In brief

WORDS: LAURA SUTHERLAND

STUDENT SUCCESSES • EXTRACURRICULAR EXCELLENCE • INSPIRING INITIATIVES • NEW HEADTEACHERS

The chapel remained open for personal prayers and quiet contemplation for the nation’s full 10-day mourning period to honour the community’s love and respect for The Queen

A royal tribute

Royal Hospital School, Su olk

Sta and pupils paid their respects on the passing of HM The Queen in a number of ways. It began with the community gathering in front of the school to raise, and then lower the fl ag to half-mast, before proceeding to the chapel for a short service, where the Queen’s Banner had been placed on the school’s ceremonial drums in front of the altar. The chapel remained open for prayers and quiet refl ection throughout the 10-day period of national mourning, while two books of condolence – one for the chapel, and one for the reception – had been made to ensure that everyone was able to share their memories of the monarch.

The school was also invited to be part of the proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III in Su olk, which was made at 1pm on 11 September from the balcony of Ipswich Town Hall. Royal Hospital School (RHS) was also requested by the Lord-Lieutenant of Su olk to provide a Royal Navy contingent to the military presence, forming a Guard of Honour along with the Army and RAF. The proclamation marked a new era, and RHS was honoured that some of its pupils were welcomed to be part of it, considering the school’s royal and naval heritage.

The school was requested to provide a Royal Navy contingent to King Charles III’s proclamation in Ipswich

Bowled over

The Leys School, Cambridgeshire

Cricketer Carla Rudd joined the school as Director of Sport this term, arriving just days after coming second in this year’s The Hundred tournament as part of the Southern Brave team. A passionate advocate for girls’ sport, she plays for Sussex County, Sussex Vipers and Southern Brave as a specialist wicketkeeper alongside her teaching commitments.

Warm welcomes

Forfar Education Group, nationwide

The family of nine schools has opened its many doors to Ukrainian children in urgent need of nurturing, safe spaces to learn. Brackenfield in Harrogate has welcomed two children; as will sister schools, Park School in Bournemouth and Prenton Prep on the Wirral. CEO John Forsyth says: “It’s important to show solidarity in times of crisis.”

New beginnings

Bryanston Prep, Dorset

After a successful year of transition – including a name change – the prep school pupils welcomed the start of the autumn term with a new uniform, refurbished building, redesigned library, a new sheltered forest school classroom, and the grand unveiling of the Innovation Room, which will support the introduction of Bryanston’s digital studies curriculum.

Witness the fitness

West House School, Birmingham

Pupils were delighted to meet the World’s strongest men – AKA Tom and Luke Stoltman – and England basketball player, Kofi Josephs (who shared hoop-shooting tips) when they helped with a BBC Sport recording for this summer’s Commonwealth Games. However, it was mascot Perry’s appearance that caused the most excitement. BEST OF THE REST

• Planet crusaders

Beaudesert Park School, Gloucestershire

The prep is proud to have been awarded a coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag, an international accolade which recognises its efforts in reducing the school’s impact on the environment.

• Pastures new

Edge Grove, Hertfordshire

After a successful exam season, school leavers won a range of impressive scholarships. Head Boy Ediz Karakas took the King’s Scholar place at Eton, while other destinations include Westminster, Harrow and Shiplake College.

• Early doors

Christ College Brecon, Powys

This new term has seen the introduction of a new Key Stage 1 class, allowing the admission of children from the age of five. This is the first phase of the school’s prep expansion plan, which will see the addition of a reception class in 2023.

• Speaking volumes

St Mary’s Junior School, Cambridgeshire

The UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education (UKAPCE)’s National Competition has declared the school to be one of the best places for students to learn Mandarin.

• In fine voice

Bilton Grange Preparatory School, Warwickshire

The new chorister programme has welcomed 34 successful auditionees (18 boys and 16 girls) aged between six and 11. It involves vocal coaching and daily Evensong rehearsals in the school’s chapel.

First Wimbledon then the world

Hall School Wimbledon is an all-through, co-educational school with exceptional facilities in the heart of Wimbledon

Hall School is the only non-selective, co-ed independent school in Wimbledon The school’s tailored curriculum empowers pupils to learn independenly

Hall School Wimbledon (HSW), is the only co-educational, allthrough school in Wimbledon. It’s an inclusive, non-selective school for seven to 18 year olds, and its cherished pupils make up a lively community of budding scientists, artists, dancers, authors, musicians and athletes, all sharing a spirit of adventure and a thirst for knowledge. e school’s Headmaster, Mr Andrew Hammond, would be delighted to show you around the school campus, including the nine-acre outdoor site.

At Hall School Wimbledon, health and selfworth are championed and teachers look at the ‘whole child’ rather than simply heads on legs. School is the arrivals lounge for life and Hall School Wimbledon believes pupils should be equipped with all the tools they need for life. One component of that is their academic education, but that’s just one component, which is why viewing the whole child is so important. At HSW, sta believe that the right pastoral care and support is critical to pupil success, as this ensures that children are con dent in their abilities and have a positive outlook, so can achieve their full potential.

As a non-selective school, HSW still maintains a strong emphasis on academia as well as sports and the arts. e school is proud that its exam results continue to improve year on year, and are signi cantly above the national average. Small class sizes allow teachers and pupils to develop excellent working relationships, and as a school that is always looking towards the future, teaching sta have the ability to adapt the curriculum to enable more opportunities for its young people, based on the demands of a developing world. e HSW curriculum delivers knowledge and skills, while the school’s positive, nurturing culture helps pupils to feel con dent and empowered to become independent, lifelong learners. is culture is underpinned by the school’s vision: to deliver a contemporary and inclusive education in a caring environment, empowering all pupils to ourish and become independent learners for life.

HSW pupils are encouraged to participate and to enjoy the fun of sport and pupils bene t from exceptional facilities at Oberon Fields, the school’s nine-acre site less than a mile away. Within the site are rugby and football pitches, a cricket square and teaching spaces for outdoor learning, performing arts and cookery. A multi-use court, a new nature trail, orchard, garden allotments and a Forest School area are also being created.

HSW is a school that enables outstanding futures through academic success, exciting opportunities and ensuring children know they’re valued. Pupils leave HSW as con dent, empowered and globally-minded young people, who are equipped to lead and contribute fully to society.

To nd out more about Hall School Wimbledon, see hsw.co.uk and organise visits via admissions@hsw.co.uk or by calling 020 8394 6144.

THE HSW CURRICULUM DELIVERS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, while the school’s positive, nurturing culture HELPS ITS PUPILS TO FEEL CONFIDENT AND EMPOWERED

Outdoor space is in abundance at HSW

HEADS ON THE MOVE

It’s all change for these schools

Redcliffe

Gardens School, London has appointed Sarah Glencross as its new Head.

Maxine Shaw

has been the new Head at

Danes Hill

School, Surrey since April.

Winchester

College, Hampshire will welcome new Head, Elizabeth Stone in September 2023.

Tom Beardmore-

Gray is the new Warden of Bradfield College, Berkshire.

Steve King is the new Head at Junior Boys’

School, Bolton

School in Greater Manchester.

Roedean School, East Sussex has announced that Niamh Green will take over as Head in Summer 2023.

Making waves

Taunton Prep School, Somerset

A squad of 18 pupils braved cold water – and the risk of jellyfish stings – to swim the English Channel, to help save their local community pool from closure. Swimming in three relay teams of six, the children (aged 12 to 14 years) were not only among the youngest people in the world to take on the challenge, they also raised £6,000 for Wivey Pool. Bravo!

Going for gold

Farleigh School, Hampshire

The school’s athletics team ended their summer term in style with a major haul at the National Prep Schools Athletics Finals in Nuneaton. The 30-strong squad of pupils brought home eight medals. This included five bronzes across a number of events, two golds for the U14 girls’ triple jump and U12 girls’ long jump, as well as a silver for Farleigh’s U13 boys’ 4 x 100m relay team.

And the winner is…

Chatsworth Schools, nationwide

The school group – and its international division, Blenheim Schools – have been shortlisted for The Education Investor Awards. Chatsworth Schools has been nominated for Education Provider of the Year, while Blenheim Schools has been acknowledged as a New Market Entrant of the Year. Founder, Anita Gleave, and Director of Learning and Teaching, Clemmie Stewart are also shortlisted.