School House - Autumn/Winter 2018

AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

BROKERING WITH CHINA

Schools thinking ahead

HOW TO GET A PLACE Wetherby’s Head on school assessments

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The hot topic for A-levels

Teenage Parties

What you need to know

In partnership with

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2018 speakers include: Alastair McCall, Editor, The Sunday Times - Parent Power

Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Buckingham Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Headmaster Stowe School David Goodhew, Headmaster Latymer Upper School Elaine Halligan, London Director The Parent Practice Eve Jardine-Young, Principal Cheltenham Ladies’ College Lord James Palumbo of Southwark, Entrepreneur, Author and Politician Julian Thomas, Headmaster Wellington College Julie Robinson, General Secretary Independent Schools Council Dr Katy Ricks, Headmistress Sevenoaks School Ralph Lucas, Editor, The Good Schools Guide Simon O’Malley, Headmaster, Thomas’ School, Battersea Stephen Hammond MP Politician

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CONTENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

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SCHOOL LEAVER 90 92 96

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UPFRONT NEWS...

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ON THE COVER: WINCHESTER COLLEGE © HUGO BURNAND

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HEAD GIRL St Swithun’s School EDUCATIONAL NEWS Academic updates SCHOOL BULLETIN News from prep and senior schools

... AND VIEWS 23

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FIRST WORD The future of independent schools depends upon collaboration with the state system, says Lord Agnew A GOOD LEGACY Chris Townsend of Felsted School doesn’t believe in league tables ENTER SESAME Nick Baker of Wetherby Prep advises against overpreparing children for assessments GIVE IT A GO Dr Simon Beames looks at the benefits of out-ofclassroom learning

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FEATURES

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SCHOOLS PROFILE Charlotte Fairbairn on schools thinking outside the box CLASS OF TOLERANCE Religious Education is top of the pops, says Cristina Odone HIGH TECH GAME CHANGERS Christopher Silvester investigates how schools manage a digital education STRENGTH OF CHARACTER Resilience is a key quality in today’s world, says Victoria Lambert FOCUS Heads, educationalists and businesspeople discuss our relationship with China

REGULARS 79

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ED’S INTERVIEW Annabel Heseltine talks to Sir Michael Morpurgo about his passion for history IS SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION NUTS? The Head of Winchester cracks an age-old debate TEEN SPIRIT A Buckingham University student wrote a book on AI with Sir Antony Seldon BEST OF... Memorable teachers

UNIVERSITY NEWS Key information for savvy students MAKING THE MOVE Sally Jones on preparing for university WHICH CAREER? Charlotte Metcalf says let the pupils choose START THEM YOUNG Emma Love advises teaching children about finance as early as possible

PARENTS 111 113

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SCHOOL’S OUT What’s on in the holidays STUDYTRACKS: RAPPING TO REVISE George Hammond Hagan helped his son to revise by rapping ON THE SOFA Osteopath Nick Potter talks to Victoria Lambert ORGANISED CHAOS Teenage parties by Imogen Agnew. Gina Baillie gives a mother’s view MODERN MANNERS Why they matter more than ever BOOKS & APPS Must-reads PROPERTY City school buys A MOUNTAIN RETREAT Annabel Heseltine escapes to Schloss Elmau A STAR IN THE WINGS Actor Kit Esurouso remembers Tring School for the Performing Arts

DIRECTORY 136 193 279

LONDON SCHOOLS COUNTRY SCHOOLS SCHOOLS’ LISTINGS

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C O N T R I B U TO R S CRISTINA ODONE Cristina chairs the National Parenting Organisation, a not-for-profit which supports parents. She writes for the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail and is a member of the External Advisory Panel on Religion and Theology for Oxford University. The former editor of The Catholic Herald and Deputy Editor of the New Statesman, also regularly appears on Question Time and Newsnight.

CHRISTOPHER SILVESTER

Christopher is a former editor of Spear’s magazine, the bi-monthly magazine for HNWs and the professions that service their needs.

Currently consultant editor of Spear’s and The Spear’s 500 Travel Guide, he has written for numerous newspapers and magazines and edited anthologies on the subjects of interviews, parliament and newspaper columnists.

Dr Tim Hands is Headmaster of Winchester College. He has extensive experience in the independent sector, having been a boarding housemaster at King’s School Canterbury, Second Master at Whitgift School, Headmaster of The Portsmouth Grammar School and Master of Magdalen College School, Oxford. From 2013-2014 he was Chairman of HMC.

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PHOTOS: © CAROLINE IRBY

DR TIM HANDS

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C O N T R I B U TO R S LORD AGNEW

Lord Theodore Agnew was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System last September. He founded the Inspiration Trust, a multi-academy trust that runs 14 schools in East Anglia, in 2012, and served as chair of the Department for Education’s Academies Board from 2013 to 2015. In his position as Schools Minister, he writes for The Times.

GEORGE HAMMOND-HAGAN Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter and producer, George has more than 20 years’ experience in the music industry and has written and produced for artists including Mark Morrison, Liberty X, Des’ree and Lisa Stansfield, and composed music for MTV, Carlsberg and The Oprah Winfrey Network.

In 2016, George created the app Studytracks.

NICK BAKER

Nick Baker has been Headmaster of Wetherby Prep School for the past twelve years. He is also Chair of Governors at his boyhood school, Chesham Prep School, in Buckinghamshire.

In 2012, Wetherby Prep was awarded ‘Prep School of the Year’ at the Tatler School Awards and has subsequently expanded its family of schools to include Wetherby Senior.

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EDITOR Annabel Heseltine EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Imogen Agnew WEBSITE EDITOR Imogen Agnew ART DIRECTOR Parm Bhamra JUNIOR PRODUCTION DESIGNER Sam Thomas CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Charlotte Fairbairn, Sally Jones, Victoria Lambert, Emma Love, Cristina Odone, Christopher Silvester, Anna Tyzack

PUBLISHER Camilla van Praagh ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Melissa Campbell GROUP PUBLISHER Julia Carrick EDITOR IN CHIEF Lucy Cleland FINANCE DIRECTOR Jill Newey MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeremy Isaac TECHNICAL MANAGER Hannah Johnson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Mark Pearson DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Wil Harris SALES & OFFICE MANAGER Daisy Orr-Ewing CREDIT CONTROLLER Penny Burles ACCOUNTS CONTROLLER Jane Todd EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES annabel.heseltine@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 © 2018 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. Whilst 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. School House is published by Country & Town House Ltd.

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Focus: Chinese and English pupils learning together

Religious education in schools

EDITOR’S LETTER W

hen I lived in Hong Kong in the mid 1980s, Anglo-Chinese dinner parties, even in the New Territories, were all conducted in English. Only one of my English friends, a lawyer, spoke fluent Mandarin. When I returned in 1995, two years before the handover, Chinese was being spoken by the Chinese at dinner parties and the English couldn’t keep up.

But now the sea-change is complete. China became a superpower in 2011 and they and their language are being embraced across the world. Many will know of English schools like Harrow, Dulwich and Marlborough who have set up counterpart schools in China and across Asia, but last year, Kensington Wade, our first Chinese dual language school, was founded in London. There are 250 in the United States. So School House welcomes the Chinese and their language as the topic of our Focus (p66), where we discover from educationalists and businessmen that if you want to get ahead in this world, embracing the Chinese language and their culture is to add another string to a multicultural bow.

In the leader column, Lord Agnew believes that the culture of inclusion needs to start at home with our own state schools (p23). Our teen spirit piece tells the story of Nigerian Oladimeji Abidoye, writing about his experience of co-authoring a book on Artificial Intelligence with

Finance: Teaching pupils what they need to know

Sir Anthony Seldon at Buckingham University (p82).

Meanwhile, Cristina Odone is considering how the subject of Religious Education has been overhauled and is having a renaissance as students are flocking to study it for A-levels (p52).

While we might spend most of our time looking to the future – Christopher Silvester has given us the low-down on how schools are embracing modern technology (p56) – let’s not forget the old values of the past. Michael Morpurgo has dedicated his life to telling stories to children about historical events and, putting his money where his mouth is, has set up a charity (p79).

Farms for City Children has invited more than 100,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds to spend a week on a farm in rural Devon, to experience first-hand how the land connects to the food on their table.

With these wholesome thoughts in mind, may I wish you all a very good term.

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UP FRONT NEWS | EVENTS | COMMENT | OPINION

Alleyn’s School, London

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St Swithun’s School, Winchester, Hampshire

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AMELIA BAJER, ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL, HAMPSHIRE

Amelia Bajer, 17, is the head girl of St Swithun’s, Hampshire, a girls’ day and boarding school in Winchester, with 550 seniors and a further 200 girls in the junior school. Mia is taking chemistry, biology and Spanish A-levels and is passionate about languages. Already, she speaks fluent German as she lived in Switzerland for seven years. Initially she was a full-time boarder but now she weekly boards, spending weekends from Friday until Monday morning in London with her Australian mother, an interior designer, and her father, a French banker.

Outside the classroom, she is one of 11 of the 76 girls in her year taking her Gold Duke of Edinburgh, which involves committing three hours a week to a combination of physical challenge, teamwork, charitable volunteering and a commitment to honing a skill; in her case, the piano and squash. As well as a three-night, four-day expedition to Wales, Mia is hoping to organise a dinner to support End Fund, an American charity focused on delivering neglected tropical disease (NTD) treatments to those in need, many of which can easily be cured – for example, by increased awareness of sanitation. She also enjoys being backstage, doing the make-up for theatre productions including Oliver.

Mia has her sights set on Oxford where she wants to study science with the intent of pursuing a career in medical research. She had planned to be a neurosurgeon, but after an internship at the Institute of Neurology, where she worked with PhD students, she realised she didn’t want to commit her younger life to being a doctor. She now wants to become a researcher, because she loved the freedom to come up with an idea, put together a plan and see it through. As head girl, she wants to improve the school’s environmental footprint and do more to celebrate different cultures, including Divali and the Thai new year.

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LEADER | UP FRONT

FI RST WO R D

TEAMWORK

Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the School System, argues that the long-term survival of independent schools depends upon their accessibility and collaboration with state schools n anticipation of every new academic year, parents are to work more closely with state schools. This isn’t an entirely new concept – many independent schools have links with local state greeted with the news of rising school fees. These are schools, lending their teachers and expertise and opening up their parents who have made the decision, and often the facilities. For a fee-paying parent this might seem counter intuitive. sacrifices, for their children to be part of the seven But looking ahead, a society that is bound together with common per cent currently educated in independent schools, values and a sense of community will be a far more civilised a figure that has remained stable – bolstered by the increasing trend country to live in than one where a tiny proportion of the most for non-English parents living abroad to send their children to an fortunate take a disproportionate share of the opportunities.

English independent school. Parents following this route can find This is where we must focus our attention. themselves paying up to £40,000 per annum for the privilege.

Perhaps the answer lies in We know why parents make bringing down the ever-rising these sacrifices: longer days, a fees. But for this to happen higher quality of teaching, a wide parents will have to accept a range of extra-curricular subjects, trade off in the facilities and impressive facilities – much is extras available. It is important available in independent schools to remember the reality of the to broaden a child’s education independent sector, which is often and, in turn, their mind, giving seen as just being the Clarendon them the best start in life that Schools who generally charge parents could hope for. But are £30,000+ per year. In fact, it the ever-rising costs of education is a far more mixed economy, becoming implausible? How will with some independent schools the next generation cope? Many charging between £5,000 and ‘millennials’ are already worrying £6,000 per year. Indeed, opening whether they can give their shortly is an independent school children the education that where the fees will be less than they were fortunate enough £60 per week. The education to receive themselves. So entrepreneur Professor James what might happen?

Tooley plans to open a school My responsibilities include in Durham charging £2,700 oversight of independent schools.

‘A society that is bound together with per year. He has successfully I am often asked where I see common values and a sense of community deployed a similar model in other the future of fee-paying schools going. Of course, in an ideal will be a far more civilised country to live parts of the world. Beyond this, world, the entire state system in than one where a tiny proportion of the small changes, such as shifting scholarships towards means-tested would be brought up to the most fortunate take a disproportionate bursaries, ensures that families high standard that parents have share of the opportunities’ who really need financial help come to expect from private to pay fees are given it. It seems education. Many state schools to me rather pointless to give are brilliant, often in areas where a parent a £1,000 reduction from the parents are committed and a £20,000 bill in recognition of their child’s academic ability, when motivated to support them, and although it is clear that the state an annual book token would achieve the same result. system has certainly let pupils down in parts of the country, things Looking ahead, I strongly believe that the more relevant and are improving. The proportion of pupils from disadvantaged accessible independent schools can be as mainstream educational backgrounds to good universities has increased dramatically. establishments, the more secure they will be. They have operated in Over 3,000 pointless courses have been removed from the KS4 curriculum in the last five years, which has stopped schools teaching England for far longer than the state has been providing education.

If we can look at the work of Tooley and combine this with forging unchallenging subjects of no value to pupil or employer. and strengthening bonds between the independent and state sector, I recently led a round table of head teachers from the our independent education will have a permanent place in our independent sector in Downing Street to discuss collaboration. landscape well into the future.

These heads covered the full spectrum, and all shared the desire

I

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NEWS | UP FRONT

WHAT’S UP? Academic news and some vital statistics

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE IB

This year the International Baccalaureate (IB) celebrates its fiftieth year. In the first session of 2018, the largest number of examination papers since its introduction were processed in a total of 75 languages. Following its founding in 1968, the first IB exams took place in 1971 with a total of 29 students taking part. Since then, the IB has gone on to continually develop innovative assessment that is recognised globally.

WATCH OUT FOR CHEATS

PARENTS FAIL 11+

Only one per cent of parents passed a mock trial of 11+ style questions. Grammar was a challenge, with half of parents unable to identify the pronoun in the sentence: ‘Do you like strawberry and vanilla ice cream?’ enquired Katie. Forty per cent of parents failed the maths problem: Cara is saving her paper round money to buy a bike. She earns £6 a day and works seven days a week. If the bicycle costs £462, how many weeks will she have to work for?

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have banned watches for students taking their GCSE and A-level exams to prevent them passing off smartwatches as normal ones. Some universities have already followed suit.

HAVE YOU HEARD? A British Council report has found that students at GCSE and A-level are abandoning the traditional language qualifications of French and German in favour of Spanish and Chinese. The report found that Spanish is well on the way to being British students’ most popular language, as French A-level entries approximately halved between 2001 and 2016.

THE EVOLUTION OF READING

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MENTAL HEALTH

The NSPCC has obtained data revealing a sharp rise in the number of children under 11 being referred for mental health treatment by schools in the last four years. The youngest child referred for help was just three.

New research has found that children today aged six to 17 are less likely than adults to have read classic stories such as The Wind in the Willows, Swallows and Amazons and The Chronicles of Narnia. Treasure Island has seen the steepest decline in readership by children – only 19 per cent of those surveyed had read it. Unsurprisingly, Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling remain firm favourites, more than 83 per cent of the children surveyed had read at least one of Dahl’s books.

CHANGING LIVES

The School Fees Charitable Trust has been helping families for over 25 years, ensuring that children can remain at independent school if their parents fall on hard times.

Simon Caunt’s grant of £3,000 enabled him to finish his education at Wellingborough.

Now, aged just 29, he has donated £3,000, hoping to give someone else ‘the same amazing lifeline that [he] received.’

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Felsted aims to develop pupils’ characters and make a difference

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HEAD VIEW | UP FRONT

A GOOD LEGACY Chris Townsend, headmaster of Felsted, suggests a school’s success can only be evaluated long after a pupil has left

At Felsted, our over-arching aim as a school is to ‘develop ot long ago, George Osborne’s brainchild, the character and make a difference’. This is broken down further, Northern Powerhouse Partnership, called for to focus on ‘developing all students academically, making them schools to be judged on the employment success into life-long learners, who are well-rounded, aspirational of former students at the age of 25. This and globally minded with the skills to flourish beyond school, is a suggestion that would be of interest to any applying the principles of a growth mindset, to be the best that school that aims to prepare young people for life, not just exams. they can be’. None of this is tested solely in the exam room, and The idea has a great deal of merit, as it would take away the ‘dead many of our most successful end judgement’ of assessing former pupils gained their schools on performance success without boosting any of pupils in a final exam and, ranking in a league table. in theory at least, look at how For me, it is the variety well schools really do prepare of skills developed, whether and educate young people for through Music, Drama, the rest of their lives.

Sport, Duke of Edinburgh, I say in theory, because Cadets, Model United to me, 25 seems quite young Nations, International travel, to be assessing someone’s Leadership and much more success in life. Yes, they may besides, that makes a school have completed a degree, and a success. Moreover, it is moved into employment, but the encouragement of the their real successes are likely individual, the support and to come much later. So why engagement of teachers and not judge outcomes based parents, that is most likely on former pupils aged 30, 40 to create the culture in which or even 60? Aristotle argued this success can be nurtured. that you could never judge None of this should someone to be happy (‘to take away from the key have lived a good life’) until understanding that we want their final moment on earth, every student to do the best because there was always that they can in their exams, a chance that things might go but we want this because wrong at the end! Not a glass it shows that they understand half full man, that Aristotle. the value of hard work, know Of course, this still leaves how to learn, analyse and two big questions to answer. interpret, and that they care First, how do we judge success about how well they do. This in life (is it earning power, does not equate to an absolute is it family, is it contribution result, so a C might be just to society, is it something as valuable as an A* (or a 4 as completely different)? Second, hard-earned as a 9). to what do we attribute that ‘Many of our most successful former So, while I am not success (is it school, is it sure that the Northern university, is it family, is it pupils gained their success without Powerhouse Group has innate qualities, is it chance)? boosting any ranking in a league table ’ the right methodology, or Since neither question can measurement, I do think be answered easily, what looks that they are on the right a great theory probably lines. Schools are successful because of the people that they remains just that for the moment, and we return to looking produce after they have finished at school, not because at league tables of exam outcomes, for all their flaws, to tell of how well they do in the exam room in June. us about school performance.

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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS

PREP SCHOOLS Dinosaurs, foodies and feathered friends

Young Ornithologists The 2018 RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch called for the boys at Bedford Prep, Bedfordshire, to get their binoculars out.

They had great fun spotting and recording diverse garden birds and then the boys made nest boxes for their feathered friends in Nature Club, in the Design and Technology workshop.

LUNCH WITH AN ASTRONAUT

Twenty-four budding astronauts from Millfield Prep in Somerset had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of NASA, the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA, where they witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime rocket launch. They watched the Falcon 9 take off on a resupplying mission to the International Space Station before meeting astronaut Charlie Walker for lunch. Pupils were able to see behind the scenes of the famous Launch Control Centre, where NASA teams were working on upcoming missions to Mars and the moon. The pupils also trained to be future astronauts during the ATX: Astronaut Training Experience.

BABE: PIG IN THE COUNTRY

HIDEY-HOLES

Girls at Maltman’s Green, Buckinghamshire, took part in a competition to design a bird hide for their Forest School; each girl had to submit a mini model and write a proposal. The winning design has now been built and is open for business.

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In March this year, Sunningdale in Berkshire welcomed two new pigs to their growing family of school pets.

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PREP NEWS | UP FRONT

LEST WE FORGET

Children from The Study School, Wimbledon, took the classroom outdoors and planted free trees from the Woodland Trust with the Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Cllr Mike Head. The pupils planted 30 silver birch, rowan and wild cherry trees as a memorial to those who died in WWI. The Deputy Mayor talked to the children about the significance of the First World War and the work thathe British legion does to support veterans.

FANTASTIC FOSSILS

FIGHTING SPIRIT

At Bromley High Prep, London, all Year Six entrepreneurial teams entered the John Lewis Innovation Challenge 2017, as part of a business themed Enterprise Week. The teams were asked to design a Community Hub. The outright winners were Bromley High and the school was also awarded 3rd to 7th place inclusively.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

SCHOOL EFFORT

Pupils at Cranleigh Prep, Surrey, enjoyed a wildlife-themed science morning with conservation in mind. The children went on a nature trail around the school grounds, identifying trees, insects and mammals’ homes along the way. Finally, a big clear-up of the school involved pupils seeing how many pieces of litter they could find in all corners of the school. A staggering 2,347 pieces were found.

A Year Five pupil from Barrow Hills School, Surrey, made a rare discovery while taking part in one of Island Gems multi award-winning Fossil Hunting Trips on a school visit to the Isle of Wight. Theo Shaw found a Neovenator dinosaur tooth, believed to be around 120 million years old, which was declared ‘the best tooth found on one of these fossil trips in 30 years’.

Bede’s at the Beach Bede’s School, Sussex, often uses the nearby Eastbourne beach as an extension to the classroom. This programme provides an opportunity to bring the children’s learning to life in an outdoor environment, applying the skills learned in the classroom to the real world. Year One pupils enjoyed an art lesson on the sand, focusing on sketching.

CHARITABLE HAPPENINGS

Through the generosity of the school community, Walhampton School in Hampshire raised the funds to build a school in Khe Nang (Northeast Cambodia), which opened its doors to 130 pupils in September 2017. During the Easter holidays, the Headmaster Titus Mills and a group of teachers and parents visited the school, which has become an important focus for the surrounding area and a wonderful hub for many families.

The time that the pupils, staff and parents spent in the remote village made a profound impact on every member of the group.

Caldicott Wins Healthy Eating Award Caldicott School, Buckinghamshire, has been awarded a silver Food for Life award in recognition of its fantastic catering provision. Caldicott is the first independent school in Buckinghamshire to gain this level of award. The Soil Association’s independent inspectors noted that 87 per cent of food that is served is freshly prepared on site. Food for Life brings communities together around the core ethos of healthy, tasty and sustainable food. They support schools to take a whole school approach to educating children and adults in healthy eating and food production, themes that Caldicott has embraced.

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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

CHANGING FACES Heads on the move

Matthew Bryan took up the headship at Longacre School, Surrey, in January 2018. Previously he was Deputy Head (Academic) at St Ronan’s School, Kent.

Dunannie, the preprep at Bedales School, Hampshire, kicked off this term with a new Head, Victoria Homewood.

Ms Homewood joins from Westbourne House, where she was Head of PrePrep.

EATON SQUARE SCHOOLS GROUP GROWS WITH A NEW KENSINGTON SITE The Eaton Square Schools group has expanded to welcome Eaton Square School, Kensington, formerly known as Hyde Park School, after rebranding to align the collection of central London schools under one name.

The school was first launched in 1962 and has grown from a small day nursery to a prep school. The Eaton Square group, owned by Minerva Education, has an existing prep school in Belgravia, as well as a recently launched senior school, Eaton Square Mayfair.

Caldicott School, Buckinghamshire welcomed a new Head last April.

Jeremy Banks joined from Beachborough School, Buckinghamshire, where he was Headmaster.

The Hampshire School Chelsea welcomes Dr Pamela Edmonds as the new Head from September 2018.

Pamela joins from St Cedd’s School in Chelmsford, where she was Head.

Neil Brooks is the new Headmaster at Cranleigh Prep, Surrey.

Previous to this role, Neil was Principal at Fulham Prep Schools, London.

Changes at St George’s St George’s Windsor has rebranded its nursery class to Kindergarten to better reflect the exciting lessons children can partake in. Full-day classes are now available.

Hurlingham School

New Nursery

Formerly known as Lion House School, pupils can join Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep from the nursery age of two, and stay until the end of Year Two.

Kent College, Canterbury, is celebrating the opening of its exciting new venture: its nursery, Garden Cottage.

It is already accommodating babies and toddlers from six weeks to three years old.

Alison Hind has become the new Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, Wales, from September.

Previously, she was Deputy Head of Prep.

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PREP NEWS | UP FRONT

OWLS at Gresham’s In May, Gresham’s School in Norfolk launched its new OWLS (Outdoor Wild Learning School) programme, at which a new opensided wooden classroom, spaces for campfires and an outdoor theatre were introduced to a captivated audience of pupils’ families. All of Gresham’s Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils now participate in the OWLS programme and the event provided them with a chance to show their families the sort of outdoor activities that they can do.

Mrs HulmeMcKibbin joined Kensington Prep, London this term as their new Head.

Previously she was Principal at The King’s School in Macclesfield Infants and Juniors.

Tom Morgan is the new head of King’s Rochester Prep, Kent. Tom is moving on from Prebendal School, Chichester where he was Deputy Head.

IN THE PIPELINE

Sarah Phillips is now the new Head of Prep at Hampshire Collegiate School.

She has been Head of Primary at the school for the last three years.

St George’s School Windsor Castle has announced William Goldsmith as the next Head of the school, effective from January 2019.

William is currently Head of St Leonard’s Junior School, St Andrews.

Additional Premises for Bassett House

An eco-friendly landmark for London

Bassett House School, London, will open its new premises in Autumn 2019.

The architect-designed space has been created to inspire academic success and with fun and games in mind.

The youngest pupils at St Benedict’s School, Ealing have moved into their brand new and sustainable junior school building, built to the ‘Passivhaus’ energy requirements.

Junior School Opens Fine Arts College, London has become known for its award-winning provision in the fine, visual and performing arts. In September 2018, the college is expanding its Lower School to include Year Nine.

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys, London has announced the appointment of their new Head.

Olivia Buchanan joined the school in September 2018.

Faith Potter is the new Head of The Elms Nursery and Junior School. She is currently Head of Prep and Nursery at Abbotsholme School, Derbyshire.

NEW ACADEMIC BLOCK The former Chairman of Governors, Anthony Townsend, opened an innovative new academic building carrying his name at Cranleigh Prep, Surrey. The Townsend Building, situated at the heart of the school, houses a state-of the-art facility for design, art, sciences and food technology.

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UP FRONT | PREP NEWS

YOUNG ACORNS

SKIING SENSATION

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Xavier Poynton, a Year Two pupil at Rydal Penrhos, Wales, has become the youngest ever member of the Ambition Racing Team, consisting of elite GB skiers. He was selected after impressing the panel during a week-long trial event in Austria.

Thirteen-year-old Teilo Williams, from Cumnor House Sussex, swept the board at the recent Sussex County Swimming Championships returning home with a tally of 13 medals – nine gold, two silver and two bronze. He partakes in regular intense training, both at school and at Mid Sussex Marlins Swimming Club, where he is a member.

ENGINEERING STAR

Year Two pupil Natalie Johns, from The Rowan Prep School, Surrey, attended the Primary Engineering Leaders Award Ceremony at Kingston University and was selected out of the 1,934 London Region entrants to receive the Siemens trophy for her design.

Shane Richie

The Top Prep Mathematicians A pupil from Millfield Prep School, Somerset has won the Wiltshire school Dauntsey’s coveted annual Dodecahedron Competition. Isaac took first prize in this highly respected maths competition, now in its 30th year. Second prize went to a pupil from Sandroyd School, Salisbury and third place to a pupil from King Edward’s School, Bath. The competition is designed to give the most able mathematicians aged 12 and under the opportunity to stretch and challenge themselves beyond their normal maths curriculum.

More than 1,000 candidates had completed the preliminary round in their own schools and the 30 finalists selected represented 19 schools.

The voice of the main character in a new animation series of the hit children’s book series, Claude, is Alexander Molony, an 11-year-old student at Trinity School, Croydon.

Claude was aired on Disney Junior this summer and features a cast of stellar British actors including Simon Callow CBE, Anne Reid MBE, Shane Richie, Su Pollard and Jane Horrocks, as they tell the story of the beret-cladded dog and his sidekick, Sir Bobblysock.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; REX FEATURES

ALEXANDER’S FORTE

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Respect your child’s abilities and personality when it comes to choosing a senior school

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HEAD VIEW | UP FRONT

ENTER SESAME There is no magic tutor, says Nick Baker, head of Wetherby Prep, when advising parents on managing school assessments

he or she would have been snapped up by a prep school ne of the fringe benefits of working and paid a king’s ransom as a salary. in education is the interest that strangers That said, it’s perfectly reasonable for parents immediately take in you once you have to have aspirations for their children to go to a particular declared what you do for a living. There school. Often the prep schools are as ambitious, if not is no ‘eyes glazing over moment’; teaching more so, knowing, as we do, that from a marketing point is one profession that will always stimulate conversation. of view, our ‘exit group’ results are how success is often Most people have an opinion, many have gone through gauged these days. It is key, though, to respect your own the selection process with their own children and nearly child’s abilities in what everyone thinks they know is an increasingly what they are talking about. meritocratic process and And, more often than not, to get the most accurate they do. Parental experiences assessment of where he or of school communications she sits in a broader context. and their own child’s If the most recent exams happiness and success in record marks in the high an establishment is certainly 80s or low 90s, one might worth listening to when be tempted to think that considering schools for your they have a child prodigy own children. Fortunately, on their hands – but check and reassuringly, parent the year average. If it is also feedback about the schools high 80s, all that says is that that we feed is overwhelmingly the exam was too easy and positive. There are many will therefore give you a false excellent schools out there sense of your child’s chances with superb teaching staff and in a competitive process. state-of-the-art facilities, they Many schools do assess all follow GCSE/iGCSE and natural intelligence these A-levels, and send their pupils days, so interrogate and to the same universities. It is assess what standardised very difficult to make a ‘bad’ data a school holds on your decision when choosing child. A score of 100 is the a school and the educational national average and 141 ‘Mecca’ that you may have the maximum. If your son imagined for your son Nick Baker or daughter is 125+ you or daughter may not end can consider them up being a wildly different ‘A parent should stop listening to be a competitive experience had they gone when parents talk about candidate. Anything less to an alternative. than that, no problem at Where a parent should “how” they got their child into all, just consider a slightly stop listening, though, a particular school, and then range of schools. is when parents talk about attempt to follow the same route’ broader Your headteacher is key ‘how’ they got into here – he or she will be able a particular school and then to gauge your offpsring’s attempt to follow the same relative chances of success and guide you accordingly. route. There is not one prep school that can guarantee It may feel like groundhog day listening to the same entry into any senior school. There is no computer software words from yet another Head but there really is no magic or textbook that can guarantee entry and, believe it or not, wand. Having said that there is some practical advice there is no ‘magic tutor’ that can sprinkle ‘intelligence dust’ which can help prepare your child for these assessments. and guarantee a successful application – if there were,

O

ADVICE The website bofa11plus.com is the closest you can get to simulating the ISEB common pre-test. Parents can buy their own logins. Many schools like Wetherby buy school-based licenses and register all their children.

The recently updated Galore Park 11+ series is thoroughly comprehensive and ability appropriate.

The textbook does attempt to ‘teach’ the methodology but it is the exposure to these types of questions which is key.

Ask your son/ daughter to write down their favourite/least favourite subjects, hobbies, books they have enjoyed and words to describe themselves. These are all common interview questions.

NEVER prepare a response but if they have given some thought to how to respond to these questions they have a better chance than the more expected muted response when in a strange interview situation.

And parents, relax – children will know if you are stressed, and won’t perform as productively as they might have.

There are many brilliant schools out there and the streets of the UK are not awash with privately educated children who were unable to get placed at a senior school.

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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS

SENIOR SCHOOLS Record-breaking pupils, robotic lessons and ponies in chapel

Charitable Happenings Pupils of St Christoper School, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, held their 24th annual recycled fashion show, featuring over 70 costumes which have been designed, made and modelled by pupils from schools across the county.

The judges, including Luella Bartley of Calvin Klein, picked winners from a broad age range and included the designer of a costume with shoes made of human hair (Best Use of Recycled Materials).

INTREPID ADVENTURES

In June, a new record was broken by the students of Wellington College in Berkshire.

A team of swimmers, comprising six students and teacher Mr Murphy, swam the channel in 11 hours, 23 minutes – breaking the previous record by 55 minutes. To prepare, the team spent three months training in lakes and the sea in temperatures as cold as 10°C. A 59-strong group of pupils, staff members, family and friends from Beech Hall School, Cheshire, embarked on an educational trip to Iceland, which was initiated by the senior and deputy head boys. As part of an initiative to raise pupils’ involvement in the school, the enthusiastic boys sourced the travel provider, designed the itinerary and created a detailed information pack for their fellow explorers.

PONIES IN CHAPEL

BE BOLD

100 Years of Votes for Women and International Women’s Day 2018 were marked at Roedean School, Sussex, by a wonderful festival celebrating women in March. Girls listened to inspiring speakers who have excelled in their fields, such as the eminent physical chemist, Dame Mary Archer and Professor Mary Lovegrove OBE, who pioneered the CT scanner.

Empowering young people, whether they be young men or young women, is key to a good education.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Rev Richard Horne, the chaplain of Rugby School, welcomed two unusual visitors to his regular morning service recently. Nine hundred teachers and students watched the ancient wooden doors of the chapel swing open to welcome two Shetland ponies trotting up the aisle. The visit was to highlight Riding for the Disabled, a charity supported by the school’s community action programme.

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SENIOR NEWS | UP FRONT

STEMing ahead To mark Science Week 2018, St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire launched its own teddy astronaut into near space to gather data.

The teddy astronaut, called Mary Margaret, was attached to a black box data recorder monitoring temperature, humidity, air pressure, GPS location, acceleration and magnetometry. The helium balloon which took Mary Margaret up to space expanded to the size of a double decker bus before exploding at 33km up and the astronaut headed back down to earth at 150mph, before the parachute deployed.

Taunton School, Somerset hosted a ‘Skirting Science’ event organised by Taunton’s branch of Soroptimist International, a women’s volunteer organisation committed to helping women and children worldwide. The event was attended by over 230 girls from local schools.

Year Nine girls were invited to participate in some amazing hands-on experiences, such as designing a jet engine and exploring the chemistry of cosmetics. Soroptimist International holds Category 2 Status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

A team of girls at Benenden School, Kent, has dedicated one evening a week for the past 18 months to building a microlight, in a project co-ordinated and funded by the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). Once the light aircraft, which was decorated in Benenden’s colours, was complete and had passed the official safety tests, the girls took to the skies in their creation. Even the headmistress enjoyed a flight.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Benenden girls with their microlight

PROUD TO SUPPORT PRIDE

City of London School’s LGBT+ society hosted its own Pride Festival to coincide with London Pride and City Pride. The rainbow flag was flown proudly over the school for the week and the society organised various other events. The LGBT+ Society holds weekly meeting at CLS, attended by 12 to 15 boys and seeks to support the members, staff and their friends and family who identify with the LGBT community. The society proudly encourages the involvement of many straight allies with a mantra, ‘You don’t have to come out to come in’.

TECHNICAL DRIVE

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson, the former Foreign Secretary and MP visited ACS Hillingdon International School, London to hear how pupils learn about coding and the ways they use technology in class to prepare them for an everchanging future. Seven to nine-year-old students were using coding to drive robots; and an iPad pre-loaded with the codes for the robots was presented to the Foreign Secretary by a pupil, giving him the chance to drive one himself.

BEST FOOT FORWARD The girls’ football team at Bede’s School in Sussex won the International Schools Football Association Tournament.

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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS

CHANGING FACES Heads on the move

Matthew Judd has taken up the headship at Leighton Park School, Reading.

He joins from Haberdasher’s Aske’s for Boys, where he was Second Master.

Sherborne School for Girls, Dorset, welcomed Dr Ruth Sullivan as their new Head in September 2018. Ruth joins from Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, where she was Deputy Master.

BOX HILL UNVEILS SPORTS CENTRE The new sports centre at Box Hill School, Surrey, was opened by HRH Prince Edward last summer. The centre is an impressive facility with a tennis court on the roof.

Outdoor Fun Greshams School, Norfolk, unveiled its new outdoor activity centre, which includes a 250m zip wire, obstacle course, low and high ropes and a 28m climbing tower.

Downside School, Somerset, welcomes new Headmaster Andrew Hobbs this term. Previously he was part of the school as Deputy Head, then Acting Head from January 2018.

STEM SCULPTURE Oundle School, Northamptonshire has commissioned a piece of sculpture from Draisci Studio, the award-winning Londonbased architecture and design studio.

STEM is an interactive artwork created for the Science and Technology Building to emphasize the role of science and mathematics in everyday life. Draisci Studio hopes that their work will encourage pupils to discover new ways of observing and experimenting with the world.

This term Alastair Tighe joined Wells Cathedral School, Somerset as Headmaster, moving from Bedford School where he held the post of Deputy Head Academic.

Patricia Adams takes up the reins as the new Head of St Mary’s Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire this term. She has moved from Blackheath High School for Girls, where she was Deputy Head.

Mental Health Matters

New Boarding Houses

Supporting STEM

The pupils’ wellbeing centre has opened at Felsted, East Anglia, marking the school’s determination to support and promote the good mental health of their pupils.

Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, has completed the first stage of its redevelopment, including a multi-million pound investment in its boarding houses and classrooms.

A new building project to support the teaching of STEM subjects has opened at Lady Eleanor Holles, the London girls’ school. They are also now offering a STEM scholarship for the first time.

Mark Mortimer has been appointed Head of Bryanston School, Dorset and will take up the post in September 2019.

Mark is currently Headmaster of Warminster School, Wiltshire.

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SENIOR NEWS | UP FRONT

HEALTHY LIVING

Henry Price has been appointed Headmaster of Oakham School, Rutland. His headship will commence in September 2019.

Currently he is Head of Wellington School, Somerset.

Festival for Mental Health and Wellbeing Maria Young has just become the new Head of St Mary’s Shaftesbury, Dorset. Previously she was Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Boarding at Worth School, West Sussex.

Wimbledon High School, London held its first ever mental health festival in May. GROWfest was held in collaboration with the company Head Talks, a community interest company (CIC) offering a digital platform and speaker programme that explores mental health and wellbeing. This is the first festival of its kind in the UK education sector, and part of Wimbledon High’s new GROW programme.

The new health and fitness centre at Cheltenham Ladies’ College has officially opened. The centre includes a new sports hall, multipurpose activity studio, multi-purpose dance studio, five squash courts and a 58-station fitness gym. It was opened in June by Baroness Sue Campbell, FA Head of Women’s Football and former Chair of UK Sport.

IN THE PIPELINE

St Edmund’s Canterbury has just welcomed new Head Edward O’Connor.

Edward has been Deputy Head at St Edmund’s since 2013 and was previously Acting Head of the Junior School.

Keith Metcalfe, currently the Deputy Head at Harrow, will be the new Headmaster of Malvern College from April 2019. He succeeds Antony Clark who has been at Malvern for ten years.

Bart Wielenga has started his new position as Head of Blundell’s School, Devon this September.

Previously he was Second Master at the school.

Gavin Horgan has become Headmaster at Millfield School, Somerset, from September 2018.

He was previously the Deputy Head of The Glasgow Academy.

Full STEAM Ahead

Beautiful Buildings

Community Outreach

Work has begun at Long Close School, Slough, on a new £6m development which includes a specialist Sports facility and STEAM focused specialist learning environment in the Hub building.

The first phase of an exciting development has recently been completed at St Paul’s School, Barnes.

Walters & Cohen Architects are overseeing the design and completion of the new buildings.

Moreton Hall, East Anglia, continues raising funds for the new Holroyd Community Theatre, with over £1.1m of the £1.45m capital cost already raised. The theatre will offer arts, music and drama to surrounding areas.

NEW HUB FOR LEARNING The first phase of a two phase development plan at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury took place with the opening of its new academic hub, a structure sympathetic to the Grade II listed central buildings of the school.

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UP FRONT | SENIOR NEWS

Isabella Depla’s ‘Adrogyny’, graphite powder and pencil on paper

YOUNG ACORNS CHESS CHAMP

Imogen Camp, 17 (left), of Rydal Penrhos in Wales, has been awarded the Sir John Henry Morris Jones Trust grant for her continued exception performance in the sport of chess. She has been a member of the Welsh Junior Squad since 2012 and has represented the country at both European and World Youth Championships.

BUDDING ARTISTS

MUSICAL PRODIGY

BBC’s Young Musician of the Year competition was won by pianist Lauren Zhang (right), a music scholar of King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham. She played Prokofiev’s challenging Piano Concerto No 2. The conductor of the accompanying orchestra had nothing but praise for her: ‘you hear her play and you discover this incredible depth and range of thought and imagination.

That’s an extraordinary combination.’

Lauren has also won a string of major piano and violin classes including the top contest for young pianists worldwide, the Ettlingen International Piano competition in 2016.

TEAM GB Cobham Hall, Kent’s Year 11 pupil Lilly Gibbs (left) has been selected for the Triathlon Team GB. The triathlete was doing qualifying competitions whilst taking her GCSE examinations. Lilly was presented with her GB kit on sports day.

CYCLING MARVEL

At just 17 years old, Ethan Vernon of Bedford School in Bedfordshire has been selected to compete in track cycling in the Commonwealth Games. Ethan has been a pupil at Bedford School since he was seven and started BMX racing when he was just four. He became the national champion and number two in Europe before switching to track racing when he was 15. He will be the youngest member of the Welsh team.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Maths Whizz A thirteen year old pupil, Conor Collins at Solihull School, West Midlands, is already studying maths at undergraduate level.

Conor recently scored a perfect 60 out of 60 in the Intermediate Maths Olympiad, organised by the UK Mathematics Trust.

Two Year 13 girls at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire, have had their work selected by The Arts Society to become Royal Society of British Arts (RBA) Scholars. Isabella Depla and Lucy Bradley’s work will be submitted and join the longlist to become RBA Scholars by review of the RBA London Panel, associated with Mall Galleries, for a National Exhibition. Isabella’s work ‘Androgyny’ (graphite powder and pencil on paper) and ‘Undulate’ (oil on canvas) were longlisted along with Lucy’s ‘Mother’ (graphite powder and pencil on paper).

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Sailing off the Scottish coast is one of the many ways in which Gordonstoun pupils are challenged by outward bound activities

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ACADEMIC REPORT | UP FRONT

GIVE IT A GO

Dr Simon Beames, Senior Researcher at Edinburgh University, considers the value of out-of-classroom learning experiences in promoting personal growth very important, as well, as it enabled students to be exposed haracter, grit and resilience are just three of the terms to challenging activities they had not come across before, and that have been used to label the kinds of personal to be regularly placed in the position of being learners (and supporters growth that can come from successfully negotiating of others’ learning) in non-academic settings. More generally, challenging experiences. Indeed, schools and youth experiences featuring numerous opportunities to lead others, where development organisations across the globe have been staff provided support but gave limited direction, were highly valued. trying to elicit young people’s transformation for decades. The trouble Since Gordonstoun is so well-resourced, I have repeatedly been with the term ‘personal growth’ is that there asked which findings from this study is not an agreed definition of it; there is can be adapted to mainstream schools. no broadly accepted way to facilitate it in Here are five implications for practice: others, and it is very difficult to measure.

First, provide opportunities for students With this in mind, Gordonstoun, to have leadership responsibilities an independent school in Scotland, for as many features of school life as commissioned our research team at the possible (e.g. head of lost property).

University of Edinburgh to capture the Second, offer chances for students to influences of its out-of-classroom learning undertake self-sufficient overnight experiences. Gordonstoun was founded expeditions with staff members. These in 1934 by the educational visionary, journeys do not have to be to far away Kurt Hahn; Hahn went on to co-found places, but they should involve sleeping Outward Bound and Gordonstoun’s in tents, cooking and so on. Third, Moray Badge was the precursor make community service part of the to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. regular school timetable. Fourth, build The common theme of challenging a positive culture around students outdoor activities is obvious! trying new activities and supporting Our team of four researchers others as they do. And finally, arrange employed a range of data collection possibilities for staff and students methods over a 10-month period. The to interact outside of classroom time, process began with an online survey, in non-academic settings. All of these which was completed by more than 1,000 features are central to Gordonstoun alumni and over 200 parents of current life and can largely be achieved students. We then conducted interviews on a state school budget. with 100 students and 50 parents, as well Gordonstoun’s out-of-classroom as spending a further ten days on site experiences feature a powerful mix to gather field notes. of novel and demanding challenges Perhaps the most striking finding that require high levels of resolve to of all was that an astonishing 94 per cent of Gordonstoun School’s alumni ‘The most striking finding of all was overcome. The study’s findings strongly indicate that these varied experiences claimed that out-of-classroom learning that an astonishing 94 per cent need to be woven into a school timetable experiences had a positive influence of Gordonstoun School’s alumni throughout a student’s academic on their personal growth. The interviews claimed that out-of-classroom journey. In a society increasingly revealed that many students developed an enduring ‘let’s give it a go’ attitude that learning experiences had a positive obsessed with exam results, it is seemed to transfer into their everyday influence on their personal growth’ encouraging to find evidence of a school that is educating children to be more lives once they left school. Multi-day rounded, resilient, responsible citizens. expeditions and sailing voyages were very clearly shown to be the most powerful out-of-classroom The full academic report can be downloaded at: beamingsimon. learning experiences, in terms of their influence on reported wordpress.com; Gordonstoun’s research summary is available at: publish. outcomes. Weekly service commitments, positions of responsibility gordonstoun.org.uk/books/ttsl; Special thanks to the research assistants: Roger and the performing arts were also regarded as being crucial Scrutton, Chris Mackie, and Jenni Hume. Dr Beames’ co-authored book, to Gordonstoun’s out-of-classroom provision.

Adventure and Society, will be published in December 2018.

The breadth of Gordonstoun’s ‘broader curriculum’ was seen as

C

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

COMMUNITY RAPPORT School House learns about Oundle School’s extensive Community Action (CA) programme from Head of Community Action, Liz Turnbull

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ver 320 Fifth and Sixth formers at Oundle School participate in weekly CA activities involving volunteering at special needs schools, supervising activities for children with disabilities and community art. They provide classroom assistance, homework tuition, sports coaching and teach Latin, Chess, Chinese and Debating at after-school clubs.

Some pupils host a weekly get-together for seniors (660 Club), others visit care homes, or assist the elderly in their homes.

Community projects include environmental work, assisting at a soup kitchen and pupils also learn sign language and produce a newspaper for the town.

Annual events include Community Carols, a sponsored Sleep Out supporting St Basils – a charity working with homeless young people – a ‘Grand Day Out’ for the elderly and ‘Have-AGo-Days’ (HAGD), where pupils host afternoons of fun activities for children and adults with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

HAGD visitor feedback: ‘We met many fine young people at HAGD, supported by highly skilled, inspiring and good-humoured teachers.

It is said that our life is judged by what we give to others in need and this was an outstanding collective effort by Oundle School; bringing families together to try new things.’

How is the School able to provide such a wide variety of opportunities within its programme?

The CA programme is well resourced and highly valued by the school community.

As well as a dedicated afternoon, teaching staff are assigned to support the programme by overseeing pupils in placements or running activities, and the school funds transport for the pupils to get to their placements.

How long have you been involved with CA? I started working at Oundle in May 2004, supporting the CA department. My eldest son had just started at the school and as a parent I had been looking for a school for him and his two younger siblings that I felt would not only provide excellent academic, sport and music opportunities, but would also encourage them to give back to society and to gain a perspective on the diverse world in which we all live. In 2013, I took on the role as Head of CA. What opportunities and experiences do you feel pupils gain from the CA programme?

This is best answered by the pupils: ‘Every Thursday evening I help out at Cub Scouts. From watching patiently to ensure a game of tag doesn’t dissolve into anarchy, to helping with projects or discussing concepts such as teamwork, I have found this weekly break from normal Oundle life to be one of the most rewarding, enjoyable, and exciting activities I partake in at school.’ Ed Hodgson, 17.

‘On Wednesday afternoons, I teach rowing to a group of teenagers with varying special needs. My favourite session was when one boy first went out in a ‘single’ on his own after a few weeks of remaining on land; I couldn’t believe his natural talent once he got started on the water. His smile and rush of excitement once all of the technique fell into place was amazing.’

Alanna Gilmartin, 18.

Head, Sarah Kerr-Dineen adds: ‘When I listen to pupils talking about their CA involvement, it is wonderful to hear how much it has meant to them and how it has changed their way of seeing the world. We are wholly committed to the community of which we are lucky enough to be part.

CA offers us, through our pupils, the opportunity to give to this community in a range of practical ways, each requiring care and thought for others. The development of these qualities is vital to our pupils’ education, if they are to develop into adults of tomorrow who will make a positive difference to the world in which they take their place.’

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FEATURES PROFILE | SCHOOLS | FINA NCE | EDUCATION | FOCUS

Heathfield School, Ascot

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Frensham Heights focuses on the creative spirit

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SCHOOL PROFILE | FEATURE

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Charlotte Fairbairn looks at schools breaking the mould n 1893, when John Haden Badley founded Bedales School, he focused his educational doctrine on the three Hs: ‘Head, Hand and Heart’. The child should be taught to make, to think, to feel. A contemporary of Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, Badley was at the forefront of a visionary educational approach, one reacting to the grim disciplinarianism of the Victorian era. It was the ushering in of an entirely new approach to education, one where the child really mattered. As Montessori wrote in her volume ‘The Absorbent Mind’, ‘The teacher’s task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of motives for cultural activity in a special environment made for the child.’ At the turn of the 20th century, these ideas were progressive if not revolutionary. And today, their spark of originality still burns bright.

So here we are over 100 years later and you are a ‘progressive’ parent. For one reason or another, you seek new and alternative opportunities for your child.

Perhaps a straight academic route is not the path you seek. Your child is exceptionally creative. Or outdoorsy.

Or outspoken. Perhaps you had a horror of the strictures of your experience at school. Perhaps you find our exam system too narrow or too relentless. You want your child to have the opportunity to become an individual rather than a typical alumnus of a particular independent school. Is it possible to look for this in a school without sacrificing the academic standards so adamantly required by our modern world?

Is it a good idea to promote informality between pupil and teacher, when all around, formality and structure are the very bedrock of the corporate universe?

I

How far Badley could see into the educational future is a moot point but Bedales is still a school that pioneers.

Continually evolving, Bedales has created its own curriculum. BAC – Bedales Assessed Courses – were designed in-house, draw on their own syllabus and are accepted by UCAS. As a student, you study core subjects such as English and Maths, but around those, you can branch out and study Global Awareness or Design (Product or Fashion), for example. Rob Reynolds, Director of External Relations at the school, points particularly towards their course in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.

At some point in this syllabus, the students are required to design their own Utopia.

‘This has proved a hugely popular A-level subject – and this in spite of the fact that at Bedales, we have no chapel.’

Magnus Bashaarat, outgoing head of Milton Abbey [to become head of Bedales], believes that moving away from the nine or ten GCSEs path bears genuinely fruitful results. ‘GCSEs are no discriminator.

Likewise, A levels – you might choose geography because you don’t mind it, maths because someone has told you it’s useful, politics because you have never done it before.

Or you could choose a subject like Creative Media Production – one we offer here at Milton Abbey – and instead of wandering into university and a rather vague-sounding degree, you could go – as some of our students have – to Teesside, read Computer Game Design and walk straight into working within a competitive and expanding industry.’

One of the recurring themes that crops up among the schools approached for this article is that of confidence. The innovative school puts the child at the centre of its ethos – and this gives huge confidence.

Milton Abbey looked at maths GCSE

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

COGNITA: AN INSPIRING WORLD OF EDUCATION Self-assured, resilient and empowered to succeed – that’s our ambition for every child in a Cognita school THESE SCHOOLS IN LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND ARE AMONG OUR 40 COGNITA SCHOOLS IN THE UK

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Charterhouse Square School, City of London, London charterhousesquareschool.co.uk

North Bridge House Pre-Prep School, Hampstead, London northbridgehouse.com

Clifton Lodge School, Ealing, London cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk Colchester High School, Colchester, Essex colchesterhighschool.co.uk Cumnor House Nursery, Purley & Croydon, Surrey cumnorhouse.com

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ith 70 schools around the world – 40 in the UK – Cognita provides a uniquely global education that goes beyond exam results. Alongside strong academics, our schools focus on developing the inner character and global mindset that young people will need to meet the challenges of a future they can’t yet imagine.

We encourage positive, international perspectives for our students through sharing educational expertise, insights and best practice from across the world – and by collaborating to develop rich learning environments for every child.

Our schools offer a wide range of opportunities, both academic and extra-curricular, all of which help our students progress to over half of the world’s top 100 universities.

Discover our inspiring world of education for your child.

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North Bridge House Prep School, Regent’s Park, London northbridgehouse.com North Bridge House Senior School, Hampstead, London northbridgehouse.com North Bridge House Senior School & Sixth Form, Canonbury, London northbridgehouse.com

Cumnor House School for Girls, Purley, Surrey cumnorhouse.com

Oakfields Montessori School, Upminster, Essex oakfieldsschool.co.uk

Downsend Pre-Prep School, Ashtead, Surrey downsend.co.uk

Oxford House School, Colchester, Essex oxfordhouseschool.net

Downsend Pre-Prep School, Epsom, Surrey downsend.co.uk Downsend Pre-Prep School, Leatherhead, Surrey downsend.co.uk Downsend School, Leatherhead, Surrey downsend.co.uk Glenesk School, East Horsley, Surrey gleneskschool.co.uk Hendon Preparatory School, Hendon, London hendonprep.co.uk Long Close School, Slough, Berkshire longcloseschool.co.uk Milbourne Lodge School, Esher, Surrey milbournelodge.co.uk

Salcombe Preparatory School, Southgate, London salcombeprep.co.uk Southbank International School Hampstead, London southbank.org Southbank International School Kensington, London southbank.org Southbank International School Westminster, London southbank.org St Margaret’s Preparatory School, Halstead, Essex stmargaretsprep.co.uk St Nicholas Preparatory School, Kensington, London stnicholasprep.co.uk

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SCHOOL PROFILE | FEATURE

Frensham Heights fosters informal relations between pupil and teacher

‘Education is no longer about fostering information recall. It is much more about preparing students for the future.

We need to keep innovating, to develop novel teaching strategies, to keep pushing educational boundaries’ retakes and found that once a student had failed maths, they were likely to do so again. ‘Repeated failure is no good,’ says Bashaarat.

The school used a different form of exam, the Functional Skills Maths Pathway, to enable these struggling mathematicians to succeed. Their results, says Bashaarat, have more than vindicated this alternative approach.

Confidence comes, too, not from vocational study but from good teachers. Hampton Court House head, Guy Holloway, is vehement on this subject: ‘In recent times,’ he says, ‘much has been written on the need for an improved curriculum. But surprisingly little has been asked about what personal qualities we should be looking for [or developing] in our teachers.

‘I really believe that increasing professionalisation within teaching means the loss of those teachers who can inspire you; the intellectuals who really know and love their subject; the mavericks. OK, they may not be good at taking register – but an inspirational teacher can change your life. I feel strongly about this because I was frequently a failure at school. And but

for a couple of great teachers, I might have remained one. So here at HCH, we do not choose teachers because they are Key Stage II trained, but because they are inspirational.’

This outlook will chime for many parents. Perhaps the reason you are casting around for a school wth something extra is precisely that: you want some spark of quirkiness or eccentricity to be added to your child’s formative years. Add to this the fact that HCH offers fully bilingual lessons (English/French) between Years One to Four; and that it is a pioneer in offering afternoon school for sixth-form pupils and, yes, you do have a school that is doing things differently.

(This latter policy of shaping teaching hours to the adolescent body clock is now being picked up by several other schools following proven improvement in student productivity and alertness.)

Like Bedales, Frensham Heights, in Surrey, is a school that focuses on the creative spirit and fosters informal relations between pupil and teacher. That this informality – first name terms with teachers, no uniform, little hierarchy – bears results is something that Hugo Laward Horsfall, a graduate of the school, would firmly advocate. ‘Being able to talk to your teachers with no “them-and-us” mentality meant that school was a lovely environment to grow up in.’ Laward Horsfall, at 26, is studying to be a doctor, founded a mental health charity (happyspace.org.uk) and has worked on creating a Thinktank, the Centre for Social Justice.

‘Frensham gave me the tools to do anything I wanted. We were not spoon-fed and we were not heavily pressurised. I have friends who went to other, “more conventional” schools and I really believe that I have an advantage over them. At Frensham’s, you can do whatever you want, so long as you enjoy it.’

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Fine Arts College ensures that many of the creative subjects are taught by professionals

Self-determination is also promoted very much at St Christopher School in Hertfordshire. Here the principle of ‘speaking truth to power’, valued by its Quaker founders Eleanor and Lyn Harris still prevails and the school is ‘selfgoverned’. As head Richard Palmer writes: ‘Self-government is about more than the Council and School Meetings.

It is about the relationship between freedom and responsibility.’

And then there is vocational study. Consider The Fine Arts College which leans heavily towards the arts; Orlando Bloom is an alumnus. Head Candida Cave sees to it that many of the creative subjects are taught not by teachers but by professionals, practising actors or musicians. ‘We want our students to realise that the creative process is outside of the exam system.’

Like Bedales, the consistently high performing Brighton College runs its own courses. The Story of our Land – an in-school created module (designed for pupils in year three) encompasses history, geography, philosophy and religion and tells the story of Britain from the beginning of time. ‘The course has been a huge success,’ says Deputy Head Leah Hamblett, ‘to the extent that we have developed a further module, Our Island Story which is taught to pupils in sixth form.’ Head Richard Cairns is known for championing new ideas like entrepreneurship. ‘We do not want to listen to the government saying Great Britain does not produce enough and not respond,’ explains Hamblett. On a more day-to-day level, the school has strong policies on kindness.

‘A happier school gets better results,’ she adds.

Taking an even more holistic approach, Rochester Independent College – and its founders, maths teachers Brian Pain and Simon

de Belder – have shaped their campus to reflect the school’s ethos. Children do not sit in rows but round tables. Igloo-shaped classrooms are linked by wildlife gardens. Like Frensham Heights, Rochester has no uniform and students are on first name terms with teachers. The average class size is eight.

Breaking the mould is of course a subjective term. To send your child to a single-sex school nowadays could be considered radical. And yet if you look at the results of the schools within the 23-strong Girls’ Day School Trust, you might see that for those 19,000 girls across the country, single-sex education makes absolute sense. In the debate about women and their success in high places, you might take your hat off to Eton for appointing Susan Wijeratna as its Lower Master – challenging time-honoured tradition and shaking up old preconceptions. World Atlantic College, in Cardiff, prides itself on its international intake.

Oundle, while arguably a more conventional school in the academic sense, runs a remarkable Community Action programme ‘leaving many of its participants with a lasting commitment to civic responsibility,’ says programme director Liz Turnbull.

Changing hours, changing syllabus, growing openness in staffpupil relations – these are not flashes in the pan. Yes, it is a crowded marketplace, as cited by Magnus Bashaarat, and yes, there is a need for schools to stand out in some way. But the marketplace needs to be fit for purpose – as Hugo Laward Horsfall (soon to be a governor of Frensham Heights, aged just 26) puts it, ‘Education is no longer about fostering information recall. It is much more about preparing students for the future. We need to keep innovating, to develop novel teaching strategies, to keep pushing educational boundaries.’ n

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Ampleforth College is one of the foremost Catholic boarding schools

CLASS OF TOLERANCE Cristina Odone considers the reasons for the rising popularity of religious education among independent school pupils 52 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Autumn/Winter 2018

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION | FEATURE

‘School children are wonderfully open and honest about their beliefs (far more so than adults!) and willing to share them in the class. The key to this is to create a classroom atmosphere where pupils don’t feel personally judged or awkward about evaluating and analysing religious beliefs.’

JAMES HOLT, NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

ivil war in Syria. Violence in Gaza.

And, closer to home, accusations of anti-Semitism against Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party, and of Catholic bigotry against Jacob Rees-Mogg. Religion is at the heart of current affairs, inspiring hatred and factionalism in some areas and loving compassion in others.

Ironically, just as world events are shaped by religious fervour and require an understanding of the major faiths, Britain has grown increasingly religiously illiterate. Few have been able spot the falsehoods in Islamists’ fanatical messages or predict the importance of Israel for the Christian Evangelical supporters of Donald Trump.

Few seem to worry about our collective ignorance: one in four secondary schools in England are breaking the law by not teaching religious education – and a recent survey of more than 2,000 Britons revealed that nearly three-fifths think Religious Education should be replaced by Politics at secondary school.

Some of our foremost educators disagree.

The Rev Mark Jones has been teaching Divinity at Eton College for 29 years. Britain now may be only nominally a Christian country, but he tells pupils at Britain’s most famous school that the ‘rich tapestry of Christianity remains very much part of public life, as witnessed most recently in the Meghan-Harry wedding’.

Christian iconography and institutions surround the students, and unless they are familiar with this landscape marked by charities and martyrs, oaths and missionaries, their progress through it will be slow and uncertain.

Indeed, in multi-faith, multi-cultural Britain, as the Rev Jones points out, pupils need to know more than their Christian legacy; they must have a grasp of the major world religions. Rev Jones says Eton has been teaching the world religions since the 1960s. ‘All pupils take a foundation course, when they have two lessons a week in Divinity, which introduces them to thinking systematically about ethics and the principal concepts and practices of the major world faiths.’

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John Browne, Headmaster at Stonyhurst, the oldest Jesuit school in the world (425 next year), likes to remind his students of the Jesuits’ motto, ‘the world is our house’: ‘We want our students to be familiar with all the great religions: only through knowledge can we reveal the links and synergies between the faiths. And that is what breeds tolerance.’

Few independent schools can boast the diversity found at North London Collegiate School, one of the country’s top ranking girls’ schools. The 1,066 students come from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds: James Holt, the school’s head of Religious Studies and Philosophy, describes how ‘in any given class we will have Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity represented’. The focus is ‘highly academic rather than confessional and we examine the ways in which the different faiths tackle the same philosophical questions about the meaning and purpose of life, morality, the nature of God, the possibility of an afterlife, the relationship between the body and the soul and so on.’

As a result of classroom discussions, he explains, ‘Jewish and Muslim pupils are fascinated to learn about the close similarities between their religions, both stemming from Abraham and the same impulse to believe in monotheism.’

In an era when even five to 15 year olds are spending more than 15 hours a day online, and smart phones allow 24/7 access to virtual entertainments from Facebook to gaming, the values of ancient civilisations must seem as dated as a telex machine. How do top schools make religious studies relevant?

The answer is by discussing dilemmas that strike a chord of recognition among youngsters, rather than by spending lessons memorising the Catechism, or verses from the Bible, as many parents will have experienced in their own religious studies. The 569 students of Ampleforth College, the famous Catholic independent school based in Yorkshire, sit through classes entitled ‘Prejudice regarding other people and communities’, ‘Personal Identity (Who Am I?)’ and ‘Addiction’; while at Eton, the Rev Jones believes

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Teachers at North London Collegiate School encourage pupils to share their personal experiences

in ‘raising a range of ethical dilemmas, that teens are really interested in – from sexual mores to charitable giving’. Indeed, at Eton, theology is as popular at A-level as history and geography.

James Holt encourages his students at North London Collegiate School to share their personal experiences: ‘School children are wonderfully open and honest about their beliefs (far more so than adults!) and willing to share them in the class… The key to this is to create a classroom atmosphere where pupils don’t feel personally judged or awkward about evaluating and analysing religious beliefs. Adults are warned against discussing religion at dinner parties, but children and teenagers are naturally questioning and philosophical.’

Alfred Nicol, who teaches religious studies at Benenden School in Kent, likes to warn traditionalist parents that they will find, in their daughters’ RS lessons, little to remind them of their own studies. Gone are the proselytising and the indoctrination, and ‘gone too, are the days, thank goodness, when RS played the backseat in the curriculum, being delivered by a well-meaning woolly haired chaplain who smelt faintly of sherry.’

Today, instead, RS is one of the most popular options

in the school, according to Mr Nicol, because, ‘in essence we teach about people rather than God.’ People’s choices – how to lead their lives, whom to associate with, what to say – are determined by their values. Discipline, generosity, charity – the values that build character have become fashionable once again in education.

The same parent who might balk at the thought of Junior sitting through a proselytising sermon in Chapel will heartily approve of his son being taught the Judaeo-Christian values of self-restraint and how to share with peers.

‘I want our students to learn about religion but also from religion,’ explains the Rev Mark Jones. ‘They learn facts but they also engage inwardly, learning about love, honour, humility.’

‘Character formation is now core to many schools’ curricula, but Catholic schools have been doing this for years,’ says John Browne, headmaster at Stonyhurst. Parents, he says, increasingly ask schools about their ‘ethos’ and their ‘values system’ in the way that, until recently, they would have asked about exam results and league tables.

Nicol points out that one big difference between religious studies as they were taught 20 or 30 years ago and today lies in debate: students are encouraged to question

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION | FEATURE

and discuss, rather than take as gospel truth, the tenets of any one faith. ‘I’m delighted that religious studies provides opportunities for pupils to think, argue and evaluate abstract ideas at a very high level. In doing so we more than justify our confidence in the subject’s value contributing to the girls’ ability to engage with all of their chosen disciplines.’

There is another aspect of religious studies that contributes to its popularity with stressed-out pupils (and their worried parents). Students who study the world’s faiths will be exploring spirituality – whether in terms of Buddhist meditation or Judaeo-Christian contemplation. At a time when more of us are sensitive to the importance of wellbeing, a subject that helps young people venture beyond the purely material provides a valuable means of supporting mental health.

All of the Ampleforth College houses have their own dedicated chapel, where students ‘have space for prayer and reflection’. This, says Deirdre Rowe, the deputy head, is crucial to student life: ‘We feel that it is important that students feel free to explore their spiritual side when they are at school and do not feel the need to apologise for believing in God in an increasingly secular age.’

For John Browne, at Stonyhurst, reflection and meditation are part of a religious education – but he encourages his students to ‘do’ good as well. ‘Jesuit

education is about action-focused religion: it asks of our students what are you going to do about it? This energises them.’ The school has a registered charity, Children for Children, which is now 14 years old and run by the students. In the autumn Stonyhurst are hoping to welcome a Syrian refugee family: ‘It took a lot of careful scrutiny, planning, and a 60-page Home Office form, but the students were determined to make a difference,’ Browne explains.

From bridging the Jewish-Muslim divide to supporting refugees, religious studies are inspiring a new generation in ways that might have seemed unimaginable to their parents. Religious education is popular with students and parents – and rightly so: being religiously literate adds a crucial dimension to our sense of who we are, what we have achieved, and how we talk to one another. Without some basic understanding of this subject, some of the greatest art and literature, as well as the motivation behind some of the most important movements in history, are totally beyond our grasp.

Above all, though, religious studies teach tolerance.

When students come to understand that the great world religions teach a code of behaviour which shares values such as courage, charity and self-restraint – they feel connected across boundaries and divides. This, then, is the great legacy of today’s religious studies: replacing enmity with empathy. We all stand to benefit. n

The cricket match at Stonyhurst College was the first fixture of the Vatican XI’s 4th Light of Faith Tour of England, 2018

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HIGH TECH GAME CHANGERS Independent schools are finding an intelligent way to embrace a digitalised education, says Christopher Silvester

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DIGITAL LEARNING | FEATURE

ir Anthony Seldon’s new book The Fourth Education Revolution warns us that robots may replace teachers within ten years, but technology has already had a transformative effect on education in the independent schools sector.

In the pre-PC age, technology encompassed little more than a visit to the language laboratory or the use of an overhead projector instead of a whiteboard in science lessons. Today, most schools have introduced it holistically to all aspects of learning.

‘All our classrooms have wireless projectors so that the teacher can send his screen to that projector without a physical connection,’ says Julian O’Loughlin, Director of Digital Learning at Wellington College, Berkshire (where Seldon was once Master). ‘As a teacher, that unlocks me to be anywhere in the classroom – and that’s a real game-changer.’

Wellington College requires parents to buy one of three mandated Windows operating systems. ‘We also use inkable devices – a big thing at Wellington.

All teachers and all students have a device whereby you can write on the screen.’ OneNote digital inking means pupils can type, draw and annotate diagrams and even cut and paste elements of diagrams.

It also enables work to be marked and annotated by the teacher during class. ‘The speed of transfer between teacher and pupil changes everything,’ says O’Loughlin, an admirer of the RS Animates software, which automatically creates animations to support a teacher’s text.

O’Loughlin is sceptical about robot teachers.

‘You cannot replace teachers with computers and have typed notes all the time. It’s important that pupils feel they’re being taught by a person and it’s personalised to them.’ Even with an inkable device, ‘you’re still at heart writing with a pen on a solid

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ABOVE: Myddleton College has invested in digital infrastructure BELOW: Technology is an integral part of many lessons at Myddelton College

surface and, while exams are still predominantly handwritten, that handwriting aspect is important.’

Language teacher, José Picardo, is Assistant Principal (Digital Strategy) at Hampshire Collegiate, a co-ed junior and senior school. He has no time for ‘happy-clappy evangelists who want to shoe in technology where it isn’t required’, insisting that the only things that matter are ‘practices that are most likely to result in high attainment’.

The key is to ‘layer on technology for frequent retrieval practice. We use apps that allow students to create online flashcards for testing themselves.

With a virtual learning environment, all the coursework is placed somewhere accessible online.

‘As a languages teacher I can now set speaking for homework, something I couldn’t do before. In the past language labs were a physical space; now they are with you all the time.’ Hampshire Collegiate pupils use tablets that are owned and controlled by the school, using whitelisted apps only. The annual cost of £200 per pupil is included in the school fees.

At Bryanston School in Dorset, Director of Technology, Andy Barnes, believes his school has ‘matured into an environment where technology is pervasive in almost everything we do and therefore not invasive’. They use an onsite media streaming service, which, for example, allows you to have three or four different filmed versions of Macbeth and flick between them without barriers.

‘Some children require a different angle or perception,’ says Barnes. Resources like YouTube and Vimeo offer myriad ways of explaining even something as complex as calculus. ‘We teach the skill, early on, of questioning authenticity or reliability of source: how does a learner pick their way through almost unlimited resources to find quality? The teacher has moved from a single point of truth to guiding learners to different resources that will work for them.’

Barnes believes that a ‘blended learning’ approach, which combines auditory and visual elements, is more effective than traditional notetaking: ‘A student will take a picture of a set of notes a teacher has made, stick it in Evernote, and put some audio channels around it.’

Bryanston students can use whatever device they want, though mostly they use Apple iBooks.

‘The focus for the school is on the content that goes onto their screens, whether it’s the video content, the Virtual Learning Environment content, or the assessment tool.’

Oundle in Northamptonshire believes that ‘the key to any digital enhancement adding value is the teacher’s individual capacity to manage it,’ explains Dai Barnes, Head of Digital Technology for Education. ‘We provide the means for them to do this, but do not prescribe one teaching methodology for all.’

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FEATURE | DIGITAL LEARNING Hampshire Collegiate pupils use tablets that are owned and controlled by the school

of a need to blend our approach as we get into examination years. But if they work on paper, we still want them to photograph it, put it into Onenote, and annotate and augment it with links to external documents and videos.’

Matthew Llewellin is a physics teacher and Digital Strategy Leader at Sydenham High, a girls’ day school in London. The school uses various devices including IT suite and bookable sets of Windows laptops, Chromebooks, iPads and Android devices so the girls become accustomed to all the different operating systems. ‘We use Firefly to host all teaching content and act as a whole-school communication tool,’ says Llewellin. ‘However, the greatest engagement is with G Suite for Education. Homework is set within Google Classroom and Google Drive is used for all storage which makes it easy for students to collaborate with others and teachers; Classroom has some simple but effective features, including the ability to produce e-handouts for each student.’

Llewellin believes digital learning has encouraged teachers to try out new ideas and enhance their teaching. ‘We have a Google Expeditions kit: the virtual reality allows students to immerse themselves in myriad experiences, from the nervous system to WWII battlefields, but,’ he says, ‘the success of this technique depends upon the teacher.’

Sydenham High provides and controls the hardware but is researching the pros of ‘bring your own device’. ‘Our music-lab equipment is Mac-based, the school systems run in Windows, but our pupils have increasingly more access to Chrome OS devices.’

Teachers in charge of digital learning usually attend Bett, the world’s leading educational technology show, held every January at ExCel London. Bryanston’s Andy Barnes says that HMC groupings are very effective. His school is part of the Eton Group (along with Eton, Harrow and Sevenoaks). Teachers from the group meet to discuss infrastructure and share best practice. ‘With that comes quite a lot of buying power,’ he points out. ‘Suppliers sell to the group.’ He also meets up with his counterparts in online forums.

Oundle hosted the first Digital Strategy meeting for the Rugby group of independent schools and Dai Barnes runs Teacher Tech Time to provide daily technological support and advice for their teachers.

At Sydenham High they have regular Digital Strategy Forums after school for teachers to review their current strategy and effective use of tech along with lunchtime ‘Learning Streams’ for teachers. The school is also planning a RiskIT week, in which teachers are challenged to try out something new and provide feedback on their experiences.

The trouble with Anthony Seldon’s provocative and headlinegrabbing prognostication about robot teachers is that it suggests a one-size-fits-all approach, while independent schools prefer to pick and mix their digital learning tools. ‘The most worrying facet of the digital age is when new systems are adopted with the promise of adding value but ultimately they degrade the quality of daily learning,’ says Oundle’s Dai Barnes. ‘Currently all of our pupils use a computer during some of their work, but technology is not the magic solution to enhanced teaching and learning. We want our pupils to be prepared for life in all its diversity: the analogue and the digital.’ n

‘All our classrooms have wireless projectors so that the teacher can send his screen to that projector without a physical connection. As a teacher, suddenly that unlocks me to be anywhere in the classroom and that’s a real game-changer’ The school has a deliberate policy not to align itself with a single technology corporation. ‘We manage a rich and mixed environment of devices and systems,’ says Barnes. ‘Our network is Windows based, but our trajectory is towards device-agnostic cloud services. We have no plans to provide equipment to individual pupils, but our community is in constant dialogue about whether we feel pupils need to bring a computer to every lesson.’

For Stuart Ayres, Senior Deputy Head and Head of 21st-century Technology at Myddelton College, a co-ed school in North Wales for nine to 18 year olds, digital infrastructure is key. Myddelton is a 19th-century school whose thick stone walls pose a challenge to Wi-Fi. ‘Very good tech support is absolutely critical,’ says Ayres. The school ensures constant technical support for the infrastructure and students who use devices in almost every lesson with Microsoft Onenote.

The school has instant access to Microsoft Team who are briefed every morning. ‘We’ve got 150 students and 30 staff and they are all synchronised at the beginning of each lesson. We’ve now got 5G wireless throughout the school and a fibre-optic connection, which is what we need to synchronise all those devices at once. We’re thinking of broadcasting out to the local town so that they can have free Wi-Fi.’ All staff use a Windows Surface 4 with Office 365, which represents a £16,000 investment in staff devices. Pupils can buy a prescribed device which has already had security software built into it from an online shop. ‘It enables us to control security, but belongs to them.

If they break it, it’s up to them to make an insurance claim. We’ve got a few stopgap devices we can hand out,’ says Ayres. The school estimates that the tech support and continuous infrastructure upgrades cost an annual £50,000.

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STRENGTH OF CHARACTER Victoria Lambert finds out how schools are putting the extra-curricular subject of resilience at the core of their ethos

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RESILIENCE | FEATURE

f parents could pick one attribute for our children to develop at school, most of them would opt for resilience.

No other quality seems to be as valued or as necessary in the 21st century.

We admire resilience, in particular, as key to supporting emotional well-being and positive mental health, both of which seem under threat.

According to the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, one in ten children now has a behavioural or emotional difficulty, and almost half of young people with fewer than five GCSEs graded A* to C said they ‘always’ or ‘often’ feel down or depressed, compared with 30 per cent of those of the same age who are more qualified.

And after children leave school, changing patterns of work and social attitudes, combined with growing global insecurity, are enough to make even the toughest-skinned individual feel fragile.

The consequence of not being resilient may last longer than we have previously realised. A new documentary, Resilience, directed by James Redford, explores the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Now understood to be linked to a wide range of medical conditions, from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse and depression, extremely stressful experiences in childhood are believed to alter brain development and have lifelong effects on health and behaviour.

Yet the idea of needing to build resilience in a conscious way is curious. Our parents’ and grandparents’ generations lived through war and the deprivation that followed, so perhaps it’s not surprising they grew up uncomplaining. But those who grew up in the much more peaceful and prosperous seventies and eighties are also able to flex a little backbone when needed without any instruction. So, what’s happened to the tech age generation that they need extra developmental support. Why are young people so much more vulnerable than before and how can we help them?

At Gordonstoun in Scotland, headmaster Titus Edge is not convinced the problem is new. ‘Kids have always needed to be resilient; we’ve been engaging with it for 80 years at Gordonstoun. Each generation faces different challenges.’

For the current cohort of young people, he points to the pressures of social media, exam expectations and the changing work place with new challenges.

‘It’s a very different world to that which people faced a couple of generations ago.’

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At Gordonstoun, pupils experience life beyond their normal comfort zone

He adds: ‘I would say that children today are not necessarily less resilient. But they are much more honest and open with their feelings.’

Ann Clark, principal of King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham (KEHS), agrees: ‘I feel that the current generation of children are just as resilient as their predecessors, but they have more to deal with as life is incredibly complex; the demands of social media are extremely difficult to navigate, and the fashion industry plays a more significant role than when I was young. Even the increase in university fees makes universities seem a more pressurised environment.’

There is a question mark too over what we mean by ‘resilience,’ warns Dr Felicia Kirk, headmistress of St Mary’s Calne. ‘There is a tendency for some to hark back to the sort of pointlessly arduous rites of passage that many of us had to endure with a kind of “it never did me any harm” attitude,’ says Dr Kirk. ‘The world has – generally, anyway – moved on and it’s not fair implicitly to doubt the current generation’s worth because they face different challenges.

‘In fact, I think that’s the key to it: the pupils I see today are not (on average, and of course they are not a homogeneous group) less ‘resilient’ than the generations that preceded them. They are differently resilient, in the way that today’s world demands.’

Where there is a lack of resilience, we adults may be to blame, warns Margaret Frazier, headmistress at Marymount International London. Mrs Frazier points out: ‘Children are the most resilient beings on the planet. Over the past decade, well-intended parents, teachers, coaches, and even head teachers, out of love, fear and expectations, have created too many safety nets that have prevented the little spills, stumbles and setbacks as part of an expected path of child development.’

Dr Kirk agrees that adults create the world which tests the resilience of children, but she says that ‘teaching and learning has been through a quiet revolution in recent times and in great schools it is now almost unrecognisably more professional than it used to be, so that pupils are far better nurtured and prepared for life in the round than they used to be in many cases. In one way this reduces the need for resilience – a degree of unpredictability has been removed – but in another way it increases the pressure because there is arguably less reason to fail.

‘This is something that we recognise at St Mary’s Calne and we work hard to help our girls through it – that’s one of the big drivers behind our bespoke well-being programme, which operates

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for the whole school community. That programme also helps build children’s ability to deal with the changing social pressures that they experience, including navigating the online world and social media.’

At Ashford School, Penny Willetts, head of prep, has been focusing on giving children new skills, including developing resilience which she now considers to be a core skill across all ages.

‘The staff work with the children in their classes to point out examples of other children being resilient in everyday school life,’ she says. ‘We coach them through scenarios when resilience is needed. At the end of each week I receive nominations from staff of children that have shown good resilience. In our Friday awards assembly I give out resilience awards, which are small trophies, to those children and they come up to receive them.

‘Now I am approached by pupils who want to nominate other children in the school for resilience they have seen. If you asked any child at Ashford Prep School what resilience was, whether four or 11 years old, they would be able to tell you.’

At KEHS, Year Eight and Nine girls have mindfulness days after exams, with colouring, Hama beads, walking in the countryside, swimming and meditation on offer, and a strong encouragement to put their mobile phones to one side. Next year will see the launch of a meditation club.

And in addition to a range of sport, the school offers each girl eight weeks of sessions of Krav Maga self-defence, a relatively simple but effective technique developed from other martial arts. Plus, English teacher Simon Holland has started an Ultimate Frisbee club which proved a popular stress-buster during GCSEs and A-levels.

LEFT: St Mary’s Calne pupils are taught to be resilient in today’s world ABOVE: Marymount offers the IB, which offers a broader definition of success for candidates RIGHT: Gordonstoun pupils learn to be of service in the community

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RESILIENCE | FEATURE

Marymount offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) which Mrs Frazier believes is important in itself. ‘The definition of IB success has always been broader: creativity, collaboration and individual student experience comprise it.

The IB is not just test scores in a few subjects.

‘I talk to the girls, and their teachers and advisors do too, a lot about the “other IB” – the inner being or inner balance needed to be a person who can adjust, adapt, and have confidence in herself and is not afraid to ask for help.

‘Among our school retreats, advisor chats, assembly topics and lots of selfreflection in their academic classes, we foster an ongoing conversation about this topic. It’s not ever a “one and done.”

Students’ wellbeing, with resilience and adaptability front and centre, should be our number one concern.’

For Titus Edge, Gordonstoun’s location on the northeast coast of the Scottish Highlands is core to the way the school develops life skills in its students. ‘We are close to the Moray Firth and just an hour’s drive from the Cairngorms. So as part of the curricular experience, children go into the hills and out to sea. They experience life beyond the normal comfort zone.

‘By impelling them into a range of expeditions such as sailing, which require them to take personal responsibility, we can inculcate them with self-worth and resilience that can endure throughout their lives. Real achievements – not just educational ones – can help you navigate the ups and downs of life.’

Another element of Gordonstoun life is the school’s concept of service. This is key, he says, to developing inner strength in children. ‘Our young people go out into community and learn to be of service. We are the only school to have our own fire service. We also offer a coastguard service.’

There is perhaps another link back to the way our parents’ generation found strength in one area, which Mrs Frazier describes as central to Marymount. ‘Our faith-based values as a school of the RSHM [Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary] also provide a strong foundation,’ she says.

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WHAT IS THE SUPER CURRICULUM? Headmaster of Tonbridge School, Kent, James Priory, discusses the importance of experiences beyond the classroom

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arents browsing school websites or listening to head teachers talk on open mornings may well have noticed a new word gaining currency: the super-curriculum. There is more than an echo of Mary Poppins’ supercalifragilistic in this expression, a word which could mean something ‘extraordinarily good’, or if you’re a fan of the film version, a word you use when you simply have nothing to say!

If the curriculum is all about the academic subjects on offer, both core and optional; and if the extra-curriculum is about those activities which happen outside of the classroom, even if re-branded as the co-curriculum to emphasise pupils’ overall personal development; then what exactly is meant by the super-curriculum and how important is it when considering a school for your child?

As a Year 11 pupil, each week I visited a PhD student at the university across the road from my school, who was researching the theology of C S Lewis’s Narnia books. He was blind and had limited technology available. I read aloud his draft thesis and recorded on tape theological texts which, in honesty, had limited meaning at the time, but significant appeal. Later, we visited places associated with C S Lewis and went for tea with Lewis’s friend and editor, Walter Hooper. I may not have known it then, but this was the super-curriculum in action.

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I believe that the super-curriculum is important because it represents all those opportunities to develop depth and breadth of learning which extend beyond what the curriculum requires. It finds many forms: clubs and societies, national and international competitions, visiting speakers and festivals, study tours, independent research projects, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and blogs. It enables pupils to develop specialist knowledge in areas that already seize their interest, but it can also inspire curiosity about areas previously unknown and unventured.

Universities and employers are showing increasing interest in pupils’ super-curricular profiles. They recognise the need for specialism with breadth, and the flexibility that this implies.

As C L R James teasingly asks in his book Beyond the Boundary, ‘What does he know of cricket who only cricket knows?’ In an age in which information can be instantaneously available, other aspects of lifelong learning are becoming key: young people’s sense of curiosity and their readiness to make intellectual connections; their ability to think creatively and critically; their confidence to collaborate and communicate.

There are, however, warning signs to watch out for. It is easy to produce a list of activities and style it as a super-curriculum.

If the opportunities on offer are random and if participation is sporadic, then it would be reasonable to challenge what value such a ‘super-curriculum’ has. And even if the list seems superficially impressive, what does it say about the quality

of experience in the curriculum if all the fun and enquiry is happening outside the classroom and not inside?

Instead, I would encourage parents to look for evidence that pupils really do enjoy extending themselves and that they respect this in each other. Ask how effective schools are in encouraging pupils to become involved in their learning: to ask questions, to debate and share ideas.

Are the teachers themselves encouraged to develop their learning in new and exciting directions?

I was attracted to Tonbridge School precisely because it has a culture which celebrates learning and which challenges boys to put their learning into action.

I am very excited to see how we can develop its supercurriculum still further. To borrow an image from those early conversations about C S Lewis and Narnia, it ought to be like stepping into the wardrobe and finding a whole new world inside.

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Many UK independent schools now offer Mandarin Chinese as part of their language programme

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AN ASIAN CONNECTION As Britain moves on from Brexit, educationalists promote cultural links with China and the Far East

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THE JOURNALIST

POSITIVE INFLUENCE Sally Jones explains why English parents should embrace the Chinese connections within their childrens’ schools

n 2002 our children’s prep school staged a Future Schools Open Evening. The stands manned by effusive ‘leadership teams’ groaned with glossy brochures as I researched the two senior schools we had earmarked as possible destinations for our ten-year-old daughter.

As one tweedy head sang the praises of her well-known Midlands boarding school, I spotted dozens of oriental faces in its prospectus.

‘And what proportion of your pupils come from the Far East?’ I asked.

‘Ahem, cough-cough... Around 40 per cent – but they’re very nice, hard-working girls,’ she spluttered defensively. I mentally crossed the school off our list, concerned at reports from fellow mothers that where there were groups of Chinese boarders, they tended to band together, speaking their own language, studying assiduously and rarely integrating with their English classmates.

Fast forward 15 years and much has changed. Independent schools are welcoming ever more pupils from the Far East: almost 8,000 currently board in Britain, constituting around half of all overseas students. Our traditional education appeals to many Chinese parents as an alternative to their country’s pressurised, test-driven system that often labels any child not excelling at maths and science a failure.

These days Chinese youngsters no longer study in British schools under sufferance, tolerated simply for their parents’ ability to pay rapidly-rising fees, but instead are seen as valuable players within the wider school community. The advent of Brexit is encouraging the

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British to look beyond Europe for their trading links and international partnerships.

UK businesspeople increasingly recognise the need to understand the culture and attitudes of the Far East. Jim James helped to set up a successful publishing business in Shanghai from 2003-2005 and now advises the Department for International Trade.

James has seen a sea-change in the attitudes to trading with China over the past 25 years.

No one, he says, was thinking about China then as a source of investment, or as a market for products. But all that has changed now, with Chinese businesses and investments in every sector and British businesses keen ‘to sell to China, do deals with, and partner Chinese companies’.

Cobham Hall School, Kent, embraces and celebrates the cultural differences He believes that the within the school community friendships fostered at school and university are vital to promoting future business opportunities and welcomes the influx of Chinese and Asians into our schools, commenting that his earlier experiences of working in China would have been so much easier if he had spoken the language, known people and had a better awareness of their culture.

No surprise, then, that many top schools such as Eton, St Mary’s Calne, Dulwich College, Westminster, King Edward VI High School for Girls, Millfield and Ludgrove Preparatory School all offer Mandarin Chinese among their languages. Management consultant Roland Grant, 27, studied conversational Mandarin at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, enhancing his business career and social life.

‘I love chatting with Chinese colleagues and understanding something of their culture,’ he said. ‘It enriches your business and personal relationships. It was also really useful when I was navigating around remote, non-touristy parts of China such as Wenzhou. I was sometimes alone on 22-hour bus rides and could talk to local people.’

This growing cultural awareness helps the various nationalities to integrate better, particularly Chinese students from a wildly different society from our own.

Education group Gabbitas helps to match overseas pupils with suitable British schools and Sofie Liao, Director of Gabbitas China, insists that the right school can be life-changing for children struggling within China’s rigid educational system. She tells one success story of a clothing tycoon’s daughter, who excelled at art but hated maths and rebelled after being bullied by teachers at her highly-competitive Shanghai school.

‘When we assessed her, she did the maths test and came out after five minutes, saying she couldn’t do the questions,’ Miss Liao recalled, ‘but she presented a really strong portfolio of amazing art. She was accepted by one of the English schools we recommended for its great pastoral care and strength in art. A year later, I was invited to her house; Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 67

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interpreting different cultures through dance, drama, music, debate. We have World Food Festivals and a Humanities Forum on international issues like the global economy and conflict.

It’s all designed to make students think beyond their personal perspectives.’

This tolerant, humane approach is one driver for the growing number of Chinese pupils studying in Britain and the proliferation of British international schools opening up in China. These are leading UK exports, generating crucial ‘soft power’ and influence by educating tomorrow’s global elite and highlighting the value of British culture and education At Brighton College, Mandarin is a worldwide. Westminster School, compulsory language subject for all pupils for example, is setting up six offshoots in China, offering a mix of Chinese and English curricula ‘China looks to Britain for a more to different age groups. Steve Allen joyful, creative education’ is about to become head of Lady Eleanor Holles, Foshan, the first Steve Allen, headmaster of Lady Eleanor Holles, Foshan international school in this major industrial city, which opens in September 2019.

‘China looks to Britain for a more joyful, creative education,’ he explained. ‘Parents appreciate she was like a new child: happy, outgoing, no longer rebellious and our high academic standards but also want their children to learn the a great example to her little brothers. Even though the family usually “soft skills”: creativity, collaboration and communication, realising flew business class, she’d started choosing economy so she could sit that real-world problems are solved by working together.’ with her school friends. Her mother was overjoyed at how a suitable English education group Alpha Plus’s Abbey DLD Colleges British school had completely transformed her. Now she’s got into comprises three successful boarding colleges for international Central St Martins Art College.’ students based in the UK, but it also plans to start cultural exchange At Cobham Hall, a Round Square girls’ boarding school in Kent, programmes and open bilingual Pre-Schools in Hong Kong and renowned for its harmonious mix of international students, around mainland China, using their own curriculum, to blend the ‘best of 40 per cent of its 180 girls come from overseas, with 25 different the West with the best of the East’. According to their CEO Mark nationalities represented, including around a dozen Chinese students.

Hanley-Browne, Chinese families particularly value the colleges’ ‘Internationalism is at the heart of our school,’ declared its new promotion of creative thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship. headmistress, Maggie Robert, proudly. ‘We embrace and celebrate ‘We make art, drama and music part of the core curriculum,’ our cultural differences as the global economy and marketplace are he said, ‘and encourage debate and student participation in all increasingly important. Tolerance and understanding are vital in the lessons – which is currently rare in Chinese schools, so wealthier current political turmoil. It’s crucial to support young girls coming families send their children to the UK for these missing elements here from very different societies, like China and the Far East. in their education. I believe these approaches will become more ‘The former one-child policy in China can mean the extended common in Chinese schools, however, as more bilingual schools family work long hours to send a girl to school in England, so they’re are created there and absorb these teaching methods. Interestingly, all invested in this single child’s education. There’s often an though, we may also see more of an influence from China on how expectation that the girl will be perfect and study flat out, which we teach here in the UK, as partnerships start to work both ways.’ is unrealistic and places huge pressures on the child. We have to International trade advisor Jim James is equally convinced manage families’ expectations and help them understand our ethos. that ever-closer links are the way ahead. ‘Get to know China Fortunately, I’ve seen recent changes among Hong Kong parents and as a people, a culture and a business environment,’ he insisted. more understanding of the impact that too much expectation ‘Welcome Chinese pupils into British schools and workplaces, places on the mental well-being of young people. cultivate and befriend them. It will pay dividends socially, ‘Most of all, we encourage our girls to look outwards. Our culturally – and economically.’ prefects, or Guardians as we call them, organise a Cultural Festival, Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 69

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THE AGENT

the end of last year, more than £1bn of trade and investment was agreed at a UK/China economic summit and it was revealed that former prime minister David Cameron would take on a leadership role in a new east/west billionpound private equity fund, the UK-China Fund.

But schools must play their part, too, in this nurturing of relations between west and east. They should prioritise the teaching of languages and, in particular, Mandarin Chinese THE HEADMASTER and have faith that their pupils will absorb it as ours have.

I can think of no better example to illustrate how the pupils here treat the learning of Richard Cairns, head of Brighton College, Mandarin like any other subject explains why we should teach our pupils on our curriculum than to the language of a rising super power recall a visit by the then Schools Secretary Ed Balls in 2008.

He came to visit Brighton College while n 2011, China became researching a new policy to urge all state the second largest economy schools to teach Mandarin. He was greeted on earth. This came by five-year olds singing a folk song in the as no surprise, with the country steadily transforming language. And when he asked them to do a countdown from ten to one to mark his itself from impoverished communist state opening of a new Mandarin department, to a world superpower over the last 50 years. the children did so without hesitation and When I became head of Brighton College with an accuracy that amazed listening in 2006, it was evident that China would rise native speakers. He then saw 13-year-olds through the economic ranks, so I introduced learning their characters and six-year-olds Mandarin as a compulsory subject for each learning the different tones of the language. pupil at the school aged three upwards.

It was an indication for all to see of how At the time, I was told by many others children in Britain – specifically in Brighton in education that Mandarin was ‘simply too – are being prepared for the realities hard’ for British pupils to learn. Since then, hundreds of children have passed through the of the 21st century, which, commentators tell us, will be China’s century. school, all of them having been introduced In the last 20 years, Mandarin learning to a language and a culture which will play in the UK has come a long way, with more an ever bigger part in global business. teachers and more resources available to And our results have proved the doubters them for teaching at any age level. The wrong. Year after year, our pupils have sat Department of Education’s Mandarin GCSE and A-level Mandarin and excelled Excellence programme has provided (now as many pupils here sit GCSE Mandarin opportunities for schoolchildren to access as they do Spanish). In 2016, all 42 children intensive courses. It is becoming slowly less who took the subject at GCSE scored either unusual that children learn the language.

A* or A. Five of our 2018 sixth form leavers According to a report by the centre will study Mandarin at university – three for Economics and Business Research in at Cambridge, two at Edinburgh. These London, by 2032 China will have overtaken youngsters are so much better equipped the US as the world’s largest economy. And to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in this new post-Brexit world. we owe it to our pupils to ensure they are all ready, linguistically and culturally, to operate The government is understandably keen to in this transformed global setting. reach out to emerging powers in the east. At

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THE BENEFITS OF CHINESE STUDENTS IN UK SCHOOLS Sofie Liao, Director of Gabbitas, China Our world is rapidly diversifying. With it comes the realisation that the old preconceptions of Chinese students as a group distinct from the rest of the class is no longer valid. Chinese students have become a welcome and valuable addition to the mix of pupils across the whole education system.

English and Chinese are the two most widely spoken languages, a key reason why Chinese families invest so heavily in English language lessons. For a Chinese family, a good education is an important investment.

The Chinese economy is getter stronger, the population is getting wealthier. More and more money is being spent on education.

Receiving an authentic British education in China, however, is difficult, even though British schools are expanding into the Chinese market. International schools such as Wellington, Harrow and Dulwich are not allowed to recruit Chinese residents; most of the pupils come from Britain, Malaysia or Hong Kong. The most logical way to receive a British education is to send a child to the UK. Postgraduate programmes were most popular, but recently this has begun to trickle down to undergraduate level, A-levels, GCSEs and even to prep schools.

Chinese pupils contribute to a positive culture diversity within the school, which is important for British independent school pupils heading out into a rapidly changing world. Friendships with pupils from successful, wealthy Chinese families will benefit British pupils, giving them good contacts for the future.

EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES A growing number of exchange programmes help schools to evolve, improving teaching methods and extending extra-curricular activities as teachers understand better what happens inside and outside Chinese classrooms. The programmes also enhance relationships between these schools.

Pupils learn Chinese and gain insight into the culture. Understanding the quirks that characterise a nation help them in their working life, especially in the business world.

Mainland China is already the largest source of foreign-born pupils at British boarding schools. Numbers rose ten per cent last year to nearly 8,000. There have been many discussions about the pros and cons of this trend, but having spoken to heads from Chinese state schools, private schools, international schools as well as UK independent schools, I know we should encourage this positive trend. Schools should not be afraid of change but should face and adapt to these changes without losing their own values and traditions.

Sophie is based at Gabbitas, Shanghai and introduces Chinese students to the UK.

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Westminster School and Cothill, as well as the Head of Peking University’s junior schools programme.

Bilingualism is now recognised to be of immense benefit. Experts rhapsodize about its contributions to cognitive development and how bilingual children learn subsequent languages with greater ease.

Around 450 bilingual schools have started up in the USA, of which 250 are bilingual with Chinese, many employing the immersion method that Kensington Wade applies, by which all subjects are covered in both languages.

The fourth insight is that when the other language is logographic rather than alphabetic, there are cognitive advantages. At the most basic is stretching the memory; by the end of a Chinese child’s elementary school career he/she Kensington Wade, London, is the first will have learnt 3,000 Chinese Chinese dual language school in the UK ideograms as a foundation.

And, as someone who learned to THE PROFESSOR read Chinese late in life, I can guarantee that the experience of reading and writing the language Professor Hugo de Burgh is chairman of Kensington Wade School, the is enriching in many different first dual (Anglo-Chinese) language school to be established in London ways. It’s also wonderful fun.

Critics say that Chinese schooling is too narrow and that many Chinese parents would opt for our schools he Chinese visitor is astonished when the blond-blue if they got a chance. But their schools are changing too. Just as in eyed Luke welcomes her in Chinese. ‘I don’t believe England, the leading ones combine a knowledge-based approach with it,’ she says and then again, when Chantal, a French opportunities to reflect on and discuss; they also balance the academic four-year-old, sings a Chinese song. Europe’s first with the practical and creative. The style of teaching can in fact be less English Chinese Dual Language Early Years and Prep stultifying than in English schools: Shanghai maths classes are half the School opened in 2017. Kensington Wade’s children are not only being length of the average English class and are followed by 15 minutes prepared for the best independent schools by the time they are ready of unstructured play. for Common Entrance, but also to be fluent in Chinese. Why and how?

Anyway, Kensington Wade is not a Chinese school, but an elite Four insights are behind it. Now that so much international English pre-prep and prep. The Headmistress – formerly Head of business and research is conducted in Chinese, being able Putney High – and her team take preparing your children for the to mix in their world is a precious asset, which more and best English independent schools as their key task. But pupils will more Europeans want for their children. be helped to be rounded: we are proud of the English genius at Second, a consensus has emerged that we have a good deal to learn encouraging creativity and enterprise and balancing book work with from Chinese schooling. Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb, is driving sport, crafts, dance, IT, music and social service. There will be no the initiative to introduce Chinese-based Maths Mastery into schools compromise with providing the best English education, schooling and points to the admiring reports of English head teachers and maths that will inspire them to learn and love school. At the same time, specialists whom he encouraged to go to China to find out why Kensington Wade children will learn to communicate in the world’s children enjoy maths lessons so much and do so well. most spoken language, in writing, digitally and face to face. This Even these arguments are not the decisive ones that underpin combination makes for an education that really does prepare Kensington Wade’s curriculum, developed with help from Roger boys and girls for the 21st century.

Trafford, recent Head of The Dragon, Oxford, professionals from

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law firm who now advises large Chinese corporates because of a friendship formed many years ago with a Chinese national in London.

As a young attorney he had helped him with some small domestic matters and when the Chinese friend was in a position to do business in the UK, he thought of his old friend the lawyer. ‘This isn’t to say that you need to work a relationship for years before seeing any commercial benefit, but in China often it’s the case that first we become friends, then we are able to do business together,’ says Nagel.

Top universities, like Manchester Business School or Judge School in Cambridge, host executive education courses for Chinese corporates and It is crucial that we nurture and grow the some provincial governments. relationship between China and the UK ‘I always ask these groups why they are out here and get the same answer; THE BUSINESSPERSON to promote mutual understanding, better internationalize and learn best practices from successful British Jim James, advisor to the international board of trade, explains companies. Clearly, there’s a need to why fostering links now with China is key do these things in both directions.’

A member of the CBBC is book publisher, Dorling Kindersley (DK), which has a high turnover in the uch has been said over the last two decades or more export business. Emma James is their international sales and marketing about the opportunity for British business in China, director. Seventy per cent of her publishing and licensing team based Chinese investment in the UK, the astonishing growth in the UK are foreign nationals. Without such an international staff of China and its economy, its impact on the UK and profile, DK’s business model would look very different. Language is globally. But what about the future? hugely important, but so is culture, an innate understanding of how Twenty-five years ago, business people in the UK would probably people around the world do business and nowhere is that more crucial have considered China for cheap mass manufacturing but not than in China. Recently, Emma employed two Chinese nationals fresh as a market or as somewhere to invest. But now Chinese business from studying in the UK to spend time with DK in London, learning cuts across every business sector; Chinese investment is everywhere, the business. One has now moved back to work in DK’s Beijing office British companies are lining up to sell to China, to do deals and sign and has achieved in little over a year what would probably have taken partnerships with Chinese companies. It’s normal to find Chinese a British national five or more. Even then they would probably not have nationals in our offices, schools, colleges and tourist attractions.

But how do we make sure that trend continues and that the bridges been able to embed themselves fully in the Chinese marketplace.

Relationships are crucial in all global businesses but in China it is we are building become wider and stronger? I lived and worked chapter one, page one. How much faster would we at Haymarket have in China from 2003-05, for Haymarket Media Group, as one of only two British people among a team of over 100; the rest were all Chinese been able to set up our business if we already had a business network and those relationships? Might it have speeded up the process? How nationals. We built a business from the ground up and thanks to the much money could we have saved? Might we have been in profit sooner? power of social media, many of them form the network which I use When I was at school in the ’80s, my year had seven non-nationals. in my role as an advisor with the Department for International The rest were Brits, some of whom remained friends and some of whom Trade, helping British companies do more business globally.

I have done business with, but I wonder what a difference it might have Virtually all have China on their export plan. made if I had kown more Asians. I spoke literally no Chinese when We work very closely with the China Britain Business Council I first landed at Pudong international Airport in Shanghai, and I knew (CBBC) in delivering services and programmes for our clients. For 60 precisely one person, a fellow Brit. How much easier it might have been years CBBC’s sole aim has been to promote China/Britain trade and if I already had a network, spoke some of the language and had some to build relationships between the two countries, their companies and understanding of the unique and special culture which exists there. their business people. CBBC’s Avi Nagel told me, ‘So much of Chinese The future is bright for British/Chinese trade relations, but the business is about relationships [guanxi], so what better way to make future starts now. The earlier we start building our relationships, connections and understand the culture than through studying in the greater the opportunity.

China?’ He spoke of a partner from a London-based, top-tier global

STRATEGIC BONDS

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

Mr Snowball looks at the Adventure Books

A LEARNING ADVENTURE Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School is currently trying some adventurous educational techniques to make the girls think even harder about their future place in the world

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liver Snowball, the Headmaster of Eaton House Girls’ School, which takes girls from age three to age 11 and is part of the seven school Eaton House Schools Group, is determined that education for his charges shall be as inspiring as possible.

To this end, he has introduced ‘Adventure Books’, because he wants to challenge the girls with open-ended questions that do not have a right or a wrong answer. Instead, the questions are designed to develop creative, evaluative and analytical thinking skills.

The girls answer the questions by using books with a mixture of spaces for drawing and writing so that they can express their ideas with boldness, confidence and often, great originality.

These Adventure Books help all the girls to answer questions with flair and are especially useful for scholarship preparation, says Mr Snowball. Questions can be fun and challenging such as ‘What’s more

An Adventure Book

The Manor Girls enjoy Victorian Day

important, time or money?’; ‘What would happen if the world was ruled by elephants?’ and ‘Do you see yourself as more of a square or a circle?’ They add to the whole programme of imaginative, inspired and thoughtful teaching that has led to the Girls’ School doing exceptionally well in terms of scholarship offers in 2018, with 11 being received.

Mr Snowball also plans to introduce ‘Philosothons’ for Philosophy Club for the autumn term. This is a method of debating which encourages students to facilitate philosophical and ethical discussions and Philosothons have inspired huge competitions in Australia and New Zealand. Eaton House The Manor Girls will introduce some of the ideas into the classroom in spring 2019.

Meanwhile, the girls also took ‘learning by doing’ to a whole new level at Victorian Day when they were introduced to a Victorian style classroom and got to handle and draw a number of quite unusual Victorian objects.

Mr Snowball says, ‘In our classrooms, the girls flourish without the pressure of any gender stereotyping. Simply put, they can do any activity brilliantly.’ www.eatonhouseschools.com

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

OUTSTANDING EARLY YEARS Jonathan Brough, Head of Hurlingham School, explains its new cutting-edge nursery and Pre-Prep provision.

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urlingham School, the Putney Bridge Road powerhouse that celebrated record-breaking 11+ examination results in March, was delighted to take over Lion House School on Gwendolen Avenue in September 2017. Its hard work in developing and updating this new second campus was recently recognised and celebrated by Ofsted in a glowing inspection report that confirmed the school was ‘outstanding’ in all areas: ‘a happy and harmonious environment, where each child is treasured… the teaching enables each pupil to learn extremely well… children make extremely strong progress throughout the early years provision. They leave with skills far ahead of those typical for their age.’

However, Hurlingham was far from complacent and, over the summer, integrated the Gwendolen Avenue site completely so that it is now ‘Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep’, benefitting from IAPS accreditation and all the

exceptional provision, which has resulted in national honours such as Artsmark Gold from the Arts Council and the NACE Challenge Award, recognising excellence in provision for more able and talented pupils.

For the girls and boys of south-west London, for whom Hurlingham has offered a first-class education between the ages of four and 11 for many years, there are now additional options: nursery provision from the term after a child’s second birthday, and a distinctive two-pronged approach to the infant years. There is guaranteed transfer to the main Hurlingham site from the nursery at four if parents choose an 11+ pathway for their child, but there is also the option to remain on Gwendolen Avenue for a focused 7+ route into selective junior and boarding schools.

Nevertheless, school development remains clear and visible across both sites. For the main school, this September sees exciting evolutions in sports provision. However, it is in the nursery that there has been a real transformation over the course of the summer.

Words cannot do justice to the excellent modern facilities that are now available to Putney pre-schoolers, including a dedicated exercise and music studio: an appointment with the lovely Mrs Appleby, head of the Nursery and Pre-Prep, is essential for anyone considering options for their child.

And yet there is even more: Hurlingham has fully appreciated the appeal and benefits of outdoor education in the natural world with the Forest School initiative, while simultaneously being appreciative of parents’ desire to ensure the academic readiness of their four year old for school. From September, therefore, mums and dads can choose a 20:80 split for their nursery-aged children, enabling one day per week in a Forest School setting and up to another four days each week in a traditional nursery environment.

Having revolutionised its 11+ provision a few years ago, Hurlingham is building on its strengths and will doubtless prove equally successful in nursery and 7+ preparation too.

Visits to Gwendolen Avenue (020 8780 9446) and Putney Bridge Road (020 8874 7186) are essential. hurlingham school.co.uk

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REGULARS OPINION | TEEN SPIRIT | INSIDER VIEW | A RT

St James Senior Girls’ School, London

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ED’S INTERVIEW | REGULARS

WHO WE ARE

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, tells Annabel Heseltine why he writes about our past Sir Michael Morpurgo and his wife started a charity to give children the same opportunities that they grew up with

How did you and your wife come to set up your charity Farms for City Children? Forty years ago we were idealistic young teachers who realised that for some children with flat home lives, teaching was not enough. Without something to lift them, schools were merely reproducing children who would fail. My wife, Clare, was brought up in surburban London but had extraordinary holidays, running wild in the fields around our little village of Iddesleigh in Devon. So we moved here and with the help of a farmer, we set up Farms for City Children, inviting city schoolchildren aged nine to 13 to come here for a week to work on a farm. In all weathers, they are cleaning dairies, picking apples, lambing – whatever needs doing – and it makes them feel good about themselves. They also have classroom lessons, doing scientific things: counting eggs, planning money, ecology. It is the most intense week of their lives and a real eye opener for them, as well as their teachers.

Some people criticised us, saying that it was too hard for the children – but it wasn’t.

They rose to the occasion every single time and never forgot it. One of those children is the Michelin-starred chef April Bloomfield, who came here in in the early 1980s and became fascinated by how food was made. Today, she has seven restaurants in America known for their use of sustainably sourced food.

Why are you anti grammar schools?

I flourished at King’s School, Canterbury but one of this country’s major unaddressed problems is that we are divided, even more so because of Brexit. Public and grammar schools don’t help this. I am all in favour of excellence, where people go onto excel academically but if we want to feel we are all citizens of the same country, it’s important that we learn together. Grammar schools divide us too young.

Why did you start writing? When I was teaching I realised there are many kids who don’t normally read stories so I read to them the stories I loved. But then I ran out of good books. My wife said, in the nicest possible way, that I am a pretty good liar and suggested I made up stories, so I did, preparing them at night and telling them to the children the next day. At the end of the first week the head teacher said, ‘That’s very good, Michael, I would like you to write it out and give it to me on Monday morning. I have a friend who works in a publishing house’.

about which give us a sense of where we have come from. One of our great problems today is this feeling of not belonging.

Waiting for Anya, for example, is set in the Pyrenees during the German occupation, because I have a son who married a French girl. Her grandmother told me what it was like when the Germans marched into her town in 1943. She also took me to one of the major escape routes followed by allied airman, Jewish children and French people during the Second World War. While I was there, a little girl asked me to sign the book she was carrying, Cheval de Guerre [War Horse], and invited me to have pâté and wine with her uncle, the mayor. He told me about an old lady who had kept the last safe house before the border and walked the children over from Lescun into Spain.

I have just been back there again because they are making a film of the book which is coming out next year. They dressed me up as a peasant and I did my Alfred Hitchcock walk-on part. The villagers were acting as extras alongside German, French and American actors. It was a microcosm of our European connections, all coming together to make this film about reconciliation. It gave me hope.

What are your views on Brexit? Like many English family trees, my family is linked with Europe but we seem to have forgotten this, because we don’t know our history.

Europe fought for two hundred years but now we can travel into each other’s countries, go to each other’s universities and intermarry.

The food culture crosses the boundaries. It is extraordinary how European this country has become and for me the benefits of that for our children were that we could look forward to a peaceful future where we could sort out our arguments around a table. I like that.

If you had one book you would be remembered for, which one would it be? War Horse, because millions of people

Why do you write about historical events? I learned through children that you

have related to it so strongly. Now it is coming back to London’s National Theatre for the centenary of the end of World War One.

write about what’s important to you. These are the things I have witnessed, heard or read

farmsforcitychildren.org

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COVER STORY | REGULARS

IS SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION NUTS? Dr Timothy Hands, headmaster of Winchester College, roasts an old chestnut

readily communicated within a co-educational environment. hen Chairman of HMC, I was, to my relief, Arguments for single-sex education are both personal and effectively debarred from discussing the merits academic. Many parties believe that single-sex schools enable of single-sex or co-education. But some old children, in the words of Tony Little, to ‘be themselves.’ The Girls’ chestnuts keep on enjoying the roaster, and Schools Association argues that, ‘Girls are free to follow their although single-sex versus co-education has inclinations with little of the pressure they might otherwise feel’. enjoyed many a media toasting, it has so far always proved There is no doubt that co-education can complicate things, I don’t an impossible nut for any expert to crack. What follows can know a single boy at Winchester be no final cracker; but it is who would rather personal, heartfelt and intended to be in a co-educational school. help parents with the dilemma.

Do single-sex schools produce I’ve moved all my life between better exam results? One study single-sex and co-educational will say yes; the other will say establishments. Once I’ve been no. I would ignore both. in a college, and twice I’ve been Always remember: the real in schools, where the transition distinguishing issue with any to co-ed has been made. At Oriel child is their individuality College Oxford, where I was not their gender. Once, when a lecturer, I opposed the move; Magdalen had come top I felt the same at The King’s of the tables, I was phoned by School, Canterbury where I was a journalist from a high-profile a housemaster. But this hasn’t newspaper. She wanted me to stopped me from hugely enjoying confirm that the achievements the co-educational schools I’ve were the result of the school taught in, or feeling proud when being, at that time, single-sex. introducing girls to the Sixth Form I argued that broad and various at Magdalen College School. attention to the manifold This is not maverick but distinguishing characteristics principled. Every horse suits of each individual were far more a different course, and those with important than the merely binary responsibility for the horses need issue of gender. Okay, she said, I’ll to safeguard and preserve variety go to someone else. And she did. in the courses. I’ve been a governor The statistics, of course, are of two highly distinguished all-girls only going one way. Until the boarding schools and would never Dr Timothy Hands 1960s, virtually all UK children have dreamt of changing the went to single-sex schools. status of either.

‘Always remember: the real Today, less than six per cent do.

The arguments for co-education Arguably, if Brexit decreases are usually fairly limp in their distinguishing issue with any child is continental interest in English expression, relying on terms like their individuality not their gender’ schools, it will arrest this trend, ‘natural’ or ‘real’. But the actuality while agents report that – in the can be compelling: stunning plays, growing markets of China and swelling orchestras and, believe it the Middle East – single-sex will long remain the preferred option. or not, when girls join the school, boys’ sport gets rapidly better.

So my advice remains the same. Every child is different: listen to In the classroom, opponents of co-education talk of boys/girls the child. ‘Circumstances are what render every scheme beneficial being distractions. Researchers at Bristol University feel there is some or noxious to mankind,’ Edmund Burke wisely counselled. Gender is evidence that boys do better in English if taught on their own; but not the issue: the agenda is the child. in almost 40 years of teaching I have always found the subject more

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Oladimeji met Sir Anthony Seldon at Buckingham University

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TEEN SPIRIT | REGULARS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Oladimeji Abidoye went to Buckingham University to study computer science and found himself writing a book with Sir Anthony Seldon ooks have always held me in deep thrall.

My grandfather was an English professor and my mother taught literature in English for several years, so I grew up immersed in books. Therefore, it is quite surreal that today I can hold in my hands, a book, with my name on the cover and my photograph on the back. And it’s quite odd how it all came to happen.

I arrived at Buckingham University in February 2017 to start a Master’s degree in Applied Computing. I got my BSc in Computer Science with a minor in Creative Writing at Duke University in Durham, North Oladimeji Abidoye (right) with Sir Anthony Seldon Carolina. Attending Buckingham was a bit of a lucky accident.

After graduating from university, I moved to the Ivory Coast with one of my best friends to found what we thought would be the payment platform for Africa. Unfortunately, things did not work out quite the way we had intended and upon realising we had misjudged the scope of what we wanted to achieve, I decided I needed a fresh start, which Buckingham offered me.

I arrived late in the term, as I had not been able to get a visa in time.

I was disoriented and unaware of the avenues that existed to explore interests outside of the classroom, one of which is Artificial Intelligence.

Although Artificial Intelligence can only reasonably be described as being in its infancy, it is deeply fascinating because of the effects it is already having on our lives. AI can do incredible things, but this does not mean it will create an instantly rosy future, which is why a lot of deep thinking must be done, and policies implemented, specifying exactly how we want to use to Artificial Intelligence. I was thinking about these things when I was introduced to Sir Anthony Seldon by the head of my department, Dr Harin Sellahewa, who told me that Anthony was interested in speaking about some of his ideas on Artificial Intelligence.

Before starting this project, the longest thing I had written was less than 30,000 words, then suddenly I was supposed to write a few thousand words every night. I often felt overwhelmed and lost, but working with Anthony, seeing his passion for

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education and his experience as an educator, taught me valuable lessons about writing, educating and life in general.

The first of these is that passion does not always feel passionate in the moment. When I was writing a few thousand words a day, there were several moments when my prevailing sentiment was boredom. But I pushed through the uninspiring bits and learned that the mechanical process of generation is just as important as the moments of inspiration.

I also learned how to give feedback. Often it is difficult to communicate displeasure while making others feel valued. Anthony showed me exactly how to do this. When I turned in a subpar draft, Anthony knew how to tell me it needed to be improved, while maintaining that my work was important and my efforts valuable.

Lastly Anthony taught me how we must not let perfect be the enemy of ‘good enough for now’. Sometimes, the first thing we create is not the best possible thing that can be created, but at least something exists now where nothing existed before. We can begin to iterate. And iterate. And iterate.

Whilst authorship is amazing, the real value was in the process and the experience of working closely with a tireless, passionate and exacting man.

I know I am incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with Anthony and am so grateful he chose to believe in me, when there are many more qualified and knowledgeable people he could have chosen. However, there are some things I think helped me, such as following my interests and ensuring that the people around me knew what those were, so they would think of me if an opportunity revealed itself. So, if I have any advice, it is to keep exploring and sharing what you care about, and opportunities will present themselves. People are listening and you will be ready when they come calling.

The Fourth Education Revolution: Will Artificial Intelligence liberate or infantilise humanity? by Anthony Seldon and Oladimeji Abidoye is available in book stores and from Amazon.

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B E S T O F. . .

TEACHERS An inspirational schoolteacher can set you up for life. Imogen Agnew takes some lessons

CAPT BURRELLTAYLOR MBE AT CHARTERHOUSE CCF Very few Carthusians have passed through their time at Charterhouse without having benefitted from the expertise, energies and commitment of Capt. Verna Burrell-Taylor.

The Captain, who has been at Charterhouse for sixteen years, is known for her amazing knack of turning groups of sullen, unengaged teenagers into outgoing, enthused young adults through persistence and seemingly boundless enthusiasm. In 2017 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her 32 years’ service to the Cadets. Old Carthusians who return to compete against the current shooting team are keen to recount many anecdotes of their experiences with the capable Captain.

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SCHOOL HEROES | REGULARS

‘H’ AT BRAMBLETYE Art and DT A whopping 192 pupils have won scholarships to senior schools under the tutelage of David Holden, known to all Brambletyeans as ‘H’.

Now in his 20th year at the school, he also coaches the 1st XI football team and the U9 cricket team, who were unbeaten last season – H clearly has the Midas touch.

He believes that all pupils have a creative streak and enjoys teaching those who lack confidence in their artistic skills just as much as he does those who are naturally adept.

MS MONAHAN AT LATYMER UPPER Geography As Head of Year Nine, Rachel Monahan is known for her absolute open door policy to all of her charges, who feel that they can talk to her about anything. Pastoral care might be at the centre of her role, but on top of her geography lessons, she is also coach to the U15 netball team and is the school’s former charities co-ordinator.

Ms Monahan helped to set up and currently runs the Latymer Uganda Project, now in its fifth year, which supports an orphanage and educational projects in Kampala and Jinja.

She leads bi-annual trips to visit the country every other year.

Excitement in the 50 pupils and six teachers is already building for the forthcoming trip.

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REGULARS | SCHOOL HEROES

MS LACEY AT NEWTON PREP English ‘Engaging and creative lessons can get children hooked on learning for life,’ says Ms Lacey, who is in the midst of preparing Year Seven and Eight students for Twelfth Night as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival 2018. Adored by children and staff alike, she has been described as ‘a collaborative dream and a powerhouse of energy’. Ms Lacey believes that wellbeing and the arts go hand in hand and combines these passions at Newton, through her popular workshops and focus groups.

MR FORSYTH AT KINGSTON GRAMMAR Biology Nick Forsyth believes that happy, balanced students are the key to a thriving school – and that schools have a duty of care to help children navigate their increasingly frantic and pressurised lives. Popular for his approachable, down-to-earth manner, Mr Forsyth regularly enthrals school assemblies with tales from his time as part of the British Antarctic Survey where he and his 11 fellow scientists had no company for eight long, dark months other than each other and a colony of penguins.

MRS MASON AT ASHDOWN HOUSE PREP Maths Having started her career teaching humanities, Victoria Mason denies that she is ‘a mathematician’. This, she believes, is why she is able to understand the way that maths can be a mystery for some children. She therefore tries to bring the subject into the real world. She believes ‘it’s about giving pupils the freedom to explore a problem themselves’. Her approach is clearly working: this year Ashdown House has a 100 per cent pass rate in maths Common Entrance and one of her Year Six pupils won a Gold Award in the UK Mathematics Trust’s Primary Maths Challenge – an accolade only given to the top 4 per cent of maths pupils in the UK.

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MR KINDER AT GRESHAM’S Head of History Whether bedecked in hippy wig and tie-dye, sporting beret and Che Guevara T-shirt, or sleeping rough with tutees for Shelter, every pupil – without exaggeration – has their favourite memory of Simon Kinder when they leave Gresham’s. Many will plump for his lectures on the school’s infamous spies or, more recently, the 115th anniversary tributes to Greshamians fallen in World War I, delivered over the course of four years in Chapel. Asked to comment, his reply was characteristically modest: ‘Gresham’s students are an inspiration.’

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SCHOOL LEAVER NEWS | GA P YEA R | UNIVERSITY | CA REERS

The University of Edinburgh

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SCHOOL LEAVER | UNIVERSITY NEWS

ON THE BRINK News for those about to make the leap

STORMZY SCHOLARS

Stormzy is to help fund two scholarships for black students at Cambridge University. The grime artist will pay for up to four years of not just the students’ tuition fees, but also the maintenance bills for two undergraduates in 2018 and two in 2019, in a push to diversify Cambridge University.

STRIKE ACTION

Fourteen days of teaching were lost last academic year when teachers went on strike, protesting against the Universities Superannuation Scheme decision to change pension plans for teaching staff, which would now be determined by their earnings and the financial market at the time of their retirement.

Discussions are ongoing to reach a compromise.

LOUIS THE LECTURER

Louis Theroux, the British documentary filmmaker and broadcaster, is to be a guest tutor at Oxford University for ‘Britain at the Movies: Film and National Identity Since 1914’. He will be teaching the lucky second years for two of their six classes in the 2018 Michaelmas term.

YOUTUBE VLOGGERS ARE ACCUSED OF ENCOURAGING CHEATS YouTube vloggers are under fire for endorsing academic cheating in their videos. A BBC Trending investigation found over 1,000 videos encouraging students to use online services to write their essays and presentations.

Challenged universities are now working on new assessment methods to prevent students cheating.

GOVERNMENT’S DRIVE TO INCREASE APPRENTICESHIPS Official figures reveal a 26 per cent drop in apprenticeship starts (194,100 for the first two quarters of the 2017-18 academic year, compared to 258,800 starts reported during the same period a year earlier). This confounds the government’s target of three million apprenticeship starts by 2020.

Chuntering parents will eat their words when they hear that nightlife is not a high priority for students choosing university. Recent research by a student lettings agency found that the course, the uni’s reputation and perceived ability to boost career opportunities came in first, second and third respectively. Nightlife was 12th!

WORK JAPAN BUNAC, a leading international placement agency, has launched an enticing opportunity for young British citizens aged 18 to 30 to spend up to a year living and working in the land of the rising sun. They will support candidates in everything, from CV translation to accommodation, banking assistance to visa support. The best thing? You don’t need to be able to speak Japanese to qualify.

Social media and technology is challenging further education providers.

Forty five per cent of all UK universities now offer games-related undergraduate degrees with 235 courses now available, including Games Tech & Art and Games Business Studies.

Southampton University offers no less than 18 gaming related courses.

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES

GAMING DEGREES OFFERED

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

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SCHOOL LEAVER | UNIVERSITY

MAKING THE MOVE Sally Jones has some advice on how to manage the transition from sixth former to undergraduate ou want either a first or a fourth,’ Cousin Jasper pompously advises Charles Ryder as he arrives at Oxford, in Evelyn Waugh’s cult novel Brideshead Revisited. ‘Time spent on a good second is time thrown away. Clothes.

Dress as you do in a country house. Never wear a tweed coat and flannel trousers – always a suit…

You’ll find you spend half your second year shaking off the undesirable friends you made in your first…

Beware of the Anglo-Catholics – they’re all sodomites with unpleasant accents. In fact, steer clear of all the religious groups.’

Not exactly the counsel that most modern-day school leavers receive these days, particularly now that fourth class degrees are history. Few students except Jacob Rees-Mogg have worn tweed jackets for decades and discrimination on grounds of religion or sexual orientation is taboo. As school leavers prepare to move on, however, advice from their immediate seniors remains crucially important.

Perhaps the first question should be university or an apprenticeship? Although 91 per cent of independently educated pupils still opt for university, growing numbers now choose to ‘earn as they learn’.

Claire Granados, director of Quest Education, which runs courses preparing school leavers and graduates to enter the job market, believes that careers education should include more options outside academia.

‘With average independent school fees around £286,000 over a pupil’s career,’ she explained, ‘sending children to an elite school can often be viewed as a fast-track to a Russell Group University.

Apprenticeships offered by the likes of Rolls Royce, KPMG and Barclays, though, can see young professionals emerge on salaries far higher than the average university graduate. Similarly, business apprenticeships or executive PA courses allow students to enter the job market quickly and gain the lead over their peers at university. I believe schools should overhaul the current focus on UCAS, and instead teach practical skills including teamwork, time-

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management, interview skills and sector awareness.’

Global accountanting firm BDO is one of the top firms offering high-level apprenticeships to school leavers. ‘University isn’t for everyone,’ explains BDO Partner Graham Elsworth. ‘The thought of leaving with tens of thousands of pounds of debt can be a real deterrent and some people want to start working and earning straight away. Our School Leaver Programme is pretty competitive as it offers bright, talented young people the chance to do just that and gain their professional qualifications as they build a successful career. We fund all their training – and the people who come top of our entrance tests aren’t always the graduates but often clued-up school leavers.’

‘Increasingly our students are considering alternatives to university,’ said Warwick School’s Director of Careers and Employability, Caty Oates.

‘One Old Warwickian decided university wasn’t for him so we helped him look at the options and gave him interview practice and he’s now applying for an IBM apprenticeship including a degree course.

Degree apprenticeships are competitive but great for the right person. Another boy is doing Jaguar Land Rover’s accountancy apprenticeship, so it’s not just engineering on offer.’

If you do opt for university, however, it takes some skill to hit the ground running academically while finding new friends, making sure you are happy and safe and coping with Freshers’ Week. The first week at university offers a melting pot of competing clubs and activities, most offering free beer and pub crawls to entice unwary freshers to sign up.

The word on the street is don’t over do it. Continue with one or two interests you love or excel at – and try a couple of new ones that take your fancy. University is the time to broaden horizons and meet a gang of new mates while holding onto your old friends.

Freshers’ reps are an invaluable source of information on everything from free concerts to which pubs and clubs to avoid – and how and when to fix up accommodation for your second year. At Exeter, for example, students have to organise housemates for

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Wellington College teaches its students to be academic self-starters

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At Nottingham University, each fresher is assigned a ‘parent’ and a ‘grandparent’

the next year by the end of the first term: fine for outgoing, gregarious types but a nightmare for anyone shyer and without a large circle of friends. One colleague’s daughter offered a word of hard-won advice: ‘Try to avoid relationships with fellow-housemates if at all possible,’ she insisted ruefully. ‘I went out with one of mine – and he then started seeing another housemate. It made my second year really traumatic and having paid upfront for the year’s accommodation, I couldn’t immediately afford to move out.’

Not everyone bounces back from the inevitable upsets and disappointments of student life. The sad statistic of rising numbers of young suicides, through loneliness, anxiety and the proliferation of Ecstasy-type illegal drugs has galvanised many universities into boosting their pastoral care. At Nottingham, each fresher is assigned both a ‘parent’ and ‘grandparent’ (a second and third year undergraduate) to help them cope and check on their progress.

For most students, money is a constant battle, particularly those who have taken on eye-watering levels of debt via a student loan.

Before committing to an expensive degree and associated costs, investigate possible savings. Many universities offer scholarships and bursaries such as Oxbridge’s lucrative organ and choral scholarships

and sports awards, particularly at centres of excellence like Bath and Loughborough. Most American universities offer valuable full fees places, often including travel and accommodation, to those with the right mix of sporting prowess and academic attainment.

Even without bursary help, thinking laterally can pay dividends.

Growing numbers of families, not just the super-rich, are using tax planning strategies to help their children most effectively. If parents are feeling the pinch, the ‘grey pound’ could provide the answer, thanks to an unexpected tax loophole.

‘Unlike parents, grandparents can make regular payments to grandchildren out of surplus income placed in equity-based investments,’ explained Simon Dunkley of Merlin Financial Services.

‘The grandparents won’t be taxed on the dividend income from these, providing the payments don’t affect their standard of living.

These regular gifts will fall outside the grandparents’ estate for Inheritance Tax straight away without them needing to live the standard seven years. Any income from these investments is usually well below the grandchild’s personal allowance (currently £11,850 in the 2018/19 tax year). By contrast, if a parent set up the same arrangement, any income over £100 per annum would be

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taxed at their highest marginal tax rate.’

Good advice is crucial; carefully written wills and the use of trusts also enable families, especially grandparents, to help youngsters through their cash-strapped university years.’

Even with a few bob from granny to boost your income, careful financial planning is as vital as choosing the right course. ‘We organise sessions on student finance for our sixth formers, outlining the difference between loans, fees and bursaries, plus guidance on how to budget and manage money effectively,’ said Laura Quigley, Head of Careers at King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham (KEHS). ‘We also make sure the students thoroughly research the course they aim to do beforehand, particularly course content at their target universities, as this can differ significantly. Our enrichment programme, covering areas like contraception, plus drug and alcohol awareness, introduces managing being away from home for the first time. Wellbeing is crucial, too, and we advise everyone to explore mental health provision at university open days. If this is not visible, that rings alarm bells.’

Although boarding school pupils have already experienced living away from home, most need to acquire basic life skills. Gordonstoun

prides itself on building its pupils’ self-reliance, both academically and through extra-curricular activities, from serving in the school’s own Fire Brigade to Coastguard duties. The Year 12 students taking part in its Futures Week at the end of the summer term are even taught – along with CV writing and the UCAS application process – crucial techniques for everyday living like unblocking a sink U-bend, putting up a shelf, electrical skills, sewing on a button, basic first aid, cooking and even self-defence.

Wellington College too focuses on independent learning and a broad curriculum, teaching its students to be academically self-reliant and flourish at university. ‘We encourage our students to make positive decisions but also to recognise potential pitfalls,’ said Wellington’s Head of Sixth Form Guy Williams. ‘The Lower Sixth have sex and consent workshops, clarifying what consent means plus a detailed drugs education programme and sessions on E-safety. Our Life Experience talks are particularly valuable: people who’ve learned hard lessons, sharing their wisdom, like a former criminal talking about what it’s like to go to prison.’

Wellington, like many independent schools, leverages the power of its alumi networks and in 2016 launched Wellington Connect, an online professional networking platform with over 2,500 members prepared to mentor and offer work experience to pupils past and present. One student, currently at university, who left Wellington in 2014 has completed a successful internship with advertising agency Adam and Eve thanks to an Old Wellingtonian (OW) contact.

‘I was initially invited to the agency for two weeks,’ he said, ‘but asked back for a third to help out on an upcoming pitch. I love it and definitely want to end up here after uni finishes. I’ve been kept very busy with many briefs and competitor reviews. I’m also still in touch with the OW, who’s being incredibly useful in finding me more experience, for which I am very grateful.’

Peer advice remains a persuasive element in planning the next stage of your career. ‘We ask a group of Upper Sixth to talk to the Lower Sixth about how they decided where to apply and what course for,’ said James Vaughan-Fowler, Head of Careers Education at St Edward’s School, Oxford. ‘This helps explain a range of choices in the UK and elsewhere. Likewise we invite former pupils to come back after five years and talk to our present Lower Sixth about what university was like and their experience of finding work. This is a fascinating exercise for teachers and Lower Sixth alike.’

‘It’s useful to ask slightly older alumni for advice, academic and practical,’ agreed Jo Whitehead, KEHS Head of Sixth Form, ‘such as what it’s like to study on a particular course, or finding suitable accommodation. One Birmingham University accommodation block near the county cricket ground, for instance, sounds as though it’s in a salubrious area but used to be near a red light district!’

Most people settle into university well but if things don’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. Jo Whitehead continues, ‘We make sure girls realise it’s normal to feel homesick initially, but if they don’t want to go back after Christmas, it may mean they’ve made the wrong choice and I always support them to find an alternative. One pupil changed from reading psychology to training as a paramedic after enjoying being a support worker on their gap year.’

Total flexibility is the key at this stage and many believe it would help if everyone applied to university after A-levels.

Youngsters are treated at adults at 18; I say it takes another year – and a really well-constructed gap year helps consolidate what they actually want to do.’ n Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 95

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There is no right or wrong approach to choosing a career

WHICH CAREER? ust as students were starting to sit their A-levels and GCSEs in the summer of 2018, Dr. Broadbent, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, addressed sixthformers at Benenden. ‘I don’t think it matters at all if you don’t know what to do in life,’ he said. ‘Life is not some perpetual investment in the next step.’

This nonchalance may have reassured the schoolgirls in his audience who hadn’t yet found their forte, but it’s the kind of attitude that can exasperate careers advisors and parents alike, though Benenden School Headmistress Samantha Price was sanguine. ‘Interestingly, just a week later Amber Rudd MP offered us precisely the opposite advice, urging pupils to have a clear plan.

What this demonstrates is that there is no right or wrong approach, and that every pupil is different. As a result, it is important that every pupil receives bespoke careers advice. At Benenden we are fortunate to be able to offer this individual focus, and the outstanding array of destinations that our sixth-form leavers secure is, hopefully, testament to this approach.’

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Many schools are working hard to try to prepare their pupils for a world of work that is changing faster than anyone can keep up with.

Take Milton Abbey; already it has been extremely pro-active with its Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, now in its fifth year. The scheme brings entrepreneurs (so far they’ve had Anya Hindmarch, Johnnie Boden, Cath Kidston, David Ross and Nick Wheeler) into the school to adjudicate a Dragons’ Den style competition and award a cash prize to the best budding entrepreneur, as well as offering plentiful mentoring and advice. Annoushka Ducas MBE, co-founder of Links of London and her own brand Annoushka, is next in the offing.

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) has similar Entrepreneur or Scientist in Residence schemes in some of their schools. Other initiatives include a CareerStart programme, which teaches a wide range of life skills – from building a CV to managing finances – and insight days with top employers. Dr. Kevin Stannard, Director of Innovation, says, ‘Our schools pursue a liberal curriculum – with breadth and balance – to ensure girls don’t make narrow choices early, which they regret later. Across the GDST, we involve our junior

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Charlotte Metcalf concludes that the key to pupils choosing the right one lies in encouraging them to explore the options for themselves

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schools in fighting an early tendency for girls to bow to peer-pressure in adopting gendered roles and ruling out STEM careers before they even know it. It’s vital to build girls’ confidence in maths and science, to ensure that these subjects and career choices remain open to girls.’

Anna Rogers is Head of Higher Education and Careers at Tonbridge School, and also a housemaster. ‘Because I’m here full time, it allows me to keep my finger on the pulse,’ she says. Rogers posts all the latest useful information on an internal portal.

‘In the evenings I can meet parents too, as it’s important to involve them in career choices.’ She starts talking to the boys about careers when they’re making their GCSE choices in Year Nine. In Year 11 boys are psychometrically tested and in Lower Sixth, boys start being given more direction. ‘It’s an inclusive and holistic process,’ says Rogers.

‘We put lots of time and effort into the individual.’ There are seven careers evenings during the year, drawing on alumni and parents to be speakers, as well as a mentoring scheme and evening.

Lianne Aherne, Director of Sixth Form, Higher Education and Professional Guidance at St. Mary Calne, says careers guidance is ‘not seen as “extra” but as an integral part of the the curriculum inside and outside of the classroom’. Initiatives at the school include yearly Enrichment Week programmes from Year Seven, transforming their hall into a trading floor to teach girls about stockbroking, lunchtime seminars, an Inspiring Women Conference, careers speed dating, dinner with alumnae and Work Experience Week.

Despite the sterling efforts being made by so many independent schools, there are some who believe that a new approach is needed to really prepare pupils for the vast array of new jobs – some currently unimaginable – opening up to them in the next few years. Peter Cayless was spurred into action in 2013 when he heard former Ofsted Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, say, ‘Our findings show that too few schools are doing enough to ensure all their students receive comprehensive advice about the breadth of career opportunities available to them.’

Tonbridge School considers the skills of each individual when advising on careers

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LEFT: Milton Abbey has introduced a successful Entrepeneur in Residence scheme BELOW: Reed’s School recognises the importance of giving pupils choice without overwhelming them

In response, Cayless, a father of four recent school leavers, founded Working Eye, with a new approach to providing children with careers information. With an impressive creative background in advertising, Cayless knows how to create a headline and has described Working Eye as a ‘seachange’ and a ‘service that will disrupt the status quo’.

Knowing that at any one time there are around six million UK schoolchildren trying to find their place in a swiftly evolving workplace, Cayless started doing some research. ‘The problem is not the lack of advice out there – if anything there’s too much,’ he says.

He found that in spite of careers departments the schools are not getting through to the pupils. ‘It’s why so many teenagers are [still] not stimulated, motivated or engaged with the world of work. Well, perhaps we’re not telling them what they want to know, in a language they understand, through a medium they can relate to.’

Cayless echoes Professor Brian Cox’s point that the reason we don’t have enough engineers, is because we don’t really know what engineers do. Following two years of asking school pupils exactly what they wanted from careers advice, Cayless started to build a constantly evolving, limitless, cross-reference library of short films (no film is over four minutes long). Pupils can discover information for themselves on the two devices they love the best, laptops and smartphones.

There are ‘no pages of text to read, no psychometric tests, just hundreds and hundreds of short films that tell you pretty much everything you need to know and what to do next,’ he says.

Working Eye is currently in production and, depending on funding, aims to launch through independent schools during the 2019/20 academic year.

However, pilot tests have already been met with enthusiasm. Julie Robinson, General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council,

hailed Working Eye as a ‘really exciting new resource’. ‘The website and resources look really excellent,’ said Mark Hoskins, Headmaster at Reed’s School, adding that it’s, ‘Very exciting and looking forward to seeing it develop.’ His Director of Higher Education and Careers, Sarah Butler, agrees that the films seem highly informative and could be a valuable resource and she’s considering introducing them into her CPSHE/Independent Study lessons to help students make suitable GCSE and A-level choices. Kirsty Ridley, Careers Co-ordinator at Newcastle School for Girls, says, ‘I would love to see this product in school as part of the careers library/dip in resource for PSHE/Careers lessons.’ She, along with many other schools, believe they offer good career’s advice but recognise that there is a balance to be found between opening up pupil’s awareness to the opportunities out there without overwhelming them.

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St Mary’s Calne encourages girls to think independently about their futures

‘Part of the problem is in the word “advice” itself, because after a lot of time and energy spent talking to teenagers they’ve told us that’s not what they really want. They want to make their own decisions, come to their own conclusions and follow their own path of discovery’

offering. Part of the problem is in the word “advice” itself, because after a lot of time and energy spent talking to teenagers they’ve told us that’s not what they really want. They want to make their own decisions, come to their own conclusions and follow their own path of discovery. They’re thinking; what job PETER CAYLESS, FATHER OF FOUR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND FOUNDER OF WORKING EYE would I really love to do? What’s it really like day to day? What subjects and exams ‘We do provide lots of support and guidance for the girls but we are do I need to do it? How much will it pay me? What are my prospects?

So that’s exactly the sort of information we’re going to give them.’ also conscious that they need to be proactive in researching different Cayless may well have a point. Working Eye showed their pilot films careers – it’s about finding the right balance and encouraging the to a huge audience of students with impressive feedback. ‘One said he girls to be independent,’ says Lianne Aherne at St. Mary’s Calne. had no idea the kind of careers we were showing them even existed,’ ‘Ultimately, it is up to the girls to seize the opportunities we provide says Steve Carrigan, Working Eye’s Managing Director. ‘Another said them with and to carve their own paths with confidence.’ she had no idea charity could be a career. We’re showing students the Dr. Stannard of the GDST agrees. ‘Whether talking to students enormous range of what’s available but in a way that’s really easy and or their parents, we try to help them not to feel overwhelmed. clear for them to navigate. For too long children from independent ‘There are so many options available today and you won’t always schools have just assumed they’d follow their parents into some have the answers that you’re looking for.’ hallowed profession like law, banking or medicine, helped along ‘This is the whole point!’ says Peter Cayless. ‘The amount of by schools. What we’re trying to do is say, “Stop! Here are hundreds information out there can be totally overwhelming for everyone, of extraordinary, wonderful careers you don’t even know are out there. including parents. The beauty of Working Eye is that parents can see Go and explore and make your own minds up because then you’ll exactly what a career can offer their child at at the click of a mouse, be doing what you really want to do in life.”’ n too, and is why home membership is at the core of the Working Eye 100 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | Autumn/Winter 2018

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Students are prepared for life at university

START THEM YOUNG he question of teaching personal finance to children is a tricky one. Usually, though not always, it is part of a wellbeing PSHE programme, but how much is taught and the exact topics covered seems to differ from school to school. What there is no doubt about though, is just how important financial education is. In 2016, the Money Advice Service conducted the first nationally representative survey of nearly 5,000 children aged four to 17, which identified that overall, children have a reasonable grounding in money matters, but there are some significant gaps. Only 52 per cent of children save regularly, for instance; 21 per cent of 12 to 17 year olds don’t understand a bank statement and 62 per cent of 14 to 17 year olds can’t identify how much has been paid on a payslip.

‘It is vital that we prepare our students for life at university and beyond, so naturally, finance needs to be part of those life skills,’ says Sue Bruce, Head of PSE at Fettes College. ‘The key is to give a no-nonsense, all-round introduction to personal finance, from saving, to student loans, to living on a budget. Just like teaching them cooking, which will stand them in good stead at university,

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it would be remiss of us not to include money management, too.’

At Dulwich College, financial literacy in Year 11 includes plenty of useful exercises – on everything from setting a budget for food shopping after leaving home to student finance. Pupils also watch a fascinating TEDx Talk titled ‘Why 2.5 billion heartbeats might change the way you think about money’. ‘Financial literacy is an important element of the Wellbeing programme, because embracing a sense of responsibility and independence is an element of the pupils’ sense of identity,’ explains Nathalie Coppin, Head of Wellbeing.

At Godolphin Senior School, financial literacy is taught for a term as part of the Elizabeth Godolphin Award for sixth formers. After two talks (the first on student loans, bursaries and scholarships, the second on personal finance), they break off into small groups. ‘By this point the students will be choosing between two universities so we get them to research living costs in those areas and think really practically about how they spend their money,’ says Bethan Ferguson their Head of Careers, who believes that the soft skills taught during these extra-curricular activities are vital. ‘Such a significant number of students drop out

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Emma Love supports teaching financial education to seven year olds

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of university because of the financial burden, so we also use the time to talk about the alarm bells you can set yourself to avoid that. Equally if students are planning for a gap year, we can help them work out how much they need to earn to cover costs.’

For the next financial literacy segment at Godolphin Senior School, one of the forthcoming talks will be given by Rathbone Investment Management, based in nearby Winchester. ‘We’re trying to fill a void and give something back to the community,’ explains investment manager David Kneiss about the reason behind the firm’s programme for 16 to 25 year olds, which he has been running in the south of England for the last four years (other regional Rathbone Investment Management offices also work with local schools).

The company isn’t alone in offering financial education help to schools – either directly

to students or via training advice for teachers.

MyBnk is a UK charity that works with seven to 25 year olds in schools and youth organisations, with the aim of empowering a financially capable and enterprising generation. ‘There’s no avoiding money, everyone has to deal with it, so why wouldn’t we teach our children about it,’ reasons CEO Guy Rigden sensibly, citing workplace pension schemes and student finance as just a couple of the topics that should be thoroughly covered.

According to Rigden, there are two key stages for teaching financial literacy: as early as possible and at the point of relevance. ‘There is evidence to show that behavioural habits developed at the age of seven can still be seen later in life, so in primary school we introduce money and the concepts of positive behaviours. Then in secondary school, when students start to make their own money

Dulwich College pupils receive lessons on managing household finances

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At Godolphin School, financial literacy is taught for an entire term

‘It is vital that we prepare our students for life at university and beyond, so naturally, finance needs to be part of those life skills’ SUE BRUCE HEAD OF PSE AT FETTES SCHOOL

choices, we build on that knowledge,’ he says. While the MyBnk model is all about making the subject fun for children by bringing in trained experts who are good at engaging with young people, at the Young Money charity, which is part of Young Enterprise, the focus is more on supporting teachers and anyone else who educates young people about money.

‘Our philosophy as a charity is that we want to develop sustainable financial education in schools by training teachers and helping them to embed that into the curriculum,’ says Russell Winnard, head of educator facing programmes and services. ‘We live in a far more financially complex world than ever before, with an increasingly cashless society. What do children think is happening when parents

go shopping and get cash back? That’s not real; it’s not just a case of a card being tapped and so we really need to teach young children that money has to be earned.’

Alongside teachers, Young Money also has plenty of advice on the website for parents, and runs occasional workshops.

‘Parents can provide experiences in a more realistic environment, which teachers simply can’t do in schools, such as allowing children to pay and receive change in a shop for instance. Also, just talking about money is important; in some households it is still a taboo.’ He also believes that a small amount of regular pocket money can make a difference. ‘An OECD [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development] report last year showed that a young person’s money capability improved with pocket money because they are able to make their own financial decisions.’ Good money habits, it seems, start young and last a lifetime. n young-money.org.uk

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PA RENTS PROPERTY | A DVICE

| TR AVEL | A PPS | BOOKS

Canford School, Dorset

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CHARITY

FARMS FOR CITY CHILDREN Farms for City Children, founded by Clare and Michael Morpurgo over 40 years ago, gives over 3,200 primary school children from deprived areas of the UK a week-long stay on one of their three farms every year. This week changes the children’s lives. They become more confident, more independent and more responsive when they return to their classrooms. It costs £300 for the charity to subsidise one child’s stay. By setting up a standing order for £25 per month (just 82p per day), you can sponsor a child to have a truly transformational experience and a wonderful week of muck and magic.

To find out more about Farms for City Children or to donate online please visit farmsforcitychildren.org FARMS FOR CITY CHILDREN IS A REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER (325120)

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

IS UNIVERSITY THE ONLY ANSWER? Not sure University is right for you? Need a good alternative?

Oxford Media & Business School could be your answer

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ising university fees and ominous youth unemployment figures have led to a rethink in higher education. Making the decision to go to university or not is more important than ever as many students opt for an alternative route into employment.

Oxford Media & Business School has specialised in this field for over 35 years and has gained acclaim as not just an alternative to university, but one with excellent longterm prospects when finding a career. The Executive PA Diploma starts in September and runs through July, offering professional IT and business skills to ensure that students are armed with the necessary skills to succeed in the business world. By remaining a small and specialised college OMBS provides a highly personal study environment tailored to the individual with excellent pastoral care and career guidance.

Speaking about her experience at the school, a former student believes, ‘It is clear that doing the Executive PA Diploma at OMBS set the foundations for my career and has resulted in me landing a job I could only have dreamed of! Although I was very capable of going to university, I decided that taking this pathway would be more beneficial to my career. I haven’t looked back since choosing OMBS over my place at St Andrews University’.

A 2018 graduate said, ‘OMBS has been one of the best things I have ever done. It still hasn’t sunk in yet where I will be working!’

The course is a great alternative to university, but also for graduates who feel they need to gain experience and confidence before going into the world of work. ‘It is not only the very high level of skills which pupils leave with which sets them apart from competitors, but their record of post-course employment is exceptional,’ says Claire Gray, Director - Bain and Gray Recruitment.

A former student commented, ‘When I left sixth form I had no idea what to do, I didn’t feel university was the best choice as not everyone can find a job at the end. I am so happy I found OMBS, it was the perfect course for me and I literally do not know what I would have done without it’.

The school’s impressive track record of employment is in part down to Principal Andrea Freeman’s connections with many recruitment agencies in London and Oxford. Every student leaves with a job search plan and has a definite idea of what it is they are looking for on the basis of their personal strengths. This is further supplemented by mock interviews, Myers Briggs personality profiling and a module in personal development.

Students have no fear of missing out on the university lifestyle, with accommodation in the heart of Oxford enabling independent living. A former student said, ‘The people I was learning alongside were all fun and friendly, I cannot fault the experience from start to finish’. The job success rate after graduating speaks volumes of the course’s validity as an alternative to university.

For more information about the course please see: www.oxfordbusiness.co.uk For visits contact Sarah (Registrar) on 01865 240963 or email sarahb@ oxfordbusiness.co.uk

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HOLIDAYS | PARENTS

SCHOOL’S OUT Ideas for the festive season

1

The Natural History Museum, London

WHAT’S ON Autumnal activities to suit everyone

BACK TO SCHOOL Papier answers all your stationery conundrums.

Luxury kit at affordable prices.

From £12.99. papier.com

HALLOWEEN BECKONS Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire, Dover Castle, Kent and Wrest Park, Bedfordshire are all holding spooky spectacles and eerie events over the October half term. english-heritage.org.uk/Halloween

THE NIGHTS ARE DRAWING IN

Not merely waterproof, these signature dry bags are lifeproof.

From £14.50. theholidayshop. london

Yolke has released a children’s collection; all their pyjamas come with a bedtime story. £70. yolke.co.uk

1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Have you ever wondered what happens at museums once everyone has gone home?

Kids aged seven to 11 can stay the night at the Natural History Museum and enjoy an action-packed evening including a science show and a torch-lit trail. £60. nhm.ac.uk 2 ... AND BREATHE Mindfulness for all ages. Cosmic Kids promise to make yoga fun for children, and parents report significant improvements in self-regulation, focus and empathy. Practice from home via their YouTube channel. cosmickids.com 3 LONDON MEETS THE MOUNTAINS Chel-Ski ski centre, just off the King’s Road, offers private lessons for children aged three to four, and group tuition for those aged five upward. From £34.95. chel-ski.co.uk

CALLING ALL BOOKWORMS The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is one of the oldest literary festivals in the world, with some of the world’s finest writers, actors, politicians and poets. 5 to 14 Oct cheltenhamfestivals.com

A CHRISTMAS BREAK

Stylish scooter satchels – whiz to school in style.

Personalisation ensures they won’t go walkabouts! From £75. honeyandtoast.co.uk

Take a weekend break in the medieval city of Bruges – its Christmas market is one of the best in the world. Visit the historic sights on the Burg. Stay in the neoclassical Hotel Van Cleef. From £168. hotelvancleef.be

Hotel Van Cleef, Bruges

MAGICAL MOMENTS The iconic snowy scenes of Hogwarts can be experienced by mere Muggles, too. Head to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for Hogwarts in the Snow. 17 Nov 2018 to 27 Jan 2019 wbstudiotour.co.uk

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GIFT IDEAS 1 Be snug as a bug in our favourite children’s cashmere brand Cashmirino. From £119. cashmirino.com 2 For a quirkier Christmas present, try Noble Macmillan’s leather Perudo set. £105. noblemacmillan.com 3 The gift of this Billy Tipi will bring smiles all round. £157.50. bonton.fr 4 The perfect polo shirt – and sales support wildlife charities. £40. lovebrand.com Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 111

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STUDYTRACKS | PARENTS

STUDYTRACKS: RAPPING TO REVISE

Rap artist and Ivor Novello award-winning music producer George Hammond Hagan helped his son pass his GCSEs by putting his revision to music Music has helped Paris to retain information

George Hammond Hagan used his rapping skills to aid his son’s revision process

hen Paris started revising for his GCSEs, we tried to make things as easy as possible for him. His household chores were put on hold, we helped him to make a study plan, pushed him to have regular breaks, to get fresh air and to eat healthily. Paris was taking nine GCSEs, is intelligent, likes school, but never liked revising, so we prepared for it to be a difficult time.

A few weeks into the revision period we had to lay down the law. He was distracted, procrastinating and not studying enough.

No matter how many times parents tell their children how important it is to study – Playstation or YouTube clips can have a stronger pull!

During a long chat he revealed the problem. He said he knew he had to do better, but because he struggled to retain the information, he felt defeated before he even started. He said he could not find a way to remember what he was learning. Whether he wrote it down verbatim, made notes or just

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The Studytracks app

reread everything, it didn’t work.

I am a songwriter and music producer and have worked with some great artists over the years. Not long after this conversation, I was in the studio playing around with music when I realised how easily most musicians remembered their lines or the notes they had to hit. I thought how great it would be if Paris could remember his science as easily. But I still didn’t make the connection until I got home and saw him revising with his headphones on.

Paris has always liked music, listening to everything from rap to metal while revising.

I grabbed his science book from his desk and sat down at the kitchen table. He thought I had gone mad, and so did I, but after an hour I had written some rap lyrics to a physics topic.

I went back to the studio, put them on a track then got my guinea pig and told him to put on his headphones.

I hit play and watched his face as he listened to the information he had been trying to absorb for weeks suddenly flood into his brain. To watch your child finally grasp something, something that you have created, is priceless. Everything clicked! After that it was easy. He was so eager for more. We picked out all the topics he was struggling with and I put the information to music.

I realised I had hit on something. I knew about the connection between music, the brain and memory; how, for example, the words ‘Can’t get you out of my head’ will trigger a memory of Kylie’s track, even if you haven’t heard it for a while, or don’t even like it. You don’t have to remember lyrics, they just seep into your brain. It is not a chore, in the way that revising is. It is not a new way of learning either but the way we have used it is innovative – and it works.

After that we put everything to rap and it took off. In 2016 we launched Studytracks and smashed through our first year target of 10,000 downloads on the app store in three weeks reaching 60,000 before the end of that summer’s exams. We then won a prestigious Education Resources Award for Start-up of the Year.

Not having to nag Paris to do his revision was a lovely feeling as is the success of my ‘Eureka’ moment, but getting emails from students across the world thanking us for helping them with their exams is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

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HEALTH | PARENTS

ON THE SOFA

Victoria Lambert talks to leading osteopath and back specialist Nick Potter about how to protect your children from injury

t’s a great moment when you watch your child win at sport. Whether it’s breaking the tape in an 800m race or captaining the lacrosse team, parents want their children to succeed. Sport teaches them about leadership, mental stamina and health.

But what if you are setting up your child for a lifetime of back and joint pain? Overtraining among teenagers is a concern, thanks to a fashion for high-level sports and early specialisation at school, both of which – warns the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine – lead to higher rates of overuse injury and burnout.

Osteopath Nick Potter, one of London’s leading back specialists, agrees: ‘Physical activity during adolescence is a good thing but intense training causes significant injuries. Rotational sports involving lots of stopping, starting and cutting put too much stress on the joints, which leads to an increased number of deformities in hips as early as the age of ten, often presenting as back pain later. We risk raising a cohort of children who are going to need hip replacements by the time they are 45. We used to think it was just stopping kids doing weights which was important but it is the sport itself which can be too much.’

Potter, who has specialised in treating professional sportspeople

I

BACK TIPS Buy appropriate, good quality footwear with rubber soles.

Sit down and talk; boys can find it hard to verbalise problems which may lead to head and neck pain caused by stress.

SCHOOL CHECK If you are concerned your child is overtraining, talk to the school. Ask how much sport your child is doing and what kind of conditioning and stretching is mandatory. There should be stretching after and warm up before sport. It should be school culture, not individual responsibility. Don’t be flattered if they are in every team from athletics to squash. That’s to the school’s benefit but not necessarily to your child’s who will become overloaded as a result.

Encourage hot baths and let children wallow to open up muscles.

Make sure back packs are worn high and tight

including runners, rugby, golf and tennis players, knows how a childhood injury can affect your life. ‘I played rugby in the scrum from prep school and sustained a fracture in my lower vertebrae which was not picked up.

‘As an adolescent I lived with chronic back pain. Then during a gap year playing rugby in New Zealand, my back gave out properly; they found the fracture but it was too late to do anything remedial.’

If parents want to protect their children from future injury they should first explore their own motives for encouraging them, says Potter, who has developed a back care kit called Bakpro. ‘We want our kids to be elite but often, when I talk to a child alone, they are not half as enthusiastic. And they should be realistic. There is a huge difference between a good county player and a world-class athlete.’

Children’s bodies continue growing until around the age of 18. ‘It’s not just height but a constantly changing structure. The bones renew completely every three months and growth plates can be damaged. That is why they can grow out of shape so easily.’

Signs that your child is training too hard include ‘recurrent pain or injuries or stress fractures. Either the child is not being conditioned properly, or they are doing too much’. If they find it consistently difficult to get up, or are walking gingerly, they are probably overtraining. If they need sports massages or go through packets of ibuprofen, something is amiss.

Musculo-skeletal problems don’t just develop on the playing fields, adds Potter.

‘A competitive culture creates tension, so children get neck and head aches because of tensed muscles and hyper-ventilating. The best treatment is quite simple: get them breathing deeply again and give them some down time.’

Invest in foam rollers and start stretching as a family

A balance board encourages a stable core and good balance protects against injuries.

Make sure teen girls get properly fitted bras and change if they grow.

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Organised parties for teens form a key part of their childhood social experience

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TEENAGE PARTIES | PARENTS

ORGANISED CHAOS Public parties are a rite of passage for teenagers and their anxious parents, says Imogen Agnew Photography by LARA ARNOTT & OLIVER BUCHANAN he organised parties of the teenage social scene can feel overwhelming, particularly for parents who don’t yet know the ropes approaching it for the first time. But it’s a rite of passage that both parent and teen will almost inevitably go through as these parties provide the first important opportunity for teenagers to mix and mingle outside of school rules, yet still in a relatively controlled environment.

Over 60 years old, and still going strong, is the Feathers Ball – ‘a milestone for all Year Nines’. It is now held at the Ministry of Sound in London just before Christmas and remains a highlight of the year for 13 to 15-year-olds.

Tickets are applied for by group and, in the fashion of the coming out parties which parents will remember, small groups join together for dinner parties beforehand.

Unsurprisingly, the Feathers is closely chaperoned and organisers are eagle-like when they hand sweaty teens back to their parents at the end of the night – absolutely nobody is allowed to jump in a black cab to try their luck at a nearby nightclub.

In the interest of teen-parent good relations, however, parents should restrain themselves when picking up their children.

One girl remembers the toe-curling embarrassment she felt when her mother arrived to collect a group of them, shrieking her name from her vantage point of the roof of their Land Rover Defender.

When to go is key. One ex-St Mary’s Ascot pupil found the experience of going while still in her final year at Cheam Prep school ‘scarring’. Smart parents will wait until their child is desperate for the experience.

Conversely, a few fathers might wish their daughter would never go.

The social mores of managing these evenings aside, there are some safety issues

T

which parents will appreciate. A previous organiser of The Teen Bystander Ball, run

by Tatler, remembers the importance placed on the process of purchasing tickets: ‘They could only be bought by a parent or guardian, meaning the procedure was completely transparent, something reassuring for worried parents.’

Furthermore, the entire evening had a strict no alcohol policy, and ‘anyone who turned up and had clearly had one too many was simply not allowed in – there was no bargaining’. This reduces the likelihood of alcohol-related accidents. Visibly intoxicated teens were ‘made to wait under supervision until they were collected by a parent or guardian – we did not just send them away and onto the streets of London!’

The Electric Ball is another London-based charity ball and the brainchild of energetic local mothers who wanted to raise awareness of the NSPCC charity ‘Now I Know’ appeal.

The charity focuses on alerting young schoolchildren about who to contact if they are being abused in their home. Held at The Hurlingham Club for 13 to 16-year-olds, it follows a similar format to the Bystander Ball with mocktails, nibbles and a DJ. When it comes to dress code, many events can be interpreted according to personal style but there is often a theme. Previous Bystander and Electric dress codes have included Punk Black Tie, Piste & Love and Black Tie on the Beach.

Teens are keen to choose their own clothes and should do so. Nobody wants their offspring to be the odd ones out, dressed more garden party and less ‘Adolescent Fluorescent’. Save the first ‘proper’ party dress shopping trip for the Feathers, which is still resolutely black tie.

At the far end of the spectrum and mainly reserved for reeling balls is white tie. Adhering

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TEENAGE PARTIES | PARENTS Teenage parties allow schoolaged pupils to let off steam in a safe environment

‘Visibly intoxicated teens were refused entry and “made to wait under supervision until they were collected by a parent or guardian – we did not just send them away and onto the streets of London!”’ to tradition is key; girls’ dresses are checked on arrival and petticoats are issued for those which do not reach their ankles – faded yellow lace is not a cool look.

But never underestimate the creativity of the young. The story of the 14-year-old who managed to sneak half a litre of vodka past security at the Capital VIP Grandslam Ball is not apocryphal: she took the beach dress code seriously and wore armbands… full of vodka.

Capital VIP is no stranger to teen inventiveness. They have monopolised the London teen party scene for over 20 years with The Mistletoe Ball and The Valentines Ball.

Their mantra that their events enable ‘under 18s to enjoy a proper nightclubbing experience in a controlled and safe environment’ is always reassuring to parents.

They hold no less than nine events throughout the year, rolling their parties out into the shires and beyond – perhaps the most well known is the annual congregation of public school children swarming to the coastal town of Hunstanton in North Norfolk, for a week of tennis matches (where prizes

have previously been presented by Amanda Holden), underage consumption of brightly coloured alcopops and the infamous Foam Parties, which attract party goers from as far away as Scotland.

The tennis tournament has been taking place every August since 1920, but in 2000 Capital VIP launched their teen party, The Grandslam, for 14 to 16-year-olds, just down the road in Burnham Market. In 2008, they extended their age range to include an event for 11 to 13-year-olds called The Racquet Ball. Teens now talk excitedly of the year that they can ‘move up to the next party’ and it has become something of a rite of passage, almost eclipsing the tennis tournament.

Down in the South West, Savernake Teenagers was created by a team of Marlborough-based country mothers to fill a gap in the Wiltshire market for less London orientated teens, as a way of bringing childhood friends together, particularly those who have gone their separate ways at senior school.

The committee, which has been organising events around Marlborough since 1982, holds a disco that takes place directly after the Feathers, just before Christmas, and is described by a committee member as ‘a reassuring return to a small event where they will know a lot of people’ after the thronging crowd of a thousand teens at the Feathers.

During the summer months, they hold the Savernake Teenagers’ Charity Tennis Tournament at Marlborough College, who have ‘always been incredibly supportive’ – all

The Highlights Christmas holidays London The Feathers, The Mistletoe Tatler Teen Bystander Ball Marlborough Savernake Teenagers’ Christmas Disco Easter holidays London The Valentine’s Ball The Electric The May Day Ball Newmarket The Fetlock Summer holidays Reading A Touch of Neon Norfolk The Raquet Ball, The Grandslam Isle of Wight Salamander Teen Ball Scotland Reel Easy Northern Meeting Junior Oban Ball Buchan Barn Dance Shoe String Rocking Robin

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PARENTS | TEENAGE PARTIES

ABOVE & BELOW: Ensure your child isn’t the odd one out and allow them to choose their own outfit; embrace these parties – next up are house parties and festivals

funds raised from both this and the disco supports local charities that benefit children in the community.

The committee are keen to showcase the talents of local teens and encourage aspiring DJs to volunteer to play; in 2017 for the first time the disco was opened with an acoustic set from a local 15-year-old singer-songwriter. Other teen parties supporting local charities in the area include A Touch of Neon, held at the sprawling Englefield House in Berkshire, for Years 7 and 8 and the Glitter Party at the Cameo nightclub in Andover, for Years 9 and 10.

The maze of the teenage social scene in London and beyond can be complicated. It also seems that just as you have got to grips with it, they have grown tired of you taking charge; a 17-year-old Harrovian pityingly explained that ‘after the first or second year of senior school it’s more house parties and festivals’.

This comment aside, the trials and tribulations of organised parties enable teenagers to forge bonds and friendships with one another that last well into adulthood, providing a circle of friends outside school.

Fellow mothers get to clock each other which is even more relevant when their children start asking to go to each others’ houses for parties. But that’s another story. n

DO

1 Turn a blind eye at the end of the evening for a goodnight kiss. 2 Make an evening of it for yourself, if you’re friends with other attendees’ parents, then have your own party while they have theirs. 3 Ensure you have your mobile phone switched to loud in case they want to be picked up early.

DON’T

1 Have a quick boogie when you go to pick up your child – they will never forgive you. 2 Get the dresscode wrong, black tie in your day does not mean what it does now. 3 Grill your child the minute they get home, wait until the next day to (subtly) listen out for the gossip.

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

BEDROOM PHOTO REPRESENTS A NEWLY RENOVATED VILLA. VILLA RENOVATION IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AND WILL BE ONGOING UNTIL THE FULL COMPLEMENT IS COMPLETED

Heated outdoor pool at the Clubhouse

Interior of the newly refurbished Clubhouse

PORTUGESE PERFECTION A major facelift for the Algarve Classic, Four Seasons Fairways

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ne of the Algarve’s treasures, Four Seasons Fairways has emerged from a seven-month refurbishment with a slick, contemporary Clubhouse tailored to discerning families seeking activities and relaxation in equal measure. Heated indoor and outdoor pools, a glass walled wine cellar, an indoor-outdoor bar and a Kids’ Club provides some much-needed respite for weary parents. There is a snooker table and enormous television for sporting events, while private workstations cater to those balancing work and play.

A convivial home-from-home feel pervades, giving guests license to unwind and enjoy the Portuguese wine. In colder months, a dramatic fireplace serves up toasty evenings as the Clubhouse’s epicentre. All is hinged on Portuguese tradition, from the Crittal doors’ copper finish mimicking the ‘Cataplana’ pots used to prepare their seafood to the large rug greeting guests which symbolises Portuguese lace, one of the country’s oldest crafts. A green colour palette mirrors the luscious surrounds, and is met with dusky pinks and splashes of cobalt blue.

Four Seasons Fairways’ secluded villas offer the ultimate privacy of a rented property or second home with their own pool or Jacuzzi, but with the services and amenities of a luxury

Exterior of one of Four Seasons Fairways villas

hotel. Guests can oscillate between these peaceful retreats and sophisticated, more lively Clubhouse setting as they wish.

All day dining is available at VIVO Bistro & Cocktail Lounge whilst delectable Portuguese influenced cuisine as well as killer views across Quinta do Lago can be found in the chic Amara restaurant, where Tom Dixon’s Morwad marble pendant lighting adorns the space. Never has Four Seasons Fairways been more ripe for a visit.

Four Seasons Fairways (www. fourseasonsfairways. com) offer 7 nights in a two-bed apartment with Jacuzzi from £1,050/ €1200 in low season and £2,535/€2900 in high season.

Bedroom in one of the newly renovated villas

For more information on the Algarve, please visit: www.visitalgarve. pt/en/

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There is no opportunity to be a wallflower at a reeling ball

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MOTHER’S VIEW | PARENTS

A REELING GOOD TIME Scottish parties are nothing like the dreaded snogging fest of the southern party, says Gina Baillie, a mother from Inverness Photography by OLIVER BUCHANAN Scots are in high demand to show the kilted swallows how to dance an eightsome

hen my children go to balls in the south, I worry they will end up drunk, in an intimate clinch – or worse. In a reeling party, I worry that they might pull a muscle. Reeling requires coordination, concentration and cooperation and is so rewarding as you meet so many people.

Whether you have six or eight partners or, even many more in the case of the 51st, you are introduced to all of them.

Reeling is second nature to Scottish prep school-aged children, who are taught at school and meet up in the holidays at local dances, getting to know each other and making friends for life. I still bump into people I reeled with as a 13-year-old.

Halfway through a set, it is not unusual to see people stop to hug and greet someone whom they haven’t seen in ages.

The concept of a shy child being left out is alien, older children are encouraged to involve and help the younger ones.

Seasoned reelers relish the commonplace sight of an otherwise uber-cool 17-year-old whirling a 12-year-old around the dance floor to return them to their correct place.

W

In general, kids are usually too tired and busy to slip off for that illegal drink; reeling with a head spin is simply no fun (been there, done that). It is quite easy to spot the gaps in a set if any teenagers have skived off, meaning that the dreaded realisation that a couple have sloped off from the dance floor for a tryst is far less likely to take place, and the high jinks that take place at southern parties are the exception and not the norm.

My own 19-year-old daughter spent her teen summers criss-crossing Scotland from one dance to another, rising to a crescendo in the the summer when the ‘kilted swallows’ arrive from across the border. The August bank holiday is ‘crazy week’ as kids

‘Seasoned reelers relish the commonplace sight of an otherwise ubercool 17-year-old whirling a 12-year-old around the dance floor to return them to their correct place.’

and teenagers move from one household to another fishing, stalking, sleeping and dancing. Scottish kids are in high demand to teach the steps to their southern friends.

The reeling party comes in several forms and the teenager and family ones invariably follow or precede a ‘grown-up’ ball; these are formal ones that are white or black tie and guests use dance cards which have to be filled in beforehand. The strict etiquette needs to be subtly managed by parents so that your child doesn’t die of embarrassment by having an uncool, bossy parent but it is crucial that everyone’s dance card is filled in. I remember the toe-curling horror of hiding in the loos when my dance card wasn’t full, only to discover I wasn’t the only one. But if there are dance cards, it is important to make sure that your party has equal numbers of boys and girls, and that the boys in the party ask all the girls to dance – not just the pretty, popular ones.

My friends and I delegate older teenagers to ensure that no-one is left out and if someone is sitting out a dance it is one and not five! Often there is a ‘flat’ dance between reels when the band play a rock and roll or a jive.

More informal are the family orientated nine-90s parties which are sometimes black tie or even kilts and jumpers. The older teenagers help the younger kids and it gets quite challenging as the young compete to make the reels faster and more acrobatic – you might even see teenagers breakdancing or doing press-ups in the middle of an eightsome. It’s something that us mothers need to watch out for.

I had to draw the line last year when I found myself being backward-flipped by an over-enthusiastic 18-year-old.

The ceilidh is more akin to a barn dance and very informal, often taking place in local village halls, and includes story telling, poetry recitals as well as dancing but all reeling parties are inclusive, great fun and offering a sense of community. And that is the essence of all Scottish dances, whether formal balls or village ceilidhs. n

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Broomwood Hall equips children with the tools they need for a successful life

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MODERN MANNERS | PARENTS

MANNERS MATTER Carole Jenkinson, Headmistress of Broomwood Hall, explains why they are still an important life skill

A combination of innovative teaching practices and the uperficially, caring about modern manners importance given to traditional values and softer life-skills, can seem somewhat trite, given all the serious provide children with the ability to stand out and succeed. problems facing the world today. However, The manners we instil in real life are the same manners manners still have a significant part to play in that should be used online. The current scourge of anonymous creating fair and just societies. I am not talking cyber-bullying has its roots in very poor attitudes to others. This about the correct etiquette regarding which cutlery to use, or level of unkindness is the very antithesis of good manners. how to address someone; while these conventions can unite some It is important for children groups in our society, they can to be taught that good manners also be divisive and even alienate Carole Jenkinson, Headmistress of Broomwood Hall apply in all walks of life. others, creating artificial barriers The world of work is between people. changing too. With Artificial For me, manners are about Intelligence increasingly taking being courteous, inclusive, over the role of many traditional empathetic, open-minded and jobs, it’s the uniquely human thoughtful. It is the ability to characteristics that will really discuss radically different opinions, matter. And by this, I mean but with kindness and tolerance. It the ability to collaborate, think is listening to others’ experiences creatively, work in teams, without prejudice and with a look someone in the eye welcoming heart. It is about being and express ideas simply honest and truthful, but without and clearly. Manners are the being rude or dogmatic. If schools foundation for all of that. can encourage children, both in As Head of a pre-prep and real life and online, to treat others prep school, my purpose well, then the whole community is to equip children with the benefits. This openness of approach foundational skills they will helps to build teams of people, and need for life – not just the my hope is that we create enough next school – and this means adults who can work collaboratively working with parents to help to address some of the great embed good manners. issues the world faces. From I’ve always been a passionate my perspective, it all starts with advocate of educating the empathy and courtesy. ‘whole child’ and courtesy, With this in mind, I think it communication and collaboration is important for schools to teach are at the heart of that education children debating skills so that and are as relevant today as they can espouse completely they’ve always been. Truly good differing points of view with the manners are timeless, cost hope of persuading others by nothing and enable individuals to presenting cogent, well-informed ‘If schools can encourage children form strong and fair societies. The argument. Debating also teaches Utopian dream of living in peace children that they may have to both in real life and online to treat and harmony is still a long way off, accept that their argument may each other well then the whole but good manners can help bring not win the day, and to have community benefits’ it a little closer by creating more the good manners to acquiesce civilised societies – at least, this is gracefully while remaining friends my optimistic dream. with the opposition.

As modern educators it is our role to ensure that we equip Broomwood Hall is a co-educational pre-prep and girls’ prep children with the tools they will need for a successful life school in south west London. in today’s technologically-driven, globally connected world.

S

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SCHOOL HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

More House prides itself on its sense of community within boarding

BOARDING AT MORE HOUSE SCHOOL For 80 years More House School has been transforming the lives of boys who struggle with Specific Learning and Language difficulties through their outstanding tailored education model.

M

ore House School is situated just outside Farnham on the Hampshire/Surrey border, set on a wooded hillside in twenty-nine acres. The school, founded in 1939, has attractive modern facilities that lie above the playing fields. In recent years, the school has refurbished and extended its boarding facilities, refurbished its eight Science laboratories, built its School of Engineering and CAD facilities, and opened a new Humanities block and school Chapel. Last summer witnessed the completion of a brand new library and Media Studies centre, and growth in learning support facilities.

The largest school of its kind in the country, it has a rich history of supporting boys with Specific Learning and Language difficulties in realising successes far beyond their expectations.The school’s academic results at GCSE, A Level and BTEC are consistently above the national average for all schools and this is the result of the progressive, inclusive education students experience, by offering a much broader than exam syllabus prescription.

There can be no substitute for a loving, caring family home, and More House does not seek to be such a substitute. However, the sense of community within boarding and the facilities available to boarders enables the school to foster

boys’ social confidence and allows them to develop their skills and interests.

Happiness is a vital prerequisite of boys’ successful development and boarders thrive on the close relationships they build with boarding staff. More House provides an environment in which the boys are cared for and supported in partnership between each pupil’s parents and the school.

They seek to enable each boarder to make use of the school’s specialist provision and facilities when the distance between home and school would otherwise preclude it.

Many students arrive with little self-confidence. As one community, the school builds pupils’ academic, creative, sport and social achievement.

A wide curriculum of academic subjects is complemented by an inspiring extra-curricular programme, so each boy is successful amongst his peers, and learns to recognise that success.

Building the students’ self-confidence and independence enables them to transform their lives, achieving remarkable academic success and pursuing aspirational futures.

For the majority, this means continuing their education by progressing from our Sixth Form to universities, into industry-based learning or to other further education courses.

The 117 boarders at the school each live within one of two houses located on the school site; Main House and St Anthony’s House. The resident house staff live in private flats within their relevant boarding house. They provide close supervision and support for all boys throughout residential hours and are available to be called upon by boarders throughout the night.

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READING | PARENTS

BOOKS & APPS

APPS OF INTEREST

Psychological suspense, teenage angst, apps and book reviews

THRILLS AND SPILLS

LITTLE BOOK WORMS

Unexpected twists keep you on the edge of your seat

Books for inquisitive young minds

GIRL POWER

TEENAGER MUST-READS

Tales for budding feminists to enjoy

All important classics that impart wisdom

Brainscape Doubles your learning speed using specially tailored flashcards

Nextdoor AGES 14+ The Lost Witch

by Melvin Burgess Bea can hear and see things that nobody else can. A powerful fantasy of magic and myth. £12.99, Penguin.

AGES 3+ Bob’s Blue Period

by Marion Deuchars A charming picture book for parents to read to little ones on managing sadness. £10.99, Laurence King

AGES 14+ The Universe is Expanding and So Am I

by Carolyn Mackler Tackling tough topics like misogyny, fat-shaming and bullying. £7.99, Bloomsbury

AGES 11+ Rebecca

by Daphne du Maurier First published in 1963 and immortalised by the opening line, ‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…’ £8.99, Little, Brown Book Group

AGES 1-5 I Went Trick-or-Treating

by Paul Howard A funny twist on the much loved memory game ‘I went to the shop…’ allows everyone to imagine ways to scare friends at Halloween. £6.99, Bloomsbury

AGES 7+ The Restless Girls

by Jessie Burton A dazzling feminist twist on the fairytale about an overprotective father. £14.99, Bloomsbury

AGES 13+ Little Liar by Julia Gray Nora gives a teacher a lesson. A gripping psychological tale about a friendship that spirals out of control. £7.99, Penguin

AGES 1-4 Boats are Busy

by Sarah Gillingham An artful introduction to boats for preschoolers. £8.95, Phaidon

AGES 13+ Never Let Me Go

by Kazuo Ishiguro In a dystopian comingof-age tale, three childhood friends become embroiled in a love triangle. £8.99, Faber and Faber AGES 14+ The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Exploring the themes of teenage angst and alienation. £8.99, Penguin

AGES 6+ Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo Profiling a hundred iconic women with beautiful portraits by female artists. £17.99, Penguin

AGES 9+ The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky Chronicling the life of an introverted teenager. £7.99, Simon & Schuster

SCHOOL HOUSE REVIEWS AGES 7+

AGES 11+

AGES 14+

Lucinda’s Secret: The Spiderwick Chronicles

Mud

A Skinful of Shadows

Lydia has no idea how she will cope when her dad announces they are selling their home and moving to live on a barge in Essex. From the nostalgic diary of a 14-year-old girl, we discover how Lydia learns to keep her head above water. £7.99, Penguin

In this fantastical world, the depiction of 17th-century England is fraught with political and religious unease. A stylish and riveting read about an inspiring heroine fighting against a dark and supernatural family secret. £5.99, Pan Macmillan

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi

The international bestselling series continues with the adventures of the Grace kids.

Why are the faeries stalking them? Only one person knows the answer: crazy old Aunt Lucinda. £7.99, Simon & Schuster

by Emily Thomas

by Frances Hardinge

Connect with your neighbours to find peer reviewed babysitters.

Artie’s Magic Pencil Teaches the fundamentals of drawing to children.

YouTube Kids Stops your children seeing unsavoury videos while surfing the Tube.

Squigglefish Encourages children to transfer their drawings to the screen using a camera.

ONE FOR THE PARENTS A resourceful parent has created The WHO Directory (Wise Helpful Owls) to help those who have real skills yet struggle to make themselves known to their market. The website allows people to browse for talented individuals and friends of friends who can offer their skills, whether they are interior designers, cooks, tutors, photographers, PAs or personal trainers. whodirectory.co.uk

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PARENTS | PROPERTY

CITY LIVING GOOD Anna Tyzack discovers that enterprising parents are enjoying a more rural lifestyle in some of England’s most beautiful cities

City-living doesn’t necessarily mean urban-living

rectory in rolling countryside may be the family dream, but when it comes to making the ‘big move’, even the most green welly of parents are questioning whether urban convenience doesn’t suit them better. ‘There has been a step-change in parental mentality,’ explains Hugh Blake, associate partner of Carter Jonas. ‘Convenience and commutability are taking precedence over the notion of getting more house and fresh air for your money.’

Family-friendly neighbourhoods in cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cambridge and Exeter are buzzing with parents who would once have uprooted to the countryside. ‘Parents around Cambridge, are even moving closer, to enjoy added convenience,’ Blake explains, even at the cost of losing a bedroom and having a smaller garden.

The city living attracting these families could hardly be described as ‘urban’. They want farmer’s markets, independent cafés, parks and a garden large enough for a dog, but also to live where every member of the family can thrive, including the parents.

‘Why not make life more convenient for everyone?’ asks Charles Elsmore-Wickens, of Savills in Oxford. ‘You can’t enjoy the countryside during the week when you’re at school or work, but if you live somewhere like Oxford, you can easily drive out into the countryside at the weekend.’ In parts of Oxford such as Summertown, there are houses on wide avenues with reasonable gardens, within walking distance of schools including Summer Fields, The Dragon and St Edward’s. ‘Children walking, scooting and cycling to school in the morning is part of the landscape here,’ he adds.

The lure of a shorter school run is by far the biggest incentive for city living, according to property finder Jonathan Bramwell of The Buying Solution. ‘Eighty-nine per cent of our searches are fuelled by education,’ he confirms. With busier lifestyles and heavier traffic, families are not moving from city to country, but from one city

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to another. ‘It’s a trend that will only increase,’ he adds. ‘Cheltenham has some of the best schools in the country. Beautiful Regency houses, value for money, good amenities and festivals in the Cotswolds make it an attractive option for migrating Londoners.’

Cambridge is another hot spot for families, with excellent private and state schools, parks, gardens and diverse entertainment options. ‘Families aren’t sacrificing the trappings of country life for cosmopolitan living,’ says Blake. ‘With two mainline stations the city is an easy commute from London.’

Further south, Exeter, especially in St Leonard’s, with its private day schools and white stucco period houses, is attracting London leavers. ‘I am happy for my ten- year-old to walk to school by himself here,’ says Chris Clifford of Savills in Exeter.

The trend for city living is catching on in London.

‘Rather than moving to the Home Counties, parents are embracing a commuter-free city life for houses with gardens, parks and direct Tubes into the city.’ says Jamie Hope of Maskells in Chelsea. Many good schools are within walking distance.

South of the river, Clapham Old Town, Battersea and Wandsworth offer a golden triangle for families with leafy parks and good transport links. Excellent schools include Thomas’s (Clapham and Battersea), Eaton House and Newton Prep. ‘I wanted to move to the country to give our children the same childhood as mine,’ says Angelica Smith, who grew up in Somerset and now lives in Clapham’s Sibella Conservation Area. “But the children are getting village life here growning up in each other’s gardens and walking everywhere. There seemed no benefit in moving out.’

One of the best things about living with everything on your doorstep, is that you are not playing taxi to your children, says Hope.

Smith doesn’t quite agree but she is never in the car for long. ‘If living in town means seeing more of our children and our friends, then even country people like us can’t help falling for the buzz,’ she says.

Cambridge boasts excellent schools, green spaces and good transport links to London

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A HEALING STRENGTH Annabel Heseltine retreated to the Bavarian Alps to be restored by a mountain

he holidays were over. I was on my knees and desperately in need of a rest. I rang an agent and explained my problem. I have a window of four days and you have got 48 hours to find me somewhere. I want to sleep, walk, do yoga, be pampered and I don’t want to feel like Johnny No Mates because I am coming on my own.

An hour later she rang back, ‘How about Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps close to the Austrian border? It’s where they held the 2015 G7 summit.’

‘I really don’t want a business-y kind of place,’ I said. ‘Oh it’s not,’ she assured me – and she was completely right, Schloss Elmau is anything but.

Sliding doors welcomed me into an Asian fusion

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hall lit by huge golden orbs glowing in the dusk and towered over by the mountain beyond. I say the mountain, because the Wetterstein is huge, strong, omnipresent and integral to the ethos of the hotel which was built in 1916 by Dr Johannes Müller, a protestant theologian and philosopher, who wanted it to be a space for ‘development and communal life free of ideaology’.

His idea was that people could come together to forget about themselves and to be healed in mind, body and soul by listening to classical music, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings and taking physical exercise in the mountains. Little has changed under the care of his grandson Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, who rebuilt the castle after a fire

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RETREATS | PARENTS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The mountainous location is an integral part of the ethos of Schloss Elmau; There are endless spa treatments to choose from; Children will also find plenty to keep them busy both indoors and out; The hammam in the spa

and reopened it in 2007 along with the Retreat. Children’s academies, swimming pools and several more restaurants have been added, as well as six spas, all so well laid out that no matter how busy the two adjacent hotels are, the essence of the place is protected. A natural sauna and swimming pool down by the river, private instructors, wellness therapy, a hamman and a ski school with cross-country, snowshoe hiking and downhill skiing guides ensure that no-one is excluded. Three or four times a week an impressively lofty concert hall sings with the music of classical and jazz stars as well as talks, debates and lectures from authors like Ian McEwan and T. C. Boyle.

A short walk across a wildflower meadow of yellow rattle, clover and oxeye daisies and through the quiet pine trees is the Retreat, whose 47 suites all face out towards the Wetterstein. I was shown into a lofty bedroom with a wall of glass offering up its full majesty.

There was even a sliding window in my bathroom so that I could watch it while cleaning my teeth.

From the start I was aware of its peace. Even the children were quieter and if they weren’t, there were plenty of adult-only spaces so that it was easy to escape. Alongside a library with open fires and plenty of comfy sofas in which to curl up with a good book, there is a yoga pavilion, which also offers Qigong or Taijiquan.

But it was the yoga I was here for.

I am a Jivamukti junkie. I was hooked on it in New York back in the 90s and am a slave to their methodology, which ensures that all backwards postures are balanced by forward bending ones.

Suffice it to say that after an hour of balancing, Ashtanga-style yoga, my body felt so relaxed that I literally felt as if I was melting into the floor.

So, this alone would have sold the wellness hotel to me; it’s got the only Jivamukti centre outside a major metropolis in the world. Two sessions a day and I was in heaven but as so often happens when you look for one thing you find another.

It was in the Pavilion, a huge many glass-windowed room, that I noticed the more subtle side of Schloss Elmau.

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ABOVE & BELOW: The dramatic scenery of Schloss Elmau creates a unique healing atmosphere

With a hotel this size, it is easy to feel like just another guest – a well-pampered, nurtured and incredibly well looked-after one maybe – but nevertheless, another nameless guest among the elegant, chic and chilled international crowd who come from all over Germany, Europe and America to be nurtured by the Wetterstein and Elmau.

In the Pavillion this changed. Very quickly it became clear to the other guests that I didn’t speak German and had no clue what the instructor was saying. Within minutes the rest of the entirely German class had agreed that we should all be taught in English for my sake. It was a humbling and touching moment. And this friendliness continued.

In the dining room, a German mother and daughter leaned across from their table, a Spanish couple on a romantic getaway from Barcelona stopped to chat and out on the terrace one woman left her husband to sit beside me and tell me about her work bringing story-telling into large corporate businesses, to encourage employee bonding and better productivity. A clever idea, I thought.

It was as if the Schloss bought out the best in everyone, as the guests did everything that the place is designed to ensure they do. Everything was so easy. Doors slide open.

Guests wear fluffy white robes to breakfast. Turn around and there’s always a member of staff to help you with a kind smile on their face. There was even a chalet restaurant, perfectly placed halfway up the mountain to encourage some healthful fresh air before lunch. Down

FACT BOX Schloss Elmau Retreat offers double rooms from €300 per person per night, based on two adults sharing on a half board basis, with entrance to concerts, spas and the library, participation in Taijiquan Qigong/ yoga classes and Pilates, gyms, participation in guided mountain tours and WiFi. For bookings and further information please visit: schloss-elmau.de/en

below, bathed in gold, is the hammam, the biggest west of Istanbul, where Michaela, my masseuse, steamed me and then laid me out on a marble slab and gave me a scrub that left my body feeling soft and glowy for weeks.

‘It’s one of my favourite places,’ Instagrammed a friend, the travel editor of a leading fashion glossy.

Coming from her, who never gets off a plane, this is testimony indeed and I completely agree. The air, the massages, the pampering, the walking, the delicious, nutritious food, the yoga and, of course, that incredible mountain had worked their magic so that when I returned to England barely four days later I too felt completely restored and uplifted. n

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RETREATS | PARENTS

RETREATS TO NURTURE

Whether it’s the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakesh, Bambu Indah in Bali or a chic Alpine chalet, School House offers up a few treats for mind, body and soul

CL OSE TO HOME

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, Marrakesh, Morocco

An elegant resort in 20 hectares of olive groves and gardens with 100,000 fragrant roses, minutes from the old medina. Berber and Andalusian-Arabic influences inhabit softly hued buildings, celebrating the rich Moroccan tapestry of culture with subtle references to its Berber heritage. The spa offers the Mandarin’s signature treatments as well as those inspired by Moroccan traditions. This is the home of the hammam.

Rooms from €850 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis. mandarinoriental.com

VERDURA RESORT, Sicily, Italy

Verdura Resort is the only golf/spa resort in the Rocco Forte Hotels group. An excellent family hotel, it is also a wonderful place to retreat. Kneipp’s five pillars of water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance form the philosophy of the spa with four revitalising thalassotherapy pools, Finnish and infrared saunas and steam rooms, a gym and fitness and yoga studio as well as tailor-made holistic therapies and treatments inspired by its Sicilian environment. Rooms from €250 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis. roccofortehotels.com

SAN LUIS, Tyrol, Italy

High on the remote Avelengo plateau is San Luis, a place where time stands still. This is Alpine chic at its best. Think Belgian linen and chic interiors, a double-height spa with floor-to-ceiling windows, an inside-outside pool, a hydro-massage in the middle of the lake, saunas and steam baths and anti-ageing facials and massages with essential oils and local herbs. Breathtaking views from lodges perched high in the forest canopy – with private hot tubs, soft down bedding and open fires. From €280 per night in a chalet or treehouse on a half board basis. sanluis-hotel.com

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KAMALAYA, Koh Samui, Thailand

Surrounded by water on a sacred hillside, the Kamalaya retreat combiness Buddhist traditions with holistic healing. Guests choose between detox or non-detox programmes including yoga, life-coaching, breathing classes and treatments. Wifi is discouraged. John, the founder, believes stress is addictive and that giving people something to do ‘so that they’re busy but it’s different’ is the catalyst for change. Rooms from £2,435 per week. kamalaya.com

BAMBU INDAH, Ubud, Bali

The air at spiritual Bambu Indah is so heavy that it tantalises all the senses.

It’s the real South East Asian ecoretreat McCoy. Guests walk through a permaculture heaving with local edibles destined to end up on your table in delicious spicy dishes. A natural swimming kolan (pool) winds around 15 antique Javanese wedding houses.

There’s a breezy little spa, yoga in the morning and treatments available in lofty bamboo buildings. From £79/95 for a single/ double room with breakfast. bambuindah.com

VANA, Uttarakhand, India

This life-changing international ashram, situated in a lychee and mango plantation, heals and nourishes mind and body. Guests follow their own personally tailored programme and eat delicious, sustainably sourced vegetarian and Indian meals. The treatment menu is just as varied with nutritional advice, traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan healing and treatments from ancient practices, working seamlessly together to rebalance you.

Rooms from £3,500 per week. vana.co.in

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Tring Park School for the Peforming Arts strikes a balance between offering an academic education and one that focuses on the performing arts

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SCHOOL MEMORIES | PARENTS

A STAR IN THE WINGS Kit Esuruoso remembers his time at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

me at the same time ‘you need to get to studio B, now’. With Callum’s hen I was 16, I was accepted by Tring Park to instructions ringing in my ears, I sneaked past our housemistress and join their Musical Theatre Course in the sixth made my way to the studio. There she was waiting for me. It was the first form. I had never boarded and wasn’t sure what time we’d ever seen each other after school hours. After chatting for to expect but I was over the moon. I had come a bit on the studio floor (and me realising that hand stands are not the from Redroofs Theatre School and I knew from easiest in the dark), we shared a kiss. the moment I saw the high standard of other performers at the It wasn’t just the buildings I remember, but the way we were open day, that if I wanted the best chance to succeed as a versatile looked after. We even had an onsite physiotherapist. I suffered an actor who can work consistently and successfully in this industry, injury in my ballet class, a very I had to get to Tring. painful stretched ligament that I spent the next few weeks could have hindered my mobility. rehearsing my monologues and The physio gave me stretching practising my songs to make sure and strengthening exercises, I was telling the story as well as which were so excruciating hitting every note. I even practised to do that I had to bite down on in front of my mum to get her a towel, and dare I say it, scream feedback. She always said, ‘if you through the pain. Talk about fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. suffering for your art.

Every year Tring auditions Tring was hard work, with 600-700 candidates, taking up academic classes in the morning to 50 new students, so the pressure and vocational ones in the is on, especially when you know afternoon, but from 3-3.20pm we people have flown in from all all stopped for tea. I never used over the world to audition. to drink tea before, but I thought A month later, on my mum’s I may as well join the others and birthday, the letter arrived offering found that I learned to like it. me a place. My mum cried with I also learned humility and how relief. Tring was the only place to keep my ego in check. where I could do what I love while There’s a classic ‘big fish small getting a good academic education pond’ syndrome that happens and I didn’t want to choose to pupils arriving at Tring. From between them at that age. being one of the best to then Tring has the most amazing being surrounded by some who history. It was built by Sir are equally as good, if not better Christopher Wren and lived in than you, can be a hit to your by the Rothschilds who used it as confidence and, yes, ego, but it their bank’s headquarters during Kit on the set of new feature film, Akoni, which is out in 2019 made me work harder and push WWII before it was turned over myself to reach my true potential. to the Arts Educational School in I thoroughly enjoyed my time at 1945. Today, pupils are taught in ‘Every year Tring auditions 600Tring. I had great times but tough the beautiful Rothschild buildings, 700 candidates taking up to 50 ones too. There’s always someone amazing studios and the summer new students, so the pressure is on, to support you and their training balls, fireworks and sports days are especially when you know people have helped me to get into Mountview held on the lawns. The gardens Academy of Theatre Arts and are laid out in the manner of flown in from all over the world’ Guildford School of Acting. I’ve Capability Brown, but it is Studio B just finished starring in a new that I’ll always remember. feature film, Akoni, out in 2019, In my first term, I had become close to Sarah*, who and I’m in the West End’s Tina the Musical. I worked hard, don’t get I really liked. It was a classic ‘friends who secretly fancy each other’ me wrong. But they guide you and push you even harder, and in this scenario. It was late, I was in my dorm and I was talking to my industry that’s what you need – as well as learning to love tea! roommate Callum about her. Finally, annoyed at me because I hadn’t * Name has been changed done anything about it, he demanded my phone and texted her, telling

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LONDON SCHOOLS NURSERY | PREPA R ATORY | SENIOR

King’s College Wimbledon

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Bassett House School

ADDRESS: 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP WEBSITE: www.bassetths.org.uk FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 190+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,840 - £5,920 per term HEADMISTRESS: Mrs Philippa Cawthorne MA (Soton) PGCE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment.

CONTACT: Thalia Demetriades, Registrar, 020 8969 0313 EMAIL: registrar@bassetths.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning: 5 October; Open Afternoon 1 March.

GAMES & THE ARTS: There are specialist PE teachers and extensive facilities for sport including the school’s own gym and Kensington Memorial Park, within easy walking distance of the school. Art and music are taught to a very high standard by specialist teachers and the children are able to develop their skills in a variety of different artistic media and develop a passion for music and performance. Children enjoy singing or playing their instruments in concerts and drama productions which are held regularly on a purpose built stage. The school is equipped with the latest technology, including laptops and iPads, which are used regularly in class and during computing lessons with a specialist teacher.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School (for boys), City of London School for Girls, Notting Hill and Ealing, Francis Holland Regent’s Park, Francis Holland Sloane Square, Queen’s College, Queen’s Gate, The Harrodian, Kew House, St Mary’s Ascot, Wycombe Abbey and Woldingham.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Latymer Upper, Emanuel School, Francis Holland, Queen’s College, City of London School for Girls and North Bridge House.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Each child’s formative years are crucial for academic success; children should enjoy school and be able to develop skills in many different areas. Bassett House is characterised by its warm and nurturing atmosphere, in which every child feels secure and is challenged to build a firm educational foundation. Every child is encouraged to be inquisitive about the world and to develop a life-long love for learning.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Our pupils: cheerful and confident learners, who enjoy the opportunity to excel in whichever areas they show promise. Treated with warmth, friendship and respect.

– Highly professional and committed staff. Excellent staff-to-pupil ratio, backed up by specialist teachers. Special needs spotted quickly and addressed. Low staff turnover.

– First class facilities, very well equipped with top digital technology to support the curriculum where needed.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Orchard House School

ADDRESS: 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB WEBSITE: www.orchardhs.org.uk FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 290+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,840 - £5,920 per term HEADMISTRESS: Mrs M V Edwards BEd (Bedford) CertEd (Man) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment.

CONTACT: Diana Goodeve-Docker, Registrar, 020 8742 8544, registrar@orchardhs.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning: 11 October 2018, 6 March 2019. Tours by arrangement.

GAMES & THE ARTS: As well as its own artificial grass and tarmac play areas, Orchard House has the use of the nearby Chiswick Back Common and Rocks Lane astro turf. Children are also taken weekly to Acton New Pools and to Brentford Leisure Centre. The school is well equipped with laptops and the latest technology. It also has its own dedicated art teacher and is able to fire ceramics. The music department is led by the director of music and concerts are held regularly in St Michael and All Angels Church. Drama productions are staged regularly at venues such as Chiswick Town Hall.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School, Notting Hill and Ealing, Francis Holland, Hampton, St Paul’s Girls, Downe House, Emanuel School, Ibstock Place, Kew House, KCS Wimbledon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Putney High, Queen’s Gate, City of London School for Girls, St Paul’s and The Harrodian.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Emanuel, Francis Holland, Hampton, More House, KCS Wimbledon, Notting Hill & Ealing, St Benedict’s, St Mary’s Calne, Wycombe Abbey, City of London Boys, Hampton, KCS, Latymer Upper, Notting Hill and Ealing, Putney High, Francis Holland, Bedales, Heathfield, Haberdashers Monmouth, Downe House, Lady Eleanor Holles and Emanuel.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The children are loved first and taught second. We believe learning should be exciting and fun, and that children should positively want to come to Orchard House each day. The professional and committed staff respond to each child’s needs rather than being a hostage to league tables: nevertheless our approach leads to very strong academic results.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Bright, naturally lit and well equipped classrooms. State-of-the-art ICT resources and specialist ICT staff.

•Friendly, homely atmosphere; attention to/respect for each child.

• Very committed teachers – low turnover of staff; many specialist teachers and high academic standards.

• Special needs identified early and appropriate remedial programmes arranged quickly.

• Home-cooked lunches of top quality.

Prospect House School

ADDRESS: 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT WEBSITE: www.prospecths.org.uk FOUNDED: 1964 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 300+ AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,840 - £5,920 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Michael Hodge BPrimEd (Rhodes) QTS RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at nursery and reception stages, thereafter by assessment.

CONTACT: Emily Porter, Registrar, 020 8246 4897, registrar@prospecths.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning: 6 October 2018, 28 February 2019.

Tours by arrangement.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Prospect House has a large private area of artificial grass, allowing for hockey and many other games on an all-weather surface.

The children also use the facilities at Dover House Road playing fields. There are two specialist PE/games teachers. Art is taught by a specialist teacher, as is computing. Music is very strong at the school; there is a director of music and a large number of specialist music teachers to teach individual instruments.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Dulwich College, Latymer Upper, Godolphin and Latymer, City of London School, Hampton, St Paul’s Girls, Benenden, Emanuel, Epsom College, Francis Holland, The Harrodian, Ibstock Place, Kew House, King’s College, Kingston Grammar, Lady Eleanor Holles, Notre Dame, Putney High, St John’s, Surbiton High, Radnor House, Reed’s School, Tiffin’s, Westminster Under School, Wimbledon High, Epsom, Whitgift, Benenden, Heathfield, City of London School for Girls, St Paul’s Girls and Woldingham.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: City of London Freemen’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel School, Epsom College, Lady Eleanor Holles, Hampton School, King’s College, Kingston Grammar, Latymer Upper School, Reed’s, Surbiton High, Sutton High, St John’s, Wimbledon High, Putney High School, Reigate Grammar, Hampton and Whitgift.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Prospect House is a school where each individual child thrives. Our approach to education is one where the children are supported, challenged and cared for. An underlying theme throughout the school is that our pupils are confident; confident to perform, to speak to adults and to share their opinions. We all remember that special teacher who inspires, who cares and who goes the extra mile. At Prospect House, we all aim to be that teacher.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • High staff-to-pupil ratio which allows for a personalised approach and high academic standards • Well resourced with excellent computing facilities used extensively to enrich and extend learning • Specialist staff teaching from nursery age upwards.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Broomwood Hall

Northcote Lodge

ADDRESS: Lower: 3 Garrad’s Road, 192 Ramsden Road & 50 Nightingale Lane. Upper: 68-74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR WEBSITE: www.broomwoodhall.com FOUNDED: 1984 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Lower School (Co-ed Pre-Prep), 400; Upper School (Girls Prep), 240 AGES: Lower School 4-8, Upper School 8-13 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Carole Jenkinson FEES: Pre-prep: £5,375, Prep: £6,595 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. But all faiths are welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Lower School: catchment area, visit and random ballot. Upper School: automatic entry for girls from Lower School, external by assessment.

CONTACT: Susannah Lloyd, Registrar, 020 8682 8830 EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com SCHOOL VISITS: Lower School Open mornings: Ramsden Road 9 October; Garrad’s Road 11 October. Both 9-10.15am. Upper School Open morning 9 October 10.15-11am.

ADDRESS: 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL WEBSITE: www.northcotelodge.com FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 260 AGES: 8-13 FEES: £6,595. Fees are inclusive of all tuition, lunch, school day trips and most school books & equipment HEAD TEACHER: Michaelmas term: Peter Clare-Hunt (interim); from Jan 2019, Clive Smith-Langridge (currently head of Packwood Haugh) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian but all faiths are welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Automatic entry for boys from Broomwood Hall Lower School if they joined in Reception or Year 1.

Preferential entry for younger siblings of Northcote Lodge or Broomwood Hall pupils (subject to assessment).. External candidates – assessment in Year 3 (prior to entry in Year 4) CONTACT: Susannah Lloyd, Registrar, 020 8682 8830 EMAIL: admissions@northwoodschools.com SCHOOL VISITS: 10 October 9-10am. Booking is preferable.

THE CURRICULUM: A broad and stimulating curriculum, with technology used at every level, fosters a love of learning, bolsters self-confidence, creativity and critical thinking, helping children to maximise their potential.

THE CURRICULUM: Boys thrive in our ‘country prep school’ environment which nurtures and develops individual strengths whilst preparing them for entry to top public schools – both day and boarding – at 13+.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the arts are an important part of our curriculum and we offer a surprisingly wide variety. We place great value on creativity with exceptionally strong music, art and drama departments.

GAMES & THE ARTS: All boys play matches in the major sports and our teams are very competitive even against much bigger schools. A wide-ranging clubs programme includes karate, golf and shooting. Boys also have many opportunities to perform their music and drama.

PASTORAL CARE: We know that happy children thrive academically.

With small class sizes, an excellent tutor system and mindfulness and wellbeing programmes in the curriculum, we pride ourselves on nurturing the whole child and developing their strengths so that when they leave us at eight, 11 or 13, they are confident, happy, well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of purpose.

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 size and relaxed, country-feel of the school enables staff and boys to get to know each other well. Parent partnership is actively encouraged and the Headmaster’s door is always open.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: 8+ BH Upper School and Northcote Lodge; 11 & 13+ Benenden, Emanuel, Marlborough, Bradfield, JAGS, Streatham & Clapham High, Woldingham and Wellington.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 25 per cent of leavers win awards.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We prepare for life, not just the next school. Our focus is on the essential building blocks of creativity, critical thinking, resilience and confidence – all the benefits of a holistic education where everything is important and each child is supported and enabled to be and do their best.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Friendly, family-feel school - Winning combination of traditional values and innovative teaching - Firm believers in nurturing individual strengths to enable each child to shine - Fostering a love of learning and happy, confident children - Upper School is the only girls’ prep school preparing for 11+ & 13+ in SW London

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Mix of London day and boarding including Bradfield, Harrow, Marlborough, Dulwich, Whitgift, Emanuel, Eton, Tonbridge and Charterhouse.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Strong showing in all areas including academic, music, DT, drama.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We measure our success by how many boys look forward to coming to school every day. Our target is 100 per cent and I believe we achieve that most days. When a boy is happy to learn, he can achieve outstanding results both in and out of the classroom.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Northcote Lodge is a country prep school right in the heart of South West London – giving boys the advantages of a relaxed, nurturing learning environment without having to leave town.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Chepstow House School

ADDRESS: 108A Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QS WEBSITE: www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 2010 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 384 AGES: 2 – 13 years FEES: £6,590 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Angela Barr RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for 7, 8 &11+ entry CONTACT: Linda Farrow, 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)

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Cumnor House School for Boys

Cumnor House School for Girls

ADDRESS: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com FOUNDED: 1934 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 450 AGES: 2 - 13 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Daniel Cummings FEES: £3,715 - £4,460 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-faith ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for all applications CONTACT: Admissions Team EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Pre-arranged private tours available daily at nursery and main school. Open Mornings: 18th September 2018 (Reception Boys) 20th September 2018 (All School Boys) 16 October 2018 (Reception Boys) 18 October 2018 (All School Boys)

ADDRESS: 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley CR8 3HB WEBSITE: www.cumnorhouse.com FOUNDED: 2010 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150 AGES: 2 -11 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Amanda McShane FEES: £3,715 - £4,460 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multi-faith ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth for nursery and reception intake. Informal assessment for all applications CONTACT: Admissions Team EMAIL: admissions@cumnorhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Pre-arranged private tours available daily. Open Mornings are advertised on the website.

THE CURRICULUM: An exciting and creative curriculum that prepares pupils for the 13+ assessment. Our curriculum is aimed at promoting independence and recognising the all-round ability of our pupils. Our curriculum starts when they start in our nurseries and continues throughout their time at the school. With a personalised learning approach, each child is given the challenges and opportunities they need to reach their potential.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We are proud of our dedicated sports staff and wonderful sporting facilities.Pupils can tour overseas to play sport in diverse locations, such as Dubai, South Africa and the West Indies, giving our boys the opportunities to explore new cultures and life outside the classroom. All boys in Year 3 receive a one on one lesson with music teachers on a variety of instruments. Our choirs and ensembles have all experienced formal and informal concerts including a yearly choir tour.

PASTORAL CARE: We encourage a genuine love for learning and development of a sense of curiosity, open-mindedness, perseverance, objectivity, reflection and critical thinking. This thirst for growth and knowledge stays with them; our boys enter each stage of their lives best prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Timeless values and good manners remain at the forefront of our provision. ‘The Cumnor Way’ is a list of guidelines that each of our children is expected to adopt and follow.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Outstanding senior scholarship record for 2018.

Children follow on to a variety of schools including, Worth, Whitgift, Reigate Grammar, Epsom, Trinity, Harrow, Tonbridge.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We also subscribe to important timeless values such as good manners, courtesy, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of duty and responsibility within the community. I want the boys to move away from their comfort zone and take risks, for when they do the results can be spectacular. I also want them to really enjoy their time at prep school, before the extreme pressures they may encounter in their senior schools and beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • The Cumnor Way Philosophy • Senior School Scholarship Records • Pupils achieving well above all levels of attainment in English and mathematics • Specialist Sports and Music Departments • The Uniform!

THE CURRICULUM: An exciting and creative curriculum aimed at promoting independence, recognising the all-round ability of our pupils. A personalised learning approach, gives children challenges and opportunities needed to reach their potential.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Facilities include large playing field, sports hall and MUGA with opportunity to participate in many sports. Our Music, Drama and Arts departments, give pupils opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and performance skills with annual drama productions, concerts and art exhibitions.

PASTORAL CARE: We are a small school with a caring and family ethos. We pride ourselves on encouraging a genuine love for learning.

We support children in their development of a sense of curiosity, perseverance, reflection and critical thinking. These qualities enable girls to enter each stage of their lives best prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Timeless values and good manners pervade the atmosphere at Cumnor.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 16 scholarships earned in 2018 from independent and grammar schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We provide an enriching and fulfilling education, talent and potential are nurtured and successes celebrated. We have high expectations of our girls and set high standards to enable the girls to achieve success both in and out of the classroom Girls develop skills to achieve and a love of learning.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • The Cumnor Way Philosophy • Happy, confident and independent learners • Pupils achieve well above all levels of attainment in English and mathematics • Outstanding opportunities in Sports, Music and Drama • The Uniform!

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School

ADDRESS: Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX WEBSITE: www.cbppschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1915 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 210 AGES: Boys 3–7, Girls 3–11 FEES: £4,600 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sally Daniell RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Registration and ballot.

CONTACT: 020 8994 1804 EMAIL: info@cbppschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: The head teacher will show around prospective parents by appointment. Please call the school office to arrange.

THE CURRICULUM: Broad, balanced and exciting education. Enriching and challenging activities encourage independent thinkers. Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approaches provide for all learning styles.

Educational outings, workshops and visiting speakers make learning meaningful and fun.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports include netball, football, hockey, rounders, tennis, cricket, dance, gymnastics, swimming. Outstanding drama, dynamic art and vibrant music departments.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: London day schools including Godolphin & Latymer School, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Latymer Upper School, Latymer Prep School, Notting Hill & Ealing High School, St Paul’s Girls’ School, St Paul’s Juniors, The Falcons School for Boys and Westminster Under School.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: We win academic and music scholarships to a range of schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Enthusiastic and dedicated teachers motivate and inspire pupils, fostering within them a love of learning. Pupils build personal qualities of confidence, self-reliance and respect for others, in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: •

•

‘An exciting curriculum provides memorable learning experiences for all pupils. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very effectively.’

‘Pupils’ personal development and welfare are outstanding. They leave the school well prepared for the next stages of their education.’

Ofsted September 2017

Dolphin School (Inc Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools)

ADDRESS: 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW WEBSITE: www.dolphinschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1986 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 304 boys and girls AGES: 2½–11 FEES: Nursery £1,890 per term; Reception, Years 1 and 2 £4,090 per term; Years 3–6 £4,495 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Nicola Baldwin RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Reception class, early registration recommended; Year 1–6, assessment day and past school reports.

CONTACT: Mrs Vivienne Benson, 020 7924 3472 EMAIL: admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Thursday mornings by appointment.

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 he or she learns best. We give priority to English and maths and add hands-on science, colourful geography, history (with outings to the real thing) and whole-school Spanish.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We train pupils in the arts with fantastic specialist teaching and a plethora of performing and exhibiting opportunities. We also coach children in a wide range of sports 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 his or her journey from reception to Year 6. Our Christian ethos leads us to believe that personal growth ultimately matters more than lists of achievements. So while we are thrilled by children’s awards and accolades, we are even more excited about who they are.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Alleyn’s, City of London Boys, City of London Girls, Downe House, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Francis Holland, Hall School Wimbledon, Ibstock Place School, JAGS, Lady Margaret School, Putney High School, Royal Russell School, Streatham & Clapham High, Thames Christian College, Sydenham High School & Croydon High 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.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –The combination of nurture and dynamism.

–The passionate commitment of the staff.

–A fantastic all-round education.

–One of the Sunday Times’ top 50 prep schools.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep

ADDRESS: 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 1898 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 240 AGES: 3-8 FEES: £5,950 per term HEAD TEACHER: Huw May RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4, older children may be subject to assessment.

CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open house or individual tours (contact us for further details at www.eatonhouseschools.com).

Eaton House Belgravia Prep

ADDRESS: 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BA WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2017 AGES: 8 - 13 FEES: £6,900 per term HEAD TEACHER: Huw May RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective for internal candidates, 8+ for external.

CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open house or individual tours (contact us for further details at www.eatonhouseschools.com).

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is designed to offer our boys a breadth of experience and prepare them to the highest academic standards through their individual learning plan, ready for their next school.

THE CURRICULUM: Our boys are prepared for the finest day and boarding schools. We are aspirational for every child and the progress

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the Arts are central to our philosophy.

A combination of onsite PE lessons and offsite games and swimming sessions enable our boys to develop key sports skills. Our wide ranges of performance opportunities enable boys to share their talents with the community.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at school, whether representing the school or their house, or simply learning to be part of a team. Nearly three-quarters of our boys will learn to play a musical instrument and all the boys also have lessons in our DT and Art Room.

PASTORAL CARE: Our buddy system helps to integrate the newest boys into the school right from the beginning. Our house system provides another layer of support and guidance. Team work is encouraged along with a healthy competitive spirit. The form teacher is the key person who ensures the boys are supported in their emotional development. Parents are encouraged to drop off and pickup their son from the classroom where the teachers are able to say how the day has gone.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage boys to try everything, be aware of the world around them, have an opinion, listen to others, adapt, be confident, persevere, learn from their good mistakes, be responsible, make good choices, be kind, considerate and look after each other. We want the boys to thrive on the personalised learning plan they have prepared together with the teacher and have fun!

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Some of the best 7+ and 8+ results in London, with 40% of offers to Westminster and St Paul’s in 2018 amongst other fine schools on a non-selective entry • Personalised learning plans for all boys • We offer the perfect blend of traditional values with a forward thinking education • Our ‘Open Door’ policy means that parents can feel fully involved • The school feels like a family

they make in their five years at EHB Prep school is remarkable.

PASTORAL CARE: Knowing the boys, sharing their highs and lows, being there for them in every way. Pastoral care is intrinsic in all we do, the fundamental cornerstone of Eaton House Schools. Our Form Tutors and well-established House System provide the overarching structure for our pastoral care, but it is the attention to detail from the staff that ensures that our care is outstanding.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage boys to try everything, be aware of the world around them, have an opinion, listen to others, adapt, be confident, persevere, learn from their good mistakes, be responsible, make good choices, be kind, considerate and look after each other. Boys will thrive in a school which makes personalised learning important and focuses on the individual. We want the boys to have fun!

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • The highest standards to 11+ examinations with a guaranteed place at Eaton House The Manor at 13+ to all boys who wish to enter boarding schools such as Eton or Tonbridge.

• Education in conjunction with The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and The V&A Museum • The boys brim with academic confidence • The school feels like a family • Brand-new purpose-built school on the Eaton House Belgravia site near Sloane Square

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Eaton House The Manor & Eaton House Belgravia Nursery Schools

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: 35 in total AGES: 3 – 4 ½ FEES: From £514 for one afternoon to £2,980 for 5 mornings (per term). Costs vary with time slots.

HEAD TEACHER: Roosha Sue (EHTM) Helena Lottering (EHB) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: EHTM: Weekly open house every Wednesday.

EHB: Open house or individual tours (contact us for further details) THE CURRICULUM: 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 and the sky is the limit. Individual and small group work allows us to constantly differentiate between pupils. There are many activities on offer, from sports and swimming, to IT, drama and design in our brand new state-ofthe 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 and throughout the year we also have smaller performances.

PASTORAL CARE: “Pastoral care is extremely strong, 100% rated it excellent or good” Cappco, 2017. Each child is supported and encouraged, gaining independence and confidence. When children leave our nurseries they are fully prepared for big school.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Roosha Sue: 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 all of our Cubs and Bears are excited and curious to learn through being exposed to a variety of experiences, from cooking, yoga, pottery and languages. Our children leave being school ready, confident and eager to continue their learning journey. Helena Lottering: I believe that Nursery should be a “Happy Place” where children have the freedom to explore & discover. Have the courage to take risks, the opportunity to express their personalities and the challenges for them to reach their full potential.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: •We empower children to be happy, independent and curious learners •We aim to have your child completely ‘school ready’ •Children are unique and so is their learning journey

Eaton House The Manor Pre-Preparatory School

ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 210 AGES: 4 - 8 FEES: £5,381 per term.

HEAD TEACHER: Nicola Borthwick RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4, older children may be subject to assessment.

CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly open house every Wednesday morning (contact us for further details at www.eatonhouseschools.com).

THE CURRICULUM: We attain high academic results, achieved in a calm and positive manner. Inspiring teachers and excellent resources help to develop a life-long love of learning. Boys are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and adopt a ‘can do’ attitude.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport plays an essential role in the development of character and teamwork; specialist sports staff nurture a love of sport through positive experiences. Drama, art and music have a boosting impact on all-round academic performance, all seen as fundamental in developing communication skills and confidence.

PASTORAL CARE: Our exceptional teachers understand and support the boys so that they grow in self-belief. Our buddy system helps to integrate the newest boys into the school right from the beginning. Our house system provides another layer of support and guidance. Team work is encouraged along with a healthy competitive spirit.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Developing a life-long love of learning is our ultimate goal. We firmly believe it is no coincidence that children learn best when they feel happy and secure. We recognise each boy as an individual, understanding what makes them tick and nurturing their talents, ensuring that they feel known and valued.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Eaton House Pre-Prep is a school that feels like a family • We offer the perfect blend of traditional values with a forward thinking education • Our ‘Open Door’ policy means that parents can feel fully involved • Boys are taught to be kind, considerate, thoughtful and mannerly and to always strive to do their best, both academically and personally

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School

ADDRESS: 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2008 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 193 AGES: 4 - 11 FEES: £5,381 per term HEAD TEACHER: Oliver Snowball RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4; English & Maths assessment for older girls CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly open house every Wednesday morning (contact us for further details at www.eatonhouseschools.com).

THE CURRICULUM: “Teaching is highly effective in promoting pupils’ excellent progress and attainment.” (ISI Report). Our relaxed but highly stimulating classroom environment promotes intellectual curiosity. Academic exploration and risk-taking are two essential ingredients.

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 original and meaningful ideas for themselves, and actively encourage a fresh, imaginative response.

PASTORAL CARE: “The staff are a delight and look after the girls beautifully.” (Parent, Cappco Report). When girls are happy they are more effective learners and more confident participators. For us, pastoral care is about understanding and supporting each individual child. Our House system, excellent form teachers and very visible senior management team all combine to ensure each girl feels known.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2017-18, eleven scholarships to top London day and boarding schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I want the girls to have an adventure at school. I want each of them to feel they are known, nurtured, encouraged and challenged. I want our school to inspire a genuine love of learning with a deep rooted respect for all people and places.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • We treat each child as an individual so they can blossom academically, socially and behaviourally • We strive to give every child the confidence to discover where their gifts lie. A sky is the limit approach to learning • We share with parents in the child’s spiritual, moral and intellectual development

Eaton House The Manor Prep

ADDRESS: 558 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU WEBSITE: www.eatonhouseschools.com FOUNDED: 2017 AGES: 8 - 13 FEES: £6,581 per term HEAD TEACHER: Sarah Segrave RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective for internal candidates, 8+ for external candidates CONTACT: 020 7924 6000 EMAIL: admissions@EHTM.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly open house every Wednesday morning (contact us for further details at www.eatonhouseschools.com).

THE CURRICULUM: Our boys are prepared for the finest day and boarding schools. We are aspirational for every child and the progress they make in their five years at EHTM Prep school is remarkable.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at school, whether representing the school or their house, or simply learning to be part of a team. Nearly three-quarters of our boys play a musical instrument and every boy within the school has weekly drama lessons.

PASTORAL CARE: Knowing the boys, sharing their highs and lows, being there for them in every way. Pastoral care is intrinsic in all we do, the fundamental cornerstone of Eaton House. Our Form Tutors and well-established House System provide the overarching structure for our pastoral care, but it is the attention to detail from the staff that ensures that our care is outstanding.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: An outstanding cluster of 2018 scholarships, including a St Paul’s John Colet Scholarship.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: An outstanding education is one where teachers are emotionally connected with their pupils and where the relationships between the staff, pupils and parents are bound in a common sense of purpose. An excellent school has passionate, intelligent staff who show a determination to make a difference every day.

A school is not a building, or a curriculum or a timetable. A school is a place where children grow intellectually and emotionally, guided by teachers who are determined that on their watch, children succeed and are happy.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Exceptional results for 2018 to a range of top day and boarding schools.

• At The Manor, boys brim with academic confidence • ‘The pupils have an excellent moral understanding. They demonstrate an outstanding natural courtesy and consideration towards everyone.’ - ISI Report • ‘The thing that I will miss the most is the atmosphere, how everyone is usually so happy and so encouraging’ - Zach, Year 8

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Falcons Pre Prep

ADDRESS: 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick London W4 3DT WEBSITE: www.falconsboys.co.uk FOUNDED: 1956 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 110 AGES: 3-7 FEES: £2,825 - £5,755 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Andrew Forbes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Candidates are invited for an inclassroom assessment.

CONTACT: Mrs Barbara Ivie EMAIL: admin@falconsboys.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open day Saturday 29 September, 10.30am - 12.30pm THE CURRICULUM: We provide boys with a high quality education in a challenging environment. The school’s energy is directed at the provision and enhancement of outstanding teaching and learning. This involves positive and supportive relationships between pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We promote the importance of health and fitness through participation in physical activity; to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of activities suitable for the age, ability and experience of the pupils. We place a big emphasis on the arts and strongly believe in allowing the boys to choose how they work and be more ‘child led’ rather than ‘adult led’.

PASTORAL CARE: The boys are always our first priority. Every child has the right to feel happy, safe and valued in caring and supportive surroundings. Our values are built on mutual trust and respect for all.

It is our aim that every member of the school community shares this ethos, and is treated fairly and as an individual. Our outstanding team of experienced staff ensure excellent levels of teaching and the best pastoral care possible.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Academic excellence is at the forefront of every child’s learning experience and we believe that every boy should leave our Pre-Prep as a well-rounded, confident and resilient individual. We offer a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and fun, where children are encouraged, nurtured and motivated at every turn.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: ‘The pupils’ overall achievement is excellent. The quality of teaching is excellent. Excellent pastoral care boosts the pupils’ confidence and academic progress. The quality of pupils’ achievements, learning, skills and attitudes is excellent. High expectations of what pupils can do.’

Quotes from our last full ISI Inspection.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Falcons School for Girls

ADDRESS: 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, London SW15 6PY WEBSITE: www.falconsgirls.co.uk FOUNDED: 2000 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120 AGES: 8 – 11 years FEES: £5,235 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Harriet Stokes, Registrar EMAIL: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day: 29th September. Group tours on a biweekly basis. Booking required.

THE CURRICULUM: Our forward-thinking, knowledge-rich curriculum gives the girls the knowledge and skills required to thrive in modern Britain. It is designed to ensure our girls are prepared to succeed in the 11+ examinations for London day and country boarding schools.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Games, music, art and drama are taught by our own specialist teachers, twice a week, giving all of our girls the best opportunity to flourish athletically and creatively.

PASTORAL CARE: We are a family school, where every child and parent is known to all members of staff. We encourage parents to be active partners operating an ‘open door’ policy so any problems are flagged and dealt with efficiently. We actively promote an anti-bullying ethos throughout the school and the Falcons Rules are upheld through a series of clearly defined rewards and sanctions.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Godolphin and Latymer, Ibstock Place School, Putney High, Wimbledon High, Surbiton High, Kew House, Francis Holland and Queen’s Gate.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happy children are successful learners, which is why emotional literacy and academic buoyancy are essential skills. Teaching your daughter, from the start and in an age-related way, how to overcome challenges and develop positive, flourishing relationships will ensure she deals successfully with life’s ebbs and flows, in and out of school and develop in her a lifelong love of learning.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Exceptional pastoral care • A happy, family school where every child is cherished • Outstanding facilities: an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, science laboratory, drama and ballet studio, art rooms, outdoor classroom, astroturf and ‘wilderness’ area • The majority of girls are awarded their first choice of senior school • Extensive extra-curricular offering • A friendly and active Parents’ and Friends’ Association.

Falcons Prep

ADDRESS: 41 Kew Foot Road, Richmond TW9 2SS WEBSITE: www.falconsprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 2008 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 180 AGES: 7 – 13 years FEES: £5,945 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Olivia Buchanan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Assessments in English, mathematics, interview and references from current school.

CONTACT: Mrs Sarah Harris EMAIL: Registrar@falconsprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open day: 11 October, 6pm - 8.30pm THE CURRICULUM: Boys follow the Common Entrance syllabus, thoroughly preparing them for transition to their chosen senior school.

Boys have the option to move to their senior school through either 11+ or 13+ common entrance selection processes.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We understand the importance of physical activity for the health, well-being and behaviour of young boys and pride ourselves in our sport provision. Our arts provide the boys with a firm foundation on which visual literacy and natural creativity can develop fully.

PASTORAL CARE: Every boy has the right to feel happy, safe and valued in caring and supportive surroundings. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff ensure outstanding levels of teaching and pastoral care. Every boy has equal access to the full curriculum and well-planned purposeful activities. The school’s behaviour policy is embedded and central to the success of our community. Over time, the boys grow into positive, responsible and increasingly independent members of the school community.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Monmouth School – Academic and Sport, Sir John Lyon – Academic, Haileybury – Academic and Reeds - Drama.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Falcons we are committed to boys’ education. The school has a challenging academic curriculum supported by an established and effective pastoral care programme.

Leavers continue to achieve outstanding results to leading schools both day and boarding schools including: City of London, Charterhouse, Wellington, King’s College, Hampton, St Paul’s and Epsom College and all achieve their secondary school goals.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Individuality through fostering boys’ talents and unique skills • Innovation in a fast moving and ever changing technological world • Inquiry and the acquisition of knowledge through exceptional teaching • Inclusivity through rewarding community relationships

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Dulwich College Junior School

ADDRESS: Junior School, Dulwich College, London SE21 7LD WEBSITE: www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school FOUNDED: 1619 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 221 boys AGES: 7–11 FEES: £6,816 per term HEADMASTER: Dr Toby Griffiths RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England with pupils following many faiths ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Written papers in mathematics, reading, writing and reasoning, an interview and observed activity morning.

CONTACT: Mrs JoAnn Thornton, Registrar, 020 8299 8432 EMAIL: junioradmissions@dulwich.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning, Saturday 13 October, Open Afternoon, Tuesday 6 November and parent tours led by the Head of Junior School.

THE CURRICULUM: Dulwich boys thrive in a stimulating, academically challenging environment which fosters a love of learning. Nurtured as individuals, all pupils are allowed the opportunity to ‘be and do everything’ throughout their time at the school, including having science lessons in the junior lab in the new £21m science block.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Junior School boys sample all the specialist facilities available at a top public school. This includes a junior-specific art & DT studio, a theatre, music school and extensive playing fields.

PASTORAL CARE: Our pioneering wellbeing programme is at the heart of the curriculum where we teach about and support the boys’ emotional, spiritual and physical health and emphasise the importance of being in a community. A network of support comes from Form Tutors, Year Heads, a professional College Counsellor, the Chaplain, Housemasters and medical centre staff as well as the boys themselves as ‘buddies’ to new pupils, prefects and mentors to younger children.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Nine Junior School students were awarded scholarships to the Senior School at age 11+.

HEADMASTER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our aim is to make our boys feel good about themselves, as learners, as people and as a community, working hard to nurture a positive, happy and purposeful atmosphere. We believe in working with parents to encourage children to achieve high academic standards, be confident, courteous, responsible and independent.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Academically successful: our students are in the top 15 per cent of their age group. A culturally diverse and socially inclusive community thrives here. Our staff enjoy teaching boys and know how to inspire them. Class sizes range from 15 – 20 boys per Form.

400 years of history, 70 green acres and superb modern facilities make for a wonderful learning environment.

Durston House

ADDRESS: 12 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London W5 2DR WEBSITE: www.durstonhouse.org FOUNDED: 1886 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 390 boys AGES: 4–13 FEES: £4160–£5060 per term HEAD TEACHER: Ian Kendrick RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Inter-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective at Reception. Entry to Y1-8 by assessment.

CONTACT: Mrs C Ferns, registrar, 020 8991 6532 EMAIL: info@durstonhouse.org SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the registrar to arrange a tour or attend one of our Open Days.

THE CURRICULUM: Our broad, profound education encompasses the best of the National Curriculum, as well as the requirements of the entry examinations to successful, independent Senior Schools.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport and the arts are a vital part of the education of any well-rounded boy, and here at Durston these are promoted enthusiastically.

PASTORAL CARE: To Durston, the term Pastoral Care is all-embracing; it is the complete care of a boy, in his whole education and the development of his character. From the ISI Inspection Report 2015: ‘The social development of the pupils is an outstanding feature of the school.’

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Day Schools: St Paul’s, Merchant Taylors’, St Benedict’s, Hampton School, John Lyon School, City of London, Mill Hill, Kings College, St James’s, Emanuel, Westminster. Boarding Schools: Harrow, Charterhouse, Tonbridge, Cranbrook, Eton, Radley, Stowe, Wellington.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Since 2013: St Paul’s (9), Merchant Taylors (8), John Lyon (7), Hampton (2), Mill Hill (2) and Kingswood (1).

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A boy’s education here is shaped by the development of his character, his curiosity to learn and discover more, and his expanding capability. These three concepts, Character, Curiosity and Capability are the cornerstones of his success at Durston House and his success in life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A Durston education seeks to help the pupils to develop into Renaissance Men. We want to encourage Durston boys to be curious, to become ‘thinkers’ and ‘problem solvers’ in the broadest sense, with an open, positive outlook on the world.

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Hurlingham Nursery & Pre-Prep

Hurlingham School

ADDRESS: The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 100 AGES: 2–4 (Nursery), 4–7 (Pre-Prep) FEES: £2,850 (5 nursery mornings), £4,748 (Nursery 5 full days), £4,778 (Pre-Prep). We offer the 15 or 30 hours Universal Funding to those who are eligible.

HEAD TEACHER: Jonathan Brough RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Register from birth CONTACT: nppoffice@hurlinghamschool.co.uk; 020 8780 9446 SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

ADDRESS: 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ WEBSITE: www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 AGES: 4–11 FEES: Lower School (Reception to Form II) £5,430, Middle and Upper Schools (From III to Form VI) £5,650 HEAD TEACHER: Jonathan Brough RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Fiona Driver, admissions secretary, 020 8874 7186 EMAIL: admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep offers a wide variety of creative, enjoyable activities in large airy classrooms where children learn and play together. From the earliest days of the Early Years Foundation Stage, through to the end of Year 2 when everyone sits 7+ exams (those who do not wish to do so having moved to the main Hurlingham site for Reception), purposeful focused stimulation characterises every activity.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and sport are all co-ordinated by specialist staff. The nursery children enjoy regular music, movement, yoga, karate and outdoor learning, including Forest School, whilst the pre-prep pupils are introduced to tennis, football, cricket, rounders, swimming, gymnastics and hockey.

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… Pupils are considerate towards others. A pupil summed this up in the comment, ‘children are kind and we share what we have with one another.’’ Ofsted, February 2018.

EXIT SCHOOLS: Recent 7+ successes include: Bute House, Kensington Prep, Kings College Wimbledon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Latymer Prep, Putney High, St Paul’s Juniors and Shrewsbury House.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Nursery provision at Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep fosters and develops children’s interest in the world around them through initiating a life-long love of learning and academia.

From Reception onwards, Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep is all about gaining entry to traditional prep and junior schools at the age of seven through exciting, rigorous challenges for those children with a competitive spirit and an academic frame of mind.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: An idyllic, small school with large classrooms and lots of scope for self-expression in a nurturing, academic setting. Children quickly become confident, outgoing and inquisitive about the world around them.

THE CURRICULUM: Hurlingham initiates a love of learning in all children: wherever each and every pupil’s strengths lie, we value and celebrate their gifts and talents. This was recognised by the National Association for Able Children in Education in 2017 through success in gaining the prestigious Challenge Award.

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. The school achieved Artsmark Gold in 2017 and featured in the recent London Schools talk Artsmark film.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Dulwich, Emanuel, Epsom College, Francis Holland, Godolphin and Latymer, King’s College Wimbledon, Kingston Grammar, Lady Eleanor Holles, Lady Margaret’s, Latymer Upper, Putney High, Reed’s, St Paul’s Girls’, Surbiton High, Wimbledon High and Woldingham.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Dulwich College, Emanuel, Hampton, JAGS, Kingston Grammar, LEH, More House, Notre Dame, St Paul’s Girls, Surbiton High, Whitgift and Wimbledon High.

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.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children at Hurlingham are never just taught, but are educated in the broadest sense of the word as each day brings fresh opportunities, challenges, discoveries and achievements.

As a school, we aim to capitalise on them all and not to waste a single one.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Fantastic children, wonderful, dedicated staff, purpose-built learning environment for the 21st century.

Rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas of recent inspection.

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S C H O O L H O U S E M AG A Z I N E

The next issue of SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE is out in March 2019 To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk, please contact Camilla van Praagh on 020 7384 9023 or alternatively, email her on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 153

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Ibstock Place Prep School

ADDRESS: Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY WEBSITE: www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150 boys, 150 girls AGES: 4-11 FEES: £5,430 – £5,635 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Kate Bevan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old; assessment for occasional places thereafter CONTACT: Miss C Voysey, Registrar, 020 8392 5803 EMAIL: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 9.30am 26 September, 14 November, 30 January THE CURRICULUM: Kindergarten and Prep 1 children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum; the seven areas of learning. Prep years 2-6 follow an enriched curriculum, with daily classes in English and mathematics.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Games to Prep 2 focuses on basic skills. Prep 3-6 have a termly programme of football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders and athletics. Rich and wide range of creative activities, music and productions offered; annual art exhibition; extensive dance opportunities.

PASTORAL CARE: A warm and welcoming atmosphere is present from a child’s first day. Caring teachers and classroom assistants develop a successful home/school partnership, encouraging trust, sharing information and keeping parents informed. There is a palpable sense of community and of pupils and staff working together. Class teachers are a constant source of encouragement, praise and advice, supported by a strong pastoral team within this very happy school.

All children are provided with a wide and nutritionally balanced diet in order to develop their health, growth and wellbeing. Pupils are shown that meal times are a good opportunity to socialise and share food. The school nurse is present during school hours.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: The majority of pupils progress to Ibstock Place Senior School.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We nurture the talents of our pupils in a supportive and purposeful environment; the staff encourage discovery and creative problem solving so that as our pupils mature they adapt to changing situations and are able to apply their knowledge independently. We are a Christian school and welcome children from other faiths.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Experienced staff are able to evaluate the abilities of each pupil and offer support and guidance when planning the next steps of development. In the Early Years, children may explore and investigate at their own pace. Older children’s work in science, history and geography provides rich stimuli for learning in a beautiful environment.

Kensington Wade

ADDRESS: 205 Warwick Road, London W14 8PU WEBSITE: www.kensingtonwade.com FOUNDED: 2017 AGES: 3-11 (currently 3-6) NUMBER OF PUPILS: 35 boys and girls FEES: £5830 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Joanna Wallace RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at age 4, older candidates may be subject to assessment CONTACT: 020 3096 2888 EMAIL: admissions@kensingtonwade.com SCHOOL VISITS: Arranged throughout the week. Go to www. kensingtonwade.com/visit to book

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is devised and delivered to prepare pupils for the leading British independent senior schools. Our academic programme is based on the best of both British and Chinese pedagogy systems and all subjects are taught in both English and Chinese to ensure children master vocabulary in both languages.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We place a big emphasis on physical education for health & fitness and the arts for cultural education. There is a 680m2 sports hall (unusual for a central London school) and a magnificent roof terrace where the children can run and play.

PASTORAL CARE: From the school’s 2018 Ofsted report: ‘The school’s work to promote children’s personal development and welfare is outstanding. All staff know children and their families well and are highly effective at meeting children’s care and welfare needs.’

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The school was founded on the idea that a progressive educational model can be combined with Mandarin immersion to create a vibrant, innovative school where children will thrive. It provides children with a double-first – a first-class prep school education coupled with the first bilingual experience – a life-changing opportunity to engage with and succeed in an interconnected 21st century world.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The first Prep School in the United Kingdom to offer a dual-language English-Chinese education from ages 3–11, we provide children with a traditional prep school education combined with rigorous Mandarin immersion. A ‘unique and inspirational school’ and rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas in our 2018 Ofsted inspection.

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Kensington Prep School GDST

ADDRESS: 596 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PA WEBSITE: www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1873 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 295 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £5,731 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Caroline Hulme-McKibbin RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Registration followed by assessment.

CONTACT: Mrs Jen Learney, registrar@kenprep.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Deadline to register for 4+ entry in September 2019 is 28 September 2018. Please check school website for Open Day details for registered girls.

Kew College

ADDRESS: 24-26 Cumberland Road, Kew, Surrey TW9 3HQ WEBSITE: www.kewcollege.com FOUNDED: 1953 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 296 AGES: 3–11 FEES: £2,350 - £4,050 per term. Bursaries are available for children entering the school at Years 3 and 4.

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Marianne Austin BSc (Hons) MA (Hons) ACA PGCE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children must be registered as soon as possible after birth.

CONTACT: Mrs Michelle Warburton, 020 8940 2039 EMAIL: registrar@kewcollege.com SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact the registrar to arrange a visit or to attend an Open Morning.

THE CURRICULUM: Genuinely broad, well-balanced education. Reflective and independent thinking encouraged in all subjects. Residential trips in Years 4, 5 and 6 (to France in 2018) and overseas choir tour (to Hungary in 2018).

GAMES & THE ARTS: Netball, rounders, football, dance, swimming and gym.

Fantastic pitches, large gym. Generously timetabled, quality music, art, drama, design technology. Orchestras, choirs, recorder and string groups. All girls perform in music concerts and plays to parents.

PASTORAL CARE: Happiness is our first priority. Staff know the girls well, support and encourage them, and build strong relationships with home. We treat the girls as individuals, nurturing their development.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: St Paul’s, City of London Girls’ School, Godolphin & Latymer, Latymer Upper, Wimbledon High GDST, Putney High GDST, Wycombe Abbey.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Beneden, City of London Girls, Cheltenham Ladies College, Francis Holland Graham Terrace, Latymer Upper, Putney High School GDST, St Paul’s, Wimbledon High School GDST

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Excellent staff make an excellent school where children can learn whilst secure, happy and having fun. Each pupil is unique and we believe that asking good questions is as important as answering. High importance placed on mutual respect.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –School now has some of the best prep school facilities in the UK following an innovative £2.7m building project.

–’Warm, buzzy atmosphere’.

– School achieved highest possible grades in May 2015 Inspection. ‘Quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is exceptional’.

– Questioning, brave thinking encouraged with innovative teaching and latest ICT. – Girls treated as individuals. Close relationships with supportive parent body.

– High academic standards.

– TES Independent Prep School of the Year 2018 (Shortlisted)

THE CURRICULUM: The importance of English, maths and science is emphasised at the school, but within a broad curriculum, which includes art, drama, French, Latin, history, geography, technology, music and sport.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Netball, hockey, rounders, rugby, football, swimming, athletics and gymnastics. Inter-school matches. Drama and music are encouraged, there are summer plays and Christmas and spring concerts, as well as several school choirs, an orchestra, string and wind groups.

PASTORAL CARE: The welfare and happiness of the children is of primary importance to us. This was highlighted in the ISI Inspection report of October 2010 which concluded that, ‘pupils’ personal development and the school’s arrangements for welfare, health and safety are outstanding.’

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Year 6 pupils this year were awarded 26 scholarships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Pupils should feel excited about learning and about communicating their ideas. They need an excellent grounding in core skills combined with inspirational teaching to give them the confidence to achieve their personal best in all curricular and extracurricular areas. Mutual respect between staff and pupils is of paramount importance.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Kew College is an outstanding prep school achieving high academic standards and a consistent record of scholarships to west London secondary schools.

– ISI Inspection report October 2010 rated our pastoral care ‘outstanding’.

– In the ISI Regulatory Compliance Inspection of November 2016 the school was deemed to have met all of the ISI standards, with no action points.

– Well-resourced ICT facilities.

– Residential week in France for Year 6 pupils.

– Traditional teaching with a creative flair.

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Ravenscourt Park Preparatory 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: £5,857 per term, all ages HEAD TEACHER: Mr Carl Howes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old.

CONTACT: Mrs B Rands, 020 8846 9153 EMAIL: secretary@rpps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 18 September, 11th October, 13th November.

Kew Green Preparatory School

ADDRESS: Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green TW9 3AF WEBSITE: www.kgps.co.uk FOUNDED: 2004 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 280 (140 boys, 140 girls) AGES: 4–11 FEES: £5,857 per term, all ages HEAD TEACHER: Mr Jem Peck RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective at four years old.

CONTACT: Ms M Curtis, 020 8948 5999 EMAIL: secretary@kgps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 19 September, 3rd October, 14th November.

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. As a non-selective and inclusive school, we take pride in motivating and developing every child, bringing out individual talent, realising abilities to the full and instilling a life-long love of learning. In its 2016 ISI Inspection report, RPPS was judged “Excellent” in all categories.

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum far exceeds the national curriculum in both breadth and depth. Highly differentiated lessons are delivered creatively and pupils enjoy the learning process. We embrace technology in our educational approach to all subjects. This invariably produces excellent academic results and children develop self-confidence. In its 2015 ISI Inspection report, KGPS was judged “Excellent” in all categories.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a plethora of opportunities for our pupils to immerse themselves in music, the arts and sport. Our curriculum and co-curricular is enriched with opportunities for our pupils to participate in competitive sporting fixtures, perform in regular concerts and events, or learn an instrument. Pupils also frequently take part in external competitions.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We have strong art, music and sports departments as

any visitor would realise immediately. All our children compete, perform and enjoy the exceptional standards we achieve in art, music, games and PE. PASTORAL CARE: We operate a genuine ‘open door’ policy where parents

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 as soon as you visit.

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.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Latymer, Hampton, Queen Anne’s Caversham, St Benedict’s and King’s College Wimbledon.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Colet Court, Hampton, King’s College School, Lady Eleanor Holles, Westminster, Latymer and Kingston Grammar.

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; they leave at the end of Year 6 ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them, both at their choice of senior school and in later life.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Children thrive in an environment that

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. This is in line with our belief that children should develop a ‘growth mindset’ approach to their learning where taking on challenges and learning from mistakes is encouraged.

is loving and supportive. Physically, socially, emotionally, creatively and intellectually our children experience an exciting and stimulating learning journey where they are able to flourish and reach for the top.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school is situated

in an exceptionally beautiful position on the River Thames beside Kew Green.

Each term is packed with activity where a loving, energetic and happy atmosphere is generated. Our pupils have enjoyed a French ski trip, a choir tour to Venice, tournament wins in netball, rugby and football, drama productions and music soirées, all alongside our continued pursuit of academic excellence. Above all, we believe that children need to be nurtured, guided, motivated and inspired to allow them to blossom.

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King’s House School

ADDRESS: 68 King’s Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6ES WEBSITE: www.kingshouseschool.org FOUNDED: 1946 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 465 (girls in Nursery) AGES: 3-13 FEES: Nursery £2,370 - £2,610; school £4,315 - £5,560 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Turner RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Pre–prep by order of registration for the nursery and reception classes and thereafter by assessment for occasional places.

CONTACT: Mrs Sally Bass, 020 8940 1878 EMAIL: schooloffice@kingshouseschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact school for details of Open Mornings.

THE CURRICULUM: A broad, challenging curriculum which stretches the pupils academically, physically and creatively is the key. We provide opportunities for all of this for our youngest Nursery children up to our Year 8 boys.

GAMES & THE ARTS: All our pupils have specialist teachers in PE and Music from the time they join the school and from Year 1 (aged 5) they all take advantage of our extensive playing fields and specialist teaching for a broad and successful games programme. There are plenty of opportunities for music and art too.

PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on being a friendly, caring and supportive environment, with a strong sense of community, and where pupils are taught a sense of responsibility and awareness of those around them.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Bradfield College, Brighton College, Bryanston, Charterhouse, Cranleigh, Dulwich College, Epsom, Eton, Hampton, Harrow, Harrodian, Ibstock Place, King’s College School, King’s School Canterbury, Kingston Grammar, Radley, Stowe, St Paul’s, Wellington College, Westminster and Winchester.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Major Academic, Sporting, Music, Drama and All-Rounder awards to St Paul’s, King’s College School, Hampton, Charterhouse, Tonbridge, Marlborough and Epsom.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are proud to have a vibrant co-ed Nursery and from Reception a boys’ school that lets boys be boys and provides them with an education that suits and prepares them – a balance of the academic, physical and creative.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The strong sense of community and responsibility, the idea that learning should be challenging and fun, and the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum.

North Bridge House Junior Schools

ADDRESS: Nursery, 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, NW3 5JY; Pre-Prep, 8 Netherhall Gardens, NW3 5RR; Prep, 1 Gloucester Ave, NW1 7AB WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com FOUNDED: 1939 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Nursery & Pre-Prep 380, Prep 465 AGES: 2–13 FEES: £14,385 to £18,195 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Lower - Christine McLelland, Prep - Brodie Bibby. James Stenning will take over as Head of Prep in Jan 19.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children meet with the head teacher.

For the Prep school there is also a maths and English assessment.

CONTACT: Admissions office 020 7428 1520 EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open events are held throughout the year. Please check our website for more details: www.northbridgehouse.com/open

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports, which range from the traditional to the unusual (such as flamenco, salsa dancing and yoga), help to develop pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing as well as their teamwork skills. The arts are key to NBH’s curricular and extracurricular offering – with plays and concerts regularly staged.

PASTORAL CARE: Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From confidence workshops to Philosophy for Children, we incorporate excellent pastoral care into every aspect of school life. All staff are committed to nurturing character and wellbeing within the small tutor groups and warm community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security. Pupils are equipped with the skills needed to make moral and informed life choices whilst we consistently promote children’s personal and emotional development.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Pupils are placed at leading senior schools with academic, art, music and sports scholarships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: North Bridge House provides an individually tailored co-education, celebrating high-achieving pupils in a mixed ability environment. From our focus on knowing the individual and developing strength of character, we achieve academic excellence in confident pupils who are proud of their successes. With specialist teaching and outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, we challenge and inspire each child to fulfil their true potential, providing a solid foundation for their future studies, careers and adult lives.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: All NBH pupils can transition from Nursery to Sixth Form without the added pressure of entrance exams. 2018 results from the end of Key Stage 1 saw 46% of the PrePrep cohort in the top 5% of the country. Prep School pupils do exceptionally well in in the girls’ 11+ and boys’ 13+ assessments, gaining numerous scholarships for the top senior schools in London and the UK.

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St Nicholas Preparatory School

ADDRESS: 23 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT WEBSITE: www.stnicholasprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 1988 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 3-11 FEES: Nursery (full time) £5,440 per term; Reception £6,235 per term; Year 1 to 2 £6,290 per term; Year 3 to 6 £6,680 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Jill Walker RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Tour, registration, assessment, interview CONTACT: Clare Beckwith, Registrar, 020 7591 2631 EMAIL: clare.beckwith@stnicholasprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Call to book your private tour or register your interest online. Open Morning 4 October.

THE CURRICULUM: St Nicholas offers a vibrant, exciting and engaging curriculum which thoroughly prepares our pupils for their 11+ entrance exams to central London senior schools and beyond.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The breadth of our vibrant extra-curricular and clubs programme, including creative writing, current affairs and coding, means that each child’s character is developed as they also enjoy challenge beyond the classroom in sport, music and drama.

PASTORAL CARE: We offer a kind and nurturing environment where small class sizes and dedicated staff mean that each child in our community is valued as an individual and encouraged and inspired to achieve their very best. Our pupils are happy and confident, eager to learn and to help others.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: I believe an excellent education builds pupils’ academic empowerment, promotes independent learning and develops that all important emotional resilience. I believe in celebrating effort and not just the final result so that our children can feel free to try new things without fear of failure.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Situated in an enviable position opposite Hyde Park, our girls and boys enjoy spacious, airy classrooms and a large garden in which to learn and play and really enjoy their prep school years.

This is a school which takes pride in the quality of the Early Year’s provision and outstanding leadership and management.

Peregrines Pre-Prep

ADDRESS: 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, London SW15 6PY WEBSITE: www.peregrinespreprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 2017 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 58 AGES: 3–8 FEES: £2,860 per term (Pre-Reception mornings only) £5,235 per term (Reception – Year 3) HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Harriet Stokes, Registrar EMAIL: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day: 29th September. Group tours on a bi-weekly basis. Booking required.

THE CURRICULUM: Peregrines pupils enjoy hands on, stimulating lessons that draw on a wide variety of learning styles and the latest technology, ensuring that we meet the learning needs of every girl and boy.

GAMES & THE ARTS: PE, music, ballet and drama are all taught by our own specialist teachers, twice a week, giving all of our pupils the best opportunity to flourish athletically and creatively.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is a priority and is reflected and embedded in all aspects of Peregrines’ life. We aim to give our pupils the best start to their education by creating a secure and happy learning environment. Every girl and boy has an individual learning plan ensuring both their educational and pastoral needs are met and parents are encouraged to be active partners in their child’s education through our ‘open door’ policy.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Happy children are successful learners, which is why emotional literacy and academic buoyancy are essential skills.

Teaching your daughter, from the start and in an age-related way, how to overcome challenges and develop positive, flourishing relationships will ensure she deals successfully with life’s ebbs and flows, in and out of school and develop in her a lifelong love of learning.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Exceptional pastoral care: every child has their own individual learning plan • A happy, family school where every child is cherished • Outstanding facilities: an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, science laboratory, drama and ballet studio, art rooms, outdoor classroom, Astroturf and ‘wilderness’ area • Extensive extra-curricular offering • A friendly and active Parents’ and Friends’ Association ensuring everyone feels involved in the life of the school.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

St James Junior School

ADDRESS: Earsby Street, Kensington Olympia, London W14 8SH WEBSITE: www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk FOUNDED: 1974 AGES: 4-11 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 FEES: Reception to Yr 3 £5,970 per term, Yr4 to Yr6 £5,475 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Catherine Thomlinson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Multireligious ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry at the age of four. All children are invited to a taster morning and informally assessed before a place is offered. Occasional places do become available further up the school when assessments are sat in English, Maths and reading. Early registration is recommended.

CONTACT: Mrs Martha Carslake, Registrar, 0207 348 1793 EMAIL: admissions@stjamesjunior.org SCHOOL VISITS: Tours with the head. Please contact the Registrar.

THE CURRICULUM: Children thrive in a vibrant, inspiring academic environment that develops positive attitudes to learning, and encourages children to be their best and stretch themselves academically without undue pressure. The curriculum, which is broad, stimulating and highly creative, is strengthened by philosophy classes taught from reception.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and art is particularly strong at the school with specialist teachers in each subject. Most children learn a musical instrument and all children are given the opportunity to perform at one of the many concerts that run throughout the year. Flourishing drama department which makes use of the Senior Girls’ drama studio runs a packed schedule of performances including a week of Shakespeare in the spring term. Outstanding art and design department with on-site kiln and regular exhibitions of the children’s work. St James Junior makes weekly use of the extensive sporting facilities at Barn Elms and Fulham Pools and competes with success at both regional and national levels.

PASTORAL CARE: The happiness of the children underpins the school’s values and ethos. St James’ school rules of truthfulness, magnanimity, harmlessness and never careless means that everyone is included, feels supported and valued.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To provide an outstanding education that fosters academic excellence, creative energy and thoughtful discussion, in a warm and fun environment. To support a growth mindset, nurture the talents that are already apparent and encourage the potential of every child.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The underlying practice of pausing or having moments of stillness throughout the day provides a solid and calm base from which the children can draw resilience and self-reliance. The school is proud of its delicious, nutritious vegetarian meals cooked by a talented catering team. It teaches pupils to love good food in all its variety, with weekly cooking classes that focus on the appreciation of nutrition. Its bright, buzzing classrooms in a beautiful setting, in addition to committed teachers and low turnover of staff, provides a positive, happy atmosphere for the children.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

St. Anthony’s School for Girls

ADDRESS: Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road London NW11 7SX WEBSITE: www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk FOUNDED: 2015 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 42 AGES: 4-11 FEES: £6,015 per term HEAD TEACHER: Laura Flannery RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. The school has an inclusive policy and all girls’ needs are assessed on entry.

CONTACT: Laura Flannery EMAIL: info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Termly open days held during weekends. 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, cello, piano, guitar and singing.

LAMDA lessons are available to 7+pupils. Ballet is offered as an extracurricular activity.

PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on the high-quality pastoral care on offered. Pupils feel safe, secure and valued as part of the St. Anthony’s family. They are taught the importance of caring for their emotional well-being 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: Two scholarships available, based on academic merit, of 20 per cent of annual school fees. These can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries.

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

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 them to tailor learning to the needs of each child, therefore enabling success in all curriculum areas; academic, sporting and creative. Fitting in with the needs of parents, they provide wraparound care with a wide range of extra curricular activities held in the mornings, after school and during the school time.

Sydenham High Prep

ADDRESS: 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL WEBSITE: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1887 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 220 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £4,387 per term HEADTEACHER: Ms Claire Boyd RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Group assessment for reception and written exam for 7+. Please enquire about occasional places

CONTACT: Admissions Office 020 8557 7004 EMAIL: admissions@syd.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 15 Sept 9am-1pm. Weds 3 Oct, Weds 10 Oct (7+), Thurs 18 Oct (4+), 9.30-11am. Bookable online. All open events and taster days can be found on our website.

THE CURRICULUM: A broad academic curriculum that encourages independent thinking, enquiring minds and prepares girls for the academic curriculum at the senior school. Girls learn French from reception and Latin from year 5. There are specialist teachers for languages, sport, music, art and DT as well as Computing & Science for pupils in year 5 and 6.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide and varied co-curricular programme that includes over 50 extra-curricular clubs and a large variety of day trips and residential visits, including a ski trip to the Austrian mountains.

Regular use is made of senior school facilities including the Westwood Theatre, Recital Hall and Astroturf as well as the 8-acre sports ground in Lower Sydenham. Regular swimming takes place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

PASTORAL CARE: A strong PSHE programme is backed up by a positive social environment, supportive teaching staff and close relationships between home and school. The school’s innovative Flourish and Fly initiative emboldens pupils and stretches ability with a half termly programme of experiences and challenges.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Thorough 11+ preparation process starts in year 5 with careful preparation for entry to the senior school and a variety of London schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our aim is to prepare each girl for what the future holds – by setting high expectations, providing a strong academic education and supporting a child’s emotional development to ensure each girl becomes the best she can be.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The school was judged ‘outstanding’ in its most recent Inspection report. ‘Excellent relationships between staff and children’; ‘emphasis on independent learning ensures that the school provides a stimulating and secure environment’; ‘instills a positive attitude to learning’.

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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon

The White House Prep School

ADDRESS: Wilberforce House, Camp Road, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4UN WEBSITE: www.thestudyprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 1893 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 320 girls AGES: 4–11 FEES: £4,550 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Susan Pepper MA (Oxon) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry at 4+ by ballot; priority given to siblings. Thereafter by informal assessment and interview.

CONTACT: Jane Davis, Admissions Secretary, 020 8947 6969 EMAIL: admissions@thestudyprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Regular tours and one major open event per year.

ADDRESS: 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF WEBSITE: www.whitehouseschool.com FOUNDED: 1985 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 152 AGES: 2½ –11 years FEES: Reception–Year 2 £4,510 per term, Year 3–6 £4,930 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Tony Lewis RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Early registration essential, places allocated in order of registration. Interview for Year 1-6 CONTACT: 020 8674 9514 EMAIL: office@whitehouseschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Weekly showrounds available by appointment only.

Please contact admissions@whitehouseschool.com to arrange.

THE CURRICULUM: The Study offers a broad, creative and enhanced curriculum where every girl is encouraged to achieve her best, and the focus on the needs and strengths of every individual is key to the success of the school.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Although academic rigour is at the heart of the school, The Study is highly creative, with a reputation for excellence in music and the performing and visual arts, and has had Artsmark Gold status since 2009. The dynamic PE department ensures success at both regional and national level across athletics, hockey, cross country and netball and has a spacious off-site sports ground with multi-use pitches for training and matches.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Day schools include Wimbledon, Putney and Surbiton High Schools, St Paul’s Girls’ School, The Lady Eleanor Holles, Epsom College, Marymount, Notre Dame and St John’s Leatherhead. Boarding schools include Benenden, Downe House, St Mary’s Ascot and Wycombe Abbey.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 2018 was another record year of scholarships, with 39 offered to the Year 6 girls, including academic, all rounder, sport, and music. This brings The Study’s total of scholarships achieved over the last five years to an impressive 135.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mrs Pepper’s mission is to enable each individual to fulfil her potential in a supportive and happy environment. The girls enjoy a rich diversity if experiences, in and out of the classroom, and an understanding of important issues beyond the school gates.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Study is a creative school, but not at the expense of academic rigour, as illustrated by its excellent results at 11+. The Study combines the warmth and sense of community of a traditional village school with the facilities and achievements of a leading preparatory. It has two beautiful sites adjacent to Wimbledon Common.

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 excellent 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 excel most especially as people with confidence.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Over 50% of pupils receive academic, music, sports and all round scholarships to top London day schools and boarding schools when they leave at 11+.

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.

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LONDON PREP SENIOR / SENIOR SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

Preparatory School & Nursery For Boy and Girls aged 2½ to 13 years Quainton Hall School for excellent academic results and extensive extra-curricular & sporting opportunities

Registration for 7+ and 11+ Entry is now open Open Morning 22nd September 2018 10am - 12pm No appointments needed

Quainton Hall School, Harrow, HA1 1RX Please Call 020 8861 8861 admin@quaintonhall.org.uk www.quaintonhall.org.uk Registered charity number: 312638

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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS

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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS

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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS

Hampton School

ADDRESS: Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HD WEBSITE: www.hamptonschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1557 AGES: 11-18 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,250 FEES: £6,685 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr K Knibbs MA (Oxon) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11, 13 and 16 via entrance examination, head’s report and interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Dorothy Jones, Head of Admissions 020 8979 9273 EMAIL: admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Visitor events throughout the year.

THE CURRICULUM: Hampton is academically selective and results at I/GCSE and A-level are among the highest nationally. A flexible programme of A-level and Pre-U subjects is offered; many boys undertake a bespoke Extended Project Qualification.

GAMES & THE ARTS: An extensive co-curricular programme forms an essential part of Hampton’s balanced education. The school has an enviable reputation for sport, music and drama. Boys benefit from superb on-site playing fields, and a state-of-the-art 3G pitch. An impressive performing arts centre supports a vibrant creative programme.

PASTORAL CARE: We attach the highest importance to pastoral care and know that boys thrive when they feel safe, understood and valued as individuals. Boys are supported by a pastoral team of form tutors and heads of year who provide individual guidance and support. The core values of integrity, humility and social conscience are reinforced through the daily interactions of boys and teachers.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Virtually all leavers go on to elite universities in the UK, USA and Europe. On average 20 to 25 boys receive offers from Oxford and Cambridge each year. Sixth Form boys benefit from specialist teaching, small class sizes and high contact time. Boys have a free choice of subjects at A level and Pre-U and the curriculum is supported by a Sixth Form Enrichment and Community Service Programme and in-house Extended Project. All boys receive expert and individually tailored UCAS and careers advice.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage all boys to develop their full academic and all-round potential through the cultural, spiritual and sporting opportunities available. Our goal is for Hamptonians to be openminded and tolerant, to enjoy learning and to aim for personal success whilst supporting those around them.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Hampton is a friendly, unpretentious and dynamic community, combining academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care and a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities. The boys leave as happy, well-rounded individuals with a wide range of skills and interests and the confidence and resilience to succeed in the world.

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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS

Hampton Court House

ADDRESS: East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9BS WEBSITE: www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk FOUNDED: 2001 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 3–18 FEES: Please check the website HEAD TEACHER: Guy Holloway RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination, interview and trial day.

CONTACT: Rachel Bowles, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@hchnet.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Every Wednesday. Contact Registrar for further details on visits, including open days.

THE CURRICULUM: An outstanding curriculum (as described by Ofsted), with subject specialists at all levels. Very strong focus on maths, science and English. National recognition for teaching of French, Spanish and Mandarin.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Throughout the school, from age of 3 to 18, pupils have specialist teachers in sport, art, music, ballet, drama and film-making.

Many scholarships are won in art and photography; numerous students are active in professional productions (West End theatre and film).

PASTORAL CARE: Our school environment is reflective and thoughtful; our first duty of care is to the long-term emotional development of each child, such that they develop a strong sense of self, and the capacity to form trustfilled relationships. Form tutors are key figures in a pupil’s life, but all members of staff are part of a circle of care around each child. Our reflective teachers set the tone for a listening culture which seeks to validate each child’s voice.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: University of Warwick, University of Chicago, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To create a kinder world by developing scholarly, cultured, reflective minds, alert to opportunity and informed about current affairs. Our school is not ‘rule-bound’ but rather concerns itself with the inner moral development of each child.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –A scholarly environment, with high academic expectations and excellent results.

–Intellectual staff who are readers and are committed to continual professional development and learning.

–Considered an innovative school by the international and national press.

–Highly-regarded bilingual education in lower years and multilingual staff.

–Rich, intellectual, cultural environment (music, literature and art).

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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS

Ibstock Place School

ADDRESS: Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY WEBSITE: www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 325 boys, 325 girls AGES: 11-18 FEES: £6,960 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Anna Sylvester-Johnson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11 and 16 via entrance examination and interview; occasional places at 12, 13, 14.

CONTACT: Miss C Voysey, Registrar, 020 8392 5803 EMAIL: registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 22 September 9am-1pm, 8 May 5-7pm.

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is suffused with the five ‘Mindset Aspects’ central to all teaching, pupils’ learning and assessment: clarity; logical thought; initiative; considering consequences of words and actions; persisting against challenges.

GAMES & THE ARTS: A wealth of opportunity for co-curricular participation: A purpose-built sports hall; playing fields; swimming pool; allweather pitch; stunning 300-seat theatre. IPS Singers tour internationally; Berkeley Ensemble is the ensemble-in-residence. IPS artists’ work is exhibited by the Royal College of Art. PASTORAL CARE: We maintain an outstanding pastoral programme which monitors each pupil’s development with care, sensitivity and guidance. From Senior 7–10, pupils join vertically tutored House Group for four years, thus building strong relationships between pupils, their Housemaster, two House Tutors and pupils’ families. In PVI (Year 11), pupils are supported by a Tutor and Head of PVI. A Head of Sixth Form and his tutor team provide VI pastoral care.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: 2017: Oxford, St Andrew’s, Durham, Lancaster, UCL, Loughborough, Exeter, Warwick, Leeds, LSE and University of Virginia.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We attach great importance to developing pupils’ individuality and their regard for tolerance, courtesy and respect. Pupils are able to find their strengths here, whether as the promising musician, the meticulous scholar, the outstanding sportsman or the talented artist. We strive to ensure pupils’ accomplishments reflect their talents and interests.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Co-educational day school for pupils aged 11-18 in a beautiful rus in urbe environment next to Richmond Park.

Challenging and inspirational curriculum extends and stretches. Pupils renowned for creativity, resilience and empathy. Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI (2015). Shortlisted for TES Independent senior school of the year 2018. New refectory opens 2019.

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Kensington Park School

ADDRESS: 40-44 Bark Place, W2 4AT; 59 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JP WEBSITE: www.kps.co.uk FOUNDED: Sixth Form: 2017; Lower School: 2018 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 90 boys, 90 girls AGES: 13-18 FEES: Day: £8,000 per term; Boarding: £13,300 per term HEADMASTER: Mr Paul Vanni RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 11+, 12+ and 13+: Entrance test and interview. 16+: Interview and provision of predicted GCSE grades CONTACT: Jane Lovell, Registrar EMAIL: J.Lovell@kps.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Regular open days are held throughout the term.

Contact the school for dates.

THE CURRICULUM: We offer a 21st century curriculum to prepare our pupils for the ever-changing world around us. We value academic attainment and also encourage our pupils to become well-rounded, socially intelligent members of society.

GAMES & THE ARTS: KPS has an exciting and innovative co-curricular provision. We have partnered with local sports providers offering our pupils access to activities ranging from netball and football to rock climbing, horse riding and even ice hockey. Similar partnerships are in place for the arts.

PASTORAL CARE: We pride ourselves on being a friendly school that offers top-quality and personalised pastoral care. Tutors are key figures in pupils’ lives. They provide the support individuals need as they navigate their way through the curriculum and the co-curricular opportunities on offer. The youngest pupils meet with their form tutor every day while sixth formers have at least two tutor group meetings a week, with follow-up meetings when required.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: We support applications to universities in the UK and around the world.

HEADTEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: KPS offers an intellectually exciting environment in which pupils can learn and grow, but also have fun. While our staff are rigorous in their approach to teaching and learning, they are thoroughly modern in their outlook and practice. We are a school with an ambitious vision for education in the 21st century.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Day and boarding school in central London. Although the school is new, our staff have been drawn from some of the best schools in the country including St Paul’s School, St Paul’s Girls’ School and Winchester College. Our approach to education is modern and dynamic, reflected in our exciting and innovative curriculum.

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North Bridge House Senior Schools

ADDRESS: Senior Hampstead, 65 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 5UD; Senior Canonbury, 6-9 Canonbury Place, N1 2NQ WEBSITE: www.northbridgehouse.com FOUNDED: 1939 AGES: 11–18 FEES: £17,295 - £18,555 per annum NUMBER OF PUPILS: Hampstead - 320; Canonbury - 180 HEAD TEACHER: Hampstead: Brendan Pavey; Canonbury: Jonathan Taylor RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessments and interview.

CONTACT: Admissions office 020 7428 1520 EMAIL: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open events are held throughout the year. Please check our website for more details: www.northbridgehouse.com/open THE CURRICULUM: Inspirational teachers deliver a rich and varied range of academic and extra-curricular activities, tailored to challenge and stimulate every pupil according to their individual needs, abilities and interests. The curriculum is designed to educate the whole child and provides excellent learning opportunities for all pupils.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports range from the traditional track and field activities to the more unusual sailing and ice skating. Our Games curriculum promotes pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing whilst developing their team skills. The Arts are just as key to our curricular and extra-curricular offering: Plays and concerts are regularly staged, art exhibitions are an annual event and pupils relish the opportunity to perform in the local area.

PASTORAL CARE: Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From confidence workshops to an onsite counsellor, we incorporate excellent pastoral care into every aspect of school life. All staff are committed to nurturing character and wellbeing within the small tutor groups and warm community, so that every pupil thrives on a strong sense of belonging and security.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Students receive offers from a range of universities, typically accepting places at Russell Group institutions.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: NBH provides an individually tailored coeducation, celebrating high-achieving pupils in a mixed ability environment.

From our focus on knowing the individual and developing strength of character, we achieve academic excellence in confident pupils who are proud of their successes. With specialist teaching and outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, we challenge and inspire each child to fulfil their potential.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sixth Form students benefit from later school starts in line with leading research, which has proven that adolescent brain changes affect their productivity earlier on. Oxbridge preparation, higher education fairs and ‘World of Work’ guest speaker events best inform students for successful futures and careers.

Portland Place School

ADDRESS: 56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ WEBSITE: www.portland-place.co.uk FOUNDED: 1996 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 290 AGES: 10 – 16 years FEES: £7,010 per term HEAD TEACHER: David Bradbury RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selection is based on assessment and interview.

CONTACT: Michelle Botha EMAIL: michelle.botha@portland-place.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: We hold open mornings and Saturday school tours with the Headmaster throughout the year.

THE CURRICULUM: The curriculum at Portland Place includes all activities which promote the development of pupils’ intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical welfare. Extra curricular activities are designed to enrich students’ lives.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have PE every day and pupils in Years 7 to 9 four days per week. Compulsory PE is also part of the timetable for Years 10 and 11 students. Fixtures are organised for Sixth Form students and they have membership of a local gym. Art, music, and drama are compulsory subjects in Years 5 to 9. Design technology is compulsory in Years 7 to 9. Drama and music are popular extra-curricular activities.

PASTORAL CARE: All schools have a duty of care to all children. We pride ourselves on the excellent social and emotional nurturing and guidance we provide all our pupils. We have a full time Deputy Head Pastoral who works closely with pupils, parents and teachers.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: The majority of our students secured places at their chosen universities including Russell Group universities.

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, open-minded 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. A place for engaged, lively kids’. 85% of pupils achieved five plus A*-C grades at GCSE level. We were also placed in the top 10% of schools nationally for progress based on Value Added Scores for A-levels.

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Sydenham High Senior School

ADDRESS: 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL WEBSITE: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net FOUNDED: 1887 AGES: 11–18 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 415 girls FEES: £5,579 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Katharine Woodcock RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exam and interview for Year 7 entry.

CONTACT: Admissions Office 020 8557 7004 EMAIL: admissions@syd.gdst.net SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 15 September, 9am-1pm, Thurs 27 Sept, Tues 6 Nov, Thurs 22 Nov, 9.30-11am. Bookable online. All open events and taster days can be found on our website.

Wetherby Senior School

ADDRESS: 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU WEBSITE: www.wetherbysenior.co.uk FOUNDED: 2015 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 270 AGES: 11-18 FEES: £7990 per term HEAD TEACHER: Seth Bolderow RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Boys enter at Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12.

Entry is by competitive examination. Scholarships and bursaries are available.

CONTACT: Henry Warner, Director of Admissions EMAIL: registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: There is an Open Day on Saturday 6 October.

THE CURRICULUM: Senior school students study a broad range of academic subjects which develop analytical, creative and lateral thinking skills to build a strong foundation for A Levels and university. At Sixth Form, in addition to A Levels, we offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which prepares students for the independent learning required at university.

THE CURRICULUM: Through nurturing a genuine enjoyment of learning, intellectual curiosity and academic excellence we aim to develop our pupils into confident and independent learners.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school offers an extremely varied programme of sport and extra-curricular clubs and activities, including cricket, rowing, fencing, trampolining, and rugby, alongside traditional school sports such as hockey and netball. Girls are able to join, and lead, a range of performing arts activities and clubs such as choirs, concert band, dancing, gymnastics and acting.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an important part of the boy’s development and wellbeing, and is a compulsory activity for all boys at Wetherby Senior School. The main sports are Rugby, Football, Cricket and Tennis with other activities available. Music, Drama and Art are important with a variety of concerts, exhibitions and dramatic productions put on throughout the year.

PASTORAL CARE: As a smaller school community, with strong pastoral care, each girl is known and visible. We believe our girls deserve nothing less than the highest standards of academic and pastoral excellence. Our inclusive environment allows all of our students to be independent, take risks and learn resilience through trying new things without the fear of failure.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our students leave with excellent exam results, ambitious about their futures, and go on to study at a range of higher education destinations including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, medical schools and art colleges.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our motto, ‘fear nothing’, underpins all that we do. Our girls are ambitious and open minded, well round, happy and down to earth. Above all, our school is simply bursting with warmth, creativity, talent and excellence in all that we do.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We are a small but high achieving school where self-belief and happiness, alongside a ‘can do’ approach enables our girls to thrive and succeed. A Sydenham High education not only develops the necessary skills for university and employment but offers an inspirational environment where students can be themselves, learn to take risks, develop independence and resilience, leaving happy and confident about their future.

PASTORAL CARE: All boys are supported by a tutor throughout their time at the School. We understand that success in all areas of school life and in the future is based on developing the resilience to cope with challenge, the ability to reflect on oneself, learn and the willingness to contribute positively to their community.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our goal is to provide an outstanding all-round education, supporting our pupils to achieve academically and to develop as people, fully preparing them to meet the challenges of being a young man in the twenty-first century and ready to contribute to the communities in which they live.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Academic rigor • Outstanding teaching • Strong pastoral care • A strong community of pupils, staff and parents • A strong sports programme • Opportunities for pupils to express themselves through the arts

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COUNTRY SCHOOLS PREPA R ATORY | SENIOR

Royal Hospital School, Ipswich

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Brighton College

ADDRESS: Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL WEBSITE: www.brightoncollege.org.uk FOUNDED: 1845 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,020. Day: 393 boys, 262 girls. Boarding: 183 boys, 182 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day: £7,930. Weekly boarding: £11,070. Full boarding: £12,730 HEAD TEACHER: Richard Cairns RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, welcomes all/no faiths ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview at 11, 13 and 16 CONTACT: Alison Withers, Registrar SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning or individual visit. Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit on 01273 704200 THE CURRICULUM: We encourage inquisitive minds, inspire confidence and provide challenging activities outside the classroom. A wide range of subjects are experienced and we ensure each pupil achieves a happy school/ life balance.

S C H O O L H O U S E M AG A Z I N E

GAMES & THE ARTS: As one of the leading sports schools in England, we believe every child deserves to enjoy sport whatever their level. Our arts calendar is full of music, dance, art and drama activities for boys and girls to get involved in.

PASTORAL CARE: Our last ISI inspection rated our provision of pastoral care as ‘excellent’ - the top grade possible - and the last Ofsted inspection awarded our welfare for boarders as ‘outstanding’. We take considerable care in maintaining a supportive and accepting community that celebrates differences between people, affirming a sense of belonging for all.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Oxbridge: 20 per cent of pupils each year. Russell Group: 650+ offers each year PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Around 40 per cent of the Upper Sixth apply each year. A strong record of success with 229 offers in the past decade.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: “I believe passionately in the importance of the individual. Every child at Brighton College is valued for his or her own sake, encouraged to develop his or her talents to the full in a community where there are no stereotypes and where every achievement, however small, is noticed.”

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • GCSE and A-level results amongst the best in the country • Pupils go to the world’s leading universities • £55m Sports & Science Centre opening in 2019 • Brighton on our doorstep, Sussex Downs as our backdrop • ‘One word: exceptional’ - Tatler • ‘Britain’s most forward thinking school’ – The Week

The next issue of SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE is out in March 2019 To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk, please contact Camilla van Praagh on 020 7384 9023 or alternatively, email her on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk Autumn/Winter 2018 | SCHOOLHOUSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 195

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Ashford School

ADDRESS: East Hill, Ashford, Kent TN27 8PB WEBSITE: www.ashfordschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1898 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1000 AGES: 3 months - 18 years FEES: £3,500 - £5,600 per term (day) £12,000 per term (full boarding) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Michael Hall RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian, all faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 1. Book a visit 2. Register your child 3. Optional taster day 4. Entrance and/or scholarship exams 5. The offer of a place.

CONTACT: Rachael Cox EMAIL: registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: We hold regular Open Events, or arrange a school visit by contacting Mrs Cox. See www.ashfordschool.co.uk/OpenEvents.

THE CURRICULUM: With a two-week timetable consisting of six 50-minute lessons and compulsory after school activities, your child will be immersed in a culture of academic, sport, music and all-around adventure.

GAMES & THE ARTS: If your child enjoys performing there are numerous opportunities outside curriculum Drama to take to the stage, learn stage management or get involved in make-up, costumes, lighting and sound. The sporting programme at Ashford School is vast and central to school life. All children are given the chance to compete and our training programmes for elite sportsmen and women is enviable. As well as focusing on the traditional sports, such as rugby, hockey and netball, we offer an eclectic mix of sports including fencing and synchronised swimming as part of the curriculum.

PASTORAL CARE: We pride ourselves on the quality of our pastoral care and the ‘family feel’ of the school. The backbone of the pastoral system is a series of six smaller communities known as Houses. Our Chaplain is available for pupils, staff and parents and as well as being a listening ear for all, he is able to provide specialised support for those who practise a religious faith, whether Christian or not. We also have a School Counsellor who offers counselling to students and staff in a safe and therapeutic environment if required.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: In the last three years (2015-2017), nearly twothirds of students achieved their first choice university and more than half gained a place at a Russell Group university.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Ashford School we believe that by providing strong pastoral care and a nurturing environment, we give students the confidence to step out of their comfort zone, and flourish both academically and with their broader interests OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We have a reputation for excellence and academic achievement. We pride ourselves in selecting highly capable adults who are experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. Of profound importance to us are the wider learning opportunities we provide. Our extensive co-curricular programme enables our students to grow in confidence, stand out from the crowd and perform well in interviews.

Bedales

ADDRESS: Bedales School, Church Road, Steep, Petersfield GU32 2DG WEBSITE: www.bedales.org.uk FOUNDED: 1893 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Bedales Pre-prep, Dunannie: 75; Bedales Prep, Dunhurst: 200; Bedales Senior School: 472 AGES: 3–8 (Dunannie); 8–13 (Dunhurst); 13–18 (Bedales).

FEES: Nursery: £436–£605 per term; Dunannie: £3,175–£4,105; Dunhurst: Day £5,640 – £6,255; Boarding £8,310; Bedales: Day £9,505; Boarding £12,095 per term.

HEAD TEACHER: Magnus Bashaarat RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Main entry points at 2 yrs 9 months, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Selection by assessment/residential assessment and interview.

CONTACT: 01730 711733/ admissions@bedales.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days, Bedales: 19 September, 6 October & 24 November; Dunhurst: 15 September.

THE CURRICULUM: Students ‘learn through doing’ and take a combination of IGCSEs and our own more interesting and demanding Bedales Assessed Courses (recognised by UCAS). 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, floodlit tennis and netball pitches and indoor swimming pool. The school is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music with lots of opportunities to participate in performances and concerts including overseas tours.

PASTORAL CARE: For pastoral support, every student is assigned a member of house staff (boarding or day) with whom they build a close and strong relationship. Students are also assigned a tutor, who monitors and guides their academic progress, tailoring the level of support to the individual. Tutor groups (and dormitories) are mixed age, encouraging the sharing of experience across the years. The Bedales system depends on trust and good communication between staff, student and parents.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available from 10+ for Music and Academic, and from 13+ for Art. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bedales was founded to be different.

Where other independent boarding schools imposed conformity, we have always nurtured individuality, initiative and an enquiring mind. Our founder, John Badley, wanted to educate the whole person – ‘head, hand and heart’ and this is still the cornerstone around which our innovative education system is built. Our primary aim is to develop inquisitive thinkers with a love of learning who cherish independent thought.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Impressive university destinations including Oxbridge, music conservatoires, art college and overseas institutions – Innovation in the curriculum with high academic expectations.

– Strong relationships: students and staff shake hands after assemblies as a way of formalising mutual respect.

– Award-winning timber-clad new Art & Design Building opened in 2016

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TAKE A LOOK AT

Ashdown House

OUR WEBSITE

ADDRESS: Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JY WEBSITE: www.ashdownhouse.co.uk FOUNDED: 1843 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 150 AGES: 4–13 FEES: £2,990 - Pre-Prep, £4,950 (day) and £9,150 (boarding) HEAD TEACHER: Mike Davies RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. All faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children are invited to spend a day or 24 hours with their peers. Otherwise, informal interview and sight of current/ previous reports.

CONTACT: + 44 1342 822574, secretary@ashdownhouse.com SCHOOL VISITS: ‘Whenever you like’, providing the headmaster’s diary is clear. There is an open day in May. THE CURRICULUM: Chess and Mandarin lessons complement core curriculum subjects. Emphasis is placed on the wider curriculum with visits to the Cothill Trust’s château in France.

GAMES & THE ARTS: All traditional sports. Brilliant music, art and DT departments (frequent scholarships and national competition winners). Each year group performs at least one play a year and school concerts are termly.

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PASTORAL CARE: The headmaster and his wife live in the heart of the school and oversee the pastoral side of a busy boarding school with the help of a dedicated team. A good house system encourages healthy competition and we are a school that very much rewards good behaviour.

Small classes ensure that the form teacher knows each child well.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Eton, Harrow, Radley, Wellington, St Edward’s, Stowe, Charterhouse, Abingdon, Bradfield, Haileybury, Hampton, Marlborough, Oundle, Rugby, Tonbridge and Uppingham.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester, Eton, Sevenoaks, Bryanston, St Leonard’s Mayfield, Clayesmore, Tudor Hall, Sherborne and Worth.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Recognition that we need to live together as a community that encourages family values is at the heart of all that we do. Through learning in a fun and friendly environment, children leave the school as confident young people, understanding the importance of tolerance and able to cope with life’s disappointments as well as the triumphs. Friendships are forged for life.

For the best in education

EV ERY DAY

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Forty acres of beautiful grounds with hundreds of trees that the children are actively encouraged to climb. Ponies, free range turkeys and chickens and dogs abound. Over half the staff live on site and a busy weekend programme ensures that boarders are fully occupied and happy.

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GIRLS DON’T ENJOY SPORT? Alison Goulet, Head of Curriculum in the Sports Department at Benenden School, explains how much things have improved – and how to encourage a lifelong love of being active

W

hen I saw a BBC report about why some 11 to 14-year-old girls don’t enjoy sport, rather than being alarmed I was impressed by how far we have progressed in the last 30 years in the world of curriculum PE lessons. Gone are the days of unflattering shorts, freezing on the hockey field in all weathers and compulsory swimming widths in an overcrowded pool. Gone too are the compulsory crosscountry runs in the mud and the embarrassment of not being selected by friends to play in their team.

In its place, most schools now have a wide range of sports to challenge youngsters, a plethora of team games, fitness classes and individual sports. But is this enough to instill the lifelong love of sport that every PE teacher wishes to inspire? Fortunately, most of our girls want to play sport, understanding the importance of being fit and the social benefits of involvement.

At Benenden our sports programme (no longer called PE), is developing constantly as we try to fulfil our aims. We believe in giving the girls the skills to play a game, and then allowing them to decide if they wish to pursue it competitively.

They don’t dabble; each sport has a scheme of work to follow and skills to introduce to ensure competence. We use specialists to inspire and encourage. Our teaching involves problem

solving with sessions that are challenging and fun.

We run competitive and non-competitive sport side by side with a massive co-curricular programme to complement it. There is a multiplicity of choice, with something for everyone. During the skill-hungry years of 11 to 13 everyone plays competitively as well as enjoying activities like swimming, trampolining, badminton, tennis and rounders. There is a course in fitness and health and wellbeing too.

We have gone one step further than most schools with our older girls. Here sports lessons are still compulsory but there is a choice to fit alongside academic programmes. No longer timetabled as a whole year lesson, fitness classes start as early as 7.15am, go on as late as 8.00pm and range from yoga and body blast to fitbox and spin cycling. Competitive netball, rugby, tennis, hockey and lacrosse also feature in these options. (An impressive one-third of our older girls still play competitively).

Girls choose three hours of activities over the course of the week. Being sporty is cool, being sweaty is fine and walking round in sports kit is accepted. Staff are positive role models, taking part in daily fitness classes, playing sports at a high level, using the gym, pool and running.

We have an ethos where competitive sport is important: we were 2017 national champions in lacrosse and feature strongly at tennis and netball. Our senior management, parents and staff are proud of what the girls and sports staff achieve. The school is wise enough to make a significant investment in sport. With up to five hours a week of teaching in some year groups, our department is large and very enthusiastic.

All girls are encouraged – not just the most talented. Most have already experienced a wide range of activities before they arrive at Benenden, so sport and exercise are already an accepted and enjoyable part of the day.

Maintaining and developing this is critical.

Of course there is no guarantee that we will achieve our dream of every girl carrying a sport into adult life, but I would like to think that they will think fondly about their time at school and the opportunities given.

Hopefully they will realise the power of sport in creating lasting friendships and a healthy lifestyle. Maybe, too, in inspiring lofty sporting ambitions into adulthood.

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Bede’s Prep School at Eastbourne

Bede’s Senior School

ADDRESS: Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7XL WEBSITE: www.bedes.org FOUNDED: 1895 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 197 boys, 103 girls (Reception to Year 8) AGES: 3 months–13 years FEES: Nursery from £36.50 per session. Reception and Years 1–2 £3,410; Years 3–4 £4,680; Years 5–6 £5,620; Years 7–8 £5,800 (all per term). Boarding £2,750 extra per term.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Giles Entwisle RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective, interview with headmaster.

CONTACT: Lynette Bonell, 01323 356939 EMAIL: prep.admissions@bedes.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: Saturday 29 September 2018, Saturday 2 March 2019

ADDRESS: Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3QH WEBSITE: www.bedes.org FOUNDED: 1978 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 760 (455 boys, 305 girls) AGES: 13–18 FEES: Day students £7,370; weekly boarders £11,020; full boarders £11,720 (all per term); Day boarders £100 per term additional supplement HEAD TEACHERS: Mr Peter Goodyer RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Children joining in Year 9 will attend a Bede’s Experience Day. CONTACT: 01323 843252 EMAIL: admissions@bedes.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: Saturday 15 September 2018, Saturday 9 March 2019

THE CURRICULUM: Bede’s bespoke and enhanced curriculum focuses upon skills as much as content and encourages curiosity, self-reliance, self-belief and the confidence to ‘have a go’. We see our job as helping our children to discover their talents and to build upon them.

THE CURRICULUM: Over 35 subjects are offered at GCSE and IGCSE and in the sixth-form there are over 40 different courses ranging from Cambridge Pre-Us and traditional A-levels to vocational courses such as Animal Management. BTECs are offered in a range of subjects.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Bede’s recognises achievement at all levels and encourages children to take part and join a sports team.

Facilities are outstanding. The performing arts are a big part of school life, with many performances throughout the year.

GAMES & THE ARTS: All major sports. Academy programmes in football, hockey and cricket. Five percent of pupils play county or national level sport. Outstanding performing arts. Probably the best art department in the South East and the school is also home to the Legat School of Dance.

PASTORAL CARE: For boarders, home is a beautiful Victorian villa overlooking the sea. Matron and her team look after the needs of the children, and teachers and tutors are always there to help with any problems.

PASTORAL CARE: Superb boarding facilities. All pupils have their own tutor.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘I am very proud that Bede’s is a school that encourages children of all talents to pursue their goals. We believe that education begins with the individual and that all children are unique.’

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘We are ambitious for our pupils, inspiring a self-belief that empowers them and stimulates their natural curiosity. Their enriched learning experience increases their appetite to achieve more because they expect more.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Bede’s is one of the largest prep schools in Sussex and is blessed with a stunning location on the seafront at Eastbourne. The site has outstanding facilities including sports centre, swimming pool, outstanding sports coaching and purpose built nursery and pre-prep. At 13 most children move on to Bede’s Senior School, eight miles away and set in 100 acres of rolling Sussex countryside.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over three quarters of pupils achieve their first choice of university places. Other pupils go on to music, drama and dance colleges. A considerable number move on to art college.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Beautiful 100-acre Sussex campus. Exceptional coaching and sports facilities including swimming pool, squash courts, fitness centre, cricket pavilion and water-based astro. Outstanding art department. State-of-the-art boarding facilities. Over 40 drama and musical performances each year. Staff student ratio of 1:7. In the top 100 of schools nationally for value added at A-level.

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Christ’s Hospital

ADDRESS: Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ WEBSITE: www.christs-hospital.org.uk FOUNDED: 1552 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 445 boys, 445 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding per term £11,480; day per term £5,930–£7,470.

Bursaries and scholarships available.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Simon Reid RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, all faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview at 11, 13 and 16.

CONTACT: 01403 246555 EMAIL: hello@christs-hospital.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings are held each term and personal tours can be arranged by contacting the school, 01403 246555.

THE CURRICULUM: The academic curriculum offers a mix of GCSEs, A-levels, IB and Pre-U qualifications. We are unashamedly academic – with 98% of pupils moving on each year to the leading universities in this country and abroad.

However, we know that many key lessons are learnt beyond the classroom and Christ’s Hospital’s broader curriculum opportunities are remarkable.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Art, music, drama and sport are all strong and an integral part of school life. Pupils are given the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of activities. These can be enjoyed and played at all levels, from representing the school locally, nationally and internationally, to enjoying a game with friends. Pupils are encouraged to have a go and try new things unearthing new talents, hobbies and interests.

PASTORAL CARE: Strong pastoral care, dedicated and attentive staff.

Boarders and day pupils feel safe, secure and well looked after within the school’s established house system.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Ninety-eight per cent of pupils each year go to university. On average 10 per cent go to Oxford or Cambridge. Sixth-form pupils benefit from small classes, highly qualified staff who are passionate about their subjects, weekly lectures given by visiting specialist speakers, an extensive range of subjects, a choice of exams at sixth-form plus individual guidance and support through UCAS the university entry system.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Christ’s Hospital offers something very distinctive by providing an independent education of the strongest quality to children with academic potential, from every corner of society in a compassionate and sympathetic environment. Pupils’ fees are assessed according to family income. Therefore, it is a child’s ability and potential to benefit from a Christ’s Hospital education that determines their selection.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTIC: By providing first class, free or supported education to talented young people Christ’s Hospital continues to transform lives in a way that no other educational establishment in the UK can match.

Copthorne Prep

ADDRESS: Effingham Lane, Copthorne, West Sussex RH10 3HR WEBSITE: www.copthorneprep.co.uk FOUNDED: 1902 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 350 boys and girls AGES: 2-13 FEES: Pre-Prep - £2,965 - £3,100; Prep - £4,100 - £5,160; Weekly Boarding - £5,855; Full Boarding - £7,995; Flexi-Boarding offered HEAD TEACHER: Mr Chris Jones RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Age appropriate assessments and report from the head of the pupil’s current school.

CONTACT: Kathryn Billingham-West, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@copthorneprep.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: October, February, May open mornings. Personal visits all year round by appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: The curriculum includes the traditional core academic subjects as well as French, Spanish and Latin, study skills, chess, forest schools, home economics, DT, art, PE/swimming and games.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school is very proud of its reputation as one of the leading sporty schools in Sussex and we compete competitively against some much larger schools with success. Art is a very strong department, with a purpose built room and many scholarships obtained to senior schools. Music and drama are also very strong departments with 70% of children learning a musical instrument and regular drama performances for all age groups.

PASTORAL CARE: Our belief is that a happy child is one who can achieve everything they are capable of achieving, whether that be academic, sporting or artistic. In the most recent ISI Inspection, pastoral care was judged to be outstanding and it is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 39 scholarships in the last two years, representing 65% of our Year 8 cohort; to schools such as Worth, Ardingly, Hurst, Brighton College, Whitgift, Reigate Grammar, Christs Hospital, Caterham, Roedean and Lingfield College.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Copthorne aims to develop children’s confidence, provide opportunity and help them realise their potential, so each and every child is encouraged to ‘be the very best they can be’. As Headmaster it is my responsibility, and my privilege, to ensure that every Copthorne pupil and parent gets the very best experiences and takes away the best memories from our school.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Friendly, family feel with a childcentred education. Early drop-off and late collection are available for 48 weeks a year from age 2. Energy and enthusiasm is everywhere. All this activity creates a strong sense of togetherness, youthful camaraderie and a deep-seated respect for themselves and everything around them. We escort our weekly boarders to and from London on Friday and Sunday evenings.

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Cottesmore School

Downsend School

ADDRESS: Pease Pottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU WEBSITE: www.cottesmoreschool.com FOUNDED: 1894 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 175 AGES: 4-13 FEES: Prep. Boarding: £9095; Day Boarding: £5991. Pre-prep: £3199-£4267.

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Rogerson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview with head, previous term’s report and English and maths assessment if necessary CONTACT: Lottie Rogerson EMAIL: rogersonc@cottesmoreschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings: 29 September 2018, 24 November 2018 & 2 March 2019; 10am until 12pm.

ADDRESS: 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead Surrey KT22 8TJ WEBSITE: www.downsend.co.uk FOUNDED: 1891 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 743 (313 Pre-Preps). 419 boys, 324 girls AGES: 2-13 yrs (GCSE’s to 16 from 2020) FEES: £1,030 - £5,145 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Ian Thorpe RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective entry into Pre-Prep.

Entrance assessments for Year 3 upwards. Open Days and taster days.

CONTACT: Sarah Concanon, Admissions Registrar EMAIL: admissions@downsend.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Prep School 6 October, 16 November, 8 March and 11 May. Pre-Prep Open Week 1-5 October, Open Morning 16 November, 8 March and 11 May. Private tours are available at all times.

THE CURRICULUM: Cottesmore achieves excellent academic results. The strength of Cottesmore’s academic programme lies within its breadth. There are 21 different curriculum subject taught. Through this rich variety of intellectual experience, each girl and boy finds her or his particular strength and this in turn lifts their all-round potential.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Cottesmorians are equally likely to be found on the stage, the games field or in the art and design studios. A dizzying array of activities and hobbies give each individual pupil confidence, making strong academic results more achievable.

PASTORAL CARE: Every new boy or girl is given a ‘shadow’ or buddy who looks after him or her when they first arrive. Every pupil is matched with, and becomes, a Peer Mentor or ‘listening ear’. Each pupil has a ‘Form Tutor’ (daily logistics), a ‘Pastoral Tutor’ (well-being), a Matron (domestic) and a House Master/ Mistress. Every adult at Cottesmore contributes to the well-being of every child.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Eton, Downe House, Harrow, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, Winchester, Benenden, Wellington, Cheltenham Ladies’, Marlborough, St Edwards and other top schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Everyone has a talent. Whatever creative or academic outlet makes a child tick, Cottesmore finds and nurtures it. Endeavour and fun are the most important elements of intellectual life at Cottesmore. Success follows this explosion of discovery and purposefulness.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Cottesmore is an academic boarding prep school for boys and girls in West Sussex, less than an hour from London. They provide a train service to London Victoria Station, which is popular with London ‘S.W.’ families. Cottesmore has been preparing children for major public schools since 1894 and continues to provide excellent preparation for senior boarding schools who share Cottesmore’s belief in nurturing a rounded, dynamic individual.

THE CURRICULUM: Children enjoy interactive lessons and are introduced to a varied and specialised curriculum from Year 2 and experience working with specialist teachers in games, music, food technology and textiles. From Year 6 children are taught by subject specialists. Academic focus is geared towards preparation for Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Excellent facilities including cricket, football and rugby pitches; tennis and netball courts, astroturf pitch for hockey, swimming pool and a sports hall and pavilion. Music Suite for orchestras, choirs, jazz & rock bands. Drama room, termly production.

PASTORAL CARE: Each child in Years 2 & 3 has a form teacher who takes them for the majority of their timetabled day. From Year 4, children are set for the core academic lessons. From Year 6, each pupil has a tutor and their relationship is pivotal to a child’s success.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 217 scholarships since 2014 to schools including Boxhill, CLFS, Dunottar, Epsom College, Reigate Grammar, St John’s and Whitgift.

PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Approximately 20 per cent secure places at Oxbridge each year.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Downsend is an established, academic preparatory school which is dynamic and contemporary. We provide each child with a broad education, through experiencing a vibrant school life that extends beyond the classroom, and provides outstanding academic development. We encourage our pupils to become well-rounded individuals in a modern society.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Pupils are encouraged to become confident, articulate and happy individuals. We have an impressive record of success at 11+ and 13+ examinations; first-rate facilities; a large range of extracurriculars and extended day care as well as a holiday care programme outside normal term time, offering 50-week care to the children of working parents.

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Cumnor House Sussex

ADDRESS: Danehill, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7HT WEBSITE: www.cumnor.co.uk FOUNDED: 1931 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 382 AGES: 2–13 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Christian Heinrich FEES: Yrs 5-8: £6,510; Yr 4: £5,750; Yr 3: £4,995; Yr 2: £3,950; Yr 1: £3,495; Reception: £2,995; Nursery fees available on request.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, all faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Tour with headmaster followed by Taster Day. Reports requested from current school.

CONTACT: Cecilia Desmond, registrar. Tel: 01825 792 006 EMAIL: registrar@cumnor.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 21 September 2018 or pre-arranged visit.

Dover College

ADDRESS: Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent CT17 9RH WEBSITE: www.dovercollege.org.uk FOUNDED: 1871 AGES: 3 – 18 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 297 FEES: Termly Day Fees £2,575-£5,350; Full Boarding £8,250-£10,500.

Weekly boarding is also available.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Gareth Doodes RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Alison Wilson, Director of Admissions 01304 244522 EMAIL: admissions@dovercollege.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment through the admissions team

THE CURRICULUM: A broad-based academic and extra-curricular programme results in a fine record of scholarships at 13+ to leading schools countrywide.

Aim High, Dare to be Different at the heart of the school’s teaching ethos.

THE CURRICULUM: Diverse, flexible and a large range of subjects at all levels. Creativity and thinking differently are at the heart of our offer.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Outstanding sporting facilities including all-weather surface and two swimming pools. Boys’ rugby, football, hockey & cricket.

Girls’ hockey, netball and cricket. Mixed swimming and athletics. Strong art, drama, dance, music, DT and ICT departments with concerts and performances scheduled all-year round.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Performing arts in drama and music are extensively offered outside the curriculum. The games and sport provision is excellent, offering a very wide choice from team to individual sports.

PASTORAL CARE: Children’s wellbeing and happiness are at the core of the school’s ethos with tutor systems and pupil pastoral care committees in place for day and boarding children. We teach the Mindfulness in Schools Paws b programme and always look for ways to evolve pastoral care in line with the times our children live in. We are the first UK school to introduce iSpace Wellbeing – a wellbeing curriculum programme for PSHE, addressing children’s physical, social and mental health.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 27 scholarships in 2018, 32 scholarships in 2017, 33 in 2016 – academic, art, DT, drama, equestrian, music, sport, all-rounder, leadership.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We seek to educate children in the fullest sense – expecting them to aim for the highest standards possible in everything they undertake. We are privileged, through our excellent facilities, to offer a wealth of opportunity that allows each child to discover their individual gifts and talents. Childhood should be as happy and unhurried as possible.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • The school motto – Aim High, Be Kind, Dare to be Different – encourages us to seek the best in and for each child.

• Friendships ‘for life’ are formed within a nurturing, family environment.

• Teachers are adept at tapping into each child’s talents.

• Our 65-acre site in the Ashdown Forest boasts outstanding facilities.

• We feed into over 20 of the country’s leading senior schools.

• Just 45 minutes by train to London Victoria & London Bridge.

PASTORAL CARE: Excellent. Our house system has a family feel and our environment ensures no one is lost. Pupils are treated with exceptional care and attention. This is a real strength in the school.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: All pupils who apply gain places at the full range of Universities HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: From the Junior to the Senior school, we take pride in encouraging our pupils to think differently, to be ambitious, to develop confidence, to find their passions, and be cared for in an environment that nurtures, supports and focuses on the individual.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Exceptional AI care for each pupil in all aspects of their development • EAL and IN provision is available of the highest order • Pupils are encouraged to think differently • A huge range of academic subjects are offered • A large extra-curricular offer is available • Pupils are confident but not arrogant

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Cranleigh Preparatory School

Cranleigh School

ADDRESS: Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH WEBSITE: www.cranprep.org FOUNDED: 1913 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 350 AGES: Girls and Boys 7-13 FEES: Boarding: £24,225 annually, Day: (Years 5 to 8) £20,085 annually, Day: (Years 3&4) £15,480 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: Head of Admissions EMAIL: admissions@cranprep.org SCHOOL VISITS: Parents are welcome to visit throughout term.

Open Mornings 6 October and 27 February.

ADDRESS: Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ WEBSITE: www.cranleigh.org FOUNDED: 1865 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 boys, 220 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding: £36,615 annually. Day: £29,985 annually.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Martin Reader MA (Oxon), MPhil, MBA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England; welcomes pupils of all faiths, and none.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: To learn about the admissions process for both 13+ and 16+ entry, please contact our admissions team directly.

CONTACT: 01483 276377 EMAIL: admissions@cranleigh.org SCHOOL VISITS: Cranleigh welcomes visits from prospective parents and pupils. Small group meetings take place on Saturdays throughout the year, and individual visits and tours may be arranged in addition.

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: 40 scholarships in 2018, 169 scholarships over the last four years to some of the country’s best schools, including Brighton College, Cranleigh, Charterhouse, Eton, KCS Wimbledon, Marlborough, RGS Guildford, Tonbridge, Wellington and Winchester.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We focus on enabling each child to fulfil their intellectual potential, whilst encouraging them to find real enjoyment, and to seek success from their participation, at whatever level, in the many artistic, cultural and sporting opportunities which the school promotes. We believe that children should grow up with an understanding of the importance of personal responsibility, respect for other people and how to work as part of a team.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Set in 40 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, less than 50 minutes from London.

– Outstanding academic results.

– First class sports and music facilities.

– An exceptional art department.

– Unique pastoral care in a wonderfully relaxed, happy and inspirational environment.

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 six large studios providing 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/Housemistresses, Matrons and personal tutors who closely follow their tutees’ progress, Deputy Heads and Chaplain all play a key part in the pupils’ pastoral care.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: 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.

PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Oxbridge is a focus for many of Cranleigh’s pupils, with impressive results year on year.

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. The school believes feeling valued within various spheres impacts positively on grades, and results in confident, open-minded individuals who leave with lifelong friends.

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Dunottar School

ADDRESS: High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL WEBSITE: www.dunottarschool.com FOUNDED: 1926 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 315 AGES: 11–18 FEES: £5,345 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Tottman RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England (welcomes all faiths or none) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment and interview CONTACT: Mrs Sue Edwards, Head of Admissions EMAIL: admissions@dunottarschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings are held each term (see the website for forthcoming dates) and visitors are welcome for private tours throughout the year.

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 lacrosse for girls and cricket, swimming and athletics for all. The arts flourish with choirs and ensembles, dramatic productions and excellent creative facilities.

Ewell Castle School

ADDRESS: Church Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 2AW WEBSITE: www.ewellcastle.co.uk FOUNDED: 1926 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 570 boys and girls AGES: 3–18 FEES: Nursery and Reception £2,884 Pre Prep (Years 1 & 2) £3,375 Prep (Years 3-6) £3,814 Seniors (Years 7-13) £5,564 HEAD TEACHER: Peter Harris MSc, BSc, PGCE, NPQH ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Senior School – interview with the principal, scholarship exams if relevant, taster days and assessments. Sixth Form – interview with the principal and GCSE grades.

CONTACT: Mrs T Wilkins, admissions registrar, Tel 020 8394 3576 EMAIL: admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: See website for open event dates.

THE CURRICULUM: “The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is good. Pupils show good knowledge skills and understanding across the range of subjects and are skilful communicators.” (ISI May 2018).

GAMES & THE ARTS: An extensive extra-curricular programme including music, drama, sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a Performing Arts Academy and numerous UK and overseas trips as well as the EC Sports Academy, which includes separate tennis and cricket academies for top sporting pupils.

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, at each stage of school life, has the confidence to contribute and succeed.

PASTORAL CARE: “The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. Pupils display excellent self-confidence and resilience and a commitment to improve their learning and performance in readiness for the next stage in their lives.” (ISI May 2018). The benefit of being a small school is that each pupil is known and valued within a caring, stimulating and disciplined environment.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Tailored support ensures success in UK and international institutions.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, art, design technology, drama, music and sport scholarships.

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.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The vision of our school is to nurture and inspire our pupils to achieve, within a happy, family friendly atmosphere.

‘The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it’. Michelangelo

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Dunottar School combines the convenience of a town centre location, just outside Reigate, with the atmosphere of a countryside setting. The stunning Palladian mansion is set in 15 acres and the excellent facilities include a swimming pool and sports hall.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Located in beautiful grounds in Ewell village, North Surrey, half an hour from London. Ewell Castle School provides a small and caring co-educational environment for children 3-18. The happy, family friendly nature of the school benefits all pupils. Pupils are articulate and show self confidence. Enrichment opportunities broaden horizons and the majority gain places at their first choice of university.

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Highfield and Brookham Schools

TAKE A LOOK AT

OUR WEBSITE

ADDRESS: Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ WEBSITE: www.highfieldschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1907 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 249 boys, 217 girls AGES: 3–13 FEES: Brookham Pre-Prep £3,700-£5,000 per term, Highfield Prep (Day) £6,325-£7,175 per term, (Boarding) £7,950-£8,750 per term HEAD TEACHERS: Mr Phillip Evitt, Highfield School; Mrs Sophie Baber, Brookham School RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Nursery and reception non-selective, assessed entry for later years subject to space.

CONTACT: Caroline Lukic, Admissions Registrar, 01428 728000 EMAIL: headspa@highfieldschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days in Feb, May and Sept, or call to arrange.

THE CURRICULUM: Broad, stimulating and highly creative. Strong emphasis on cross-curricular and outdoor learning, including Forest School, provides for all styles of learner. We aim to develop enthusiastic, enquiring, rounded and adaptable independent thinkers who will recognise that learning is both a joy and lifelong.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport, drama, music, design technology and art all enjoy generous provision in the timetable, providing every pupil with the opportunity to explore and develop their talents and interests.

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PASTORAL CARE: At the heart of our schools is the awareness that personal happiness and well-being is the right of every child and essential for personal and intellectual development and growth.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Highfield has a flawless track record for securing every child’s place at their first choice senior school; Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse, Wellington, Wycombe Abbey, Marlborough, Canford, Sherborne Girls, King’s Canterbury to name a few.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester, Wellington, Marlborough, Charterhouse, Canford, Bryanston, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne, Bedales.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Schools must be places of joy, wonder, enchantment and delight where learning is a pleasure; stimulating, challenging and exciting. Above all childhood and school should be secure and fun.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Charming country Prep and Pre Prep Boarding and Day Schools set in sumptuous 175-acre grounds on the Hampshire/Surrey/Sussex borders. The Schools enjoy an outstanding reputation for innovation, creativity, pastoral care and academic success. Enviable facilities include extensive sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, music school and art school.

For the best in education

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King Edward’s Witley

ADDRESS: Witley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG WEBSITE: www.kesw.org FOUNDED: 1553 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 420 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Lower School Boarding £10,270, Day £5,120. Forms 3–5 Boarding £10,270, Day £6,400. (Pre) Sixth Form Boarding £10,665, Day £6,820.

HEAD TEACHER: John Attwater MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admission at 11, 13 and 16 via entrance examination and interview.

CONTACT: Justin Benson, Director of Admissions, 01428 686735 EMAIL: admissions@kesw.org SCHOOL VISITS: Prospective pupils are welcome at Open Mornings or individual visits. Please arrange visits through the Admissions Office.

THE CURRICULUM: We offer (I)GCSE qualifications and a one-year Pre Sixth Form course. In the sixth form we offer the IB, alongside a new A-Level programme. In 2018, an impressive 73 per cent of subjects taken in the exam were graded at the equivalent to A-level A*-B. GAMES & THE ARTS: With first class sports facilities, our approach is very much ‘Sport for All’. First class sport, music and the arts are key to our cocurricular programme. We excel in football for both boys and girls.

PASTORAL CARE: High quality pastoral care is central to everything we do. All pupils are attached to boarding houses under the care of a trained housemaster or housemistress and at least three resident staff, including a matron. Additionally, every pupil has a tutor who looks after their academic welfare and co-curricular programme and deals quickly with any concerns.

Food is excellent and prepared on-site. There is a well-equipped Medical Centre which is staffed 24 hours a day.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: The vast majority of pupils proceed to Universities including Oxbridge.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A good education is a foundation for life. At King Edward’s this means an exciting and challenging curriculum, a broad range of sporting, artistic, social and cultural opportunities and an environment specifically created to instigate the values of independent learning, responsibility for others and the enjoyment of challenge.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: –Achieved ‘excellent’ in all nine categories (ISI Inspection, December 2015).

– In 2018, 73 per cent of IB students gained A*–B A-level equivalent.

– IB or A-level courses in sixth form – 97 per cent of GCSE grades at A*–C across all subjects – Weekly and occasional boarding and a flexible day – Easy rail links – 51 minutes from London Waterloo

Manor House School, Bookham

ADDRESS: Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4EN WEBSITE: www.manorhouseschool.org FOUNDED: 1920 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 292 AGES: 4-16 FEES: Fees per term start at £3,085 (Reception) to £5,801 (Seniors) HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Tracey Fantham BA (Hons) MA NPQH RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian but all faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Seniors for Year 7 2019 entry – By Manor House School’s own Entrance Examinations on Friday 11 January 2019.

Remaining year groups – By successful completion of a Taster and Assessment Day held in the child’s current year group supported by a school reference.

CONTACT: Mrs Jane Baynes, Admissions Officer, on 01372 457077 EMAIL: admissions@manorhouseschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits and tours of the school are welcomed.

Plus there are three open mornings per year. Autumn Term: Saturday 6 October 2018 at 10am. Spring Term: Wednesday 6 February 2019 at 9.30am. Summer Term: Tuesday 9 May 2019 at 9.30am.

THE CURRICULUM: Manor House pupils follow a wide curriculum generally taking 9-10 GCSEs supported by a strong co-curricular enrichment programme.

Pupils are encouraged to partake fully in school life and develop their individual talents in Art, Drama, Music and Sport.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The Elizabeth Green Hall provides an indoor sports /large assembly/performance hall for music/drama productions. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool, five floodlit tennis and netball courts, hockey and rounders pitches, athletics track and purpose-built Art/Textiles studio with dedicated Drama and Music rooms.

PASTORAL CARE: Three school houses underpin the pastoral provision and there are various inter-house competitions including ‘House Arts’ and various sporting galas. Class sizes and form groups are smaller (maximum 20) allowing staff to know all the girls individually.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: In almost all cases, Manor House girls gain places at their first choice of sixth form or university destination.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: My belief is that inspirational schools transform lives and, at Manor House, we aim to ensure that all pupils achieve and experience more than they ever thought was possible. Our objective is to develop happy young women who love coming to school and who have confidence in their abilities to learn and succeed yet, when the time is right, are eager to enter the real world to apply the skills and knowledge that they have learned.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Girls here learn together at their own pace, develop confidence to take risks, choose any field of study without stereotypical influence, grow in emotional intelligence and show compassion for others while honing life and leadership skills for the future.

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Discover the individual behind the uniform

O p en Da y

Saturday 6 October 2018 10.00am – 12.30pm #DiscoverTheRGS DiscoverTheRGS www.rgs-guildford.co.uk

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King’s Rochester

ADDRESS: Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1TE WEBSITE: www.kings-rochester.co.uk FOUNDED: 604 AD NUMBER OF PUPILS: 640 AGES: 3–18. Boarding available from 11.

FEES: From £10,155 - £19,320 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Mr Jeremy Walker RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective, means tested CONTACT: Mrs Sue Webb - Registrar 01634 888590 EMAIL: admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 29 September 2018 & 11 May 2019. 11+ Information Morning - 11 March 2019.

THE CURRICULUM: A wide choice of languages, arts, humanities and science subjects are complemented with an extensive co-curricular programme to provide a strong base for GCSE and A-level options.

GAMES & THE ARTS: All pupils are part of a games team and are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities. Our athletes benefit from our extensive sports facilities. An RSC Associate School we have a strong reputation for exceptional drama productions.

PASTORAL CARE: The school is privileged to use Rochester Cathedral as its school chapel and an active chaplaincy works across the School supporting the whole community. The boarding houses offer a family orientated environment, while small forms allow for individualised support. Our outstanding Pastoral Care includes a comprehensive network of teachers, pastoral staff, housemistresses the Chaplain and the Principal.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Many pupils achieve their first choice university including Oxford, St Andrews and Durham.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our pupils go on to top universities and conservatoires although it is their strong personal characteristics and sense of values which will make the greatest difference in life. We offer an all-round education, with academic, artistic, musical and sporting excellence all achieved within a caring pastoral atmosphere. King’s is a community that enables individuals to flourish.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The sense of community at King’s is strengthened by a strong rapport between pupils, staff and parents. Our heritage of being the second oldest school in the world, founded in 604AD and our beautiful setting in the heart of historic Rochester inspires our traditional values.

Parkside School

ADDRESS: The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3PX WEBSITE: www.parkside-school.co.uk FOUNDED: 1879

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 305

AGES: 2-13 years, 2-4 years co-ed, 4-13 years boys FEES: £432 - £5,150 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Beach RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: All faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance assessment and assessment day CONTACT: Mrs Louise Andrews, Registrar 01932 862 749 EMAIL: office@parkside-school.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: By prior appointment or open morning. Next Open Morning Friday 28 September.

THE CURRICULUM: Parkside aims to provide a stimulating environment to ensure pupils thrive in their academic development throughout and beyond their school life. We seek to expand our pupils’ aspirations and their intellectual curiosity and interest in new ideas.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Music, drama and art are an integral part of the curriculum and offer boys a variety of opportunities to demonstrate individual talents and interests. Sport is an important aspect of school life at the school and our aim is to help each boy achieve his maximum sporting potential.

PASTORAL CARE: At the core of Parkside’s pastoral care is the development of individual self-esteem and confidence alongside a sound moral code. As a school, we feel it is our responsibility to encourage boys to become young men who are civilised, tolerant and compassionate.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Many boys have been awarded academic scholarships to Reed’s School, St John’s, Lancing College and Box Hill School.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Parkside provides an education that allows the boys to make the most of their abilities, interests and talents and progress onto senior schools as confident and independent individuals, with a joy of learning. We seek to develop children academically, socially and physically, while drawing out their capacity for compassion, generosity and understanding.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Set in over 45 acres of beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Cobham the school provides a stimulating environment in which boys can learn, grow and develop. At Parkside we believe that children learn best when they are happy, active and challenged. We are uniquely geared to being able to accept children at a variety of ages and deliver them effectively to a range of senior schools, confident and well-prepared for their future.

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Royal Grammar School, Guildford

Sevenoaks School

ADDRESS: High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB WEBSITE: www.rgs-guildford.co.uk FOUNDED: 1509 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 950 boys AGES: 11–18 FEES: £6,095 per term (plus £285 per term for lunches). A number of means-tested bursaries are available.

HEAD TEACHER: Dr Jon Cox RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admissions at 11, 13 and 16 – via exam and interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Kathryn Sweet, Admissions Registrar, 01483 880600 EMAIL: admissions@rgsg.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day on the first Saturday in October, but the school welcomes group or, on occasion, individual visits during term-time.

ADDRESS: High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU WEBSITE: www.sevenoaksschool.org FOUNDED: 1432 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,080 fully co-ed AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £7,485-£8,499 per term; boarding £11,955-£12,969 per term HEAD TEACHER: Dr Katy Ricks DPhil RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Interdenominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Admissions at 11, 13 and 16 via exam and interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Arabella Stuart, director of admissions, 01732 467703 EMAIL: regist@sevenoaksschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning 15 September 9.30am - 12.30pm.

THE CURRICULUM: Our diverse and flexible curriculum caters to our students who are naturally engaged, motivated and curious. The boys consistently achieve outstanding results at IGCSE, GCSE and A-level; however, the school nurtures habits and attitudes which will allow them not only to flourish at university but also to face a challenging, fast-changing world with confidence.

THE CURRICULUM: Sevenoaks aims to ensure that all pupils fulfil their academic potential. Pupils take GCSEs and IGCSEs in Year 11, and for some subjects take the Sevenoaks School Certificate. The sixth-form all study the International Baccalaureate, a rigorous two year course designed to provide a broad, balanced education, recognised as a qualification for university entry in the UK and overseas.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school has a strong reputation, excellent facilities and recognises achievement at all levels. Boys regularly gain sporting honours at both a national and international level; music, art and drama all flourish.

PASTORAL CARE: Respect and tolerance are at the heart of the school’s philosophy. The outstanding pastoral care enables the boys to thrive in an environment in which they feel safe, valued and able to express themselves.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Comprehensive, individually tailored advice ensures that boys are successful in achieving places at their first-choice institutions to read traditional, robust degree subjects.

PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: An average of 25 per cent; there have been 345 offers in the last decade, including 30 offers for 2018.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The RGS has a national reputation for academic excellence but also prides itself on its traditional values of decency and respect, supported by very strong pastoral care. Each individual enjoys learning in an environment that allows natural potential to be realised.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Quotations from the last inspection report include: ‘The pastoral care from which pupils benefit is excellent, offering outstanding support’; ‘Self-esteem is strengthened by the school’s emphasis on valuing each pupil as an individual’; ‘Pupils achieve at an exceptionally high level and make outstanding progress’; ‘Achievements in creative, physical and performance skills are exceptional’.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils regularly achieve honours at rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, cross-country, basketball, sailing, shooting and tennis.

There is a strong emphasis on music, drama and art, and a world-class performing arts centre, The Space. Chamber music is a particular strength.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is provided by a team of tutors and divisional heads, who provide guidance and support to pupils which is in addition to the care pupils receive in the classroom.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 90 per cent of our sixth-form leavers go to their first choice university. All receive individual attention from the higher education department and general guidance from tutors.

OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Between 30 and 50 offers each year.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Each Sevenoaks student is unique; they are educated in an aspirational and encouraging environment, where all can develop and express individual talents and interests.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sevenoaks combines 600 years of heritage with a modern, forward-thinking approach. We set impressive academic standards and are proud of our lively, talented pupils and committed, highly qualified teachers. We have taught the IB since 1978, offering academic rigour and breadth – encouraging critical thinking, crosscultural understanding and co-curricular excellence.

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Sevenoaks Prep School

ADDRESS: Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0JU WEBSITE: www.theprep.org.uk FOUNDED: 1919 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 385 AGES: 2–13 FEES: Nursery and Kindergarten: From £360 per session per term; Annual fees: Reception £10,350; Years 1 and 2 £11,805; Years 3 to 8 £14,295 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Luke Harrison RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but accept all faiths ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Mrs Clare Harrison 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 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 believe that sport is for all. We enjoy excellent facilities on our 25 acre site. 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 their Golden Rules.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2018, all of our leavers were awarded places in their senior schools of choice, including some with academic, sport or 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, amongst 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 way of life - an ethos that encourages pupils to be responsible, kind and empathetic.

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Rowan Prep School

ADDRESS: Rowan Brae (2-7yrs), Gordon Rd, Claygate KT10 0PJ. Rowan Hill (7-11yrs) Fitzalan Rd, Claygate KT10 0LX WEBSITE: www.rowanprepschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1936 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 330 AGES: 2-11 FEES: Per term: £3,730 - £4,950 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Susan Clarke, BEd, NPQH RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective with entry at Nursery, Reception and Year 3. Occasional places in other year groups.

CONTACT: Mrs Drake, Registrar EMAIL: school.registrar@rowanprepschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings are held each term with showrounds at the school’s discretion. 1 November 18, 14 March & 16 May 19 – 9.30am11.30am.

THE CURRICULUM: Learning at Rowan gives all girls the chance to investigate, be challenged, take risks and be curious about the world around them. Academics are developed through experiences and adventurous learning and a specialist teaching model.

GAMES & THE ARTS: ‘Sports for All’ is our mantra and with over 95% of girls learning an instrument, taking part in choirs, musical theatre, drama and dance; Arts and Games are all inclusive. Outstanding facilities include an astro for hockey, netball and tennis courts and fields for athletics, cricket and rounders.

PASTORAL CARE: At Rowan we believe it is important that when thinking about the happiness and wellbeing of our girls, we do not concentrate on only making them simply feel good all of the time, but to think about them living well. Our aim is to develop their understanding of how to feel, think and act well so that they become well-rounded people who are empathetic, have good relationships with others and flourish in life.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Downe House, Guildford High, KGS, LEH, St Catherine’s, St John’s Leatherhead, Surbiton, SWPS and WHS HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: It is my belief that when a school balances academics, with nurture, support and opportunity to learn about yourself and from others, that you are creating an environment which will inspire and nourish every girl. We do this every day at Rowan, ensuring girls are happy, confident and enabled individuals.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: - Excellent ISI Inspection 2017 - Outstanding facilities including specialist spaces for engineering and technology, music, science, library, art and computing - 100% success at 11+ with every girls offered a school of her choice - Access to over 20 acres of woodland for adventurous, outdoor learning - A priority on developing leaders for the future with a thriving Student Council, leaders programme and house system - Hic Feliciter Laboramus – Here we work happily

St Catherine’s, Bramley

ADDRESS: Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF WEBSITE: www.stcatherines.info FOUNDED: 1885 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 900 girls (of which 260 in the prep school) FEES: Day £6,125 per term, Boarding £10,095 per term AGES: 4–18 HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Alice Phillips M.A. Cantab RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: By St Catherine’s own entrance examination at 11+ CONTACT: Registrar, 01483 899609, admissions@stcatherines.info SCHOOL VISITS: Tuesday 18th September, Friday 12th October, Thursday 15th November, Wednesday 30th January.

THE CURRICULUM: In the first three years of the senior school, girls follow a broad academic programme which allows them to experience a variety of subjects from which they then select options to study at IGCSE/ GCSE. St Catherine’s offers a wide variety of A-level subjects in the sixth-form, providing girls with a perfect platform for higher education choices. Thinking Skills and a PPPE programme, plus regular lecture slots complement the curriculum. All pupils have iPads. Girls are welcome to join our dynamic and successful school as full or weekly boarders.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The Anniversary Halls provides exceptional facilities.

These include a sports hall, fully equipped fitness suite, dance studio and indoor pool. In addition there is a large assembly/performance hall with superb acoustics for music and drama productions. Teams include lacrosse, netball, rounders, tennis, squash and gymnastics. Own dance school.

PASTORAL CARE: Six school houses underpin the pastoral provision.

Tutor groups are small, helping girls feel valued by the staff. ‘House spirit’ is strong as is a huge sense of fun and loyalty to the school and each other.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: St Catherine’s girls go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and beyond.

PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: 15 per cent on average.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Mrs Phillips believes that girls thrive best, both academically and pastorally, in a single-sex environment where happiness is the key to successful learning. St Catherine’s girls go out into the world confident that there is nothing that a woman cannot do.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The most recent ISI Report found St Catherine’s pupils’ attitudes to learning to be exemplary and that pupils enjoy a strong rapport with their teachers and peers. Teachers create an ambiance of encouragement in which learning thrives. By the time girls leave school, they are able to think critically, have high aspirations and the self-belief that there are few things they cannot achieve.

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St Edmund’s School Canterbury

ADDRESS: St Thomas Hill, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8HU WEBSITE: www.stedmunds.org.uk FOUNDED: 1749 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 259 girls, 293 boys AGES: 3–18 FEES: Nursery and Pre-Prep from £2,549, Prep day from £5,032, Prep boarding from £8,089, Senior day £6,822, Senior boarding from £10,865 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Edward O’Connor, MA (Cantab), MPhil (Oxon), MEd (Cantab) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry into school by visit, assessment and report. Scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

CONTACT: Admissions 01227 475601 EMAIL: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Whole School Open Morning 6 October 2018; individual visits by appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: A challenging and exciting curriculum throughout the school. Offers GCSE, IGCSE and A Level.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school enjoys a fine reputation for its sport, art, music and drama, an integral part of the learning experience. An exciting range of extracurricular activities keep boarders and day pupils engaged.

PASTORAL CARE: The well-being of every pupil is supported by a comprehensive system of pastoral care. The Chaplain performs a central role for the whole school. Regular communication fosters the relationships between the parents, the school and the pupils.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Pupils are given close guidance in making their choices and are successful in achieving places at their first choice university including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Durham. Pupils also go on leading institutions including London drama schools and the Royal Academy of Music.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: St Edmund’s offers all round excellence with high academic standards in a caring environment where we know our pupils well. We nurture the individual and encourage all pupils to find their strengths whether that be in academia, performing and visual arts, music, sport or beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: St Edmund’s offers an exceptional school experience where pupils are treated as individuals. One site for all pupils aged 3–18 including the Canterbury Cathedral Choristers.

Located on a beautiful site overlooking Canterbury, the school is within easy reach of the South East and London; under an hour from London on the high speed train.

Tormead School

ADDRESS: Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD WEBSITE: www.tormeadschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1905 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 730 AGES: Girls 4-18 years FEES: £2,700 - £4,500 per term (junior), £5,150 per term (senior) HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Christina Foord RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Inter/non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Academically selective CONTACT: Registrar: Melanie Hobdey EMAIL: mhobdey@tormeadschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Senior School: 12th, 20th & 25th September, 8th & 18th October 2018. Junior School: 18th September, 1st & 12th October 2018.

THE CURRICULUM: The main entry point for the Senior School is year 7 where the girls study a broad curriculum. In Years 10 and 11 the girls work towards their (I)GCSEs as well as having the opportunity to take part in new activities such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In the Sixth Form a wide variety of A-level subjects is offered with 1-2-1 Academic Tutors.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sports facilities onsite include tennis and netball courts, a well-equipped sports hall and fitness suite and a sprung floor in the purpose built gymnasium. We are in partnership with Surrey Sports Park allowing access to world class hockey & swimming facilities. We have an established reputation for excellence in Art & Design and well known for pushing the creative boundaries. Music and the Arts thrive and enjoy purpose-built facilities.

PASTORAL CARE: We are wholeheartedly committed to the wellbeing of the pupils. Our priority is that each girl leaves Tormead at ease with herself, and ready to face with confidence the opportunities and challenges of higher education and beyond.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Tormead girls go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and beyond.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are very proud of our school and its ethos of encouraging each individual pupil to develop her talents to the full in a happy, engaging and supportive environment. Our academic expectations are high and we value hugely our students’ impressive record of examination successes and university places. We are equally proud of their many other cultural and sporting achievements and of their varied contributions to the life of the wider community.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Tormead pupils have ‘high self-esteem but without a trace of arrogance or presumption.’ ISI 2017 • ‘Pupils academic and other achievements are excellent’. ISI 2017 • We have highly skilled and passionate teachers who challenge and support pupils well beyond the curriculum.

• We have embraced digital technology and are proud to have been awarded Apple Distinguished School status. Every Teacher is Apple qualified.

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Tonbridge School

ADDRESS: High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1JP WEBSITE: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk FOUNDED: 1553 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 787 boys AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding per term from £12,988; day per term from £9,743 HEAD TEACHER: James Priory RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination and interview.

Most join at age 13.

CONTACT: Admissions, 01732 304297 EMAIL: admissions@tonbridge-school.org SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcomed. Open morning: 6 October. See website for more details.

THE CURRICULUM: The pursuit of academic excellence is central. The curriculum is designed to encourage flexibility of choice at GSCE and the specialist study of four subjects in the Sixth Form.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Wide participation encouraged in range of sports: many boys go on to play at county, regional or national level. School productions, rehearsals and drama workshops take place at the school’s own EM Forster Theatre. Strong tradition of musical excellence, with first-class facilities.

PASTORAL CARE: The pastoral system is based around a strong House system, clear expectations and strong and positive relationships between boys, staff and parents. At the centre of the system are the twelve Housemasters, responsible for boys’ academic progress and well-being, who are supported by a pastoral team attached to each House. The House system is supplemented by an on-site medical centre, Chaplaincy, dedicated school counsellor and welfare group.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Vast majority to either Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group universities.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: James Priory joined Tonbridge as Headmaster in September 2018. Fully focused on young people’s all-round development, achieving high academic standards supported by strong pastoral care and an enriching co-curriculum. Also known for his passion for the creative arts, leading a city-wide arts festival during his previous headship.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • An unsurpassed education of excellence and breadth.

• Academic achievement, with superb GCSE and A-level results.

• Opportunities for all boys in sports, music, art, drama and many other activities.

• Outstanding pastoral care.

• A distinctive mixture of boarders and day boys.

• Respect for tradition and openness to innovation.

Twyford School

ADDRESS: Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1NW WEBSITE: www.twyfordschool.com FOUNDED: 1793 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 410 AGES: 3–13 FEES: Day: £1,889-£6,314 per term; Weekly boarding (from Year 4) £7,946 per term (flexi boarding options available).

HEAD TEACHER: Dr Steve Bailey RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: School’s own testing CONTACT: Emma Vincent, Admissions Secretary 01962 712269 EMAIL: registrar@twyfordschool.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Morning on October 5th 2018. Personal tours by appointment year round.

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum provides challenge and excitement. In Pre-Prep the emphasis is on the core subjects plus French, religious studies, physical education, history, PSHE, geography, ICT, music, drama, art and design. In the Prep School these subjects continue, with Latin added in Year 6.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Twyford has excellent sports facilities including an indoor swimming pool and Astroturf. Art and design takes place in light, spacious studios. The drama department holds numerous large-scale productions and offers tuition for English Speaking Board and LAMDA exams.

PASTORAL CARE: At Twyford, we provide a modern, day and flexi-boarding experience, which is tailored to the needs of the children. The boarding house provides a safe, fun, family orientated and comfortable environment for your child to develop holistically.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2018, Twyford pupils were awarded 16 scholarships by senior schools.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Twyford not only prepares pupils for senior schools, but more importantly, provides them with skills and knowledge to be fine citizens in the modern world whilst embracing traditional values.

Pupils leave enriched, both spiritually and intellectually, with an ability to think and work independently, with respect for others and the environment.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Twyford offers a first rate, broad education in beautiful surroundings where fresh air and hearty activity are cherished. A family school in the truest sense: welcoming community with many families of two or three (and more) children here.

Through an appropriate blend of tradition and modernity, we encourage our children to build their learning power and lifelong habits of tolerance, honesty, kindness, moral courage and creativity.

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Walthamstow Hall Junior School

ADDRESS: Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3LD WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 160 AGES: 3-11 FEES: Nursery £315 per session per term; Reception to Year 2 £3,925 per term; Year 3 – 6 £4,950 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Stephanie Ferro, MA (Oxon), MA (Lond) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: All girls attend a taster day where they are assessed, this includes test papers from Year 3 – Year 6.

CONTACT: Mrs Alex Knight, Registrar 01732 451 334 EMAIL: registrar@whall.school SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact Mrs Knight to arrange a visit.

THE CURRICULUM: ‘The Junior School curriculum is wide ranging and well balanced.’ ISI ‘Pupils receive a high quality education from a very committed team of staff, ISI. 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,’ The Good Schools Guide. ‘At all stages 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,’ ISI. RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: On average, 19% of leavers gain scholarships, mainly to Walthamstow Hall Senior or Sevenoaks School.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For 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 your daughter will discover that learning is an active process which enables her to get personally involved, not one which just passively happens to her. She will recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. She will not merely pass through a door, but be 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 - ‘Pupils benefit from much individual attention and assistance, both in and out of the classroom’ ISI - A ‘Creative Curriculum’, that is enquiry led and topic based, runs across the Early Years stage.

Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks

ADDRESS: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3UL WEBSITE: www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk FOUNDED: 1838 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 425 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Senior School & Sixth Form £6,690 per term HEAD TEACHER: Miss Stephanie Ferro, MA (Oxon), MA (Lond) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective entrance examinations and interview at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

CONTACT: Mrs Alex Knight, Registrar; registrar@whall.school SCHOOL VISITS: Saturday 29 September 2018 10am - 12.15pm.

Book a place 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. Girls study IGCSE, A-level and Cambridge Pre-U. GAMES & THE ARTS: All pupils are encouraged to get involved. There are many 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. Ranked as 22nd most successful independent school for sport 2017 by School Sport magazine. ‘Achievement in extra-curricular activities is excellent and varied’ ISI. 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 welldeveloped sense of right and wrong and a high degree of emotional maturity’ ISI Report.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Typically over 95% of students go to university, the majority to their first choice and and over 75% to Russell Group.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: For 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 your daughter will discover that learning is an active process which enables her to get personally involved, not one which just passively happens to her. She will recognise that learning is a consequence of thinking. She will not merely pass through a door, but be 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 CHARACTERISTIC: Inspiring teaching, wonderful facilities (new Sixth Form Centre opened Autumn 2017), the close partnerships that exist between parents, staff and girls and a shared sense of pride in our history and achievements lie at the heart of our success.

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Westbourne House

Worth School

ADDRESS: Coach Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BH WEBSITE: www.westbournehouse.org FOUNDED: 1907 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 400 AGES: 2 ½ - 13 FEES: £3480 (Reception), £5995 (Day pupil Year 5), £7315 (Weekly Boarder), £8035 (Full Boarder) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Martin Barker BA (Ed) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Ms Aline Pilcher, admissions officer, 01243 782739 EMAIL: admissions@westbournehouse.org SCHOOL VISITS: Contact admissions for private tours and chat with headmaster or visit website for group tours and family fun days.

ADDRESS: Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD

THE CURRICULUM: Designed to be holistic and stimulating, it’s an unforgettable journey of discovery: ceramics, science experiments, field trips, drama, kayaking, poetry, music. Plus our innovative English and maths programmes establish deep understanding.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We make time for ambitious drama productions, are passionate about sport and believe in musical opportunities for all. Enjoyment is key and each child enjoys a tailor-made experience. There are endless opportunities for each child to shine and excellence is cultivated.

PASTORAL CARE: There is a strong sense of family and community here.

Children have a comprehensive network of support including the head teachers, teachers, form tutors, pastoral staff and house parents. Our sector-leading wellbeing programme includes lessons and practical experience in leadership, learning for life (wellbeing strategies), friends (peer mentoring) and mindfulness.

Charity work, cultural opportunities and trips are also part of the curriculum.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Pupils go on to the country’s premier schools including: Brighton College, Bryanston, Canford, Charterhouse, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Wellington, Winchester and Wycombe Abbey.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: A record 46 scholarships in 2018 for outstanding academic, music, sport, drama and all round talent. Over half of Year 8 leavers and every member of the Year 8 scholarship set received at least one award.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘We give children the best of both worlds: an idyllic childhood, with opportunities for independence and adventure in 100 acres of beautiful parkland at the foot of the South Downs, uniquely coupled with an outstanding holistic education. Our exceptional staff enable every child to become confident, resilient and achieve their best.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Westbourne House is a big school with a small school feel. Children thrive in the secure, friendly environment we offer. We hire talented teachers to give children the best chance to experience the joy of learning. Our pupils are known for becoming great all-rounders with well-developed characters.

WEBSITE: www.worthschool.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1933

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 600

AGES: 11–18

FEES: £5,320 - £11,230 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Stuart McPherson RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Broadly selective. Online tests, activity/ interview day plus scholarship assessments.

CONTACT: Mrs Lucy Garrard, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@worth.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open days, taster days and individual private visits. Upcoming open days: 15 September 2018, 6 October 2018, 3 November 2018, 2 February 2019, 16 March 2019 THE CURRICULUM: A broad liberal curriculum to inspire a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. A-level or IB available in the Sixth Form, pre-IB also offered.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Pupils achieve top honours, including Olympic medals. Staff coaches have also played at the highest level professionally.

The school is known for excellence in music, such as its Abbey Choir and for drama/musicals with at least three productions each year.

PASTORAL CARE: Every pupil belongs to a house under the leadership of a housemaster or housemistress who has overall responsibility for pastoral care. Every pupil also has a tutor with whom they meet regularly, formally and informally, to review progress and to address issues raised through the extensive SMSC programme. Each house also has a chaplain, and every boarding house has a matron and assistant matron who provide further invaluable pastoral support.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Leading UK and international universities, including Oxbridge, Brown and NYU. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Worth is a place where we seek to uncover and ignite children’s passions and talents. The path a life takes often begins at school, and this is why we do not just provide education, we offer learning with heart and soul, and this gives Worth a difference that sets us apart.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Caring community based on the Benedictine tradition – Stunning 500-acre location in the Sussex countryside – Academically ambitious with IB and A-level offered in the Sixth Form – Huge range of extra-curricular activities – Outstanding reputation for music, art and drama – Growing reputation for top-level sports

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d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford

ADDRESS: 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PL WEBSITE: www.doverbroecks.com FOUNDED: 1977 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Years 7-11: 190, Sixth Form: 330 FEES: Years 7-11 (day students only) tuition £5,910 per term; Sixth Form tuition £7,950 per term; Boarding £3,000 to £4,950 per term (weekly boarding option available).

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Emma-Kate Henry RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Years 7-9: Assessment, reference, interview. Sixth Form: predicted GCSE grades, reference, interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Lynne Berry, Senior Registrar, 020 7591 2631 EMAIL: lynne.berry@doverbroecks.com SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits by appointment. Next Open Morning: 6 October 2018. Sixth Form Open Evening: 13 November 2018.

THE CURRICULUM: In the Sixth Form there is an outstanding range of A level subject choices in any combination, plus enrichment. Specialist programmes for Oxbridge/Medicine/ Law, etc.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Busy sports and activities programme across the school with very strong arts, drama and music departments. New facilities in sixth form including drama and music studios. Brand new Sixth Form building (and boarding) including art, photography, drama and music studios.

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 high level of mutual respect. Small tutor groups in Lower School. In Sixth Form each student has a Director of Studies who meets with them individually to discuss progress.

Parents kept very well informed. Parent/student satisfaction is exceptional.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: d’Overbroeck’s is built on personal relationships, a lack of stuffiness and a strong conviction that every individual lies at the heart of the school. Students are creative, think for themselves and relish stretching the boundaries of their knowledge and do very well academically. A school of energy, laughter and achievement.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusive, collaborative approach with strong focus on learning being enjoyable as well as successful. Students’ views are valued and listened to; teaching is interactive and motivating in small classes. Students gain confidence in expressing themselves more effectively, in questioning, being independent thinkers, debating and feeling happy in themselves. Large direct entry at Sixth Form (day and boarding). Outstanding value added, Top 1% in country for progress at A level. 63% A*/A at A level last year. Superb new sixth form, and boarding facilities.

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The Beacon School

ADDRESS: Chesham Bois, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 5PF WEBSITE: www.beaconschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1933 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 530 AGES: 4-13 FEES: £3,950 - £5,750 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr William T Phelps MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Informal assessment for Reception – Year 2. Year 3 onwards, verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests.

CONTACT: Mrs J Baines, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@beaconschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: 6 October and thereafter by appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: The Beacon has been at the forefront of the development of the Prep School Baccalaureate. The focus is on traditional academics blended with innovation and creativity from Early Years to Year 8.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Enriching physical education curriculum focusing on a number of sports and activities designed to encourage physical development and progress. Strong, award-winning performing and creative arts programme with high music and drama participation across age groups, including stage lighting and sound.

PASTORAL CARE: Well-being is one of the key values of Beacon life. Dedicated School Counsellor available for all and regular parental communication encouraged.

Small class sizes promote family ethos within sections of the school and Early Years pupils have their own building and adventure playground to encourage family atmosphere. Emphasis is on building resilience and encouraging the adventurous spirit within a safe and supportive community.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, music and sporting scholarships to Radley, Wellington, Marlborough and others.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Qualifications alone do not distinguish outstanding young men. It is not individual activities, but the way in which we weave them together. We call this ‘modern fluencies’. We develop ‘fluencies’ in every Beacon boy. Pupils leave us with the strength and determination to translate their ideas into reality.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Modern music and performing arts facilities, including 2 theatres • Range of sports and activities on offer for all abilities • Scholarships’ programme for boys keen on additional academic rigour • Emphasis on well-being for all pupils, parents and staff • Innovative academic programme designed to encourage inquiring minds • Brand new dining facilities and top-class menus on offer to encourage global culinary adventures

Cothill House

ADDRESS: Cothill, Near Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6JL WEBSITE: www.cothill.net FOUNDED: 1870 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 8–13 FEES: £9,500 HEAD TEACHER: Duncan Bailey RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England, all faiths welcome ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: School tour and informal interview with the Headmaster. Assessment in January for September admission, but can be arranged throughout the year.

CONTACT: Jane Woodcock EMAIL: jane@cothill.net SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day - visit at any time, contact us to arrange a convenient day for you.

THE CURRICULUM: Pupils are prepared for Common Entrance or scholarships at 13+. Cothill has a tradition of innovation in academic study: the boys spend a term at the school’s very own château in France, while General Studies gives the boys a broader perspective on current affairs, philosophy and life skills.

GAMES & THE ARTS: A wide range of sports including the traditional ones are played five times a week. A broad variety of creative lessons in art, design and woodwork as well as many thespian pursuits.

All Music is strong, particularly the choir, and Cothill boasts an enthusiastic following of rock music.

PASTORAL CARE: With all boys boarding at Cothill, we are committed to ensuring each boy thrives, feels secure and safe, whilst learning to respect and live with others. Above all, happiness and fun are at the heart of the boys’ efforts to make the very best of their time at Cothill. Each boy has a form tutor who encourages and assists the boys in all aspects of their school life.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Winchester College (Election), Shrewsbury (Alington Scholarship), Harrow (Academic), Sherborne (Academic), Radley (Academic), Oundle (Academic) and Marlborough (Academic).

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Cothill is certainly a school where boys can be boys. There is tremendous breadth to a Cothill education; the full boarding experience nurtures so many different qualities in the boys, including teamwork, good manners and generosity of spirit.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The full boarding nature of the school creates a bonded and enthusiastic team of boys and staff.

Boys have a really varied diet of academic lessons and extra curricular opportunities. One of the highlights of their time at Cothill is the term the boys spend at Chateau de Sauveterre where they gain confidence and independence and of course very good French!

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The Dragon School

ADDRESS: Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6SS FOUNDED: 1877 WEBSITE: www.dragonschool.org NUMBER OF PUPILS: 824 AGES: 4 – 13 HEAD TEACHER: Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn FEES: Prep Boarding £10,205; Prep Day £7,045; Pre-Prep (Yr 3) £5,252; Pre-Prep (Yrs 1-2) £4,573; Pre-Prep (Reception) £3,996 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview and age appropriate assessment.

Entry points are Pre-Prep: Reception to Year 3, and Prep: Years 4 to 8.

Boarding starts from Year 4.

CONTACT: Dr Kate Heath EMAIL: admissions@dragonschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: For Prep visits, please ring the admissions office on 01865 315405; for Pre-Prep, contact the school administrator on 01865 315541, or write to the Registrar, Dr Kate Heath. We hold open mornings throughout the year: www.dragonschool.org/admissions THE CURRICULUM: Teaching is tailored to the needs of each pupil and their learning styles and motivations. Teachers aim to inspire, motivate and challenge and help children take ownership of their own learning.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The Dragon supports children’s development, coordination, movement and performance through sport and exercise. Children observe, explore and learn through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics in Art, and to experiment with a range of materials and electronics in Design Technology. There are 20 sports on offer, including sculling, fencing, girls’ and boys’ football, golf, cricket and judo.

PASTORAL CARE: The Dragon strives to create a happy, secure and stimulating learning environment in which all members of the school community can grow and develop as individuals. The Dragon is a Family Links School and follows the Nurturing Programme which is a way of educating children and adults which enhances self- awareness, personal empowerment, self-esteem and empathy.

The Deputy Head of Social and Emotional Learning supports this whole-school approach which extends beyond the classroom to all staff, children and parents.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Eton, Rugby, Harrow, Marlborough College, St Edward’s, Radley, Oundle, Winchester, Wellington, Wycombe Abbey, Cheltenham Ladies College, Stowe School and Bradfield College.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At the Dragon, new talents are uncovered and ambitions nurtured; friendships are forged and challenges embraced. Every child is valued and every achievement celebrated. A strong scaffold for academic excellence is provided by our cutting edge curriculum and outstanding teaching, equipping our pupils for smooth transition to their senior schools and beyond. We promote kindness and tolerance, we encourage a sense of service to others and responsibility, and we teach children to respect and nurture their own wellbeing.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The 2014 ISI inspection rated the Dragon as outstanding; and teaching and learning as ‘exceptional’. The School ethos hinges on a dynamic balance of relaxed unpretentiousness and academic discipline.

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Elstree School

Greene’s Tutorial College

ADDRESS: Woolhampton, Berkshire. RG7 5TD WEBSITE: www.elstreeschool.org.uk FOUNDED: 1848 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 200 AGES: 7-13. Nursery & Pre-Prep 3-7 FEES: Day £5,900–£7,000; boarding £7,340–£9,100. Home Farm (Nursery & Pre-Prep) £1,179–£3,850.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Sid Inglis, BA (Hons), P.G.C.E. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England: All faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Tour of the school, registration followed by a successful taster day. We also ask to see a child’s latest reports.

CONTACT: Mrs Tish Gauci, registrar - Tel: 0118 971 3302 EMAIL: registrar@elstreeschoolorg.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning 13 October, we also welcome individual visits during term-time.

ADDRESS: 45 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP WEBSITE: www.greenes.org.uk FOUNDED: 1967 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 60+ AGES: 16+ FEES: From £21,780 per annum (three A level subjects).

Bespoke programmes available on request.

HEAD TEACHER: Carmen V Prozzillo RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Greene’s is non-selective, although we require an initial academic consultation, with diagnostic and assessment tests.

CONTACT: Angela Purvis, College Registrar; registrar@greenes.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: The college is open every weekday between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. Visitors are very welcome by appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: A first-class, progressive education in preparation for Common Entrance/Scholarship to the first-choice senior school. We have an excellent track record of boys gaining places and scholarships at leading public schools.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is an integral part of life at Elstree; every child receives daily sport coaching and has the opportunity to represent the school. With 4 choirs, orchestras, ensembles, 90 per cent of boys learn an instrument – music is thriving at Elstree.

THE CURRICULUM: Individual or very small group tuition allows for a flexible and directed curriculum for every student. An interactive leadership programme strengthens students’ academic, study and interpersonal skills.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Greene’s offers wide access to city and university

clubs and societies, including membership of the famous Oxford Union.

Careers-related and topical seminars are given by eminent speakers. Greene’s central location offers easy access to world-class museums and galleries.

PASTORAL CARE: Elstree School prides itself on the individual care that each child receives. Our dedicated staff play an essential role in supporting the pastoral programme which is a fundamental part of life in and out of the classroom. Each child’s academic and personal progress is monitored, attesting to our belief that personal growth and academic development derive from a happy, caring environment where children are encouraged and feel valued.

PASTORAL CARE: In its recent inspection, ISI rated pastoral support as ‘excellent’. Indeed ‘excellent’ was the rating in every category of the report. Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor, in addition to academic tutors. The Personal Tutors supervise and advise on academic study, personal development and guide and support students towards clearly identified career or academic goals. We are a small college, where students are regularly in contact with fully-trained staff.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Abingdon, Bradfield, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley Sherborne, Stowe, Uppingham, Winchester, Wellington.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: 90% of students attend their first choice of university.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Abingdon, Bradfield, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley, Sherborne, Stowe and Wellington.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our focus is each individual. We strive to provide independence and skills required for 21st century students, whether for specific careers or general employability. We develop individual talents; whether going to university or directly into training, we endeavour to give confidence and self-reliance leading to career success and personal fulfilment.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Elstree we are academically ambitious and provide a first class all-round education. Our boys go on to the top public schools and we are immensely proud of the strong Common Entrance and Scholarship record. The emphasis is on building confidence, developing talent and maximising potential.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: In Elstree’s magnificent 150 acre setting, academic achievement is balanced with the chance to be involved in a wide variety of activities. We embed the important values of hard work, kindness and taking opportunities. Our family friendly boarding develops life skills that will serve boys well in public school and beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Greene’s shapes programmes for every individual; • Academic progress closely monitored by individual Personal Tutors; • Students tutored by some of the world’s best educators, who challenge, stretch and encourage; • Very small groups and individual tuition to allow individually-paced progress; • A relaxed, friendly environment with academic rigour and sense of purpose.

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Horris Hill

ADDRESS: Horris Hill, Newtown, Newbury RG20 9DJ WEBSITE: www.horrishill.com FOUNDED: 1888 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 120 boys, 100 boarders, 20 day AGES: 7–13 FEES: Full Boarding £9,150. Transition Boarding £7,950 (4 nights per week) Day £5,600 HEAD TEACHER: Mr G F Tollit RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Familiarisation visit CONTACT: Lisa Lee-Smith EMAIL: registrar@horrishill.com SCHOOL VISITS: Family open mornings once a term and private visits.

THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding academic reputation. All the main academic subjects are taught to a very high standard. The boys are taught to think, have opinions and interact in lessons.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We offer a wide variety of sports and extra-curricular activities, so that every boy has the opportunity to develop interests away from the classroom. The main sports are Rugby, Football, Cricket, Hockey and Tennis. We also have an outstanding Music School, our own golf course, train and modelling room, swimming pool, squash court and cross country course.

For boys with green fingers, we have our very own Kitchen Garden. We also offer Lamda for budding performers, Judo, Sailing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Mandarin and a hugely successful Chess Club.

PASTORAL CARE: A huge strength at Horris Hill. Dedicated staff, most of whom are resident, care about the boys and have high expectations of them. The tutor system is the cornerstone and ensures that boys are used to talking 1:1 with adults.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Winchester, Eton, Sherborne, Marlborough, Harrow and Radley.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The gold standard in all boys’ preparatory education. We believe that the period from 7 - 13 years of age are the most critical in any boys’ life. These are the years where the foundations of the men they can become are laid. At a crucial stage in their cultural development, we believe that an all-boys’ school provides the optimal setting where boys will exercise their intellectual inquisitiveness, free to explore all avenues, building self-confidence and awareness in a safe and encouraging environment. High expectations of each boy both inside and outside of the classroom. First rate staff dedicated to boarding.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: No humbug was one of the beliefs of the founder. Horris Hill is intentionally small and unique. Every boy is treated and developed as an individual. Excellent staff give their expertise, experience and time to ensure that the boys develop into confident young men (not arrogant) who are appreciated by the senior schools they move on to. Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record.

Lambrook School

ADDRESS: Lambrook School, Winkfield Row, Nr Ascot, Berks RG42 6LU WEBSITE: www.lambrookschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1860 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 540 AGES: 3–13 FEES: Nursery (full time) £3,750; Pre Prep £4,104; Prep (day) £6,056–£6,579; Prep (weekly boarding) £7,366–£7,888 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Jonathan Perry BA Hons PGCE (Cantab) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal meeting at Nursery and Pre Prep. Formal assessment day for prospective Prep entry.

CONTACT: Penny Cardwell, Registrar EMAIL: registrar@lambrookschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Personal tours by appointment. Biannual Open Days in May and September.

THE CURRICULUM: The making of many an erudite adult is through their childhood love of learning. At Lambrook we seek to inspire a genuine intellectual curiosity in our children and build their capability as independent learners. Our children consistently achieve a 100% CE pass rate and numerous scholarships to top senior schools.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Children of all abilities enjoy outstanding success in a variety of sports and activities. On-site facilities include 52 acres of grounds, a golf course, swimming pool and AstroTurf pitches. Our performing arts are first rate and produce West End stars, renowned choristers and National Youth Orchestra musicians.

PASTORAL CARE: We consider the health and happiness of the pupils at Lambrook to be of paramount importance. At each level of the school, arrangements are made to ensure that the needs of the children are fully addressed in an appropriate way. A strong team spirit is encouraged by teaching and boarding staff, as we work towards making the pupils’ experience happy and fulfilling as they move through the school.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Many scholarships offered in Art, Music, Sport and Academic. Pupils go on to top Senior Schools such as Eton, Bradfield, Wellington, Downe House, St George’s Ascot and Charterhouse.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘Whilst opportunities abound at Lambrook, we recognise the vital role we also play in raising happy children.

They have one opportunity for the education that will form the basis of their lives, and at the same time one childhood: our aim is to keep a happy balance between the two and to develop their “feathers to fly” ready for their senior school and life beyond.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Extensive grounds of over 52 acres – Day school with both weekly and flexi boarding available – Sports facilities inspire players from county to international level – Performing Arts Centre and brand new Art, Design, and IT Facilities – Opportunities to make a difference through charity work and conservation

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Ludgrove School

ADDRESS: Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB WEBSITE: www.ludgrove.net FOUNDED: 1892 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 190 all boys AGES: 8-13 FEES: £9,150 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mr Simon Barber RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England predominantly ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective in Year 4, assessment thereafter CONTACT: Registrar, Jossie Austen 0118 978 9881 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 and many sports, making the most of exceptional facilities including extensive playing fields, a 350 seat theatre, an Astroturf, 20m indoor swimming pool, and well equipped art block.

PASTORAL CARE: We have an outstanding 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 music exhibition, Harrow academic scholarship, Radley sports and academic exhibitions.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are unashamedly ambitious for every boy and are proud of our strong academic record, but 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% leaving to Eton, Harrow, Radley and Winchester.

– 100 per cent full boarding with fortnightly exeats – Set in 130 acres of spectacular grounds, but just 45 minutes from London – Exceptional pastoral care – Delicious food cooked on-site using fresh local ingredients

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Papplewick

Queen Anne’s School, Caversham

ADDRESS: Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH WEBSITE: www.papplewick.org.uk FOUNDED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 216 boys AGES: 6–13 FEES: Boarding £9,915. Day: Year 2 £5,485. Years 3 and 4 £7,185.

Years 5 and 6 £7,615. Forces bursary available.

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: Sarah Tysoe, 01344 621488 EMAIL: registrar@papplewick.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Termly Open Mornings - see website for details.

Next Open Morning Saturday 3rd November 9am finishing 11am.

ADDRESS: Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DX WEBSITE: www.qas.org.uk FOUNDED: 1874 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 460 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £8,045 per term; Flexi-boarding £10,690 - £11,270 per term; Full boarding £11,860 per term HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Julia Harrington RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Assessment day & Common Entrance CONTACT: Registrar, Mrs Rachel Wright EMAIL: admissions@qas.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: All welcome at open mornings (15 Sept & 16 Nov 2018) or individual appointments with the headmistress are available.

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. Covered swimming pool. Art and drama flourish. Cathedral standard choir. 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.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Charterhouse, Stowe, Shrewsbury, Oratory.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Papplewick maintains its high academic record gaining no less than 21 scholarships to top independent schools in the last two years, including 2 King’s Scholarships to Eton.

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: 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.

THE CURRICULUM: Academic teaching is structured to allow each girl’s needs to be met so they can thrive and achieve. The broad curriculum encourages them to engage with their subjects and develop a passion for learning.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school is renowned for academic success alongside a rich programme of extra-curricular opportunities and excellence in the arts, drama, music and sport. Our major sports are athletics, lacrosse, netball, rowing, swimming and tennis with many of our girls going on to represent their county and country.

PASTORAL CARE: QThe excellent reputation the school has for pastoral care is wide-spread. We believe girls perform best when they are happy and secure, and we have effective pastoral systems in place to ensure this. We see pastoral care and academic development as interwoven; one cannot flourish without the other. The school environment fostered allows girls to find their own path and flourish as individuals. The girls enjoy success whilst having fun and build strong relationships where they are in a happy and caring school environment.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Fantastic A-level results lead the girls on to top UK and overseas universities.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are proud to say that there is no such thing as a ‘Queen Anne’s girl’! Here at Queen Anne’s School you will find a strong community of real girls. Girls who are individuals. Girls who are curious, thoughtful and eager to learn and grow, whilst being energetic, driven and exuberant about life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • • The school’s 35-acre campus combines traditional and contemporary architecture to provide cutting-edge facilities • Boasts a TES award-winning, cutting-edge Sixth Form Centre • New music centre state-of-the-art which opened in June 2018 • Fast rail links, only 26 minutes to London Paddington • ISI Inspection 2017 rated ‘EXCELLENT’.

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St Edward’s School, Oxford

ADDRESS: Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN WEBSITE: www.stedwardsoxford.org FOUNDED: 1863 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 695 AGES: 13-18 FEES: Boarding: £12,615; Day £10,095 (per term) HEAD TEACHER: Stephen Jones RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Academic entry exams, Common Entrance or St Edward’s own exam. Interview and school reports.

CONTACT: Nicola Jones, Registrar EMAIL: registrar@stedwardsoxford.org SCHOOL VISITS: Most Saturdays during terms. Main Open Days: May for 13+ and September for Sixth Form THE CURRICULUM: The School’s academic ethos maintains several key principles: that anything is possible, and that pupils can and must engage fully in their own learning, and the learning of their peers.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The professionally-run North Wall Arts Centre together with the new Ogston Music School, combine to complete St Edward’s own cultural quarter in north Oxford. Teddies consistently punch above their weight in major sports against numerically larger schools.

PASTORAL CARE: There are many different levels of support available in School: each Housemaster or Housemistress is supported by an Assistant HM, Resident Tutor and a Day Matron; Tutors are responsible for both the academic and pastoral life of the pupil; three Counsellors; our Chaplain; Sixth Formers are trained to offer a Peer Listening service; whilst the Health Centre offers 24-hour cover.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 80% go to the best universities on offer.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Based on the twin pillars of academic excellence on one side and a great range of wider opportunities on the other, our aim is to make St Edward’s a school which equips pupils to face the uncertainties of life with intelligence, integrity, resilience, moral courage, and a sense of service.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • A green and spacious 100-acre campus at the heart of the vibrant university city of Oxford.

• A new Hall and university-style Academic Centre offering social learning spaces, a Library designed for collaborative working and Reading Room.

• Art and Design are exceptional at St Edward’s, with an ethos more in keeping with a dedicated arts college.

• The outstanding facilities in the new Ogston Music School allow our musicians to fulfil their potential in whatever field they choose.

• Former pupils include Kenneth Grahame, Sir Laurence Olivier, WWII heroes Guy Gibson and Douglas Bader, aviation pioneer and engineer Geoffrey de Havilland, leading actors Emilia Clarke, Florence Pugh, Pippa Bennett-Warner, presenter Jon Snow and composer George Fenton.

St Margaret’s Preparatory School

ADDRESS: Gosfield Hall Park, Gosfield, Halstead, Essex CO9 1SE WEBSITE: www.stmargaretsprep.com FOUNDED: 1946 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 214 AGES: 2-11 FEES: £3,946 (Years 3-6), £3,285 (Years 1 & 2), £3,150 (Reception) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Callum Douglas RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: A broadly Christian ethos ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective – Taster Day required following registration CONTACT: Registrar - Mrs Julie Last, 01787 472134 EMAIL: julie.last@stmargaretsprep.com SCHOOL VISITS: Every day is an Open Day – to arrange your visit please call the Registrar THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is exciting and challenging! Our children think hard, love learning and work together. From core subjects to Latin, art, music, sport and forest school everyone is inspired!

GAMES & THE ARTS: We introduce children to great literature, drama, visual and creative arts and music with specialist peripatetic teachers.

In sport, outdoor games include Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics and Cross-Country, plus indoor activities and a wide variety of clubs.

PASTORAL CARE: Our vision is to provide a secure and happy environment in which every child is helped to fulfil their potential, to emerge with maturity, confidence and a sense of independence.

We want… every child to love coming to school and to love learning.

We want… all children to feel secure and cared for.

We believe… in teaching the whole child and finding exciting ways to enhance their learning experience RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 25 pupils gained 22 scholarships, awards and 11+ places in 2018!

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are a family, with traditional caring family values. Our dedicated team help every child to flourish, and so they are happy, thriving and full of life with a great love of learning. They are our greatest achievement and we are so proud to be a part of their lives.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Outstanding Early Years Provision from 2 years of age • Small classes for tailored learning • Specialist teaching; Music, ICT, Sport & Foreign languages • Daily wrap around care from 8.00am • Set in 7 acres of peaceful, listed parkland • Excellent educational outcomes at 11+comes

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Winchester House

ADDRESS: Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 7AZ FOUNDED: 1876 WEBSITE: www.winchester-house.org NUMBER OF PUPILS: 296 AGES: 3 – 13 HEAD TEACHER: Emma Goldsmith FEES: Day: £6,410. Boarding: £8,110 (both per term) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective CONTACT: Jessica Baker, Registrar, 01280 702483 EMAIL: jessica.baker@winchester-house.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings twice a term (Friday and Saturday) and Nursery ‘Come & Play’. Private tours with the Head.

THE CURRICULUM: We strive to give each child a thirst for life-long learning through a stimulating and innovative curriculum which pursues excellence. We lay the foundation stones from which the children can grow.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Extensive sports pitches, full size Astro and outdoor pool.

Sports for All Policy - regularly put out over 10 boys’ and 10 girls’ teams every week. 2/3rd of children learning a musical instrument. Termly drama productions.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care of the individual child lies at the centre of all we do with the safety, happiness and wellbeing of every child at the heart of the School’s community. Tutors are responsible for the well-being of their tutees and meet with them several times a day. Our Well-Being Mentor is someone that children can visit to talk about feelings and share any worries and our ‘Circle of Support’ provides a network that supports the children.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Range of scholarships across all disciplines to Oundle, Radley, Marlborough, Millfield, Cheltenham, Rugby HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: The aim of Winchester House is to develop life-long learners with a spirit of resourcefulness and self-reliance within a warm and purposeful community. We create opportunities for them to develop their self-esteem to ensure that they are resilient, enabling them to tackle and overcome any obstacle they face.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • A non-selective school developing confident, inquisitive children • Recently launched 2020 vision including no Saturday School, Mastery Mornings and Sporting Saturdays • New transport route to and from London • Academically ambitious with over 17 scholarships to top public schools Strong pastoral care with our ‘Circle of Support’ and dedicated Well-Being Mentor • Flexible and weekly boarding • A network of local minibus routes

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All Hallows Prep School

ADDRESS: Cranmore Hall, East Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4SF WEBSITE: www.allhallowsschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1938 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 265 AGES: 3–13 FEES: Nursery £49 per day. Day £2,650 to £5,135 per term. Boarding £6,800 to £7,785 per term.

HEAD TEACHER: Dr Trevor Richards CPsychol RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian in the Roman Catholic tradition welcoming pupils from all faiths and none.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective, subject to satisfactory taster days.

CONTACT: Mrs Jackie Truelove, admissions@allhalllowsschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings termly. Personal visits also welcome – please contact the admissions office.

THE CURRICULUM: Younger children enjoy an exciting, hands-on, thematicbased curriculum including Forest School in our extensive onsite woodland. Older children work towards 13+ CE or scholarship and finish with a post-exam programme second to none, ensuring they are truly prepared for senior school.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Opportunities for creative design, art, music, drama and sport are outstanding as demonstrated by the children’s success at Year 8. In sport, we hope to instil in all our pupils a love of taking exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

PASTORAL CARE: First and foremost, we set out to ensure that our pupils are happy, healthy and well supported to meet the numerous and varied challenges that their childhood will throw at them. Whilst we cannot predict the future, we support each child according to their individual need. The main school house provides a home-from-home for the boarders who enjoy an action-packed programme of evening and weekend activities with their friends.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2018, 65% of Year 8 pupils gained a scholarship or award to their senior school. These included Academic (11), Sport (20), Creative Design and Art (7), Music (4) and All Round (4).

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At All Hallows we believe we are doing something very distinctive and as a result, our pupils are achieving superb outcomes. Ensuring our children’s happiness and well-being is at the heart of everything we do and we believe every child has a contribution to make to our community.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Set in an idyllic setting in rural Somerset, All Hallows is within easy reach of Bath, Frome and Bruton. Being truly independent, we prepare pupils for senior schools across the South West and further afield. All children in recent years have gained entry to their school of choice.

Badminton School

ADDRESS: Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA WEBSITE: www.badmintonschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1858 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approximately 460 AGES: 3–18 years FEES: Day fees per term: £3,250 – £5,475. Boarding fees per term: £7,280 - £12,525. Nursery sessional fees: £27 per session.

HEAD TEACHER: Mrs Rebecca Tear, BSc, MA, PGCE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Girls take entrance exams, sit an online adaptive test and are interviewed by a senior member of staff.

CONTACT: Harriet Barnes, Admissions Manager: 0117 905 5271 SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcome. Whole School open mornings: Saturday 6th October 2018 & Monday 6th May 2019. Contact admissions to book your place and for further information or book online.

THE CURRICULUM: The emphasis at Badminton is on a holistic education, not narrowly academic, and both the curriculum and the timetable are constructed to create a balance between academic achievement, personal development, life skills and other enterprising activity.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The outstanding Creative Arts Centre provides girls with the inspiration and facilities to excel in the various mediums of art. Music is a large part of the School life with countless opportunities to perform and develop.

Sports and wellbeing is an important part of the School day. There are excellent facilities on site and wide ranging activities from sporting performance pathways through to community and relaxation events.

PASTORAL CARE: The size of the campus and community at Badminton gives a homely and vibrant feel to the School. This, coupled with excellent pastoral care, leaves no scope for anonymity, but rather lends itself to strong mutually supportive relationships between girls as well as between girls and staff. At Badminton, we wish every girl to feel happy and confident about her school life. We work to ensure a well ordered and supportive environment where we ask the girls to take responsibility for themselves and others. This gives them opportunities to face challenge and build resilience.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Badminton, our focus continues to be on nurturing the girls’ 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 in the School and the holistic approach to education.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: While Badminton retains a nationally outstanding academic record, the community gives girls a chance to develop an understanding of the viewpoints of others and to think about contributing to the world around them. Girls leave Badminton ready to face the changing and challenging wider world and, when they do, they take with them a strong network of lifelong friends developed through a wealth of shared experiences.

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Blundell’s School

ADDRESS: Blundell’s Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DN WEBSITE: www.blundells.org FOUNDED: 1604 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 345 boys, 253 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Day £4,710-£7,470; Boarding: flexi £5,450-£8,170; weekly £7,190-£10,220; full £8,020-£11,735 per term. Scholarships available.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Bart Wielenga B Ed. Natal RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Common entrance or Blundell’s Entrance Test, scholarship exams, interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Tracy Frankpitt, 01884 252543, t.frankpitt@blundells.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open morning Saturday 15 September. Please contact the school to reserve your place or to arrange a visit on another day.

THE CURRICULUM: The school combines a strong tradition of academic ambition with an innovative emphasis on the moral, spiritual and cultural development of pupils. A broad, challenging and stimulating range of subjects is offered, supported by a rich programme of extra-curricular activities, lectures, conferences and visits.

Bryanston School

ADDRESS: Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PX WEBSITE: www.bryanston.co.uk FOUNDED: 1928 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 366 boys, 307 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding £12,728 per term; day £10,437 per term.

HEAD TEACHER: Ms Sarah Thomas (BA) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but other faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: At 13, assessments and interviews (full details at www.bryanston.co.uk/admissions). At 16, entrance tests and interview.

CONTACT: Anne Megdiche, Admissions Registrar, 01258 484500 EMAIL: admissions@bryanston.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Small group visits most weeks during term time.

To arrange a visit please contact the admissions office.

THE CURRICULUM: Bryanston prides itself on the breadth and flexibility of its curriculum. Each pupil’s timetable is individually tailored to include one-to-one periods. Strong tutoring and state-of-the-art online assessment encourage pupils to develop independent learning while supporting progress at every stage. In the sixth form we offer A levels and the IB.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Excellent facilities and reputation for sport (especially rugby, cricket,hockey and fives) and the creative arts, with purpose-built theatre and music school providing a focus for cultural activities.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Bryanston is renowned for the variety and sheer quality of its creative life. Creativity is encouraged in all pupils. We offer opportunity and choice that aims to help pupils form an affectionate connection with Sport. Many pupils excel at sports they may never previously have considered.

PASTORAL CARE: Each individual pupil is known and cared for throughout their time at school. All pupils (day and boarders) are included in the life of the boarding houses, a system which promotes pastoral welfare, happiness and fosters a strong spirit of achievement and sense of community.

PASTORAL CARE: Every pupil has a one-to-one conversation with their tutor every week, which encompasses both the academic and the pastoral. There is an extensive network of support and a house system which avoids tribalism and encourages lifelong friendships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Blundell’s supports and guides young people to achieve their very best in whatever sphere they choose.

We provide ‘roots’ for security, based on friendship, respect for others and personal values and ‘wings’ to succeed in the challenging world beyond school, based on self-confidence and a sense of excitement.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Blundellians have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and there is a fantastic community spirit within the school. Blundell’s provides a rounded education in which pupils learn to be flexible, articulate and independent, capable of motivating themselves and others.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: One-to-one support from tutors and subject specialists ensures that pupils apply to courses best suited to their individual strengths and aspirations, at a range of universities including Oxbridge and the Russell Group, prestigious art foundation courses, as well as universities overseas. Nearly all pupils are placed in their first-choice institution.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bryanston values creativity, independence of thinking and individual achievements. We delight in the variety of our pupils, and we will always pursue and celebrate excellence, in whatever form it takes.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Every school will tell you it cares about the individual. Where Bryanston differs in practice is the time it allocates for pupils’ one-to-one contact with teachers. This support makes a significant impact academically, socially and pastorally. We send pupils onto the next stage of their education who are comfortable in adult company, and who know how to work successfully and independently.

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Canford School

ADDRESS: Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD WEBSITE: www.canford.com FOUNDED: 1923 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 375 boys, 265 girls AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding per term £12,140; day per term £9,241 HEAD TEACHER: Ben Vessey MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: At 13+, pre-assessment leading to Common Entrance, scholarship or our own entry tests in Year 8. At 16+, scholarship or our own entry tests in the autumn of Year 11.

CONTACT: Mike Owen, registrar, 01202 847207, admissions@canford.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Day 6 October 2018. Personal visits also welcome – please contact the admissions office.

THE CURRICULUM: The academic curriculum offers GCSEs, IGCSEs, A-levels and Pre-U qualifications. Canford is proud of its reputation for academic rigour and high achievement. Canford was among the top 25 co-ed boarding schools for A*/A A Level results in recent years (www.best-schools.co.uk) and has been Runner up Public School of the Year twice in the past three years (Tatler).

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport should be for all, and at Canford it is.

Sports scholars receive additional specialist coaching, with regular England and GB representation. Art, music and drama thrive and are integral to school life, with co-curricular opportunities as well as academic choices. The school’s extensive Community Service programme promotes social responsibility, teamwork, resilience and leadership.

PASTORAL CARE: 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.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Over 95 per cent of our upper sixth pupils move on to university with 80 per cent to Russell Group/Top 12 universities plus US Ivy League scholarships and 100 medical school places in the past 11 years PERCENTAGE OF OXBRIDGE CANDIDATES: Around 30 per cent of the upper sixth apply each year. A strong record of success with 111 offers in the past decade.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We are ambitious for our pupils and strive to ensure they recognise the coherence across and connections between their learning in all contexts. A key to our success is creating an expectation of personal achievement and ensuring the support is there to fulfil this.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Canford has a culture which encourages participation and hard work. Examination results lead the way in the region. It is an environment where pupils can truly flourish. Recent national recognition: ‘Best for School Setting’ by The Week; a top 100 cricket school according to The Cricketer; ‘Runner up - Public School of the Year’ by Tatler.

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Hazlegrove

ADDRESS: Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JA WEBSITE: www.hazlegrove.co.uk OPENED: 1947 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 187 boys, 177 girls AGES: 2½–13 FEES: Pre-prep £2,928; Prep Day £4,654–£5,937; Prep Boarding £6,886–£8,787 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark White MA (Hons) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal interview and assessment.

CONTACT: Miss Ali Rogers, Admissions, 01963 442606 EMAIL: admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days 6 and 12 October 2018 11am–1pm.

Visitors always welcome during term time by appointment.

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 SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Numerous, including our own senior school King’s Bruton, Bryanston, Canford, Downside, Marlborough, Millfield, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne and Winchester.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: An impressive 99 scholarships and awards have been gained to 27 different schools over the last three years – these included 20 academic, 30 sport, 15 music and 12 all-rounder scholarships and awards.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We delight in children being children and are committed to actively celebrating childhood and protecting those in our care whilst fully preparing them for that very moment when they leave the School at the age of thirteen.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Good Schools’ guide writes; “Try as we might, we could not find anything to fault about this super oneoff 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.

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Port Regis

Pinewood School

ADDRESS: Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA WEBSITE: www.portregis.com FOUNDED: 1881 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 310 (co-ed) AGES: 2–13 FEES: Pre-Prep £2,990; Prep £5,200–£6,450 (Day), £8,950 (Boarding) HEAD TEACHER: Mr Stephen Ilett MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Informal interview and assessment.

CONTACT: Mrs Lally Holme, Registrar, 01747 857914 EMAIL: admissions@portregis.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings are held every term or personal tours are available upon request.

ADDRESS: Bourton, Shrivenham, Wiltshire SN6 8HZ WEBSITE: www.pinewoodschool.co.uk FOUNDED: 1875 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 403 (217 Boys, 186 Girls) AGES: 3–13 FEES: Pre-prep and nursery (full days) - £2,930-£3,100; Prep School - £5,230 - £5,965; Boarding Supplement - £1,455 HEAD TEACHER: Philip Hoyland B Ed (Exeter) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Early registration is recommended CONTACT: Emily Miller, Registrar: 01793 782554 EMAIL: emilymiller@pinewoodschool.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please telephone the school office and speak to the Registrar, Emily Miller.

THE CURRICULUM: Our broad academic curriculum is second to none, enabling pupils to to meet the challenges of pre-testing, Common Entrance and scholarship examinations. It is also designed to instil a love of learning and inquisitive, independent thinking.

THE CURRICULUM: We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that gives our children the necessary skills and knowledge to gain entry into their chosen senior schools at 13+. Pinewood is leading the way in a change of CE curriculum, with the support of senior schools. We seek to enrich the learning experience for our pupils beyond the usual confines of the National Curriculum and the prescriptive Common Entrance, and importantly, to promote in our children a curiosity and love of learning.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The school has an excellent reputation for sport at both team and individual levels. Music, art, design, drama and technology are also very strong and we benefit from outstanding facilities. Dozens more hobbies, clubs and after school activities are also offered.

PASTORAL CARE: Every child matters at Port Regis and we take the responsibility of caring for all our pupils extremely seriously. We work tirelessly to ensure a nurturing atmosphere in which each child feels secure and happy.

Boarding, in all forms, thrives at Port Regis and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

SENIOR EXIT SCHOOLS: Pupils go on to the country’s premier schools including: Bryanston, Canford, Charterhouse, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Wellington, Winchester and Wycombe Abbey.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Twenty-two scholarships won this year to Marlborough, Bryanston, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, Downside, St Edward’s Oxford, Oundle, Roedean and King’s Bruton.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our aim is to provide an outstanding education which will set your child up for life. We also strive to equip pupils with the qualities of character and the confidence which will see them through the next stage of their education and beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Superb education and teaching by experienced and highly qualified, specialist staff, as well as excellent pastoral care.

• Proven track record of CE and Scholarship success.

• Exceptional academic, sporting and musical facilities.

• Pupils go on to a wide range of local and national schools.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Facilities include a dedicated music school, theatre, art and CDT studios, as well as an astro pitch and a brand new sports hall. 75 per cent of children take up a musical instrument or participate in our many choirs and bands. The games programme is full, competitive and varied; sport is coached most afternoons. We strive to make sure all children play in a team regularly.

PASTORAL CARE: The school is spilt into four sections (pre-prep, lower, middle and upper schools, each with a head). Each form has a tutor and there is a head of boarding who, alongside the headmaster, his wife and a boarding team look after the 130 boarding children in the evenings.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To release the children’s potential by developing character, curiosity, learning and skills through a variety of opportunities within the academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic arenas, as well as through our wide-ranging activity and adventure programmes.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The Pinewood co-educational philosophy, country location, flexible approach to boarding, size and high levels of pastoral care all combine to create an environment that allows children to enjoy a happy, secure and fulfilled childhood.

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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS

Sandroyd School

ADDRESS: Rushmore Park, Tollard Royal, near Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5QD WEBSITE: www.sandroyd.org FOUNDED: 1888 AGES: 2–13 NUMBER OF PUPILS: Prep 115 boys, 85 girls; Pre-prep 27 boys, 28 girls FEES: Prep: Day Year 3 £5,020; Boarding Year 3 £6,470; Day Years 4-6 £6,750; Boarding Years 4-8 £8,180. Pre-prep £2,820 HEAD TEACHER: Alastair Speers BSc (Hons), Med. PGCE Cambridge RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: An informal interview and assessment CONTACT: Mrs Dinah Rawlinson, Admissions Registrar 01725 530124, drawlinson@sandroyd.com SCHOOL VISITS: Open mornings 29 September and 17 November.

THE CURRICULUM: A bespoke curriculum designed to meet the academic demands of Scholarship and Common Entrance. Languages feature from Nursery, and all academic subjects are supported with a unique ‘Strive’ growth mind-set programme.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Well known for excellence in traditional team sports; multi-functional sports hall, riding ménage and cross-country course, 18 hole golf course, and a magnificent performing arts centre, with a new Dance room and Art Studio. Inspirational and varied music programme including, school of rock, choirs and ensemble groups.

PASTORAL CARE: ISI – ‘Excellent’. House parents run each boarding house with a team of matrons, creating a family feel. A full array of weekend activities are organised for all children. Parents praise the swift communication between home and school.

EXIT SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR: Bryanston, Clifton, Downe House, Marlborough, Oundle, Radley, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, St. Mary’s Calne, Winchester

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: Academic, Sports, Music and All Rounder Scholarships to Bryanston, Downside, Monkton, Oundle, St Mary’s Calne, Radley, Sherborne Boys. 25% of leavers gain scholarships.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: My vision for Sandroyd is to provide an exceptional education that allows each individual pupil to fulfil all aspects of their potential; academic, artistic, sporting, cultural and social.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sandroyd is a small and nurturing school that offers a well-balanced education in an exceptional location. We encourage children to strive for the very best in all they do, while allowing them to grow up at their own pace. Successfully preparing children for senior school for over 125 years.

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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS

St Mary’s Calne

ADDRESS: Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF WEBSITE: www.stmaryscalne.org FOUNDED: 1873 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 360 AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding £12,975 per term; Day £9,675 per term HEAD TEACHER: Dr Felicia Kirk BA (University of Maryland), MA (Brown University), PhD (Brown University) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Common Entrance, own entrance papers and interviews.

CONTACT: 01249 857200, admissions@stmaryscalne.org SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits throughout the term. Open days: 13 October and 10 November 2018. 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 world premieres in music, London theatre transfers and art exhibitions.

St Mary’s offers a unique course with RADA in the Sixth Form.

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 overwhelming majority of the girls gain places at their first choice university. Expert advice is given on UCAS, careers and university choices.

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 excellent facilities as well as trips, outings and over 40 extra-curricular clubs. We are the top achieving independent school in the South West (Sunday Times Schools Guide, Parent Power 2018) and 35th nationally.

Warminster School

ADDRESS: Church Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8PJ WEBSITE: www.warminsterschool.org.uk

FOUNDED: 1707

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Approx. 550

AGES: 3–18

FEES: Prep from £2,755, Senior Day £5,110, Senior Boarding £10,195 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Mark Mortimer RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Church of England but welcomes all faiths.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exams, school reports and interview with headmaster. Entry at Yr 7, 9 and Lower Sixth.

CONTACT: Fiona Beach-MacGeagh, head of admissions EMAIL: admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Please register online for open days. Private visits also welcome.

THE CURRICULUM: We offer an extensive range of subjects to enable pupils to reach their potential. The co-curricular programme is a vibrant and vital part of school life.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport at Warminster helps our pupils develop their understanding of the importance of teamwork, commitment, responsibility and leadership. Self-expression and the ability to communicate with confidence are crucial tools for life, with over 40 performances a year, our pupils have numerous opportunities to perform in music concerts, drama productions.

PASTORAL CARE: Warminster prides itself on the strength, warmth, consistency and thoroughness of its pastoral care. Every pupil, whether day or boarding, is in a small tutor group and sees his or her tutor twice daily. Their relationship is vital and the keystone of effective tutoring.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: 92% of our leavers get into their first choice university and course. Includes Russell Group and overseas universities.

We advise and focus on the needs and ambitions of each pupil.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our educational philosophy is simple. What happens outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside it. Secondly, every child is good at something and a school’s job is to help them find their interests and nurture them.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: “We believe that it is our sense of community, mutual support and happy atmosphere that set us apart. It is genuine, authentic and impossible to contrive.”

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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS

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SOUTH WEST / SCHOOLS CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

ADDRESS: Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3EP WEBSITE: www.cheltladiescollege.org FOUNDED: 1853 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 850 girls AGES: 11–18 FEES: Boarding £12,315; Day £8,270; New Sixth Form entrants boarding £13,870; New Sixth From entrants day £9,410 (all per term).

HEAD TEACHER: Ms Eve Jardine-Young MA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian by tradition – all faiths welcome.

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 11+, 12+ and 13+: CLC’s own exams. Sixth form: exams in chosen subjects for A-level or IB. CONTACT: Senior Admissions Officer, 01242 707070, admissions@cheltladiescollege.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Days: 6 October 2018, 9 March 2019 & 8 June 2019. More dates and private visits available, see the website for details.

THE CURRICULUM: Girls are taught in small classes by teachers with a deep enthusiasm for their subjects. We are committed to providing highquality teaching which develops intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning.

GAMES & THE ARTS: We support each girl in striking a successful balance between academic and co-curricular activities. Our co-curricular provision is exciting and well-resourced, presenting every girl with an opportunity to find her niche from the 160+ activities on offer, from astronomy to lacrosse, gospel choir to engineering club.

PASTORAL CARE: Cheltenham Ladies’ College is a busy place and pastoral care forms an underlying foundation, which supports every girl throughout their time here. Our academic staff, tutors, house system, chaplain and medical centre create a pastoral network to support every girl, from the reserved to the extrovert.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our dedicated Professional Guidance Centre supports girls applying for higher education both in the UK and abroad, including specialist provision for the US and Oxbridge applications. In 2017, girls took up places at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as leading US universities, including Harvard, NYU, Pennsylvania and Dartmouth.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: A 21st-century education needs to inspire, prepare and equip children to sustain a lifetime of independently sought learning, and give them the flexibility and resourcefulness to flourish in our rapidly changing world. Academic excellence forms the basis of College life, but girls also embrace the co-curricular programme, develop a global outlook and enrich the communities to which they belong.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: College was founded in 1853 with the purpose of providing girls with a thorough academic education. We remain committed to that pioneering goal and pupils from all corners of the globe benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained from over 160 years of putting girls first and pursuing educational opportunities for young women.

Girls are at the heart of all we do and we are ambitious for their futures.

Bromsgrove School

ADDRESS: Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU WEBSITE: www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk FOUNDED: 1553 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 500 (7–13), 950 (13–18), 507 Boarders FEES: Prep day: £3,880 - £5,035. Weekly board: £5,895 - £7,130.

Full board: £8,080 - £9,965. Senior day: £5,555. Weekly board: £8,240. Full board: £12,430 (all per term) HEAD TEACHER: Peter Clague, BA, MBA RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Anglican ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination and interview.

CONTACT: admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Individual visits welcomed – contact Mrs Amanda James, ajames@bromsgrove-school.co.uk THE CURRICULUM: Outstanding results at all levels including the IB Diploma, the majority of pupils go on to top UK and world universities.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Bromsgrove achieves outstanding results at both A-level and IB Diploma. There is genuinely a big variety of sport on offer and Bromsgrove is consistently ranked in the top five independent schools for sport in School Sports Magazine. The school has had teams in national finals for hockey, netball, cricket and rugby. The extracurricular life of the school is hugely important with activities sessions every afternoon and on Saturday mornings. Pupils are encouraged to reach their highest possible level at sport, music, drama, debating, CCF and in numerous other areas.

Major productions take place every year. A new performance arts centre was opened in November 2017.

PASTORAL CARE: Each house has resident Houseparents and a dedicated tutor team. There are no exeats: Bromsgrove is always open at weekends.

The school has a team of nurses who, under the control of the school doctor, provide on-site medical care in the school’s modern health centre. Pupils enjoy high-quality varied food. Prep school boarders are housed in a superb state-of-the-art facility, and weekly as well as full boarding is offered.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Bromsgrove’s scope is staggering: from A-level to the International Baccalaureate, day to boarding, the arts to sport, pupils can soar. Utterly dedicated to the individual pupil, Bromsgrove looks to produce creative citizens with a strong moral compass.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: The passion, vision and flair that have transformed Bromsgrove intellectually, culturally and on the games fields is also manifest in its latest facilities: a new home for performing arts; new residential buildings for senior and prep pupils and an immense sports arena development all show the School’s commitment to providing pupils with the very best environment in which to live and learn.

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

Concord College

ADDRESS: Acton Burnell, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7PF WEBSITE: www.concordcollegeuk.com FOUNDED: 1949 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 600 AGES: 13–18 FEES: Boarding: £39,900 p/a, Day: £14,280 p/a.

HEAD TEACHER: Mr Neil Hawkins MA (Cantab) RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective. Entrance tests or Ukiset test (for overseas applicants), school reports and interview.

CONTACT: Mrs Wendy Hartshorne, Admissions Registrar EMAIL: admissions@concordcollege.org.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Every day is an open day at Concord, please contact the admissions department to arrange.

THE CURRICULUM: Academic progress is at the heart of everyday life at Concord. GCSEs/IGCSEs and A-levels are at the centre of a challenging and demanding curriculum to give students the skills and qualifications needed for access to top universities in the UK and elsewhere.

GAMES & THE ARTS: The comprehensive Enrichment Programme offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, outdoor education, charity organisations and creative arts. Concord also offers inter-house competitions, formal and informal concerts, timetabled sports lessons, PSHE lessons, support for university applications, careers advice and department-led enrichment.

PASTORAL CARE: At Concord we aim to create a caring and supportive environment for the development of all our students. We seek to encourage independence, maturity and responsibility in every student in our care. Students are expected to behave in a way that promotes understanding and harmony. Above all, we are a community committed to high standards, hard work and mutual respect.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Concord has a strong record in enabling students to gain places on the most competitive courses at top universities. 82% of Concord’s leavers of 2017 are now attending UK Top 10 universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and UCL. HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: ‘As England’s premier international school, Concord is a place in which young people can flourish, find confidence and a sense of self-worth whilst achieving the very highest academic standards. It is a warm, calm and friendly community in which values of trust and decency are shared between staff and students.’

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: •Highly academic coeducational international college for boarding and day students.

• Welcomes students from all over the world and the local area.

• The ethos is based on looking beyond differences • Students value learning and treat each other and their teachers with respect and kindness.

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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CENTRAL SCHOOLS

Wycliffe College

ADDRESS: Bristol Road, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2AF WEBSITE: www.wycliffe.co.uk

FOUNDED: 1882

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 380 boys, 320 girls

AGES: 2–18

FEES: Day: £3,225–£6,995. Boarding: £6,875– £12,000 (per term) HEAD TEACHER: Prep: Adrian Palmer. College & Senior: Nick Gregory.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Inter–denominational

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Prep School: Interview, taster day and report. Senior School: 13+ by interview, CE or scholarship. Sixth Form: Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C. CONTACT: Prep: 01453 820471. Senior: 01453 820412 EMAIL: prep@wycliffe.co.uk, senior@wycliffe.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: By appointment.

THE CURRICULUM: Wycliffe delivers a robust traditional curriculum with exceptional support for EAL, SEND and Gifted and Talented pupils – the college has accreditation from CReSTeD and NAGC. At sixth form, there is a choice of 32 subjects at A-level including Politics, Psychology and Japanese, as well as two BTECs. The co-curricular programme includes such diverse activities as cryptology, bee-keeping and fly fishing.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Sport is first class at Wycliffe both in its breadth – from aerobics to yoga as well as the mainstream sports, and in its aim to ensure that all enjoy and take part in sport whatever their ability. Wycliffe is the top school in the UK for Squash. Art, DT, drama and music are incredibly strong as is shown through the high level of pupil achievements in these areas and the number of pupils from two to 18 years who participate.

PASTORAL CARE: Wycliffe has an exceptional pastoral team who take the time to really get to understand your child and their individual needs, strengths and desires. The ISI Inspection 2016 found that pastoral care was excellent and stated, ‘Pupils’ personal qualities are excellent and accord well with the school’s aim that they should exhibit self-belief and willingly take responsibility. Pupils are unassumingly confident, self-aware and emotionally mature.’

UNIVERSITY PLACES: Successful placement of students at top universities in the UK and overseas.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Our stated core purpose is ‘inspiring initiative, creating community, stimulating success’ and these principles drive our actions. What makes Wycliffe distinctive is that people really matter here.

Their differences and individual qualities are truly valued and respected and staff support every pupil to be the best that they can individually be.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: With a highly connected and supportive community, a pupil’s time at Wycliffe becomes part of them as they move through life. The ISI Inspection 2016 recorded, ‘By the time they leave school, pupils are very well prepared and positive about meeting the challenges of the next stage of their lives.’

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CENTRAL / NORTHERN CENTRAL SCHOOLS

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NORTHERN SCHOOLS

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EASTERN SCHOOLS SCHOOLS NORTHERN / EASTERN SCHOOLS

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

ADDRESS: Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York YO26 9SS WEBSITE: www.qe.org FOUNDED: 1912 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 1,540 AGES: 3–19 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Steven Jandrell RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview, test, previous school report.

CONTACT: Pat Jewitt – Registrar EMAIL: info@qe.org SCHOOL VISITS: Please contact us to arrange a convenient time.

THE CURRICULUM: We offer a rich variety of GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs and have achieved our best academic results to date, a ranking in the top ten schools in the UK, a record number of leavers going to the most prestigious universities.

GAMES & THE ARTS: From Year 10, students who choose to continue their study of art and design or photography can take full advantage of our personalised approach and build rich and varied portfolios for GCSE, A-level or BTEC art and design courses. Small class sizes and one-to-one support outside normal lessons enable us to nurture young talent and achieve excellent results.

PASTORAL CARE: We understand and are responsive to the need for our school to be a happy and co-operative environment, in order to meet high academic aims. Our campus provides a wonderful base on which our pupils can build a thriving and fulfilling school life RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: First term free, sport, family – sibling, free transport, drama – performing arts, sports, academic, all-rounder, art – fashion, choral – music.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: To be the best I can with the gifts I have.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: – Over £100m invested in new facilities.

– New £30m sports centre.

– Wide choice of GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs

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NORTHERN EASTERN SCHOOLS

Orwell Park School

ADDRESS: Orwell Park School, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 OER WEBSITE: www.orwellpark.co.uk

ADDRESS: Holbrook, Ipswich Suffolk IP9 2RX WEBSITE: www.royalhospitalschool.org FOUNDED: 1712 in Greenwich London, moved to current site 1933

FOUNDED: 1868 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 286

Royal Hospital School

AGES: 2 ½–13

FEES: Pre-prep day: £2,700 - £3,840. Prep Boarding: £7,207-£8,667.

Prep day: £5,621- 6,230 HEAD TEACHER: Adrian Brown MA, PGCE RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Interdominational ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Interview and assessment.

CONTACT: Bernadette Ross-Smith, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@orwellpark.co.uk SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings: 15 September 2018, 1 February 2019, 11 May 2019 THE CURRICULUM: ‘The school is extremely successful in fulfilling its aims of providing an academically challenging and fulfilling all-round education, and strong pastoral care where all pupils are able to benefit form a vibrant boarding experience.’ Independent Schools Inspectorate November 2014 GAMES & THE ARTS: Extensive grounds provide abundant opportunities for sport. Excellent facilities include an assault course, astroturf, golf course, games pitches, swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall. Art, design technology and music are real strengths.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral care is given top priority in ensuring that every child is listened to, cared for, valued and encouraged.

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS: 31 awarded this year. Academic, allrounder, sport, art, DT and drama. Local and national exit schools – Radley, Wellington College, Gordonstoun, Benenden, The Leys, Oakham, Haileybury, Oundle, Framlingham, Ipswich, Woodbridge.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: Inspire our children and make earning fun. Help every child to fulfil their potential in a supportive, nurturing environment in which they can develop a lifelong love of learning and the self-confidence and self-esteem that will prepare them for the future.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: High quality education in one of the most beautiful school settings in England. Orwell Park is a unique school where boys and girls of all abilities will thrive and enjoy their childhood.

NUMBER OF PUPILS: 750

AGES: 11-18

FEES: Day £15,690 - £17,490; Weekly Boarding £24,090 - £29,910; Full Boarding £25,690 - £32,595 HEAD TEACHER: Mr Simon Lockyer, BSc MEd RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective at 11+ and 13+ (assessment test, interview and reference). 16+ entry subject to GCSEs. CONTACT: Mrs Kate Evers, Registrar EMAIL: admissions@royalhospitalschool.org SCHOOL VISITS: Open Mornings on 6 October and 10 November.

Private visits by arrangement during term time.

THE CURRICULUM: Balanced and enriched with the aim of stretching and challenging pupils of all abilities through active differentiation in teaching and learning. Twenty eight subjects offered at A Level.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Achievements outside of the classroom are as important as those within and all pupils are encouraged to become fully involved in school life. This involvement helps produce confident, healthy and well-round individuals who will contribute to society beyond school.

PASTORAL CARE: Pastoral Care is at the heart of the school community and the House evokes a sense of pride and belonging. Blake House for juniors in their first year offers a nurturing environment and a valuable steppingstone to the Senior Houses (four boys’, three girls’ and two co-educational Houses). Pupils in their final year are encouraged to live more independently in Nelson House preparing them for life beyond school.

UNIVERSITY PLACES: 97% gain places to their first choice university.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: We encourage pupils to show commitment, integrity and belief in themselves, whatever path they choose. Everyone has the potential to achieve exceptional things but we are all different. We focus on the individual looking for their strengths and nurturing their motivations. Education should be the foundation for lifelong happiness and success.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Sailing Academy on site: RYA accredited training centre with 60 racing dinghies from beginner to Olympic Pathway craft and a fleet of Cornish Shrimpers.

Musical excellence: Chapel Choir perform at the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral annually and Marching Band regularly play at Royal occasions and sporting events.

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NORTHERN EASTERN & SCHOOLS SCOTLAND SCHOOLS

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SCOTLAND NORTHERN & WALES SCHOOLS

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NORTHERN SCHOOLS IRELAND SCHOOLS

Glenstal Abbey School

TAKE A LOOK AT

OUR WEBSITE

ADDRESS: Murroe, Co. Limerick, V94 HC84 Ireland WEBSITE: www.glenstal.com FOUNDED: 1932 NUMBER OF PUPILS: 250 AGES: 12–18 FEES: €19,300 per annum HEAD TEACHER: Fr Simon Sleeman RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Benedictine ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Students and Parents are invited to visit the school and meet with the Headmaster, staff and students.

CONTACT: Admissions office, +35361621044 EMAIL: admissions@glenstal.com SCHOOL VISITS: Personal visits are encouraged and welcomed throughout the year. Please contact admissions@glenstal.com to arrange your visit.

THE CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is balanced, broad and diverse.

Scholarship and academic depth are its central features. We aim to stimulate, and challenge each student, and this is supported by careful monitoring and reporting.

GAMES & THE ARTS: Games and the Arts are an integral and enjoyable element of student life. Each student is supported in developing a balance between academic, sports and the arts. Our programme fosters an environment of inclusion, excellence, participation by all and builds skills for life thus fully realising each student’s talents.

www.schoolhousemagazine.co.uk

PASTORAL CARE: The school prides itself on the quality of the pastoral care of its students, made possible by the collaborative effort of staff from many different areas of the school’s life. For further information see https://www. glenstal.com/school/our-students/pastoral-care UNIVERSITY PLACES: Our dedicated Guidance Counsellor supports students applying for higher education in the top Universities in Ireland, UK and Internationally.

HEAD TEACHER’S PHILOSOPHY: At Glenstal we aim to develop the unique talents of each boy. We provide a supportive, stimulating and caring environment where people are free to express their individuality.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • A small school of 250 students, with small class sizes (12 to 16 students) • A caring environment with a strong sense of community • The highest educational standards in our broad and diverse curriculum • Situated in 500 acres of park land in the heart of Munster with easy access to Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports from the UK

For the best in education

EV ERY DAY

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NORTHERN SCHOOLS IRELAND SCHOOLS

A leading boarding school for boys aged 12 - 18 years in Ireland • A small school of 50 students with small class si es to • A caring community offering personal pastoral care for your son • The highest educational standards in our broad and diverse curriculum • Situated in 500 acres of parkland in the heart Munster • 40 Minutes from Shannon Airport and two hours from Dublin Airport

Every Day is an Open Day

please do come and see for yourself…

Glenstal Abbey School, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland +353 61 621044 admissions@glenstal.com www.glenstal.com

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DIRECTORY LONDON SCHOOLS | COUNTRY SCHOOLS

St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury

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LONDON SCHOOLS

London NURSERIES 70 143

75 146

75 146

173

173

173

148

76 151

Cumnor House School Nursery 91 Pampisford Road, CR2 6DH & 13 Woodcote Lane, CR8 3HB T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Personal Tours every day throughout the year.

■■L Eaton House Belgravia Nursery 3-5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA T: 0207 924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open house or individual tours. Book at www. eatonhouseschools.com ■■L Eaton House The Manor Nursery 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: 12 September, 10, 17 & 31 October 7 & 28 November & 5 December. Book online.

■■L Eaton Square Nursery, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY T: 020 7823 6217 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■L Eaton Square Nursery, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX T: 020 7052 9019 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■L Eaton Square Nursery, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ T: 020 7976 6511 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■L Falcons Pre-Prep 2 Burnaby Gardens, London W4 3DT T: 020 8747 8393 www.falconsboys.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■9 Hurlingham Nursery & Pre-Prep The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 www.lionhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■L Hyde Park Nursery & Pre-Prep The Long Garden, St George’s Fields, Albion Street, London W2 2AX T: 020 7262 1190 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Rolfe’s Nusery School 34A Oxford Gardens, London W10 5UG T: 020 7727 8300 www.rolfesnurseryschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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North Bridge House Nursery 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 5JY T: 020 7267 6266 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: 18 & 25 Sept, 2 Oct. ■■L

Thomas’s Kindergarten, Battersea St Mary’s Church, Battersea Church Road, London SW11 3NA T: 020 7738 0400 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Peregrine’s Pre-Prep 11 Woodborough Road Putney, London SW15 6PY T: 020 8992 5189 www.peregrinespreprep.co.uk Open Days: 29 September.

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Young England Kindergarten St Saviours Hall, St George’s Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 2HP T: 020 7834 3171 www.youngenglandkindergarten. co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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140

13 137

Abercorn School 28 Abercorn Place, London NW8 9XP T: 020 7286 4785 www.abercornschool.com Open Days: 28 Sept, 19 Oct, 28 Nov. ■■■■L Alleyn’s Junior School Townley Road, London SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1519 www.alleyns.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept, 4 Oct & 13 Nov ■■■L Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP T: 020 8206 7431 www.bassetths.org.uk Open Days: 5 October.

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Blackheath Preparatory School 4 St Germans Place, London SE3 ONJ T: 020 8858 0692 www.blackheathprepschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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Broomwood Hall Lower School 192 Ramsden Road SW12, 50 Nightingale Lane SW12 & 3 Garrad’s Road, London SW16.

T: 020 8682 8830 www.broomwood.co.uk Open Days: 9 & 11 October.

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Broomwood Hall Upper School 68–74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR T: 020 8682 8810 www.broomwood.co.uk Open Days: 9 October.

■■8 Bute House Preparatory School Luxemburg Gardens, London W6 7EA T: 020 7603 7381 www.butehouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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The Minors Nursery School 10 Pembridge Square, London W2 4ED T: 020 7727 7253 www.minorsnurseryschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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University College School Pre-Prep 36 College Crescent, London NW3 5LF T: 020 7722 4433 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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141

Cameron House 4 The Vale, London SW3 6AH T: 020 7267 6266 www.cameronhouseschool.org Open Days: Contact the school ■■■L

142

Chepstow House 108a Lancaster Road, London W11 1QS T: 020 7243 0243 www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX T: 020 8994 1804 www.cbppschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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70 143

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City of London School for Girls St Giles Terrace, London EC2Y 8BB T: 020 7847 5500 www.clsg.org.uk Open Days: 7+ 12 & 17 Sept, 11+ 18 & 27 Sept, 12 Oct. ■■8 Croydon High Junior School Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB T: 020 8260 7543 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 13 October.

■■■■8 Cumnor House School, Boys 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6DA T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■9 Cumnor House School, Girls 11 Woodcote Lane, Purley, Surrey CR8 3HB T: 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■8 Devonshire House Prep School 2 Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6AE T: 020 7435 1916 www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk Open Days: 2 & 3 May. ■■■■L

Eaton House Belgravia Prep 2 Elvaston Place, SW7 5QH T: 0207 924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open house or individual tours. Book at www.eatonhouseschools.com ■■9

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Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Book a tour at www.eatonhouseschools.com ■■9

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Eaton House The Manor Prep School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Book a tour at www.eatonhouseschools.com ■■9

75 147

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School 58 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9RU T: 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Book a tour at www.eatonhouseschools.com ■■■8

173 Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP T: 020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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L’Ecole de Battersea Trott Street, London SW11 3DS T: 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Open Days: Weekly visits by arrangement.

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L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Road, London SW6 2NB T: 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Open Days: Weekly Thursday morning visits by arrangement.

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Dolphin School (inc Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools) 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW T: 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■L Dulwich College Junior School Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD T: 020 8299 8432 www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school Open Days: 13 Oct & 6 Nov. ■■9

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Dulwich Prep London 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA T: 020 8766 5525 www.dulwichpreplondon.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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Durston House 12-14 Castlebar Road, London W5 2DR T: 020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep 3–5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA T: 0207 924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Days: Open house or individual tours. Book at www. eatonhouseschools.com ■■9

Eltham College Junior School Mottingham Ln, Mottingham London SE9 4RW www.elthamcollege.london Open Days: 29 September & 17 November. Book online.

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Fairley House School 30 Causton St, London, SW1P 4AU T: 020 7976 5456 www.fairleyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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The Falcons School for Boys 41 Kew Foot Road, TW9 2SS T: 020 8948 9490 www.falconsprep.co.uk Open Days: Parent tours every Tuesday 9.30am during the term.

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The Falcons School for Girls 11 Woodborough Road, London SW15 6PY T: 020 8992 5189 www.falconsgirls.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept. Email the registrar to book your place.

■■■■8 Falkner House 19 Brechin Place, London SW7 4QB T: 020 7373 4501 www.falknerhouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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LONDON SCHOOLS

■ NURSERY ■ PRE PREP ■ PREP ■ SENIOR ■ SIXTH FORM

Finton House 171 Trinity Road, London SW17 7HL T: 020 8682 0921 www.fintonhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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153

153

176

Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF T: 020 7730 2971 www.fhs-sw1.org.uk Open Days: 24 Sept & 5 Nov. ■■■8

Ibstock Place Prep Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY T: 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Open Days: 26 Sept, 14 Nov & 30 Jan. ■■■■

177

James Allen’s Preparatory School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE T: 020 8693 0374 www.jags.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Fulham Pre-Prep School 47A Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ T: 020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD T: 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Garden House School Turks Row, London SW3 4TW T: 020 7330 1652 www.gardenhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BS T: 020 8614 0857 www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Open Days: Early years 27 Sept.

Lower years 15 Nov. Middle and Upper 8 Nov. ■■■■■■L Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2UQ T: 020 8979 1844 www.hamptonprep.org.uk Open Days: 5 Oct & 7 Dec. ■■■L

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154

Hawkesdown House School 27 Edge Street, London W8 7PN T: 020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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156

157

160

155

The Holmewood School 88 Woodside Park Rd, London, N12 8SH T: 020 8920 0669 www.thsl.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Hurlingham Pre-Prep The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Ave, London SW15 6EH T: 020 8780 9446 www.lionhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Hurlingham School 122 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2NQ T: 020 8874 7186 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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164

Hyde Park School 24 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NL T: 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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160

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 281

Kensington Wade 205 Warwick Road London W14 8PU T: 020 3096 2888 www.kensingtonwade.com Open Days: Contact the school to arrange an individual visit.

■■■■L Kew College 24–26 Cumberland Road, Kew, Surrey TW9 3HQ T: 020 8940 2039 www.kewcollege.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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160

North Bridge House Prep 1 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 7AB T: 020 7267 6266 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: 4 Oct & 2 Nov. Book online. ■■L

139

Northcote Lodge 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL T: 020 8682 8830 www.northcotelodge.co.uk Open Days: 10 Oct. ■■9 Notting Hill Preparatory School 95 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QQ T: 020 7221 0727 www.nottinghillprep.com Open Days: Every two weeks, contact the school. ■■8

13 138

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Kew Green Preparatory School Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF T: 020 8948 5999 www.kgps.co.uk Open Days: 19 Sept, 3 Oct, 14 Nov, 16 Jan & 6 Feb. Book online.

■■L King’s House School 61 Kings Rd, Richmond TW10 6EG. T: 020 8940 7015 www.kingshouseschool.org Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■9 Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD T: 020 7590 9000 www.knightsbridgeschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■L Latymer Prep School 36 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA T: 020 7993 0061 www.latymerprep.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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Hornsby House Hearnville Road, Balham, London SW12 8RS T: 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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In partnership with

Kensington Prep School GDST 596 Fulham Road, London SW6 5PA T: 020 7731 9300 www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net Open Days: Visit the website.

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The Mall School 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham, TW2 5NQ T: 020 8977 2523 www.themallschool.org.uk Open Days: 19 Sept, 6 Oct, 7 & 15 Nov. Book online.

■■■9 Milbourne Lodge School 43 Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EG T: 01372 462737 www.milbournelodge.co.uk Open Days: 21 September.

■■■L Newton Prep 149 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BX T: 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct. Book online.

■■■L North Bridge House Pre-Prep 8 Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5RR T: 020 7267 6266 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: 14 & 28 Sept, 2 Nov. ■■L

■ BOARDING ■ WEEKLY BOARDING ■ FLEXIBOARDING ■ BOARDING & DAY ■ DAY

Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, London W4 1LB T: 020 8987 9886 www.orchardhs.org.uk Open Days: 11 October.

■■L Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3NU T: 020 8869 7634 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Open Days: 6 October.

■■■L Parsons Green Prep School 1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ T: 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school. ■■L Pembridge Hall School 18 Pembridge Square, London W2 4EH T: 020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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189

157

189

157

161

St Anthony’s School for Boys 90 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NP T: 020 7435 3597 www.stanthonysprep.org.uk Open Days: Visit the website.

■■9 165 St Anthony’s School for Girls Ivy House, North End Road, London NW11 7SX T: 020 3869 3070 www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk Open Days: Visit the website.

■■8 St Benedict’s Junior School 5 Montpelier Avenue, London W5 2XP T: 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk Open Days: 25 Sept & 6 Oct. ■■■■L 164

Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School 16 Ravenscourt Ave, London W6 0SL T: 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk Open Days: 18 Sept, 11 Oct, 13 Nov, 17 Jan & 5 Feb. ■■■L Redcliffe School 47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH T: 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com Open Days: Tours every Tues and Thurs. Please call to book.

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St Dunstan’s College Junior School Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY T: 020 8516 7200 www.stdunstans.org.uk Open Days: 13 & 27 Sept, 11 Oct. ■■■■L

163

St James Junior School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH T: 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesschools.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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St Nicholas Preparatory School 23 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT T: 020 7225 1277 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk Open Days: 6 September.

■■■■L St Paul’s Juniors St Paul’s School, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT T: 020 8748 3461 www.stpaulsschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Putney High Junior School 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 6523 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 13, 18 & 19 Oct. Book online. ■■8

Queen’s Gate Junior School 131–133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE T: 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk Open Days: 18 & 26 Sept, 4 & 17 Oct, 6 & 15 Nov. Book online. ■■■8

u MIXED SIXTH FORM s SpLD

153 Rokeby School George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7PB T: 020 8942 2247 www.rokebyschool.co.uk Open Days: Visit the website.

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Prospect House School 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT T: 020 8246 4897 www.prospecths.org.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. Book online. ■■■■L

Queen’s College Prep School 61 Portland Place, London W18 1QP T: 020 7291 0660 www.qcps.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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8 GIRLS 9 BOYS L MIXED

Sussex House School 68 Cadogan Square, London SW1X 0EA T: 020 7584 1741 www.sussexhouseschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Sydenham High Prep GDST 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL T: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Open Days: 15 September, 3, 10 & 18 October.

■■■8 The Study Preparatory School Wilberforce House, Camp Road, London SW19 4UN T: 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Open Days: Regular tours; contact the school for details.

■■■8 Thomas’s Battersea 28-40 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3JB T: 020 7978 0900 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■L Thomas’s Clapham Broomwood Road, London SW11 6JZ T: 020 7326 9300 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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LONDON / COUNTRY SCHOOLS

■ NURSERY ■ PRE PREP ■ PREP ■ SENIOR ■ SIXTH FORM

London City of London School for Girls St Giles’ Terrace, London EC2Y 8BB T: 020 7847 5565 www.clsg.org.uk Open Days: 18 & 27 September & 12 October.

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Thomas’s Fulham Hugon Road, London SW6 3ES T: 020 7751 8200 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■L Thomas’s Kensington 17–19 Cottesmore Gardens, London W8 5PR T: 020 7361 6500 www.thomas-s.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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University College Junior School 11 Holly Hill, London NW3 6QN T: 020 7435 3068 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: 13 Sept. Book online.

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103

Wetherby Kensington 4 Wetherby Gardens SW5 0JN T: 0203 910 9760 www.wetherby-kensington.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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103

103

166 167

169

Croydon High School, GDST Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB T: 020 8260 7543 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school.

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164

DLD College 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7FX T: 020 7935 8411 www.dldcollege.co.uk Open Days: 14 Nov (evening) ■■L

Wetherby School 11 Pembridge Square, London W2 4ED T: 020 7727 9581 www.wetherbyschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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171

Dulwich College Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD T: 020 8299 9263 www.dulwich.org.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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Wetherby Preparatory School Bryanston Square, London W1H 2EA T: 020 7535 3520 www.wetherbyprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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173

Eaton Square Upper School 106 Piccadilly London W1J 7NL T: 020 7491 7393 www.eatonsquareupper.school Open Days: 20 Sept, 16 Oct, 21 Nov & 6 Feb. Book online.

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170

Eltham College Grove Park Rd, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF T: 020 8857 1455 www.elthamcollege.london Open Days: 29 September, 9 October (sixth form) ■■■■L

The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF T: 020 8674 9514 www.whitehouseschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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SENIOR 168

114

169

169

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Alleyn’s School Townley Road, London SE22 8SU T: 020 8557 1500 www.alleyns.org.uk Open Days: 12 & 29 September, 7 November ■■■■L Ashbourne College 17 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL T: 020 7937 3858 www.ashbournecollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the college.

■■L Bancroft’s School High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0RF T: 020 8505 4821 www.www.bancrofts.org Open Days: 17 September & 17 November.

■■■■L Bromley High School, GDST Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, BR1 2TW T: 020 8781 7001 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■8 Channing School The Bank, Highgate London N6 5HF T: 020 8340 2328 www.channing.co.uk Open Days: 20 Sept, 10 Oct & 15 Nov. ■■■■■8 City of London School Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 3AL T: 020 3680 6300 www.cityoflondonschool.org. uk Open Days: 27 & 30 September. Book online.

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In partnership with

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 282

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172

174

178

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174

Fairley House School 30 Causton Street, London SW1P 4AU T: 020 79765456 www.fairleyhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■Ls Fine Arts College Centre Studios, 41-43 England’s Lane, London NW3 4YD T: 020 7586 0312 www.hampsteadfinearts.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road, London W6 0PG T: 020 8741 1936 www.godolphinandlatymercom Open Days: 20 & 26 Sept, 16 Oct. ■■8 178

Francis Holland School (Sloane Square, SW1) 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF T: 020 7730 2971 www.fhs-sw1.org.uk Open Days: 11 & 25 Sept, 7 & 16 Nov. Book online.

■■■8 Fulham Senior School 200 Greyhound Rd, London W14 9SD T: 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, WD6 3AF T: 020 8266 1700 www.habsboys.org.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. Book online.

■■■■■9 Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Aldenham Road, Elstree WD6 3BT T: 020 8266 2300 www.habsgirls.org.uk Open Days: 19 & 27 Sept, 3 & 16 Oct, 8, 15 & 19 Nov. Book online.

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171

Forest School College Place, London E17 3PY T: 020 8520 1744 www.forest.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■■Ls Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park, NW1) Ivor Place, London NW1 6XR T: 020 7723 0176 www.fhs-nw1.org.uk Open Days: 12 Sept, 12 & 18 Oct, 6 & 22 Nov. Book online.

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Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BS T: 020 8614 0857 www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Open Days: Early Years 27 Sept. Lower Years 15 Nov. Middle & Upper Years 8 Nov. Sixth-form 4 Oct. Book online.

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154

177

The John Lyon School Middle Road, Harrow on the Hill HA2 0HN T: 020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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180

Kensington Park School (Years 7-11) 40-44 Bark Place, London W2 4AT T: 020 7225 0577 www.kps.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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180

Kensington Park School Sixth Form 59 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JP T: 020 7225 0577 www.kps.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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181

Kew House School 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0EX T: 020 8742 2038 www.kewhouseschool.com Open Days: 19 Sept, 8, 16 & 31 Oct, 8, 16, 22 & 26 Nov. ■■■L King’s College School Southside, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4TT T: 020 8255 5300 www.kcs.org.uk Open Days: 15 Sept.

■■■■9u Kingston Grammar School London Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6PY T: 020 8546 5875 www.kgs.org.uk Open Days: 29 Sept. Book online.

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183

Highgate School North Road, London N6 4AY T: 020 8340 1524 www.highgateschool.org.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

■■■■L The Holmewood School 88 Woodside Park Rd, London N12 8SH T: 020 8920 0669 www.thsl.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■Ls Ibstock Place School Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY T: 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Open Days: 22 Sept. Sixthform 25 Sept. Book online.

■■■■■■L James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE T: 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk Open Days: 26 Sept, 6 & 18 Oct. ■■8

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182

Hampton School Hanworth Rd, Hampton TW12 3HD T: 020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk Open Days: Year-round visitors’ afternoons. Visit the website.

■■■9 Harrow School 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3HP T: 020 8872 8007 www.harrowschool.org.uk Open Days: 3 & 10 Nov. ■■■9

8 GIRLS 9 BOYS L MIXED

Lady Eleanor Holles Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HF T: 020 8979 1601 www.lehs.org.uk Open Days: 25 Sept, 12 & 17 Oct. ■■■■8 Latymer Upper School King Street, London W6 9LR T: 020 7993 0063 www.latymer–upper.org Open Days: 15 Sept & 6 Oct. ■■L

180

Lycée International de Londres 1 Kings Drive, Wembley HA9 9HP T: 020 3824 4900 www.lyceeinternational.london Open Days: Contact the school ■■■■■L

80

Marymount International School London George Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7PE T: 020 8949 0571 www.marymountlondon.com Open Days: 10 Oct. ■■■■8

185

Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT T: 01923 845514 www.mtsn.org.uk Open Day: 22 Sept.

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Home Counties South 126

More House School 22–24 Pont Street, London SW1X 0AA T: 020 7235 2855 www.morehouse.org.uk Open Days: 25 & 26 Sept.

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190

St Dunstan’s College Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY T: 020 8516 7200 www.stdunstans.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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99

MPW London 90–92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB T: 020 7835 1355 www.mpw.ac.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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184

St Helen’s School Eastbury Road, Northwood HA6 3AS T: 01923 843210 www.sthelens.london Open Days: 22 Sept, 7 & 8 Nov. ■■■■■■8

186

187

187

Mount House School Camlet Way, Barnet EN4 0NJ T: 020 8449 6889 www.mounthouse.org.uk Open Days: 29 September.

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St James Senior Girls’ School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH T: 020 7348 1748 www.stjamesschools.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept & 4 Oct. ■■■8

North Bridge House, Canonbury 6-9 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NQ T: 020 7267 6266 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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St Paul’s School Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9JT T: 020 8748 9162 www.stpaulsschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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North Bridge House, Hampstead 65 Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 5UD T: 0207267 6266 www.northbridgehouse.com Open Days: 11 & 25 Sept, 2 Oct. ■■L

St Paul’s Girls’ School Brook Green, London W6 7BS T: 020 7605 4882 www.spgs.org Open Days: 27 Sept, 6 & 29 Oct. ■■8

North London Collegiate School Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware HA8 7RJ T: 020 8952 0912 www.nlcs.org.uk Open Days: Visit the website.

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Streatham and Clapham High GDST 42 Abbotswood Road, London SW16 1AW T: 020 3123 9102 www.schs.gdst.net Open Days: 29 Sept. Book online.

■■■■■8 Sutton High School GDST 55 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 2AX T: 020 8642 0594 www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 12 Sept.

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Northwood College for Girls GDST Maxwell Road, Northwood, HA6 2YE T: 01923 825446 www.northwoodcollege.gdst.net Open Days: 6 Oct. Book online.

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180

Old Palace of John Whitgift School Old Palace Road, Croydon CR0 1AX T: 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. Book online.

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191

187

Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place, London W1B 1NJ T: 020 7307 8700 www.portland-place.co.uk Open Days: 22 Sept & 17 Nov. ■■■■L

190

Trinity School Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT T: 020 8656 9541 www.trinity-school.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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189

Putney High School GDST 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH T: 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 13-19 Oct. ■■■■■8

192

University College School Frognal, London NW3 6XH T: 020 7433 2117 www.ucs.org.uk Open Days: 11, 17, 20 & 25 Sept, 6 Nov. Book online.

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189

Queen’s Gate 131-133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE. T: 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk Open Days: 19 Sept, 4 Oct & 6 Nov. ■■■■■8

182

186

188

188

Westminster School Little Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PF T: 020 7963 1003 www.westminster.org.uk Open Days: 10 Sept.

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Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS T: 01707 602500 www.queenswood.org Open Days: 29 Sept & 14 Nov. ■■■■■8

191

South Hampstead High School GDST 3 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SS T: 020 7435 2899 www.shhs.gdst.net Open Days: Contact the school.

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192

St Benedict’s School 54 Eaton Rise, London W5 2ES T: 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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176

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Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 283

Sydenham High Senior School GDST 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL T: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Open Days: 15 & 27 Sept, 6 & 22 Nov. Book online.

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Wetherby Senior School 100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU T: 020 7535 3530 www.wetherbysenior.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■9 Whitgift School Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT T: 020 8688 9222 www.whitgift.co.uk Open Days: 22 Sept, 9, 15 & 16 Oct, 7, 14, 15, 19 & 20 Nov. ■■■■■■9 Wimbledon High School GDST Mansel Road, London SW19 4AB T: 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Open Days: 12 Sept, 6 & 19 Oct. ■■■■■8

197

ACS International Cobham Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BL T: 01932 869744 www.acs-schools.com/acs-cobham Open Days: 26 & 27 Sept, 24 Nov. ■■■■■■■■L

197

ACS International Egham London Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 0HS T: 01784 430611 www.acs-schools.com/acs-egham Open Days: 11 Oct, 1, 17 & 29 Nov, 17 Jan. ■■■■■■L

194

198

196

196

Aldro Lombard St, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS T: 01483 813535 www.aldro.org Open Days: 29 Sept & 14 Nov. ■■■■9 Ashdown House Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JY T: 01342 822574 www.ashdownhouse.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■L Ashford School East Hill, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8PB T: 01233 625171 www.ashfordschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■■L Bedales Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2DG T: 01730 711733 www.bedales.org.uk Open Days: 19 Sept, 6 Oct & 24 Nov. Book online.

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6 202

Bede’s Prep School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL T: 01323 734222 www.bedes.org Open Days: 29 Sept.

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6 202

Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker, East Sussex BN27 3QH T: 01323 843252 www.bedes.org Open Days: 15 Sept.

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199

Benenden Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA T: 01580 240592 www.benenden.kent.sch.uk Open Days: 20 Sept, 6 Oct, 8, 13, 17 & 20 Nov. Book online.

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194

Brambletye East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3PD T: 01342 321004 www.brambletye.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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195

Breaside School 41– 43 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PR T: 020 8460 0916 www.breaside.co.uk Open Days: 3 Oct. ■■■■L

11 195

Brighton College Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL T: 01273 704200 www.brightoncollege.org.uk Open Days: 29 September & 6th October ■■■■■■■L

200

Brockwood Park School Bramdean, Hampshire SO24 0LQ T: 01962 771744 www.brockwood.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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201

Box Hill School Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6EA T: 01372 384240 www.boxhillschool.com Open Days: 6 October, 2 February.

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205

Caterham School Harestone Valley Rd, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA T: 01883 343028 www.caterhamschool.co.uk Open Days: 12, 22 & 26 Sept, 10 Oct & 7 Nov. ■■■■■■■■L

24

Charterhouse Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX T: 01483 291501 www.charterhouse.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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17 Christ’s Hospital School 203 Horsham,West Sussex RH13 0YP. T: 01403 211293 www.christs-hospital.org.uk Open Days: 8 Sept.

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Chinthurst School 52 Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5QZ T: 01737 812011 www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Open Days: 4 Oct & 15 Nov. ■■■L

203

Copthorne Preparatory School Effingham Lane, Copthorne West Sussex,RH10 3HR T: 01342 710200 www.copthorneprep.co.uk Open Days: 6 October, 2 Feb (and Scholarship Day) ■■■■L

207

Cranleigh Preparatory School Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH T: 01483 542051 www.cranprep.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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18 207

Cranleigh School Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ T: 01483 273666 www.cranleigh.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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200

Cranmore School Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT T: 01483 280355 www.cranmoreprep.co.uk Open Days: 3 March & 27 April.

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204

Cottesmore School Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9AU T: 01293 520648 www.cottesmoreschool.com Open Days: 29 Sept.

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COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Home Counties South 206

206

204

208

Cumnor House Sussex London Rd, Danehill, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 7HT T: 01825 792006 www.cumnor.co.uk Open Days: 21 Sept.

■■■■L Dover College Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent CT17 9RH T: 01304 205969 www.dovercollege.org.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

■■■■■L Downsend School 1 Leatherhead Rd, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8TJ T: 01372 372197 www.downsend.co.uk Open Days: 1, 5 & 6 Oct, 16 Nov. ■■■■L Dunottar School High Trees Rd, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL T: 01737 761945 www.dunottarschool.com Open Days: 20 Sept, 3 Oct, 6 & 26 Nov. Book online.

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209

211

Highfield and Brookham Schools Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ T: 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L

215

Hoe Bridge School Hoe Place, Old Woking Rd, Woking, Surrey GU22 8JE T: 01483 227909 www.hoebridgeschool.co.uk Open Days: 2 Oct. ■■■■L

1

Eastbourne College Old Wish Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4JY T: 01323 452300 www.eastbourne-college.co.uk Open Days: 15 Sept.

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210

Edgeborough School Frensham, Surrey, GU10 3AH T: 01252 792495 www.edgeborough.co.uk Open Days: 12 Oct, 30 Nov. ■■■■L

214

Epsom College College Road, Surrey KT17 4JQ T: 01372 821234 www.epsomcollege.org.uk Open Days: 13 & 20 Oct, 17 Nov. ■■■L

212

208

210

251

210

Ewell Castle School Church St, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AW T: 020 8394 3576 www.ewellcastle.co.uk Open Days: 6 & 10 Oct, 8 Nov. ■■■■■■L Farringtons School Perry St, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256 www.farringtons.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

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218

8

Forres Sandle Manor School Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1NS T: 01425 653181 www.fsmschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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214

212

213

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 284

Longacre School Hullbrook Ln, Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0NQ T: 01483 893225 www.longacreschool.co.uk Open Days: 21 & 22 Sept, 15 Nov. ■■■■L Manor House School Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT23 4EN T: 01372 457077 www.manorhouseschool.org Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■8 Mayfield School The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH T: 01435 874642 www.mayfieldgirls.org Open Days: 20 Sept, 30 Oct. ■■■■■8

IBC

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Roedean Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ T: 01273 667500 www.roedean.co.uk Open Days: 6 October

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223

Rowan Prep School 6 Fitzalan Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey, KT10 0LX T: 01372 462627 www.rowanprepschool.co.uk Open Days: 1 Nov. ■■■8

222

The Royal Alexandra and Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD T: 01737 649000 www.raa-school.co.uk Open Days: 22 & 29 Sept, 12 Oct. ■■■■■L

217 221

The Royal Grammar School, Guildford High St, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB T: 01483 880600 www.rgs-guildford.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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220

Seaford College Lavington Park, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0NB T: 01798 867392 www.seaford.org Open Days: 22 Sept, 17 Nov. ■■■■■L

Kent College, Canterbury Whitstable Rd, Canterbury, Kent CT2 9DT T: 01227 763231 www.kentcollege.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept, 2 Oct. ■■■■L

222

218

King Edward’s Witley Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG T: 01428 686700 www.kesw.org Open Days: 20 Sept, 11 Oct, 17 Nov. Book online.

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Parkside School The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham,Surrey KT11 3PX T: 01932 862749 www.parkside-school.co.uk Open Days: 28 Sept.

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Sevenoaks Prep School Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0JU T: 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk Open Days: Open to visits any day during term time.

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221

216

The Pilgrims’ School The Close, Winchester SO23 9LT T: 01962 854189 www.thepilgrims–school.co.uk Open Days: 17 Sept, 1 Oct, 12 Nov. ■■■9

Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU T: 01732 455133 www.sevenoaksschool.org Open Days: 15 Sept.

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223

216

Prior’s Field Priorsfield Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2RH T: 01483 810551 www.priorsfieldschool.com Open Days: 17 Sept, 1 Oct, 12 Nov. ■■■■■8

St Catherine’s, Bramley Station Rd, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF T: 01483 899609 www.stcatherines.info Open Days: Contact the school.

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224

St Edmund’s School Canterbury St Thomas’ Hill, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8HU T: 01227 475601 www.stedmunds.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

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219

St George’s Weybridge Weybridge Road, Addlestone KT15 2QS T: 01932 839300 www.stgeorgesweybridge.com Open Days: 29 September.

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219

St George’s School, Windsor Windsor Castle, Datchet Rd, Windsor SL4 1QB T: 01753 865553 www.stgwindsor.org Open Days: 21 September, 5 October.

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225

St Swithun’s School Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com Open Days: 14 Sept, 6 Nov. ■■■■8

King’s School, Rochester Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1TE T: 01634 888555 www.kings-rochester.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

■■■■■■■■L Lancing College Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW T: 01273 465805 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct, 9 Nov. ■■■■■L

Lanesborough Prep School Maori Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2EL T: 01483 880650 www.lanesborough.surrey.sch.uk Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■■9

59

220

Reed’s School Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES T: 01932 869001 www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk Open Days: 15 Sept, 10 Nov. ■■■■9u Reigate Grammar School Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS T: 01737 222231 www.reigategrammar.org Open Days: 26 & 29 Sept.

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215

Reigate St Mary’s Chart Lane, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RN T: 01737 244880 www.reigatestmarys.org Open Days: 10 Oct & 21 Nov. ■■■L

217

Rochester Independent College St Margarets Banks, 254 High St, Rochester ME1 1HY T: 01634 828115 www.rochester-college.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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In partnership with

Leighton Park Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7ED T: 01483 893225 www.leightonpark.com Open Days: 29 Sept.

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More House School Moons Hill, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3AP T: 01252 792303 www.morehouseschool.co.uk Open Days: 15 & 26 Sept.

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Lancing College Prep at Worthing Broadwater Rd, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 8HU T: 01903 201123 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■■L 215

243

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126

Lancing College Prep at Hove The Droveway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6LU T: 01273 503452 www.lancingcollege.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct, 9 Nov. ■■■■L

Frensham Heights Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4EA T: 01252 792561 www.frensham.org Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■■■■■■L Guildford High School London Rd Guildford, Surrey GU1 1SJ. T: 01483 543853 www.guildfordhigh.surrey.sch.uk Open Days: 12, 13, 25 & 27 Sept, 10 & 18 Oct, 20 & 21 Nov. ■■■■■8

Hurstpierpoint College College Ln, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9JS T: 01273 833636 www.hppc.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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OBC Hurtwood House Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU T: 01483 279000 www.hurtwoodhouse.com Open Days: Headmaster’s interviews by appointment only.

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209

118

Hampshire Collegiate School Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire S051 6ZE T: 01794 512206 www.hampshirecs.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

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■ NURSERY ■ PRE PREP ■ PREP ■ SENIOR ■ SIXTH FORM

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Home Counties North 225

TASIS (The American School in England) Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TEP T: 01932 565 252 www.england.tasis.com Open Days: 5 Oct. ■■■■■■L

226

Tonbridge School High St, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP T: 01732 304297 www.tonbridge-school.co.uk Open Days: 6 October ■■■■9

224

Tormead School Cranley Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD T: 01483 796040 www.tormeadschool.org.uk Open Days: 18 Sept, 1 & 12 Oct..

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226

72

227

227

22

228

Twyford School Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1NW T: 01962 714 622 www.twyfordschool.com Open Days: 20, 24, 25 & 26 Sept.

■■■■■■L Walhampton Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5ZG T: 01590 613300 www.walhampton.com Open Days: 5 Oct. ■■■■■■L Walthamstow Hall Holly Bush Ln, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL T: 01732 451334 www.walthamstow–hall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■8 Walthamstow Hall Junior School Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LD T: 01732 451334 www.walthamstow–hall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■8 Wellington College Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU T: 01344 444013 www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk Open Days: 15 Sept, 6 Oct, 17 Nov. ■■■L Westbourne House School Coach Rd, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2BH T: 01243 782739 www.westbournehouse.org Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■L Winchester College College St, Winchester, SO23 9NA T: 01962 621100 www.winchestercollege.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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228

Worth School Paddock Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD T: 01342 710200 www.worthschool.org.uk Open Days: 15 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov. ■■■L

In partnership with

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 285

197

ACS International Hillingdon 108 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BE T: 01895 818402 www.acs-schools.com/acshillingdon Open Days: 17 & 29 Nov. ■■■■■■L

229

Ashfold School Dorton House, Dorton, Bucks HP18 9NG T: 01844 238237 www.ashfoldschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■L

229

231

229

230

110

230

10

231

Beachborough School Westbury, Nr. Brackley, Northants NN13 5LB T: 01280 700071 www.beachborough.com Open Days: 5 Oct. ■■■■L The Beacon School 15 Amersham Rd, Chesham Bois, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5PF T: 01494 433654 www.beaconschool.co.uk Open Days: School tours available by appointment.

■■■9 Bedford School De Parys Ave, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU T: 01234 362216 www.bedfordschool.org.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■9 Beechwood Park Markyate, Herts AL3 8AW T: 01582 840333 www.beechwoodpark.com Open Days: 19 Oct. ■■■■■■■L Berkhamsted School Castle Campus, Castle St, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2BB T: 01422 358000 www.berkhamstedschool.org Open Days: 27 & 28 Sept, 5 & 6 Oct. ■■■■■■L Caldicott Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Bucks SL2 3SL T: 01753 649301 www.caldicott.com Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■9 Cheam School Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD T: 01635 267822 www.cheamschool.com Open Days: Visits by appointment.

■■■■■■L Cothill House Abingdon, Oxon, OX13 6JL T: 01865 390800 www.cothill.net Open Days: Contact the school.

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230

d’Overbroeck’s 333 Banbury Road, OX2 7PL T: 01865 310000 www.doverbroecks.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L

233

The Dragon School Bardwell Rd, Oxford OX2 6SS T: 01865 315405 www.dragonschool.org Open Days: 22 Sept, 13 Oct, 16 Nov. ■■■L

Eton College Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW T: 01753 370611 www.etoncollege.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■9 234

233

235

235

232

2

237

237

Elstree School Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD T: 0118971 3302 www.elstreeschool.org.uk Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■■■9 Farleigh School Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire SP11 7PW T: 01264 712838 www.farleighschool.com Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■■■■L Felsted Preparatory School Felsted, Essex CM6 3JL T: 01371 822611 www.felsted.org/prephome Open Days: 19 Sept.

■■■■■L Felsted School Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL T: 01371 822600 www.felsted.org Open Days: 29 Sept.

■■■■L Haileybury Haileybury, Hertford SG13 7NU T: 01992 706353 www.haileybury.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L Heathfield School London Road, Ascot SL5 8BQ T: 01344 898 342 www.heathfieldschool.net Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■■8 Horris Hill Newtown, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9DJ T: 01635 40594 www.horrishill.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■9

The Oratory Preparatory School Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire RG8 7SF T: 0118 9844511 www.oratoryprep.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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238

The Oratory School Woodcote, Nr Reading, South Oxfordshire RG8 0PJ T: 01491 683522 www.oratory.co.uk Open Days: 24 Nov. ■■■■9

236

Pangbourne College Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire RG8 8LA T: 01189 767415 www.pangbourne.com Open Days: 22 Sept.

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241

Papplewick Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH T: 01344 621488 www.papplewick.org.uk Open Days: 3 Nov. ■■■9

232

Pipers Corner School Pipers Lane, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6LP T: 01494 718255 www.piperscorner.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■8

240

Princess Helena College Preston, Hertfordshire SG4 7RT T: 01462 432100 www.princesshelenacollege.co.uk Open Days: 17 Oct. ■■■■■8

241

Queen Anne’s School Henley Rd, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX T: 01189 187333 www.qas.org.uk Open Days: 21 Nov. ■■■8

188

Queenswood Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Herts AL9 6NS T: 01707 602500 www.queenswood.org Open Days: 29 Sept, 14 Nov. ■■■8

Lambrook School Winkfield Road, Nr Ascot Berkshire RG42 6LU T: 01344 882717 www.lambrookschool.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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239

Ludgrove School Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB T: 01189 789881 www.ludgrove.net Open Days: Contact the school.

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243

Maltman’s Green School Maltman’s Lane, Gerrard’s Cross, Bucks SL9 8RR T: 01753 883022 www.maltmansgreen.com Open Days: 12 Oct. ■■■■8

238

232

Moulsford Preparatory School Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR T: 01491 651438 www.moulsford.com Open Days: 21 & 22 Sept.

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236

New Hall School The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS T: 01245 236098 www.newhallschool.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept. ■■■■L

Royal Masonic School Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4HF T: 01923 773168 www.rmsforgirls.org.uk Open Days: 7, 8, 9 Oct. ■■■■■■■8 240

St Albans High School for Girls Townsend Ave, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3SJ T: 01727 853800 www.stahs.org.uk Open Days: 5 & 13 Oct, 7 & 9 Nov. ■■■■■8

242

St Christopher School Barrington Rd, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 3JZ T: 01462 650850 www.stchris.co.uk Open Days: 22 Sept, 16 Oct. ■■■■■■L

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Home Counties North 224

St Edmund’s College and Preparatory School Old Hall Green, Ware, Herts SG11 1DS T: 01920 824247 www.stedmundscollege.org Open Days: 22 Sept.

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15 245

St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 7NN T: 01865 319200 www.stedwardsoxford.org Open Days: 22 Sept.

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242

St Francis’ College Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3PJ T: 01462 670511 www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk Open Days: 6 & 12 Oct. ■■■■■■■8

239

245

South West 248

All Hallows Prep School Cranmore Hall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4SF T: 01749 881600 www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■■L

248

Badminton School Westbury Rd, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA. T: 0117 905 5271 www.badmintonschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■■■■8

249

St George’s Ascot Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7DZ T: 01344 629920 www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■8 St Margaret’s Prep Gosfield Hall Park, Gosfield, Halstead, Essex CO9 1SE T: 01787 472134 www.stmargaretsprep.com Open Days: Every day is an open day – to book your visit please call.

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249

251 247

236

244

220

246

246

Stowe School Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH T: 01280 818205 www.stowe.co.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■L Swanbourne House Swanbourne, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK17 0HZ T: 01296 720264 www.swanbourne.org Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■■L Tring Park School for the Performing Arts Mansion Drive, Tring, Herts HP23 5LX T: 01442 824255 www.tringpark.com Open Days: 5, 11 & 12 Sept.

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250

York House Sarratt Road, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4LW T: 01923 772 395 www.york-house.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L

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Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 286

Canford School Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD T: 01202 847207 www.canford.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L

Dauntsey’s School West Lavington, Devizes,Wiltshire SN10 4HE T: 01380 814500 www.dauntseys.org Open Days: 6 October.

■■■L Downside School Stratton on the Fosse, Bath, Somerset BA3 4RJ T: 01761 235330 www.downside.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct, 3 Nov. ■■■L

251

Godolphin School Milford Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2RA T: 01722 430509 www.godolphin.org Open Days: Visit the website.

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252

Hanford School Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HN T: 01258 860219 www.hanford.dorset.sch.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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252

Hazlegrove Preparatory School Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA T: 01963 442606 www.hazlegrove.co.uk Open Days: 12 Oct. ■■■■L

256

Bryanston School Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PX T: 01258 452411 www.bryanston.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Clifton College Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3EZ T: 01173 157000 www.cliftoncollege.com Open Days: 22 Sept, 6 & 10 Oct. ■■■■■■■■L

Tudor Hall Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9UR T: 01295 756263 www.tudorhallschool.com Open Days: 29 Sept.

■■■8 Winchester House School 44 High St, Brackley, Northants NN13 7AZ T: 01280 846497 www.winchester-house.org Open Days: 13 Nov. ■■■■■■L

Blundell’s School Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DN T: 01884 252543 www.blundells.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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250

Forres Sandle Manor School Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1NS T: 01425 653181 www.fsmschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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King Edward’s School Bath North Road, Bath BA2 6HU T: 01225 820399 www.kesbath.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■L Kingsley School Bideford Northdown Rd, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LY T: 01237 426200 www.kingsleyschoolbideford. co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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253

253

Knighton House School Durweston, Blandford, Dorset DT11 0PY T: 01258 452065 www.knightonhouse.co.uk Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■8

14

Milton Abbey School Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BZ T: 01258 880484 www.miltonabbey.co.uk Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■L

254

Monkton School Monkton Combe,Bath BA2 7HG T: 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com Open Days: 15 Sept, 6 Oct. ■■■■■■■■L

256

Perrott Hill School North Perrott, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 7SL T: 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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255

Pinewood School Bourton, Shrivenham, Wilts SN6 8HZ T: 01793 782554 www.pinewoodschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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255

Port Regis Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA T: 01747 857800 www.portregis.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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258

Prior Park College Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH T: 01225 831000 www.priorparkcollege.com Open Days: 29 Sept.

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Leweston School Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6EN T: 01963 210691 www.leweston.co.uk Open Days: 18 Sept, 15 Oct. ■■■■■■L Marlborough College Bath Rd, Marlborough, Wilts SN81PA T: 01672 892300 www.marlboroughcollege.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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254

Millfield Street, Somerset BA16 0YD T: 01458 444296 www.millfieldschool.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■L

254

Millfield Prep Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD T: 01458 832446 www.millfieldprep.com Open Days: 6 Oct. ■■■■■■L

The Royal High School Bath, GDST Lansdown Rd, Bath BA1 5SZ T: 01225 313877 www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Open Days: Junior 21 Sept, Senior 22 Sept.

■■■■■■■■8 256

Sandroyd School Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Sailsbury, Wilts SP5 5QD T: 01725 530124 www.sandroyd.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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259

Sherborne School Abbey Rd, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AP T: 01935 810403 www.sherborne.org Open Days: Group open mornings available, please call to find out more and book a place.

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COUNTRY SCHOOLS

■ NURSERY ■ PRE PREP ■ PREP ■ SENIOR ■ SIXTH FORM

Central 259

Sherborne Girls Bradford Rd, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3QN T: 01935 818224 www.sherborne.com Open Days: Group open mornings available, please call to find out more and book a place.

■■■8 Sherborne Preparatory School Acreman St, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NY T: 01935 810911 www.sherborneprep.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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St Margaret’s Prep School, Calne Curzon Street, Calne, Wilts SN11 0DF T: 01249 857220 www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■L 257

251

257 258

Warminster School Church St, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8PJ T: 01985 210160 www.warminsterschool.org.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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260

Wells Cathedral School The Liberty, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST T: 01749 834200 wells.cathedral.school Open Days: Contact the school.

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In partnership with

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 287

u MIXED SIXTH FORM s SpLD

Repton School Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH T: 01283 559222 www.repton.org.uk Open Days: 8 September (sixth form).

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Foremarke Hall Repton Preparatory School, Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ T: 01283 707102 www.foremarke.org.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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261

Adcote School for Girls Little Ness, Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 2JY T: 01939 261346 www.adcoteschool.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school ■■■■■■■8

Headington School 26 London Road, Oxford, OX3 7PB T: 01865 759400 www.headington.org Open Days: 6 October.

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266

Rugby School Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5EH T: 01788 556274 www.rugbyschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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260

Abberley Hall School Worcester WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 www.abberleyhall.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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King’s High Warwick Smith St, Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Open Days: 21 September.

■■■8

267

Shrewsbury School The Schools, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA T: 01743 280500 www.shrewsbury.org.uk Open Days: 15 Sept, 3 Nov ■■■■L

264

Beaudesert Park School Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF T: 01453 832072 www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk Open Day: Contact the school.

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Magdalen College School Oxford OX4 1DZ. T: 01865 242191 www.mcsoxford.org Open Days: 15 September.

■■■9u

268

Shiplake College Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 4BW T: 0118 940 2455 www.shiplake.org.uk Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■■9u

264

Bilton Grange School Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 6QU T: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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262

Talbot Heath Rothesay Rd, Bournemouth BH4 9NJ T: 01202 761881 www.talbotheath.org Open Days: 5 October.

■■■■■■■■8 Taunton School Staplegrove Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD T: 01823 703703 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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8 GIRLS 9 BOYS L MIXED

Abbotsholme School Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS T: 01889 590217 www.abbotsholme.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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St Mary’s Calne Calne, Wilts SN11 0DF T: 01249 857206 www.stmaryscalne.org Open Days: 13 Oct. ■■■8 St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9LP T: 01747 852416 www.stmarys.eu Open Days: 21 Sept, 9 Nov. ■■■■■8

■ BOARDING ■ WEEKLY BOARDING ■ FLEXIBOARDING ■ BOARDING & DAY ■ DAY

262

263

Maidwell Hall Maidwell, Northampton,NN6 9JG T: 01604 686234 www.maidwellhall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Bredon School Pull Court Bushley, Tewkesbury Gloucestershire, GL20 6AH T: 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org Open Days: 29 Sept, 4 Nov, 4 Dec ■■■■■Ls

265

Malvern College College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF T: 01684 581500 www.malverncollege.org.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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Bromsgrove School Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU T: 01527 579679 www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Open Day: Contact the school ■■■■■■L

261

Malvern St James Girls’ School 15 Avenue Rd, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3BA T: 01684 584624 www.malvernstjames.co.uk Open Days: 29 September.

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Cheltenham College Bath Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7LD T: 01242 265600 www.cheltenhamcollege.org Open Day: Contact the school.

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266

Moor Park Richard’s Castle, Ludlow Shropshire SY8 4DZ T: 01584 876061 www.moorpark.org.uk Open Days: 7 November.

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Cheltenham Ladies’ College Bayshill Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3EP T: 01242 520691 www.cheltladiescollege.org Open Days: 14 Sept, 22 Sept (sixth form) & 6 Oct.

268

Concord College Acton Burnell Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7PF T: 01694 731631 www.concordcollegeuk.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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264

Davenport Lodge Nursery School 21 Davenport Road, Coventry CV5 6QA T: 02476 675051 davenportlodgeschool.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■L 265

266

The Downs Malvern Brockhill Rd, Colwall, Worcestershire WR13 6EY T: 01684 544100 www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk Open Days: 12 & 13 Oct. ■■■■■L

44

Moreton Hall Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 3EW T: 01691 773671 www.moretonhall.org Open Days: 29 September.

■■■■■■■8

15 245

Spratton Hall Smith St, Spratton, Northampton NN6 8HP T: 01604 847292 www.sprattonhall.com Open Days: 5 Oct. ■■L St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 7NN T: 01865 319204 www.stedwardsoxford.org Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■L Summer Fields Mayfield Road, Oxford OX2 7EN T: 01865 459 204 www.summerfields.com Open Days: 13 Oct (pre-prep) & 6 Oct (prep).

■■9

Tettenhall College Wood Rd, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QX T: 01902 751119 www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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Uppingham School Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QE T: 01572 820611 www.uppingham.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept (13+), 15 Sept (16+) ■■■L

269

Oakham School Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT T: 01572 758758 www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk Open Days: Lower School 15 Sept, Middle School 29 Sept, Upper School 20 Sept.

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267

Westonbirt School Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG T: 01666 880333 www.westonbirt.org Open Days: 6 October.

■■■■■8

246

Oundle School Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4GH T: 01832 277125 www.oundleschool.org.uk Open Day: Contact the school.

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Winchester House 44 High St, Brackley, Northants NN13 7AZ T: 01280 702483 www.winchester-house.org Open Days: 6 & 12 October.

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268

Wycliffe College Bath Rd, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2JQ T: 01453 822432 www.wycliffe.co.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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Radley College Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 2HR T: 01235 543174 www.radley.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Eastern

274

Abbey College Homerton Gardens, Cambridge CB2 8EB T: 01223 578280 www.abbeycambridge.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Gretton School Manor Farm Rd, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0RX T: 01223 277438 www.grettonschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■L s

273

269

272

272

Rossall School Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW T: 01253 774201 www.rossall.org.uk Open Days: 6 October.

■■■■■■L S. Anselm’s Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DP T: 01629 812734 www.sanselms.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept, 10 Nov. ■■■■■L

In partnership with

Listings Sept 18 V2.indd 288

Sedbergh School Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG T: 01539 620535 www.sedberghschool.org Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■L St Peter’s School, York Clifton, York, YO30 6AB T: 01904 527300 www.stpetersyork.org.uk Open Days: 6 October.

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270

Fettes College Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX T: 0131 311 6744 www.fettes.com Open Days: Visits available all year round.

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275

Gordonstoun Elgin, Moray IV30 5RF T: 01343 837829 www.gordonstoun.org.uk Open Days: Visits available all year round.

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Loretto School Linkfield Rd, Musselburgh, East Lothian EH21 7RE T: 0131 653 4455 www.loretto.com Open Days: Junior 15 Sept, Senior 29 Sept.

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Thorpe Underwood Estate, York YO26 9SS T: 01423 333300 www.qe.org Open Days: 29 September.

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271

South Lee School Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 2BT T: 01284 754 654 www.southlee.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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274

Lathallan School Brotherton Castle, Johnshaven,

By Montrose DD10 0HN T: 01561 362220 www.lathallan.org.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Orwell Park School Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER T: 01473 653224 www.orwellpark.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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Saint Felix School Halesworth Road, Reydon Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6SD T: 01502 722175 www.stfelix.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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275

Manchester High School For Girls Grangethorpe Rd, Manchester M14 6HS T: 0161 2240447 www.manchesterhigh.co.uk Open Days: 26 Sept, 19 Oct, 17 Nov. ■■■■8

Queen Margaret’s School Escrick Park, York YO19 6EU T: 01904 727600 www.queenmargarets.com Open Days: 15 Sept, 10 Nov. ■■■8

270

SCOTLAND

Kilgraston School Bridge of Earn, Perthshire PH2 9BQ T: 01738 812257 www.kilgraston.com Open Days: 29 Sept, 2 Feb. ■■■■■■8

269

273 Royal Hospital School 41 Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX T: 01473 326136 www.royalhospitalschool.org Open Days: 6 Oct & 10 Nov. ■■■■■■■L

Scotland, Wales & Ireland

Harrogate Ladies’ College Clarence Drive, Harrogate HG1 2QG T: 01423 537045 www.hlc.org.uk Open Days: 28 September.

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King’s School Ely Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW T: 01353 660700 www.kingsely.org Open Days: Contact the school.

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Perse Girls’ School & Stephen Perse Sixth Form College Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8QF T: 01223 403800 www.stephenperse.com Open Days: Contact the school.

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Ampleforth College York YO62 4ER T: 01439 766863 www.ampleforth.org.uk/college Open Days: 6 October.

■■■L Aysgarth School Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, N.Yorks DL8 1TF T: 01677 450240 www.aysgarthschool.com Open Days: Visitors welcome at all times, no formal open days.

■■■■9

Beeston Hall School West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9NQ T: 01263 837324 www.beestonhall.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

■■L Gresham’s Cromer Rd, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA T: 01263 714500 www.greshams.com Open Days: 6 Oct (Prep) & 29 Sept (Senior).

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51

Northern

Stonyhurst College Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ T: 01254 827073 www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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IRELAND Alexandra College Milltown Road, Dublin 6 T: (+353) 1497 7571 www.alexandracollege.eu Open Days: 17 October.

■■■■■■8 249

Campbell College Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2ND T: 028 90763076 www.campbellcollege.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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277

Clongowes Wood College Clane, Co Kildare W91 DN40 T: +353(0)45 838258 www.clongowes.net Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■9

276 278

Glenstal Abbey School Murroe, Co. Limerick T: (+353) 6162 1010 www.glenstal.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■9

Merchiston Castle School Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0PU T: 0131 312 2201 www.merchiston.co.uk Open Days: 29 Sept.

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St George’s School for Girls Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6BG T: 0131 3118000 www.stge.org.uk Open Days: 6 & 10 Oct. ■■■■■■8

Strathallan School Forgandenny, Perthshire PH2 9EG T: 01738 815003 www.strathallan.co.uk Open Days: Contact the school.

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WALES

The King’s Hospital Lucan Road Old, Brooklawn, Dublin 20 T: (+353) 1643 6500 www.kingshospital.ie Open Day: Contact the school.

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Christ College Brecon Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF T: 01874 615440 www.christcollegebrecon.com Open Days: 22 Sept.

■■■■■■L Haberdashers’ Agincourt School Dixton Lane, Monmouth NP25 3SY T: 01600 713970 www.agincourtschool.org Open Days: Contact the school.

■■L Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools Hereford Road, Monmouth NP25 5XT T: 01600 711100 www.habs-monmouth.org Open Days: 5 & 6 October.

■■■■■■8u

Myddelton College Peakes Ln, Denbigh, North Wales LL16 3EN T: 01745 472201 www.myddeltoncollege.com Open Days: 17 January.

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Rathdown School Upper Glenageary Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin T: (+353) 1285 3133 www.rathdownschool.ie Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■■■8 Rockport School Craigavad, Holywood BT18 0DD T: 028 9042 8372 www.rockportschool.com Open Days: Contact the school.

■■■■■■■L St. Columba’s College Whitechurch, Dublin 16, Ireland T: +353 1 490 6791 www.stcolumbas.ie Open Days: 30 September.

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Roedean Sept18 ad.indd 1

12/09/2018 14:45

Hurtwood House Sept 18.indd 1

03/09/2018 11:19