CARE: Our pastoral care is truly exceptional, provided within an intimate environment where each individual is nown. With one form per year in our Prep School, we ensure tailored attention and support for each student, fostering a sense of belonging and community. We believe in the holistic growth of each child, creating a safe and caring space where they thrive academically and personally, which resulted in our Wellbeing Award, 2022.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority of pupils elect to stay on to GCSE and A-level. SE, Imperial, King s College ondon, Manchester, ath.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our philosophy is centred around spar ing creativity, curiosity, and critical thin ing through an exciting and innovative range of activities which cultivate and hone our pupils passions and s ills, helping them discover their true potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: With over 70 A A grades at A-level, Hampton Court House was in 2022 ran ed in the top 50 independent schools nationwide ( The Telegraph). rom the orest School to our accredited rench immersion programme, we offer an extraordinary education. Courtiers love coming to their non-uniform par land school where staff and pupils are on first-name terms.
ADDRESS: 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond pon Thames TW10 6Q
WEBSITE: www.theoldvicarageschool.com
FOUNDED: 1931
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 240
AGES: 3-11
FEES: Nursery £4,930 (5 full days), Reception to Year 6 £5,900
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Clare Stric land
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Miss Anna Myerscough, Head of Mar eting and Admissions
EMAIL: a.myerscough oldvicarageschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact registrar oldvicarageschool.com to boo onto the next Open Morning or arrange a private tour.
THE CURRICULUM: atest research helps inform best teaching practices, creating an exciting learning environment where the girls learn through collaboration and problem solving, promoting s ills of critical thin ing, communication and teamwor . Essential soft s ills vital for living in the 21st century.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports including netball, football and cric et with local and national competition. Wee ly swimming lessons for all. New Performing Arts Wing. Art and DT with textiles, ceramics and design using 3D printers. A host of extra-curricular clubs from Music Technology to Debating to Yoga and Mindfulness.
PASTORAL CARE: A welcoming and supportive community, where girls can learn, play and grow together, creating the best possible start in life. Teachers are trained in the Girls on oard approach to supporting girls in understanding the complexities and dynamics of girl friendships. The School Council, buddying system and Year 6 prefects are at the heart of the school.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Old icarage School Class of 2023 comprised of 30 girls going onto 14 different schools gaining an impressive 11 scholarships.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We teach the girls that there are no limits in what they can achieve. As they journey through the school, they continue to be challenged in all areas; being ambitious and aiming high is embedded into the ethos of the school.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school in the castle on Richmond Hill. A special place with a uni ue blend of traditional education and a modern, outward-loo ing approach to nurturing creative, confident and ambitious girls who are well-prepared for life beyond in the wider world. Combining the best specialist teaching for girls aged 3-11 in classes of 15 or less, with a diverse range of sports and outdoor activities to enjoy.
ADDRESS: 16 Newton Grove, London, W4 1LB
WEBSITE: www.orchardhs.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1993
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 299
AGES: 3-11
FEES: (termly) £3,550 – £7,398
HEAD TEACHER: Kit Thompson
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in the Early Years with priority placement given to siblings of current students. Places offered from orm 1 upwards after a taster morning and academic assessment.
CONTACT: Director of Admissions and Marketing
EMAIL: registrar@orchardhs.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Group tours available weekly. Several opening mornings held every year. Contact the Director of Admissions.
THE CURRICULUM: Tailor-made specialist teaching opens up young minds to endless possibilities, encouraging them to think creatively and form their own ideas. In addition to guiding pupils to high academic achievement, our programme of learning celebrates personal strengths and builds confidence from an early age.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Orchard House offers a wide spectrum of activities which encourage self-expression and the development of talents outside the classroom, including sports, music and drama. OHS recently won the prestigious TES award for sport.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care comes first. Children blossom when they feel secure, happy, and valued. OHS puts huge store on pastoral care to ensure every pupil gains the confidence to achieve their best. Each child has a Pupil Pastoral Plan where they can note any private worries so teachers may monitor their happiness and wellbeing. Our buddy system helps newcomers through their early days, and we encourage older children to mentor younger pupils.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Destination Schools include Godolphin & atymer, St Paul s, Westminster, rances Holland, Putney High, King s College
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I hold a deep belief that children are at their best when they feel safe, happy and are inspired to try their very best every day.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An impressive seven-figure redevelopment of Orchard House is currently underway. The new school will include: full refurbishment of all classrooms and learning spaces; brand-new STEAM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths); student wellbeing space; sports facilities at the Old Actonians Sports Ground and Rocks Lane featuring football, cricket, rugby and hockey pitches, netball courts, all weather pitches for lacsrosse and a sports field; three natural, ergonomic outside spaces with extra playground areas.
ADDRESS: 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL
WEBSITE: www.rpps.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1991
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 420 (210 boys, 210 girls)
AGES: 4-11
FEES: (termly) £6,995 for all ages
HEAD TEACHER: Carl Howes MA (Cantab) PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth. Entry by ballot; priority given to siblings. Non-selective
CONTACT: Charlie Hayden, 020 8846 9153
EMAIL: secretary@rpps.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment or Open Event: www.rpps.co.uk/ admissions/open-mornings
THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum far exceeds the national average in both breadth and depth and has been carefully crafted to enable each child to fulfil their individual potential.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a plethora of opportunities for our pupils to immerse themselves in music, arts and sport. Our pupils participate in competitive sporting fixtures, perform in regular concerts, or learn an instrument. Pupils frequently take part in external competitions.
PASTORAL CARE: The pastoral care and well-being of our children is paramount. Our Open Door policy reflects a genuine partnership between teachers and parents – the family atmosphere is noticeable when you visit. The behaviour we encourage and expect from our children is based on a whole-school ethos of respect and tolerance. All children subscribe to the RPPS Code of Conduct which emphasises the importance of good manners and treating others with kindness.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Francis Holland, Notting Hill & Ealing, Hampton, atymer, niversity College School, Ibstoc Place, City of London, Queen’s Gate, St Benedict’s.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At RPPS, laughter and learning go hand in hand and we ensure that the years with us are happy, successful and fulfilling for each and every child. Our pupils engage in the excitement of learning and develop the confidence to uestion, analyse and express their opinions.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: RPPS is a thriving school, situated on Ravenscourt Park. We pride ourselves on our excellent pastoral care and believe that learning should be limitless. All our children from Year 3 to Year 6 take part in residential weeks which help to develop teamwork, resilience and perseverance. Following an inspection in November 2021 by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the judges rated RPPS ‘excellent’ in both key outcomes.
We are unashamedly ambitious for our pupils and lay important foundations for a love of life and learning. With facilities unlike any other prep school in Central London, your child will have the freedom to discover their full potential.
The sky the limit.
At Sarum Hall School we believe that the spirit of every child should be nurtured; that happiness gets results; and that success is ensuring every girl achieves their personal best.
We are a modern, independent girls prep school in London’s Belsize Park. We focus on each girl as an individual, and inspire them to fulfil their potential and encourage them to achieve excellence.
Individual talents are nurtured, and we instil a strong sense of purpose to every girl, allowing them to explore our wonderful world with confidence. The foundations set at Sarum Hall School will last a lifetime.
countryandtownhouse.com/schools
ADDRESS: 1 Fulham Park Road, London, SW6 4LJ
WEBSITE: www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
FOUNDED: 2001
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 130
AGES: 4-11
FEES: (termly) £6,983 to £7,925
HEAD TEACHER: Dr Pamela Edmonds
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective
CONTACT: Miss Ferne - Head of Admissions - 0207 610 8085
EMAIL: admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: May and September Saturday Open Days, Drop-in Mornings each half of term and individual tours.
For the best in education
THE CURRICULUM: An Early Years curriculum through to the 11+ enables rapid progress and pertinent challenge leading to higher order thinking for high attainment. Specialist teaching in French, music, art and PE with STEAM and an all-embracing core curriculum to maximise outcomes.
GAMES & THE ARTS: National ISA and IAPS tournaments and local fixtures in football, netball, tag rugby, cric et, hoc ey, swimming, s iing, tennis and dance. A creative arts curriculum, art clubs, exhibitions and entry to national art competitions. Instrumental lessons and LAMDA examinations.
PASTORAL CARE: A deep-rooted culture of effective pastoral care and focus on pupils’ mental well-being. The children have fun, are happy, make friends and learn in a nurturing, secure and safe environment. ‘They display extremely high levels of emotional maturity and are highly understanding and empathetic of others’ feelings.’ ISI, May 2022. ‘Those who are searching to nurture and inspire happy, confident children – loo no further.’ The Good Schools Guide.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, ballet and art scholarships to selective schools in London.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A drive for academic excellence within a nurturing ethos that enables high self-esteem. Encouragement to balance the school’s broad curriculum with co-curricular activities and ma e intellectual connections, thin critically and have the confidence to collaborate and communicate effectively.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A standalone prep school that maximises attainment across the breadth of academic, sporting, music, drama, art and co-curricular activities, including an accelerated French programme. High-quality spacious premises, outdoor classroom for Reception, dedicated STEAM, music, library and IT facilities. Partnership with parents, healthy eating and in-house chef.
‘The quality of pupils’ academic, and of personal development, is excellent.’ ISI, May 2022.
ADDRESS: Nursery 2.5-4; Junior School: Reception – Year 3, London NW3 6NP; Senior School: Year 4 – Year 8, NW3 6AA
WEBSITE: www.stanthonysprep.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1893 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 285
FEES: (termly) Nursery £5,520 (3, 4 or 5 full days) or £3,220 (for 5 half days); Junior House £7, 550; Senior House £7,795
HEAD TEACHER: Richard Berlie, MA (Cantab)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, all faiths welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Academically selective including interviews and tests
CONTACT: Adriana Fritz, 020 7431 1066
EMAIL: PAHead@stanthonysprep.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the Registrar who will arrange a tour. Alternatively, please do book a tour via the website stanthonysprep.org.uk/book-a-tour
THE CURRICULUM: Boys study a range of subjects and lessons are designed to foster intellectual inquiry and a love of learning. Boys are encouraged to think deeply and question and challenge ideas. There has been great success at integrating digital literacy into classroom learning.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The school has thriving sport, music and arts departments. Fixtures with other leading prep schools played in rugby, cricket, football, athletics, swimming hocky among others. Individual instrumental tuition, as well as ensembles, choirs, art and drama clubs are also on offer.
PASTORAL CARE: St Anthony’s is a nurturing and caring school. Pastoral care of the boys is at the heart of everything we do and is promoted in particular through the form teacher who is the key link between home and school. The deputy head, pastoral produces a wellbeing magazine for parents each month and the school has recently employed a counsellor who works from a dedicated wellbeing room.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The philosophy that underpins teaching, learning and co-curricular activities is ‘Teach Up’. Boys are encouraged to question things and present solutions to problems. Intrinsic to each boy’s wellbeing is that they are appropriately stretched and challenged which we do within a supportive environment. Academic, pastoral and co-curricular spheres interweave in forming the education of the whole person. Such coherence means our boys achieve excellent outcomes at school and later in life.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Educating the whole person. Happy and hard-wor ing boys. Excellent senior school offers. ostering creativity and critical thinking. Love of learning beyond the classroom. A school defined by service and leadership.
ADDRESS: North End Road, London, NW11 7SX
WEBSITE: www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 2016, as St Anthony’s School for Girls
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 100 – Boys and Girls
AGES: 2.5-11
FEES: (per term) Reception – Year 6: £ 7,060 ; Nursery – from £3,220
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Donal Brennan
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children may join the Nursery after their second birthday and stay on from Reception to Year 6. Other entry points are at Reception (4+) and Year 3 (7+). Children will take an age appropriate assessment and meet the Head and ey staff.
CONTACT: Margaret Vaughan
EMAIL: info@ivyhouseschool.co.uk
THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is tailored to the needs of the pupil and combines traditional methods with current pedagogical research. Our individualised learning programme prepares pupils for entry into the finest senior schools in London and beyond. A state of the art science lab and multi-purpose dining hall strengthen our provision. Pupils are taught by specialist teachers for IT, music, sport and languages.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Through curriculum sport lessons, our pupils learn to set targets for themselves; and compete against others, individually and as team members. The sporting activities available vary as the children move through the school and will include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and team games such as football, netball, rounders, tennis, hockey and touch rugby.
PASTORAL CARE: Ivy House School equips each pupil with the academic ability, social awareness, confidence and self-motivation re uired for a natural transition to senior school. Ivy House School pupils are encouraged to contribute to the wider life of the school by participating in the School Council and our various charity committees. The older pupils support our newer recruits, helping them to settle into and enjoy the routines of school life.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic scholarships at Channing, Francis Holland, Mill Hill, Queen’s College, Dwight International School. Music scholarships at Queen’s College.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Exploring a pupil s natural gifts, in addition to covering the core subjects such as English, mathematics and science, encourages individual learning, motivating each child to continue with that learning throughout their life, becoming a curious and confident learner for life.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A happy, calm and purposeful school, where pupils are supported and challenged to achieve academic and personal success through individual attention to their academic and pastoral needs. Immersed in the green spaces of Golders Hill Park, Ivy House School enjoys excellent facilities inside and outside of the classrooms.
ADDRESS: 6 Wetherby Place, London SW7 4NE
WEBSITE: www.stpschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1934
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approx. 100 boys
AGES: 7-13 (4-13 from September 2024)
FEES: (termly) £7,450
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Alexander Thomas
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, welcomes all faiths
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth, entry by assessment
CONTACT: Mrs Fiona Kaye, Registrar 020 7373 3944
EMAIL: fkaye@stpschool.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the Registrar to arrange a tour or to attend one of our open days
THE CURRICULUM: A broad and liberal curriculum which prepares pupils well for the ISEB Common Pre-Test, Common Entrance and scholarships while giving them a broad introduction the great civilisations and achievements of world history.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The school makes full use of its 30 acres of facilities at Barn Elms where the boys take part in a variety of sports two afternoons a wee including: cric et, rugby, hoc ey, athletics and cross-country. Music is an integral part of school life, and there is a strong choral tradition. Plenty of extra-curricular activities are available, with a wide variety of clubs on offer from cric et and fencing to ornithology and astronomy.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is particularly strong with excellent individualised support in a caring environment with a familial ethos. Parents often say that the school feels li e an extended family.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Eton and Harrow
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are a Catholic school and our patron, St Philip Neri, is the patron saint of happiness, joy and humour. Whether it be in the classroom, at our vast games fields by the side of the Thames, or in our wonderful garden back at base, we put fun at the heart of everything we do. Our boys work hard too, and are well-taught within a bespoke and broad liberal curriculum. They leave St Philip’s aged 13 ready for the next stage of their education at some of the leading schools in the country.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Inspirational teaching in a warm and nurturing environment that delivers exceptional results. Leavers go on to: City of ondon, Dulwich, Eton, Harrow, St Paul s, Tonbridge, Westminster, Winchester, etc.
ADDRESS: 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF
WEBSITE: www.whitehouseschool.com
FOUNDED: 1985
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200
AGES: 3-11
FEES: (Termly) Reception – Year 2, £5,725; Year 3 – Year 6, £6,210
HEAD TEACHER: Tony Lewis
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Early registration essential, places allocated in order of registration. Settling-in day for children age 1 – 6.
CONTACT: Admissions, 020 8674 9514
EMAIL: admissions@whitehouseschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly showrounds available by appointment only. Please contact Admissions to arrange
THE CURRICULUM: The White House Prep School offers an excellent education, as recently confirmed by the ISI. It delivers strong literacy, maths, extra-curricular lessons and activities. Children relish challenges, enjoy working together to solve problems, have an excexllent attitude to learning and are both enthusiastic and eager to participate.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Physical education is an integral part of the curriculum at the White House and all pupils are given the opportunity to develop personal fitness and participate in team activities. The annual drama production and art exhibition are highlights in the school’s calendar and illustrates their commitment to performing and creative arts and the involvement of all children in these activities.
PASTORAL CARE: The school provides an outstanding education which is shown through excellent 11+ results and achievements from pupils throughout the year. More importantly, the children are happy. They are encouraged to develop emotionally as well as intellectually and the ISI commented that both pupils’ personal and moral development was excellent. Dedicated and experienced staff wor closely with parents to enable all children to excel as people with confidence.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over 50 per cent of pupils receive academic, music, sports and all round scholarships to top London day schools and boarding schools when they leave at 11 . uture schools include Dulwich College, Alleyn s, JAGS, Emmanuel, Whitgift, Woldingham and Radley.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A culture of supporting one another combined with a safe, inspiring, engaging and fun learning environment that sets high expectations and ensures children have an empowering educational experience.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A vibrant, forward thinking school with purposefully small class sizes which encourages and supports independent thinking. The school feels like one big family; this develops strong self-esteem in pupils who are confident but without arrogance.
Sixth Form Open Evening 11 Oct Book online now
BL A CKHE A TH HIGH
Our girls have the best foundation to build skills for the future, thanks to our £18m investment in new state-of-the-art facilities.
boldly go
We offer a range of scholarships and means-tested bursaries. For more details, to learn about life at Alleyn’s and our next open events, please visit our website.
Eltham College is an award-winning, co-educational day school which welcomes girls and boys for entry in Years 3, 7 and Sixth Form. For more information and to book onto one of our Open Days, visit: www.eltham-college.org.uk/admissions
“Burlington House School is fast becoming London’s gold-standard for specialist education.”
-Good Schools Guide 2023
Specialising in bespoke education for young people with dyslexia and SpLDs.
Register your interest: admissions@burlingtonhouseschool.com Think
Attending one of our open events is the best way for you and your child to get a feel for City of London School. See our website to book your visit or to begin your application.
Founded in 1442 and located in the heart of the city, we o er boys an outward-looking, forward-thinking education that prepares them for life. cityoflondonschool.org.uk
ADDRESS: 199 Westminster ridge Road, ondon SE1 7
WEBSITE: www.dldcollege.co.u
FOUNDED: 1931
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400
AGES: 13-19
FEES: Domestic day students: £27,300
HEAD TEACHER: Irfan atif
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All religions welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Admissions
EMAIL: dld-admissions dld.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Private tours welcomed by appointment, termly open evenings. Details at dldcollege.co.u
THE CURRICULUM: Innovative offering that delivers the best of traditional and modern: interdisciplinary learning for our Year 9, GCSEs offered with TEC options to stand out from the crowd and provide bespo e learning opportunities, and A-levels or TEC Diplomas.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We excel at creativity and have many opportunities across art, design, graphics, photography, media, film and drama. Wee ly PE lessons use the on-site gym and pool or local outdoor sports area. Clubs include bas etball, boxing, football, yoga, circuit training and badminton.
Register for an Open House
Dwight School’s personalised approach led by a team of world class teachers enables students to meet their potential and find their Spark. Join our award-winning provision* and learn more about our top performing international school and nursery, rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. dwightlondon.org
PASTORAL CARE: Student wellbeing is at the centre of our philosophy with a dedicated wellbeing centre in the heart of the school. Judged Excellent at inspection and the first K school to receive the Gold Standard oarding School Mental Health Award, we are STEER accredited and a beacon school, able to demonstrate proactive, targeted, evidence based pastoral care. We have won numerous awards for our wellbeing offer from the ISA and SA.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: Russell Group universities, specialist colleges in the K plus SA and overseas universities. Application support from specialist niversity Admission Tutors.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I believe education is about more than grades. It is an awareness of the world, independent thought and values, the benefits of team sport, of culture, of academic ambition and learning with enthusiasm; of growing up in a safe and caring community where all are passionate about what they do. That is what we aspire to and, I am confident, we deliver.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A distinctive, multi-awardwinning boarding and day school with modern educational facilities located on ondon s iconic South an , overloo ing the Houses of Parliament. Described by the Good Schools Guide as one of the most uni ue and exciting schools in ritain and recommended by Tatler as pioneering a modern alternative to traditional boarding schools . D D offers an innovative curriculum and range of courses, future-proofing students and creating uni ue learning opportunities.
ADDRESS: 6 Capital Interchange Way, ondon TW8 0E
WEBSITE: www. ewhouseschool.com
FOUNDED: 2013
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 595
AGES: 11-18
FEES: (termly) £8,517
HEAD TEACHER: Will Williams
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All Faiths
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exam and relaxed interview
CONTACT: Dawn Hassett
EMAIL: admissions ewhouseschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment or Open Event: www. ewhouseschool.com openevents
THE CURRICULUM: Our aim is to provide a rich and broad education to all pupils whatever their specialism. The daily timetable is six taught hours plus an extensive extracurricular programme.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Our pupils are highly creative, with a reputation for excellence in music and the performing and visual arts. Our dynamic PE department ensures success at both regional and national level across rowing, athletics, tennis, table tennis, cross country and netball.
PASTORAL CARE: We aim for a family and social hub giving emotional support and security to all pupils and employees. Our approach is holistic, as we believe that there can be no artificial barriers between a pupil s intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual growth. A number of staff are involved in the life of each pupil, but in particular, the personal tutor who meets their tutee on a daily basis.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We recognise and enhance the individual abilities of each child, welcoming pupils with varying academic profiles and placing emphasis on confidence, self-esteem and creativity. y operating a true Open Door policy, we welcome parents and wider community members to become a part of school life.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Following an inspection in April 2022 by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the judges rated Kew House excellent in both ey outcomes. An outstanding set of results for GCSE pupils in 2022, exceeding the success rates of the previous two years of examinations: 98.9 of grades were a 9-4. In 2022, 85 of leavers achieved their first choice pathway, including university at home and abroad, flight school and the military. In 2022, 33% of sixth form leavers went to Russell Group universities, including two to the niversity of Oxford.
ADDRESS: 18 Saltram Crescent, London W9 3HR
WEBSITE: www.maidavaleschool.com
FOUNDED: 2020
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Maximum 600 students
AGES: 11-18
FEES: (termly) £8,517
HEAD TEACHER: Magnus Bashaarat
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exam and relaxed interview
CONTACT: 020 4511 6000
EMAIL: admissions@maidavaleschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment or open event: www.maidavaleschool.com/openevents
THE CURRICULUM: Maida Vale School takes a fresh approach to all areas of school life. While retaining core traditional values, we have a broad curriculum and a vast enrichment programme.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Although academic rigour is at the centre of our school, sports and the arts form an important part of school life at Maida Vale. The school houses spacious studio facilities for dance, yoga and fitness classes.
PASTORAL CARE: Every member of staff, no matter who they are, has a responsibility for the pastoral care of every pupil. Each pupil receives individual attention both educationally and pastorally. Children and young adults flourish when their self-esteem and confidence is bolstered. Our Personal Tutor Group system contributes greatly to this with each tutor meeting their tutee daily and remaining the same member of staff throughout the pupil’s seven years with us.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We seek to recruit intelligent pupils with a confident sense of identity and an original approach to learning, problem solving and creativity. We operate an ‘Open Door’ policy welcoming parents into school life, developing the feeling of a family and social hub that provides emotional support and security for all.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Maida Vale School is a beautiful ictorian building. The ictorians believed in light-filled classrooms with high ceilings and large windows, something from which Maida Vale School certainly benefits. We have, however, ta en the school into the 21st Century and Maida ale is fitted with cutting edge facilities and equipment.
ADDRESS: Senior School Hampstead, 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5 D Senior & Sixth orm Canonbury, 6-9 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NQ
WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com
FOUNDED: 1939
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Hampstead – 440, Canonbury – 230
AGES: 11-18
FEES: (annually) £23,925 – £25,302
HEAD TEACHER: Christopher Jones, Charlotte Tassell-Dent
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessments and interview
CONTACT: Admissions office; 020 7428 1520
EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open events held year-round; chec northbridgehouse.com/open
THE CURRICULUM: Highly ualified teachers deliver Excellent academic and creative curriculums, tailored to challenge and stimulate pupils according to their individual needs. Studies are designed to promote resilience and adaptability while ensuring that real-life issues, such as BLM, are brought to the forefront. Students prepare for 16+ and university with one-to-one mentoring, careers fairs and CAS support.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The broad-ranging games curriculum is designed to promote pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing and provide a sport for everyone. Students fre uent world-class facilities for outdoor adventure and water sports, compete in national fixtures, and exercise the body and mind in yoga and martial arts. From Photography and Ceramics to LAMDA and NBH Rock School, the arts are key to the curricular and extra-curricular offering. Plays and concerts are regularly staged and art exhibitions are an annual event.
PASTORAL CARE: Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything. The school day is tailored around the teenage body clock to provide a later midweek start, and an onsite counsellor enables free communication in an environment where pupils feel seen and heard. Staff are committed to nurturing character and wellbeing in a warm and welcoming community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils receive offers from their first-choice universities, usually accepting places at Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We pride ourselves on really getting to know each individual child on their journey to the next school milestone and beyond. It is through truly knowing the individual, cultivating their character and promoting their wellbeing, that we can help each child to achieve their full potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Students benefit from a later start on Wednesdays in line with leading research into the teenage brain. Oxbridge preparation and ‘World of Work’ guest speaker events best inform students for successful futures, while staff wor with C s Institute of Education on research-informed teaching methods.
ADDRESS: 58 Portland Place, ondon W1 1NJ
WEBSITE: www.portland-place.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1996
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 215
AGES: 10-16
FEES: (termly) Day School: £8,395, Hybrid School: £4,280
HEAD TEACHER: David radbury
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview, reference and baseline assessment
CONTACT: Registrar, 020 7307 8700
EMAIL: admissions@portland-place.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Open events & tours are in the autumn term. Private tours are available year-round
THE CURRICULUM: The school was founded as an alternative to the intense, examination focused independent day schools of which there are many in London. Our creative approach to academic study nurtures the spirit of discovery with a learning programme that will inspire. The result? Our students achieve personally, socially and academically.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Arts, music and drama are very popular at Portland Place, and our students benefi t from visits to art and performances on offer in ondon. Symphonfree is offered to all Year 7 pupils, supplying them with a free musical instrument and lessons for a year. Competitive and recreational sport has a special place in Portland Place. While some pupils have gone on to represent their county and country, we also take pride in stating that most of our pupils have represented Portland Place in an inter-school fi xture, because we recognise that sport develops self-confi dence and leadership.
PASTORAL CARE: We believe that the happier your child is, the more likely it is that they’ll be receptive to new ideas and in the right state of mind to learn. At Portland Place, your child won t be tested left , right and centre, but will have the time and space to discover how they like to learn. We are small by design, which allows us to understand the individual child, support them, and unlock their potential. Pastoral care is proactive rather than reactive. Staff are focussed on using positive psychology to support students. Wellbeing and coaching is included within the curriculum and the school has two counsellors to support students. The atmosphere is relaxed so our students are more relaxed.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Here at Portland Place we believe that exceptional teaching, combined with a modern curriculum inside and outside the classroom, provides the best stimulus for children to become inquisitive and creative learners and achieve beyond exams.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Good Schools Guide describes us: ‘the school’s distinctive ethos is to be caring and inspirational. It’s genuinely innovative too... A haven of creativity’. Portland Place also offers a uni ue Hybrid School for Years 6-11, combining online teaching with the option to attend the school in person one or two days a week.
Girls aged 3-18
Come and take a closer look
Open Morning (Seniors 11+)
Saturday 30 September 9:00am – 11:00am
To register, please go to: www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk/ admissions/open-days/
Old Palace of John Whitgift Old Palace Road Croydon CR0 1AX
Prep
To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.countryandtownhouse.com/schools, please contact Camilla van Praagh on 020 7384 9023 or alternatively, email her on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk
Leading independent school for girls, located in glorious 21-acre grounds in North-West London.
Book a place at our next open day Saturday 23rd September
www.sthelens.london/open
School Senior School Sixth Form
“Our school community has supported me to make friends, and memories, that will stay with me forever.”
Mehma, Head Girl 2023–2024Brave Thinkers. True Colours.
ADDRESS: 7-11 Nightingale ane, ondon SW4 9AH
WEBSITE: www.londonparkschools.com
FOUNDED: 2023
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Opening number: 88; Ultimate Capacity: 260
AGES: 11-16. Option to move on to the PS Sixth orm for A-levels
FEES: £7,950 per term for 2023-24
HEAD TEACHER: Principal ( ondon Par Schools): Su ie ongstaff
Head ( ondon Par School Clapham): Paul anni
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: No exam: instead, assessment is mix of digital data (eg. CAT InCas Wandsworth test), interview, reference, and teambuilding activity day
EMAIL: Admissions@londonparkschools.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Wee ly riday Open Events at neighbouring Nightingale Place during Autumn term 2023. Open Morning for 2024 prospective entrants on Thursday 28 September
THE CURRICULUM: Broad, leading to GCSEs - exams are part of the journey, not the destination. Strong emphasis on experiential and bigpicture learning supplemented by our own courses in leadership and sustainability. Design-thinking and technology baked in.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide range of sports on offer – sport-for-all philosophy. Regular fixtures with local schools and national competitions. Training with other members of ondon Par Schools group – joint fixtures. Climbing. Cycling – Herne Hill velodrome.
PASTORAL CARE: We offer outstanding pastoral care to help each pupil develop the s ills re uired for the challenges of modern life. Small tutor groups arranged vertically not hori ontally. Strong relationships between school and home – pastoral care is a partnership and all staff invested in the success and happiness of each child. Established lin s with outstanding counsellors. We are a strong community.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We offer a small number of scholarships each year. Please contact Admissions.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our focus is on meeting the needs of the individual child which means tailoring our offer to the individual. Whilst exams matter, what matters as much, if not more, is e uipping pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to be powerful agents of change in a rapidly evolving world.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our smaller si e means we can stretch and support in e ual measure whilst benefitting from the resources of a larger group. orward thin ing; tech rich. Design thin ing creative technologies. Community/family. Sustainability and leadership: marine conservation on a tall ship in the med; ecological studies in Swit erland. Global and broad outloo . As diverse, eclectic, exciting, and inspirational as London itself. Part of Dukes Education.
ADDRESS: 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU
WEBSITE: www.wetherbysenior.co.uk
FOUNDED: 2015
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 415
AGES: 11–18
FEES: (termly) £9,695 for 2023-24 academic year
HEAD TEACHER: Joe Silvester
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Academically selective. Entry points at Year 7 (11 ), Year 9 (13 ) or Year 12 (16 ).
CONTACT: Kathryn Easthope, Registrar
EMAIL: registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: An October Open Day, plus isitor Mornings held throughout the year. oo ing is re uired.
THE CURRICULUM: We are academically ambitious for all our pupils. Our rigorous and rewarding curriculum, taught by dynamic and experienced subject specialist teachers, guides boys towards the highest levels of attainment and future success.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport timetabled for all, with on-site facilities (gym, spin and boxercise studios, yoga space) and use of Ealing Trailfinders. Year 7 taught a brass or string instrument, with tuition available for other instruments, plus music ensembles and a choir. Drama department produces three large-scale productions annually. Popular pupil-led newspaper created twice a term.
PASTORAL CARE: Wellbeing underpins all we do and, with just over 400 pupils, we are proud to now each boy as an individual. Our outstanding pastoral system is overseen by experienced staff, and includes a dedicated wellbeing team and a popular house system to support the academic, social and moral growth of our boys.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our Class of 2023 secured over 100 offers for world-class universities across the K and continental Europe, and more than a do en offers for prestigious North American colleges. In just four years, Wetherby Senior sixth formers have received 50 offers to study in the USA and Canada
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: In our relatively short history, Wetherby Senior has built a strong reputation as a forward-thinking, caring and successful community. Our boys are encouraged – academically and socially – to realise their full potential, which is reflected in the places our alumni hold at world-leading universities in the K and overseas.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An extraordinary London school, a springboard to the world. We occupy two beautiful buildings in Marylebone, with state-of-the-art facilities for science, art, music, drama, sport and more. Since our foundation, we have grown to over 400 boys, with Wetherby Senior alumni now found at top universities around the globe
HMC Independent Day , Weekly and Full Boarding School for boys & girls aged 4 to 18 years. In the heart of the Surrey hills, just 20 miles from central London
For more information contact admissions@caterhamschool.co.uk
Academically, Caterham is up there with the big guns... all achieved without any undue stress. If Caterham isn’t on your list already, it most certainly should be.’
TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE
caterhamschool.co.uk
ADDRESS: Church Road, Steep, Petersfield G 32 2DG
WEBSITE: www.bedales.org.uk
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 781 in total
FOUNDED: 1893
AGES: 3-8 (Dunannie); 8-13 (Dunhurst); 13-18 ( edales)
FEES: (Termly) Nursery per day: £510-£710; Dunannie: £3,945-£5,150; Dunhurst: Day £6,745-£7,335; oarding £8,680-£9,750; edales: Day £11,145; oarding £14,185 HEAD TEACHER: Will Goldsmith
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selection by assessment and interview
CONTACT: 01730 711733 (Bedales Senior) and 01730 711558 (Dunhurst/Dunannie) EMAIL: admissions@bedales.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings, Bedales: 16 September (Sixth Form), 30 September, 25 November, 3 February. Dunhurst: 7 October, 2 March.
Dunannie: 5 October, 8 December, 5 March. Contact Admissions for Taster Days.
THE CURRICULUM: From the very youngest, pupils ‘learn through doing’ with a curriculum that has depth. In the senior school, students take a combination of IGCSEs and our own Bedales Assessed Courses (recognised by UCAS) in Global Awareness and Digital Game Design, for example. Sixth formers take enrichment courses in addition to A Levels.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Bedales competes in many sports including football, hockey, tennis, cricket and netball. Excellent facilities include floodlit astroturf, hoc ey pitches, tennis and netball courts and an indoor swimming pool. We are acclaimed for our drama, theatre, art and music opportunities for participation in performances, including overseas tours.
PASTORAL CARE: Every student is assigned to a house parent with whom they build a close relationship, and a tutor who monitors and guides their academic progress, tailoring support to the individual. Tutor groups and dormitories are mixed age, to encourage communication and shared experience across the years. There is a separate 6.2 (upper sixth) house.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available from 10+ for music and academic, 13+ for art, and 16+ for drama, dance, sport and design.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The school’s motto – ‘work of each for weal of all’ – emphasises both our attention to nurturing the individual as well as coming together in a collective endeavour. Today, our approach draws on our innovative traditions with Bedales Assessed Courses taught alongside five core GCSEs, project-based learning as a ey part of our Block 3 (Year 9) curriculum and approaches to boarding, pastoral care and interpersonal relationships that break down unnecessary barriers. Our students go on to a wide range of some of the most prestigious academic and artistic institutions in the K and internationally, joining a host of alumni who are distinctively Bedalian for life.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Shared progressive ethos and vision across the three Bedales schools with impressive university destinations including Oxbridge, music conservatoires, art colleges and overseas institutions such as Cornell and Columbia. Innovation in the curriculum with high expectations. 120 acre estate in the South Downs National Park, the working farm allowing for pupil involvement.
A leading independent day school for girls & boys aged 3 - 18
ADDRESS: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA
WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com
FOUNDED: 1931
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 335
AGES: 2-13
FEES: (termly) from £4,725– £5,746
HEAD TEACHER: Emma Edwards
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective but with high academic standards. Pupils spend a morning actively participating in lessons, where we observe and engage in conversation with each child to see if they will thrive in our educational environment
CONTACT: Emma Rose; 020 8660 3445
EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings and Private Tours
THE CURRICULUM: We follow the National Curriculum Plus, where our pupils work ahead of the age-related expectations. From a young age, they are taught by specialist teachers in music, Spanish, games, and swimming. As they reach the Upper School, we continue to introduce specialist teachers in all subjects.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The annual school production casts over 70 pupils and is performed at a local theatre. We also host an annual art exhibition, and our games teams have secured victories in both regional and national competitions. We proudly rank among the top 50 schools for cricket in the country.
PASTORAL CARE: This is the place where children learn to be empathetic, have self-belief, be brave, do their utmost with earnestness, and build strong moral principles. Our guiding values of compassion, belief, courage, endeavour, and integrity are embedded throughout the school from Kindergarten to Year 8. Our teachers pride themselves on putting the wellbeing of the child first. With exceptional class and form teachers, pupils are happy and excited to come into school.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 50 scholarships were secured this year to independent senior schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy closely aligns with our school values and is one of compassion and kindness. All pupils need to know that they are valued, and we care for them by supporting their pastoral and academic needs, fostering an exciting and inspiring environment in which they will thrive.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We have a long tradition of excellent sport and music. With our excellent facilities, including the sports ground, our pupils excel in football, rugby, and cricket. In the swimming pool, Cumnor House has been Croydon Schools’ winners for 11 years in a row. Other facilities include a DT workshop, an art room, a science lab, and Music House.
ADDRESS: 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley CR8 3HB
WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com
FOUNDED: 1931
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120
AGES: 2-11
FEES: (termly) from £4,725– £5,671
HEAD TEACHER: Amanda McShane
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective but with high academic standards. Pupils spend a morning actively participating in lessons, where we observe and engage in conversation with each child to see if they will thrive in our educational environment
CONTACT: Emma Rose; 020 8660 3445
EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings and Private Tours
THE CURRICULUM: Our academics are outstanding, but we firmly believe that we are educating a whole person, so we offer a broad curriculum and place emphasis on developing character and skills for the future.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Cumnor girls love their sport, continuously developing skills and thriving in competitions. Music and Drama also play a key part in our curriculum, providing pupils with opportunities to shine on stage. We proudly display pupils’ beautiful artwork around the school, inspiring others.
PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is embedded in all that we do at Cumnor. Every teacher makes it a priority to know every child, regardless of whether they teach them in class or not. Teachers take the time to know each child as an individual, whether that is in form time, in the playground, or over lunch. As a result, our girls are happy, confident, and thriving in an environment where they feel valued, safe, and secure.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 50 scholarships were secured this year to independent senior schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: First and foremost, I want my pupils to be happy. It is about educating the whole child, equipping them with life skills – this includes self-assuredness, skills of oracy, and selfreflection. I want my girls to be unafraid to thin creatively and to be bold enough to share that thinking.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Happy, confident learners who achieve outstanding academics and results. We embrace a true sense of family and community ethos, offering a breadth of opportunities both within and beyond the classroom. We are a forward-thinking and innovative preparatory school with traditional values, where each pupil is recognised for who they are.
BOYS AND GIRLS | AGES 8 TO 13 ESCORTED TRAIN SERVICE TO LONDON
TATLER SCHOOLS AWARDS 2020/21
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR OPEN MORNINGS, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM OR EMAIL: OPENMORNING@COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM
TEL: 01293 520648
ADDRESS: Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL
WEBSITE: www.dunottarschool.com
FOUNDED: 1926 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460
AGES: 11–18
FEES: £6,880 for Direct Debit payments and £6,970 for other methods
HEAD TEACHER: Mark Tottman
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England (welcomes all faiths or none)
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment, interview and group activities
CONTACT: Romey Tottman, Head of Admissions
EMAIL: admissions@dunottarschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open events are held throughout the year. Please visit the school website for details
THE CURRICULUM: A well-balanced curriculum is the foundation for innovative teaching where technology is used creatively to enhance learning. Pupils are encouraged to be determined, inquisitive and actively engaged in their learning.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is competitive, enjoyable and inclusive. Rugby and football are the main boys’ sports, with netball and football for girls and cric et, swimming and athletics for all pupils. The arts flourish with choirs and ensembles, dramatic productions and excellent creative facilities.
PASTORAL CARE: The atmosphere at Dunottar is truly special. Pastoral wellbeing is vital to children’s development and Dunottar recognises that pupils need to feel safe, fulfilled and happy in order to thrive. The school strives to allow every pupil to be themselves, with their own unique needs, strengths and potential. This exceptional standard of care ensures that each student has the confidence to contribute and succeed.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: Tailored support ensures success in UK and international institutions.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy on education is that it is all about learning to improve. I love being able to inspire pupils to achieve more than they thought possible. We create a vibrant, supportive community where pupils grow in confidence, responding well to setbac s and seeking out new challenges for themselves.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The stunning Palladian mansion is set in 15 acres of beautiful grounds and the excellent facilities include a swimming pool, large sports hall with four-lane cricket net system, a stateof-the-art sixth-form centre with study space, cafeteria and recreation room and a £4.5m Performing Arts Centre with 500-seat theatre, drama studio and music rooms.
Christ’s Hospital: The leading independent boarding school for fee assisted places
T: 01403 246 555
E: hello@christs-hospital.org.uk
Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ
www.christs-hospital.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1120090
Pupils of all ages develop a scholarly ethos and a love of learning in wanting to find out as much as possible and to embrace new challenges
Independent Schools Inspectorate 2022
www.handcrossparkschool.co.uk Handcross,
AN INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11 TO 18, SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE JUST AN HOUR FROM LONDON
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS • SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME
EXEMPLARY PASTORAL CARE & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT
STATE OF THE ART EQUESTRIAN CENTRE FLEXI, WEEKLY AND FULL BOARDING OPTIONS
Open Mornings
DAY 22 2023
DAY 2023
TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CON TACT MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@M AYFIELDGIRLS.ORG
AYFIELDGIRLS. ORG
ADDRESS: Church Street, Rudgwic , West Sussex, RH12 3HJ
WEBSITE: www.pennthorpe.com
FOUNDED: The Braby brothers
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 270 children
AGES: 2-13
FEES: £3,285 - £6,130 (per term)
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Chris Murray
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Mrs Catherine Pinder, Head of Admissions and Communications
EMAIL: admissions@pennthorpe.com
SCHOOL VISITS: At least one Open Morning each term (Thursday 28th September & riday 17th November 2023). Private Tours are available
THE CURRICULUM: The curriculum is diverse at Pennthorpe with children encouraged to involve themselves in every opportunity. Children learn to harness the power of reflection at each step, understanding the different things that help them to learn. Pennthorpe s curriculum re uires each child to be authentic, an independent learner, to trust their instincts and to be bold.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Pennthorpe is committed to the Arts. All pupils enjoy wee ly art, drama, DT and music sessions with specialist staff, in addition to AMDA, using our state of the art facilities on-site. urthermore, 4 sport sessions per wee are available to each child.
PASTORAL CARE: The happiness and wellbeing of all pupils is our top priority. Pennthorpe has a multifaceted approach to wellbeing, with numerous systems and support mechanisms in place. The pastoral staff are well trained and ualified in supporting the wellbeing of young people and act as tutors, champions and mentors. The pastoral programme enables staff to hold regular emotional temperature chec s, one-to-one sessions and small group discussions. Our Wellbeing Guardian , whose sole purpose at the school is to support the emotional wellbeing of pupils through counselling, is on hand each day.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Recent scholarships include multiple academic scholars, music, art, drama, sport, chess and e uestrian.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Pennthorpe champions all children; everyone matters and everyone is known. Pennthorpe is a dynamic school built on authentic, personal relationships with a genuine sense of togetherness. Kindness, integrity and generosity are paramount, here. The girls and boys are encouraged to be unforgettably you , to wor hard and embrace the opportunities a school like Pennthorpe provides.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Whether it s academic achievement, consideration and indness towards others, or an energetic and positive attitude – excellence underpins all that we do at Pennthorpe, and all that we strive to be together. A tight- nit community, each child is treated as an individual and embodies the Pennthorpe Purpose with our motto orn not for ourselves alone weaved into everything we do.
‘Excellent in every category’ ISI INSPECTION March 2022 Visit
Our Values: An education for life
01932 869001 admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk Sandy Lane, Cobham Surrey KT11 2ES reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Founded 1813
HMC Day & Boarding School for boys 11-18 and girls 16-18
For example, it takes only 40 minutes by train to get from the traffic and pollution of London’s Charing Cross Station to the open air of Tonbridge. Our beautiful and historic campus has some of the finest facilities of any school in the country, from award-winning academic buildings to 150 acres of superblymaintained playing fields. Here there is space to think, to grow, to thrive, to breathe.
Visit website In
Arrange a visit: admissions@tonbridge-school.org tonbridge-school.co.uk
ADDRESS: 6 Fitzalan Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey KT10 0LX
WEBSITE: www.rowanprepschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1936
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 310
AGES: 2-11
FEES: (termly) from reception, £4,505 - £5,978
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sarah Raja BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry into preschool, reception and Year
3. Occasional places in other year groups.
CONTACT: Mrs Kim Keen, Head of Admissions
EMAIL: admissions@rowanprepschool.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Open events and individual tours are available throughout the year. Please visit our website or contact us on admissions rowanprepschool.co.u to find out more and to register.
THE CURRICULUM: Learning at Rowan gives all girls the chance to investigate, be challenged, take risks and be curious about the world around them. Academics are developed through experiences, adventurous learning and a specialist teaching model.
GAMES & THE ARTS: ‘Sport for All’ is our mantra. All girls enjoy regular games, swimming and PE lessons and our excellent facilities support those competing at regional and national levels. Drama and music form a key part of the curriculum with over 95 per cent of girls learning an instrument, performing in musical theatre and choirs.
PASTORAL CARE: Over their time at Rowan, the girls develop a toolkit of strategies to manage the small bumps in the road which they will inevitably face in life. Social and emotional skills are cultivated in many ways, from dedicated SEW (Social and Emotional Wellbeing) lessons on their timetables to a highly personalised pastoral programme which keep the individual needs of every girl at the heart of what we do.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Epsom College, Guildford High, KGS, LEH, SHS, St Catherine’s Bramley, St John’s Leatherhead, SWPS, Tormead School and Wycombe Abbey.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: It is my belief that when a school balances academics, with nurture, support and opportunity to learn about yourself and from others, it is creating an environment which will inspire and nourish every girl. We do this every day at Rowan, ensuring girls are happy, confident and enabled individuals.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: One hundred per cent success rate at 11+ with 40 scholarships awarded. Access to over 20 acres of woodland for adventurous, outdoor learning. Exceptional specialist training in Science & Engineering with a focus on robotics. Strings initiative for all Year 1s to learn the cello or violin. Sport for all approach with a mix of traditional games and extensive co-curricular offerings. Outstanding facilities including specialist spaces for engineering & technology, music, science, library, art and computing.
ADDRESS: Coach Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BH
WEBSITE: www.westbournehouse.org/shm
FOUNDED: 1907
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 365
AGES: 21/2 – 13
FEES: £4,295 (Reception), £7,365 (Day pupil Year 5), £9,180 (Weekly Boarder), £9,880 (Full Boarder)
HEAD TEACHER: Martin Barker BA (Ed)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Aline Pilcher, Admissions; 01243 782739
EMAIL: admissions@westbournehouse.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning 7 October 2023 or contact admissions for a private tour and chat with our headmaster
THE CURRICULUM: Designed to be holistic and stimulating, the curriculum at Westbourne House is an unforgettable journey of discovery: science experiments, leadership, languages, coding, field trips, charity wor , performances, poetry, ceramics, concerts, mindfulness, kayaking and more. Encouraging our children to have a go and persevere is a key part of the ethos. It gives children the opportunity to learn about themselves, developing selfnowledge, humility and an adventurous attitude that is often remar ed upon by heads of senior schools.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is played daily and the excellent coaches build a love of being active. All pupils represent the school in matches. The Performing Arts Centre is a hive of music and drama with West End-style shows, all-inclusive productions, ensembles, bands and world music. Art, textiles, food tech, resistant materials and ceramics are much-loved by pupils.
PASTORAL CARE: Great importance is placed on kindness and how pupils treat and encourage one another, which creates a deeply-felt sense of family. Westbourne House offers the benefits of being a small, friendly school, where staff now every child well and play active roles in their wellbeing.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, 7; All Rounder, 3; Art, 2; Drama, 1; Music, 1; Sport, 10. Exit schools: Bede’s, Benenden, Brighton College, Charterhouse, Canford, Churcher’s, Eton, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing, Millfield, Marlborough, Portsmouth Grammar, Roedean, Winchester College and Whitgift.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A happy, healthy education is one that lights up young minds, explores the world around them, develops new interests and presents wonderful opportunities. All these elements are at the heart of a Westbourne House education. My exceptional staff encourage all pupils to make the most of every opportunity and be the best they can be.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: It’s an incredibly kind and happy place to grow up. Each child is valued for who they are and their unique contributions to the community. The school builds children’s skills for the future with leadership, teamwork and peer mentoring opportunities. Friendly boarding experience from Year 4. Children love the daily opportunities for independence and adventure in 100 acres of parkland.
ADDRESS: Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LD
WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1838
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 143
AGES: 2-11
FEES: Nursery & Pre-School - £67.20 per school day; (termly) Reception – Year 2 £4,505; Year 3 – 6 £5,770
HEAD TEACHER: Ms Louise Chamberlain
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: All girls attend a taster day where they are assessed, this includes test papers from Years 3 – 6
CONTACT: Alex Knight, Registrar; 01732 468703
EMAIL: registrar@whall.school
SCHOOL VISITS: To arrange a visit contact Mrs Alex Knight, registrar@whall.school
THE CURRICULUM: A broad and well-balanced curriculum taught by committed teachers. Lots of learning outside the classroom, including in the onsite Forest School. Whole school themed learning days e.g., ‘Community Day’, ‘Courage Day’ are cornerstones of a creative curriculum.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils are taught by dedicated Sports, Art, Music, Dance and Drama specialists. Sports curriculum includes netball, cricket and year-round weekly swimming lessons for all pupils from Reception to Year 6. An extensive co-curricular programme encourages participation in a diverse range of activities from Lego and Chess Clubs to Football.
PASTORAL CARE: Strong and effective pastoral systems and open communication underpins a supportive and harmonious community. The school’s size ensures that all pupils are known and seen. Students play an active role as peer mentors.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Destinations include Walthamstow Hall Seniors. Sevenoaks, Caterham and local grammar schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Walthamstow Hall offers not only tremendous scope for discovering who you could be but also staff with an enthusiastic commitment to accompanying that voyage of discovery, staff who see each pupil as an individual capable of shining in their own distinct way. Pupils here have never felt the needs to constrain themselves to a ‘box’ early on but have relished in participating in all the school has to offer.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Children can join Walthamstow Hall from their second birthday. The Nursery and Pre-School offer care from 7.15am - 6.15pm, available for 50 weeks a year. Specialised teaching facilities for young pupils include a science lab, art and DT room and music bloc . The Junior School has all the benefits of being the younger sister to Walthamstow Hall Senior School, for example use of the pool, theatre and shared practice, but has its own standalone site conveniently located for commuting parents within walking distance of Sevenoaks station.
ADDRESS: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL
WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 412
AGES: 11-18
FEES: (termly) Senior School & Sixth Form, £7,870
HEAD TEACHER: Ms Louise Chamberlain
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: ISEB Pre-Test for Year 7 and Year 9
Deferred Entry. Sixth orm offers based on GCSE grades. Interviews at 11 , 13 and 16 . Separate academic scholarship assessments offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+
CONTACT: Alex Knight, Registrar; 01732 468703
EMAIL: registrar@whall.school
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning Saturday 30 September 2023. Book at walthamstow-hall.co.uk
THE CURRICULUM: Offers unusual breadth and choice. Teachers are enthusiastic experts who nurture intellectual curiosity and aim their expectations high. In 5 of the last 6 years Walthamstow Hall has ranked in the top 5% of independent schools for value added at GCSE.
GAMES & THE ARTS: An embedded culture of getting involved and taking risks combined with a timetable with built in co-curricular time means high participation levels in sport and the performing and creative arts. Walthamstow Hall is the biggest Trinity Drama centre in UK and a designated DofE Centre. Pupils excel at regional and national levels in Sport. In 2023, 14 netballers too silver in national finals and our swimmers and badminton players took national titles.
PASTORAL CARE: Strong and effective pastoral systems and open communication underpins a supportive and harmonious community. The school’s size ensures that all pupils are known and seen. Students play an active role as peer mentors, prefects and The Diana Anti Bullying Award ambassadors.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: Students well supported in securing their chosen destinations. In 2022 95% of students went onto university, over 50% to Russell Group, including Oxbridge. In 2023, degree level apprenticeships gained at Barclays, Laing O’ Rourke and Unilever.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Walthamstow Hall offers not only tremendous scope for discovering who you could be but also staff with an enthusiastic commitment to accompanying that voyage of discovery, staff who see each pupil as an individual capable of shining in their own distinct way. Pupils have never felt the needs to constrain themselves to a ‘box’ early on but have relished in participating in all the school has to offer.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Value added at Walthamstow Hall means more than just grades. It is the invisible strands of learning leadership, collaboration and resilience; it is the warmth and joy to be found within the school’s community and it is the sense of every pupil being seen as a person of intrinsic value that each one is.
ADDRESS: Witley, Godalming, Surrey G 8 5SG
WEBSITE: www. esw.org
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 470
AGES: 11-18
FOUNDED: 1553
FEES: ower school boarding: £12,735; day £6,675. orms 3–5 boarding £12,735; day £7,835. (Pre-) sixth form boarding £12,985; day £7,995
HEAD TEACHER: Joanna Wright A
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11, 13 and 16 via entrance examination and interview.
CONTACT: Justin enson, Registrar, 01428 686735
EMAIL: admissions esw.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Prospective pupils are welcome at Open Mornings or individual visits. Please arrange visits through Admissions.
THE CURRICULUM: A King Edward’s education is a rounded education. All academic staff are subject specialists, GCSE IGCSE in Year 11 followed by A-levels in the Sixth orm. Young people discover new s ills, talents and enthusiasms and are encouraged to set their sights high. Our rich co-curricular programme broadens their hori ons.
GAMES & THE ARTS: King Edward s is a wonderfully safe place for youthful adventure and curiosity. On our 100-acre site in the Surrey Hills we have space for many sports, drama, music, hobbies, and intellectual pursuits. Our sports programme is built on the latest research with activities that blend breadth with specific development, offering a vast array of Physical Education programmes. Music flourishes in and out of the classroom, with twenty choirs, orchestras and specialist instrumental ensembles from chamber to roc music.
PASTORAL CARE: All pupils benefit from small class si es and our House system with its supportive pastoral networ s at the heart of school life. Each House is committed to strong connections with a single team of boarders and day pupils. Diversity has been a strength since our founding in 1553. Most of our 470 pupils are local but we attract students from more than 30 countries, teaching us what it means to be part of the wider human family.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: The vast majority of pupils proceed to university, including Oxbridge.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage pupils to be the best versions of themselves – individual achievement and personal growth count more than league tables. Our uni ue heritage and place among ritish co-ed independent schools means we can provide the best preparation for adult life to a wider range of young people than almost any other institution. We aim to inspire a love of independent learning, lasting friendships, Christian values and hopeful vision. King Edward s is an extraordinary, distinctive, forward-thin ing and global minded community. It is a wonderful place to be.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: In 2022, 77 percent of I students got A - A-level e uivalent. 97 percent of GCSE grades at A -C in all subjects. Wee ly and occasional boarding and a flexible day. Easy rail lin s – 51 minutes from ondon Waterloo.
ADDRESS: 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW
WEBSITE: www.cccs.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1546
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150
AGES: 2+ to 13 years
FEES: (Termly) From £2,380 for Nursery; from £4,285 for Pre-Prep; £6,385 for Prep; £4,025 for Cathedral Choristers.
HEAD TEACHER: Richard Murray
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in Nursery and Pre-Prep, subject to a satisfactory taster session; selective in Prep
CONTACT: Laura Kemp, Registrar
EMAIL: registrar@cccs.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Forthcoming Open Mornings will be published on the website
THE CURRICULUM: We aim to instil a love of learning in all our pupils. Our curriculum prepares boys for Common Entrance and scholarships to senior schools. French is taught from Nursery; from Year 5, English and Maths are taught in smaller sets. Reading is central to the life of the school.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Our playing fields, surrounded by Christ Church and Merton Colleges, are among the most beautiful in the world. All boys participate in Rugby, Football, Cricket and Athletics. Real Tennis, Squash and Swimming are also on offer. All boys have the opportunity to play in sport matches. Music permeates the school, providing choristers for three choirs in Oxford: Christ Church College, Worcester College and Pembroke College. We have a large number of instrumentalists who achieve high grades.
PASTORAL CARE: All boys are loo ed after by a form tutor; they now their pupils well and can help with their daily school work, any concerns they may have and monitor their academic and social development. Our school’s approach is one of compassion, within the context of an environment, where people now there are proper boundaries. Every pupil and member of staff plays a vital part in the creation of a culture of kindness. Every week, pupils’ welfare is discussed by the entire staff. No pupil is ever lost .
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Our Lady’s Abingdon, The Oratory School, Wellington College, Magdalen College School, Winchester College.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We have high expectations of our pupils; to take any other approach is an insult to those in our care. Our teachers are exceptional, it is their inspiration which sows the seeds of a love of learning. Good manners are seen as the outward sign of a civilised life, of indness, thoughtfulness and proper self-confidence.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We are a small school, set in 11 acres, in the heart of Oxford. Three outstanding choirs, one of which is world famous, are at the heart of our community. Our children are intellectually vibrant, charming and self-motivated. Our school dogs, Oney and Thistle, help the children feel at home.
ADDRESS: 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL
WEBSITE: www.doverbroecks.com
FOUNDED: 1977
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Years 7-11: 200; Sixth Form: 400
AGES: 11-18
FEES: (termly) Year 7-11 day, £6,650; Sixth Form day, £8,730; Sixth Form boarding, £14,130–£16,930 (full-time); £13,480 (weekly)
HEAD TEACHER: Patrick Horne
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Year 7-9: application, taster day, references, entrance exams. Sixth Form: application, interview, references
CONTACT: Admissions, 01865 688600
EMAIL: registrar@doverbroecks.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits by appointment. Virtual and inperson open events throughout the year – register via the website
THE CURRICULUM: A broad curriculum in Years 7-11 and a varied range of 36 A-level subjects in Sixth Form. Subject choices are available in any combination; there are no option blocks. Broad range of academic enrichment options including the Extended Project Qualification.
GAMES & THE ARTS: A busy co-curricular programme of over 50 sports and activities across the school. A Tennis Academy is available to develop exceptional tennis players. Strong art, drama and music departments. New Sixth Form facilities include a dedicated Arts Centre for art, photography and textiles.
PASTORAL CARE: Outstanding pastoral care regularly praised by students and parents. Major strength is support and encouragement for students. d Overbroec s is very much a people place where each individual thrives. First-name terms highlight a sense of working together, underpinned by a high level of mutual respect. At the Sixth Form, each student has a Director of Studies who meets with them individually to discuss progress.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: Students go to a wide variety of Higher Education institutions, some of the most popular being UCL, Bristol and Manchester. Leavers’ destinations include international universities and institutions specialising in the creative and performing arts.
PRINCIPAL’S PHILOSOPHY: d’Overbroeck’s is built on personal relationships, a lac of stuffiness and a strong belief that every individual lies at the heart of the school. Students are creative, think for themselves, relish stretching the boundaries of their knowledge and do very well academically. It’s a forward-thinking school full of energy, laughter and achievement.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An inclusive, collaborative approach with a strong focus on learning being enjoyable as well as successful. Students’ views are valued, while teaching is interactive and motivating in small classes. Students gain confidence expressing themselves, questioning and being independent thinkers. Outstanding value added: 66% A*/A at A-level in 2022 and 38% grades 9-8 at GCSE.
We are free thinkers. We are courageous. We are kind. www.dragonschool.org
An extraordinary Pre-Prep and Prep School in Oxford where children discover and develop their talents inside the classroom and beyond. To get a feel for the spirit of the Dragon, book onto one of our termly open days on our website, or through our Admissions team admissions@dragonschool.org / 01865 315 405.
Leading all-round education with pupil wellbeing at its heart. Give your child the space to thrive and grow with our variety of modern boarding & day options. Based on a safe rural campus just one hour from London.
Find out more and book your visit at www.felsted.org/opendays
Developing character, making a difference. Co-educational, ages 4-18, boarding & day.
#FelstedFamily
ADDRESS: Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire SP11 7PW
WEBSITE: www.farleighschool.com
FOUNDED: 1982
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460
AGES: 3-13
FEES: (termly) KG: £2,245; Pre-Prep, £4,510; Year 3 Day to Year 8 Boarding, £7,750-£10,875
HEAD TEACHER: Fr Simon Everson
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, welcoming all faiths, or none
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Sarah O’Rorke, Registrar, 01264 712838
EMAIL: admissions@farleighschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits, as well as two to three Open Mornings per year
THE CURRICULUM: The stimulating curriculum is broad and tailored to individual needs. Our multi-sensory approach encompasses every type of learner; specialist teachers and imaginative teaching methods ensure all children thrive.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport, Art, DT, Music and Drama are pupil-centred and all-inclusive with countless opportunities to develop interests and discover talents.
PASTORAL CARE: Our Catholic ethos values every individual and we go to great lengths to ensure the fulfilment and happiness of every child, preparing them not only for senior school but for fulfilling and rewarding lives in the years to come. oarders and day pupils ali e benefit from the exceptional pastoral care, which is inextricably linked to the structural organisation of the school, through the quality of teaching and learning, the home-from-home environment in the boarding houses, the exceptional relationships between staff and pupils, and between the pupils themselves.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic (Cheltenham College, Dauntsey’s, Marlborough, St Mary’s Calne, Sherborne), All-Rounder (Dauntsey’s), Art (Ampleforth, Bryanston, Dauntsey’s, St Mary’s Ascot), Drama (Ampleforth, Bryanston, Downside, Marlborough, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls), Music (St Mary’s Calne, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Sherborne), Sport (Ampleforth, Canford, Marlborough, Sherborne, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne).
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Farleigh is a place of energy and spirited enquiry. Boys and girls of all abilities thrive in the warm and safe environment which values every individual and prepares them for senior school and beyond.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Outstanding boarding provision, value-added academic and social development for children of all abilities with successful transition to senior schools due to excellent, individualised preparation. A stunning 70-acre site with exceptional facilities that enhance pupils learning: a new music school, floodlit allweather pitch and tennis courts, theatre, indoor swimming pool, Forest School, huge variety of after school activities and wrap around care.
ADDRESS: udgrove, Wo ingham, er shire RG40 3A
WEBSITE: ludgrove.net
FOUNDED: 1892
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 186 all boys
AGES: 8-13
FEES: £11,100 per term
HEAD TEACHER: Simon arber
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England predominantly
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in Year 4, with assessment in subse uent years
CONTACT: Rebecca Philpott, Registrar; 01189 789881
EMAIL: registrar ludgroveschool.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: Open days in May and September, two years prior to entry for registered boys. Individual visits by appointment with the registrar
THE CURRICULUM: Our main focus is to build firm academic foundations and encourage a love of learning. We aim to realise the highest academic expectations for all the boys with first class teaching and small classes.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a vibrant extracurricular programme with exposure to music, drama, the creative arts in a 350-seat theatre, and many sports, ma ing the most of playing fields, cric et nets, s uash and ives courts, astroturf and a 20m indoor swimming pool.
PASTORAL CARE: We have an outstanding body of staff who get to now the boys incredibly well, thereby understanding what ma es each individual tic . Sophie arber, the Headmaster s wife, oversees the pastoral care and together with the resident matrons, school nurse, boarding house parents and all other staff is committed to ensuring that every child s confidence and character are nurtured at every opportunity. Only if the boys are healthy and happy will they flourish in and outside the classroom.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: ryanston - DT Exhibition; Eton - Music Exhibition; Harrow - Sports Scholarship; Oundle - Academic Scholarship; Radley - Sports Scholarship; Stowe - Sports Exhibition; WinchesterMusic Exhibition.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are unashamedly ambitious for every boy and are proud of our strong academic record. Most importantly, we aim to develop the boys confidence in a caring supportive environment, where each boy is valued as an individual, ma es friends for life and can flourish and realise their potential.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Outstanding academic results, with over 70 per cent leaving to go to Eton, Harrow, Radley and Winchester. Set in 130 acres of spectacular grounds, just 45 minutes from ondon. The school opened a £2.5m Exploration Centre in 2021, which provides one of the finest facilities for Science, Coding, Art, CDT and Ceramics in a prep school anywhere in the country. Exceptional pastoral care. 100 per cent full boarding with fortnightly exeats. Delicious food coo ed on-site using fresh local ingredients.
ADDRESS: Moulsford-on-Thames, Wallingford, Oxfordshire O 10 9HR
WEBSITE: www.moulsford.com
FOUNDED: 1961
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 380 AGES: 3-13
FEES: Pre-School – £4,010 per term (full time); Pre-Prep – £4,710; Prep – £7,035; oarding – £8,800
HEAD TEACHER: en eardmore-Gray
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Pre-School and Reception: no selection process, entry on a first come, first served basis, with waiting list based registration date. Year 3 : formal entrance assessment
CONTACT: Jill Morrin, Registrar EMAIL: admissions moulsford.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Three open days per year in Sept, eb and May. isits may be arranged privately throughout the year
THE CURRICULUM: Moulsford s academic curriculum is modern and forward thin ing, promotes creativity, collaboration, and cross-curricular connections and, as well as preparing boys for senior schools, it develops s ills for life.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Within an atmosphere of fun, enjoyment and achievement, we strive to promote and develop the natural creative s ills and abilities of all pupils with great success in music, drama, art and DT. Sport is a vital part of life at Moulsford, and teamwor , the development of self-esteem and social s ills, the healthy exercise, as well as the fun, are all e ually valuable. oys in A to teams regularly represent the school.
PASTORAL CARE: Exceptional pastoral care permeates every aspect of life within the school. Our core values of respect, compassion and independence are at the heart of all that we do. Expectations are high, in terms of manners, discipline and general behaviour, and there is a strong rapport between staff and pupils. Mental wellbeing for both staff and pupils is ta en very seriously.
CO-EDUCATIONAL PRE-PREP: Our brand new state-of-the-art PrePrep building opened in September 2022 and we are delighted that from September 2023 we are welcoming girls age 3-7, as well as boys.
DESTINATION SCHOOLS: Moulsford prides itself on sending pupils to a wide variety of top independent senior schools, many with scholarships and awards. In 2023, 57 boys are progressing to 17 senior schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We want Moulsford pupils to receive the broadest possible education, while remembering that they will learn best when happy and settled. Our down-to-earth, family-focussed approach embraces the fact that children of this age should be having fun at the same time as learning, and enjoy coming to school.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: ocated on the ban s of the River Thames, pupils have the opportunity to aya and paddleboard. An extensive extra-curricular programme is on offer for all boys from Pre-Prep to Year 8.
ADDRESS: Windsor Road, Ascot, er shire S 5 7 H
WEBSITE: papplewick.org.uk
FOUNDED: 1947
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 210
AGES: 6-13
FEES: oarding, £12,095; International (Child Student isa), £13,520. Day, Year 2, £6,690; Years 3 and 4, £8,765; Years 5 and 6, £9,290
HEAD TEACHER: Tom unbury A, P.G.C.E
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: isit and meeting with headmaster - all boys assessed but no entrance exam
CONTACT: Rebecca indley, 01344 621488
EMAIL: registrar@papplewick.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Next Open Morning on Saturday 4th November 2023 from 9 a.m-11.30 a.m
THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding record academically at both CE and scholarship level to major public schools. We aim to challenge and excite boys through inspirational teaching. Broad but challenging curriculum with small class sizes.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Rugby/football/cricket (12 teams), athletics, hockey, tennis, squash, golf, fencing, shooting, karate, scuba, polo. Papplewick has a covered swimming pool and Cathedral standard choir. Art and drama flourish. Three uarters learn musical instruments.
PASTORAL CARE: A school which celebrates individuality and where boys can still be boys. The tutor houseparent system ensures outstanding pastoral care.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Papplewick maintains its high academic record. Sixteen Scholarships to top UK public schools this year including 4 King’s Scholarships to Eton College and 1 King’s Scholarship to Westminister School..
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The excellence our boys achieve is worth little unless they are happy – thus, our most coveted prize is for greatest enthusiasm for life, contribution to the community and kindness to others.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Tatler Good Schools Guide award: Prep School of the Year 2018-19. Exceptional scholarship record. Outstanding preparation for top public schools. Best known for happy, confident and well-mannered boys. Three daily ondon transport services run from roo Green, Hammersmith, and Gloucester Road area. Comprehensive daily activities programme (30 activities including 100-strong snake club). Daily chapel. Modern and family-friendly approach to boarding.
ADDRESS: Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, er shire, RG4 6D
WEBSITE: qas.org.uk
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 430
AGES: 11-18
FOUNDED: 1894
FEES: (termly) day £8,962; flexi-boarding £13,759 – £14,510; full boarding £14,983; international boarding £15,941
HEAD TEACHER: Ms Elaine Purves A PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, accepting girls of no or all faith/s
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment day and Common Entrance
CONTACT: Admissions; 01189 187 300
EMAIL: admissions@qas.org.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: isit as.org.u to boo onto the termly open events. Contact admissions for information on group and individual visits
THE CURRICULUM: Queen Anne’s is known for its outstanding ‘value added including 0.7 grades better at GCSE. A broad, balanced curriculum with exceptional Music, Performing Arts, English and PE provision. Exciting range of traditional and new subjects in Sixth Form, ranging from Psychology and Sociology to Dance, and Music Technology. Outstanding careers and university guidance.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports such as lacrosse, netball, tennis, dance, and swimming feature highly both in academic and co-curricular PE, with football, badminton, and cric et recent growing additions. Students often make regional and national teams in lacrosse and receive sport scholarships at prestigious overseas universities. The thriving dance company often have wor shops with industry professionals. The Music department tour abroad annually and many students achieve ABRSM and Trinity diplomas.
PASTORAL CARE: Queen Anne s School offers outstanding pastoral care which is showcased through its community-minded spirit. The school boasts a seamlessly integrated day and boarding community. A strong network of teachers, tutors, heads of year, and house parents collaborates diligently to support the students ; well-being and development. At Queen Anne’s, students experience a nurturing and inclusive environment, fostering their growth and success.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: UK and overseas including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, Ivy eague, Princeton and er lee.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Elaine Purves joined Queen Anne’s in January 2022; she has brought a wealth of experience along with a passion for student wellbeing and excellence in all areas. Ms Purves believes in providing an environment where girls can thrive academically and holistically to provide a brilliant launchpad for life.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Tradition meets modernity in all aspects of learning here, while honouring the importance of writing and dexterity, Queen Anne s embraces innovation such as Artificial Intelligence in learning and the use of digital devices. The school s pioneering education prepares girls for the challenges of the modern world.
Yes, we teach pupils how to excel in exams, but we also teach them how to collaborate, how to solve problems and how to think critically.
Stowe is educating a generation of Change Makers ready to transform the world.
2023 BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Good Schools Guide
stowe.co.uk
“We think it’s a winner!”
ADDRESS: King Harry ane, St Albans, Herts, A 3 4AW
WEBSITE: www.stcolumbascollege.org
FOUNDED: September, 20th 1939
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 800 students, boys & girls, including 150 in Sixth orm
AGES: 4-18
FEES: (termly) ower Prep £4,238; Prep 3 £4,988; Prep 4, 5 & 6 £5,502; Senior £6,446
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Karl Guest
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry at all ages is by assessment.
CONTACT: Prep School Office: 01727 862616, Senior School Office: 01727 855185
EMAIL: collegeadmin stcolumbascollege.org
SCHOOL VISITS: oo a private tour anytime
THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum offers an appealing combination of breadth and depth. Our students study subjects both for their own sa e as well as preparing them to attain the best possible ualifications. We regard all areas of the curriculum as e ually important in preparing our students not just to ma e a living, but to ma e a life .
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of school life at St Columba s. We aim to foster an interest in physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, which in turn supports our pupils mental health and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of musical ensembles that cater for all abilities and tastes.
PASTORAL CARE: Our pastoral care is rooted in the charism of the rothers of the Sacred Heart. This inspires us to see the best in every student and to be constantly available to meet their needs. In this, we see to educate both head and heart. The Pastoral Programme is designed to develop students emotional intelligence, complementing their academic growth with the ind of personal growth that will enhance students lifelong happiness and effectiveness.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: 89 placed at their first choice niversity. Including Oxford, Cambridge, Warwic , ath, Exeter, irmingham, Nottingham, oughborough, Kings College, C , Manchester. (Summer 2022)
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A belief that education is at its very best when teachers and students wor collaboratively: that teachers ta e time to truly understand their students and wor to develop a professional dialogue and an environment that promotes all-round excellence – in the classroom and beyond.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: St. Columba s College stands out for its outstanding characteristics. It offers parents the opportunity to provide their children with a solid moral foundation within a nurturing, community-spirited environment. The college emphasi es values such as courage, courtesy, and compassion, ensuring that students grow into wellrounded individuals. The college boasts fantastic facilities that support students growth and enable them to excel in their areas of passion.
ADDRESS: Dry Arch Road, Sunningdale, er shire, S 5 9PY
WEBSITE: www.sunningdaleschool.co.u
FOUNDED: 1874
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 110 boys
AGES: 7-13
FEES: (termly) oarding £10,190 - £11,690; Day £7,970 - £9,470
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Tom Dawson
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Offers based on meeting the Headmaster and a reference from current school
CONTACT: Susannah Knight
EMAIL: admissions sunningdaleschool.co.u
SCHOOL VISITS: isits are individual with a tour of the school and a meeting with the Headmaster
THE CURRICULUM: Academically rigorous. High academic standards but cater for each boy as an individual. earning support available. The Sunningdale way is to set academically rather than by age, but ta ing into account social factors. Progress is assessed wee ly.
GAMES & THE ARTS: 90 minutes of sport every single day. Sunningdale has a thriving Music department with 80 of boys learning at least one musical instrument. A whole-school musical is produced each year and the Art department puts on a large exhibition annually.
PASTORAL CARE: With only 110 boys in the school, staff have the time to get to now each boy individually. With an average class si e of only 1012 boys, they can really reach their full potential. oys full board but have the option to enjoy Saturday night at home. ocused, individual attention provided by the staff alongside the outstanding tutor system and mental health awareness initiatives all add to the warm cosy homely feel.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic & Music Scholarship to Harrow, Music Scholarship to Eton and an all-rounder (Roxburgh) to Stowe for 2023.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Sunningdale places a strong emphasis on indness - it is the one thing that the Headmaster really loo s for in a boy. Mr Tom Dawson: I m loo ing at what ma es a boy s eyes light up...all I really want to see is that they re a boy who will ta e part.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Individual attention and uni ue family atmosphere is what sets Sunningdale apart and allows the boys to feel part of the small school community. The school s values of indness, courage, honesty, self-discipline, resilience and est for life also play a significant role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. The level of individual care given to each boy really is unrivalled.
Progress only happens when we ask interesting questions.
So that’s what we do... just like we’ve done for more than a hundred years.
Nursery • Junior • Senior • Sixth Independent co-educational day and boarding school
Book an Open Day or private visit online through our QR code.
ADDRESS: Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA
WEBSITE: badmintonschool.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1858
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 550 AGES: 4-18 years
FEES: (termly) day, £3, 860 – £6,470; boarding, £8,800 – £15,590.
HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Jessica Miles
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exams, online reasoning test and interview by a senior staff member
CONTACT: Katherine Stewart, Admissions Manager; 01179 055 271
EMAIL: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcome. Open Days: Sixth Form Open Evening - 22nd September 2023; Whole School Open Morning - 30th September 2023; Junior School Open Morning - 1st February 2024; Senior School and Sixth Form - 23rd February 2024. Contact Admissions or register online.
THE CURRICULUM: The emphasis at Badminton is on a holistic education, not narrowly academic. The curriculum and timetable are constructed to create balance between academic achievement, personal development, life skills and extra-curricular activities.
GAMES & THE ARTS: The Creative Arts Centre provides pupils with the inspiration and facilities to excel in the various mediums of art. Music, wellbeing and sports are a large part of school life. Wide ranging activities mean pupils can really get involved.
PASTORAL CARE: The campus and community at adminton gives off a homely, vibrant feel. Coupled with excellent pastoral care the school lends itself to strong mutually supportive relationships between pupils and staff. We wish every pupil to feel happy and confident. Wor ing to ensure a well ordered and supportive environment, we ask pupils to take responsibility for themselves and others. This gives them opportunities to face challenge and build resilience.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Awards and scholarships are available to pupils with particular talents.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Badminton, our focus continues to be on nurturing pupils’ natural curiosity and fuelling their passion for learning. We believe in practically engaging with the subjects and really getting under the skin of them. The enduring excellence that Badminton girls achieve stems from the positive atmosphere and holistic approach to education.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: While Badminton retains a nationally outstanding academic record, the community gives pupils a chance to develop an understanding of the viewpoints of others and to contributing to the world around them. Pupils leaving Badminton are ready to face the wider world and take with them a network of lifelong friends.
ADDRESS: Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD
WEBSITE: www.canford.com
FOUNDED: 1923
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 boys, 290 girls
AGES: 13-18
FEES: (termly) boarding, £15,178; day, £11,497
HEAD TEACHER: Ben Vessey MA MBA
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. 13+: pre-assessment Year 6 or Year 7. 16+: entry tests autumn Year 11
CONTACT: Susan Hogan, Director of Admissions; 01202 847207
EMAIL: admissions@canford.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings: 7 October 2023 and 27 April 2024. Personal visits also welcome – please contact Admissions
THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding outcomes, with 41% A* and 75% A*/A grades at A Level/Pre U 2022 achieved through inspirational teaching and an enrichment programme developing minds beyond syllabus confines. Best co-ed school in the South West for A Level results, Sunday Times Parent Power 2023.
GAMES & THE ARTS: 30+ sports/activities for every level. Scholars receive additional specialist coaching with regular national representation. Arts integral to school life while the extensive community service programme promotes social responsibility, teamwork, resilience and leadership - 8,000+ hours each year given by pupils.
PASTORAL CARE: Our extensive pastoral programme aims to foster in pupils the capacity to cope with demands of 21st century living. Ofsted rated the school ‘outstanding’ in its last inspection. ISI found the quality of pastoral care to be ‘excellent’ – the highest category – and a major strength of the school. An award winning Wellbeing programme (BSA Awards 2023) promotes positive mental and physical health school-wide.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: 95+% move on to university, 80%+ Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are ambitious for our pupils and strive to ensure they recognise the coherence across and connections between learning in all contexts. A key to our success is creating an expectation of personal achievement and ensuring support is there to fulfil our vision for all to ‘Explore, Express and Excel’.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Award winning education: oarding School of the Year finalist, TES Awards 2023, Tatler Public School of the Year 2019, Boarding School of the Year 2018 (ISP). Community outreach: One of only seven independent schools to fully sponsor an Academy School – www.thebourneacademy.com. Global links: Association with schools in Rajasthan and Princeton, USA, outreach in India, Cambodia and Ghana alongside 30+ community projects in the UK. A 24/7 full boarding and day school – no flexi wee ly boarding. Known for the warmth and strength of its school community. Inspirational setting: Among the top 10 most beautiful schools (The Daily Telegraph).
..are given freedom and time to enjoy their childhood, to have fun and lots of it, but are also expected to work hard. They climb trees, build dens, ride ponies, garden, make clothes and play games.By ‘making work fun’ our girls achieve excellent results both inside and outside the classroom.
ADDRESS: Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JA
WEBSITE: hazlegrove.co.uk
FOUNDED: 1947
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 201 boys, 182 girls AGES: 2-13
FEES: Pre-Prep £3,423; Prep Day £5,442 - £6,940; Prep oarding £8,051 - £10,272
HEAD TEACHER: Mr E enbow A MEd PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: argely non-selective, informal assessment to ensure children can access the curriculum
CONTACT: Ali Rogers, admissions, 01963 442606
EMAIL: admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk
SCHOOL VISITS: Visitors always welcome by appointment, please contact the school for further details
THE CURRICULUM: The breadth and balance in the curriculum give pupils an opportunity to get excited about the lessons they have each day. The development of a creative and innovative curriculum sits alongside outdoor learning and sustainability.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is a clear strength and significant success is achieved by pupils in team and individual sports. Drama and music are part of our DNA with choirs, ensemble groups and theatre productions filling in any gaps. Every pupil performing in a major drama production every year means the stage should hold no fears.
PASTORAL CARE: There is a distinctive sense of community and wellbeing at Hazlegrove. ‘The pastoral care of the pupils is exemplary,’ ISI.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over the last four years, an impressive 114 Scholarships and Awards have been gained to 20 different schools.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our greatest desire is to provide as many opportunities and experiences for each child, so that they can discover their own unique skills and talents and develop into curious and passionate learners. We want to ensure that they have the social, emotional and academic foundations to go on to thrive at senior school and beyond. We want our children to become ind, confident and selfassured young people.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Good Schools’ Guide writes: Try as we might, we could not find anything to fault about this super one-off school. Pupils lay down firm foundations in all areas of the curriculum, on which they can build in future years. Academic rigour sits alongside creative ambition, teamwork and a love of learning. Hazlegrove encourages individuality and values determination and perseverance, as well as qualities such as compassion and kindness. For the boarders there is a genuine sense of belonging to the Hazlegrove family.
ADDRESS: Motcombe Par , Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA
WEBSITE: www.portregis.com
FOUNDED: 1881
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 300 (co-ed)
AGES: 2-13
FEES: Pre-Prep £3,530; Prep £6,150–£7,690 (Day), £10,350 ( oarding)
HEAD TEACHER: Mr Titus Mills A PGCE
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal interview and assessment
CONTACT: Mrs Stephanie one, Head of Admissions, 01747 857914
EMAIL: admissions@portregis.com
SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings are held every term or personal tours are available upon request
THE CURRICULUM: Our broad academic curriculum is second to none, enabling pupils to meet the challenges of pre-testing, Common Entrance and scholarship examinations. It is also designed to instill a love of learning and inquisitive, independent thinking.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We have an excellent reputation for sport at both team and individual levels. Music, art, design, drama and technology are also very strong and we benefit from outstanding facilities. Do ens more hobbies, clubs and after school activities are also offered.
PASTORAL CARE: Every child matters at Port Regis and we ta e the responsibility of caring for all our pupils extremely seriously. We work tirelessly to ensure a nurturing atmosphere in which each child feels secure and happy. oarding, in all forms, thrives at Port Regis and is rated Excellent by ISI. Port Regis has also been selected as a finalist in the Tes oarding School of the Year (2023) Awards.
SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Leavers move on to a wide selection of schools including Eton, Harrow, Radley, Winchester, Marlborough, Oundle, Sherborne oys & Girls, Canford, ryanston and Stowe.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 27 scholarships in 2023 for academic, music, sport, performing arts, DT, art and all-rounder to schools including Winchester, Harrow, Marlborough, ryanston, Sherborne and Millfield.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Joy is the cornerstone at Port Regis. We want all our pupils to love coming to school because they know this is a place where they feel affirmed and valued, and part of a cohesive community that places importance on learning and fun.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:
– Superb staff providing exemplary teaching and pastoral care
– Personalised timetable catering to each individual child
– Proven trac record of Common Entrance and Scholarship success
– Exceptional academic, sporting and musical facilities
– Pupils go on to a wide range of top senior schools
– Located within two hours commute of central London & Heathrow
“My children are always surrounded by friends, they really enjoy the incredible facilities at weekends and we feel the school understands and delivers a strong full boarding provision.”Current parent
Senior School, ages 13-18: Saturday 7th October, 10am-12pm
Prep School, ages 2-13: Saturday 14th October, 9.30am-11.30am
An independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2-18 years near Bath
Day pupils are able to join our boarders for the many weekend and evening activities that take place at our School
ADDRESS: Cur on Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0D
WEBSITE: www.stmaryscalne.org
FOUNDED: 1873
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 AGES: 11-18
FEES: (termly) boarding £15,575; day £11,620
HEAD TEACHER: elicia Kir A ( niversity of Maryland), MA ( rown niversity), PhD ( rown niversity)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance assessments are held at St Mary’s, which may include an online assessment, interview and written papers, depending on the entry point. We can also arrange to assess international girls in their own home country
CONTACT: Sally Dic ens, Registrar, 01249 857206
EMAIL: admissions@stmaryscalne.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits during the term. Open Days: 11th November 2023, 24th ebruary 2024 & 11th May 2024.
THE CURRICULUM: Our focus is ‘connected teaching and learning,’ encouraging girls to think broadly and deeply. We challenge girls to grow and develop personally, academically and socially, empowering them to be independent learners.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is key to school life and success is achieved at local, national and international level. The arts are very strong with a wide variety of performance opportunities offered and regular art exhibitions held in London. This November, a whole school production of The Sound of Music will be the grand finale of the school s 150th anniversary celebrations.
PASTORAL CARE: Praised as consistently outstanding, St Mary’s has a close and caring atmosphere, with a vibrant, warm community. Every girl is known and cared for as an individual. Girls can approach anyone for support, with tutors fulfilling a vital role. They support and guide the girls through every aspect of school life; from organisational skills and subject choices through to university application.
UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority of the girls gain places at their first-choice university, including Oxbridge, the Russell Group universities and leading universities around the world.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: St Mary s Calne offers a transformative and empowering education in a relaxed environment where girls love learning and aspire to be their best selves. In a successful, happy school such as St Mary’s the pupils feel good about themselves; their talents and gift s are spotted and nourished.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We provide an enriching, personalised curriculum, inspirational teaching and outstanding exam results. The school experience is enhanced by superb facilities as well as trips, outings and over 70 co-curricular clubs. We are ran ed 1st independent secondary school in Wiltshire and 3rd in the South West (The Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power 2023).
ADDRESS: 1 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EQ
WEBSITE: www.salisburycathedralschool.com
FOUNDED: 1091
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 227
AGES: 3-13
FEES: (termly) from £3,075 to £5,540. oarding supplement, £2,600
HEAD TEACHER: Clive Marriott, MA, Ed (Hons)
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective
CONTACT: Jojo Orange; 01722 555300
EMAIL: admissions@salisburycathedralschool.com
SCHOOL VISITS: We host three open days each year and welcome visitors with a prior appointment
THE CURRICULUM: Through our wide-ranging and creative curriculum, we aim to give children opportunity to discover themselves and develop a life-long love of learning.
GAMES & THE ARTS: Our approach to music, sports and the arts is to encourage enjoyment, participation and progress, and the results speak for themselves. Around 80 of leavers annually win scholarships awards in different disciplines including: academic, music, sport, DT, Stem, art and drama.
PASTORAL CARE: High quality pastoral care is a priority at Salisbury Cathedral School and we ta e a multi-faceted approach. We proactively promote a continued sense of school community to bolster everyone’s mental health. Regular form times are an open environment for children to raise any practical or emotional issues they face. Year group and whole school assemblies address pastoral themes and often feature our school chaplain to lead thought and prayer.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 2022 examples: Mon ton; Sport, Sherborne: Music; Warminster: Academic and STEM; ancing College; Music, Dauntsey s; Music and Sport Kingswood ;DT
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Here at Salisbury Cathedral School, we are dedicated to the happiness and enrichment of every child in our care. We focus on building confidence, without arrogance, by celebrating each pupil’s individual talents and ensuring they know their own importance within our community. We hold your child in our hearts.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Housed in a ishop s Palace with a 900-year educational history. An incomparable 27-acre setting beneath the famous spire of Salisbury Cathedral. Exceptional music at every level of the school. Impressive academics taught by specialist staff. Extensive outdoor learning opportunities. A welcoming school community inspired by our Head Master’s caring ethos.
Sherborneisatownunlikeanyother.Locatedinbeautiful ruralsurroundings,witheasytransportlinkstoLondonand regionalhubs,ithoststhreeleadingindependentschools.
SherbornePrep AcremanStreet
Sherborne DorsetDT93NY
admissions@sherborneprep.org
01935810911
SherborneGirls
BradfordRoad
Sherborne DorsetDT93QN
admissions@sherborne.com
01935818224
SherborneSchool
AbbeyRoad
Sherborne DorsetDT93LF
admissions@sherborne.org
01935810403
ADDRESS: The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST
WEBSITE: www.wells.cathedral.school
FOUNDED: 909 AD
NUMBER OF PUPILS: Nursery 62, pre-prep & prep 152, senior 578
AGES: 2-18
FEES: (termly) prep school from £3,112 day, £9,553 boarding; senior school from £7,231 day, £12,065 boarding
HEAD TEACHER: Alastair Tighe
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. All faiths welcome
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective. Informal interview, Cognitive Ability Test, previous term’s reports and a report from Head of current school. Scholarship Day each January. Music auditions for specialist music scheme CONTACT: Jo Prestidge, 01749 834441
EMAIL: admissions@wells.cathedral.school
SCHOOL VISITS: Families are welcome all year, contact the admissions office for appointments. Open days are held in March, May and October
THE CURRICULUM: We provide an innovative and bold curriculum with an Integrated Arts Programme, Modern Foreign Languages, STEM, a Specialist Music Scheme and a Specialist Maths Scheme. We offer over 25 subjects at GCSE and A level and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Around one quarter of senior school pupils are specialist musicians.
GAMES & THE ARTS: We believe sport is an integral part of school life and encourage all pupils to take part. Good representation at County level and above. We offer over 15 sport options and are proud to have the best cricket grounds in Somerset. Drama has a reputation for ambitious productions and we recently won the Independent School of the Year Award for Performing Arts. Art flourishes with regular exhibitions in our dedicated performance centre, Cedars Hall.
PASTORAL CARE: At Wells we aim to provide all pupils with a family environment within a kind and caring community where they can be happy, healthy and, most importantly, who they are. With the mixed day and boarding houses, this warm atmosphere extends into the day-to-day life of every pupil making Wells not just a school but a home.
UNIVERSITY PLACES/RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over 80 per cent to Russell Group, 5 per cent to Oxbridge, 25 per cent to one of the world’s leading music conservatoires (we have a 100 per cent success rate for musicians applying to conservatoires).
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our motto esto quod es - ‘Be what you are’ – powerfully represents our school’s belief in the individuality of each pupil, who grow and become the very best version of themselves. We encourage every Wellensian to be curious and open-minded, to develop their character in a positive way, and to nurture existing passions and discover new ones.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Wells has been described by the Good Schools Guide and the Daily Telegraph as being the loveliest place of learning in the UK. The school’s buildings include medieval halls, and a state-of-the-art concert hall. Wells is one of just four specialist music schools in England, and is utterly unique as the only specialist music school in the world in the context of an all-round school.
ADDRESS: Thorpe Underwood Hall, Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, North Yorkshire YO26 9SS
WEBSITE: www.qe.org
FOUNDED: 1912
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1400
AGES: Three months – 19
FEES: (termly) Day: £4,100 – £6,950; boarding: £11,150 – £12,600
HEAD TEACHER: Daniel Machin
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview, test and previous school report
CONTACT: Sue McKee, Registrar; 01423 333330
EMAIL: admissions@qe.org
SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact us to arrange a convenient time for an individual tour, or join us for one of our Open Mornings
THE CURRICULUM: An excellent rated (ISI 2019) group of independent day and boarding schools, for boys and girls aged between three months and 19 years. Pupils are supported through four schools – Chapter House (three months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and Faculty (both Year 10 to 13) – to become resilient, confident and independent young adults who are prepared for their future. We offer a rich variety of GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs and consistently rank in the top ten schools in the UK for exam performance, with leavers going to the most prestigious UK and international universities. The College was ranked number one performing independent secondary school in the north of England (Sunday Times Schools Guide 2022).
GAMES & THE ARTS: All QE students follow a sports programme designed to stimulate the values of fair play, honesty, determination and application, through a wide variety of pursuits. Our Performance Sports Programme is available for students from Year 7. We have an outstanding and growing creative and performing arts provision, with a full-scale professional theatre on site. Small class sizes and one-to-one support outside normal lessons enable us to nurture young talent and achieve excellent results.
PASTORAL CARE: Care is the most important element within the QE community; every member of the collegiate, staff and student, is responsible for the pastoral care and happiness of the site. Students across all years have access to our dedicated Wellbeing programme of activities and support, aimed at supporting their mental health and well-being.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We offer academic, Sport, Music and Drama (Years 7, 10 and 12) scholarships.
HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To be the best I can with the gifts I have.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: QE is set in more than 220 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, between Harrogate and York. It can be reached from London in under two hours by train. A renowned, extensive co-curricular programme of trips and enrichment activities for all students. A dedicated Sports Village, with professional coaching and over 30 acres of professionally maintained sports pitches and elite level facilities. State-of-the-art boarding facilities, which support students’ development and provide the safe and productive environment for them to thrive.
The first step in the adventure of life.
Family style weekly and full boarding
90-acre countryside environment
48 minutes from London
Euston by train
COME AND SEE US!
NEXT OPEN DAYS: 7 OCTOBER, 2023 & 24 FEBRUARY, 2024
FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 3 TO 13 DUNCHURCH WARWICKSHIRE
Located in the picture perfect city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, King’s is a school where students benefit from experiences like no other. Few schools have the privilege of hosting their morning assemblies in a magnificent 9th century Cathedral. It’s what makes us and our students UniquelyKing’s
01353 660707
admissions@kingsely.org
www.kingsely.org
61 Berkhamsted Day Nursery
Chesham Road, Berkhamsted HP4 2SZ
T: 01442 358276
berkhamsted.com
148 Broomwood Pre-Prep
192 Ramsden Road, London, SW12 8RQ
T: 020 8862 8830 broomwood.com
93 Claremont Fan Court Claremont Drive, Esher KT10 9LY
T: 01372 467841 claremontfancourt.co.uk
189 Cumnor House Nursery 91 Pampisford Road, Croydon, South Croydon CR2 6DH
T: 02086 603445 cumnorhouse.com
138 Devonshire House
155 Prep School
2 Arkwright Road, London NW3 6AE
T: 020 7435 1916 devonshirehouse school.co.uk
152 Eaton House
153 Belgravia Nursery
3-5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
152 Eaton House
153 The Manor Nursery
58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
137 Eaton Square
154 Nursery, Belgravia
55-57 Eccleston Street, London SW1V 1PH
T: 020 7225 3131
eatonsquareschools.com
52 Fulham Pre-Prep School
47a Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ
T: 020 7371 9911 fulham.school
138 The Gardens Daycare & Nursery School 62 Standen Road, London SW18 5TG
T: 020 8871 9478 gardenschildcare.co.uk
194 St Hilary’s Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ
T: 01483 416551 sthilarysschool.com
161 Hampton Court House 173 Hampton Court Road, London KT8 9BS
T: 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
157 Hurlingham School
Pre-Prep The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Ave, London SW15 6EH
T: 020 8103 0695 hurlinghamschool.co.uk
139 Kew Green Nursery 141 85 Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AH,
T: 020 8948 5999 kgps.co.uk
145 Miss Daisy’s Nursery 28 Eccleston Street London SW1W 9PY
T: 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com
140 Millies House Nursery & Pre-Schools
344-346 Fulham Palace London SW6 6HT
T: 0207381 9523 millieshouse.net
142 Noah’s Ark Nursery 106 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW | Melody Road, SW18 2ED
T: 020 7924 3472 noahsarknursery schools.org.uk
142 North Bridge 143 House Nursery 175 33 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 5JY
T: 020 7267 6266 northbridgehouse.com
142 North Bridge House
143 Nursery & Pre-Prep
175 West Hampstead 85-87 Fordwych Road, London NW2 3TL
T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com
144 Ringrose Nursery St Luke’s Street London SW3 3RP
T: 020 7352 8784 ringrosechelsea.co.uk
145 Shrewsbury House
Pre-Prep
22 Millbourne Lane, Esher Surrey, KT10 9EA
T: 01372 462781 shrewsburyhouse preprep.net
59 St James Preparatory & Nursery Earsby Street London W14 8SH
T: 020 7348 1777 stjamesschools.co.uk
137 Tadpoles Nursery Chelsea Park Walk, SW10 0AY
T: 020 7352 9757 tadpolesnursery.com
137 Tadpoles Nursery Kensington The Studio, 8 Hornton Pl London W8 4LZ
T: 020 7352 9757 tadpolesnursery.com
144 Willow Nursery School 55 Grafton Square, Clapham Old Town, London SW4 0DE
T: 020 7498 0319 willownursery.co.uk
144 The Villa School & Nursery 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH
T: 020 7703 6216 thevillaschoolandnursery .co.uk
PREPARATORY
160 Alleyn’s Junior School
170 Townley Road, London SE22 8SU
T: 020 8557 1519 alleyns.org.uk
150 Bassett House School
60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP
T: 020 8969 0313 bassetths.org.uk
15 Brighton College Prep Kensington
10-13 Prince’s Garden, London SW7 1ND
T: 020 7591 4622 brightoncollegeprep kensington.co.uk
149 Broomwood Prep – Boys
26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL,
T: 020 8682 8830 broomwood.com
149 Broomwood Prep – Girls
68–74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR
T: 020 8682 8830 broomwood.com
171 Burlington House School
59 Fulham High Street, Fulham, London SW6 3JJ
T: 020 7610 9018 burlingtonschool.co.uk
51 Channing School
The Bank, London N6 5HF
T: 020 8340 2328 channing.co.uk
150 Chepstow House 108a Lancaster Road, London W11 1QS
T: 020 7243 0243 chepstowhouse school.co.uk
189 Cumnor House School for Boys
168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon
CR2 6DA
T: 020 8660 3445 cumnorhouse.com
189 Cumnor House School for Girls
1 Woodcote Lane, Purley
CR8 3HB
T: 020 8668 0050 cumnorhouse.com
155 Devonshire House 138 Prep School 2 Arkwright Road, London NW3 6AE
T: 020 7435 1916 devonshirehouse school.co.uk
151 Dolphin School 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW
T: 020 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk
151 Dulwich Prep 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA
T: 020 8766 5500 dulwichpreplondon.org
44 Dulwich College Junior Hunts Slip Road, London SE21 7LJ
T: 020 8299 9248 dulwich.org.uk
152 Eaton House 153 Belgravia Pre-Prep
3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
152 Eaton House 153 Belgravia Prep
3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
152 Eaton House The 153 Manor Pre-Prep School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
152 Eaton House 153 The Manor Prep School 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
152 Eaton House 153 The Manor Girls’ School 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU
T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com
154 Eaton Square School 55-57 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH
T: 020 7225 3131 eatonsquareschools.com
159 L’Ecole de Battersea Trott Street, London SW11 3DS
T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk
159 L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Road, London SW6 2NB
T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk
170 Eltham College Junior School Mottingham Lane, Mottingham, London SE9 4RW
T: 020 8857 3457 elthamcollege.london
155 Falcons School 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, SW15 6PY
T: 020 8992 5189 falconsschool.co.uk
173 Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF
T: 020 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk
52 Fulham Pre-Prep School 47A Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ
T: 020 7371 9911 fulham.school/pre-prep
52 Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD
T: 020 7386 2444 fulham.school/prep
14 Godolphin & Latymer
Iffley Road, London W6 0PG
T: 020 8841 1936 godolphinandlatymer.com
156 Hall School Wimbledon 17 The Downs, London SW20 8HF
T: 020 8879 9200 hsw.co.uk
158 The Hampshire School 15 Manresa Road, London SW3 6NB
T: 020 7352 7077 thehampshireschool chelsea.co.uk
161 Hampton Court House 173 Hampton Court Road, London KT8 9BS
T: 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
154 Hornsby House
Hearnville Road, Balham, London SW12 8RS
T: 020 8673 7573 hornsbyhouse.org.uk
157 Hurlingham School 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ
T: 020 8874 7186 hurlinghamschool.co.uk
174 James Allen’s Prep School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE
T: 020 8693 0374 jags.org.uk
156 Kew College Prep 24–26 Cumberland Road, Richmond TW9 3HQ
T: 020 8940 2039 kewcollege.com
2/3 Kew Green
157 Preparatory School Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF
T: 020 8948 5999 kgps.co.uk
158 King’s House School 68 Kings Rd, Richmond TW10 6ES
T: 020 8940 1878 kingshouseschool.org
96 Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD
T: 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com
159 L’Ecole de Battersea Trott Street, London SW11 3DS
T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk
159 L’Ecole des Petits
2 Hazlebury Road, London SW6 2NB
T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk
150 Little Chepstow 108A Lancaster Road, London W11 1QS
T: 020 7243 0243 chepstowhouseschool.co.uk
87 Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres 35 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DG
T: 020 7584 6322 lyceefrancias.org.uk
160 Milbourne Lodge School 43 Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EG
T: 01372 462737 milbournelodge.co.uk
36 Merchant Taylors’ Prep School
Moor Farm Bungalow, Sandy Lodge Road, Rickmansworth WD3 1LW
T: 01923 825648 mtpn.org.uk
163 Newton Prep School 149 Battersea Park Road, Nine Elms, London SW8 4BX
T: 020 7720 4091 newtonprepschool.co.uk
142 North Bridge House Prep
143 1 Gloucester Avenue, 175 London NW1 7AB
T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com
161 Old Vicarage School 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6QX
T: 020 8940 0922 oldvicarageschool.com
162 Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB
T: 020 8987 9886 orchardhs.org.uk
166 Parsons Green Prep School
1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ
T: 020 7371 9009 parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
177 Queen’s Gate Junior School
131–133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE
T: 020 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk
2/3 Ravenscourt Park
162 Preparatory School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL
T: 020 8846 9153 rpps.co.uk
164 Rosemead Prep School 70 Thurlow Park Road, Dulwich, London SE21 8HZ
T: 020 8670 5865 rosemeadprep.org.uk
164 Sarum Hall School 15 Eton Avenue, Belsize Park, London NW3 3LJ
T: 020 7794 2261 stanthonysprep.org.uk
167 St Anthony’s School for Boys 90 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NP
T: 020 7435 3597 stanthonysprep.org.uk
167 Ivy House School Ivy House, North End Road, London NW11 7SX
T: 020 3869 3070 ivyhouseschool.co.uk
179 St Benedict’s Junior School 5 Montpelier Avenue, London W5 2XP
T: 020 8862 2253 stbenedicts.org.uk
165 St Dunstan’s College 180 Junior School Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY
T: 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk
59 St James Prep School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH
T: 020 7348 1793 stjamesschools.co.uk
168 St Philip’s School 6 Wetherby Place, London SW7 4NE
T: 020 7373 3944 stphilipschool.co.uk
176 Sydenham High Prep School GDST 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL
T: 020 8557 7004 sydenhamhighschool .gdst.net
160 Tower House Prep School 188 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LF
T: 020 8876 3323 thsboys.org.uk
182 Wetherby Prep Bryanston Square, London W1H 2EA
T: 020 7535 3520 wetherbyprep.co.uk
168 The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops
Kindergarten 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF
T: 020 8674 9514 whitehouseschool.com
170 Alleyn’s Senior 160 Townley Road, London SE22 8SU
T: 020 8557 1500 alleyns.org.uk
169 Blackheath High School
Vanbrugh Park, London SE3 7AG
T: 020 8852 1537 blackheathhighschool. gdst.net
171 Burlington House School Bishops Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EG
T: 020 7610 9018 burlingtonschool.co.uk
51 Channing School
The Bank, London N6 5HF
T: 020 8340 2328 channing.co.uk
172 City of London School
Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 3AL
T: 020 3680 6300 cityoflondonschool.org.uk
172 DLD College 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7FX
T: 020 7935 8411 dldcollege.co.uk
172 Dwight School 49 Woodside Avenue, London N12 8SY
T: 0208 920 0600 dwightlondon.org
44 Dulwich College Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD
T: 020 8693 3601 dulwich.org.uk
154 Eaton Square 137 Senior School 106 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NL
T: 020 7491 7393 eatonsquareschools.com
170 Eltham College Grove Park Road, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF
T: 020 8857 1455 elthamcollege.london
173 Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park, NW1) Ivor Place, London NW1 6XR
T: 020 7723 0176 fhs-nw1.org.uk
173 Francis Holland School (Sloane Square, SW1) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF
T: 020 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk
52 Fulham Senior School 1-3 Chesilton Road, London, SW6 5AA
T: 020 8154 6751 fulham.school
14 Godolphin & Latymer School
Iffley Rd, London W6 0PG
T: 020 8741 1936 godolphinandlatymer.com
173 Hampton Court House
161 Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BS
T: 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
174 James Allen’s Girls’ School
144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE
T: 020 8693 1181 jags.org.uk
2/3 Kew House School
174 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0EX
T: 020 8742 2038 kewhouseschool.com
96 Knightsbridge Senior School
67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD
T: 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com
77 London Park School
182 7-11 Nightingale Lane, Clapham South, London SW4 9AH
T: 020 8161 0301 londonparkschools.com
87 Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres 35 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DG
T: 020 7584 6322 lyceefrancias.org.uk
2/3 Maida Vale School
175 18 Saltram Crescent, London W9 3HR
T: 020 4511 6000 maidavaleschool.com
36 Merchant Taylors’ School
Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT
T: 01923 820644 mtsn.org.uk
IFC MPW London
1 90–92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB
T: 020 7835 1355 mpw.ac.uk
175 North Bridge House 142 Senior Canonbury 143 6-9 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NQ
T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com
175 North Bridge House 142 Senior Hampstead 143 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5UD
T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com
177 Old Palace of John Whitgift School Old Palace Road, Croydon CR0 1AX
T: 020 8688 2027 oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk
176 Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ
T: 020 7307 8700 portland-place.co.uk
Putney High School GDST
35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH
T: 020 8788 4886 putneyhigh.gdst.net
177 Queen’s Gate
131-133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE
T: 020 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk
178 Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS
T: 01707 602500 queenswood.org
60 Royal Russell School
Coombe Lane, Croydon, London CR9 5BX
T: 020 8657 4433 royalrussell.co.uk
179 St Benedict’s School Senior & Sixth Form 54, Eaton Rise, London W5 2ES
T: 020 8862 2254 stbenedicts.org.uk
180 St Dunstan’s College 165 Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY
T: 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk
179 St Helen’s School Eastbury Road, Northwood HA6 3AS
T: 01923 843210 sthelens.london
59 St James Senior Boys’ School Church Road, Ashford TW15 3DZ
T: 01784 266930 stjamesschools.co.uk
59 St James Senior Girls’ School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH
T: 020 7348 1777 stjamesschools.co.uk
183 Streatham and Clapham High School
42 Abbotswood Road, London SW16 1AW
T: 020 8677 8400 schs.gdst.net
176 Sydenham High Senior School GDST
15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL
T: 020 8557 7004 sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
181 Trinity School Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT
T: 020 8656 9541 trinity-school.org
182 Wetherby Senior School 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU
T: 020 7535 3530 wetherbysenior.co.uk
183 Whitgift School
Haling Park Road, South Croydon CR2 6YT
T: 020 8688 9222 whitgift.co.uk
186 Aldro Lombard St, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS
T: 01483 813535 aldro.org
188 Bedales Church Road, Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2DG
T: 01730 711733 bedales.org.uk
72 Bede’s Prep School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7XL
T: 01323 734222 bedes.org
72 Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker, East Sussex BN27 3QH
T: 01323 843252 bedes.org
185 Benenden School Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA
T: 01580 240592 benenden.school
13 Brighton College Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL
T: 01273 704200 brightoncollege.org.uk
186 Box Hill School London Road, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6EA
T: 01372 373382 boxhillschool.com
187 Caterham School
Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA
T: 01883 343028 caterhamschool.co.uk
35 Charterhouse
Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX
T: 01483 291501 charterhouse.org.uk
191 Christ’s Hospital School Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP
T: 01403 211293 christs-hospital.org.uk
188 Churchers College
Ramshill, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4AS
T: 01730 263033 churcherscollege.com
86 Claremont Fan Court School
Claremont Drive, Esher KT10 9LY
T: 01372 467841 claremontfancourt.co.uk
71 Cobham Hall
Brewers Road, Cobham, Gravesend DA12 3BL
T: 01474 823371 cobhamhall.com
190 Cottesmore School
Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU
T: 01293 520648 cottesmoreschool.com
40 Cranleigh Preparatory School
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH
T: 01483 542058 cranprep.org
43 Cranleigh School
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ
T: 01483 273666 cranleigh.org
189 Cumnor House School for Boys
168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA
T: 020 8660 3445 cumnorhouse.com
189 Cumnor House School for Girls
1 Woodcote Lane, Purley CR8 3HB
T: 020 8668 0050 cumnorhouse.com
192 Danes Hill School
Leatherhead Road, Oxshott KT22 0JG
T: 01372 842509 daneshillschool.co.uk
190 Dunottar School
High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL
T: 01737 761945 dunottarschool.com
192 Downsend 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead KT22 8TJ
T: 01372 372197 downsend.co.uk
206 Farleigh School Red Rice, Hampshire SP11 7PW
T: 01264 712838 farleighschool.com
188 Farringtons School
Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR
T: 020 8467 0256 farringtons.org.uk
193 Handcross Park London Road, Handcross RH17 6HF
T: 01444 400526 handcrossparkschool. co.uk
38 Highfield and Brookham Schools
Highfield Lane, Liphook Hampshire GU30 7LQ
T: 01428 728000 highfieldschool.org.uk
94 Hurst College College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9JS
T: 01273 833636 hppc.co.uk
BC Hurtwood House Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU
T: 01483 279000 hurtwoodhouse.com
200 King Edward’s Witley Wormley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG
T: 01428 686700 kesw.org
8 Lancing College
Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW
T: 01273 452213 lancingcollege.co.uk
195 Mayfield School
The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH
T: 01435 874642 mayfieldgirls.org
193 Marymount International School
George Road, Surrey KT2 7PE
T: 020 8949 0571 lancingcollege.co.uk
194 The New Beacon School Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 2PB
T: 01732 452131 newbeacon.org.uk
196 Pennthorpe
Church Street, Rudgwick, Horsham RH12 3HJ
T: 01402 822391 pennthorpe.com
95 The Pilgrims’ School
The Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LT
T: 01962 854189 thepilgrims–school.co.uk
197 Reed’s School
Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES T: 01932 869001 reeds.surrey.sch.uk
198 Rowan Prep School
6 Fitzalan Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey KT10 0LX T: 01372 462627 rowanprepschool.co.uk
196 The Royal Alexandra and Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD
T: 01737 649000 raa-school.co.uk
201 St Catherine’s, Bramley Station Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF
T: 01483 899609 stcatherines.info
194 St Edmund’s School Portsmouth Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6BH
T: 01428 604808 saintedmunds.co.uk
194 St Hilary’s Prep School Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ T: 01483 416551 sthilarysschool.com
200 St Lawrence College Road, Ramsgate CT11 7AE
T: 01843 808080 slcuk.com
95 St Swithun’s School Alresford Road, Winchester Hampshire SO21 1HA
T: 01962 835750 stswithunscom
197 Tonbridge School High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1JP
T: 01732 304297 tonbridge-school.co.uk
34 Tormead School Cranley Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD
T: 01483 796040 tormeadschool.org.uk
200 Walhampton School School Ln, Walhampton, Lymington SO41 5ZG
T: 01590 613300 walhampton.com
199 Walthamstow Hall
Junior Bradbourne Park Rd, Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 3LD
T: 01732 453815 walthamstow-hall.co.uk
199 Walthamstow Hall
Senior Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3UL
T: 01732 451334 walthamstow-hall.co.uk
198 Westbourne House Coach Road, Chichester PO20 2BH
T: 01243 78739 westbournehouse.org
32 Wellington College Duke’s Ride, Berkshire, Crowthorne RG45 7PU
T: 01344 444000 wellingtoncollege.org.uk
202 Bancroft’s School High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0RF
T: 020 8505 4821 bancrofts.org
200 Beachborough School Westbury, Nr. Brackley, Northamptonshire
NN13 5LB
T: 01280 700071 beachborough.com
208 The Beacon School
15 Amersham Road Chesham Bois, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5PF
T: 01494 433654 beaconschool.co.uk
61 Berkhamsted School
Overton House, 131 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2DJ
T: 01442 358000 berkhamsted.com
202 Cheam School
Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD
T: 01635 267822 cheamschool.com
203 Christ Church Cathedral School 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW
T: 01865 242561 cccs.org.uk
203 d’Overbroeck’s 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL
T: 01865 688600 doverbroecks.com
204 Dragon School Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6SS
T: 01865 315413 dragonschool.org
202 Elstree School
Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD
T: 0118971 3302 elstreeschool.org.uk
204 Farleigh School
206 Red Rice, Hampshire SP11 7PW
T: 01264 712838 farleighschool.com
205 Felsted Preparatory School
Felsted, Essex CM6 3JL
T: 01371 822611 felsted.org/prephome
205 Felsted School
Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL
T: 01371 822600 felsted.org
206 Godstowe
Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR
T: 01494 529273 godstowe.org
207 Greenes College Oxford 45 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
T: 01865 419998 greenes.org.uk
207 Haileybury Haileybury, Hertford SG13 7NU
T: 01992 706353 haileybury.com
6/7 Heathfield School
London Road, Ascot SL5 8BQ
T: 01344 898 343 heathfieldschool.net
209 Ludgrove School
Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB
T: 01189 789881 ludgrove.net
209 Moulsford Preparatory School Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR
T: 01491 651438 moulsford.com
210 Papplewick Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH
T: 01344 621488 papplewick.org.uk
210 Queen Anne’s School Henley Road, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX
T: 01189 187300 qas.org.uk
178 Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park Hatfield, Herts AL9 6NS
T: 01707 602500 queenswood.org
62 Reddam House Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham RG41 5BG
T: 01189 748300 reddamhouse.org.uk
211 Stowe School Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH
T: 01280 818205 stowe.co.uk
214 St Christopher School Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 3JZ
T: 01462 650947 stchris.co.uk
212 St Columba’s College King Harry Lane, St Albans AL3 4AW
T: 01725 855185 stcolumbascollege.org
11 St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN
T: 01865 319204 stedwardsoxford.org
208 St George’s School Windsor Castle Datchet Road, Windsor SL4 1QF
T: 01753 865553 stgwindsor.org
213 St Margaret’s Bushey, Merry Hill Road, Bushey, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD23 1DT
T: 020 8416 4400 stmargaretsbushey.co.uk
212 Sunningdale School Dry Arch Road, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 9PY
T: 01344 620159 sunningdaleschool.co.uk
211 Swanbourne House Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire MK17 0HZ
T: 01296 720264 swanbourne.org
32 Wellington College Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU
T: 01344 444013 wellingtoncollege.org.uk
211 Winchester House School
High Street Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7AZ
T: 01280 702483 stowe.co.uk
214 Wychwood School 74 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JR
T: 01865 557976 wychwoodschool.org
215 York House Sarratt Road, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4LW
T: 01923 772 395 york-house.com
216 Badminton School
Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA
T: 0117 905 5271 badmintonschool.co.uk
46 Bryanston
Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0PX
T: 01258 452411
bryanston.co.uk
46 Bryanston Prep
Durweston, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0PY
T: 01258 452065
bryanston.co.uk
216 Canford School
Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD
T: 01202 847207 canford.com
217 Hanford School
Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HN
T: 01258 860219 hanford.dorset.sch.uk
218 Hazlegrove Preparatory School
Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA
T: 01963 442606 hazlegrove.co.uk
217 King Edward’s School Bath
North Road, Bath BA2 6HU
T: 01225 820399
kesbath.com
219 Kingswood Preparatory School
College Road, Bath BA1 5SD
T: 01225 734460
kingswood.bath.sch.uk/ prep-school
219 Kingswood Senior School
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG
T: 01225 734200
kingswood.bath.sch.uk
222 Kings College Taunton South Road, Taunton TA1 3LA
T: 01823 328200 kings-taunton.co.uk
219 Marlborough College Bath Road, Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 1PA
T: 01672 892200 marlboroughcollege.org
65 Milton Abbey School
Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BZ
T: 01258 880484 miltonabbey.co.uk
220 Monkton Combe Church Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HG
T: 01225 721100 monktoncombeschool.com
218 Port Regis Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA
T: 01747 857800 portregis.com
221 Salisbury Cathedral School
1 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EQ
T: 01722 555300 salisburycathedral school.com
223 Sherborne School
Abbey Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AP
T: 01935 810403 sherborne.org
223 Sherborne Girls
Bradford Rd, Sherborne, Sherborne DT9 3QN
T: 01935 812245 sherborne.com
223 Sherborne Preparatory School
Acreman Street, Sherborne DT9 3NY
T: 01935 812097 sherborne.com
221 St Mary’s Calne
Calne, Wilts SN11 0DF
T: 01249 857200 stmaryscalne.org
222 Royal High School Bath
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ
T: 01225 313877 royalhighbath.gdst.net
224 Taunton School
Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD
T: 01823 703703 tauntonschool.co.uk
16 Wells Cathedral School
225 The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST T: 01749 834200 wells.cathedral.school
224 Westonbirt Tetbury, Gloucestershire
GL8 8QG
T: 01666 880333 westonbirt.org
82 Bredon School
Pull Court, Bushley, Tewkesbury GL20 6AH
T: 01684 293156 bredonschool.org
226 Bilton Grange
Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 6QU
T: 01788 810217 biltongrange.co.uk
227 Moreton Hall
Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 3EW
T: 01691 773671 moretonhall.org
227 Oakham School
Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT
T: 01572 758758 oakham.rutland.sch.uk
17 Rugby School Lawrence Sheriff St, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5EH
T: 01788 556216 rugbyschool.co.uk
228 Shrewsbury School
The Schools, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7BA
T: 01743 280552 shrewsbury.org.uk
IBC Stonyhurst College
Stonyhurst, Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 9PZ
T: 01254 827073 stonyhurst.ac.uk
229 King’s Ely Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW
T: 01353 660700 kingsely.org
228 The Leys School Cambridge CB2 7AD
T: 01223 508904 theleys.net
231 Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2RX
T: 01473 326200 royalhospitalschool.org
230 Stephen Perse School Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1HF
T: 01223 454700 stephenperse.com
NORTHERN
225 Queen Ethelburga’s Thorpe Underwood Estate, York YO26 9SS
T: 01423 333300 qe.org
226 Christ College Brecon Christ College, Llanfaes, Brecon, Wales LD3 8AF
T: 01874 615440 christcollegebrecon.com
230 Campbell College
Belmont Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT4 2ND
T: 02890 763076 campbellcollege.co.uk
12 Minerva’s Virtual Academy International House, 3 Space, Canterbuy Cresent, London SW9 7QE
T: 0203 637 6477 minervavirtual.com
86 Charterhouse Online Goldaming, Surrey GU7 2DX
T: 01483 291500 charterhouseonline.co.uk
