Winterfold Prospectus 2025 by Bromsgrove School

E G I

Denise Toms Headmistress

Welcome

It will be evident from the moment you wend your way down the School drive that Winterfold is unique. Sweeping grounds allow our children the freedom and scope to thrive, whether at work or play.

it is a canvas for childhood experiences they will never forget. our wonderful facilities never fail to impress but more than this, it is the friendly, family feel embraced within them that is the true soul of Winterfold.

We have tried to capture something of this in the vibrant images within this prospectus, designed to give you a glimpse of the beating heart of the school. They are glimpses of children who are learning for life, as we give them opportunities and an environment in which to grow in confidence and become engaging, successful, resourceful young people.

Central to all we do is the happiness of our children. Good manners, a cheerful smile and a sense of positive purpose are the familiar face of a Winterfold pupil. They are the traits that allow our children to excel academically whilst also flourishing beyond the classroom doors. each is encouraged to develop a sense of adventure, insatiable curiosity and a hunger to be creative.

We pride ourselves on truly knowing every child and ensuring that they achieve their potential in all aspects of school life. We value our relationship with parents who entrust us with their children, an understanding based upon honesty and mutual respect.

Purpose, determination and confidence are the best gifts we can offer and our talented teachers use a wide variety of activities to bestow it. Consequently, children leave Winterfold as well rounded individuals and fine citizens in the making.

our children love coming to school. They are very proud of their achievements and keen to add their successes to Winterfold’s impressive heritage. The images in this prospectus attempt to capture that, but really, you should come along and see us.

We are so much better in real life.

the WI nterfold W ay

Winterfold house School was founded in Birmingham in 1928, moving to herefordshire in the war years, before finally settling at Winterfold house, chaddesley corbett in 1946.

Winterfold is a thriving independent Preparatory school, taking boys and girls from 2 to 13. in 1997, it became a Charitable Trust, controlled by a Board of Governors.

in 2016, Winterfold joined the Bromsgrove school family and whilst Winterfold retains its own independence and special identity with over three hundred pupils, the school enjoys the support and facilities that Bromsgrove can offer.

At Winterfold school, we are committed to providing every child with the opportunity to develop and flourish in a nurturing and happy environment. our approach fosters confidence, encourages a sense of adventure, and promotes respect for others.

We recognise that each child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and areas for growth, and it is this individuality that we celebrate.

The Winterfold Way is about offering a wealth of opportunities to enrich every pupil’s journey. With a wide range of activities and experiences, including our innovative Radio Room, the Greenfingers initiative, and an emphasis on outdoor learning, we aim to inspire and engage our children in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. The development of the whole child is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to produce well rounded, confident boys and girls with high moral standards and respect for others.

Ground S

Winterfold School is set in the most idyllic countryside. Its forty acres overlook the malvern hills and encompass beautiful grounds, gardens and sports fields.

Children need space, whether it’s in the classroom, at lunchtime or during break times. Winterfold pupils are free to roam in extensive grounds which include adventure playgrounds, a ball games area, an area for table tennis, areas for peace and quiet, gardens to enjoy and adventure playgrounds to climb in. We also have a Forest school and outdoor learning area.

There are rugby, football and cricket pitches plus an astroturf pitch and netball and tennis courts.

We have a multi-activity sports hall which can accommodate cricket nets, indoor hockey and football. Pre-prep children have an outside learning area plus their own dedicated play area with sand and water. There are superb art and drama studios, music rooms, a science lab, CDT and iCT suites plus a well-stocked library.

our grounds are safe and child friendly, beautifully maintained and much loved by everyone in our community.

penryn hall

The creative arts play a large role in life at Winterfold. The crowning jewel is our brand new, state of the art penryn hall, a 280 seat theatre and performance space.

The grand opening of Penryn Hall with Professor Julian Lloyd Webber officially unveiling the school’s brand-new theatre, chapel, and performing arts centre. This exciting addition to the school features a state-of-the-art multi-purpose space, complete with a chapel and lobby area. With retractable tiered seating and cutting-edge sound

and lighting technology, Penryn Hall will provide an incredible performance space, perfect for our renowned Drama and music productions.

our pedigree in the Performing Arts has long been established, and it is only fitting that the school now has the facilities to match. Penryn Hall will be at the heart of the school for many years to come.

teach I n G and learn I n G

our pre-prep department provides a gentle introduction into the world of formal education.

in Prep there are plenty of fun activities, with opportunities to learn through play. The children learn to care for others and to communicate their own feelings and ideas with confidence and clarity. Their natural sense of curiosity is encouraged and nurtured by interactive teaching and learning games, in a secure and happy environment.

at Winterfold, we have specialist teachers who oversee a full and challenging programme of study, far exceeding the demands of the national curriculum.

our Prep pupils can extend their learning, sharpen their knowledge and practice their skills in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Horizons broaden, independence grows and confidence blooms at our Prep school. Learning is fun, life is exciting and that is just how we want things to remain.

The foundations for academic success are laid during these Prep years, which is why we place great emphasis on developing self-confidence and a love of learning. We also encourage our children to become more independent and responsible as they progress through the school so that they are ready for the challenges at senior school.

n urtur I n G

‘relationships throughout the school are excellent. In an atmosphere of quiet faith, pupils develop a deep appreciation of the need to think about others and to take responsibility for themselves and others around them, both in school and in the outside world.’

independent schools’ inspectorate

At Winterfold, every child has the opportunity to develop and grow in a happy environment. our aim is to encourage our children to be confident and outgoing, whilst showing consideration for others.

As we are a small, non-selective school, a family atmosphere very much pervades. our teachers know the pupils very well and have strong, positive relationships with them. We know and value every one of our pupils as an individual – each with their own particular strengths, weaknesses, interests and personalities.

We see it as our job to nurture each of those individuals and take joy in the way that they go on to grow, develop and thrive.

Communication between staff is excellent which means that if there is a problem, we are able to pick it up very quickly and work together to resolve it. The staff are very accessible to parents should they have anything they wish to discuss. We very much believe in the benefit of a strong partnership between school and home.

on entering year 1 our pupils are allocated to ‘packs’; eagles, Swifts, Kites and hawks, encouraging a spirit of friendly competition.

Pupils are able to earn pack points through academic achievement and good conduct. interpack competitions are held throughout the year, encouraging a sense of belonging, loyalty, team spirit and commitment.

Year 8 pupils at Winterfold take on positions of responsibility in which they flourish; Prefects, leaders of school activities and stars in our school productions. These leadership roles enable them to grow in confidence in their last year before senior school. Year 8 pack leaders support our younger children through the pack system and are excellent role models and ambassadors for the school.

creat I v I ty

Winterfold is a school alive with the arts. The opportunities we provide in art, design and drama offer our pupils a platform to develop their confidence and self- expression, leading to a rounded education and an appreciation of the arts that will stay with them forever.

perform I n G art S

The performing arts centre is always buzzing with music, dance, Speech and drama at Winterfold.

Pupils are encouraged to pursue their artistic and musical interests. opportunities are continually sought for children, whether a beginner or proficient, to perform to their parents, peers and external audiences. From school assemblies and regular drama productions to international concert recitals, symphony Hall performances and local music competitions, all children have the opportunity to perform. increasing numbers of children take the Associated Board instrumental exams and achieve excellent results.

peacoc K lod G e

peacock lodge is inspired by the great outdoors and full of exciting learning opportunities for children from two years old.

more than just a forest school, this natural environment includes a willow village, a natural pond area, an orchard and bird hides.

striking the perfect balance between creativity and structured learning, Peacock Lodge offers early learners a safe, dry place for investigating the natural environment, alongside a technology suite to build on essential iT and investigative skills.

We are proud to offer an education that extends far beyond the classroom, unleashing the full potential of every pupil through the power of outdoor learning.

outdoor education has many benefits for a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. it can build confidence, stimulate enjoyment and improve memory and concentration in the classroom.

Winterfold children are encouraged to explore the fascinating world around them and to develop an understanding of how we interact with it.

W I nterfold K I nder G arten

our Kindergarten provides excellent care and nurture for children aged two to four years in a secure and happy atmosphere.

At Winterfold, children in our Kindergarten benefit from a rounded curriculum. Alongside solid foundations in literacy and numeracy, important life skills including team work, creativity and problem solving are developed. it offers children unique opportunities and experiences that cannot anyways be taught within the constraints of the classroom.

our wonderful staff are highly qualified and experienced, they oversee a wide range of

activities focused on learning through play, varied opportunities for intellectual stimulation, creativity and physical activity.

From our children’s beginnings at Winterfold Kindergarten through their Pre-Prep and Prep school education, Winterfold provides a world of experiences providing the academic and life skills they need. our school community fosters a deep respect and genuine consideration for others.

Sport plays an integral part in the life of every pupil at Winterfold.

“There is great opportunity to learn without the children being pressured”.

Parental testimonial

We offer a tremendous variety of sports and games for boys and girls of all ages and abilities as we want everyone to try new activities and to enjoy every experience – winning with grace and good spirit or magnanimous in defeat.

We have great rivalries with other schools and everyone gets a chance to join our teams for regular fixtures and competitions, many with considerable success. County and national tournaments and sports tours are regularly organised.

Winterfold children have wonderful opportunities for new experiences, discoveries and achievements.

e xper I ence S

Wherever we can, we learn in the classrooms, then go outdoors on learning adventures where pupils ask questions, test out new ideas and find out how things work.

We aim to inspire young minds, not just by excellent teaching and visiting speakers with a story to tell, but also by providing many and varied experiences, both school-based and through trips and activities in the UK and abroad.

it’s not simply about what the pupils gain; we believe that giving back is just as important and our pupils raise thousands of pounds each year for charity.

our dedicated teachers use every opportunity to bring learning to life. Winterfold maintains and is proud of excellent academic standards, consistently achieving results well above the national average. We go beyond these to teach our children life skills, teamwork, leadership and responsibility.

every child has the chance to shine and we believe we have the balance just right - freedom to express yourself, with discipline.

Challenge, hard work and good fun are all encouraged and our aim is to send confident, happy, educated and caring boys and girls on to senior school.

“The dedicated, hard-working teachers really ‘make’ the School”.

Parent testimonial

act I v I t I e S

at Winterfold, we have a refreshing approach to extra-curricular activities.

There are over fifty extra-curricular activities offered throughout the school. From horse riding to fencing, there is something for everyone to immerse themselves in.

We know that these interesting and fun experiences further develop communication skills and confidence, ultimately leading to success in other areas of school life.

mov I n G on

Boys and girls leave Winterfold, usually at thirteen, to join Bromsgrove School - many join the Scholarship pathway programme.

Former pupils maintain Winterfold friendships into adult life and retain a strong affection for the school, returning with pleasure for school occasions.