School House S/S 2023

SHERBORNE

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Celebrating over 30 years

AFAMILYOF FOURSCHOOLS A FAMILY FOUR

Tailored not uniform

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 offer a distinctive alternative to traditional schools.

A levels and GCSEs in over 45 subjects

Retakes, revision courses 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

EASTER REVISION COURSES

Bookings are open for our intensive A level and GCSE revision courses running this Easter. Visit our website www.mpw.ac.uk or call us to find out more.

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 Independent Schools Inspectorate Report February 2022

“

Being at Lancing has allowed me to be my best.

SPRING SUMMER 2023

CONTEN TS

UPFRONT

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Reddam House

PREP NEWS

SENIOR NEWS

SCHOOL HOUSE AWARDS

LEADER COLUMN Kevin Doble from Northwood Schools

PREP HEAD VIEW

Elstree’s Sid Inglis

SENIOR HEAD VIEW

Bryanston’s Richard Jones

A STATE OF FLOW: LET’S BE CLEAN Anna Turns talks to James Wallace about pollution solutions

FEATURES

EBB & FLOW Waterways are a magical resource for schools, says Alice Smellie

FOREVER SCHOOLS

Emma Reed showcases the latest in eco-innovations

TRIED AND TESTED

With exams looming, ea Jourdan discusses revision techniques

KITCHEN GARDENS

Anoop Bhuller discovers a new generation of farmers DRESS TO IMPRESS

Are school ethos and uniform related? Sally Jones nds out more APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

Peter Stanford discusses the new enthusiasm for engineering ALL FIRED UP How science lessons led to a fruitful career for Dr Emily Grossman

REGULARS

EXTRA TIME Annabel Heseltine on connecting with the earth MATCH FIT e England Lionesses have inspired a new generation of female footballers, says Sally Jones INSIDERS’ GUIDE Eleanor Doughty consults experts on how to choose the right schools for children with a passion for physics

POWER TO THE PUPILS

Wellington’s Mental Health Ambassadors share how they help support pupil wellbeing

FITNESS FOR ITS OWN

SAKE Students at Canford School reveal how pupils have been motivated to take up exercise NEXT-LEVEL LEARNING

Improving wellbeing has a key role to play in improving study, says Dr Sarah Watson

SCHOOL’S OUT

THE CULTURE KIT Anoop Bhuller shares the ultimate culture guide for spring and summer

TEEN REVIEW Rowena le Poer Trench and Kit Mackay set o for sustainable surf lessons

SPANISH STEPS Exploring the Andalusian heritage of Pablo Picasso’s Malaga means giving into beauty, says Victoria Lambert

MY SCHOOL REPORT Product designer Sebastian Conran shares his memories

NURSERIES

NURSERY NEWS

Celebrations, day trips and gardening

THE REASON OF RHYME

Allie Esiri on the role of nursery rhymes

WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEA SIDE e nurseries that take lessons on the beach

FRIENDS FOR LIFE ea Jourdan learns how nurseries teach children the art of being social

DIRECTORY

Editor’s LETTER

When we think about the world our children are inheriting, none of us can be complacent. Climate change is a ecting every area of our lives and requires innovative and global solutions.

As the Prince of Wales rightly said late last year at the Earthshot Awards, ‘For too long, many of us have taken for granted everything our planet gives us. We are polluting our atmosphere and destroying many unique habitats.’

At School House, we are particularly keen to raise concerns over our waterways; those canals, rivers, lakes and coastal areas which have been sullied through poor investment in infrastructure, a lack of understanding of water management – and a history of neglect. So I’m delighted to say that as part of our company-wide charity commitment, we are supporting River Action, a UK-based environmental charity committed to addressing the severe problem of river pollution, particularly that caused by agricultural and food industry practices, sewage discharge by water companies, and other sources of pollution. Find out more about their work in an interview with its new CEO James Wallace on page 31. We hope you will be inspired to give them your support, too.

Elsewhere, you will nd in-depth features on the latest ways to prep for exams (page 48) , a look at those establishments for whom sustainability is high on the agenda (page 41), and – in keeping with our wider theme – an introduction to schools where water is never far from students’ minds or classes (page 35).

Are you a fan of the old school tie? Sally Jones asks schools whether uniform or mufti is the way forward – and our Insiders’ Guide o ers parents advice when children are keen to explore physics to the highest level.

Outside of school, we’re holidaying by the Mediterranean, in Malaga, Spain, and our Teen Reviewers are taking sur ng lessons in Bristol – possibly the best way to encourage an interest in cleaner water.

And we are also proudly launching the complete set of School House Awards –identifying and rewarding those who champion the best practice in pastoral care, mental health support, green concerns, animal magic, local partnerships, charity work and happiness.

Lastly, look out for Prepare Children for Success, a new podcast hosted by Lisa Chuma in association with School House, which will be available to download soon.

Eltham College, south-east London; p68

Cobham Hall Sixth Form, Kent; p48 Extra Time focuses on outdoor life; p74

Match Fit celebrates female footballers; p77

CONTRIBUTORS

ALLIE ESIRI

Allie Esiri is an award-winning poetry anthologist, who has hosted poetry event shows at London’s National eatre and at the Bridge eatre, and has even brought her poetry to literary festivals across the country. Allie is an enthusiast of making poetry available digitally, by founding her poetry app e Love Book. Her publications include A Poet For Every Day of the Year and Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year.

SEBASTIAN CONRAN

As Chair of Conran and Partners, Sebastian Conran , is in uential in the design and engineering industries. His experience led him to becoming an ambassador of ACID (Anti Copying In Design) and Founding Trustee of the Design Museum. He has judged international design award schemes and supports education through fellowships and professorships at several leading universities.

ELEANOR DOUGHTY

Eleanor Doughty started her career in journalism as an intern at e Times , before taking a job at the Daily Telegraph. From 2019 Eleanor started to freelance. She writes about education, historic houses and rural life. is issue, Eleanor tackles parents’ questions on how schools best teach physics and meets TEDx speaker and science communicator, Dr Emily Grossman.

School reimagined

If the pandemic taught us anyt y hing, it's that traditional school is not the right fit for every child. At Minerva's Virtual Academy, we provide a worldclass education for children aged 12 - 18 who thrive when things are done differently. We teach young athletes who can't attend physical school, children who prefer home instead of the classroom, those who want less distractions or need extra help, and those who are on the move. We're a diverse bunch and proud of it. You can join us at any time of the year.

CONTRIBUTORS

KEVIN DOBLE

Principal of Northwood Schools, Kevin Doble , has experience in both the commercial and educational aspects of schools. A fellow of Wellington College and the Royal Society of Arts, Mr Doble has advised the Government on ways to improve primary education. Previous schools include Shrewsbury House, where he was Executive Headmaster and Edge Hill School as Deputy and Acting Head.

ANOOP BHULLER

Anoop Bhuller has recently joined the School House Magazine team as our Editorial and Production Assistant. She graduated from university with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and an NCTJ Diploma in 2022. During Anoop’s time at university she wrote for publications such as The Femme, and even got accepted into the prestigious News Academy. She has a passion for magazines.

JAMES WALLACE

CEO of charity River

- 18 year olds

Action, James Wallace is a naturalist, archaeologist and social entrepreneur. He is proactive in his approach to sustainability by transforming conservations, co-founded a marine exploration charity in 2015, and assisted developments in the tropics by helping Blue Ventures. He has transformed enterprises in clean technology investment.

GCSEs and A Levels from home. Full virtual school experience with mentoring & school trips. Years 9, 10 & 12 enrolling now. Years 7 & 8 from September 2023.

Lawr w ence Tubb, b our headmaster, previously at Wycombe Abbey

2023 BICENTENARY OF RUGBY FOOTBALL

Year of events to celebrate 200 years since William Webb Ellis took the ball in his arms and ran with it on The Close at Rugby School.

FO R ALL OUR EVENTS:

THE WHOLE PERSON THE WHOLE POINT

VICTORIA LAMBERT EDITOR

CAMILLA VAN PRAAGH

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LUCY CLELAND

MANAGING EDITOR AMY WAKEHAM

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ANOOP BHULLER

SUB EDITOR & FEATURES ASSISTANT TESSA DUNTHORNE

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ALLIE ESIRI, ELEANOR DOUGHTY, KEVIN DOBLE, SEBASTIAN CONRAN, JAMES WALLACE

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PARM BHAMRA

PRODUCTION DESIGNER MIA BIAGIONI

ONLINE CONTENT DIRECTOR REBECCA COX

JUNIOR ONLINE EDITOR ELLIE SMITH

ONLINE WRITERS CHARLIE COLVILLE, OLIVIA EMILY

SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIVE ZOEY PHOON

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE MELISSA CAMPBELL

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ELLIE RIX

HEAD OF FASHION EMMA MARSH

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS PANDORA LEWIS, SERENA KNIGHT

ACCOUNT MANAGER SABRINA RAVEN

DIGITAL MANAGER ADAM DEAN

BRAND PARTNERSHIP MANAGER CHRIS HOLT

SALES SUPPORT & OFFICE MANAGER XA RODGER

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR MARK PEARSON

FINANCE DIRECTOR JILL NEWEY

FINANCE CONTROLLER LAUREN HARTLEY

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR RIA HARRISON

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT ZOE JONES

PROPERTY & MARKETING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

AND 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.

WHAT TO DO WITH SCHOOL HOUSE WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED READING IT...

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One of a kind, part of the family.

The UK’s leading family of 25 girls’ schools and world-class boarding at Bath. Find your local school at gdst.net

FROM LEFT: Clara Maynard, Josh Taylor, Megan Wright and Gregory Dain

HEADS OF SCHOOL

REDDAM HOUSE

Clara Maynard, 18, Head Senior

With four head students or the Sixth Form Judiciary as they are formally known, Reddam House – a co-educational, independent school in Wokingham, Berkshire –is quite unusual. But the system certainly encourages co-operation and community as well as empowering students and building con dence. Clara is taking A-levels in English, Ancient History, eatre Studies and Spanish, and is considering a future in teaching or perhaps journalism.‘ is school is so welcoming,’ Clara says. ‘I have always felt comfortable here. I belong.’ No wonder she will be sad to leave Reddam’s glorious Victorian mansion building.

Josh Taylor, 17, Head Senior

Josh Taylor, who studies Maths, Further Maths and Physics,says becoming part of the Judiciary is enjoyably competitive: ‘ e whole school votes for who will take the roles.’ Perhaps it helps to be civic minded. Josh volunteers as a marshal for the local weekly park run in addition to his sporting commitments as captain of the First 11.

Megan Wright, 17, Head Senior

Megan – taking A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths – says the experience has been a chance for bonding and getting to really know all her peers. She adds that the Reddam Sixth Form is a close-knit supportive community. Not surprisingly, life at her school will be a hard act to follow. ‘We’ll miss the students,’ says Megan, ‘and the teachers.’

Gregory Dain, 17, Head Senior

Gregory Dain is very happy to be on the Judiciary:‘It gives us a voice and a chance to make a di erence in the school. We are the champions of the students.’ Gregory, who is studying Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry, also appreciates the chance to learn some leadership skills from the position. But he also values the school’s location – its parkland, plus lake, which o ers room to breathe. ‘I love outdoor stu ,’ says Gregory, ‘such as cycling, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.’ He has just received an o er from Oxford to read Chemistry.

Portrait by Hester Marriott

PREP SCHOOLS

From solar panels to pony power

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Bassett House and Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre celebrated the o cial launch of their community partnership. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 enjoy riding lessons and learn about all aspects of horsemanship, such as managing and grooming horses. e o cial ribbon was cut by BHS Head Kelly Gray and WSPC CEO & Founder, Sister Mary Joy Langdon. is new partnership is a fantastic example of community in action and it has enormous bene ts for both Bassett House pupils and the volunteers, sta and other users of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre.

BABY ROOM CAMERON VALE

NEW NURSERY LAUNCHING

Eaton Square Prep School will launch a third Nursery School in September 2023. Entirely inspired by nature and the great outdoors, the design itself will nurture children’s maths skills, ne motor skills, phonics and an understanding of both space and shape. Children at the new nursery will be looked after by the very best Early Years specialist teachers and even enjoy priority admission into Reception at Eaton Square Prep School.

NEW EARLY LEARNING AWARD

The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning (KIAEL) is a major new prize aimed at recognising excellence in early years education (under 8s) with two categories: Best Research & Studies and Best Programmes & Teaching Practices. Entrants can include teachers, nurseries, projects and researchers.

More info: el.khaward.ae

‘TREE PER CHILD’ SCHEME

e Chelsea Nursery at Cameron Vale School will be welcoming children from three months to two years old into its brand-new baby room. e baby room has been speci cally designed around the prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum focusing on learning through play. e facilities will include a play area and a cosy, quiet sleep space. e little ones will also be able to enjoy an enclosed playground and school hall for creative sessions.

Mr Olly Langton, Headmaster at Belhaven Hill School, is keen to ensure environmental issues are part of the curriculum. at’s why the East Lothian school has planted a native woodland, become a plastic-free school and just updated its sustainability policy. To support this, Belhaven has developed a Sustainability Policy with four key aims including minimising the use of non-renewable resources.

GOING FOR GOLD

ree young athletes from Taunton School have won a clutch of gold medals in the Biathle and Triathle European Championships in Athens. JJ Wells, Tom Barnett and Nicolas Du Toit won 13 golds and one silver medal, after competing against pupils from 15 countries across Europe.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

CHANGING FACES Heads on the move

Cameron Vale has appointed a new Headmistress, Alison Melrose, who has decades of experience shaping outstanding educational outcomes for young children. She was previously founding Head at Prince’s Garden Prep School, Kensington.

Brighton College is delighted to announce the new Headmaster of Handcross Park School from September 2023, Jonathan Besley. Mr Besley began his career as a history teacher at Dulwich Prep, and spent time as Head of Boarding at Westbourne House.

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

Brighton College and leading education provider Cognita are joining forces to establish an exciting preparatory school in Kensington for boys and girls aged two to 13, which will open in September 2023. e beautiful campus, currently Princes Garden’s Preparatory School, will be known as Brighton College Prep Kensington. is is the rst time a leading independent school outside London has established a prep school in the capital. Renowned for its focus on kindness, Brighton College also excels in art, music, dance, drama and sporting achievements.

NORTHWOOD REBRANDING

BECOMING CO-EDUCTIONAL

Moulsford Prep School in Oxfordshire has announced plans for its Pre-Prep to become co-educational from September 2023. e announcement is a natural development for the Pre-Prep which already accepted girls from age three in its pre-school, and follows the successful launch of the new building in September last year, which was designed with co-education in mind.

Northwood Schools – which include Broomwood Hall Lower School, Broomwood Hall Upper School and Northcote Lodge – will unite under one name and one brand from September 2023 –Broomwood. The new logo and branding combines the existing Broomwood ‘B’ with the Northcote stag. There will be a revised uniform, with parents, staff and children involved in the final designs. The pre-prep school will extend its excellent early years provision by opening a pre-school class: Little Broomwood to create a hub of Early Years Excellence.

GREENER SWIMMING

is year will see Marlborough College’s swimming pool roof covered with solar panels to create approximately 130kWh of power which will be used to support heating the swimming pool. A new pool cover inside will greatly help with heat loss, again reducing energy usage and saving costs.

Caron Mackay has been appointed the next Head of Broomwood Lower School She served as Acting Head with distinction last year, guiding her colleagues through a full inspection that garnered an outcome of Excellent, the best judgment possible.

Tim Butcher will take over as the next Head of The Pilgrims’ School He talks with pride of already having a real love for the Pilgrims’ community, having both attended Pilgrims’ as a boy and then returning to teach at the School as Head of History.

The Trustees of St Mary’s School, Hampstead are delighted to announce the appointment of Charlotte Owen to the position of Headmistress. She will succeed Mrs Connor-Earl – after seven successful years as Head – in September 2023.

Old Buckenham Hall School has appointed James Large as the new Head with effect from September 2023. Over the coming months, James will be working closely with current Head David Griffiths and staff to ensure a smooth transition.

SENIOR SCHOOLS

New developments and new starters

BACK TO EARTH

Mack Rutherford, from Sherborne School, has become the youngest person ever to y solo around the world, after a ve-month journey involving 52 countries on ve continents. He wanted to show that grit, determination and resilience can help anyone to overcome challenges and achieve success. Mack has now returned to Sherborne to complete his A-levels.

ZERO-CARBON BY 2030

ON THE SET OF BRIDGERTON

e Leys’ sixth form drama scholar, Amira, has returned to Emmy-nominated Net ix drama Bridgerton for the third season as a ‘debutante’. Amira rst appeared in the hit show with a non-speaking role in the last series. Her musical ability also sees her perform weekly in the pupil-led music committee she helps to run. Amira’s passion for drama is clear as she has appeared in a large volume of the schools productions.

CHESS CHAMPIONS

Three Brentwood School students have gained prestigious chess accolades over the festive period at the London Junior Chess Championships.

Brentwood School Chess Captain, Nina Pert (Year 10) became London Girls’

Under 18 Champion; Max Pert Year 8), Under 16 Champion and Jaden Omoruyi (Year 8), Under 14

Minor Champion. Yahya Ferdhaus (Year 8), Anushka Kishore Kumar (Year 8), Aryan Gohil (Year 7) and George Nanayakkara (Year 5) also took part in the event.

A-LEVELS IN A YEAR

Charterhouse has launched an online school, Charterhouse Online, which o ers fast-track International A-levels through live lessons, subject clinics and carefully structured self-study. ere are opportunities to study International A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Maths, Further Maths and Physics which can be completed in a year and open up doors to universities across the world.

Haileybury School has launched a whole-school approach to sustainability and aims to be zero-carbon by 2030. e school’s initiatives include immediate changes such as reducing electricity, gas, paper and water usage, as well as addressing sustainability in the curriculum. Long term strategies include converting the transport eet to electric.

AROUND BRITAIN IN A BOAT

Wellington School Sixth Form student Harry

Besley is committed to demonstrating the potential of electric engines, so will be attempting to drive around Britain in an electric boat this summer. is is part of the Round Britain eRIB Challenge which has been set up to encourage the marine industry to a more sustainable future.

Fan favourite: drama scholar Amira is part of the Bridgerton cast

CHANGING FACES

Heads on the move

The Governors of Lady Eleanor Holles School (LEH) are pleased to announce that Rowena Cole has been appointed as the School’s next Head Mistress. Rowena will take up the position in September 2023.

PUPILS BECOME TEACHERS

Tonbridge boys are gaining new perspectives on teaching and learning by taking part in the School’s Learning Mentor Programme. Led by Hayley McLintock, Head of Learning Strategies, the training includes developing mentors’ numeracy, literacy and communication skills, and how to support neurodiverse pupils in their learning.  e mentors also take part in enrichment activities with the pupils, including visits to the Barton Science Centre and a music-into-literacy session in the School Chapel.

FRANCIS HOLLAND BURSARIES CAMPAIGN

At Francis Holland School, Sloane Square, their vision is to provide an inspiring education in a community which empowers girls. They recently launched the Francis Holland Foundation Scholarships, new awards for those who could not attend the school without significant financial support. But, fee income alone is insufficient; the school has launched a Promise Campaign which aims to build a £15 million endowment fund by 2032 to support Foundation Scholars.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

NEW OLYMPIA SCHOOL

e Alpha Plus Group is to open e Wetherby Arts School in 2025, a co-educational senior school for children aged 11-18. e new school will be located in Kensington, London, and will feature high-tech facilities, including classrooms enabled for hybrid teaching and learning, which will allow students to attend lessons on site or remotely at the same time. Alpha Plus will provide funding for some children to attend the BRIT Kids classes free of charge.

NEW CRICKET CENTRE

In October 2022, Merchant Taylors’ Head Master, Simon Everson, and a small group of guests gathered to break ground ahead of the construction of the Julian Hill Cricket Centre. e new centre will have speci ed bowling lanes that will replicate the conditions for both spin and seam; a specialist elding area; video analysis equipment; a viewing gallery and an events space.

Blundell’s has appointed a new Director of Cricket, Dean Headley, who will be joining Blundell’s in the summer term. Dean had a very successful career as a cricketer, most notably as an international playing for England from 1996 to 1999.

Amy Wallace joined Queen’s Gate as Principal in September 2022, having previously taught at St. Catherine’s, Twickenham, St. Francis’ College and Wycombe Abbey. She is also a governor at Badminton School and Halliford School.

Magnus Bashaarat has been announced as the new Head Teacher of Maida Vale School, London. Magnus, formerly head of Milton Abbey and Bedales schools, will start his role in April 2023, following the departure of current Head, Steven Winter.

Carlien Shelley was appointed Headmistress at Malvern College Switzerland in September 2022.

Carlien has previously held posts as founding head at Wycombe Abbey School, Nanjing, and of Shrewsbury School, Guangzhou in China.

Announcing the complete SCHOOL HOUSE AWARDS

Having successfully launched our first Green Award last year, Victoria Lambert reveals the complete range of categories for 2023 – and encourages schools to start entering now

Independent schools have never looked like a better choice: bursting with dynamic educational ideas and inspiring teachers, situated in well-maintained and sustainable campuses and buildings, o ering an unimaginable range of extracurricular activities and sporting opportunities – and, most importantly, producing the sort of exam results and senior school and university admissions that parents rightly expect.

With so much to applaud, at School House, we have decided to celebrate some of the less tangible bene ts that independent schools are developing. We want to cheer on those schools which are getting it right in terms of pastoral care, mental health support, environmental awareness, and who are animal friendly, those with local partnerships, who have really gone beyond the standard charitable work and the most important one of all: happiness.

Our awards programme launched last year, with our rst ever Green Champion Award – judged by Editorial Director Lucy Cleland, who is driving the company’s B Corp and Net Zero agenda, specialist environmental journalist Anna Turns and expert in rewilding Isabella Tree. From a strong eld, Cottesmore School emerged triumphant, with head, Tom Rogerson, promising to be inspired by the award to ‘double down’ on their e orts.

e school won for the way the teaching team,

led by Ross Borthwick, set about writing a new syllabus incorporating elements of the pioneering GCSE in Natural History which has recently been approved by Parliament. New units cover everything from rewilding and habitat conservation to resource management, as well as hands-on projects, such as designing and costing a sustainable menu.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Schools can enter as many categories. Entries are now open and will close on May 1. To find out more and to enter: visit schoolhousemagazine.co.uk/ awards

Shortlisted schools will be notified by June 1 and winners informed on July 1. Champions will be presented with a commemorative School House Champion plaque. They will also be interviewed by Lisa Chuma, host of the Prepare Children for Success podcast, in association with School House

But the award wasn’t just about one winner. It gave us the chance to celebrate many of the schools doing interesting work in this area, such as University College School, Hampstead, the rst UK school to achieve gold recognition in every step of UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, which is reducing the school’s carbon footprint while educating pupils. And Dulwich College, which impressed with its holistic approach to reducing waste, transport emissions, water and energy usage

Hopefully, schools across the country are even now getting ready to submit their entries for Green Champion – which we are renaming Sustainability Champion –2023. But we hope they will be equally enthusiastic in entering for all our other six awards; results will be announced in the Scholarships and Bursaries edition of the magazine, in October.

We are expecting the highest standard of entry and are con dent we will be impressed. Let battle commence!

PASTORAL CARE CHAMPION

Raising con dent young people ready to live up to their potential requires attention. 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 or a network of support which wraps around students to make sure they are thoroughly supported in mind, body and spirit.

2

MIND CHAMPION

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 they get the best possible support – and that it is fully integrated with teachers and parents.

3

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION

Our Green Champion will be 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 concerns at the heart of the operation.

4

CHARITABLE WORK CHAMPION

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 really exploring the concept of what it means to do good for others – and seeing the results it has on students.

THE JUDGING PANEL

5

LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY CHAMPION

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.

6 ANIMAL SUPPORT CHAMPION

School House believes animals of all shapes and sizes belong in our schools; whether that is guinea pigs brought from home to keep boarders cheery, or ponies to be used in competition. From the headmaster’s dog 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 so many roles to play at school. We’re looking for some special, unexpected stories of how schools are involving animals in the most interesting but, of course, educational way.

7

KINDNESS CHAMPION

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.

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH; PEXELS

VICTORIA LAMBERT Editor, School House

DR EMEKA OKOROCHA NHS doctor and author

HELEN SUNDARAM Director, The Kindness Bank

ANNA TURNS Environmental journalist

VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY

Curiosity and creativity are key to education, says Kevin Doble, Principal of Northwood Schools

How do you de ne an excellent education? One that gets its pupils into the ‘right’ senior school or university or one that treats education as a voyage of discovery for young people? A school where children demonstrate great academic ability but are wracked with a fear of failure? Or one that unearths the passions of its pupils and prepares them to become intellectually curious people who will take risks and go on to lead rich and interesting lives. It’s obvious where my allegiances lie, and here is why.

e Clarendon Commission of 1864 celebrated nine public schools for imbuing in their pupils a strong sense of character, a capability and desire to engage in a range of disciplines and interests, and a love of healthy sports and exercise. e best schools o ered a broad education, where academic study was on a par with an appreciation of cultural pursuits, the development of good character, and rigorous, healthy physical growth and teamwork. Feeder Prep schools sought to emulate this by building curricula that mirrored and reinforced these ‘Clarendon’ values.

is all changed in the late 20th century. With demand exceeding supply, senior schools resorted to assessment for admission and, ultimately, a signi cant number of secondary independent schools became selective.

In feeder Prep Schools, the wide curriculum of games, liberal arts study and wider creative indulgence was gradually supplanted in favour of a school’s stated ability to prepare for senior school admission tests and get results. Sports, school plays and occasional talks on wide-ranging topics were still o ered, but the wider curriculum shrunk, and the emergent priority became preparation for assessment with its relatively narrow form of cognitive and academic focus.

e consequences of this shift to persistent and pervasive assessments and measurement have been disastrous for the children’s mindsets.

Many Prep Schools now produce children who might score very highly but who are averse to trying di erent or di cult things because

to do socould be associated not with the possibility of enjoyment and engagement, but with the possibility of failure. ey are reluctant to ‘have a go’.

Alarmingly, studies show that the UK has some of the unhappiest children in the world, which I believe is directly connected to the educational culture we expect them to endure. While we do need to prepare them for tests and assessments, not all will achieve the highest scores. If success is only about a narrow form of attainment, then many children will feel that they have failed at the most vulnerable age, when they ought to be exploring their as-yet undiscovered talents, interests, skills and, indeed, intelligences.

We need to help children believe that there are multiple ways to succeed by providing a rounded set of experiences so that each child enjoys and endures both success and failure, sees that not everybody is the same and that strengths and skills are developed at di erent ages and in varying degrees of intensity.

P rep schools should return to what the Clarendon Commission recognised as a truly excellent education and provide opportunities for pupils to discover their passions, to spark curiosity and creativity through time to ‘stop and stare’, and critically, give them permission to be true to t hemselves rather having to conform to a narrow de nition of success. After all, future generations of adults will need to access multiple and eclectic intelligences and banks of creativity if they are to ourish and be happy.

A s educators of Prepaged children, we have a duty to articulate to parents the importance that was recognised by the Clarendon commission, of looking at education in terms that are broader than just a cademic attainment or moving on to the next stage.

Not only is it about giving children a proper shot at childhood, but it’s also about building a happier, more resilient society for us all. „

‘We need to help children believe that there are multiple ways to succeed by providing a rounded set of experiences’

PHOTOS: BROOMWOOD

Kevin Doble

Realise potential

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

A WORLD OF CHANGE

Our future has never looked less certain, says Sid Inglis, Headmaster of Elstree School – but we can make sure young people are ready for anything

So often, I hear the phrase ‘change is the only constant’ and when I re ect on the past decade, the past year – and perhaps even the past term, I see that it is indeed true. And my goodness, the speed of change is astonishing! In meeting parents who look for so much for their children and working daily with skilled, talented and passionate teachers and sta , I realise that there are many di erent responses and attitudes to change –what is unsettling to some is exhilarating for others. And so, I’ve started to wonder what this ferocious pace of change means for the young children we are so privileged to teach and nurture in our schools?

W hat the world will look like when these children become leaders, run businesses, raise families, support causes and takeover the stewardship of our planet is largely unknown. Undoubtedly, the future will be driven by the phenomenal pace of technological advancement and the merry-go-round of economics and politics will keep turning. Equality and inclusivity, so passionately fought for, will prevail and let us hope that innovation and global morale to protect our beautiful world are within reach.

But what of love?

W hat of friendship and the human connections that inspire us, console us or make us laugh? To be moved by nature, art or music; to be awed by personal accomplishments or traumas – be that of our own or others, past and present is to be human. And it is being human, I am convinced, that will be the greatest determining factor in our children’s ability to adapt and respond to change with success.

A nd here is where we step in. W hether bold or cautious, blessed with academic brilliance, natural sporting ability or artistic air, we cannot determine the character and talents of the children in our schools. We can only nd ways to reveal and nurture the very best of who they

can be; to see the potential and ful l it. R esilience, critical thinking and problem solving are qualities and skills we all seek to actively instil in children today. At Elstree, we are academically ambitious and our proven learning techniques and innovative, exciting teaching ensure our pupils realise their highest academic expectations before going on to top senior schools. We are proud of our fantastic musicians, budding young actors and hugely talented girls and boys who contribute to such a wide array of sports.

B ut we also nurture adventurers, risk-takers and mischief-makers. At Elstree, conversation ows, opinions are debated, and laughter rings out through hallways and dormitories.

We celebrate matches that are won and see children wrap their arms around defeated teammates, instilling in each other the belief and con dence that today’s loss, will be tomorrow’s learning as they pluck up the courage to try again.

We value kindness. Watching children support one another is one of the most stirring rewards for a Headmaster.

It shows that in amongst our classroom lessons, musical and drama performances, beyond learning DT skills or honing artistic talent, our children know what it is to be human. ey feel the joy in building friendships and in being part of a community, a team and a family.

A nd when I realise this, I feel excited about change being the only constant.

The future is unknown and yes, our children must be prepared for that. But if they value friendship and can turn to each other through thick or thin; if they can motivate and encourage one another; if they can see the fun and are humbled by its greatness, then we shall be leaving this ever-changing world in wonderful hands. „

‘To be moved by nature, art or music; to be awed by personal accomplishments or traumas is to be human. This will be the determining factor in our children’s ability to adapt and respond to change’

PHOTOS: ELSTREE SCHOOL

Sid Inglis

WHATEVER NEXT?

The future of education is all to play for, says Richard Jones, Head of Bryanston

Here’s a paradox: change is now so frequent and fast that we no longer notice it, and we feel that the way things are today is the way they’ve always been. is thought occurred to me while reading the possibly premature obituaries for Twitter, in which various people waxed nostalgically for the passing of a social media platform as if it were a venerable old tradition rather than something 18 years old. Imagine what will happen when Facebook dies.

Normality is no longer stable and enduring; it changes almost daily, hence the phrase ‘the new normal’. We’re probably informed about it by our phones, on which we have come to depend so much that we can’t imagine life without them.

e implications for educators of this paradox are enormous. Employers want young adults to leave education prepared for the modern workplace. e problem is nobody knows what skills will be required. Literacy and numeracy beyond doubt – but then what? If we base our educational philosophy on the new normal of today, how will it serve our children in ve or ten years from now, when the new normal has gone through an unknowable number of tergiversations?

A child’s education should never be focused exclusively on knowledge absorption and examination. Yet that is where successive governments –Labour and Conservative – have pushed us. It has become an article of faith that rote learning leads to exam success which then leads to the best careers. is is education as a pub quiz – it has nothing to do with intelligence.

I need hardly point out that what constitutes knowledge is a contested area too, and lling children’s heads with it rather than teaching them how to question it leaves them poorly prepared for whatever world they will enter as adults.

e key, I believe, is the provision of a clear educational philosophy and supportive culture where children can learn to love their minds, think for themselves, free their spirits and nd their own mission in life. Where the spirit of curiosity is encouraged and where creative thinking, imagination and ingenuity are truly allowed to ourish alongside personal development and academic achievement.

Such a progressive approach to education was originally developed by

Emily Parkhurst in the United States at the beginning of the last century. She described her ‘Dalton Plan’ not so much as a system but as a way of school living, and her ideas culminated with the rst ‘Dalton’ School opening in Massachusetts in 1919.

Here in the UK, the same principles were adopted when Bryanston rst opened its doors to pupils back in 1928, and they have stood the test of time by proving to be adaptable to the many forms and needs of education. Indeed, the principles are of even greater relevance in the 21st century workplace, where mental agility, accountability, independence and individual responsibility are assets for any employer and for any member of society.

Core elements of the Dalton Plan have now been adopted by many schools all over the world and here at Bryanston we have continually re ned and adjusted the philosophy to ensure relevance and to maintain our progressive approach to education – something we now refer to as the ‘Bryanston Method’.

Each pupil is carefully matched to a tutor who acts as their champion and advocate and who meets them one-to-one every week throughout their time at the school to discuss their wellbeing, their interests and their academic progress. ere are three common threads in school life – Independence, Co-operation and Time Management. It’s a powerful and proven strategy. Pupils are encouraged to take their own time and do things in their own way to gain a sense of responsibility, individuality, and self-control; to help others and to seek the help of others when they need it; and to organise their work and time e ectively in preparation for adult life. Such an emotionally and intellectually supportive environment is matched with a clear focus on critical and creative thinking in all areas of the curriculum. Like Emily Parkhurst, I believe that imagination, perspective, and an ability

to challenge convention are as applicable in history, science, and maths as they are in music and art.

ey are also qualities that not only open doors to new possibilities for each pupil, but also fuel the ingenuity and self-reliance that will be vital as they move on to Higher Education and into an ever-changing workplace – whatever comes next. „

‘Pupils are encouraged to take their own time and do things in their own way to gain a sense of responsibility, individuality, and self-control’

PHOTOS: BRYANSTON

Richard Jones

A STATE OF FLOW: LET’S CLEAN UP

Anna Turns talks to James Wallace, CEO of environmental charity River Action UK, about pollution solutions

River networks should be the blue arteries of our landscape. Healthy, wild and natural. We depend on waterways for everything, from food and drink to transport and leisure. In countries like France and Germany, swimming is commonplace at hundreds of designated inland bathing waters. But England has zero. All 4,600 rivers, lakes and streams are polluted beyond legal limits.

So all is not well. But there is hope. James Wallace, chief executive of a new environmental charity River Action UK, hopes to drive change by holding the polluters, regulators and governments to account. ‘Rivers are an indicator of the health of our environment, our society and our economy,’ says Wallace. ‘Everything relies on clean water and abundant supplies of it. But we have the worst rivers in Europe, it’s as simple as that. We were ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality in 2020 and every single river in Britain is chemically polluted – that’s roughly 200,000km of rivers.’ e most concerning sources of pollution are sewage and agriculture. In 2020, untreated sewage was discharged 403,171 times, for over three million hours, across England, according to the Environment Agency’s latest report.

As Wallace explains, the existing sewage system isn’t t for purpose and can’t handle the volume of solid waste from toilets or ‘grey water’ that comes from household sinks, showers and baths: ‘Our Victorian system has not been invested in. It was built for a much smaller population [at a time when] there wasn’t much run o from buildings.’

Another major polluter is agriculture. When phosphaterich farm waste washes into rivers, nutrient levels spike, resulting in algal blooms that zap available oxygen out of the water, killing aquatic life. Scientists estimate that 38 percent of phosphate pollution stems from agriculture.

‘On the River Wye, where an estimated 20 million chickens are intensively farmed, that gure is more like 70 percent,’ says Wallace. ‘About 3,000 tonnes of phosphate a year which runs o into that river because manure is gathered from massive chicken sheds then spread on local elds and when it rains, the nutrients wash o .’

As a result of Environment Agency funding cuts, farms are rarely inspected and penalties aren’t enforced enough, says Wallace: ‘Court actions against river pollution in England fell from 234 in 2002 to three in 2020. at’s an 88 percent fall in the past decade. Polluters can do what they like.’

So what can we do about it? Wallace and the team behind this independent and unashamedly disruptive charity believe that the enforcement of existing laws needs to come before river restoration or catchment conservation.

‘Our challenge is to raise awareness of this and tackle the problems as quickly as possible,’ says Wallace. With support from the likes of environmental columnist George Monbiot and Amy Slack from Surfers Against Sewage, the charity is developing a robust river action model that can hopefully be ‘cascaded down’ from the agship Wye campaign to other river networks.

River Action UK aims to keep river pollution on the agenda and hold the regulators to account through future legal actions. Wallace hopes that enough signi cant collaborative groups and coalitions will form to pressure government and industry into changing. ‘ is is about upholding the law, I personally will be calling for “lawfare”, to mobilise in uential organisations, individuals and communities and get their voices heard and get [the polluters] into the courts.’

e charity’s ‘give us back our rivers’ petition already has more than 58,000 signatories calling for the doubling of environmental protection budgets in both England and Wales.

As Wallace puts it, ‘Everyone lives near a dirty river’ so local activism is crucial. He suggests joining your local Rivers Trust, helping a ‘friends of the river’ group to collect gather evidence, or getting involved with [the countryside charity] CPRE. Consumer choices are really important, too. ‘Don’t buy things that are river polluting. e message goes from consumer to retailer to producer and then to farmer, back up the supply chain, so we can make a di erence,’ explains Wallace. riveractionuk.com „

Country & Town House chose River Action as its charity of the year to put support behind through volunteering, fundraising and publicity

FEATURES

Radnor House, Twickenham

The Royal Hospital School Sailing Academy

EBB & FLOW

Our natural waterways are a magical educational resource for some lucky students, says Alice Smellie

Messing about on the river might not sound like schoolwork. But for those pupils fortunate enough to be at schools situated near lakes, rivers, or the sea, an awareness of the importance of looking after our waterways, very interesting biology and geography classes, and the thrill of sailing, rowing, paddle-boarding or cold water swimming, are an exciting and everyday part of their education. Safety is paramount of course, but learning responsible behaviour around open water is a key life skill too.

‘We are surrounded by water,’ says Simon Lockyer, Headmaster of Royal Hospital School, Su olk, where there are incredible sailing opportunities. ‘ e school was built on the banks of the Stour and next to a 400-acre man-made reservoir. Water is part of the school’s rhythm, as we watch the rise and fall of the tide.’

T he Royal Hospital School Sailing Academy, based at neighbouring Alton Water Reservoir, is an established RYA Training Centre and has a eet of more than 60 dinghies. Every pupil in Year 7 takes part in a weeklong sailing course where they gain RYA quali cations. ere are opportunities, says Lockyer, across di erent levels of sailing ability. ‘We currently have a world champion at school and those who are pursuing Olympic pathways. en we have the competitive sailors, who enjoy sailing in the UK and elsewhere, and our fun sailors who just enjoy messing about in boats.’

e schools’ four shrimpers operate over the summer months, with small groups of pupils competing in Swallows and Amazons-style weekends, earning points for seamanship, navigation, boat handling and cooking. More unusual is the sailing opportunity given to all pupils by Dauntsey’s School, in Wiltshire. Although they are around an hour away from the sea, the school has its own tall ship – e Jolie Brise. Every Year 10 pupil spends 24 hours living on board in a group, cooking for themselves and taking her out for the night. ‘ Sailing on a big boat is an extraordinary experience,’ says Sam Moore, Head of Adventure education. A few years ago pupils (supervised!) took her up to Iceland. ey have also sailed the Atlantic six times, and even up to the Arctic Circle. ‘Imagine being 16 or 17 and having that responsibility.

It’s brilliant!’

R owing is about as quintessentially English as you can get, and there’s nothing more Wind in the Willows than one of the pictures posted on the Shrewsbury School website. Pupils are lining the banks of the River Severn on an idylliclooking summer’s day with the branches of a vast willow trailing in the water. You can almost hear the splash of the oars.

‘All pupils are given an introduction to rowing when they start at the school in the third form, and many continue – some all the way to Henley Royal Regatta

‘Four shrimpers operate over summer, with pupils competing in Swallows and Amazonsstyle weekends, earning points for seamanship, navigation, boat handling and cooking’

wins,’ says Director of Rowing, Athol Hundermark. ‘We’re right on the river, so it’s a short walk to the boathouse.’

Another rowing school is Stowe where there’s a magni cent sweep of lawns down from the majestic 17th century mansion to the 11-acre lake. ‘We o er both rowing and sailing,’ says Craig Sutton, Director of Sport. ere is a variety of boats available, as well as technical training on the rowing machines, and they have taken scullers to UK regattas as well as the USA for events. ‘Pupils also love paddle boarding.’ e students at St Peter’s School in York, have access to 14 miles of beautiful riverside. ‘Twenty per cent of the school rows,’ says Head Master, Jeremy Walker. ‘We’ve a new state-of-the-art boathouse on the banks of the River Ouse and participate in many local and national regattas.’

Schools point out that participating in water sports is good for both mind and body and develops useful life skills such as resilience.

‘ ere are numerous examples to evidence the bene ts of the sport, both physiologically and psychologically,’ says Tristan Mayglothling, Head of Rowing at Dulwich College. ey have their own modern and fully equipped boathouse on the ames at Putney. Many Old Alleynians become Captains of Boats at their universities and they boast an Olympian gold medal winner amongst ex-pupils.

‘In some team sports, an individual can shine above their peers. In many ways rowing o ers the pinnacle in teamwork, as the whole crew is rewarded equally,’ says Tristan. ‘For success to occur, everyone must wholeheartedly give themselves to the team e ort.’

‘We want kids to enjoy exercise – being active is good for both body and mind,’ says Craig Sutton. ‘Rowing is a di erent way of engaging, and team sports are so good for communication skills.’ And, he reminds us, rowing opens up travel opportunities. ‘Kids get so much enjoyment from meeting other schools and rowing on di erent lakes and rivers.’

‘Being on a big ship or around water is quite an alien environment and it helps to build resilience, organisation – you only forget to dry o your waterproofs once! – and responsibility,’ says Sam Moore. ‘What’s more, water con dence is such a life skill.’

‘In terms of bene ts for the pupils, you have to be pretty t to row, and it’s great for learning teamwork and dedication,’ agrees Athol Hundermark. ‘You have to turn up and regularly, and you rely on each other. If you’re rowing a race and feel tired after 4km, you have to carry on!’

ere are also mental health bene ts from simply being around water. ‘About six kilometres up the river there’s nothing but farmland on one side and trees on the other,’ says Athol. It’s a great escape after a long day in the classroom.’ Children learn to love water and also to respect it, he says.

For the sheer and utter joy of being around water, look no further than the delightful Cottesmore Prep School, near Horsham, whose headmaster, Tom Rogerson, is renowned for jumping into its lake fully clothed every now and again.

‘It’s incredible having a well-stocked lake on our grounds,’ he says. ‘ ere’s something utterly tranquil about it; enclosed by oak trees, rhododendrons, reeds, and yellow irises, and there are ducks, geese and even herons. It’s very special.’ In the summer, pupils go wild swimming

Sailing at Dauntsey’s School

Rowing at Shrewsbury School

and paddle boarding – ‘there’s a lot of splashing and laughter’ – and then there’s their shing and night shing. Teachers lead regular expeditions down to try their luck. ‘ e kids love it and bring their own rods.’

Night shing, in particular – remember the excitement of going out at night when you’re young; never mind the double whammy of being around water – is ‘heaven’ for the children. e annual house boat race is, says Tom, quite something to behold as the entire school is yelling and screaming for their house to win.

As well as sports, water is of course important for learning and for an awareness of the environment. What could be more fun than doing biology or geography in situ rather than in the classroom? And what’s more paramount, in these times of climate change, than knowing about the importance of clean waterways?

‘We also have Holbrook Creek on our doorstep, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and which o ers excellent bird watching,’ says Royal Hospital School’s Simon Lockyer. ‘We use it for biology lessons, and our children are also allowed to wander along the sea wall, which is a popular way to spend an hour or so.’

e school’s environmental group and eco-committee are very active. ‘ e school relies on its own boreholes and sewage plant, so pupils know where our water comes from, and are particularly mindful of the importance of clean water. Being in one of the driest parts of the UK, pupils are particularly attuned to the impact of drought on farming and the region.’

‘An early awareness of conservation and the natural world is hugely important,’ says Tom Rogerson. Cottesmore won the inaugural School House magazine Green Champion Award this year through its sustainability programme. ‘We teach about pollution and cleaning up after yourself and teachers take pupils down to the lake for science and geography lessons,’ he says.

As well as using their lakes in biology ‘great for sampling’ and geography – ‘we take pupils down to look at topography’ – Craig Sutton says that Stowe is committed to teaching pupils about ecology.

Last year, the school had a full climate conference, inviting other

schools to join them in discussing and learning what needs to be done to get to carbon net zero. ‘Our kids are very aware of the planet they’re inheriting, the importance of looking after waterways and that wasting water has a negative e ect on the environment,’ he says.

During the summer 2022 drought, this was brought into practical e ect as they were asked to manage their water use and what was used on the sports pitches.

St Peter’s School is part of the Eco Schools programme and achieved the internationally-recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag award in 2021. ‘Respect for water literally ows through the school.’ Says Jeremy Walker, ‘Our regular eco clubs and forest schools often focus on waterside activities and sustainability.’

A nd the sea is just as important as lakes and rivers. ‘One of the ten pillars in our Adventure Education Programme is to treat the environments you enter and the cultures and people you come into contact with dignity and respect,’ points out Sam Moore. ‘ e bigger picture is that you are in uencing the environment, and you need to look after it to the best of your ability.’ „

Rowing at Dulwich College

Cottesmore Prep School’s fishing lake

FOREVER SCHOOLS

From aquaponic gardening to building hedgehog homes, solar panels to dedicated prefects, Emma Reed showcases the latest in eco-innovations

With COP27 taking place last November, and warnings about climate change becoming starker by the day, there is much work to be done both now and in the future. One of the problems is that there is far too much talk and too little action. Unless, that is, you look at the commitment and initiatives being taken by many schools today, conscious of the alarming legacy left for future generations. While leaders debate and deliberate, schools are taking steps to not only create a sustainable environment in which to teach their pupils, but they are arming them with knowledge as custodians of the planet and also learning from them too.

With views across the Snowdonia National Park and the coastal town of Llandudno just a mile away, Ian Martin, Head of Outdoor Education at St David’s College, notes how the pupils there are imbued with a sense of the natural resources surrounding them. ‘Developing a connection with nature, a sense of place and appreciation of the natural world is at the heart of the extensive outdoor education programme that begins in Year 5,’ Martin says. He explains that this programme which puts pupils in direct contact with the sea, rivers, lakes and mountains ‘helps foster a sense of stewardship.’

In the lower years, the National Outdoor Learning Award’s framework of learning about the self, other and the environment through activities, discussion and observation, is one way in which sustainability is taught. In Year 9, all pupils achieve the ‘Discovery Award’ in partnership with the John Muir Award where the emphasis is on a project focusing on the exploration and conservation of a local area which is also shared with the wider community.

Martin explains that various initiatives are ongoing within the school such as lift sharing or hiking from the school grounds, using local venues where possible, along with a student-led paper and crisp

packet recycling scheme, one of the steps contributing to St. David’s Eco School status. e school also has a walled garden tended by pupil volunteers with produce used within the school.

One of the aspects the school is considering carefully is the impact of travel. ‘ e school has a long history of adventurous expeditions that have seen pupils travel across the globe on humanitarian, exploration and cultural projects,’ says Martin. ‘While there’s no doubting that these have tremendous impact on the pupils, there is also an environmental cost that now needs to be considered.’ St. David’s intends to be active in nding ways to ensure any future expeditions are carried out in a sustainable manner.

Wellington College appointed their own Head of Sustainability, Ana Romero, as early as 2016, and a school-wide Sustainability Policy was launched in 2019. One of its aims is to be carbon neutral by 2030. ere’s a strong emphasis on pupils taking ownership of environmental

Wellington College beach clean up on Hayling Island

Wellington pupils representing Berkshire at COP26

matters through its Sustainability Programme. Within this, there is a Sustainability Committee, a dedicated Sustainability Day and even Sustainability Prefects. eir partnership with SEEd (Sustainability and Environmental Education) has seen co-curricular projects take place including the creation of an aquaponic system to feed plants used in the kitchens and a food waste competition presented in an assembly. Collaboration with SEEd also saw a pilot study of Wellington’s ‘Young Changemakers Programme’ presented to UNESCO at COP25. At the Festival of Education hosted by Wellington each year, 2022 involved the introduction of a sustainability stand showcasing environmental resources and materials to teachers from the UK and beyond.

Its location within 400 acres of beautiful grounds with a fth of the estate designated as a Local Nature Reserve, lends itself to plenty of sustainable initiatives: there are more than 120 bird boxes on site, 70,000-plus bulbs were planted recently to encourage pollinators, all tree waste is chipped and turned to mulch and 95 percent of green waste is composted on site. Pupils are involved in around 250 hours of conservation management every year. It’s not just outside either; Wellington currently has a 50 percent recycling rate and notably, recently achieved a 30 percent reduction in food waste with approximately one tonne of food waste per week recycled. All new buildings have solar panels and employ water saving systems. Over the last year, it has repurposed about 500 pieces of furniture to go to charities and other schools and has begun to transfer its minibus eet over to electric vehicles. Wellington’s aim is to integrate education about sustainability more fully into the curriculum, continuing to encourage its pupils to lead the way in making changes.

Cameron Vale School’s central London location has not hampered its pupils from taking care of the natural world. Some of the pupils have been building hedgehog homes in a local garden and are hoping for new inhabitants. eir teacher has a Bluetooth camera to keep an eye on activity, its own form of nature watch. ere have been class-wide

initiatives to encourage children to recycle and reuse materials and the school council has been planning a recycling fashion show. e Art Club has been involved in creating art, keyrings and decorations out of junk. Woven into the curriculum, Year 6 has been learning about the history of waste, what happens to everything we throw away and why recycling is so important.

A nother school making the most of its location is St. George’s, Ascot. Based in the middle of Windsor Great Park and near the racecourse, there’s a keen sense of responsibility in looking after the environment. ey were one of many schools in the area who took part in the Queen’s Green Canopy. While St. George’s are adopting initiatives core to many schools, what is signi cant is an attention to detail, to those small things that end up making a substantial di erence. It’s as simple as not mowing too closely around the base of trees, Felicity Cooper explains, ensuring that it’s bene cial for pollinators and insects. ‘It might not look as neat, but it certainly has a purpose,’ she says.

Last September St. George’s launched a strategic intent for the next 10 years in terms of what they want to achieve, but they’ve already made

St David’s College expedition

St David’s College outdoor education trip

great strides. ‘We made sure that we intertwine sustainability within the curriculum, so that it’s not just something that’s one step removed and done in addition. It’s a living, breathing part of the girls’ education and it’s a golden thread that runs through what we do,’ says Cooper.

ey now have an environment prefect to lead the way and to be a role model for others, and they strongly encourage a community mindset within the school where everyone is encouraged to educate themselves on sustainable matters and to make the right choices. For example, in the dining room there is a ‘take what you want but eat what you take’ ethos to discourage food waste.

S olar panels installed on the sports centre roof saved them £400 in costs in the rst week of installation and when they over generate, it’s returned to the National Grid. Vehicle charging points have been put in place and they are also looking to review their eet of minibuses, with the aim of transferring to electric vehicles.

ey now undertake a fair amount of detailed route planning to ensure it’s economically sensible and environmentally sustainable.

Paper has always been a big issue for schools and before the pandemic each pupil was issued with a Chromebook resulting in St George’s being awarded ‘Google for Education Reference School’ status, a prestigious award that acknowledges innovation in teaching. ‘ at doesn’t mean that all books go, as we have a fantastic library,’ says Cooper. ‘We very much believe in blending the traditional with the new, but with the

use of Chromebooks, we estimate that we’ve reduced our paper usage by 60 percent.’

ey take this approach with them. Attending the Independent Schools Show in November, their aim was to ensure everything was recycled, recyclable or reused, such as taking their own furniture, hiring a wooden bookshelf, having display panels made out of chipboard rather than foamex. Visitors could take a virtual tour of the school on VR headsets and tap on a QR code on the back of a bookmark to access further information about the school, reducing the need for swathes of what Cooper calls ‘printed collateral.’ Sustainability is at the very forefront of their new school lm.

e school also bene ts from an apple orchard and wild ower meadows have been planted across the site. ere’s also an active gardening club. Cooper says the aim is to attain Eco School status and their overall strategy is to put environmental sustainability at the core of everything they do. ey have recently had a speaker from the University of Reading to talk to the girls about sustainability. Cooper says that 25 percent of girls who left the school last year have gone on to study STEM subjects at university. She’s not suggesting that everyone is going to be a climate scientist, but she does say this: ‘ ere is that appetite to sort of get our arms around the world and understand it, and look at how we can make a positive di erence.’ It seems that many schools are doing just that.

PHOTOS: ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

Gardening at St George’s Ascot

‘We made sure that we intertwine sustainability within the curriculum. It’s a living, breathing part of the girls’ education and it’s a golden thread that runs through what we do’

TRIED AND TESTED

Achieving the best grades at GCSE or A-level comes down to exam preparation - and parents can help, says Thea Jourdan

Exam season is approaching and young people of di erent ages and abilities are preparing to take tests which may help to determine their next steps. Not surprisingly, schools up and down the country focus on ensuring their pupils do their best. So what’s the latest thinking on exam preparation from schools and what can parents do to support and encourage candidates without piling on too much pressure and stress?

When it comes to high achievers, Cardi Sixth Form College, an independent co-educational sixth form in the Welsh capital, has been at the top of the UK league tables for A-level results over the past 11 years. e College’s results are outstanding with 95 per cent of A-levels graded at A* or A grade in 2022, and 99 per cent at A*-B.

Tom Arrand, the school’s Head, says that practising exams ‘over and over’ has central importance. ‘Our students have no fewer than four sets of mock exams throughout a single academic year and each process is run to real examination conditions. Students re ect upon their preparation

and performance in order to make incremental improvements, over time. e more they are able to practice the process, the better their revision and examination strategies become.’

He says understanding the di erent requirements of exams is essential if you want to do well.

‘ e key here is to understand the speci c requirements of the examination which di er between subjects and exam boards. e professional expertise of the teacher is, therefore, absolutely pivotal. From my own experience, having taught across all of the main exam boards, I know that what gains credit in one may not necessarily be the same in another.’

Boys and girls at Westminster School in London, which consistently gains outstanding academic results at public examinations, with 93 per cent of pupils achieving A* or A at A-level in 2022, also practise exams under timed conditions. But the school doesn’t ‘teach to the test’ during the rest of the academic year.

Abigail Farr, Director of

Teaching and Learning, explains: ‘Our aim is for our pupils to develop a deep knowledge, understanding and love of the subject that extends beyond the exam speci cation. Research into cognition also suggests that if pupils understand the structure of the problem, this means that they can apply their skills more e ectively to questions that they have not seen before.’

She adds that the school supports the development of independent learning skills from Year 9 upwards with plenty of opportunities to complete project work and to give independently researched talks at academic pupil-led societies. ‘So by the time the pupil comes to revise, they know how to organise their learning e ectively.’

Parents have an important role to play as exams draw closer, she says. ‘It’s most helpful when parents provide positive encouragement for work at home [or work during the evenings, if the pupil is boarding]. Too much focus on outcomes can have a negative e ect, as this increases the stakes and the stress on the child. A little stress supports good focus and application during the revision period, but too much impedes productive work and has a deleterious impact on mental health.’

Parents should also make sure they keep in regular contact with teachers, according to Dr Emma Margrett, Head of Radnor House Prep School in Sevenoaks, Kent. ‘A key source of information when making decisions about how to guide your child, is your child’s class teacher or subject specialist teacher,’ she explains. ‘ ere will be a wealth of knowledge about your child’s current level of attainment in academic subjects. ey will know how your child sits within the cohort and whether their underlying ability scores suggest that they will be successful in highly competitive examination and selection processes.’

Dr Patrick Drumm, Director of Studies at Cobham Hall, an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18 with a mixed sixth form, says that a pupil’s wellbeing is closely monitored in addition

to supporting their academic progress. ‘A pre-requisite for a successful student is their wellbeing. As well as the usual timetabled lessons leading up to exams, additional revision classes are complemented by wellbeing lessons and there are fun and engaging Saturday enrichment activities to help students relax. Also, being the close-knit community that we are means that students and sta look out for each other.’

e school, set in 150 acres of rolling Kent countryside, focuses on developing key habits that help students navigate their way through this tough period in their lives. ‘Attributes such as stamina, organisation and adaptability are nurtured in the classroom and beyond through our Saturday Enrichment Programme,’ says Mr Drumm. ‘To ensure that students are also rounded and grounded, a wide range of co-curricular activities and service opportunities takes them out of their comfort zone and challenges them in di erent ways.’

Revision is an art in itself. Megan Fairley, Head of Upper School at Oakham School, said: ‘Whatever techniques you use, revision, like learning in the rst place, needs to be active, not passive. Retrieval is hugely important, so revisiting the same material several times across

PHOTOS: COBHAM HALL SCHOOL

ABOVE: Cobham Hall School

BELOW: Cobham Hall Sixth Form pupils on school grounds

the revision period and in di erent ways is important. If you are making ashcards of key terms on Monday, you should be testing yourself on ursday, and then practising some exam questions using these terms the week after. I tell our students to think of revision like painting with colour – the more strokes you make, the stronger the colour.’

Leo Dudin, Deputy Head Academic at Oakham, adds: ‘Each term pupils formally re ect on their experiences, which facilitates their learning, and helps teachers and tutors to provide support and challenge where it helps.

‘Our staff and pupils are optimistic and hopeful which are the key elements of a successful learning community. ey have clear guidance regarding the processes to follow, have the scope to shape how they approach those processes, and they appreciate that there are many di erent pathways to success.’

In the Upper School, pupils can choose between A-levels, BTECs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Parents should be careful to balance pushing a child to work hard and supporting them, according to Anita Cleare, writer, coach and founder of the Positive Parenting Project. ‘It is a very delicate balancing act between supporting a child and pushing them too hard when it comes to revision. Every child is di erent and it is important to take an individual approach. Some children don’t need pushing at all but others may need structuring and purpose. Others may be highly anxious and stressed and need regular breaks and moments to unwind.’

She points out that younger children may not have developed learning

skills, but older teenagers doing exams may already have good study processes including dividing revision into manageable chunks and taking breaks with frequent self testing to check on progress.

‘Spending a whole day studying is daunting but if you do half an hour on one topic and then some time on another, with breaks in between, the time can y by.’

Should you take children away on holiday over the Easter holiday? Anita Cleare says that it depends: ‘ e job of the parent is to provide a suitable learning environment so children can study and revise. at’s harder to do if you take the whole family on an adventure packed holiday at Easter, like skiing or going to Disney World for example. ese types of holidays provide lots of distraction and make it doubly hard to sit down and look at books and study. But a visit to see grandparents in a familiar place may be ne.’

Movement is really good for studying - even in small bursts, she says. ‘I suggest getting outside as often as possible and exercising, not least because it helps improve sleep and sleep boosts memory. Anxiety is natural before exams and a small amount of anxiety can help put us in the right place to perform well in a task.’ She adds, ‘But we still need to manage anxiety because too much can lead to panic, and this makes people less e ective. Breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness can all help pupils relax and focus on the now.’

e better prepared a child, the less likely they are to feel overwhelmed. Many children now receive extra tutoring to help them achieve their

PHOTOS: RADNOR HOUSE SCHOOL

‘It is a very delicate balancing act between supporting a child and pushing them too hard when it comes to revision.

Some children don’t need pushing at all but others may need structuring and purpose’

Radnor House School located in Sevenoaks, Kent

personal best in exams. Lucy Cawkwell-Osborne, director of Osborne Cawkwell Tuition based in London, says that tuition, if needed, should start long before an exam is looming, ‘We would advise a student start as early as they can if they are struggling in a subject – even at the start of the academic year if that’s deemed appropriate.

‘It’s all about gradually building blocks of knowledge, so the student can properly understand, absorb and then be able to use what they are learning. If a child is doing well, we often see families book a block of hours over the Easter holidays when a child can pinpoint the few areas they don’t understand. It all depends on the child and what they need.’

She advises a ‘steady revision plan spread over as much time as possible will give children the time they need to do well. Over the Easter holidays, we see students do six to eight hours a day – which, if structured well (with breaks, a mixture of activities and subjects) can be very productive.’

And revision aids and work books, often written by examiners themselves, are useful for those candidates who want more structure.

Paul Cherry, Publishing Director, UK Curriculum, at Hodder Education, says that revision aids help to bring structure to revising and contain structured practice and past-paper style questions, often with modelled answers and commentaries from examiners. ‘ ey o er deep understanding of the assessment requirements, be that awareness of the command words – sometimes with speci c meaning by Board – or understanding of what the assessor is working to get the student to demonstrate.

‘What they do not do is o er “exam crammer” solutions using their understanding of any live assessment. Examiners in a position to see live assessments cannot write revision materials for us.’

Sarah Collins, an 11+ expert and Galore Park author, says that younger children, taking the 11+ may nd workbooks and revision aids particularly useful. ‘Since there is little time for 11+ preparation in school hours, the onus falls on parents to support their children through this work. Consequently, having reliable resources to help them understand these very di erent tests is key to building children’s ability and con dence.’

Whereas GCSEs are designed to test pupil’s knowledge and understanding, the 11+ focuses on their thinking skills. ‘ is is why verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning tests are often included since these are looking at aptitude rather an ability to retain knowledge,’ says Collins. ‘ ese tests can be likened to crosswords in that although they are not something you can be taught to do, familiarity and practice improves your speed and success.’

e night before a test, it’s important to rest and take stock. ‘I would advise getting a good night’s sleep the night before an exam as opposed to studying all night,’ says Anita Cleare. ‘On the day, review note cards (but not outside the exam hall) and eat a good breakfast.’

Parents can help by ensuring a child knows it’s not all about exam results.

‘By de nition, not every child can get top grades but they need to know that whatever happens, it is only one exam,’ says Cleare. ‘It’s not the be all and end all that will de ne their whole life. People do fail exams and bounce back. Do your absolute best but it won’t de ne you and if it does go wrong on the day, there is always a way to move forward.’ „

ABOVE: Oakham School pupils learning in the classroom BELOW: Oakham School pupils in a politics class

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SCHOOL’S OUT!

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August has highly desirable properties from Mallorca to the French Alps. Not only does it offer the benefits of ownership without the hassles of managing and maintaining a second home, but it also allows your family to experience authentic lifestyles and cultures as you create new lasting memories.

As well as making the most of the school holidays, you can also travel to your homes throughout the year, or lend the keys to your homes to close friends and family. The flexibility of booking means that you don’t need to use the property at the same time each year and the collections are curated to ensure maximum availability for all their owners across the 365 days, so you won’t only own homes with other families from the UK, but empty nesters from across the pond, young couples with no children and everyone in between from all over the world. You will be a part of a community of like-minded individuals when joining August.

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Currently, you can own this incredible home in the South of France (pictured below). Ideally located in a very sought-after private domain, Le Domaine de Vignal, adjacent to one of the most prestigious golf courses in the region — Le Golf de la Grande Bastide. Encircled by a Mediterranean garden and matured trees, this home provides endless scenery to enjoy –from the terraces you can look over the nearby Chateauneuf village. Inspired by the French Riviera lifestyle, the home features warm terracottas and weathered stone and ceramics, while the bedrooms host a mix of colours, patterns and eras. Outside, the garden and terraces have been designed with simple and natural textures, and there’s also an inviting swimming pool for the family to enjoy. As with all of the properties in August’s collection, the holiday home oozes luxury and authenticity.

Alongside this villa, you will also become the proud owner of a chalet apartment in the French Alps. A recently sold villa, situated in the heart of Chamonix, which offers spectacular views, three en suite bedrooms and a separate mezzanine with a double bed. The lounge features an open fireplace, surrounded by plush rugs and plenty of seating, and the entire holiday home provides a comfortable, cosy and warming environment. The principal bedroom even goes onto a spacious terrace, where you can enjoy your morning coffee and watch

the sunset. The walk-in showers and jewel-toned painted wood panelling only adds to the home’s luxurious feel. August is an excellent option for families looking for a convenient and affordable way to own not just one but several second homes across Europe. Owning a collection of properties with August allows your family to grow together and create lasting memories and traditions in the comfort of your very own familiar spaces.

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The Chamonix chalet features a beautiful open fireplace

A bedroom in the Chamonix chalet

Exterior of the currently available Valbonne Villa

Views from the Chamonix chalet terrace

HANFORD

Lined with fruit trees, Hanford’s walled garden is at the heart of the school grounds and as much a place of learning for the girls as a source of daily nutrition. Hanford’s Head Chef, Joe Tyrrell, uses fruit and vegetables grown in the garden in the delicious meals he prepares every day. Every girl has their own raised bed where they grow fruit and veg, and in Year 6 each student plants a tree. Twice a term the girls plan a mini farmers’ market with produce on sale to parents –February is famous for lilies and lemons, October for pumpkins, squashes and pears. hanfordschool.co.uk

KITCHEN GARDENS

ABBERLEY HALL

Next to the chicken coop and behind the stables you’ll nd the Abberley Hall kitchen garden. Not only do pupils learn all about planting, cultivating and harvesting their fruit and veg, but they get stuck into preparing and cooking it, too. On a Saturday morning, a large cohort of pupils join Wild Cooking, one of the activities in the school’s exciting Discover programme; here they reap the rewards of what has been sown months before in the gardens. From squash soup to nettle fritters, they eat it all. abberleyhall.co.uk

From veg patches to chicken coops, Anoop Bhuller discovers glorious green spaces inspiring a new generation of young farmers

BROCKWOOD PARK

One of the oldest organic school gardens in Britain thrives at Brockwood. Small, holistic and vegetarian by design, the school ensures that its 70 teenage students, from 25 countries, spend time each week working with sta on the grounds and in the garden, as part of an in-house Human Ecology course and an extended Life Skills Gardening class. e school’s founder, radical philosopher and educator, Jiddu Krishnamurti, wished for students to have regular contact with nature and, at almost an acre in size, the kitchen garden provides the perfect setting for this. It is maintained in the traditional manner, with apple and pear trees, trained fruit, herbs and around 30 varieties of vegetables. brockwood.org.uk

BEDALES

All produce is used in the school bakehouse to produce delicious, healthy, wholesome food, and teach a range of traditional cooking skills. Students get involved in every aspect of food production, from rearing the pigs for meat and mucking out the chickens, to growing vegetables, foraging in hedgerows and gathering herbs and spices. at includes learning to sow seeds, transplant seedlings, and to think about crops that can be used later in the bakehouse. e farm and livestock contribute to the garden by way of composted manure, and in turn the garden provides winter nutrition for livestock. A farm shop sells apple and lavender jelly, sweet pickled cucumbers with fennel, green tomato chutney, hedgerow jelly and raw honey. bedales.org.uk

HALL GROVE

Step inside the walled garden and nd an oasis lovingly restored over the past six years to re-establish the pathways and formal structure of an original 18th-century garden. Under the guidance of teacher and horticulturist Joanne Buckler, students from three to 13 learn to grow food here entirely from scratch. Central to this endeavour is a 24-foot greenhouse where an entire class can work, learning to sow seeds and then harvesting and eating the fruits of their labours. From Pre-School sowing beans to Reception planting potatoes, all children get involved in this practical, cross-curricular learning opportunity, which incorporates Science, Maths, Technology and English. hallgrove.co.uk

PHOTOS: BROCKWOOD PARK, HALL GROVE AND BEDALES SCHOOLS

DANES HILL

is kitchen garden is considered a safe space for children to grow, harvest and share fresh produce. Recently extended with a new greenhouse installed; green- ngered pupils are eager to get planting. A Gardening Club runs every Monday and the Eco-Committee tends to the garden in their weekly meetings. e school says this is a hands-on-learning experience where the pupils get their hands dirty and embrace every opportunity, cultivating their inquisitive minds. daneshillschool.co.uk

HAMPTON COURT HOUSE

Founded in early 2022 by a group of green- ngered parents the Hampton Court House Community Garden has matured into a wonderful space nestled within the ivy-covered walls of the school. e produce that is grown, from tomatoes and pumpkins to strawberries and radishes, forms much of the seasonal school lunch menus. Home-grown strawberries go into infused-water coolers, while colourful salads are seasoned with nasturtium seeds and decorated with their brilliant owers. Nothing goes to waste: the leaves of the nasturtium plant also go into home-made pesto, and the enormous pumpkin was saved to be the centre-piece of the dining table on Halloween! From the Gardening Club to the Early Years Forest School, the garden is enjoyed by all and provides a wonderful opportunity to teach the pupils about sustainability and the beauty of nature. hamptoncourthouse.co.uk

THE POINTER SCHOOL

At this Blackheath school with a reputation for serving outstanding school lunches, a Gardening club was set up last year to help children understand the basics of gardening and to gain rst hand experience of growing their own fruits and vegetables. e club links up with the school kitchen, led by Executive Chef Nicolas Laridan, who for many years held two Michelin stars as Head Chef at Le Gavroche restaurant, to provide ingredients for use in school meals. With more than 300 mouths to feed and a very small roof garden, this may just be a taste, but it gives the children a great sense of achievement seeing the fruits of their labour on the lunch menu. pointers.school

PHOTOS: HAMPTON COURT HOUSE, DANES HILL AND POINERS SCHOOL

COTTESMORE

Engaged in developing the ‘Sustainability Programme for Schools’ run by the e Kindness Bank, the school has introduced a new subject, sustainability, as part of the curriculum. is provides a hands-on education in how the pupils can make the school and the site more sustainable. It incorporates the NFU’s Farmvention and STEMvention programmes and has children design, cost, grow and serve up a sustainable menu –pupils are given their own gardening plot and are fully involved in the entire process, conducting market research, applying Maths and actually growing their own produce that can be cooked in the kitchens for lunch or supper. ey learn about food supply chains, carbon footprint and soil fertility, not to mention develop entrepreneurial skills which are going to become essential during their lifetimes. cottesmoreschool.com

BRYANSTON

e school’s Pioneering programme sees pupils tend to the Kitchen Garden in order to support the dining hall; produce is incorporated into some of the 3,000 meals provided per day. In particular, Pioneer pupils maintain and harvest fruit from the Bryanston Orchard, established in 2013 with the aim of growing heritage varieties of fruit and is part of a network of heritage orchards in the Southwest. Most of the fruit are old or disappearing varieties, including the very rare Bryanston Gage. e Kitchen Garden also provides subtle ingredients in our cooking such as edible owers. ese help to enhance menus, especially function events. Bryanston’s honeybee population, looked after by the Beekeeping Club, also supplies some fresh honey. bryanston.co.uk

LUDGROVE

For the school’s green- ngered fraternity there is a beautiful sun-dappled corner of grounds that houses an allotment area of eight, 3m x 4m plots for the school’s popular Gardening Club. e boys often bring their love of growing with them from home and there is always an enthusiastic posse of pupils keen to get their hands dirty. Boys plant and tend their gardens with dedication and care, making sure they visit throughout the week and especially spending more time during ursday, after activities, and on the weekends. Spending time outdoors in such a mindful activity is an enormous bene t to the boys’ positive mental health, boosting self-esteem and teaching patience and responsibility; it has also bene ted the school kitchen. ludgrove.net

PHOTOS: COTTESMORE, BRYANSTON AND LUDGROVE SCHOOLS

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Gloriously historic – or mindfully rule-free? Either way, says Sally Jones, a school reveals its ethos from its official attitude to uniform

Aged nine, I sat, racked with envy, during Speech Day at Highcroft, my brother’s prep school near Birmingham. Child after child skipped up on to the stage to collect its prizes, resplendent in a well-cut sky-blue blazer, blue shirt and a wonderfully gaudy red, blue and yellow tie and badge. Most of all, I coveted the elaborate prefects’ and head girl’s badges, plus the outdoor uniform of a striped, woollen scarf and grey felt wideawake hat. ey even festooned the sporting trophies with ribbons in the colours of the winning house. Talk about branding. I looked miserably at my own drab, minimalist school ‘uniform’: Dark skirt (any make), nameless blazer, white socks, dark shoes. Bah!

As an early a cionado of the Malory Towers and Billy Bunter canon, I had a clearly de ned idea of what a ‘proper’ uniform should look like: spongebag trousers, blazer and striped cap or boater for the boys, preferably in some eye-catching colour, purple say, or turquoise, plus gymslips and cotton shirtwaister summer dresses for the girls. When I eventually passed the exam for King Edward VI High School, (unique apple-green pullover and shirt plus hideously un attering Greek tunic-style ‘gym garment’) I was ecstatic, peacock-proud of my new school and its distinctive livery.

Not everyone shared my delight: for every school-loving conformist, there was a hippyish wild-child pushing the rules to the limits with forbidden maxiskirts and discarded berets. Uniforms have always proved divisive among pupils and remain a strong element of each school’s brand. Who could forget the iconic 1937 photograph of two young Harrovians immaculate in striped trousers, hats, canes and boutonniéres during the Eton-Harrow match at Lord’s, while three scru y working-class lads giggle mischievously at the ‘to s’ in their nery. Harrow’s uniform is little changed since Victorian times while Eton too retains much of its elaborate ‘ruling class’ regalia although their top hats were made voluntary in 1948, (partly because of post-War silk shortages) and were jettisoned for good in 1964. A new, more casual regime was permitted in limited circumstances within college in the early ‘70s. is led the New York Times to observe, tongue-in-cheek, that the

abolition of top hats and the new (relative) informality would come as a great ‘disappointment to American tourists … capturing for immortality wit cameras the depressed demeanor of a youth of 13 in penguin attire.’

A lthough to outsiders, the more ornate traditional uniforms may look faintly absurd and anachronistic, a caricature of upper-crust elitism, they engender a erce pride and sense of belonging among the majority of the pupils as well as de ning the ‘tone’ of the school.

W hile Eton and Harrow’s uniforms originate from the early 19th century, these seem positively Johnny-come-latelies compared to Red Maids in Bristol, Britain’s oldest existing girls’ school which even takes its name from its uniform. The Red Maids’ School was founded in 1634 by John Whitson, the local MP and mayor, whose will stipulated that the girls should be ‘apparelled in red cloth.’ e school now known as Redmaids’ High after its merger with Redland High School, still uses the same shade of red which has always been part of its uniform as either a cape, gaberdine or blazer, worn in the annual Founder’s Day procession through the city. Although there are only a few of the traditional Red Maids’ capes and bonnets left, around eight girls proudly sport this ceremonial dress on Founders’ Day, having gone into a ballot for the honour of wearing it. e head girls parade in owing red and grey academic gowns and the rest of the girls process in smart red blazers.

Still more venerable, Christ’s Hospital’s picturesque rig-out is little changed in 470 years, possibly the world’s oldest and certainly the most recognisable. e long, blue, belted ‘housey’ coat, matching knee breeches, yellow socks and white neck bands were originally designed to clothe and unify a band of waifs and strays with little except rags to their name, the ‘fatherless and poor children’ gathered up and cared for by the City of London. It is thought that blue and yellow were chosen as these colour dyes were cheap and helped distinguish the children from those from other schools. Around 200 years ago, the school introduced coat buttons depicting the head of its founder, King Edward VI and these days top academic all-rounders among the Grecians (upper sixth-formers) receive large silver buttons and velvet cu s. ough now based in Horsham, Sussex, Christ’s Hospital’s charitable remit is unchanged, its youngsters drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds through its hugely generous bursary provision. e uniform is even supplied free to all 900 pupils and thanks to the school’s London links, another perk for any child wearing the uniform is free entry to the Tower of London.

For 17-year-old Luke Pullen, the second Monitor (the equivalent of head boy) the uniform is a source of pride.

‘ When I rst joined Christ’s Hospital, I was ribbed a bit about the uniform by people out of school,’ he admits, ‘but lots are really fascinated. Some new pupils complain about the uniform or are confused by it but you quickly get used to it as all 900 of us are wearing it, and it soon feels normal. It also helps you t in with the rest of the school, wherever you’ve come from. You feel unique, di erent from other schools: you’re carrying your history around with you.’

Then and now: pupils at Christ’s Hospital School

Full of happy confident pupils

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from a few traditionalists, is delighted with the major updates introduced in September 2022.

‘ We now have a lovely, blue tweed jacket, high quality and slightly paler than royal blue,’ she explained. ‘ e pupils’ trousers and skirts are now navy-blue rather than grey. e girls’ jacket is tted and they insisted that we keep the long, ankle-length skirt as it suited everyone. Its demureness was one attraction – and the fact that they can wear pyjama bottoms under the skirts! e girls feel smart but they also like the heritage element of it.’

To Hampton, uniform design is about far more than a simple fashion statement.

‘Schools are about life and energy and we thought the blue showed this, in contrast to the grey which was a bit drab. I feel if uniform is worn properly it’s a key part of the school experience. It gives pupils a real sense of belonging and being valued, a subliminal feeling that they’re part of something bigger.’

W hile uniform is a central aspect of life at Rugby, others opt for non-conformity and dispense with uniform altogether. For progressive schools like St Chris at Letchworth, Hertfordshire, where pupils can wear virtually anything they like, one of the few rules is no camou age or clothes with militaristic connotations. To upper sixth-former Soonu Dilke, 17, this freedom of choice enhances the pupils’ sense of individuality.

‘ It re ects the progressive ethos of school,’ she explains. ‘People at other schools say uniforms are useful for making everyone feel equal - but I believe we can be equal in whatever we’re comfortable in.

P

ullen, like most pupils at schools with an instantly recognisable uniform, a lso understands that this brings a further level of responsibility – the need to behave with decorum in public. Since it was founded in 1947, Hurlingham School, a well-regarded prep school in West London, has boasted light blue blazers, caps and berets, plus a navy and Hurlingham blue striped sports tops and traditional grey du el coats. e girls wear unmistakeable blue and white cotton summer dresses and warm grey pinafores for winter.

‘I couldn’t be prouder of our uniform,’ says Headmaster Simon Gould. ‘ at distinctive Hurlingham blue is striking and it gives the school a strong identity. When people hear I’m the head, the rst reaction is usually ‘Oh, that lovely blue uniform,’ In the early days there was quite a social cachet to it. You could only buy it at Harrods – but these days it’s widened out a lot. e uniform makes the children realise they’re part of a strong community and they also understand the responsibilities that go with that. Everyone knows instantly which school they go to and I think this encourages them to behave better. It’s certainly something we talk a lot about with them.’

Blue is also the (new) colour at Rugby School where every aspect of the uniform, including recent changes of shade and material, has been discussed in depth, with focus groups and consultations with sta , pupils and even Old Rugbeians. For decades the boys’ uniform included a hardwearing brown-grey tweed jacket, which was then swapped for a less durable, dull, brown printed polyester around 20 years ago. Although the rst girls entering the sixth form in 1976 had no prescribed uniform apart from smart dress, the early 90s, when Rugby went fully co-ed, saw the introduction of a girls’ uniform including the school’s iconic long Laura Ashley-style annel skirts – the fashion at the time. Deputy Head Lara Hampton led the recent consultation process and despite some pushback

‘You get real variety in what people wear: some come in tracksuits and hoodies. One guy used to arrive in a really smart suit; some of the little ones used to come in onesies and I remember a few platform shoes knocking around – but it’s whatever you want to wear that day. e only guide apart from no militaristic clothes is to be respectful – for example one girl was told to change a too-short skirt. If you wear something others nd o ensive, it’s not OK to wear it. My friends at traditional schools get stressed at non-uniform days – but for me it’s just one less thing to worry about.’

e progressively liberal Bedales School, founded in 1893 as a humane alternative to the more authoritarian regimes typical of late Victorian schools likewise has a no-uniform policy.

‘Pupils choose what to wear and address sta by their rst names,’ says Head of Bedales Schools Will Goldsmith. ‘ ese are just two features of a culture that values the individual, with relationships between sta and students built on mutual respect.’ He regards uniforms as irrelevant and counter-productive in an era of individualism.

‘Fundamentally, the idea that uniformity is a good thing cuts against what our society needs in this age of AI: creative individuals who value di erence and fresh ideas, not clones who conform to the norms. Especially nowadays, the world of work no longer requires most people to wear ties or suits in order to succeed; schools where a traditional uniform is still de rigueur are looking increasingly anachronistic.’

Rugby’s Lara Hampton begs to di er. ‘We have a really diverse student body thanks to our generous scholarships and bursaries, and for many young people what brand of trainers you wear and ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ is really important. e huge argument for uniform is that this removes that worry. Uniform also instils a sense of discipline: our pupils love non-uniform days but they all say they wouldn’t want them every day as they foster a more relaxed approach to work. I believe if you wear a smart, attractive uniform, it puts you in work mode, making you ready for the school day and ready for life.’ „

Hurlingham School uniform

EXCELLENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in London has been delivering excellence in international education since 1915 and currently welcomes more than 40 nationalities in its community

The school is governed by the AEFE (Agence de l’Enseignement Français à l’Etranger) with more than 3,400 pupils at the South Kensington site and the other three sites of its primary schools: André Malraux (Ealing), Marie d’Orliac (Fulham) and Wix (Clapham).

First-class education combining tradition and modernity

For more than a century, the school has been offering French, Bilingual, Multilingual and British programmes, providing pupils with a unique experience in an exceptional environment which promotes self-development and well-being. Pupils receive personalised support by dedicated international teaching and pastoral care

teams offering them the best conditions in which to realise their academic potential, to be able to develop and thrive in a peaceful environment and achieve the level of excellence required to access their desired course even at the most competitive higher education institutions around the world.

Open to the world from age three to further studies

As part of the AEFE, the Lycée offers families on the move the key to educational stability: with 566 schools in 138 countries, the AEFE network gives priority to relocating children so they can seamlessly continue and complete their curriculum wherever they go. This international focus is also reflected in the wealth of the LFCG’s multilingual offer: beyond French and English, all pupils get to learn at least one other modern language such as Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, as well as Latin and Ancient Greek. Truly multicultural in its population, the school cultivates this international identity

by taking pupils on educational outings, school trips and exchanges abroad, also engaging them in cross-border projects.

Exceptional guidance

Beyond academic ambition, the Lycée nurtures each individual with care and helps pupils build self-confidence involving them in challenging sport schemes, artistic creations and performances, voluntary work opportunities, environment awareness initiatives and many extra-curricular activities.

After passing their A-Levels or Baccalauréat with outstanding results (respectively 100 percent success with 62 percent A*/A and 100 percent success with more than 64% “Très bien” honours), our students are accepted with either diploma at some of the best universities worldwide including: Oxford; Cambridge; Imperial College; London School of Economics; HEC; Sciences Po; Polytechnique in France and Switzerland; McGill; Columbia; Yale, Harvard; Bocconi: a precious alumni network. Enrolment registrations are taken throughout the year, so why not give your children the opportunity to become citizens of the world?

FIND OUT MORE

Open days: All our sites hold open day events in November. Make sure to follow our website & 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

CHARLES DE GAULLE DE LONDRES

A LEAGUE ABOVE

Alove of sports and wellbeing for all pupils is Royal Russell’s aim – with a holistic sport, health and fitness programme embedded into both curriculum and pastoral activities in every year group. For pupils who have ambitions to play elite-level sports, their time at school can often feel like a trade-off between their commitments to training - and to education. Factor in the logistics of transport to training and fixtures for parents, and it becomes a

mammoth juggling act for young athletes’ families.

Royal Russell School has a huge international reputation when it comes to football, having won the ISFA National Cup, the ESFA Cup and competed at the highest levels in the Isthmian Youth League and the HUDL National League. The school provides an outstanding all-round education in a supportive environment for those seeking a career in professional football and the programme

is scaffolded around the pupils to enable the Sports Department to focus on all players and create tailored development programmes.

Taking on board feedback from parents and carers, the team designed an Under 18s programme which provides access to non-league football through a partnership with a local football club, with training, nutrition and logistics factored in around their full-time educational needs while studying for A-levels and BTECs. The result is a balanced programme which meets their academic needs, allows them to play fixtures for Royal Russell and gives them exposure to the next level in National Leagues and prestigious competitions such as the FA Youth Cup.

The programme continues to reap rewards with the 1st IX playing under our partner club, Sutton Common Rovers, crowned The Isthmian Football League Champion of Champions Cup winners for 2021/22 – a fantastic achievement.

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

Victoria Deadman Gatt, director of marketing, admissions and engagement at Royal Russell school tells us about their Under 18s football programme

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

Schools are reacting to a new enthusiasm for studying engineering at university by introducing younger pupils to the basics, says Peter Stanford

It all came about, explains Des ompson, Head of Science at Reed’s School in Surrey, because of pupil demand. eir enthusiasm was what convinced this independent boarding school in Surrey to start this year o ering Engineering as a GCSE.

‘ Word has been getting round amongst them that there are very good career opportunities in engineering,’ ompson recalls, ‘and so the pupils told us that they were looking for something that would help them get on to an engineering course at university.’

One in seven of the 140-strong Year 10 cohort at Reed’s have chosen to take on the new subject. ey have clearly been doing their homework. In most lists of desirable degree subjects, especially for those with one eye on the further horizon of post-graduate jobs and careers, engineering invariably comes in the top ve. And in international terms the UK has eight universities in the global top 100 for engineering – Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, University College London, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and She eld.

Not only that, but employment rates for those with engineering degrees were

reported in June this year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology to be as high as 85 percent within six months of graduation in some branches of engineering, with starting salaries of more than £25,000 in a sector that overall employs an estimated 5.5 million people. And if further proof were needed of the opportunities out there, on the government’s list of occupations where the UK has a shortage of recruits (compiled to inform where visas for overseas workers should be granted) civil, mechanical, design and product engineers are all included.

And yet, in spite of all these positive pointers around engineering, the tendency until recently in many schools has been to regard it as a subject rather like medicine, that other top career choice among those heading for university. ere is no medicine GCSE or A-level, and those who do get on the course have usually taken a combination of other subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics. e same thinking applied to Engineering. Do Maths and Physics and you will be giving yourself the best chance of landing a sought-after place at university. So why change? Because,

says Des ompson, pupils also made plain that they wanted some sort of hands-on experience of what it would be like at university if they were to choose engineering as a degree subject. And so, with so many branches of engineering – many of them taught separately at universities from the start of a degree – Reed’s has opted to structure their introduction of engineering on to the curriculum in such a way as to allow its pupils to understand exactly what being an engineer actually entails.

‘We have been teaching design and technology,’ says ompson, who is also assistant head at the Cobham-based boarding school, ‘but the curriculum had become much more about write-ups and much less hands-on in the workshop in recent years.’ And so, as well as bringing in engineering as a GCSE, earlier years are now taught Design and Engineering, rather than Design and Technology (but by the same teachers).

Reed’s will continue for the time being to o er product design at A-level, but with the intention to switch over to an engineering based course by the time the cohort, who have just started Engineering GCSE, come into the sixth form. Will it be an alternative to Physics? ‘In simple terms,’ replies ompson, ‘Engineering is an applied science, interested in facts and solving problems and how to produce stu , whereas Physics is a pure science, looking at how nature works and then taking that further to nd out how it all happens.’ And so the school’s design and technology workshops have been adapted to give the would-be engineers plenty of opportunity to ‘produce stu ’.

As well as listening to some of its pupils about what they wanted, the school has also set about tackling the reasons why others among its 790 pupils (all boys from 11 to 16, but with girls in the sixth form) were being put o engineering as a degree and a life choice. In a survey published in 2020, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering reported that 47 percent of 11-19 year olds questioned knew ‘little or nothing’ about what engineers actually do. When pushed, respondents who did have some idea reached for old and narrow clichés – ‘doing things with buildings, trains and cars’. e point about clichés, of course, is that they do include an element of

truth, and there are plenty of engineers who go on to civil engineering, the railways or a big motor manufacturer. But what the youngsters’ description of engineering spectacularly missed out on was the wide and ever-widening range of engineering specialisms and specialist degrees that are now available under the banner of engineering.

Beyond the big four - chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical - there are now: aerospace; agricultural; architectural; biomedical; computer; environmental; geotechnical; mechatronic; robotics; structural and many more. UCL currently o ers no fewer than 23 degree programmes that have engineering at their core.

It is a pretty broad spectrum for schools to encompass in the introduction they can o er. And then there is the oldest cliché of all that engineering is a male-dominated profession. Again there is some truth in it, but the situation is changing rapidly. e Women’s Engineering Society, which works in partnership with universities such as Birmingham, Durham, Heriot Watt and Newcastle – has been in the forefront of the drive to increase numbers of women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workforce. It reports that women in engineering roles have doubled from 25,000 to 50,000 over the last decade.

At Tudor Hall School, an independent day and boarding school for girls in Banbury in Oxfordshire, Deputy Head Emma Bell is forthright in describing their approach to propelling more women on to engineering degree courses and into jobs. ‘I refute the assumption that girls would be put o engineering. It is a fact of single sex girls’ education that no subjects are o limits or seen as ‘boys’ subjects. While it is acknowledged by our pupils that there are more men in engineering than women at the moment, I have never heard any of them say this is a reason not to be interested in it.’

And that open-door approach at Tudor Hall is reinforced by speci c support for engineering that includes an Aim Higher programme bringing in inspirational speakers on the subject, a variety of practical workshops, and encouragement for those doing EPQs – the Extended Project Quali cation

Pupils at Reed’s School learning on their engineering course

PHOTOS: REED’S SCHOOL

is an independent piece of work done alongside A-levels – to tackle head-on subjects. Bell reports that one popular EPQ topic that comes up at Tudor Hall is why there are not more women in STEM subjects and workplaces. e practical nature appeals at Westminster School, too. Michael Collier, Head of Electronics, explains: ‘Electronics and other engineering disciplines are taught from a far more practical bias than the sciences.’

‘ erefore, engineering helps children to learn and incorporate modern skills. ey learn a variety of di erent problem-solving skills that they need to work together on, each using their individual knowledge to think critically and creatively whilst also communicating clearly and concisely. Developing these soft skills is a huge bene t also for employers.’

Other schools with an engineering bent also make good use of their extracurricular workshops to instil into their pupils the excitement and real-world potential of engineering. Eltham College, a co-educational independent day school in south east London which this year celebrates its 180th anniversary, runs a wide range of clubs and societies that are, by design, student-led and participative, says spokesperson Edward Funnell, its Head of Communications.

‘ ey range from designing Formula One model cars, robotics, cosmic mining, and one that encourages entry into the UK Space Design Competition.

ere is even a Lego League, where there are competitions with other schools nationwide. We believe in giving our pupils licence and support to follow their interests and see how far they can take them.’

at spirit of meeting youngsters where they are at extends to the recent refurbishment of Eltham’s science block in the senior school. ‘We have moved away from that old image of wooden cabinets that belong in the 1950s. Our new Science Centre is a multicoloured, tangible, stimulating teaching environment where engineering can be tackled in a practical way.’

Oundle, an independent 11-18 school in Northamptonshire, has a similar modus operandi. Building on its long heritage in the eld of engineering – a past headmaster at the start of the 20th century was an engineer by training

and the school once had its own foundry - it opened, in 2016, the state-ofthe-art Patrick Engineering Centre as an inspirational space, explains Jon Baker, its Head of Design, Engineering and Technology.

‘We see approximately 500 pupils per week in the centre. It has strong links with some of the Formula One racing teams, but we also focus on aeronautics, biomedicine and software development as part of the very wide range of activities that go on in there to develop on and expand on the school’s curriculum which includes Design Engineering and Product Design at A-level.’ e Patrick Centre is also an outreach hub for Imperial College London, and plays host to engineering summer schools, with sponsored places for those from state schools to attend. Baker is especially proud of Oundle’s record in the National Arkwright Engineering Scholarships, which celebrate young men and women with outstanding potential as engineers as demonstrated by projects they submit. Some 15 Oundelians have been chosen for these prestigious awards in the past ve years.

Established 30 years ago by the Smallpeice Trust, the Arkwright Awards were busy encouraging new generations of engineers long before the current upturn in interest in the subject. In some respects they may be credited with generating it. ey have so far helped more than 6,266 16 to 18-year olds in the UK (31 percent of them female) with nancial and mentoring support to encourage them to take up Engineering degrees at university. eir schools also get money to facilitate their studies and projects.

It is all about meeting the challenges of the future – whether it be for pupils to land good jobs, or for the sort of engineering innovation that once fuelled the Industrial Revolution and now is required for a Green Industrial Revolution because of the challenge of climate change. ‘ ere is a great need for worldclass engineers,’ says Peter Taylor, Managing Director of Cambridge-based technology development companies, TTP Group. ‘Arkwright Scholarships help us nd the talent we must have to compete internationally.’ And where Arkwright led the way, schools are now following. „

Westminster School offers pupils the opportunity to take an electronic engineering course

PHOTOS: WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

ALL FIRED UP

Dr Emily Grossman, author and broadcaster, reveals her theory on life. By Eleanor Doughty

Dr Emily Grossman, 44, grew up in London and was educated at South Hampstead High School in North London. After reading natural sciences at Queens’ College Cambridge, she did a PhD in cancer research at the University of Manchester. She is the author of four children’s science books, and regularly appears on television and radio programmes. Passionate about inspiring people of all ages about science, in 2016 she delivered a TEDx talk called Why Science Needs People Who Cry

What did you enjoy about school? I got a rst-rate education, and feel privileged to have been at a school where I could thrive.

I loved learning and nding stu out – I’ve got the kind of brain where I get panicky when I don’t understand something. When I do understand it’s the best feeling in the world. Which subjects did you most enjoy? I love solving problems and making sense of the world around me, so Science and Maths were my favourite subjects. I found history quite di cult, as I can’t visualise, so I nd it hard to connect with stories from the past. What did you do outside school? My other passion was – and still is – theatre, and I was able to get involved in so many di erent choirs, drama productions, and musicals. I feel very grateful that I was at a school that o ered such a diverse range of activities. Who inspired you the most growing up? My father is an endocrinologist – a professor of hormones –and we used to have ‘theory afternoons’ together, when he would explain exciting things about the world. He answered all of my questions, but he also inspired me to want to understand the world, and showed me that science would help us answer a lot of questions about it. Why did you decide to apply to Cambridge? I fell in love with Cambridge – it was just breathtakingly beautiful. When I went

to visit I was blown away by the landscape, the colleges, and the feel of the place, where I knew that so many incredible scientists and mathematicians had studied and worked. I chose Queens’ because it was a sociable college with lots of events, and I wanted to go somewhere that would be fun. It was a dream come true when I got a place there.

What would your teenage self think about where you’ve got to today? My teenage self was full of worry and insecurity. I was working hard not knowing where I’d end up, or where I would feel ful lled.

Teenage me would be delighted that I’ve nally found a place where I t – I don’t think she would believe you if you told her that I could end up having such a cool job.

What advice would you give young people today considering a similar path? It took me until I was in my late 30s to really nd my place in the world. I hope that gives hope to young people who might not be sure yet what they want to do. It’s about keeping going, and keeping trying.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? One of my highlights was being on the Bank of England panel who chose Alan Turing to be on the new £50 note – that was a massive win for the LGBTQ+ community. Another highlight was watching my third book, World-whizzing Facts: Awesome Earth Questions Answered become number one bestseller on Amazon in the category of climate change – for a kids’ book to be top of that whole category felt really incredible.

For more information about the talks that Dr Emily Grossman o ers in schools, please visit emilygrossman.co.uk „

‘I love solving problems and making sense of the world around me’

PHOTOS: DR EMILY GROSSMAN

Dr Emily Grossman

REGULARS

GETTING BACK TO NATURE

One of my most enduring childhood memories is of pressing my nose to a cold windowpane, longing for the rain to stop so I could go out and play. A generation later, children couldn’t care less whether it rains or not because their minds are not so excited by tadpoles in ponds, ladybirds in London parks, abandoned bird’s nests, nding eels in beachy streams or badgers in dark woods. Instead of building treehouses or camps, they are hunched over a screen playing Minecraft and nature isn’t getting a look in, to the detriment of all. As parents and doctors worry about children’s mental and physical health, scientists worry about the future for conservation if there is nobody left to care.

e disconnect between children and nature crept insidiously into our lives in the 1980s coinciding with the popular explosion in computer use and the Gameboy in 1989. Danger-averse parenting and climbing car sales contributed to a dramatic decline in the time children spent playing freely outside. In 2005 Richard Louv, an American author and journalist, coined the phrase Nature De cit Disorder in his transformative book Last Child in the Woods. It highlighted a critical subject nobody was talking about; how a lack of nature a ected child development.

In 2016, the results of a UK survey for Persil’s campaign ‘Dirt is Good’ revealed that 74 percent of children spent under 60 minutes playing outside each day. Educationalist Sir Ken Robinson responded: ‘Academic research shows that active play is the natural and primary way that children learn. It is essential to their health growth and progress, particularly during periods

of rapid brain development.’ But seven years, a pandemic and a mental health crisis later, is anyone listening? I dialled a San Diego number in the middle of the night.

‘I don’t blame parents. at’s too easy,’ says Louv, whose book inspired an international movement Children & Nature Network, which in 2008 won him the national Audubon Medal; previous recipients include President Jimmy Carter. ‘Parents are too cautious about letting their kids roam but journalists created that parental fear, magnifying one terrible act a thousand times, so it’s no wonder parents believe there’s a bogeyman on every corner. My wife and I did. And we all use our technology more than we should. Parents should watch their own habits but there’s so much pressure to communicate with electronics – and Covid increased that.’

Louv’s solution is simple. ‘If we can put soccer on the calendar, we can put nature on the calendar. It needs to be a conscious act that parents take their kids outdoors, whether it’s hiking, shing or biking. It doesn’t happen spontaneously anymore.’

W hen they were young, I took my children to Scotland every summer and imposed a moratorium on electronics – for everyone. For that one month of the year, I watched them squeal and laugh, swim, boogie board, run and sh, and then collapse like small puppies in front of the re to play games, cards or read books. As they got older, it got harder to tempt them outside.

One summer, I asked my family to give me the birthday present of coming to a three-day yoga festival with me. It was the best decision. I had almost

Annabel Heseltine digs the dirt on connecting with the earth

Boots on the ground: children love exploring outside with friends

given up the daily ght with electronics at home but away from them and outside, I realised they were still children capable of enjoying being in nature; one of them was up stoking the re before me while another tiptoed out at dawn to win a free pizza to give to me as my present. Later on, I watched my children practising wobbly downward dogs on the grass and giggling and splashing on paddle boards in a lake.

In 2018, I rented a barge for three glorious ‘Famous Five’ days in the Midlands. In the summer heat we piled bikes on to its roof, only to watch them be swept into the canal when my middle son backed it under overhanging trees. We retrieved them the following day to bicycle across elds to the local pub for lunch.

Like many parents I berate myself for the days when they haven’t moved out of their bedrooms and wondered how I let the iPad move in. But it isn’t easy getting them outside, even harder when they become teenagers.

But starting them young is helpful. When Steven Rinella’s oldest child turned 12 last year, the host of MeatEater and a podcast of the same name about hunting, cooking and eating wildlife, felt that he had earned enough parent brownie points to write Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature. It’s an uncompromising read.

‘ We know the struggles that parents deal with in trying to get kids outside and I would love to tell you that we don’t have a daily conversation about technology, but I would be lying,’ says Rinella. ‘I don’t ask my kids what they want to do. I tell them. You will get to hang out with cooler people when you are older if you go outside now.’

R inella is a hunter living in wild Montana. He believes that children need to be comfortable being uncomfortable and takes them camping, rain or shine. It pays dividends. ‘ e kids go to bed happier, physically tired, feeling good. ey tell me they had a great time even if they initially didn’t want to go. ey learn about self-su ciency.’

As both Rinella and Louv know however, not everyone lives in the country with a large garden. In an e ort to support parents trying to work out how to connect with nature, Louv wrote three more books including Vitamin N – e Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life: 500 Ways to Enrich Your Family’s Health & Happiness, which, he admits, is the kind of book he hates reading but which he realised

was needed as a guide. ‘ e pendulum is swinging back with an increase in green and forest schools and a change from concrete to grass playgrounds with logs for children to fall o . Covid helped,’ he says.

‘People became aware of the birds outside their windows; one family became fascinated by an owl sitting on a tree.’

But the more high-tech education becomes, the more nature our children need, he says, referring to the hybrid mind, a phrase he coined in another of his books highlighting that we want to encourage children to excel in both technology and nature.

‘Scientists don’t just talk about ve senses now, but nine or 10 – some go as far as 30.’

Louv believes that nature can accentuate unexplored senses in humans including echolation and the ability to scent like a bloodhound. He suggests rotating the senses to use, for example, your nose to guide you, instead of your eyes. He says it works best when the nose is wet. And he adds, whenever parents lead they will be rewarded in multiples of 10.

We all know about whingeing kids who complain all the way on the hike, especially the teenagers because they want their electronics but who come home nicer, more engaged. ‘Well, it gets better,’ says Louv. ‘One day, when they have come home from college, and are maybe sitting around a table, a kid will suddenly say, “remember that awesome hike we took”. ey are not going to remember their best day of TV or their best Minecraft game. So, in addition to creating a connection with nature, you are creating memories which last.’

HOW TO ENGAGE WITH NATURE

MACRO

Enjoying the great outdoors:

‒ Festivals

‒ Sailing, kayaking

‒ Bicycling

‒ Hiking and camping: Bracket your drives as an incentive: children can use their electronics to and from the hike as long as they leave them behind when they hike. Maybe encourage the children to use the iPad afterwards to look up the birds they have seen

‒ Swimming

MICRO

Small fun things to do in nature:

‒ Go on a moon walk. Look at the stars

‒ Go outside at night and hear the magic of animals

‒ Be a cloud spotter – clouds are astonishing. This can be done from your room even if you have a disability. Look for faces in the clouds. There’s magic in the sky. Try the CloudSpotter app

‒ Build your hybrid mind. Rotate your senses consciously

‒ Use your nose to see. You can smell better when you wet your nose

‒ Snake tongue. Snakes sense things with their tongue; use taste

‒ Go on a belly-hike. Get down on the ground and crawl. Look for little details. Follow an ant, look at all the life which is in the houmous

‒ Be a batman or batwoman using echolation skills. Make your way through a dark building just using your ears

‒ Pinpoint vision. Hone-in on the little things in front of us and study those

‒ Use your peripheral vision. It’s much more powerful than people realise and much better at detecting danger because peripheral vision looks for what’s out of place „

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Relaxing near the river bank

GIRL GOALS

Watching the England Lionesses succeed is insipiring a new generation of female footballer, says Sally Jones - and about time!

Watching the excited faces of the England Lionesses as they battled to glorious victory at the 2022 Euros, it was obvious that their heroics had given women’s football a potent shot in the arm. No surprise then that growing numbers of independent schools have added the game to their existing lineup of major sports such as hockey, netball and athletics. Among the strongest are Rossall School, Lancashire, Repton, Bede’s in Sussex and sporting powerhouse Mill eld.

A fter years in the shadow of the lucrative men’s game, women’s football is coming into its own, with clearly de ned pathways for talented youngsters right up to elite level. For the rst time, top female internationals can become full-time professional players rather than having to juggle a day-job with a demanding training and playing schedule. Even when women’s playing careers are over, numerous footballrelated roles are now open to them, such as coaching, management, physiotherapy, media punditry and physical training. e game’s bene ts

for girls are obvious, from grassroots to national level, building tness, strength, physical con dence and tactical awareness. Football is also good for long-term health: a new study from Indiana University has shown that multi-directional sports can build stronger bones in young athletes and protect them against over-use injuries, far more e ectively than uni-directional activities like cross-country running and swimming.

R ossall School in Lancashire has won national girls’ football championships thanks to its high- ying Academy, set up two years ago. It elds four girls’ sides from Under 12s to Under 18s and o ers a range of sports scholarships. e three Manchester City players on football scholarships at the school have provided an inspirational example to their teammates and standards are rising rapidly, with three other girls playing for Fleetwood Town and one for Blackpool Ladies. Rossall’s Director of Sport Jack Cropper believes that girls’ football has wider bene ts than simply footballing excellence.

‘ We wanted our girls to have a culture where it feels safe and

England’s Lionesses, winners

comfortable to express themselves on the sporting eld,’ he explained. ‘ ey now understand it’s cool to sweat and work hard –and in an age of intrusive social media, it’s great they have international women’s footballers as role models, rather than celebrity in uencers.’

At Mill eld the girls football programme is developing fast and now boasts 100 players from just six in 2018, o ering several dedicated football scholarships. e school’s Director of Football Steve Perkins, previously an FA technical talent coach for Women’s Football and former England Women’s Under 19 assistant coach, has trained many of the current national side. He has introduced a rigorous programme at Mill eld with the top squads training six days a week, often playing against boys to hone their skills and strength.

For the school’s top player, former England Youth international Lauren Pickup, 18, once part of the Chelsea youth set-up and now playing for Bristol City, the friendships formed through football are a major bonus.

‘I love the camaraderie and teamwork,’ she says. ‘When I started out as a six-year-old my favourite players were always male. Now for girls to have strong female role models who look the same as them is massive.’

ONES TO WATCH

Rossall School boasts three members of the Manchester City set-up. All three came to the school in Year 10 on football scholarships and are tipped for international success.

Emma Siddall , 16, a richly-talented midfielder has already played for the Manchester City rst team, having learned her trade at Fleetwood FC. She was recruited from a local state school in nearby Poulton-le-Fylde

So too was her classmate Beth Strutton, 16, a uent defender who has represented England Under 17s, though she is currently recovering from a broken leg.

Seventeen-year-old Grace Pilling, from Preston, an England Under 17 international goalkeeper who has played a crucial role in the school’s national successes with a string of clean sheets. Mid elder Lauren Pickup, 18, began playing football aged six and after being selected for Chelsea’s talent pathway became an England Youth international.

A ne sporting all-rounder, she went to Mill eld as a sports scholar in Year 8 and now plays for Bristol City. She has won a valuable full scholarship for football to Rice University in Texas, her sporting prowess guaranteeing her, like many other gifted female footballers, a good academic education while boosting her chance of England senior honours.

ON THE BALL Girls’ football resources

1

VEO CAM

Many football academies and top sports schools including Rossall and Millfield swear by the game-changing Veo Cam, a light sports camera. This automatically follows the ball, using artificial intelligence and tags key moments across the game, enabling in-depth analysis of matches, tactics and individual performances. It can even live-stream matches direct to parents and is costeffective as it doesn’t need an operator.

2

COACH LOGIC

In the increasingly professional and competitive world of academy and schools football, Coach Logic is a widely used collaborative platform which enables sophisticated video analysis by allowing players and coaches to engage with a range of content. This can include relevant clips and other media targeted specifically to individuals or groups of players.

3

A WATCHING BRIEF

Both Jack Cropper and Steve Perkins emphasise the need for young players to chart their own progress by analysing their matches in minute detail. 'We encourage girls to watch lots of footage of themselves playing,' said Perkins. 'Sometimes one will say "I thought I played an amazing match" but when they watch it back, they spot small but crucial mistakes and areas they could improve. '

4

INSPIRATIONAL READING

Jack Cropper strongly recommends Matthew Syed’s thoughtprovoking book – Bounce – The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice. ‘We focus on building a growth mindset and getting the best out of the individual,’ he says, 'and Bounce helps coaches, players and facilitators understand that we all learn in different ways. It also asks interesting questions about what high achievement looks like whether you’re a school pupil or a top-class athlete.' „

Emma Siddall

Beth Strutton

Grace Pilling

INSIDERS’ GUIDE

For students with a passion for science, how do you find the right school and where will it lead? Eleanor Doughty consults the experts

THE PANEL:

Helen Carrington

Head of Physics, Putney High School

Chris Powell

Head of Physics, Tonbridge School

Lara Starr

Head of Physics, Reigate Grammar School

Catherine Hitchen

Deputy Head (academic), North London

Collegiate School 1

How do you make physics engaging to all? I remember nding physics di cult at school, and one of my colleagues has a PhD in quantum physics, so departmentally we show both ends of the physics spectrum. I nd the excitement in the every day, and if I explain it to the kids,

they see my enjoyment and then they nd it enjoyable. We don’t just prepare them for the exams, but prepare them to go out into the world and ask the right questions. We try to be natural with it and not force it.

Helen Carrington

2

Is physics useful as an A-level even if you want to study humanities later?

I think physics is a very good A-level –it’s all about looking at the world around you, and looking at things in an analytic manner. e more people who have that skill the better. Does it o er insight into the human condition in the way that humanities do? Probably not, but it doesn’t limit your options.

Chris Powell

3

Girls are under-represented at A-level still. What can be done to change that? We have lots of female physics sta , but more importantly we try and get female physicists in school involved as much as possible. At A-level information evenings we encourage our existing physics students to come along and encourage the girls.

Lara Starr

How can you encourage breadth of interests in sixth form so they don’t end up too lab based? We are keen to promote the STEAM [science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics] curriculum, and see the synergies between maths and art, and physics and art. ey seem to be very disparate

4

Tonbridge School Lower Sixth

Form pupil carrying out an experiment PHOTOS: TONBRIDGE

Catherine Hitchen

subjects in schools, but the links between them broadens pupils’ minds. We have a growing number of students who are doing philosophy and physics together, too, which is something that the Californian universities are leading the way on, so we are also encouraging that pathway.

5

How do you reconcile faith with physics? e whole subject of physics is an entire leap of faith – we are describing things you cannot see and you cannot measure. e beautiful thing about physics is that it’s ever-changing, and a lot of famous physicists were religious. ere is something beautifully unexplainable about the universe and you search for your answers in your own way.

Helen Carrington

6

What does a good physics teacher look like? ey’ve got to know their stu and they must have the ability to convey complex ideas in a way that is engaging to pupils. ey have got to bring the subject to life with interesting demonstrations, so nding the interest in anything and everything is very important. If the pupils nd it interesting, then that’s the battle won.

Chris Powell

pupils with interviews and the application process. We’ve had some real successes with apprenticeships so far, and the more success you get, the more popular they will become.

Michelle Pope

7

Do you encourage apprenticeship applications as well as university? Yes, we do. We have a dedicated member of the careers team who specialises in supporting apprenticeship applications. She builds links with companies running the schemes, and helps

8What are former students doing now? We have a huge number of pupils who do scienti c degrees and end up working in the City – a lot of City rms poach from engineering, maths and physics graduates regardless of their nancial background. One of our former students who studied physics is Roma Agrawal, who worked on the Shard. She’s a structural engineer, and shows physics as a real gateway subject into some great degrees and career paths.

Catherine Hitchen

North London Collegiate School students in a science lesson

Do you have work experience links? A few of us in the department came to teaching from di erent professional backgrounds and we are fortunate to have friends and former colleagues that can help with work experience – it is about who you know. We have had success helping boys approach universities for placements in research labs, and success in getting students into the Diamond Light Source, a research centre near Didcot Parkway.

Chris Powell

Do you take part in any related competitions or trips? Absolutely –anything that we can get our hands on. I’m currently organising a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, and I’m always looking for something that will have a cross-curricular link, such as trips to the Natural History Museum with the art department where the pupils can look at the form of the body and sketch it, and we can talk about the science behind it.

Helen Carrington

11

Does physics A-level only suit very academic children?

If you have a student who has a fundamental mathematical understanding then you can go a long way with them. Without that, there is a physics ceiling that you will hit. ere is an assumption that only academic children can do physics, but it’s more that only those with a mathematical grounding can do physics –it’s a language.

Catherine Hitchen

What should schools offer outside the classroom for children already enthused? We promote the British Physics Olympiad competitions, and inside school run a physics book club to explore beyond the curriculum, with a physics problem-solving club for A-level students. Our ‘thank science it’s Friday’ initiative is a sixth form-led talk series, where pupils present to their peers. We also have an active junior science club led by our A-level students who act as role models to our younger students.

Michelle Pope

LAST WORD FROM THE SCIENCE LAB

Physics exposes an inner beauty to things that may not be obvious to someone who hasn’t studied it. It gives us a depth and richness of understanding, and makes the seemingly mundane and superficial interesting and deep.

Chris Powell

The worst question you can get as a teacher is ‘when will I need to know this?’ As a subject we bypass that because we are giving them the skills to tackle a wave diagram, and also solve a problem. That’s why it is such an attractive A-level or degree to the business world: having done physics, you can explain classical physics phenomena, and also apply those skills to your life. Helen

Carrington

Everything in the world is a subset of physics and physics explains everything. Ultimately, physics is the key to understanding the whole universe.

Catherine Hitchen

Studying sciences provides a distinctive way of looking at the world. We live in a technological society so developing analytical approaches of looking at the world, and knowledge of key scientific ideas, is valuable as an adult, even if you don’t continue with the subject to university.

Michelle Pope „

Reigate Grammar School pupils participating in the Satro challenge

NEW SPORTS HOME FOR TORMEAD SCHOOL

From a full-size hockey pitch and six-lane athletics track to cricket, rugby and football grounds, the highly anticipated development in Surrey is a game changer for the school and its local partners

Tormead School’s ambitious plans for the development of the Urnfield sportsground in Guildford have been given the green light.

This exciting new project will secure Tormead’s sporting future by giving the school a ‘home ground’ close to the main

school site. The new sporting home for Tormead will provide facilities for hockey, cricket, football and athletics, as well as open the door for rugby to develop as a new sport option.

Developed in close collaboration with Guildford County School and due for completion in September 2023, the development of the Urnfield site will provide first class sports facilities for Tormead. The many wonderful opportunities this will afford include a full-size hockey pitch,

a professional six-lane athletics track and new field event facilities for throwing and jumping. To promote developing sports for women, there will be two full-size football pitches, cricket facilities including nets, and a rugby pitch.

‘The new Urnfield facilities will enable Tormead to maximise opportunities across the school, from Prep to Sixth Form, to cater for all abilities and encourage participation, as well as supporting the development of our elite athletes’, said Gillian Rodgers, Director of Sport at Tormead.

Mrs Rodgers added: ‘With improved parking and an extended pavilion, hosting visiting teams will help to promote competitive sport for our students, allowing them to enjoy local facilities and reduce travelling time significantly. The opening of the new site is hugely anticipated and a real game changer for Tormead.’

Tormead’s Head, David Boyd, commented: ‘This is an excellent project, not only for Tormead, but for our partners Guildford County School and the other community sports clubs, who will be able to use the site’s facilities when they are not engaged for school sport.’

CULTURAL APPRECIATION IS GOOD FOR YOU

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“… AHA has been the most fun course of my education.”

Photo: Holly Morrison

POWER TO THE PUPILS

Wellington has introduced Mental Health Ambassadors among the student body to enhance wellbeing and access to help

ome people might think that mental health is too important to be put in the hands of pupils,’ say Emily and Archie, the current chairs of Wellington’s Student Committee.

‘But we’d say the opposite. Unfortunately, there’s still so much stigma about mental health issues – people are too quick to see it as a sign of weakness; it’s hard to open up honestly if you’re worried that you’ll be rejected or judged.

‘ e fact that they can talk to someone more or less the same age, and do so without being judged, is really important.

‘It’s easier for us to be empathetic, and I’m sure we end up with a lot more truth than might be the case if a boy or girl was talking to an adult.’

If the world has always taken some navigating for teenagers, then the explosion of social media, lockdowns, and an increasing emphasis on exam results and academic success has made it doubly di cult in the past few years.

For many youngsters, the simple mantra, ‘be the best you can be’, has never felt so out of reach. No wonder then that since 2019 eating disorders, self-harm and depression have all snowballed among the young: it is estimated that as many as one in six children are identi ed as having mental health issues, with a worrying 24 percent of 17-year-olds having self-harmed.

Just over a year ago, Wellington College appointed Dr Jenny Griggs to become its rst Head of Student Emotional Health and Wellbeing, and to work with a group of students acting as Mental Health Ambassadors for the

student body - which is where Emily and Archie come in.

ey explain that each House at Wellington (there are 17 in total) appoints two Lower Sixth form MHAs who act as rst point of contact for any pupil nding everyday life a struggle.

‘ It’s not just a case of us making it up as we go along or basing everything on our own experiences: once we volunteered and were selected, we attended an intensive two-day training course run by Dr Griggs and an expert from outside school.

‘Lectures, scenario-based discussions, role play, and simulation exercises helped equip us with a basic tool kit.’

W hen asked how they see their role, the response was immediate: ‘We have to make ourselves easily accessible and easy to talk to: above all we are there to listen, not to judge. But a question we might probably ask is: so what might your next move be, and how might we help you make that move towards a happier place?

‘And of course, a key part of our training was learning to spot danger signals, and learning to know when to pass things on immediately. It’s great that each year group has a personalised Wellbeing programme’ - Wellington introduced Wellbeing and Happiness lessons to its curriculum back in 2006 – ‘which focuses on mindfulness and avoiding harmful thinking-traps, alongside practical advice about sleep, diet and exercise, but it’s good that we are also there to help when things start to go wrong for anyone.’

Emily and Archie; below, pet therapy

FITNESS FOR ITS OWN SAKE

Canford School has found a smart way to motivate students to take up exercise, reveal students Theo Snell and Isla Young

Lower Sixth Former eo couldn’t imagine choosing to go to the gym when he joined Canford in Shells (Year 9), thinking ‘Who would go to a building to pick up and put down heavy objects repeatedly when they could just be watching Net ix?’ He was perfectly happy sticking to the compulsory games slots three times a week, and that was that. Yet through the encouragement of his friends and a number of specialist teachers, getting involved in the gym has played a signi cant part in his overall general health and wellbeing.

‘Despite my upmost objections,’ says eo, ‘I was dragged into the gym by a couple of friends when I was in Fourth Form for a few after school strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions being run by the Head of Athletic Development, Mr Cronin. I have not looked back since. As part of the Athletic Development Program, there are sessions for all year groups, tailoring the content for di erent sports, goals and abilities and having a plan to follow has given me motivation to try and push myself a bit more each session.

‘I know that entering a gym can be an extremely daunting experience for some, but this feeling evaporated for me after one conversation with Mr Cronin. I know from both rst-hand experience and talking to friends, that both boys and girls feel comfortable in a space that they once thought too intimidating to visit regularly.

‘Although it seems Canford could not be doing any more to encourage pupils to exercise regularly and use the gyms to promote their

health and wellbeing, it does not end there. roughout the year we receive various talks from the sports department, in our houses and within our ‘Beyond e Gates’ lessons, discussing methods to promote our general health outside of sport. e two most recent have been a nutrition talk from Mr Cronin and a sleep workshop by Mrs Clinton, the Head of Physiotherapy and Wellbeing. ese talks walked us through the impact our diet and sleep plays on both our physical and mental health.

‘As I’m sure you can imagine, a group of teenagers being told why we couldn’t keep staying up until three o’clock every night, eating nothing but doughnuts made us think about some of the changes we might need to start making!’

Meanwhile, Fifth Former Isla, plays in a number of team sports but it was through rowing’s S&C programme that she discovered the wellbeing bene ts of exercise beyond the main programme.

‘I began to realise, for my own bene t,’ says Isla, ‘how going to the gym made me feel. I could see and understand the value of exploring aspects of my wellbeing and keeping active outside of the main sports. is included creating a gym programme that worked for me.

‘Going on runs with my friends around the Canford grounds in the mornings and evenings is another e ective way of staying active and with such beautiful grounds to run through, we are encouraged to appreciate them for our wellbeing. Time and space to run of your own accord outside of sports sessions gives you the opportunity to have time to yourself, relax and not let any homework stresses get you down.

‘Exercising and maintaining a good balance has been proven to improve mental and physical health and has helped me sleep better. Canford o ers lots of talks surrounding the topic of wellbeing and one of the many useful ones we have had was an interactive talk about women’s health and managing your pelvic oor muscles. I learnt a lot from this talk as it was not something that I had really discussed before, and talking to my mum afterwards, she was pleased to hear that we had received education like this about looking after our bodies.

‘Staying active outside of sport has improved my con dence and my mental health signi cantly and I am really grateful that Canford encourages us to continue staying active outside of the conventional sports teams in such a positive way.’

For more information about the school’s sport and wellbeing programmes, visit canford.com „

Theo Snell

Isla Young

Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery

School Open Morning

Saturday 4 March 2023

9.30am to noon

Boys and girls 3 months to 13 years

IAPS – Boarding and day

To register or to arrange a personal visit, please contact: prep.admissions@bedes.org

T 01323 356939

Senior School Open Morning

Saturday 11 March 2023

9.30am to noon

Boys and girls 13 to 18

(Entry at 13 and 16)

HMC – Boarding and day

To register or to arrange a personal visit, please contact: admissions@bedes.org

T 01323 356609

NEXT-LEVEL LEARNING

Wellbeing has, quite rightly, been at the forefront of educational research and a focus of schools’ development in recent years. e pandemic, cost of living crisis, growing social unrest, and environmental concerns have exacerbated the impact of mental wellbeing on students’ ability to learn. However, much of the focus of wellbeing has been addressed in the pastoral space of tutor time, PSHE classes, and school counselling services. It takes a more nuanced approach to link this with improved learning in the classroom. Finding the right tools to ensure all members of the school community understand the direct connection between how we feel and process information, and how we learn, is important to take student learning to the next level.

Schools now, more than ever, are working with universities and research centres to utilise up to date research, and model this into best practice for students. is crossover is represented in projects such as the Centre for Educational Neuroscience in London, UK, which combines research from University College, London, Birkbeck and the UCL Institute of Education to further understand how to promote better learning. In practice, mental wellbeing for better learning can be understood and implemented in several ways within a school, starting with the importance of teachers knowing students in depth as individuals, and students being able to re ect on and understand themselves.

DLD College London has partnered with

STEER Education to use the latest developments in this area to better support our students.

STEER Education provides the AS Tracking assessment, an online self- assessment which measures and tracks a component of a ective-social self-regulation called Steering Cognition. ey de ne this as ‘the ability to activate, monitor, inhibit or adapt one’s non conscious, automatic a ectivesocial strategies in response to direction from internal cues, environmental stimuli or feedback from others, in order to bring about an intended outcome’.

In other words, this re ective assessment helps schools, and students themselves, to identify how they react to situations, how they create their own resilience habits, and how to apply this to their learning.

Students have responded positively to the time that DLD has dedicated to this element of their development. ‘It’s really interesting to think about who you are and why you think what you do. We get taught about unconscious bias, so it’s good to be able to check those things on ourselves’. Another student commented, ‘it’s made me think about my bedroom and how I like to organise it. I never thought about it before but making some changes has helped me study’. e information that the school receives from AS Tracking is then used to create a bespoke Student Action Plan, to support the individual needs of those identi ed students.

STEER Education has reported that eight out of ten students supported by a Student Action Plan self-regulate more e ectively following this low-level intervention.

Self-re ection and taking resulting action is not a new concept to education. However, it is the manner in which this is done, for evolving purposes, and consideration of context, that is reimagining the learning experience. We are moving forwards, taking into account students’ preferences in how to receive feedback. How such feedback is interpreted can be heavily in uenced by many factors including a student’s culture, their experiences of parenting styles, societies and educational systems, and the emotional space they nd themselves at the time.

DLD College London is particularly aware of these factors, considering the 58 di erent nationalities of students and sta that make up their community. is is an excellent opportunity to continue learning how educationalists can support diverse students in the increasingly international collaborative world in which we live.’

Dr Sarah Watson is Vice Principal (Academic) at urban boarding school DLD College London.

Improving wellbeing has a key role to play in study, says Dr Sarah Watson

Dr Sarah Watson

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SCHOOL’S OUT

CULTURE KIT

Anoop Bhuller brings you the ultimate culture guide for this spring and summer

WHAT TO SEE

TAKE A TRIP ANCHOR COTTAGE, LAUGHARNE

Anchor Cottage, Laugharne, makes a great Welsh base; take a day trip to its mediaeval castle, visit Dylan omas’s Boathouse or try activities such as tobogganing and horse riding. e cottage features an enclosed terrace garden and wood burning stove. From £595 per week, coastalcottages.co.uk

THE SUFFOLK

Newly launched in January this year, e Su olk features custom-designed bedrooms that honour its heritage. e 17th-century building o ers a restaurant, wine bar, two private dining rooms and a rooftop terrace with views over the sea. e suites located on the top oor of e Su olk are perfect for families. Children over four are welcome, and guests have access to the rst oor pantry which is stocked with tasty Pump Street Chocolate. From approx £264 per night, the-su olk.co.uk

THE JOURNEYMAN TREEHOUSE

e Journeyman Treehouse, in rural Herefordshire, accommodates 10 people and comes complete with an outdoor rain shower, pizza oven, private woodland and cinema, making for a luxurious getaway. From £399 per week night (min two), journeymanstudio.com

ON THE STAGE & JULIET

Last chance to see the widely acclaimed & Juliet musical at the Shaftesbury eatre in London in its last year. e show, which takes its cue from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, explores what Juliet would have done if she hadn’t died. In an entertaining twist, the musical features modern pop songs from artists including Katy Perry and Britney Spears. Until 25 March, shaftesburytheatre.com

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

SpongeBob e Musical is going on tour for the rst time. Based on the series written by Stephen Hillenburg, this dazzling production features singers and dancers telling a story that showcases the importance of optimism plus original songs from the likes of John Legend, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and Panic! At e Disco. e cast will appear in London at the Southbank eatre. Tour starts 5 April, southbankcentre.co.uk

SYLVIA

Celebrating the life and activism of Sylvia Pankhurst, with original music from Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, this show can be seen at the Old Vic London. Until 1 April, oldvictheatre.com

ON THE BIG SCREEN

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP:

QUANTUMANIA

Launching into phase ve of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man and the Wasp return in this highly anticipated sequel. e family nd themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, discovering new and remarkable creatures. Starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, along with Jonathan Majors who has joined as Kang.

From 17 February

THE LITTLE MERMAID

e Disney classic returns in May with Rob Marshall’s magical re-make of a mermaid exploring dry land. e cast features Halle Bailey, Daveed Diggs, Jonah Hauer-King and Jacob Tremblay.

From 26 May

ELEMENTAL

Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, Elemental is set to be a great family blockbuster. Based in a city where the residents of all four earth elements live together, two elements, played by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, discover they are more alike than they thought. From 16 June

WHAT TO DO

YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRROR ROOMS

For a magical and immersive experience head to Tate Modern to explore two of Yoyoi Kusama’s In nity Mirror Rooms. Originally created for her 2012 exhibition, the In nity Mirror room shows bright coloured lights stretching into what seems the far distance. e dots even pulse, giving the illusion of movement.

Until 2 April, tate.og.uk

SIX BY NICO

London-based restaurant, Six by Nico, has launched a six-course tasting menu inspired by Peter Pan e ‘Neverland’ menu will feature dishes based on iconic moments from the novel such as ‘Happy oughts’ – aka mac and cheese croquettes, served with gherkin ketchup and a chipotle emulsion. Available until 26 February, the restaurant o ers plenty of vegetarian and vegan alternatives. sixbynico.co.uk

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE

Providing poetry for every mood, Rachel Kelly’s collection of poems is inspirational and relatable to every emotion, whether you are sad or happy. Rachel Kelly is a best-selling author and mental health campaigner, who believes that poetry can be a useful tool to help an individual’s wellbeing. e book is available in hardback, eBook and as an audio book.

Yellow Kite, £16.99

WHAT TO READ

AUDREY

Audrey is an audiobook app that o ers access to classic and contemporary literature. e app is ideal for students who want to engage with literature in a di erent way. Every book on the app comes with character descriptions, chapter recaps and bespoke illustrations. In addition, cultural and historical context is given as well as information about the author. Free to download.

SOUTHBANK IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Head to the Southbank Centre for a family fun day. e annual festival aimed at children up to the age of 11 is set to provide all the best entertainment including children’s theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry and dance. You can even catch the return of Yolanda’s Band Jam, for a daytime rave. Or, there is a chill-out space for both adults and children.

8-18 Feb. southbankcentre.co.uk

WINNIE AND WILBUR THE WITCH: 35TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION

e infamous pairing, Winnie and Wilbur, has returned with a special edition of the series celebrating its 35th anniversary. e book continues to celebrate diversity and friendship as Winnie and Wilbur get into mischief. is special edition includes a gallery of all Winnie and Wilbur’s key memories, as well as unseen artwork.

Oxford University Press, £12.99

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

LIFE’S A BEACH

Rowena le Poer Trench and Kit Mackay go for surf lessons in the countryside at hi-tech, eco-friendly centre The Wave

‘Having surfed in Cornwall for several summers, I was keen to see what e Wave had to o er as an alternative. It’s an extraordinary place: you drive into the middle of the countryside, and there is a giant lake, the size of four football pitches, split in two by a walkway for spectators. Each half has a small shoreline and is shaped like a triangle. e waves ripple out from the far end, up to a thousand per hour, ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to almost 2m (6.5ft) in height, with a new wave produced every 8-10 seconds.

For the beginner session, we had low waves that were slow and even to help everyone get their con dence. Even though I had surfed before it was good to get extra one-to-one tuition, knowing that you would never run out of rideable waves. I appreciated the 30 minutes of training on land before we got in too.

ere are wetsuits to hire and a café. I think we both liked looking through the photos of us sur ng too, although there weren’t many that made us look as nonchalant as we’d felt in the water. I’d really like to go back and have another session at the next stage up, Waikiki, which is for improving surfers who have caught many beginner waves and can ride in the bay with control. After that, e Wave o ers intermediate lessons focused on developing brilliant technique, learning new manoeuvres and building up con dence. You can even have advanced tuition. One thing I appreciate is the centre is eco-friendly. e waves are produced by energy-e cient solar power (using 1kw to create a 6ft wave) and the lake does not waste water. e amount needed each year is about six percent of that used to keep a golf course green.’ Rowena

‘This was an absolute delight! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the modern and well-maintained facilities. e wave pool, in particular, was a highlight, o ering a range of exciting wave patterns and crystal clear, comfortably warm water.

But the fun didn’t stop there – there were also plenty of other things to enjoy, such as the surf shop and a yummy restaurant. e sta were all friendly and helpful and really knew their stu , adding to the positive atmosphere.

Overall, I had an incredible time and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and family-friendly activity. I will de nitely be returning in the future and encourage others to check it out as well. You won’t be disappointed! ’ Kit

WHERE TO STAY:

Combine your trip to e Wave with a weekend in Bristol, and stay at the Hotel Du Vin Avon Gorge, which has unforgettable views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, especially at night.

e hotel has a boutique feel; bedrooms are furnished in dark, distinguished colours - deep blue walls and green suede chairs, with ironic artwork and huge LCD TVs, only dwarfed by the size of the bed. Bathrooms are tiled in marble and provide drench showers. And if you really want to indulge, book the Laurent Perrier suite which has twin roll top tub baths with views across the gorge itself.

e hotel provides a cosy Lounge Bar with an extensive range of cocktails and wine – ideal if you need to warm up after watching your teenager surf for hours. Hunger can be sated at the hotel’s restaurant Goram & Vincent, with its open kitchen for re and theatre, coal- red grills, smoker and bespoke clay ovens.

e menu features hand-cut steaks but there are sh and veggie options, too, such as Cornish mackerel or gnocchi provençale.

Here is where you’ll nd breakfast as well; generous helpings of grilled kippers and eggs Benedict to fortify you for a day spent shopping Bristol’s vintage clothes emporiums or taking a canal boat tour of the river itself.

TEEN VERDICT: ‘Can’t wait to go back’

PARENT VERDICT: ‘Safe and enjoyable way to get into sur ng’

e Wave: Beginner Lesson; wave height: 0.5m (white water); prices from £35 for 90 minutes. e Wave, Washingpool Farm, Easter Compton Bristol, 0333 016 4133; thewave.com

Stay: A two-night break in a deluxe room with dinner, wine and breakfast from £415 at Hotel Du Vin Avon Gorge, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, 0117 4030210, hotelduvin.com

Rowena and Kit at The Wave in Bristol

Fostering an appetite for lifelong learning, in the heart of the Swiss Alps

Building on the long tradition of excellence within the Malvern College family of schools, Malvern College Switzerland offers a unique opportunity to study the British curriculum and gain internationally recognised qualifications in the most beautiful surroundings.

•For children aged 11-18 years

•Pre iGCSE, iGCSE and A Level

•Small class sizes with close personal teaching and learning

•Full boarding with weekend activity programme

• Excellent outdoor pursuits including Ski and Tennis Academies

Places available for September 2023

35 Route du Belvédère 1854 Leysin Switzerland

admissions@malverncollege.ch | + 41 24 477 6000 malverncollege.ch

SPANISH STEPS

Exploring the Andalusian heritage of Pablo Picasso’s Málaga means giving into art, beauty and breakfast, says Victoria Lambert

Bronze statue of Pablo Picasso in Malaga

Walking in the footsteps of Pablo Ruiz Picasso can take you to some of Europe’s favourite destinations: Antibes, Paris, Barcelona. But to understand the Master of Cubism there is no better place to start than his birthplace, Málaga– with its sharp sunlight and long history of changing civilisations.

Here, tucked between Roman remains and the Renaissance cathedral, you can see both the house of his birth and, just 200m away, visit the Museo Picasso Malaga on the Calle San Agustín, which prizes some of his last work, a gift from the family to the city.

And in the dusty Plaza de la Merced, fringed with jacaranda trees, you can even pose with a bronze statue of the artist himself by Francisco López Hernández.

is small area was home to Picasso for the rst 10 years of his life; his nursery school was in the same road, as was his father’s painting studio, where the artist himself began to draw.

But Málaga o ers more to the art lover than Pablo; quite rightly, it now dubs itself the City of Museums, with about 40 exhibition spaces and galleries.

ese range from ancient to modern, with one of the current highlights, a brightly coloured glass-box Pompidou ‘pop-up’ at the harbour itself, in situ until 2025. e Van Goghs, Goyas and Durers of the Carmen yssenBornemisza Collection are unmissable – as is the Museum of Automobiles and Fashion, with its collection of Ferraris, Aston Martins and hats. But you could also stop at the Museum of Flamenco Art, or the Museum of Bull ghting.

e high end commercial galleries and areas of street art are worth a visit, too.

De nitely a time for reappraisal then, especially for those used to seeing Málaga as an airport, a sort of gateway to Andalucia, for the wide sandy beaches and rugged mountains. Visiting out of season, too, is always a smart choice; still T-shirt weather but fewer crowds and shorter queues for the dreamy turrón ice cream at Casa Mira (the city’s most famous ice-cream parlour, established in 1842).

Best of all, Málaga is compact, meaning you can t a lot into a weekend away. Our own three-day break, leaving chilly Gatwick early to make the most of some winter sun, began with a private tour of the city and the Museo Picasso; guide Julián was perfect. A native Malagueño, he was full of anecdotes as well as information.

Beginning at the port, near the Pompidou, we took a look at the city as a sailor might see it rst: tall sandy-coloured buildings, blending back into the hillside, where the two huge citadels, the reddish-stone Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule, dominate the bright blue sky.

First settled in 1,000 BC by the Phoencians, the port has been home successively to Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. It was only in 1487, that Ferdinand and Isabella - the Catholic monarchs who united Spain – conquered Málaga, and the city began to evolve into its modern form.

From our next vantage point at the very top of the town, the terrace of the Mirador del Gibralfaro, the whole of Málaga stretches out before you - the red tiles of the hexadecagon-shaped Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta and its yellow sand centre a particular highlight – to the edges of the Mediterranean. On the clearest day, it is possible to see Africa from here; be warned, Julián has seen it only two or three times in his life, though, so no guarantees.

W hat cannot be seen but is just as much a part of Málaga’s past as its beautiful ruins is the more recent history of its place in the Spanish Civil War. A Republican stronghold, the city was taken by the Nationalists; they executed 4,000 Andalucians in the city and killed many more who were eeing, bombing them as they ran. Later the bullring was used to house prisoners of war.

e advantage of touring with a guide is the additional knowledge they bring; Julián told us of how divided families were, even his own, with brothers turning on each other. It felt like a privilege to learn about Málaga from such close quarters.

Stories of the war remind us of Guernica, one of Picasso’s most famous works, inspired by the carpet bombing (or blitzkrieg) of the eponymous village by German planes, in the Basque region.

Málaga’s museum may not have Guernica - which is housed in Madrid -

Zoe, Rowena and their guide Julián at the Picasso Museum

Poolside at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace

but it can boast a comprehensive array of his work, from early realist pieces painted as a young artist to the blue, rose and African periods, Cubism, Surrealism and later work. ere are sculptures, ceramics and drawings too.

We are haunted most by one of his last paintings; a self-portrait of Picasso no longer able to go to the beach, his eyes both old and young, and so full of sadness.

Outside the museum, once again, and Málaga thrums with life: music, restaurants and theatre. Málaga’s second most famous son is actor Antonio Banderas, who keeps a penthouse about the city, and inspired the refurbishment of the city’s iconic Alameda eatre to become the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank. Banderas is closely involved and has directed and appeared in productions here. He also part owns the tapas bar El Pimpi, a local institution, which is well worth a visit. Housed in old converted stables and cellars it is decorated with barrels signed by visiting politicians and stars, the walls plastered with bull ghting posters.

Our heads full of culture, it seemed only tting to make for the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella, which is a “museum hotel” - and contains more than 1,200 works from sculpture to ceramics to paintings old and new. e pink-hued palace - named for the owner’s father-in-law, the dashing former motor-racing driver Count de Padierna - is grand, built in a mixture of architectural styles, and surrounded by three championship level golf courses.

But it’s still surprisingly intimate with plenty to do. Indeed, if you can’t face the hustle and bustle of Marbella town itself, there really isn’t any need to leave.

For starters, there is the spa - the best in Spain according to the World Spa Awards - with its 2,000 sq/m of Roman baths and multiple steam and sauna rooms, plus a heated indoor pool, fully equipped gym and range of treatments and water therapies.

Putting in the hard work, we tried out the range of steam

rooms and icy plunge pools, plus manicures and massages, and even the hair studio. All were judged excellent by teens and mothers alike.

For foodies, the hotel rises to another level. e breakfast bu et is renowned for its range and the length of time guests - wrapped lovingly in cashmere blankets against the gentle wind - linger over organic, homegrown vegetables, the honey from its own hives, locally made goats cheese or freshly sliced jamón.

But you have to make room for lunch from the poolside cafe La Pergola, which o ers healthy fare - salads and dips - as well as cocktails.

BOOK IT

And then after a siesta in a wide comfortable bed, with a view over the mountains or even to Gibraltar, comes the main event: dinner in La Veranda, an exquisite gastronomic experience. Choose from red tuna tartare or foie gras for a starter, sea bass, lobster or chateaubriand for main courses, do not - I implore you - miss the sou é desserts, and expect extraordinary amuse-bouche, and later trios of chocolate puddings to have with co ee. e wine list is long and impressive, but we were happy to go with recommended glasses to match the courses. In every area, the service at the Palace is impeccable, informed and warm.

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, Urb. Los Flamingos Golf - Ctra. de Cádiz, km 166, 29679, Marbella, Málaga. Suites start at about €580 a night (including breakfast). (+34) 952 889 150; reserveanantara@ anantara.com; villapadierna@anantarahotels.com; villapadierna.anantara. com

Museo Picasso Málaga is open every day, from 10am to 6pm; tickets cost €9.50. A group guided tour costs €85 in English or French + tickets. For more information and booking: reservas@ mpicassom.org; museopicassomalaga.org

If you wake up ready for more action, the sea is still only ve minutes away - and the hotel has a beach club. But you can also hop on a shuttle to the racquet club for tennis, padel or croquet. And dipping into its heritage further, the hotel can organise trips to see the world’s best amenco dancers, cookery lessons, olive oil or wine tastings - and a day trip to Ronda in the mountains, home to the Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans the Guadalevín River, and one of Spain’s most photographed sites.

But a weekend only lasts so long. Luckily the airport is just 50 minutes away so we eke out every last minute by the pool, plotting our return to the museums, and another crack at that breakfast. „

Málaga Cathedral

Bryanston School

MY SCHOOL REPORT

Designer, entrepreneur and inventor Sebastian Conran is chairman of design group Conran & Partners

What school did you go to and when? I went to Bryanston School in Dorset from 1970 to 1974.

Were you a boarder or day pupil? As we had a full-time working single mother, boarding at Bryanston was a very good option for me and my brother, Jasper. Also, being able to spend my formative years in the English countryside rather than London was, in hindsight, a real bonus.

What A-levels did you choose? I was really quite dyslexic (like most of us Conrans), so O-levels were di cult as humanities meant having good handwriting, spelling and grammar. For A-levels, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry felt much easier as there was more of an emphasis on creative rationality rather than spelling. Ironically, I then went to art school to study Industrial Design Engineering at Central St Martins. What were your passions at school? As I wanted to be an inventor when I grew up, making things in the metal workshop and all things scienti c was where my heart was. Having very poor eyesight and thick glasses, it was wonderful being able to do pioneering – which then involved helping to manage the school grounds, as well as getting involved in the construction of school buildings, including the Greek eatre and the old music school – rather than ballbased sports. at said, I did enjoy long-distance running and rowing (although I wasn’t good at either). Did you have a memorable teacher? My chemistry teacher, Douglas Cox; my tutor, Kenneth Greenwood, who was very interesting

to talk to; as well as my housemaster, John Gri n – who was strict but fair. I particularly enjoyed Mr Cox as he got me into photography and he made chemistry very interesting and understandable – I also played Tom Lehrer’s e Elements once at the end of term.

What do you remember about school food? e food at Bryanston was good, but the standard is even higher today. e pupils can join the Food Committee and contribute ideas on what they’d like to see on the menu. ere’s also a lively café with a team of baristas making the co ee, who also double as mentors to the pupils.

Can you recall the smell (and if so what is that)?

Mainly disinfectant.

Any regrets? None that I can think of - apart from being caught being mischievous occasionally! Bryanston was ideal for me and there was a lot to do if you weren’t sporty. It is a pity that the education system did not understand neurodiversity in those days, but Bryanston seemed to get the creative mindset better than most.

Have you been back since?

As a parent, godparent and long-term governor at Bryanston I must have been back 30-40 times. I really appreciated the number of times that both my parents visited – one of the few bene ts of being a child of divorced parents is that they would both visit twice a term!

If there was one perfect day at school you could relive what would it be?

e day after nishing O-levels when the pressure was o . My last day at Bryanston was my saddest „

QUICK FIRE ROUND

MATHS OR ENGLISH? Maths. HOCKEY OR TENNIS? Pioneering or rowing. UNIFORM OR MUFTI? Stylish uniform is much better as it is non-competitive and you don’t think of what you need to wear every day. Also at Bryanston, when I was there, shorts were an option that the cool crowd used to go for (either ludicrously tight or baggy). PIANO OR GUITAR? Trumpet. HEAD BOY OR CHEEKY REBEL? Rock’n’ roll.

Sebastian Conran

NURSERIES

Pupils reading outdoors at Blackheath Prep, London

WHAT IS DRIVING MISS DAISY’S SO WELL?

A new location with outstanding facilities in the heart of Belgravia, Miss Daisy’s nursery schools are winning plaudits from parents, children and Ofsted inspectors, too.No wonder demand is rising

‘We have had an exciting few months at Miss Daisy’s nursery schools, and there is more still to come. Our Belgravia nursery school moved to a brand new location at 28 Eccleston Street, featuring a beautiful new child-led design ethos which facilitates outstanding learning outcomes. Speaking of outstanding, Miss Daisy’s Hyde Park achieved the highest inspection result in November following their first Ofsted visit.

Parents are as delighted with the result as are the team, and this has given the setting a huge boost and recognition that they are one of the best nursery schools in the area. Over on Brook Green, we are extremely pleased to announce that The Brook Green Kindergarten has been acquired by Miss Daisy’s, and we will be moving into the improved site at numbers 69-71, as the new home of Miss Daisy’s Brook Green.

Our 2024 spaces will soon be released and we have seen a huge demand throughout all five Miss Daisy’s nursery schools, so please do visit our website and book to come along to one of our Open Days.

We are keen to be able to offer more flexibility for parents, as well as further improvements to our environments, teaching and learning. Our dedication to every child really ensures that our little ones are supported with a tailored early years experience, setting them up for their next steps - whichever local school that may be, and developing confidence around learning.

Miss Daisy’s has been part of local communities since 2006, loved by children and their parents alike. As we move towards a new term, we are excited to embark on new adventures with our inquisitive little learners.’

NURSERY SCHOOLS

Celebrations, days out and eco classrooms

BICENTARY CELEBRATIONS

Blackheath Pre-Prep and Nursery will be celebrating their bicentary this year. As part of its celebration, lots of activities will be carried out throughout the year, including planting a wild meadow with 200 seed bombs and 200 bulbs. Blackheath prep is a co-educational prep school for children aged 3 to 11. e schools’ facilities include large playgrounds and forest school areas.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

FIRE STATION VISIT

At e Willow Nursery their focus last term was on ‘People who help us in our community’ - and that meant visiting the local re station in Clapham Old Town, which is always such an exciting visit for children. ey learnt all about the special uniform and had the chance to try on the jackets and helmets - which was a particular highlight for one of the future Willow re ghters! e children loved watching the re ghters go down the pole and another excitement was each being able to have a turn with the water hose outside and allowed for an opportunity to jump in the puddles.

MILESTONE CELEBRATION

e Villa Pre-Prep and Nursery is turning 25 this year. e School and Nursery, in the heart of Peckham, started out as one room in a Victorian villa with just a handful of pupils but is now the largest nursery in Southwark, caring for 150 pupils from two- to sevenyears old and is still run by the original proprietor. e Villa will be celebrating this milestone with a large celebration in the summer term, inviting past families to celebrate the current cohorts.

The Mandarin Duckling Nursery has done many fun activities with the children looking into the Chinese tradition and culture for the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The pupils enjoyed role-playing, shopping for the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner and practised using chopsticks. Drinking tea is a part of the Chinese lifestyle, so a tea ceremony was held at the nursery; they loved the experience. There was also time to create a dragon and learn the famous dragon and lion dance.

GARDENING FUN

Tadpoles Nurseries sees its gardens and planting spaces as extensions of its classrooms. With the planting of their own fruit, herbs and vegetables, the children see and begin to understand where food comes from, how they need to respect and nurture the world around us; learning how di erent seasons bring di erent foods, and how the weather, insects, animals, water and light will a ect how their ‘food’ will develop. e green waste goes into the nurseries compost that the children feed back into the soil. Even un-ripened vegetables are used to enhance chutneys and sauces. When it comes to the waste – well almost nothing at Tadpoles is ever wasted.

THE REASON OF RHYME

Award-winning poetry curator Allie Esiri on the pivotal role of nursery rhymes for a child’s future literacy

Nursery rhymes aren’t just a way to have fun with your baby or toddler – they’re also one of the best tools you have to get them ready for school.

A US 2001 study showed children who knew eight nursery rhymes by heart at the age of four would likely be the best readers and spellers in their class by the age of eight. Further research in 2009 shows these bene ts remain even when accounting for di erences in IQ, social background, and starting skills.

So the question isn’t whether nursery rhymes bene t children’s literacy, but how.

e answer is the basic ingredients we expect from nursery rhymes. It’s their rhythm, repetition and rhyme that makes them so useful. ese patterns improve children’s comprehension, while developing phonological awareness — the foundation for spelling and reading.

ere are 44 ‘phonemes’, or speech sounds, in English. Nursery rhymes develop phonological awareness by exposing kids to these sounds and encouraging them to identify, recognise and distinguish them. Nowadays most children learn literacy through phonics — matching letters to the sounds they make. is is much easier if they’re familiar with speech sounds before they start school.

Alliterative or rhyming names like Lucy Locket and Humpty Dumpty help toddlers wrap their heads around speech sounds. Even when nursery rhymes descend into nonsense, their bene ts remain. ‘Hickory dickory’ and ‘higgledy piggledy’ sound like sanity-depleting gibberish, but nonetheless encourage kids to start intuitively noticing patterns in how words sound. Weak phonological skills are a major cause of reading problems down the line, so developing them early is key and an advantage.

Nursery rhymes are also great at developing syllabic awareness – the ability to break words into chunks of sound –because of their rhythm. Amazingly, research shows babies respond to the rhythm or beat of speech before they’re even born, which explains why

songs and lullabies can be so soothing for little ones. Unlike normal speech, nursery rhymes accentuate the rhythm in language, which helps children intuit syllable breaks. is is especially true when accompanied by clapping or action games; in the rhyme ‘Pat-a-cake’, ‘ba-ker’s’ gets two claps. Rhythm also helps children grasp sentence structure, which aids their understanding.

Oral storytelling through nursery rhymes develops comprehension while stimulating children’s imaginations. Plus, many of the words in nursery rhymes aren’t common in daily speech — think bobbin, sixpence, pail and dame. Reading, singing or chanting rhymes is a great way to advance vocabulary growth, which is directly linked to achievement in school.

A key comprehension skill is reasoning – in nursery rhyme terms, the ability to guess the next word or line. In ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes,’ whether a child grasps that it is ‘eyes and ears and mouth and nose’ because their nose was the only thing left on their face, or just because ‘nose’ rhymes with ‘toes’ their reasoning skills are still improving, while actions and repetition cement vocabulary acquisition.

Because of their actions, tunes and games, nursery rhymes are an easy way of introducing literacy skills playfully and creatively; they entertain while bene ting children’s emotional, social, and physical development.

Kids who develop a love of storytelling and wordplay early on have a great head start when they begin school, and are more likely to be avid readers.

Using books like A Nursery Rhyme for Every Night of the Year help nursery rhymes become part of your daily routine, as children learn best in small, frequent chunks. Every rhyme, drawn from across time and across the world, is accompanied by interesting facts to spur you and your child’s imagination.

Allie Esiri’s new, de nitive collection of nursery rhymes, A Nursery Rhyme for every Night of the Year (Macmillan HB, £20), is published in March 2023, featuring beautiful illustrations by artist Emily Faccini. „

Allie Esiri

WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

We’ve all heard of forest school, but what about beach school? Emma Reed uncovers nurseries which teach on the beach

Bede’s Prep School, Eastbourne

Location, location, location. We’re all too aware of its importance when looking for a house, but what about when choosing a school? While many of us may equate time on the beach with a much longed-for holiday, these nurseries and schools have harnessed the advantages of their coastal location, weaving it into the education of their young charges for their immediate and long-term bene t. ere’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship between these schools and their environment. Imagine starting your educational journey with lessons on the beach. Here we look at those lucky ones who don’t have to imagine, because it’s very much part of their everyday life.

Every Wednesday, children in Reception at St Peter’s Preparatory School, Exmouth, pull on their wellies and don bright pink salopettes for a morning spent at Beach School. e school overlooks the Exe Estuary with the seaside a mere ten minutes away. Rachel Jupp, Director of Admissions at St. Peter’s notes that the location helps make learning more tangible for the children. ‘In science, for example, the children are not just taught the importance of protecting our environment, but instead, discover this for themselves. Uncovering aquatic life in rock pools and spotting the endangered birds that call this corner of Devon home, lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature,’ she says. e bene ts of Beach School go beyond topic learning. At St. Peter’s, while the bene ts of children being able to race around in the sea air are obvious, a mindful approach is also introduced. Jupp explains how teachers lead the children through mindfulness exercises on the beach with a particular favourite being ‘earthing.’ ‘It’s a practice that encourages our pupils to attune themselves to this environment, feeling the sand between their toes and the crash of the waves. Incorporating pockets of calm in this invigorating environment teaches children to self-regulate their emotions.’ is is something also espoused at Brighton College Prep School where children are taught yoga on the beach from the age of three. ‘Our children enjoy taking their mindful activities to the beach, facilitating spiritual growth,’ says Leah Symes, Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator.

For young children, the beach acts almost as a giant whiteboard. ‘Our beach school entwines sensory play with education,’ says Jupp. ‘Tracing letters and numbers in this much bigger ‘sand tray’ reinforces the bedrock of regular writing practice and ne motor control.’ Alison Napier, Head of e Prebendal School in Chichester, has seen that children feel the freedom to have a go at something when they are on the beach as there are no mistakes. She cites the example of making marks on the beach and doing sums. ‘ ey are so much more engaged and excited,’ she says. ‘ ey can just take their hand and sweep it across, or the sea is going to wash it away. It’s not like putting it down on paper.’ Following a visit to Arundel Castle, Napier notes how the children’s learning about castles was reinforced by creating their own castles on the beach and talking through their features.

Bede’s Pre-Prep and Prep, located on Eastbourne seafront, also echoes the view that much learning takes place beyond the con nes of the classroom. ‘Learning in a multi-sensory environment helps children remember the skills they are being taught,’ says Lucy Ross. e beach provides learning opportunities across the curriculum: ‘In science, when studying animals adapting to their environment, the beach provides the perfect place to analyse the birds or sea life. For geography, Bede’s fortnightly Beach School gives the pupils the opportunity to study physical geography, carrying out eldwork when looking at coastal erosion and increasing sea levels. Even within art and design, the seashore becomes our pupils’ inspiration. Especially for young children, discovering new sights, sounds and textures in a stimulating new environment encourages their imagination and curiosity. Even our littlest Bedians, our nursery pupils, enjoy daily beach buggy

walks, whatever the weather.’ At Brighton College, the Beach School initiative forms part of the curriculum from nursery up to Year 8 and as the children progress through the year groups they participate in their annual ‘Make a Di erence Day’, taking part in beach cleans helping the local community. With kindness being one of the school’s core values, nursery pupils create ‘Kindness Rocks,’ where they paint inspirational messages on pebbles, leaving them behind for others to nd. ‘To enhance their learning, children collect natural objects from the beach, observe their textures through a magnifying glass and make observational drawings of their discoveries. Storytelling on the beach enables pupils to practice active listening, helping to build focus and attentiveness, and learning is enhanced through team-building exercises such as beach scavenger hunts and stimulating group activities, fostering friendships through discovery and imagination. Our specialist teachers provide an emotionally safe environment for children to explore whilst promoting the importance of staying safe by the coast,’ Symes explains.

In today’s world, children are often wrapped up in cotton wool and not a orded the freedom to explore or test their physical boundaries. is is where Beach School can help. At Prebendal, Napier says that their ethos is to say to the children, ‘ is is your space. is is your freedom.’ ere are no walls for children to bounce o and the barriers are taken away. She explains that the children are encouraged to work out risks safely for themselves, building their resilience and independence. ‘ ey will say ‘can we jump o the dunes?’ Napier says. ‘I’ll say, ‘well how could we do that safely?’ and we’ll talk it through.’ ere’s no such thing as bad weather and Napier mentions that they’ve even been on the beach in the snow. She highlights how the children love being able to be tactile with their environment and seeing how they ourish. ‘It’s about respecting our environment, respecting our space, our community, learning about the planet. ey learn about the moon and the tides and it’s so much more than me just sharing information with them and then us talking about it. It’s transformational.’

At St Peter’s, the Beach School concept comes into play across several

sites as the children progress through the school. In Year 4, a trip to Seaton takes place to integrate with their unit on electricity, Year 5 spend their afternoon ‘golden time’ at their own Beach School, where they learn to be responsible guardians of the coastline and learn about beach safety, and pupils in Year 8 get to challenge themselves in the surf at a weekend residential at Sennen in Cornwall. ere’s also the opportunity to learn how to sail in the summer term.

‘Returning to Beach School throughout the St. Peter’s journey gives all our children the opportunity to enjoy an added dimension to their learning, as well as a myriad of physical and mental bene ts,’ says Jupp.

It’s clear that the beach serves as a wonderful extra classroom for these schools, playing a vital formative role in the learning and the wellbeing of their pupils. I’m sure they would agree with Jacques Cousteau’s view that, ‘ e sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.’ How lucky they are. „

Brighton College Prep School

St Peter’s Prep School, Devon

ADDING VALUE TO THE EARLY YEARS OF EDUCATION

Awarded ‘Top 20 London Nursery’ and offering everything from specialist teaching to outdoor lessons and even a wellbeing dog, North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep Schools prove the real value in a preschool setting.

Celebrating results well above the national average during the formative years of education, North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools develop the fundamental skills upon which children’s future successes are built. With campuses in Hampstead and West Hampstead - both of which feature large, beautifully designed playgrounds – for ages 2 to 7, North Bridge House is focused on providing breadth and depth in the early years of education, to inspire that lifelong

love of learning and to equip little ones with the confidence and resilience to thrive in everything they do.

Specialist subjects are offered from the outset, with Italian, Drama, Music and Dance delivered on a weekly basis in the Nursery. In the 3+ Pre-Reception class, children also benefit from twice weekly French lessons and bi-weekly Forest School, providing them with a wealth of opportunity to develop their cultural literacy, understanding of the world and affinity with nature.

‘Top 20 London Nursery’, NBH Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead boasts eco-friendly classrooms, a sheltered outdoor teaching and play space complete with a vegetable patch, and is home to a much-loved Wellbeing Dog.

‘Our aim is to create a healthy balance between academic development and personal, social and emotional development, connecting children with the world around them to promote key problem-solving skills at the same time as their wellbeing,’ says the Head of School, Eilish Sleator. ‘The school environment itself is designed to stimulate the children through all kinds of sensory, practical and organic experiences, which they can otherwise lack living in central London or surrounded by today’s technology.’

Head of School at NBH Pre-Prep in Hampstead, Michelle Blaber adds: ‘Whether it’s hatching chicks and butterflies, or growing their own basil and parsley, here children have an opportunity to develop a respect for nature, which not only supports the seven areas of learning and development in the early years, but promotes feelings of calm, purpose and self-worth.’

The school’s mastery approach to Maths as well as the Pre-Prep’s philosophy programme further advance academic progress, challenging children to develop a deeper understanding of ideas beyond the EYFS and KS1 curriculum, and boosting their critical thinking and communication skills.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE  B

Thea Jourdan learns how nurseries teach children the art of being social

y the time children go to nursery school at the age of two or three, some of them will be exuberant and ready to make friends, and others will need encouragement just to get through the door.

Nursery schools are ideal places where young children can learn the art of socialising and how to interact with others, and it takes some skill and judgment on the part of teachers and carers to ensure children develop at their own pace and nd the process fun rather than daunting.

Professor Angelica Ronald, the Director at Genes Environment Lifespan laboratory, Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at the Department of Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London says that early socialisation is ‘essential’ for a young child’s healthy development, although it can vary massively.

‘Just because your friend’s child is chatting away and yours isn’t, doesn’t mean there must be something wrong,’ Professor Ronald says, adding that social development is strongly intertwined with the development of communication.

And communication skills are vital not only for children’s cognitive

development but for their emotional growth and cultural awareness. Jonathan Akhurst, Head of Shrewsbury House pre-prep and early years in Esher, Surrey, stresses that every child is unique and needs a di erent approach. ‘ e key thing is that each child is an individual and we embrace them for who they are.’

Exuberance is encouraged, Akhurst says, although children, aged from three upwards, are taught that they have to consider the thoughts and feelings of others. Shy children bene t from the very successful buddy system that was brought in three years ago. ‘Every child that enters nursery has a buddy in Year 2 and they meet to play together, have lunch together and look out for each other,’ explains Akhurst.

‘It’s a way of developing con dence and social skills for the younger children while the older children gain a sense of personal responsibility while honing their leadership skills. We need our children to feel comfortable and safe as a baseline so they can grow as individuals.’

Empathy for others is also one of the school’s key focus areas, he says. ‘We encourage role modelling and carpet discussions when children talk

about how they are feeling. All the children at the school are involved in performance and production, including leading assemblies, so they do get opportunities to express themselves in front of others.’

Children at e Willow Nursery School in London, are helped to overcome a major hurdle even before they even start. ‘I believe the biggest social challenge for our new children is that this will be the rst time most of them will be leaving their family for a period of time and away from the only comfort zone they know,’ explains Tess Shepherd, Head of the independent nursery school in the heart of Clapham Old Town for two-and-a-half to ve-year-olds.

‘So for any new child starting at e Willow we have a morning where they can come in with their family and see e Willow Day in action for an hour and settle down to a small world activity. e day before they are due to start we invite them in again to pick up their smock, meet their teacher again and remember the setting. In essence we are providing and facilitating them with a really important bonding experience with ourselves and the other children in their class before they begin.’

She says Covid has had an impact on the children entering the school in the past few years. ‘We have noticed an impact on communication and language, social skills (sharing, for example) and resilience. However, it has been commented to me over the past two years, from parents, that the bond between siblings, because of lockdown, has become so strong because they couldn’t socialise with others and that can only be a strong positive for the future.’

Taking reminders of home to school - a special bunny, pillow or comforter - can help children feel more comfortable until they feel con dent to manage without props. ‘ e more con dent the child becomes, the ‘special item’ can sit and watch them from the side, then in our going home box, then on their peg,’ says Tess Shepherd.

Developing friendships is also encouraged as a key way to provide a

Painting in the garden at The Willow Nursery

Children socialising in the playground at Miss Daisy’s Nursery

sense of security, belonging and reducing stress. ‘It provides them with invaluable tools related to personal, social and emotional development which is proven to boost happiness and self esteem and makes them have an understanding that there are similarities and di erences between themselves and others.’

It’s not just children who are encouraged to make friends with their peers. e Willow Nursery School also places a major emphasis on helping parents to connect through a parent’s network and a Willow Family Whatsapp group.

Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools in London, located in Chelsea, Hyde Park, Brook Green, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, say that they o er ‘a strong sense of community and a place where lasting friendships are formed.’ Zanna Clarke, Principal of the Miss Daisy Group, says that looking after the wellbeing of each child is of the utmost importance, with safety at the forefront. ‘Pastoral care is the most important part of what we do. In our schools, children feel safe and that there is love in the walls.’

She points out that many of the children attending the nurseries in the heart of London are foreign nationals or speak multiple languages at home. ‘London in particular is a rich melting pot of di erent nationalities and many of our families come from overseas. In some cases, a child may have three di erent languages spoken at home – mum and dad, and the nanny all having di erent rst languages.’

A welcoming environment is important for the parents, too. ‘As a mummy myself, it was really scary when I had to send my little boy to nursery school by himself for the rst time,’ explains Clarke.

‘Even though I have spent my career working with children, and have told many other parents on a child’s rst day that ‘everything will be ne’, it was still like cutting my right arm o when I had to walk away and leave him. Our team is very aware of the emotional vulnerability that many children can feel when they rst start at nursery as often it is the rst time they have been parted from their families – it is a big step for children and parents alike.’

e schools’ buildings are designed to allow children free ow through the space, so they can move between activities and make friendships more easily. e new Belgravia site has just been fully refurbished to create a child-centred space with an emphasis on sustainability, outdoor learning experiences and development of gross motor skills.

Education Content Manager Clare Robinson at N Family Club nurseries, based all over London and the South East, says children are given many opportunities ‘to develop their social skills, being gently supported to play cooperatively, take turns and share resources and understand respecting others personal boundaries and space. ey also enjoy a wide range of social experiences, supporting their con dence to engage with others.’

Families are brought in with opportunities to meet other members of the parent community and foster relationships. ‘When a child joins, it is not just about them becoming part of the nursery family but about their parents and other relations too.

‘ is helps create a social atmosphere with lots of opportunities for interaction that also encourages many of our families to meet outside of the nursery. ese relationships go on to exist even when children have moved on to primary school.’

And labels are left at the door, she says. ‘We purposefully do not label children as ‘shy’ but there may be children who nd it more challenging to form social relationships, for a wide variety of reasons. We explore what these causes could be and plan speci cally for children’s level of development, meeting them where they are at.

‘Some children may be naturally quieter or enjoy more time alone or one-to-one, whereas other children love to socialise and enjoy a group atmosphere, just as adults vary in these ways too.’

e nurseries are designed to provide the right spaces for all children’s needs, adds Clare Robinson.

‘Some children may prefer to communicate in a smaller space with fewer people, for others the outdoors is their most comfortable space. We ensure that these di erent opportunities are always available.’ „

Playing with water at N Family Club Nurseries

St Hilary ’ s Preparatory School

At Grismdell, Mill Hill Pre-Prep, we educate boys and girls from 3-7 in Mill Hill, North West London. We pride ourselves on our connection with the outdoors. That is why we have extended our o ering to become a full-time Nursery with pupils spending half the day in our Nursery setting and half the day in our newly refurbished Forest School.

This is the perfect opportunity to start your child’s educational journey with a hybrid of indoor and outdoor learning, all within our beautiful grounds.

The Gardens Daycare & Nursery School

Hurlingham Nursery

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 £986 per month. 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 park 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, kind and caring, and genuinely love working 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, London SW15 6EH

WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1947

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 100

AGES: 2-5

FEES: £3,335 (Nursery 5 sessions) £5,275 (Nursery 5 full days). We offer the 15 or 30 hours Universal Funding to those who are eligible.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Richard McLelland

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth.

CONTACT: Anna Williams, Nursery School Administrator, 020 8874 7186

EMAIL: nursery.office@hurlinghamschool.co.uk

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 week Forest School option.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and sport are all co-ordinated by specialist staff. The children enjoy regular music, movement, yoga, karate and outdoor learning, including Forest 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 kind place where adults are extremely caring and pupils are considerate towards others. A pupil summed this up by commenting: ‘children are kind and we share what we have with one another’.’ Ofsted, February 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 Bridge 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 weeks of holiday club are offered to allow parents to opt in for specific weeks required, without having to financially commit to a full 50 weeks a year. (This excludes a 2-week period over Christmas and Bank holidays outside).

Happy, Confident, Independent.

Children develop a sense of belonging, respect and autonomy of voice through a varied and well-directed early education.

Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools (Dolphin School Trust)

Ringrose Kindergarten Chelsea is a traditional English nursery school situated in the heart of Chelsea for boys and girls aged between 2 to 5 years.

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

ADDRESS: Dolphin branch London SW11, West Side branch London SW18

WEBSITE: www.noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1986

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approx. 63

AGES: 2-5

FEES: (termly) £2,200

HEAD TEACHER: Sam Gosden

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Visit, then offers for siblings first, then in order of date of registration.

CONTACT: Mrs Vivienne Benson. Admissions Registrar

EMAIL: admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Visits 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 kind 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 Ark provides a great framework 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.

Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School

At Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep, we o er an excellent academic provision combined with outstanding pastoral care for boys and girls from Nursery to Year 2.

To book a personal tour with the Head or for more information, please contact the Registrar: jakhurst@shstrust.net | 01372 462781

www.shrewsburyhousepreprep.net

22 Milbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EA

The Willow Nursery

The Oval Montessori Nursery established in 1989, provides a happy, nurturing environment for 20 children from two and a half years to five years in a truly unique and magical park location.

We want you to feel confident that at The Oval Montessori Nursery,in Vauxhall Park we deliver the most stimulating and flexible learning programme where each child’s needs are planned and provided for.

Call 020 7735 4816 for the perfect start to your child’s education or email enquiries@theovalmontessori.co.uk

LONDON SCHOOLS

Pupils at The Falcons Pre-Preparatory

Broomwood Hall Lower School

(Broomwood Pre-Prep & Little Broomwood from September 2023)

Broomwood Hall Upper School

(Broomwood Prep, Girls from September 2023)

ADDRESS: The Vicarage, 192 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8RQ 50 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8TE

WEBSITE: www.northwoodschools.com

FOUNDED: 1984 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: Co-ed, 3-8 (3-7 from 2024)

FEES: Day, £6,140 (22 23). Fees are inclusive of all tuition, lunch, compulsory school trips and most schoolbooks and equipment

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Caron Mackay; Group Principal: Kevin Doble

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: C of E – but all welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Little Broomwood register from 12 months; Reception: random ballot 18 months pre-entry

CONTACT: The Admissions Team: 020 8682 8830

EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Regular Friday showarounds.Open Mornings 10 March, 4 May and 6 Oct 2023. Booking essential

THE CURRICULUM: Broad, modern, and innovatively designed to provide mastery of the building blocks of education in an inclusive, exciting, and enjoyable way. Specialist teaching in arts, sport, music, and French from the off. Strong emphasis on maths mastery, ‘the big write’ and thematic learning. ‘Learning Powers’ of Confidence, Resilience, Communication, Curiosity and Independence embedded in all we offer.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Emphasis on building confidence, skills, and enjoyment: PE and games five periods per week. Weekly art, drama, and music. A multitude of clubs include karate, coding, art, and cookery and more. Each year group has 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 walk from each other. Each site is small and intimate enough for all children to be well-known to all staff. We have a strong pastoral team which includes learning support, a full-time school nurse and a qualified school counsellor.

MOVING ON: Automatic entry - providing they are right for the child - to Broomwood Prep, Boys (currently Northcote Lodge) or Broomwood Prep, Girls (currently Broomwood Hall Upper School).

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happiness and well-being go hand in hand with ambitious academics. Modern, innovative teaching is tailored to the needs of younger children to deliver an outstanding education that excites, stimulates, and nurtures in equal measure and leaves them brimming with confidence, ready for the next stage.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Shortlisted for Pre-Prep School of the Year in 2021 and 2022. ‘Excellent in all areas’ in 2022 Independent Schools Inspection. Together with Broomwood Hall Upper School and Northcote Lodge, re-branding as BROOMWOOD from September 23, inspiring children aged 3-13 to ‘ BeYourBEST’. Part of the Dukes Education family.

ADDRESS: 68-74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR

WEBSITE: www.northwoodschools.com

FOUNDED: 1984

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 8-13 (7-13 from 2024)

FEES: Day, £7,535 (22 23). Fees inclusive of all tuition, lunch, compulsory school trips and most schoolbooks equipment

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Louisa McCafferty; Group Principal: Mr Kevin Doble

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: : C of E – but all welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry from Broomwood preprep at 8 (7 from 2024); additional places at 11. External candidates via digital testing Head’s interview

CONTACT: The Admissions Team: 020 8682 8830

EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings 10 March, 4 May and 6 Oct 2023 Booking essential

THE CURRICULUM: A broad and stimulating mastery approach, with technology used at every level fosters a love of learning and bolsters selfconfidence, creativity, and critical thinking, helping girls to maximise their potential. 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 and 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, academically and socially prepared to tackle the future with confidence.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 25 percent of leavers win awards across all areas at both 11 and 13. 17 scholarships to 11 schools in 2022. Senior exit schools include mix of London day (e.g. Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Francis Holland, JAGS, Streatham Clapham High, Woldingham) and out of town boarding (e.g. Benenden, Bradfield, Downe House, Marlborough, St Mary’s, Ascot, Sherborne, Wellington).

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We prepare for life, not just the next school. Girls are stimulated, supported, and stretched in equal measure and helped to develop the essential skills of creativity, critical thinking, resilience, independence, and confidence that are so important for future success.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The only all-girls’ prep school preparing for both 11 and 13 in SW London. Broomwood girls are happy, confident, rounded individuals who are well prepared for future success. ‘Excellent in all areas’ in recent ISI Inspection. Together with Broomwood Hall Lower School and Northcote Lodge, re-branding as BROOMWOOD from September 23, inspiring children aged 3-13 to ‘ BeYourBEST’. Part of the Dukes Education family.

Northcote Lodge

(Broomwood Prep, Boys from September 2023)

ADDRESS: 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL

WEBSITE: www.northwoodschools.com

FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250

AGES: 8-13 (7-13 from 2024)

FEES: Day, £7,535 (22/23). Inclusive of all tuition, lunch, compulsory school trips and most schoolbooks equipment

HEAD TEACHER (and GROUP PRINCIPAL): Mr Kevin Doble

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: C of E – but all welcomes

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry from Broomwood preprep at 8 (7 from 2024); additional places at 11. External candidates via digital testing Head’s interview

CONTACT: The Admissions Team: 020 8682 8830

EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Regular Friday showarounds. Open mornings: 10 March; 4 May; 6 Oct 2023. Booking essential

THE CURRICULUM: Boys thrive in our busy, friendly environment with outstanding teaching that stimulates, stretches, nurtures and develops ‘the whole child’ for entry to top secondary schools at 11 and 13 – both in and out of London.

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 programme includes karate, coding, and spy club. Thriving and vibrant music, drama and art departments with ambitious projects, multiple ensembles, and exciting performances.

PASTORAL CARE: Our tutor system ensures that each boy has someone looking out for him over and above the care he receives from every staff member. The small and friendly community enables staff and boys to get to know each other well. Parent partnership is actively encouraged, and the headmaster’s door is always open.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 2022 Leavers won 14 Scholarships: academic (8), sport (2), drama (3), music (1). Exit at 11 or 13 to mix of London day (e.g., Alleyn’s, Dulwich, Emanuel, Whitgift) and out of town boarding (e.g., Bradfield, Brighton, Cranleigh, Charterhouse, Harrow, Marlborough, Sherborne, Tonbridge, Wellington)

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘The whole child is the whole point’: academic rigour, a focus on traditional manners, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, holistic pastoral care and most importantly, a school that puts boys’ happiness centre stage to enable them to fulfil their academic potential.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We really understand how to get the very BEST out of boys, giving them an outstanding all-round education in a stimulating, yet nurturing, learning environment whilst also enabling them to experience the BEST of all worlds through close collaboration with our sibling Girls’ prep. ‘Excellent in all areas’ in recent ISI Inspection and shortlisted in 2021 and 2022 for Prep School of the Year. Together with Broomwood Hall Lower and Upper Schools, re-branding as BROOMWOOD from September 23, inspiring and equipping children aged 3-13 to ‘#BeYourBEST’. Part of the Dukes Education family.

Bassett House School

Chepstow House School & Little Chepstow Nursery

ADDRESS: 60 Bassett Road, W10 6JP

WEBSITE: www.bassetths.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120

AGES: 3-11

HEAD TEACHER: Kelly Gray

FEES: (termly) £3,386 - £7,053

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 Marketing 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 take 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 making 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 London’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 Friday’s a highlight. We take 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 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QS

WEBSITE: www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk

FOUNDED: 2010

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 AGES: 2-11

FEES: (termly) £3,690 – 5 half day sessions, Eight Sessions (3 full days 2 half days) £5,870.00 and Nine Sessions (4 full days 1 half day)

£6,600.00 (Nursery – we do not offer different arrangements for half or full days); £7,785 (School)

HEAD TEACHER: Angela Barr

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. 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 and the 13 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 weekly 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 London, 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, speaking and mathematics. ‘They develop excellent creative and aesthetic skills in art, drama, music and cookery. Their physical development is excellent.’ (most recent Ofsted report)

Dolphin School ( Incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools)

Dulwich Prep London

ADDRESS: 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW

WEBSITE: www.dolphinschool.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1986 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 166

AGES: 2-11

FEES: Termly: Nursery £2,200; 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; For Year 1–6, assessment day and past school reports

CONTACT: Vivienne Benson, 020 7924 3472 ext 2

EMAIL: admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk

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, hockey, 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 known 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 Field, 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 skilled staff Dolphin School provides a fantastic all-round education allowing children to be known, heard and to have joy in finding their interests and gifts.

ADDRESS: 42 Alleyn Park (Years 1 - 8), 8 Gallery Road (Early Years), Dulwich, London SE21

WEBSITE: www.dulwichpreplondon.org

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 843

FOUNDED: 1885

AGES: Boys 3–13, Girls 3–4

FEES: Early Years – Nursery Reception, £5,000; Pre-Prep – Years

1 2, £5,760; Lower School – Years 3 4, £6,535; Middle Upper School –Years 5 to 8, £7,315

HEAD TEACHER: Louise Davidson

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective, main entry points are Nursery (3 ), Reception (4 ), Year 3 (7 ) and Year 7 (11 )

CONTACT: Viki Cryer, Registrar; 020 8766 5525

EMAIL: admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Tours are available during term time; please visit our website to book.

THE CURRICULUM: An innovative and challenging curriculum that seeks to foster a growth mindset in all pupils. At Dulwich Prep London we believe that there is no limit to a child’s potential.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport, music, drama, art, and DT all play a fundamental part in daily life at Dulwich Prep London. We champion the ability to play sport or be creative with intelligence and passion, and we recognise the benefits of both.

PASTORAL CARE: At Dulwich Prep London pastoral care is the starting and endpoint of all we do, we recognise its importance, underpinning every element of a child’s education. Our years of experience working with boys up to 13 years old, ensure that we understand the unique physical, emotional and developmental challenges they face. We treat every child as an individual, nurturing the necessary skills and support to equip them for their future.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Between 2020 and 2022, over 200 scholarships have been awarded to top senior schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Miss Davidson is passionate about boys learning holistically, building good character and developing meaningful skills for their future. She effectively strikes a balance between the school’s heritage and traditions with the need to be at the forefront of what is new and best in education.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: For the boys at Dulwich Prep London, their time is about more than preparation for exams; it is about preparation for life. We believe an education rooted in teaching character is what sets our boys apart. We uphold eight values (Love, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice, Service, Self-discipline and Honest) which underpin a holistic education; these values allow our boys to flourish.

Eaton House The Manor & Eaton House Belgravia Nursery Schools

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School

ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA

WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com

FOUNDED: 1993 2017

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 64 in total

AGES: 2 – 4

FEES: (termly) from £640 for one afternoon to £3,665 for five mornings. Costs vary with time slots.

HEAD TEACHER: Roosha Sue (EHTM); Graeme McKirdy (EHB)

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective

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: An ISI Report in 2022 rated Eaton House the Manor ‘Excellent’. Our nurseries are a constant hive of activity where children are happy, busy and curious to learn. Every child is challenged at their own level in a kind and caring atmosphere and the sky is the limit. Individual and small group work allows both nurseries to constantly assess each pupil’s individual strengths. There are many activities on offer, from sports and swimming to IT, drama and design in our brand new state-of-the art nurseries.

GAMES & THE ARTS: At the Manor, large wooden blocks and sand and water develop fine and gross motor skills, with free flow out into the playground that allows children to play in an inviting space. At Belgravia, children enjoy a dedicated, educative environment in a wonderful mansion house nursery. All children take part in our annual Nativity.

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 unique. 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 cooking, yoga and pottery to languages. Our children leave school-ready, confident and eager to continue their learning journey.’ Graeme McKirdy (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 take risks 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 Dukes Education family.

ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU

WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com

FOUNDED: 2008

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 260

AGES: 4-11

FEES: (termly) £6,300 (Kindergarten to Year 3);

£7,360 (Year 4 – Year 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 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: An ISI Report in 2022 rated Eaton House the Manor ‘Excellent’. ‘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 risktaking are two essential ingredients in Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School teaching. Girls leave for a range of schools, including St Paul’s Girls’ School, JAGS, Alleyns and Wycombe Abbey.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Being regularly active enhances the girls’ physical and emotional health. They have access to excellent facilities both indoors and outdoors. We teach our girls how to generate meaningful ideas for themselves, and actively encourage a fresh, imaginative responses. Music is strong and varied throughout the School.

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 new head says, ‘One of the most important things for me is the strong pastoral care at Eaton House, as I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing.’

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2022, the girls received an outstanding 30 Scholarships and Awards to JAGS, Streatham & Clapham High School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Francis Holland, Woldingham, Sherborne Girls’ School, Emanuel, St Catherine’s School, More House and Roedean.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2022) comments on the School’s leadership ‘vision.’ Mrs Fildes, who joins the school as Headmistress from Bute House in September 2022, says: ‘I want the girls to achieve their full academic potential whilst allowing them the space to become confident and kind, ready to take the next steps on their journey as strong, impressive and independent-minded young women.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: There is a ‘sky 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 take on the world. Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School is part of Eaton House Schools and the Dukes Education family.

Eaton House The Manor Boys’ School

Eaton House Belgravia

ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU

WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com

FOUNDED: 1993

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 417 (Pre-Prep & Prep)

AGES: 4 – 13

FEES: (termly) £6,300 (Pre-Prep); £7,560 (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’. The Good Schools Guide (2022): ‘This is a school with excellent academic outcomes, good value added and consequently one of really high expectations.’ We strive to nurture every boy to achieve his chosen senior school. 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 2022, including an Academic Scholarship to King’s College, Wimbledon, a Starred Pass to Eton and Choral, Music and Sports Scholarships at Dulwich College.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2022) comments that Mrs Segrave ‘lives and breathes Eaton House.’ She feels that: ‘A school is a place where children grow, guided by teachers who are determined that they succeed and are happy.’ Eaton House The Pre-Prep’s Headmaster, Mr David Wingfield, is a maths specialist, praised as one of ‘the most motivated teachers we have ever met.’ Tatler (2021)

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 Boys’ 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 and 2017

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 240 (Pre-Prep and Prep)

AGES: 4 – 11

FEES: (termly) £7,235 (Pre-Prep); £8,015 (Prep)

HEAD TEACHER: Huw May

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, offsite 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: This is a happy school, full of energy, fun and laughter. Wellbeing is central to the school’s philosophy and the ‘nurturing staff know their boys and care for them.’ Good Schools Guide (2022). Our buddy system integrates new boys, together with the House system. Form teachers ensure the boys’ emotional development is supported. Parents are encouraged to talk to teachers when they pick up their sons.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Boys 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 Fields. Prep exit schools at 11 have included Westminster Under, Dulwich College and Merchant Taylor’s School.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Good Schools Guide (2022) says Mr May is ‘ambitious for his school, shows vision and is full of enthusiasm for developing each boy’s all-round potential, emotionally as well as academically.’

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.

Eaton Square Prep School

Heathside School Hampstead

ADDRESS: 55-57 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH

WEBSITE: www.eatonsquareschools.com

FOUNDED: 1981 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 260

AGES: 2-11

FEES: (termly) from £7,665

HEAD TEACHER: Trish Watt (Headmistress)

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Registration encouraged from birth. For Reception entry, an informal assessment takes place in the November of the prior-planned entry year. Occasional place for other year groups are available

CONTACT: Registrar; 020 7225 3131

EMAIL: registrar@eatonsquareschools.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Regular Open Mornings. Private tours or meetings with the Headmistress and or Principal can be arranged

THE CURRICULUM: Eaton Square is renowned for its stimulating, rigorous and tailored academic programme, enabling pupils to fulfil their potential in all areas of the curriculum. Based on the National Curriculum, consistently exceptional 11 and 13 Common Entrance results are achieved.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is impressively strong and wide-ranging at Eaton Square. National success is a routine part of school life: last year’s accolades included IAPS Football winners, ISA Nationals Swim champions and RYA Sailing Gold Medallist. Creative self-expression is a valued, integral part of the curriculum, be it through Art, Music, Drama, Debating or Public Speaking.

PASTORAL CARE: The wellbeing of every pupil is a fundamental priority at Eaton Square. Pastoral support rated ‘Excellent’ by all recent ISI inspections. The school offers a unique ‘The Listening Space’ programme for all pupils, plus ‘worry post boxes’ for children to post any concerns in confidence. School in Top 3 ISA Schools 2021 for its commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 37 scholarships offered 2021- 2022. School offers included: Radley, Winchester, Cheltenham Ladies College, JAGS, Francis Holland, Alleyn’s, Dulwich, Queen’s Gate and more.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We ignite a passion for learning in our pupils, exposing them to a broad curriculum, dynamic classrooms and opportunities to discover who they are and what place they wish to take in the world. Our nurturing ‘home from home’ environment is underpinned by our ‘POISE’ values: perseverance, ownership, integrity, service and empathy.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Unrivalled academic achievement with no ‘hot-house’ culture, and proven by the outstanding senior school destinations of Year 6 pupils. School also champions confidence and communication skills: as an accredited Tedx Centre, pupils audition, rehearse and perform on Tedx’s global platform – achieving 5 million views to date. A certified ‘Eco-School’ with pupil-driven Eco Comittee.

ADDRESS: 84a Heath Street, Hampstead NW3 1DN

WEBSITE: www.heathsideschoolhampstead.com

FOUNDED: 1995

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200

AGES: 2-13

FEES: (termly) £5,881 to £6,658

HEAD TEACHER: Nadia Ward

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-academically selective. Children invited for a taster day and school requests last two school reports

CONTACT: Admissions Department; 020 3058 4011

EMAIL: admissions@heathsideschoolhampstead.com

SCHOOL VISITS: School tours are held weekly during term time for all year groups and open days held termly. Ad hoc tours can be arranged by appointment

THE CURRICULUM: Heathside is non-academically selective, and students are supported to become confident, independent learners achieving high academic standards. Small class sizes ensure teaching is tailored so every child gets the best from each lesson.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Clubs include capoeira, chess, choir, coding, debating, drama, fencing and science. Specialist sport teachers coach a range of team sports and arrange fixtures with schools in the area. All children take part in two performances each year and music groups play regular concerts.

PASTORAL CARE: The wellbeing of all pupils at Heathside is of paramount importance and pupils are supported to develop healthy and happy friendships with their classmates and peers. A team of student Wellbeing Champions works with school leaders to help promote wellbeing throughout the school. If a class teacher has any concerns about any pupil’s wellbeing, they can call on the school’s Place2Be counsellor to provide support. Mindfulness is taught using specialist curriculum, Dots.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Westminster, Haberdashers’, South Hampstead High School, Channing, Francis Holland, Aldenham, Emanuel.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Heathside is friendly, inclusive and academic. Children and young people are really happy at Heathside. The atmosphere is relaxed, but academic standards are high. What makes Heathside special is the focus on each individual student, giving them the confidence to feel they can succeed and go on to the next step of their learning.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A village school with a global community, Heathside welcomes families from across the world. Heathside parents are hugely supportive and play a key role in shaping the future of the school. It is set in the historic centre of Hampstead, a few minutes’ walk from Hampstead Heath, where the children play at lunchtimes.

Devonshire House Preparatory School

Discover our welcoming and outstanding prep and pre-prep in Hampstead, with its own nursery for children from 2 years old

Tel: 020 7435 1916

Email: enquiries@dhprep.co.uk

Website: www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

To book an open morning visit or arrange a private tour please visit our website or contact Admissions @DHSPrep Follow us

Hurlingham School

Kew College Prep

ADDRESS: 122 Putney Bridge Road, Putney, LondonSW15 2NQ

WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1947

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 330

AGES: 4-11

FEES: Lower School (Reception to Form II) £6,210, Upper School

(From III to Form VI) £6,425

HEAD TEACHER: Simon Gould

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective

CONTACT: Fiona Driver, Admissions Registrar, 020 8874 7186

EMAIL: admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk

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, hockey, cricket, athletics, ballet and karate. These are all taught by specialists both on-site and in Wandsworth Park and Rocks Lane. 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 know 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 (Feb 2022 – available on website).

ADDRESS: Kew College, 24-26 Cumberland Road, Kew, Surrey TW9 3HQ

WEBSITE: www.kewcollegeprep.com

FOUNDED: 1927

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 296

AGES: 3–11

FEES: ( Termly) Nursery(half-day) £2,690; Nursery(full day) £4,725; Reception to Year 6 £4,725

HEAD TEACHER: Jane Bond BSc 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@kewcollegeprep.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, French, history, geography, ICT, music and sport.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Netball, hockey, cricket, 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 work 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 16 scholarships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are a purposeful, hardworking and nurturing school that keeps 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 thinkers 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 London secondary schools. We have a unique 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’.

Kew Green Preparatory School

ADDRESS: Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green TW9 3AF

WEBSITE: www.kgps.co.uk

FOUNDED: 2004

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 270 (135 boys, 135 girls)

AGES: 2-11

FEES: £6,632 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@kgps.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment or Open Mornings: www.kgps.co.uk/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 knows every child. Relationships are strong, children are happy, well-motivated and confident to ask questions, make mistakes 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, Francis 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. Focusing 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. Consequently, 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 banks of the River Thames. It feels like a country school while it is very much in London.

Open Morning

Friday 10th March 2023

9am - Arrival and Coffee | 9.30am - Head’s Welcome Talk 10am - School Tours

Book your place at: www.milbourneloge.co.uk/admissions

Places available for Reception and 7+ entry in September 2023

Register now for Reception Entry in September 2024

Milbourne Lodge offers a traditional, very personalised education for energetic, bright pupils in pursuit of excellence. The school motto says it all really –“ad optima petenda”, in other words, “strive for excellence” -

‘Outstanding in All Areas’www.milbournelodge.co.uk

Orchard House School

ADDRESS: 16 Newton Grove, London, W4 1LB

WEBSITE: www.orchardhs.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1993

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 269

AGES: 3-11

FEES: (termly) £3,386 – £7,053

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 Form 1 upwards after a taster morning and academic assessment.

CONTACT: Director of Admissions and Marketing

EMAIL: registrar@orchardhs.org.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Individual and group tours available weekly. Several open mornings held every year. Contact the registrar to arrange visits

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 & Latymer, St Paul’s, Westminster, Frances 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.

NURTURING POTENTIAL

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.

Miss K Coles -

Headmistress

Sarum Hall School 15 Eton Avenue, London, NW3 3EL

020 7794 2261 admissions@sarumhallschool.co.uk

www.sarumhallschool.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School

North Bridge House Prep School

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) £6,632 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, Latymer, University College School, Ibstock 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 question, 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.

ADDRESS: North Bridge House Prep School, 1 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 7AB

WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com

FOUNDED: 1939

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 AGES: 4-13

FEES: (yearly) £20,193 – £21,855

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Le Tissier

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Families meet with the head teacher. Children joining from Reception to Year 2 are invited for a stay and play. For 7 entry and above, there is a maths and English assessment

CONTACT: Admissions office 020 7428 1520

EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Open events held year-round; check northbridgehouse.com open

THE CURRICULUM: Children benefit from specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Music and PE from Reception. Pupils are stretched and supported beyond that of a typical junior school setting, progressing to an increasingly broad and ‘knowledge-rich’ curriculum. Geography and History are taught as discrete subjects from KS2, which also sees the addition of Critical Thinking, Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The curriculum is innovatively designed to prepare pupils for various senior school entrance exams.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is essential to pupil wellbeing and growth. Disciplines range from traditional track and field to more alternative fencing and street dance. Regent’s Park is the playground and home of sport. The arts are key to the curricular and extra-curricular offering, and contribute exhibitions, plays and concerts to the school calendar. North Bridge House has multiple choirs, an orchestra and several brass bands, and pupils achieve highly in LAMDA.

PASTORAL CARE: With an embedded wellbeing programme and dedicated pastoral leads, the school promotes children’s personal and emotional growth. Staff are committed to cultivating character and nurturing confidence. There is a strong sense of community in the small tutor groups and wider school. Happy children learn best and at North Bridge House, the results speak for themselves.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils are placed at leading senior schools with academic, Art, Music and Sport scholarships.

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: All North Bridge House pupils can transition from nursery to sixth form without entrance examination pressure. From Year 5, pupils are taught entirely by subject specialists as the school works closely with families to choose the right senior school for each child, celebrating many scholarship offers.

St Anthony’s School for Boys

St Anthony’s School for Girls and St Anthony’s Nursery

ADDRESS: Junior School: Reception – Year 3, London NW3 6NP; Senior School: Year 4 – Year 8, London NW3 6AA

WEBSITE: www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1893

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 285

AGES: 4-13

FEES: (termly) Nursery £4,800 (full days) or £2,800 (half days); Junior House £7, 055; Senior House £7,285

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

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-working boys. Excellent senior school offers. Fostering creativity and critical thinking. Love of learning beyond the classroom. A school defined by service and leadership.

ADDRESS: Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX

WEBSITE: www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk

FOUNDED: 2016

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 80+

AGES: 2.5 – 4 (boys and girls), 4 – 11 (girls)

FEES: (termly) Nursery: half days, £2,925; full days, £5,015. St. Anthony’s Girls: £6,600

HEAD TEACHER: Donal Brennan

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic, all faiths welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. The school has an inclusive policy and all girls’ needs are assessed on entry

CONTACT: Margaret Vaughan, School Secretary

EMAIL: admissions@stanthonysgirls.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Private school tours can be arranged upon request

THE CURRICULUM: The curriculum offers pupils a greater depth of experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education in a happy, secure and stimulating environment.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The sporting activities available include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and team games. Individual musical tuition is offered in violin, drumming, piano and singing. LAMDA lessons are available to 7+ pupils.

PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on the high-quality pastoral care on offer. Pupils feel safe, secure and valued as part of the St Anthony’s family. They are taught the importance of caring for their emotional wellbeing and work in an environment where they can freely express concerns or anxieties. The curriculum provides valuable learning experiences which promote practical life skills in independence and resilience.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic scholarships and means tested bursaries are available.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘The social, moral, cultural and spiritual development of children is the most integral part of my role as Headmaster of St Anthony’s School for Girls. I deem it my duty to help shape young minds into morally and ethically responsible individuals and to inspire children to seek the opportunities in life that will lead them to become valued members of their society.’ – Donal Brennan, Headmaster.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas, St Anthony’s School for Girls provides a safe, nurturing environment for young girls to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. The small class sizes and individualised curriculum enable the teachers to tailor learning to the needs of each child, therefore enabling success in all curriculum areas: academic, sporting and creative. A wide range of extra-curricular activities are held before, during and after school hours.

St Philip’s School

ADDRESS: 6 Wetherby Place, London SW7 4NE

WEBSITE: www.stpschool.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1934

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approx. 100 boys

AGES: 7-13

FEES: (termly) £6,475

HEAD TEACHER: Alexander Thomas

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, welcomes all faiths

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth, entry by assessment

CONTACT: 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

White House School

THE CURRICULUM: A broad and liberal curriculum which prepares pupils forwell for the ISEB Common Pre-Test, Common Entrance and scholarships whilegiving 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 week including: cricket, rugby, hockey, athletics and cross-country. Music is an intrinsic 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 cricket and fencing to ornithology and astronomy.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is particularly strong with excellent individualised support in a caring environment with a strong Catholic ethos. Parents often say that the school feels like an extended family to them and their children.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Eton, Harrow, City of London, Charterhouse, Worth and Ampleforth.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are a Catholic school and our patron Saint Philip 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 Saint 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 London, Dulwich, Eton, Harrow, KCS Wimbledon, St Paul’s, Westminster, Winchester.

ADDRESS: 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF

WEBSITE: www.whitehouseschool.com

FOUNDED: 1985

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 175

AGES: 3-11

FEES: (Termly) Reception – Year 2, £5,300; Year 3 – Year 6, £5,750

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 work 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 . Future 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.

Alleyn’s is where 400 years of history meets the exciting energy of South London. Dynamic, enterprising, creative and full of fun for boys and girls aged 11-18. We offer a range of scholarships and means-tested bursaries. To learn more about life at Alleyn’s please visit our website.

www.alleyns.org.uk

Townley Road, Dulwich, London SE22 8SU

Each day, discovery

Eltham College is a co-educational day school which welcomes girls and boys for entry in Years 3, 7 and Sixth Form.

For more information, visit: www.elthamcollege.london/admissions

Grove Park Road, London, SE9 4QF

All Children Can Achieve

Burlington House School is a group of specialist day schools for pupils aged 7-19 years old which focuses on helping pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and associated needs to reach their potential.

Burlington House o ers and encouraging and nurturing environment along an engaging and varied curriculum with outstanding specialist and therapeutic support to allow all children to achieve.

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.

DLD College London

For more information, visit cityoflondonschool.org.uk

DISCOVERY THROUGH

JUNIOR SCHOOL 5+

You

Visit

ADDRESS: 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7F

WEBSITE: www.dldcollege.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1931

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400

AGES: 13-19

FEES: Domestic day students: £25,500

HEAD TEACHER: Irfan Latif

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All religions welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective based on interview, school reports and reference

CONTACT: Admissions

EMAIL: dld-admissions@dld.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Private tours welcomed by appointment, termly open evenings. Details at dldcollege.co.uk

THE CURRICULUM: Innovative offering delivers a hybrid of the best of traditional and modern: interdisciplinary learning for our new Year 9, GCSEs offered with BTEC Awards options, A-levels or BTEC Diplomas.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We excel at creativity and have many opportunities across art, design, graphics, photography, media, film and drama. Weekly PE lessons use the on-site gym or local outdoor sports area. Clubs include basketball, boxing, football, yoga, circuit training and badminton.

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 UK school to receive the Gold Standard Boarding School Mental Health Award, we are STEER accredited and a beacon school, able to demonstrate proactive, targeted, evidencebased pastoral care. Also winners of recent ISA and BSA Awards in the Wellbeing category.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: Russell Group universities, specialist colleges in the UK plus USA and overseas universities. Application support from specialist University 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, deliver.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A distinctive, multi-awardwinning boarding and day school with ultra-modern educational facilities on the South Bank, overlooking the Houses of Parliament. Described by the Good Schools Guide as ‘one of the most unique and exciting schools in Britain’ and recommended by Tatler as ‘pioneering a modern alternative to traditional boarding schools’. DLD offers an innovative curriculum and courses, future-proofing students and creating unique learning opportunities. Year 9 opens September 2023.

Teaching pupils between the ages of 10 and 18, we are one of London’s leading independent day schools.

are unique, and with our excellent teaching, caring community, and breadth of opportunities you will thrive and fulfil your potential.

e r Iwant to be

TheMightyGirlsChallenge showsmewhatIcando.

BL A CKHE A TH HIGH

Our girls are encouraged to be brave, ambitious and curious through our Mighty Girls Challenge programme.

Where girls boldly go

blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

Halcyon London International School

Kew House School

ADDRESS: 33 Seymour Place, London W1A 5AU

WEBSITE: www.halcyonschool.com

FOUNDED: September 2013

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 180

AGES: 11-18

FEES: £30,000 per annum

HEAD TEACHER: Barry Mansfield

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview and potential test

CONTACT: 020 7258 1169

EMAIL: admin@halcyonschool.com

SCHOOL VISITS: Campus Open Houses, Tuesday 24 January 2023, 1000-1130, Tuesday 21 February 2023, 1000-1130. Virtual Open Houses, Monday 12 December 2022, 1300-1415, Tuesday 31 January 2023, 1300-1400, Tuesday 28 February 2023, 1700-1800

THE CURRICULUM: Halcyon offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for Grades 6-10 (Ages 11-16) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11-12 (Ages 16-18).

GAMES & THE ARTS: Basketball, Football, Tennis, Swimming, Robotics, Model United Nations, Debate Club, Track Field, Table Tennis, Art Club, Music, Design.

PASTORAL CARE: Our Wellbeing Programme is integrated into student life at Halcyon. Our students thrive, academically and socially, in a learning environment that values, uplifts and nurtures every voice. Our approach incorporates social and emotional learning with dynamic mindfulness to support students in developing these skills.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: University of Cambridge, NYU, Brunel University London, Anglia Ruskin, Dartmouth College, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Halcyon is a leading International Baccalaureate school for students aged 11 to 18 - the only not-for-profit one in London. Our mission is to provide an exceptional education that draws out the unique potential of each student. Students collaborate with teachers and their peers, achieving ambitious academic goals and confidently meeting high levels of personal growth. Halcyon delivers a unique, research-driven approach to wellbeing. Students feel valued, confident and secure.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Ofsted ranked outstanding, 100% pass rate, an average points score of 36, Highest point score awarded was 45 (out of 45), 25 of students scored 40 points and higher.

ADDRESS: 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0E

WEBSITE: www.kewhouseschool.com

FOUNDED: 2013

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 593

AGES: 11-18

FEES: (termly) £8,073

HEAD TEACHER: Will Williams

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All Faiths

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exam and relaxed interview

CONTACT: Dawn Hassett

EMAIL: admissions@kewhouseschool.com

SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment or Open Event: www.kewhouseschool.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. By 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 key 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 University of Oxford.

Maida Vale School

North Bridge House Senior School

ADDRESS: 18 Saltram Crescent, London W9 3HR

WEBSITE: www.maidavaleschool.com

FOUNDED: 2020

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Maximum 600 students

AGES: 11-18

FEES: (termly) £8,073

HEAD TEACHER: Steven Winter

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 Victorian building. The Victorians believed in light-filled classrooms with high ceilings and large windows, something from which Maida Vale School certainly benefits. We have, however, taken the school into the 21st Century and Maida Vale is fitted with cutting edge facilities and equipment.

ADDRESS: Senior School Hampstead, 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5UD Senior Sixth Form 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) £21,855 – £23,14

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; check northbridgehouse.com/open

THE CURRICULUM: Highly qualified teachers deliver broad academic and creative curriculums, tailored to challenge and stimulate pupils according to individual needs. The curriculum is designed to promote resilience and adaptability while ensuring 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 the Inspiring Futures Programme.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The broad-ranging games curriculum is designed to promote pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing and provide a sport for everyone. Students frequent 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, wellbeing and a warm community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils receive offers from a range of places, usually accepting from 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 work with UCL’s Institute of Education on research-informed teaching methods.

Portland Place School

Wetherby Senior School

ADDRESS: 56-58 Portland Pl, London W1B 1NJ

WEBSITE: www.portland-place.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1996

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 215

AGES: 10-16

FEES: (termly) Day School: £7,845, Hybrid School: £4,000

HEAD TEACHER: David Bradbury

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Attend Interview, provide a reference and complete a 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 benefit from visits to art and performances on offer in London. 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 fixture, because we recognise that sport develops self-confidence 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 as ‘small, nurturing and refreshingly relaxed. A haven of creativity in the pushy, academically competitive world of London day schools. Portland Place also offers a unique Hybrid School for Years 6-11, combining four days of online teaching with the option to attend the school in person one day a week.

ADDRESS: 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU

WEBSITE: www.wetherbysenior.co.uk

FOUNDED: 2015

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 415

AGES: 11–18

FEES: (termly) £9,060

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 Visitor Mornings held throughout the year. Booking is required.

THE CURRICULUM: We remain academically ambitious for our pupils. Our rigorous and rewarding curriculum, taught by dynamic and experienced staff, 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) and use of Ealing Trailfinders. Year 7 taught a brass instrument, with tuition for other instruments, plus music ensembles, and a choir. The drama department produces three productions annually.

PASTORAL CARE: Wellbeing underpins all we do and, with just over 400 pupils, we are proud to know 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: 84 per cent of pupils achieve their first choice university (2021 results). Recent destinations include Russell Group universities in the UK, and top institutions in continental Europe, like Bocconi and IE Madrid, and universities in North America like NYU, UPenn, Northeastern, Notre Dame, and Toronto.

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 UK and overseas.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An extraordinary London school, a springboard to the world. Since our foundation, we have grown to over 400 boys, with alumni at top universities across the UK, Europe and North America. We now occupy two beautiful buildings in W1, with state-of-the-art facilities for science, art, music, drama, sport and more.

Transforming boys’ lives through education…

Whitgift is one of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10 to 18. Set in 45 acres of parkland, we offer pathways for IB and A Levels. To find out more about our School, please visit our website

UCS Pre-Prep NW3 5LF | UCS Junior Branch NW3 6QN | UCS Senior School NW3 6XH (Boys aged 4-7) (Boys aged 7-11) (Boys aged 11-18 & Girls aged 16-18)

COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Banstead Prep

ADDRESS: Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RA

WEBSITE: www.bansteadprep.com

FOUNDED: 2017

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 235

AGES: 2-11

FEES: (termly) £3,940 – £5,065

HEAD TEACHER: Jonathan Chesworth BEd. (Hons.)

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Nursery visit term before entry. Reception entry via assessment events. Years 1 – 5 taster day

CONTACT: Adrienne Forster, Head of Admissions & Marketing

EMAIL: admissions@bansteadprep.com

SCHOOL VISITS: For event dates and Virtual Open Day visit bansteadprep.com/admissions

THE CURRICULUM: Tailored learning designed to ignite curiosity and encourage a willingness to try. Banstead Prep inspires children to aim high and dream big. Emphasis on developing skills for life and delivering a modern education that prepares our children for an exciting future.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Our impressive facilities, sport for all approach and specialist art, drama and music teaching spaces enable us to offer and to actively provide a broad, rich curriculum and co-curricular programme to a high standard.

PASTORAL CARE: At Banstead Prep we challenge, develop and nurture every child. We want every child to be free to be themselves. Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing is critical to our success as a school and wider community.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2020, Banstead gained seven academic, art and sport scholarships. Then in 2021, eight academic, art, drama and music scholarships and in 2022, two academic scholarships and one drama scholarship.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: School should be fun. Offering an exceptionally broad curriculum and co-curricular programme creates opportunities for children to be excited by and truly engaged with their learning and leads naturally to academic progress.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Banstead Prep School has been rated Excellent in all areas in an ISI Inspection in September 2021. The school provides wraparound care from 07:30 – 18:00 and an in-house holiday club. Sports facilities include an on-site swimming pool, allweather pitch, netball court and full-size sports hall. Children of all ages benefit from subject specialist teaching and use of dedicated teaching spaces for art, drama, food technology, music and science. Forest school for children in nursery to Year 2 and life skills lessons for children in Years 3 – 6 encourage the development of independent learning and creative problem solving skills.

Bedales School

ADDRESS: Church Road, Steep, Petersfield GU32 2DG

WEBSITE: www.bedales.org.uk

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 754 in total

FOUNDED: 1893

AGES: 3-8 (Dunannie); 8-13 (Dunhurst); 13-18 (Bedales)

FEES: (Termly) Nursery per day: £482-£668; Dunannie: £3,680£4,855; Dunhurst: Day £6,245-£6,920; Boarding £8,190-£9,195; Bedales: Day £10,515; Boarding £13,380

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. For Dunhurst and Dunannie, visit bedales.org.uk/opendays. 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, hockey 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, 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 key 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 UK 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.

Cranleigh School

Cranleigh Preparatory School

ADDRESS: Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ

WEBSITE: www.cranleigh.org

FOUNDED: 1865

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 409 boys, 290 girls

AGES: 13–18

FEES: Boarding, £42,720 annually; day, £35,175 annually

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Martin Reader MA (Oxon), MPhil, MBA

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: To learn about the admissions process for both 13+ and 16+ entry, please contact our admissions team directly

CONTACT: Alex Forsdike, 01483 276377

EMAIL: admissions@cranleigh.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Please e-mail admissions@cranleigh.org if you wish to book a visit. Visit www.cranleigh.org/admissions

THE CURRICULUM: A broad fourth-form curriculum leads into an options system allowing between nine and ten GCSEs. At sixth form pupils take A-levels with the option of adding EPQ and Pre-U. Classes are a good size (approx. ten in sixth form), and extra support is readily available.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Outstanding facilities include a huge sports centre, indoor pool, equestrian centre, 31 pitches and a golf course. The music school features a wide range of ensembles and top-class practice/ performance facilities; drama has its own modern theatre, while Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and canoeing are popular. The Woodyer Art Studios provide some of the best art facilities in the country, with specialist provision for painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics. The Design Engineering department has three design studios and workshops, including 3D printing facilities.

PASTORAL CARE: Cranleigh’s philosophy is to nurture pupils as individuals, ensuring happy and fulfilling school years while preparing them for the wider world. The housemasters/mistresses, matrons and personal tutors who closely follow their tutees’ progress, deputy heads and chaplain all play a key part in the pupils’ pastoral care.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 99 per cent go on to higher education, with around 80 per cent getting into their first-choice university (including Oxbridge, Bristol, Durham, LSE, UCL) in recent years.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Family values feature strongly at this ‘local boarding school’. A highly regarded school/home partnership enables pupils to remain close to family while participating fully in school life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The 280-acre setting and outstanding facilities offer an enviable environment in which to develop in both academic and co-curricular spheres. Cranleigh believes feeling valued within various spheres impacts positively on grades, and results in confident, open-minded individuals who leave with lifelong friends.

ADDRESS: Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH

WEBSITE: www.cranprep.org

FOUNDED: 1913

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320

AGES: 7-13

FEES: Boarding (Forms 3 to 6), £27,150 annually; Day (Forms 3–6), £22,485 annually; Day (Forms 1 and 2), £17,325 annually

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Neil Brooks

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Age appropriate assessments and report from the head of the pupil’s current school

CONTACT: CJ Staples, Head of Admissions

EMAIL: cjs@cranleigh.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact Admissions to book a school visit: www.cranprep.org/admissions

THE CURRICULUM: A stimulating academic programme, leading to Common Entrance or scholarship exams at 13+. Latin from NC year 6. Food tech, music, drama, art and DT are part of the balanced curriculum.

GAMES & THE ARTS: An outstanding reputation for sport, with individual pupils and teams regularly playing at county and national level. The arts are an integral part of the school, with excellent plays and concerts throughout the year and a brilliant, inspirational art department.

PASTORAL CARE: A warm and welcoming atmosphere is present from a child’s first day. There is a remarkable sense of community, and of pupils and staff working together. Form tutors are a constant source of encouragement, praise and advice, supported by a strong pastoral team within this very happy school.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 28 scholarships in 2021, 227 scholarships over the last five years.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We focus on enabling each child to fulfil their intellectual potential, while encouraging them to find enjoyment, and to seek success from their participation, at whatever level in the many artistic, cultural and sporting opportunities available. We believe that children should grow up with an understanding of the importance of personal responsibility, respect and teamwork.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school is set in 40 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, less than 50 minutes from London with first class sports and music facilities and an exceptional art department. Unique pastoral care in a wonderfully relaxed, inspirational environment leads to outstanding academic results.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR OPEN MORNINGS, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM OR EMAIL: OPENMORNING@COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM

TEL: 01293 520648

Dunottar School

ADDRESS: Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL

WEBSITE: www.dunottarschool.com

FOUNDED: 1926

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460

AGES: 11–18

FEES: £6,430 for Direct Debit payments and £6,515 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 cricket, 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 setbacks 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.

BOYS AND GIRLS | AGES 8 TO 13 ESCORTED TRAIN SERVICE TO LONDON

‘PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR’

TATLER SCHOOLS AWARDS 2020/21

MULTI AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION

HMC Independent Day and Boarding School for boys & girls aged 4 to 18 years

Regular virtual and in person visitor events. For more info 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

Open Mornings

Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 March

Saturday 14 October Find

weDuetohighdemand, nowhaveanextra Year3classforSeptember

Hundreds of individuals. One community.

A leading independent, co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18 in Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR.

enior choo Open Morning

Friday 3rd March, 9 15am

Please book visa our website www.farringtons.org.uk/admissions/ open-mornings-school-visits

#OneFarringtons

“Pupils are passionate, motivated & enthusiastic.”

(ISI report, 2022)

175 acres of freedom outside every door of the school

OPEN MORNINGS

SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2023

SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2023

Transformation through education

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

Edgeborough

ADDRESS: 84 Frensham Road, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3AH

WEBSITE: www.edgeborough.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1906

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 370

AGES: 2-13

FEES: (Termly) £3,857 – £6,263

HEAD TEACHER: Daniel Cox

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England: All faiths welcome

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Tour with Admissions Registrar followed by taster day. Reports requested from current school

CONTACT: Deborah Tully

EMAIL: admissions@edgeborough.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Friday 10th March and Thursday 8th June. Booking through school website

THE CURRICULUM: Alongside Common Entrance in Maths, English and Science, the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) is taught, offering a broad-based, ambitious academic and creative extra-curricular programme that allows children to excel and find their talents and areas they are passionate about.

GAMES & THE ARTS: With 50 acres of countryside, sport is key to daily life at Edgeborough. The school delivers a hugely varied programme of competitive team sports as well as swimming, athletics, tennis, cross country and climbing. Performing arts are integral to the curriculum with an extensive variety on offer in music, dance, drama, art, DT and design.

PASTORAL CARE: Children’s wellbeing, self-esteem and happiness are the centre of the school’s ethos. The school provides an intimate learning environment and exceptional pastoral care embedding a sense of independence, self-reliance and confidence where mutual trust and respect between pupils and staff are the fundamental guiding principles, and above all, encourage good citizenship.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Charterhouse, Cranleigh, Lord Wandsworth College, Wellington College, RGS Guildford and Bedales.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our determination to protect childhood coexists with our ambition for pupils to grow academically, socially and emotionally. The Edgeborough community inspires its pupils, promoting self-discovery; encouraging expression of individual beliefs and values, while at the same time, building strong relationships with everyone they encounter. Kindness and respect towards others, ourselves and the world around us is at the heart of the school. We endeavour to be forward thinking and progressive, enabling our children to recognise the importance of giving back to others.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Excellent teaching staff with high academic standards and a broad-based curriculum. Strong emphasis on the cross-curricular. Outdoor learning is a large part of everyday life. Children are encouraged to try new interests and take risks in a safe, supportive environment, building resilience for future challenges. All individual pupil achievements are celebrated and everyone is taught to celebrate others. Pupils leave well prepared academically and socially for a smooth transition into later life. ‘Inclusive, ambitious and a huge amount of fun’ The Good Schools Guide.

Farleigh School

ADDRESS: Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire SP11 7PW

WEBSITE: www.farleighschool.com

FOUNDED: 1982

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460

AGES: 3-13

FEES: (termly) KG: £2,070; Pre-Prep, £4,155; Year 3 day to Year 8 boarding, £7,145-£10,025

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. Boarders and day pupils alike 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 (Canford, Rugby, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne), All-rounder (Dauntsey’s, Downe House, Sherborne), Art (Benenden, Rugby, St Mary’s Calne), Drama (Marlborough, Sherborne Girls), Music (Godolphin, Marlborough) and Sport (Canford, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls).

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 all-weather pitch and tennis courts, theatre, indoor swimming pool, Forest School, huge variety of after school activities and wrap around care.

Homefield Prep

ADDRESS: Western Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2TE

WEBSITE: www.homefieldprep.school

FOUNDED: 1870

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 330

AGES: Independent day school for boys aged 4 to 13

FEES: (termly) from £3,550 to £5,150

HEAD TEACHER: Mr John Towers

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Academically Selective

CONTACT: Mrs Sue Evans, Head of Admissions Marketing, Tel: 020 864 0965

EMAIL: registrar@homefieldprep.school

SCHOOL VISITS: Prospective parents are warmly welcomed to attend a tour or visit an Open Morning

THE CURRICULUM: An exciting and broad curriculum specifically designed for boys allows for the integration of academic, physical, and social skills to develop independence, both in learning and overall school life.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Our impressive facilities, extensive playing fields, specialist Art and DT studio, new performance hall, along with our dedicated music teaching spaces enable us to provide a broad, rich curriculum alongside an outstanding extra-curricular activities programme.

PASTORAL CARE: We ensure that our boys are provided with the structure to be confident and self-motivated, with a keen emotional intelligence and sense of moral and civic responsibility. There is a strong and supportive system of pastoral care, anchored by well-established tutorial and House systems. Boys have significant and high quality contact with pastoral teachers and thrive on very clear structure, routines, expectations and reward.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: Hampton, King’s College, Eton, RGS, Trinity, Whitgift, Westminster.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: As well as academics, personal interests and passions are cultivated at Homefield; whether they are artistic, linguistic, sporting or social. We challenge our boys and are very ambitious for every one of them. We encourage a young ‘renaissance man’, an enlightened individual who can do all things if he will .

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Exceptional academic success (grammar school offers and scholarships). Depth of specialist teaching. Happy, well rounded and polite boys. Founded in 1870 and one of the oldest boys’ prep schools in England. Recent £8 million investment in school redevelopment has provided the highest facilities for our boys in an eco-friendly way.

Pennthorpe

ADDRESS: Church Street, Rudgwick, 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: Mrs Lydia Waller

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 9th March and Thursday 4th May 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 requires 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 weekly art, drama, DT and music sessions with specialist staff, in addition to LAMDA, using our state of the art facilities on-site. Furthermore, 4 sport sessions per week 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 qualified in supporting the wellbeing of young people and act as tutors, champions and mentors. The pastoral programme enables staff to hold regular emotional temperature checks, 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 equestrian.

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 work hard and embrace the opportunities a school like Pennthorpe provides.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Whether it’s academic achievement, consideration and kindness 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-knit community, each child is treated as an individual and embodies the ‘Pennthorpe Purpose’ with our motto ‘Born not for ourselves alone’ weaved into everything we do.

King Edward’s Witley

ADDRESS: Witley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG

WEBSITE: www.kesw.org

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 440

AGES: 11-18

FOUNDED: 1553

FEES: Lower school boarding: £11,790; day £5,960. Forms 3–5 boarding £11,790; day £7,185. (Pre-) sixth form boarding £12,250; day £7,555

HEAD TEACHER: Joanna Wright BA

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11, 13 and 16 via entrance examination and interview.

CONTACT: Justin Benson, Registrar, 01428 686735

EMAIL: admissions@kesw.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 choice of A-levels or the IB Diploma programme in the Sixth Form. Young people discover new skills, talents and enthusiasms and are encouraged to set their sights high. Our rich co-curricular programme broadens their horizons.

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 rock music.

PASTORAL CARE: All pupils benefit from small class sizes and our House system with its supportive pastoral networks 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 440 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 unique heritage and place among British 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-thinking and global minded community. It is a wonderful place to be.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: In 2022, 77 percent of IB students got A -B A-level equivalent. 97 percent of GCSE grades at A -C in all subjects. Weekly and occasional boarding and a flexible day. Easy rail links – 51 minutes from London Waterloo.

Radnor House Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks Prep School

ADDRESS: Combe Bank Drive, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6AE

WEBSITE: www.radnor-sevenoaks.org

FOUNDED: 2016

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 530 boys and girls

AGES: 2-18

FEES: (termly) from £4,110 to £7,250

HEAD TEACHER: Fraser Halliwell

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Prep pupils attend a taster day. Written assessment, interview and school references from Year 5 upwards. Sixth Form offers based on GCSE grades

CONTACT: Katie James, Admissions Registrar; 01959 567166

EMAIL: admissions@radnor-sevenoaks.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly private tours, small group tours can be booked on the website. Open Days: Prep in March or Senior in Oct

THE CURRICULUM: As a forward-thinking through school and member of Round Square, our full and exciting curriculum includes creativity in all its forms; genuine intellectual challenges, physical development, teamwork and leadership skills, moral, social, cultural and spiritual development, service to the community and to the world at large. Students study a broad range of subjects at GCSE and A-level.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is for all, with football, cricket, hockey and swimming for both boys and girls. Weekly fixtures take place from Year 3 as well as inter-house competitions. There is a large number of co-curricular clubs each week including swim squads, outdoor education and performing arts clubs. Every pupil has the opportunity to take part in a drama production whether on stage or behind the scenes.

PASTORAL CARE: Our priority is to create a secure, happy and active learning environment where everyone is accepted for who they are, celebrated for what they are good at, challenged and supported to grow in areas of weakness. Our small class sizes, wide ranging co-curricular opportunities, and values-based ethos support our outstanding pastoral care provision.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Pupils have gone on to a range of courses at universities including University of Oxford and Russell Group universities.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We firmly believe that all pupils are capable of great things if effectively taught, motivated, and inspired by their school environment. Fostering intellectual curiosity and a thirst for learning in every individual is at the heart of what we do through a varied and engaging curriculum with personalised support in class, the sports arena, creative arts programmes and our wide-ranging co-curricular experiences.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our school values of Excellence, Perseverence, Courage and Respect underpin every aspect of life at Radnor House from Nursery to Sixth Form. In celebrating every individual through our small class sizes and personalised approach, we do so much more than ensure that our pupils are well qualified. Pupils develop an intellectual, moral, social, physical, and spiritual robustness that allows them to become active and responsible young adults equipped to thrive in the world of tomorrow.

ADDRESS: Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0JU

WEBSITE: www.theprep.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1919

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400

AGES: 2-13

FEES: Nursery and kindergarten from £416 per session per term or £820 for a full day. Annual fees: Reception, £12,144; Years 1-2 £13,854; Years 3-8 £16,785

HEAD TEACHER: Luke Harrison

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but accept all faiths

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: TJ Richards

EMAIL: admissions@theprep.org.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: The school is open to visits and tours any day during term time

THE CURRICULUM: Our children feel challenged within a happy, diverse community of learners. They are stretched at a time appropriate to them, producing their individual best without unwarranted pressure. The academic curriculum is enhanced by activities including forest school, coding, debating and critical thinking.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Creativity and energetic self-expression are encouraged throughout the school. Drama and music afford many opportunities from orchestras, choirs, rock bands, house plays to school productions – both on stage and behind the scenes. We enjoy excellent facilities on our 25-acre site and believe that sport is for all. From Year 3, all children have opportunities to represent the school competitively in a range of sports.

PASTORAL CARE: Our ethos is one of nurturing each child and supporting parents and children alike. We understand that children are individuals who mature at different times and in different ways. The children are encouraged to work and play according to our Way of Life which encourages pupils to be responsible, kind and empathetic.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2022, all Year 8 leavers were awarded places in their senior schools of choice, some with academic, sport, drama and music scholarships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The Prep is a family school that values every member of its community. The school achieves tremendous academic success and encourages its pupils, among other things, to tread the boards, play for sports teams, perform in music concerts and participate in after-school clubs.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We place great value on giving pupils the opportunity to flourish in all areas of school life. They achieve excellent academic results in 11+ and 13+ examinations and scholarships. Underpinning the success of the school is our ethos and core values referred to as our Way of Life and this was reflected in our recent ISI inspection which graded us excellent in all areas.

Mayfield

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

THURSD AY 9 TH F EBRUARY 2023

SATURD AY 2 5 TH MAR CH 2023

TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CON TACT MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@M AYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

WWW.M AYFIELDGIRLS. ORG

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Exceptionaleducationthatfizzeswithpositivity andstartsfromLowerSchool

WehelpyourchildfindtheirownvoiceinMiddle School

InternationalBaccalaureate(IB)Diploma Programme&AdvancedPlacement(AP)courses 45minutesfromcentralLondon&20minutes fromHeathrowAirport

FROM TOP SPOTS TO OLD SPOTS

The UK’s International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team is made up of the country’s top six school-age mathematicians. Two Tonbridge boys were selected to represent the UK at the most recent competition in Oslo. This was only the second time in two decades that two IMO members had been chosen from the same school.

Also known for their intelligence are our Old Spots – a versatile breed of pig that are great favourites here in our School Orchard, and along with our bees provide valuable lessons of a slightly different kind.

Arrange a visit: admissions@tonbridge-school.org tonbridge-school.co.uk

Westbourne House

ADDRESS: Coach Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BH

WEBSITE: www.westbournehouse.org shm

FOUNDED: 1907

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 388

AGES: 21 2 – 13

FEES: £4,030 (Reception), £6,915 (Day pupil Year 5), £8,565 (Weekly Boarder), £9,275 (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 20 May 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 work, 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 selfknowledge, humility and an adventurous attitude that is often remarked 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 know every child well and play active roles in their wellbeing.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, 10; music, 3; sport, 12; all-round ability, 3. 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 our pupils to make the most of every opportunity and be the best that 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.

You want your daughter to achieve academically but you want her to be intelligent in other ways too – to be confident socially, to have a strong moral compass, to shape the world around her, to believe in herself.

At St Catherine’s we support your daughter in building the intellect and character that will help her develop as a bright, confident, compassionate and vibrant individual. At the heart of this is developing her sense of self-belief, that she can achieve whatever she is driven to do in life.

Tuesday 7th February 2023

Thursday 16th March 2023

Wednesday 10th May 2023

Friday 23rd June 2023

Walthamstow Hall Junior School

Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks

ADDRESS: Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LD

WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 135 AGES: 3-11

FEES: (termly) Nursery, £340 per session; Reception to Year 2, £4,210; Year 3 – Year 6, £5,390

HEAD TEACHER: Stephanie Ferro

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: Open Week from Monday 30 January - Friday 3 February 2023. To book go to walthamstow-hall.co.uk. To visit at another time please contact Mrs Alex Knight registrar@whall.school

THE CURRICULUM: A broad and well-balanced curriculum is taught by committed teachers. Learning outside the classroom, including Forest School onsite, and half-termly whole school theme days, e.g. Courage Day, Environment Day, Community Day are cornerstones to a creative curriculum.

GAMES & THE ARTS: An extensive extra-curricular programme encourages the exploration of a diverse range of sporting and artistic interests. Pupils are taught by dedicated Sports, Art, Music and Drama specialists.

PASTORAL CARE: A caring and nurturing school where effort is celebrated and where learning is fun. The kind of school that girls run into every morning and leave ‘as the best version of themselves – not someone else’s version of what they should be,’ as one parent puts it.’ – The Good Schools Guide 2019

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Leavers gain scholarships each year, mainly to Walthamstow Hall Senior or Sevenoaks School.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For over 180 years, we have been true to our founding aim to provide an education for girls which is full of opportunity, challenge and possibility. At Walthamstow Hall, pupils discover that learning is an active process which enables them to get personally involved, it is not one which just passively happens to them. Pupils recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. They do not merely pass through a door but are set on a voyage of discovery. We are not promising a polished product, but a profound process. We are not about growing grass which will wither once it faces the real world but cultivating patterns and disciplines of learning that will last a lifetime.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Specialised teaching facilities for young pupils include a science lab, art and DT room, music block and EYFS classrooms. Use of Walthamstow Hall Senior School facilities. Includes weekly swimming and use of School Theatre – for plays and concerts. A ‘Creative Curriculum’, that is enquiry-led and topic-based, runs across the Early Years stage.

ADDRESS: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL

WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 410

AGES: 11-18

FEES: (termly) Senior School & Sixth Form, £7,355

HEAD TEACHER: Stephanie Ferro

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: ISEB Pre-Test for Year 7 and Year 9

Deferred Entry. Sixth Form 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, 9 March 2023. Book at www. walthamstow-hall.co.uk

THE CURRICULUM: Offers unusual breadth, choice and flexibility. Lively teaching from highly qualified, enthusiastic specialists to optimum-sized groups of around 20. Students study GCSE and A-level.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils are encouraged to get involved. There are opportunities to participate in a rich panoply of artistic, musical, dramatic and sporting activities. Students compete strongly at national and county level in sport and gain places at the National Youth Theatre and Orchestra. National titles currently held in badminton, netball and swimming.

PASTORAL CARE: A supportive and harmonious community where all individuals are respected and contribute. Belief that strong pastoral systems underpin academic progress and that emotional, personal and intellectual development go hand in hand. The personal development of pupils is excellent. They are confident and articulate young people, with a well- developed sense of right and wrong and a high degree of emotional maturity.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS OR UNIVERSITY PLACES: Typically over 95 per cent of students go to university and over 90 per cent to their first choice and over 75 per cent to Russell Group. Higher level apprenticeships also taken up at Deloitte and IBM

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For over 180 years, we have been true to our founding aim to provide an education which is full of opportunity, challenge and possibility. At Walthamstow Hall, pupils discover that learning is an active process which enables them to get personally involved, not one which just passively happens to them. Students recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. They do not merely pass through a door, but are set on a voyage of discovery. We are not promising a polished product, but a profound process. We are not about growing grass which will wither once it faces the real world, but cultivating patterns and disciplines of learning that will last a lifetime.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Inspiring teaching, wonderful facilities, close partnerships between parents, staff and pupils and a shared sense of pride in our history and achievements lie at the heart of our success.

Christ Church Cathedral School, Oxford

d’Overbroeck’s Oxford

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 looked after by a form tutor; they know 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 know 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: Bryanston School, Magdalen College School, Leighton Park School, Shrewsbury, St Edward’s School, Stonyhurst School.

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 kindness, 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 35 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’Overbroeck’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 lack 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.

Ludgrove

ADDRESS: Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB

WEBSITE: ludgrove.net

FOUNDED: 1892

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 186 all boys

AGES: 8-13

FEES: £10,300 per term

HEAD TEACHER: Simon Barber

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England predominantly

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in Year 4, with assessment in subsequent years

CONTACT: Rebecca Philpott, Registrar; 01189 789881

EMAIL: registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Open days in May and Sept, 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, making the most of playing fields, cricket nets, squash and Fives courts, astroturf and a 20m indoor swimming pool.

PASTORAL CARE: We have an outstanding body of staff who get to know the boys incredibly well, thereby understanding what makes each individual tick. Sophie Barber, 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: Eton College - King’s Scholarship and Music Exhibition. Other Scholarships include: Sherborne - Sports; StoweDrama; Marlborough College - DT.

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, makes 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 London. 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 cooked on-site using fresh local ingredients.

Moulsford Preparatory School

Papplewick

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 – £3,750 per term (full time); Pre-Prep – £4,405; Prep – £6,580; Boarding – £8,235

HEAD TEACHER: Ben Beardmore-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, Feb and May. Visits may be arranged privately throughout the year

CO-EDUCATIONAL PRE-PREP: Our brand new state-of-the-art PrePrep building opened in September 2022 and we are delighted that we will now be welcoming girls age 3-7 from September 2023.

THE CURRICULUM: Our academic curriculum has moved away from the full set of Common Entrance exams. It is modern and forward thinking, promotes creativity, collaboration, and cross-curricular connections and as well as preparing pupils for senior schools, it develops skills for life.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Within an atmosphere of fun, enjoyment and achievement, we strive to promote and develop the natural creative skills and abilities of children with great success in music, drama, art and DT. Sport is a vital part of life at Moulsford, and teamwork, the development of self-esteem and social skills, the exercise, as well as the fun, are all equally valuable. Children in A to F 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 is taken very seriously. Above all, we want children to be happy and enjoy coming to school.

DESTINATION SCHOOLS: Moulsford prides itself on sending boys to a wide variety of top independent senior schools, many with scholarships and awards. In 2022, 52 boys progressed to 12 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.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Located on the banks of the River Thames, pupils have the opportunity to kayak, sail and paddleboard. Flexi boarding gives older boys the opportunity to try out boarding before moving to senior school. An outstanding extracurricular programme is on offer for all pupils from Pre-Prep to Year 8.

ADDRESS: Windsor Road, Ascot, BerkshireSL5 7LH

WEBSITE: papplewick.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1947

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 210

AGES: 6-13

FEES: Boarding, £11,255; International (Child Student Visa), £12,580. Day, Year 2, £6,225; Years 3 and 4, £8,155; Years 5 and 6, £8,645

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Bunbury BA, P.G.C.E

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Visit and meeting with headmaster - all boys assessed but no entrance exam

CONTACT: Rebecca Lindley, 01344 621488

EMAIL: registrar@papplewick.org.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Next Open Morning on Sat 13th May 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 quarters 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 gaining no less than 41 scholarships to top UK senior schools in the past three years, including two King’s Scholarships to Eton College.

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 London transport services run from Brook 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.

St Andrew’s School

Queen Anne’s School, Caversham

ADDRESS: St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 8QA

WEBSITE: www.standrewsberkshire.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1934 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 310 AGES: 3-13

FEES: Full time nursery is £3,990 per term (half days are available); Reception to Y2 £3,990-£4,344; Y3-Y8 £6,200-£6,845. Boarding can be booked ad hoc at £37 per night or four nights a week each term at £1,320

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Ed Graham

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational, Christian ethos

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective, taster day and last reports required

CONTACT: Jane Taylor, Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications

EMAIL: taylorj@standrewsberkshire.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: Book with Jane Taylor

THE CURRICULUM: Excellent reputation for stimulating, challenging lessons delivered by inspiring teachers. The classroom is a joyful place where pupils engage fully and take pride in their work. A renewed focus on stretch, not stress, that helps each child reach their potential.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Rugby, hockey, netball, girls and boys football, girls and boys cricket, athletics, tennis, golf, taekwondo, dance. Impressive sports centre with 25m indoor pool. Three choirs, over 200 music lessons per week. Drama productions throughout the year. New performing arts space to open in 2023.

PASTORAL CARE: Holistic approach to pastoral care with the view that a happy child returning home each day is vital. The Form Tutors are the backbone of the pastoral system, offering support, encouragement and a listening ear, alongside innovative programmes like The Lobby (a place for quiet discussions with pastoral team) and Bother Boxes. Children’s voices are heard through the School Council, Charity, RIDE (Respect, Inclusion, Diversity & Equality) and Eco Committees.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, Art, Sports and Music scholarships awarded by Bradfield College, St Edward’s Oxford, Pangbourne College, Marlborough, Abingdon, Downe House, and Radley.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To create a happy and secure childhood environment, filled with an engaging curriculum, delivered by teachers who are passionate about their subjects. We are ambitious for our children and support them to fulfil their potential and move on to top day and boarding schools. All of this is done with a sense of proportion; St Andrew’s pupils are stretched, not stressed; they enjoy learning and become considerate, cheerful and well-rounded citizens.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Beautiful grounds, impressive sports centre and pitches, stand-alone music centre, high-level of pastoral care and academic prowess, as well as wrap-around care and extensive cocurricular calendar. Outstanding preparation in life skills for senior schools and beyond. Exceptional Forest School and Nursery Woodland. Renowned for out-going, grounded children who thrive in this home-from-home environment. Monday - Thursday boarding, daily bus routes.

ADDRESS: Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6D

WEBSITE: qas.org.uk

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 450

AGES: 11-18

FOUNDED: 1894

FEES: (termly) day £8,535; flexi-boarding £12,740 – £13,435; full boarding £14,1355

HEAD TEACHER: Ms Elaine Purves BA 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: Visit qas.org.uk to book onto the termly open events. Contact admissions for information on individual visits

THE CURRICULUM: Queen Anne’s is known for its outstanding ‘value added’. Broad, balanced curriculum to GCSE, including Computing and Dance. Exciting range of traditional and new subjects in Sixth Form, ranging from Psychology and Sociology to Dance, Music and Music Technology. EPQ is taken in addition to A-Levels. Outstanding careers and university guidance.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Known for its performing and creative arts offering, the school boasts an extensive co-curricular programme. Sports such as lacrosse, tennis, dance, and swimming feature highly both in academic and co-curricular PE, with football, badminton and cricket recent growing additions.

PASTORAL CARE: Queen Anne’s School has an outstanding reputation for pastoral care and a community-minded spirit. A robust and trusted pastoral care network made up of Heads of Year, Tutors, House Parents and academic teachers are on hand to support students through their academic journey and individual development. Success is enjoyed whilst having fun and building strong relationships within an environment which encourages girls to find their own path.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: UK and overseas including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

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: From the Sixth Form centre that could be mistaken for Google offices, to the careful support of the wellbeing programme, the school is breaking down barriers and changing the way that teenagers are taught. The school’s pioneering education prepares girls for the challenges of the modern world; inspiring girls to explore their individuality, free from gender stereotypes.

Independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 – 18.

Discover the St Chris di erence for yourself.

Open Days

Junior School

Tuesday 28 March 2023

Senior School and Sixth Form

Wednesday 26 April 2023

Book online at stchris.co.uk

Where enjoyment creates achievement

We are Change Makers

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 School 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!”

Badminton School

ADDRESS: Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA

WEBSITE: badmintonschool.co.uk

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 550

AGES: 3-18 years

FOUNDED: 1858

FEES: (termly) day, £3, 640 – £6,100; boarding, £8,300 – £14,180.

Nursery sessional fees, £30 per session

HEAD TEACHER: Acting head: Mr Stuart Dalley

Incoming head Summer 2023 : 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. Whole School Open Day: 1 May 2023. 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 Badminton 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. Working 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.

Canford School

ADDRESS: Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD

WEBSITE: www.canford.com

FOUNDED: 1923

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 boys, 287 girls

AGES: 13-18

FEES: (termly) boarding, £14,049; day, £10,695

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: 22 April and 8 October 2023. 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. 2nd in 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: Fostering the capacity to cope with demands of 21st century living, while encouraging pupils to understand themselves and develop emotional resilience is what we aim for through our extensive pastoral programme. 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. Heads of Wellbeing promote 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: Finalist in TES Awards for 4 consecutive years, 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 weekly boarding. Known for the warmth and strength of its school community. Inspirational setting: Among the top 10 most beautiful schools (The Daily Telegraph)

Downside School

Marlborough College

ADDRESS: Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset BA3 4RJ

WEBSITE: downside.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1606, in Douai, France

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 AGES: 11-18

FEES: (per term) Boarding: £9,415 – £12,635; Day: £6,235 – £7,400. Day Plus (two nights’ accommodation): £7,320 – £9,150. Day Plus (three nights’ accommodation): £7,865 – £10,050

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Andrew Hobbs

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: CAT4 Testing, current school’s reports and a school reference. We offer a range of scholarships to pupils at 11 , 13 and 16 . Means-tested bursaries are also available

CONTACT: Mrs Claire Low – Director of Admissions

EMAIL: admissions@downside.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS: We warmly invite you to book an onsite or virtual visit to Downside. Please email admissions@downside.co.uk

THE CURRICULUM: We have a broad and balanced curriculum with particularly impressive Maths, Science, Sports and Creative Arts. These are supported by extensive co-curricular options including Digital Leadership and Debating Society. Choir and Music is well supported, with two thirds of the school contributing to this impressive area of the school.

GAMES & THE ARTS: At Downside our sporting and arts cultures exists in harmony with our academic values. Major sports are rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics and tennis. We have a Performing Arts Centre and offer specialist tuition across a wide range of arts subjects. Our CCF band leads the Bath Remembrance Parade each year.

PASTORAL CARE: We are known for our high levels of pastoral care. We remain a 75 per cent boarding school which means that we are a seven-day-a-week community, with all that brings in terms of friendships, esprit de corps and the sense of belonging which is at the very heart of our pastoral care. ‘The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.’ ISI Report 2018.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority of pupils achieve their first-choice university.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Downside, we are committed to working in partnership with families and to providing an environment which nurtures young people of integrity who can think for themselves, stand up for their beliefs and act to make a positive difference in the world. Downside is miles from the ordinary and beyond expectation.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Our school ‘chapel’ is Downside Abbey Church – one of only four minor basilicas in England. The school is set in 500 acres of Somerset countryside and has extensive facilities including several sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, a musicdedicated Mac-suite, a health centre and a performing arts centre containing a recording studio and 400-seat theatre.

ADDRESS: Bath Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1PA

WEBSITE: www.marlboroughcollege.org

FOUNDED: 1843

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1012, 569 boys, 443 girls

AGES: 13-18 FEES: £14,310 per term

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs L J Moelwyn-Hughes

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, although open to and respectful of all religious faiths.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: For 13 entry, ISEB Pre-test in October to December of Year 6; Assessment day at Marlborough in the following March. Limited number of entry places available for Year 7 and 8 applicants. For Sixth Form entry, enrolment by 1st October of Year 11. Competitive exam, interview and 6 x GCSE grade 6 required.

CONTACT: 01672 892300

EMAIL: Admissions@marlboroughcollege.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the Admissions Department

THE CURRICULUM: Academically rigorous and ambitious. GCSE, IGCSE, A-levels and EPQ offered. In 2022, 29 of A-level grades were A and 65 A A. At (I)GCSE 53 of grades awarded were 9-8, 77 were 9-7.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Oursports teams regularly reach the latter stages of national competitions,our Symphony Orchestra plays in partnership with the Southbank Sinfonia and our artists exhibit in the Mount House Gallery. There are a vast array of concert and performance opportunities plus three major school drama productions per year.

PASTORAL CARE: We have six girls’ houses, six boys’ houses and four mixed houses of13-16 year oldboys and mixed Sixth Forms of girls and boys. The pastoral care delivered through our 16 boarding houses is unrivalled, ensuring each child is cared for individually.Our greatest strength is the quality of the relationships throughout our community.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: In 2022, 87 of our leavers achieved their first choice including Russell Group, Oxbridge and Ivy League universities.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Marlborough College welcomes pupils from all over the UK and from overseas. We are looking for wellrounded, open-minded, adaptable and socially minded children; who are keen to be involved in a wide range of activities, to make a difference at all levels and contribute to a happy and inclusive community. The College is academically ambitious, offering a progressive, challenging and rewarding education including numerous leadership and enrichment opportunities. Our co-curricular provision is second to none and pupils become involved in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school site is based around a Neolithic Mound and occupies 286 acres of historicdownland. We are a proudpioneer of co-education beingthe first boarding school to admit girls in 1968 and then becoming fully co-educational in 1989. The first organised school games were played at Marlborough and we regularly field 50 sports teams each weekend. We have a distinguished record of innovation in education –first Business Studies Department and study of Chinese and Arabic. Our state-of-the-art Innovation Centre opened March 2021.

Hazlegrove Prep School

An HMC boarding and day school educating 370 boys and girls aged 13 to 18.

www.kingsbruton.com

To arrange a visit to the School and have a tour with the Headmaster, or to arrange a video call, please contact the Registrar, Gilly Bunday registrar@kingsbruton.com

ADDRESS: Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JA

WEBSITE: hazlegrove.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1947

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 202 boys, 197 girls

AGES: 2-13

FEES: Pre-prep, £3,199; prep day, £5,086 - £6,486; prep boarding, £7,524 - £9,600

HEAD TEACHER: Mr E Benbow BA MEd PGCE

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Largely 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 happiness of every child is a priority, especially for the 100 or so boarders. ‘The pastoral care of the pupils is exemplary,’ ISI.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over the last three years an impressive 82 scholarships and awards have been gained to 17 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 believe that every child is a human being with immeasurable potential, and it is our goal at Hazlegrove to find and nurture that potential.

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.

What the Good Schools Guide Says

The Headmaster’s Welcome

/KingsBruton @KingsBruton @KingsBruton /KingsBruton1519

This is King's Bruton

PREP SCHOOL

Nursery | Pre-Prep | Prep Enabling each child to develop their full potential and nurturing an appetite for learning.

SENIOR SCHOOL Opening up a world of opportunities with an exceptional all-round education and preparation for life.

SIXTH FORM

Excellent preparation for University and life beyond school, including our modern co-educational Y13 house.

•Only 2 hours from London by train.

Rated ‘excellent’ for academic progress, with

wide range of subjects

Salisbury Cathedral School

St Mary’s Calne

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. Boarding supplement, £2,600

HEAD TEACHER: Clive Marriott, MA, BEd (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 take 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: Monkton; Sport, Sherborne: Music; Warminster: Academic and STEM; Lancing 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 Bishop’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.

ADDRESS: Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF

WEBSITE: www.stmaryscalne.org

FOUNDED: 1873

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 AGES: 11-18

FEES: (termly) boarding £14,420; day £10,760

HEAD TEACHER: Felicia Kirk BA (University of Maryland), MA (Brown University), PhD (Brown University)

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 girls in their own home country

CONTACT: Sally Dickens, Registrar, 01249 857206

EMAIL: admissions@stmaryscalne.org

SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits during the term. Open Days: 25th February, 13th May 11th November 2023. Pre-booking essential

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. In the Sixth Form, St Mary’s also offers a unique course, Speak Out , with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).

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 gifts 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 ranked 1st independent secondary school in Wiltshire and 3rd in the South West (The Sunday Times Schools’ Guide, Parent Power 2023).

Wells Cathedral School

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

ADDRESS: The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST

WEBSITE: www.wells.cathedral.school

FOUNDED: 909 AD

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Nursery 46, prep 145, senior 581

AGES: 2-18

FEES: (termly) prep school from £2,936 day, £9,012 boarding; senior school from £6,822 day, £11,382 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 such as Les Misérables which was attended by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. 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: £3,790 – £6,565; boarding: £10,490 – £11,950

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 programme of activities and support – THRIVE@QE –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.

Scholarships

Academic

Choral

DIRECTORY

PHOTOS: OAKHAM

Nurseries

116 Banstead Pre-Prep Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA

T: 01737 363601 bansteadprep.com

130 The Chelsea Nursery

4 The Vale, London SW3 6AH

T: 020 7352 4040 cameronvaleschool.com

175 Christ Church Cathedral School

3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW

T: 01865 242561 cccs.org.uk

47 Claremont Fan Court Claremont Drive, Esher KT10 9LY

T: 01372 467841 claremontfancourt.co.uk

126 Eaton House

Belgravia Nursery

3-5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

126 Eaton House

The Manor Nursery 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

117 The Gardens Daycare & Nursery School

62 Standen Road, London SW18 5TG

T: 020 8871 9478 gardenschildcare.co.uk

115 Grimsdell Mill Hill

Pre-Preparatory School

Grimsdell, Mill Hill

Pre-Preparatory School, Winterstoke House, Wills Grove, London NW7 1QR

T: 020 8959 6884 millhill.org.uk/pre-prep

117 Hurlingham School

Pre-Prep

The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH

T: 020 4530 9581 hurlinghamschool.co.uk

118 Kindergartens Nursery 25 Mallinson Road, London SW11 1BW

T: 01622 833 331 thekindergartens.com

115 Mandarin Ducklings Putney Bridge Nursery, All Saints Churh Hall, 70A Fulham High Street London SW6 3LG

T: 020 7736 7160 mandarinducklings.co.uk

115 Mill Hill

The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London NW7 1QS

T: 020 8959 1176 millhill.org.uk

104 Millies House Nursery Schools 344-346 Fulham Palace, Road, London SW6 6HT

T: 020 7381 9523 millieshouse.net

103 Miss Daisy’s Nursery 28 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY

T: 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com

118 Noah’s Ark Nursery 106 Northcote Road, SW11 6QW | Melody Road, SW18 2QQ

T: 020 7924 3472 noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk

111 North Bridge House Nursery 33 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 5JY

T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com

111 North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead 85-87 Fordwych Road, London NW2 3TL

T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com

118 Ringrose Nursery St Luke’s Street, London SW3 3RP

T: 020 7352 8784 ringrosechelsea.co.uk

120 Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep

22 Millbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9EA

T: 01372 462781 shrewsburyhouse preprep.net

115 St Hilary’s Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ

T: 01483 416551 sthilarysschool.com

119 Tadpoles Nursery Chelsea Park Walk, SW10 0AY

T: 020 7352 9757 tadpolesnursery.com

119 Tadpoles Nursery Kensington The Studio, 8 Hornton Place, London W8 4LZ

T: 020 7352 9757 tadpolesnursery.com

120 The Oval Nursery Fentiman Road, London SW8 1PU

T: 020 7735 4816 theovalmontessori.co.uk

120 Willow Nursery School 55 Grafton Square, Clapham Old Town London SW4 0DE

T: 020 7498 0319 willownursery.co.uk

119 The Villa School & Nursery 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH

T: 020 7703 6216 thevillaschool andnursery.co.uk

London

PREPARATORY

140 Alleyn’s Junior School Townley Road, London SE22 8SU

T: 020 8557 1519 alleyns.org.uk

124 Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP

T: 020 8969 0313 bassetths.org.uk

134 Blackheath Prep 4 St Germans Place, London SE3 0NJ

T: 020 8858 0692 blackheathprep.co.uk

115 Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School Belmont, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London NW7 4ED

T: 020 8906 7270 millhill.org.uk/prep

122 Broomwood Hall 123 Lower School 192 Ramsden Road, SW12, 50 Nightingale Lane, SW12

T: 020 8682 8820 northwoodschools.com

122 Broomwood Hall 123 Upper School 68–74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR

T: 020 8682 8810 northwoodschools.com

141 Burlington House School 59 Fulham High Street, Fulham, London SW6 3JJ

T: 020 7610 9018 burlingtonschool.co.uk

130 Cameron Vale 4 The Vale, London SW3 6AH

T: 020 7352 4040 cameronvale school.com

124 Chepstow House 108a Lancaster Road, London W11 1QS

T: 020 7243 0243 chepstowhouse school.co.uk

129 Devonshire House

Preparatory School

2 Arkwright Road, London NW3 6AE

T: 020 7435 1916 devonshirehouseschool. co.uk

125 Dolphin School

106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW

T: 020 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk

125 Dulwich Prep

42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA

T: 020 8766 5500 dulwichpreplondon.org

126 Eaton House

Belgravia Pre-Prep

3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

127 Eaton House

Belgravia Prep

3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

126 Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

127 Eaton House

The Manor Boys’ School 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

126 Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School 58 Clapham Common, Northside, London SW4 9RU

T: 020 3917 5050 eatonhouseschools.com

128 Eaton Square School 55-57 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH

T: 020 7225 3131 eatonsquareschools.com

133 L’Ecole de Battersea Trott Street, London SW11 3DS

T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk

133 L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Road, London SW6 2NB

T: 020 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk

144 Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF

T: 020 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk

63 Fulham Pre-Prep School 47A Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ

T: 020 7371 9911 fulham.school/pre-prep

63 Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD

T: 020 7386 2444 fulham.school/prep

147 Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, London KT8 9BS

T: 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse. co.uk

128 Heathside School 16 New End, London NW3 1JA

T: 020 3058 4011 heathsideprep.co.uk

130 Hornsby House Hearnville Road, Balham, London SW12 8RS

T: 020 8673 7573 hornsbyhouse.org.uk

131 Hurlingham School 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ

T: 020 8874 7186 hurlinghamschool.co.uk

131 Kew College Prep 24–26 Cumberland Road, Kew, Surrey TW9 3HQ

T: 020 8940 2039 kewcollege.com

2/3 Kew Green

132 Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

T: 020 8948 5999 kgps.co.uk

90 Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD

T: 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com

132 Milbourne Lodge School 43 Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EG

T: 01372 462737 milbournelodge.co.uk

115 Mill Hill

The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London NW7 1QS

T: 020 8959 1176 millhill.org.uk

111 North Bridge House Prep

136 1 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 7AB

T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com

123 Northcote Lodge 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL

T: 020 8682 8830 northwoodschools.com

134 Old Vicarage School 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6QX

T: 020 8940 0922 oldvicarageschool.com

134 Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB

T: 020 8987 9886 orchardhs.org.uk

135 Parsons Green Prep School

1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ

T: 020 7371 9009 parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

2/3 Ravenscourt Park

136 Preparatory School 16 Ravenscourt Ave, London W6 0SL

T: 020 8846 9153 rpps.co.uk

10 Redcliffe School Prep

47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH

T: 020 7352 9247 redcliffeschool.com

135 Sarum Hall School

15 Eton Avenue, Belsize Park, London NW3 3LJ

T: 020 7794 2261 sarumhallschool.co.uk

137 St Anthony’s School for Boys

90 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NP

T: 020 7435 3597 stanthonysprep.org.uk

137 St Anthony’s School for Girls

Ivy House, North End Road, London NW11 7SX

T: 020 3869 3070 stanthonysgirls.co.uk

142 St Benedict’s Junior School

5 Montpelier Avenue, London W5 2XP

T: 020 8862 2253 stbenedicts.org.uk

138 St Dunstan’s College Junior School Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY

T: 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk

139 St Philip’s School

6 Wetherby Place, London SW7 4NE

T: 020 7373 3944 stphilipschool.co.uk

138 The Hampshire School 15 Manresa Road, London SW3 6NB

T: 020 7352 7077 thehampshireschool chelsea.co.uk

139 The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF

T: 020 8674 9514 whitehouseschool.com

SENIOR

140 Alleyn’s School Townley Road, London SE22 8SU

T: 020 8557 1500 alleyns.org.uk

143 Blackheath High School Vanbrugh Park, London SE3 7AG

T: 020 8852 1537 blackheathhighschool. gdst.net

141 Burlington House School 59 Fulham High Street, Fulham, London SW6 3JJ

T: 020 7610 9018 burlingtonschool.co.uk

142 City of London School Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 3AL

T: 020 3680 6300 cityoflondonschool.org.uk

142 DLD College 199 Westminster Bridge, Road, London SE1 7FX

T: 020 7935 8411 dldcollege.co.uk

140 Eltham College Grove Park Road, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF

T: 020 8857 1455 elthamcollege.london

144 Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park, NW1) Ivor Place, London NW1 6XR

T: 020 7723 0176 fhs-nw1.org.uk

144 Francis Holland School (Sloane Square, SW1) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF

T: 020 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk

63 Fulham Senior School 1-3 Chesilton Road, London, SW6 5AA

T: 020 7386 2444 fulham.school/senior

144 Godolphin and Latymer Iffley Road, London, W6 0PG

T: 020 8741 1936 godolphinandlatymer.com

145 Halycon School 33 Seymour Place, London W1A 5AU

T: 020 7258 1169 halyconschool.com

147 Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BS

T: 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk

2/3 Kew House School 145 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0EX

T: 020 8742 2038 kewhouseschool.com

90 Knightsbridge Senior School 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD

T: 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com

24 London Park School 7-11 Nightingale Lane, Clapham South London SW4 9AH londonparkschools.com

2/3 Maida Vale School 148 18 Saltram Crescent, London W9 3HR

T: 020 4511 6000 maidavaleschool.com

150 Marymount International School George Road, Surrey KT2 7PE

T: 020 8949 0571 marymountlondon.com

115 Mill Hill International Milespit Hill, Mill Hill Village, London NW7 2RX

T: 020 3826 3333 millhill.org.uk/international

4/5 MPW London Northwood HA6 2HT 90–92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB

T: 020 7835 1355 mpw.ac.uk

111 North Bridge House

148 Senior Hampstead 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5UD

T: 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com

151 Portland Place School

56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ

T: 020 7307 8700 portland-place.co.uk

146 Queen’s Gate

131-133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE

T: 020 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk

146 Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS

T: 01707 602500 queenswood.org

142 St Benedicts 54 Eaton Rise, Ealing, London W5 2ES

T: 020 8516 7200 stbenedicts.org.uk

150 St Dunstan’s College

Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY

T: 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk

149 St Helen’s School Eastbury Road, Northwood HA6 3AS

T: 01923 843210 sthelens.london

149 Sydenham High Senior School GDST

15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL

T: 020 8557 7004 sydenhamhighschool. gdst.net

152 University College School

Frognal, London NW3 6XH

T: 020 7433 2117 ucs.org.uk

151 Wetherby Senior School

100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU

T: 020 7535 3530 wetherbysenior.co.uk

152 Whitgift School

Haling Park Road, South Croydon CR2 6YT

T: 020 8688 9222 whitgift.co.uk

ONLINE SCHOOLS

89 Charterhouse Online Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX

T: 01483 291500 charterhouseonline.co.uk

12 Minerva’s Virtual Academy

International House, 3 Space, Canterbury Cresent, London SW9 7QE

T: 0203 637 6477 minervavirtual.com

Home Counties South

154 Aldro Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS

T: 01483 813535 aldro.org

156 Babington House Grange Drive, Chislehurst BR7 5ES

T: 020 8467 5537

babingtonhouse.com

155 Banstead Prep School Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA

T: 01737 363600

bansteadprep.com

155 Bedales Church Road, Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2DG

T: 01730 711733

bedales.org.uk

87 Bede’s Prep School

Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7XL

T: 01323 734222 bedes.org

87 Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker, East Sussex BN27 3QH

T: 01323 843252 bedes.org

154 Benenden School

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA

T: 01580 240592

benenden.school

11 Brighton College Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL

T: 01273 704200

brightoncollege.org.uk

159 Box Hill School

London Road, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6EA

T: 01372 373382

boxhillschool.com

161 Caterham School

Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA

T: 01883 343028

caterhamschool.co.uk

30 Charterhouse

Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX

T: 01483 291501 charterhouse.org.uk

163 Christ’s Hospital School

Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP

T: 01403 211293 christs-hospital.org.uk

156 Churchers College

Ramshill, Petersfield Hampshire GU31 4AS

T: 01730 263033 churcherscollege.com

47 Claremont Fan Court School

Claremont Drive, Esher KT10 9LY

T: 01372 467841 claremontfancourt.co.uk

158 Cottesmore School

Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU

T: 01293 520648 cottesmoreschool.com

158 Dunottar School

High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL

T: 01737 761945 dunottarschool.com

164 Edgeborough School Frensham, Surrey GU10 3AH

T: 01252 792495 edgeborough.co.uk

164 Farleigh School Red Rice, Hampshire SP11 7PW

T: 01264 712838 farleighschool.com

162 Farringtons School

Perry St, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR

T: 020 8467 0256 farringtons.org.uk

167 Handcross Park London Road, Handcross RH17 6HF

T: 01444 400526 handcrossparkschool. co.uk

162 Highfield and Brookham Schools

6 Lancing College

Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW

T: 01273 465805 lancingcollege.co.uk

169 Mayfield School

The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH

T: 01435 874642 mayfieldgirls.org

165 Pennthorpe

Church Street, Rudgwick, Horsham RH12 3HJ

T: 01402 822391 pennthorpe.com

168 Radnor House, Sevenoaks Combe Bank Drive, Sundridge, Sevenoaks TN14 6AE

T: 01959 562720 radnor-sevenoaks.org

170 Reed’s School Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES

T: 01932 869001 reeds.surrey.sch.uk

28

Cranleigh

157 Preparatory School

Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH

T: 01483 542051 cranprep.org

Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

T: 01428 728000 highfieldschool.org.uk

165 Homefield Prep Western Road, Sutton SM1 2TE

170 Reigate Grammar School

Reigate Road, Surrey RH2 0QS

T: 01737 222231 reigategrammar.org

28

Cranleigh School

157 Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ

T: 01483 273666 cranleigh.org

160 Cobham Hall School

Brewers Road, Cobham DA12 3BL

T: 01474 823371 cobhamhall.com

160 Danes Hill School

Leatherhead Road, Oxshott KT22 0JG

T: 01372 842509 daneshillschool.co.uk

T: 020 8642 0965 homefield.sutton.sch.uk

32 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

166 King Edward’s Witley Wormley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG

T: 01428 686700 kesw.org

162 RGS Prep Guildford Maori Road, Guildford GU1 2EL

T: 01483 880650 rgsg.co.uk

172 The Royal Alexandra and Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD

T: 01737 649000 raa-school.co.uk

168 Sevenoaks Prep School Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0JU

T: 01732 762336 theprep.org.uk

Home Counties South

173 St Catherine’s, Bramley Station Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF

T: 01483 899609 stcatherines.info

166 St Edmund’s School Station Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF

T: 01428 604808 saintedmunds.co.uk

115 St Hilary’s Prep School Portsmouth Road, Hindhead GU26 6BH

T: 01483 416551 sthilarysschool.com

171 TASIS

Coldhabour Lane, Thorpe TW20 8TE

T: 01932 565252 tasisengland.org

167 The New Beacon School Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2PB

T: 01732 452131 newbeacon.org.uk

171 Tonbridge School High St, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1JP

T: 01732 304297 tonbridge-school.co.uk

83 Tormead School Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD

T: 01483 796040 tormeadschool.org.uk

167 Walhampton School School Lane, Walhampton, Lymington SO41 5ZG

T: 01590 613300 walhampton.com

174 Walthamstow Hall Junior

Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 3LD

T: 01732 453815

walthamstow-hall.co.uk

174 Walthamstow Hall Senior Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3UL

T: 01732 451334 walthamstowhall.co.uk

26 Wellington College Dukes Ride, Berkshire, Crowthorne RG45 7PU

T: 01344 444000 wellingtoncollege. org.uk

172 Westbourne House Coach Road, Chichester PO20 2BH

T: 0124378739 westbournehouse.org

Home Counties North

176 Bancroft’s School High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0RF

T: 020 8505 4821 bancrofts.org

176 Beachborough School Westbury, Nr. Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 5LB

T: 01280 700071 beachborough.com

156 The Beacon School 15 Amersham Road, Chesham Bois, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5PF

T: 01494 433654 beaconschool.co.uk

66 Berkhamsted School Overton House, 131 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2DJ

T: 01442 358001 berkhamsted.com

176 Cheam School Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD T: 01635 267822 cheamschool.com

175 Christ Church Cathedral School 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW

T: 01865 242561 cccs.org.uk

175 d’Overbroeck’s 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL T: 01865 688600 doverbroecks.com

177 Downe House Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ

T: 01635 200286 downehouse.net

176 Elstree School Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD

T: 0118971 3302 elstreeschool.org.uk

178 Felsted Preparatory School

Felsted, Essex CM6 3JL

T: 01371 822611 felsted.org/prephome

178 Felsted School

Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL

T: 01371 822600 felsted.org

178 Greenes College Oxford 45 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP

T: 01865 419998 greenes.org.uk

179 Godstowe Shrubery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR

T: 01494 529273 godstowe.org

182 Haileybury Haileybury, Hertford SG13 7NU

T: 01992 706353 haileybury.com

53 Heathfield School London Road, Ascot SL5 8BQ

T: 01344 898 343 heathfieldschool.net

182 Horris Hill Newtown, Newbury, Hampshire RG20 9DJ

T: 01635 40594 horrishill.com

179 Ludgrove School

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB

T: 01189 789881 ludgrove.net

180 Moulsford Preparatory School Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR

T: 01491 651438 moulsford.com

180 Papplewick Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH

T: 01344 621488 papplewick.org.uk

181 Queen Anne’s School Henley Road, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX

T: 01189 187300 qas.org.uk

79 Reddam House Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5BG

T: 01189 748300 reddamhouse.org.uk

185 Stowe School Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH

T: 01280 818205 stowe.co.uk

181 St Andrew’s Pangbourne Buckhold, Pangbourne Reading RG8 8QA

T: 01189 744276 standrewspangbourne. co.uk

184 St Chris Letchworth Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 3JZ

T: 01462 650947 stchris.co.uk

9 St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN

T: 01865 319200 stedwardsoxford.org

183 St George’s School Windsor Castle Datchet Road, Windsor SL4 1QF

T: 01753 865553 stgwindsor.org

183 St Margaret’s Bushey, Merry Hill Road, Bushey, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD23 1DT

T: 020 8416 4400 stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

185 Swanbourne House Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0HZ

T: 01296 720264 swanbourne.org

185 Winchester House School

High Street Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7AZ

T: 01280 702483 stowe.co.uk

184 Wychwood School 74 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JR

T: 01865 557976 wychwoodschool.org

186 York House Sarratt Road, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4LW

T: 01923 772 395 york-house.com

South West

187 Badminton School Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA

T: 0117 905 5271 badmintonschool.co.uk

51 Bryanston Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0PX

T: 01258 452411 bryanston.co.uk

190 Blundells Blundell’s Road, Tiverton Devon EX16 4DN

T: 01258 452065 bryanston.co.uk

187 Canford School Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD T: 01202 847207 canford.com

190 Chafyn Grove School 33 Bourne Avenue, Salisbury SP1 1LR T: 01722 333423 chafyngrove.co.uk

188 Downside School Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Bath, Somerset BA3 4RJ T: 01761 235103 downside.co.uk

191 Godolphin School Millford HIll, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2RA T: 01722 430500 godolphin.org

191 Hanford School Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HN T: 01258 860219 hanford.dorset.sch.uk

189 Hazlegrove Preparatory School

Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA

T: 01963 442606 hazlegrove.co.uk

189 King’s Bruton The Plox, Bruton BA10 0ED

T: 01749 814200 kingsbruton.com

194 King Edward’s School Bath North Road, Bath BA2 6HU

T: 01225 820399 kesbath.com

192 Kingswood Prep College Road, Bath BA1 5SD

T: 01225 734460 kingswood.bath.sch.uk/ prep-school

192 Kingswood Senior Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG

T: 01225 734200 kingswood.bath.sch.uk

188 Marlborough College Bath Road, Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 1PA

T: 01672 892200 marlboroughcollege.org

192 Millfield School Butleigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0YD

T: 01458 444296 millfieldschool.com

70 Milton Abbey School Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BZ

T: 01258 880484 miltonabbey.co.uk

193 Royal High School Bath Landsdown Road, ` Bath BA1 5SZ

T: 01225 313877 royalhighbath.gdst.net

195 Salisbury Cathedral School

1 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EQ

T: 01722 555300 salisburycathedral school.com

IFC Sherborne School

1Abbey Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AP

T: 01935 810403 sherborne.org

IFC Sherborne Girls

1 Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3QN

T: 01935 818224 sherborne.com

South West

IFC Sherborne Prep

1Acreman Street

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3NY

T: 01935 812097 sherborneprep.org

195 St Mary’s Calne

Calne, Wilts SN11 0DF

T: 01249 857200 stmaryscalne.org

194 St Peter’s Prepatory School

Harfield, Lympstone, Exmouth EX8 5AU

T: 01935 272148 stpetersprep.co.uk

193 Taunton School

Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD

T: 01823 703703 tauntonschool.co.uk

14 Wells Cathedral

196 School

The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST

T: 01749 834200 wells.cathedral.school

194 Westonbirt School

Tetbury, Gloucestershire

GL8 8QG

T: 01666 880333 westonbirt.org

Eastern and Northern Scotland, Wales and Ireland Central

197 Moreton Hall Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 3EW

T: 01691 773671 moretonhall.org

39 Oakham School Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT

T: 01572 758758 oakham.rutland.sch.uk

13 Rugby School Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5EH

T: 01788 556216 rugbyschool.co.uk

198 Shrewsbury School The Schools, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7BA

T: 01743 280552 shrewsbury.org.uk

EASTERN

200 The Leys School Cambridge CB2 7AD

T: 01223 508904 theleys.net

199 Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2RX

T: 01473 326200 royalhospitalschool.org

199 Stephen Perse School Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1HF

T: 01223 454700 stephenperse.com

NORTHERN

196 Queen Ethelburga’s Thorpe Underwood Estate, York YO26 9SS

T: 01423 333300 qe.org

198 St Peter’s School, York Clifton, York YO30 6AB

T: 01904 527300 stpetersyork.org.uk

45 Stonyhurst College Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ T: 01254 827073 stonyhurst.ac.uk

197 Christ College Brecon Christ College, Llanfaes, Brecon, Wales LD3 8AF

T: 01874 615440 christcollegebrecon.com

200 Campbell College

Belmont Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland

BT4 2ND

T: 02890 763076 campbellcollege.co.uk

43 St David’s College

Gloddaeth Hall, Wormhout Way, Llandudno

LL30 1RD

T: 01492 875 974 stdavidscollege.co.uk

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