FIRST DAY BACK Abercorn founder Andrea Greystoke on new school fears

BRAVE NEW WORLD

A new term at a new school can be daunting. Andrea Greystoke, founder of the Abercorn family of schools offers advice

Starting a new school can understandably come with some apprehensions. Some children can experience worries relating to settling into a new environment, and others might worry about making friends.

In my experience, it is the older children in particular who are often more concerned about social aspects and forming friendships, especially if they are leaving established networks behind. Younger children on the other hand, sometimes are concerned about leaving home comforts and parents behind for the fi rst time. Unfamiliar and bigger buildings can also sometimes be a daunting experience for children of all ages as they take the leap into a new school.

My advice for parents of children who are starting a new school this September is to embrace the experience. Parents should trust that their children are in the best possible hands, but raise any concerns with members of the school community.

At Abercorn, we recognise these concerns and o er a welcoming environment where they can be addressed and overcome. Abercorn School has four separate premises all within walking distance in central London, with each one catering for a specifi c age group. This enables children and parents to grow with the school and remain a part of the Abercorn ‘family’. By providing a seamless transition between the di erent schools, we seek to minimise worries for children, who are able to progress naturally through the schools. Our new Senior School

Parents should trust that their children are in the best hands, but raise any concerns with the school

will open in September to ages 13-14 and will grow organically to cater for students up to the age of 18.

We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming environment. With 35 years’ worth of experience settling children into school, we are well attuned to the needs of our current and future pupils. We place a great importance on pastoral care, in addition to the development of children’s individual, personal, social and emotional skills. We do assign a buddy to every new child. Our extensive pastoral support makes it easier for new pupils as well as their parents to feel welcome in their new environment. Every student has a tutor or form teacher to assist with personal relationships and any issues as well as to be a liaison with parents. Each section of the school – Lower, Middle, Upper, Senior – is in the charge of a Deputy Head who is an additional pastoral resource.

With our new Senior School, we recognise that older age groups will experience di erent kinds of worries to the younger year groups. With this in mind, we will be providing an environment that is welcoming and supportive, with a fl exible approach to ensure that our pupils’ needs are met. Outside of the classroom, a whole host of extra-curricular, creative and sporting activities will be on o er including indoor rock-climbing, spinning classes and bushcraft to help children integrate and form meaningful friendships. L Abercornschool.com