Independent School Parent Summer 2025 Sample

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT

DLD College is set in the heart of the capital city, overlooking Westminster and the Thames

path to success Another

James Kidd, Principal at DLD College London, shares his thoughts on the value of BTEC qualifications and the opportunities afforded

When it comes to education, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t apply. Students are all individuals, and it’s important to recognise that they each have different abilities, strengths and aspirations; while some may thrive in academic environments driven by exams, others may excel with more practical, hands-on learning experiences. At DLD College London, we strive to ensure that each student embarks on an academic pathway that gets the very best out of them, encouraging and enabling them to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to be one of a growing number of independent schools offering BTECs as an alternative route to success, allowing our students to blend academic knowledge with real-world skills.

Practical learning solutions

A key feature of BTECs is their practical approach to learning. Rather than focusing solely on exams, BTEC students are assessed through coursework, projects and practical assignments, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned to everyday scenarios and, in turn, preparing them for the workplace. Whether they’re studying business, engineering or media, BTECs equip students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen field. This year, for example, we had a student at DLD College London who secured a coveted apprenticeship in the healthcare industry s

MAKING A MEAL OF IT

Global menus, gourmet chefs and sustainable sourcing are transforming the face of food in independent senior schools, writes Katie Hughes

The breakfast menu at Gordonstoun is extensive and international in scope

Pupils sitting down to breakfast at Gordonstoun in Moray can now start the day with Chinese broths and venison salami. Or they can tuck into spicy shakshuka, couscous and salad. They might also go for seed and berry-topped porridge, or smoked salmon with poached eggs. These are all part of the school’s bid to make international students feel at home and to bolster brainpower with nutrient-dense eating options.

Gordonstoun’s focus on global and diverse ﬂavours is replicated right across the independent sector. Take Shrewsbury School in Shropshire, for example, where

street food from India, Greece, Mexico and more rubs shoulders with British classics on the supper menus. Or Westminster in central London, where One World Week gives students a taste of the international. The message to pupils and their parents is loud and clear: forget the meat and two (limp) veg that made up the school dinners of old. When it comes to food, variety is key. And so too is quality.

Taking food seriously

Few things are more indicative of food quality than top-tier chefs. And these abound in the independent sector.

Jon Smith, Executive Chef at Lancing

Willkommen, bienvenue!

Maltman’s Green Prep School hosts a Teddy Bears’ Picnic to break the ice ahead of the autumn term

Tracey Davies looks at how different schools welcome their new starters

The first day at a new school is a major milestone in a child’s life, but it’s a day that’s both exciting and daunting. Schools across the UK are well-practised in welcoming new pupils into their fold and have a myriad of ways to ensure everyone feels welcomed, supported and ready to thrive in their new environment.

“We place great importance on getting to know the girls and their parents before they join us in September,” says Tara Reeve, Director of Admissions at Downe House in Thatcham, Berkshire. “Once a child has an offer, we invite them to visit within weeks to familiarise themselves with the school and get to know the staff.”

At Bede’s in Eastbourne, prioritising a smooth transition is essential for all new pupils, but particularly from nursery into pre-prep. “During the summer term, our nursery children will attend some of the reception class assemblies and join in with lessons. Reception teachers will

also visit nursery children at play and story times,” says Sue GlenRoots, Assistant Head and Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery.

Maltman’s Green Prep School in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire hosts a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the end of the summer term. “It’s a gentle, nurturing way for new reception joiners and their parents to meet current nursery families and start forming friendships in advance of the summer holidays,” says Headmistress Jill Walker.

“One of our favourite tools is the All About Me questionnaire, completed by parents before their child starts. It helps us learn what makes her tick – her hobbies, her favourite book, what makes her smile – so that we can connect from day one.”

Induction days

All schools have a tried-andtrusted induction programme in place to familiarise new pupils and their families with the school environment. Orientation days, campus tours and meet-theteacher events, all help reduce

“THE ALL ABOUT ME QUESTIONNAIRE, completed by parents before their child starts. It helps us learn what makes her tick – her hobbies, FAVOURITE BOOK, WHAT MAKES HER SMILE”

With fun outdoorsy activities, Camp Crusoe has a similar culture to traditional US summer camps

A steadfast trend in America, summer camps are making their mark in the UK. Priya Raj investigates this growing trend, just in time for the school holidays