SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
Entry at Year 6 and Year 7
ASPIRATION CONNECTION EMPATHY
WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER
At Emanuel, we combine a long and proud tradition of academic and co-curricular success with a clear, forward-looking vision: to foster aspiration, connection and empathy in every pupil.
We believe that education is about preparing young people not just for exams, but for the rest of their lives. Our bright, ambitious and talented girls and boys are supported by passionate teachers who nurture a love of learning, encouraging pupils to ask questions, embrace challenge, and aspire bravely - knowing that real growth often comes through trying, stumbling, and trying again.
Strong relationships between pupils, staff and families create a positive, purposeful environment where every young person feels known, valued and inspired to fulfil their potential.
Outside the classroom, Emanuel pupils are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in school life - building friendships, gaining confidence, and discovering the fulfilment that comes from contributing to something larger than themselves.
Pastoral care is central to our ethos, rooted in kindness, respect and compassion. Through service, outreach and charity work, pupils develop the empathy, perspective and sense of responsibility they will carry into their adult lives.
We are proud of Emanuel’s rich heritage, its spirit of ambition, and its warm, supportive community. I invite you to visit us to experience the energy and ethos of Emanuel for yourself.
Ravi Kothakota Headmaster
VISION
At Emanuel, we inspire young people to aspire bravely, connect deeply, and act with empathy - preparing them not just for success at school, but for a lifetime of meaningful contribution.
VALUES
• Aspiration - We encourage ambition, resilience, and a spirit of curiosity, knowing that growth comes from embracing challenges and striving for excellence.
• Connection - We foster strong relationships built on trust, collaboration and respect, creating a vibrant community where every individual feels known and valued.
• Empathy - We cultivate kindness, compassion and service to others, developing young people who lead with integrity and contribute positively to society.
ETHOS
Our ethos is rooted in the belief that education should nurture the whole person — academically, personally and socially.
We champion an environment where pupils are inspired to pursue their passions, challenge themselves, support one another, and develop the character and confidence to shape a better future - guided by values long embedded in our Christian foundation of compassion, integrity and a sense of service.
HISTORY OF EMANUEL
1594 1601 1000 430
Emanuel was founded in 1594, in Westminster. The school was co-educational from the beginning.
Emanuel was granted a Royal Charter in 1601, and has received visits from Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 and The Queen Mother in 1951.
Over time, Emanuel’s coeducational pupil population has grown to over 1,000, with close to equal numbers of boys and girls – just as the founder, Lady Dacre, intended.
In 2024, Emanuel celebrated its 430th anniversary, marking it as one of the oldest schools in London.
FACILITIES & DEVELOPMENT
Our school is located on a beautiful, green twelve-acre site in Battersea, on the edge of Wandsworth Common. Its fantastic position, only 8 minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction railway station, connects the school to central London, as well as north and south of the river.
The handsome Victorian building at the centre of the school site was originally designed by noted architect Henry Saxon Snell as an orphanage. We have cricket pitches, rugby grounds, a swimming pool, a mini astro, a climbing wall, netball, tennis and aerobics facilities on the Battersea site. Off site, we have fourteen acres of privately owned playing fields for our major sports, twenty minutes away near Raynes Park. We also have our own boat house and specialist gym, next to Barnes Bridge.
We are committed to providing our pupils with the very best environment in which to learn and grow. In 2022, we doubled the size of our Sixth Form Centre, providing a modern space in which to study, socialise and access Careers department support. Recent developments at our off-site sports facility have included a new all-weather pitch, three hard courts, cricket nets and three hybrid cricket pitches, enabling further expansion of our sports provision, including tennis for all pupils.
Our new 4300sqm STEM and refectory building on the main school site will be completed in 2027.The building will feature a large refectory on the ground floor and fifteen modern labs, a computing space, maths classrooms and prep and staff rooms on the floors above. The new building will transform teaching and learning in STEM subjects, enrich the dining experience and free up space that can be repurposed for all other subjects and recreational areas.
TRAVELLING TO EMANUEL
Thanks to the school’s position four miles from the centre of London, our pupils are able to travel to school using the area’s fantastic public transport links. Approximately 34% of our pupils walk or cycle to school, with the remaining 66% using public or personal transport.
Emanuel School is an eight-minute walk along well-lit roads from Clapham Junction, which is a ten-minute train journey from London Waterloo. Many pupils walk to and from the train station at the start and end of the school day. With 2,000 trains passing through the station on a daily basis, the area is well-connected to the city, the southeast and the southwest.
The public bus routes surrounding the school are plentiful, with direct services stopping near the school from a far-reaching radius including Hammersmith, Fulham,Wimbledon, Roehampton, Putney, Barnes, Richmond, Twickenham, Streatham, Kensington and the city.
For more information on local public transport links, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk.
QUEENSTOWN ROAD
BRIXTON
STOCKWELL
ADMISSIONS
PREVIOUS SCHOOLING
Pupils join Emanuel from a wide range of primary and prep schools. Approximately 50% join from state primary schools and 50% from independent prep schools.
ENTRY INTO YEAR 6
Year 6 is the youngest year group of our Lower School. We aim to take in 48 pupils who are divided into two tutor groups of 24 pupils.
ENTRY INTO YEAR 7
Year 7 typically consists of 144 pupils. There are 96 places available where successful applicants join the 48 pupils moving up from Year 6.
REGISTRATION
Registration for entry at both Year 6 and Year 7 entry closes in mid-October, the year prior to entry. Registration is available via our website and specific dates are given there.
If your child is not successful in gaining a place for entry at Year 6, we will offer you the chance to register again for Year 7 entry. Please note that if you reject a place to join in Year 6 you cannot reregister your child for entry at Year 7.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
We interview a high percentage of those applying to the school. The interviews come after the formal written assessments and are dependent on a pupil’s performance in the entrance exams.
The group experience is designed to allow the pupils to demonstrate their creative skills and their ability to work effectively as a member of a small team. The interview takes place with a current member of the school’s teaching staff and lasts for approximately 15 minutes. Candidates are encouraged to bring in an item that they are happy to speak about and are asked a series of questions about their school and wider life.
SUPPORTING YOUR APPLICATION
We welcome applications from any family that feels their child would flourish at Emanuel. For pupils with special educational needs or a disability our admissions team and learning support department are available to support your application. Please email us on admissions@emanuel.org.uk if you have any questions.
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
Apply online
Summer before entry year:
A copy of your child’s end of year school report will be requested.
Autumn before entry year:
The admissions office will seek a reference from your child’s headteacher.
December before entry year:
Your child will sit three exam papers in school: English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. For Year 6 only, the VR exam will be 15 minutes, using the Atom Learning online adaptive test.
January of entry year:
Your child may be invited to have a one-to-one, 15-minute interview and will take part in a group experience together with other applicants who have been successful in the entrance exams.
February of entry year:
Offers of places will be made dependent on a satisfactory headteacher’s reference, school report, interview and exam outcomes. Offer holders will be invited to visit Emanuel again.
March of entry year:
Deadline for acceptance of places
SIBLING POLICY
Emanuel School has a sibling policy. Applicants who have a sibling currently at the school need to meet the minimum pass mark in the entrance exams and have a satisfactory report, reference and interview to be offered a place.
VISITING EMANUEL
Prospective pupils and their families are encouraged to visit us to get a sense of what education, and the community is like.
Each year, we hold a large open morning on a Saturday in midSeptember, open events in June and frequent, smaller-scale events in the summer and autumn terms for prospective pupils. At all of these events, prospective families will have the opportunity to listen to talks from senior staff and take a tour of the school site with a current pupil. The larger open events in September and June also provide the opportunity to talk to academic staff.
Tickets are allocated for our open events. There is no cost, but this ensures that we have enough capacity available. Please note that there are limited spaces at events and early booking is encouraged.
For the most up-to-date details about our open events, please visit www.emanuel.org.uk/admissions/open-events.
HELP WITH FEES
In 1594, Lady Anne Dacre founded Emanuel School with the vision to provide an education to children irrespective of family income. Today we continue to support that vision; we believe that increasing diversity in the school benefits the whole school community and welcomes new and varied perspectives, preparing pupils for life after Emanuel. We aim to ensure all aspirational and talented girls and boys have an opportunity to learn and grow at the school, regardless of financial circumstances. We offer a range of financial support, from scholarships to fully funded places. Fee assistance is meanstested and can provide transformative free places to children who would otherwise be unable to attend Emanuel.
At present, 20% of our pupils receive financial assistance and nearly 30% of those children are on a fully funded place (100% fees plus funding for trips and uniform).
We do not want any potential pupil to be discouraged by
financial circumstances when making an application to the school. The level of fee remission is dependent on financial need and can be up to 100%, plus finding for uniform and school trips.
Once registered, parents/guardians of applicants will be notified when the fee assistance application form is available to download from the website. This will be in the September before the intended year of entry and the deadline for submitting the completed form will be in mid-November for Year 6 and Year 7 applicants. Please always check our website for the exact dates; unfortunately, late applications cannot be considered.
In some circumstances, it is possible to waive the registration fee – usually when the household income is below £26,000 per annum. Please contact the admissions office if this applies to you before completing the registration form.
“They aim to ensure all aspirational and talented girls and boys have an opportunity to learn and grow at the school, regardless of financial circumstances.”
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBITIONS
Academic scholarships and exhibitions are awarded to pupils who perform exceptionally well in the admissions process, showing great academic potential and overall ability. Academic award holders demonstrate both excellent academic progress and a strong commitment to intellectual life at Emanuel.
Academic scholars and exhibition holders are not assigned to a specific subject area but may show a particular aptitude for one or more subjects. All subjects offer additional opportunities outside the classroom, which academic award holders are expected to participate in. A wide range of super-curricular events are held throughout the academic year, including talks by members of the academic community, external speakers, workshops led by staff and activities led by scholars themselves. These events enrich and extend pupils’ knowledge.
Every candidate who takes the entrance examination will automatically be considered for an academic scholarship or exhibition.There is no need to complete a separate application form.
Scholarships are typically 10% but may be up to 50% and may also be combined with a fee assistance award to reach a completely free place. Academic exhibition holders receive a one-off payment upon entry to the school.
CO-CURRICULAR SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBITIONS
Co-curricular scholarships and exhibitions are offered in Art & Design, Drama, Music and Sport. Application forms are available to download from the school website in mid-September and must be submitted with completed references by midNovember. Please refer to our website for the exact dates.
Scholarships are typically 10% but may be up to 50% and may also be combined with a fee assistance award to reach a completely free place. Exhibition holders receive a one-off payment upon entry to the school.
ART & DESIGN SCHOLARSHIPS
Art & Design scholars and exhibition holders demonstrate artistic skill and passion for art and design in many forms.
The inspirational art and design facilities at Emanuel are wonderful places for pupils to develop their talents. The Dacre building has film, paint, print, ceramics and sculpture studios and a dark room for photography.
Applicants are initially assessed on their portfolio and selected applicants will be invited to the school for a practical assessment and interview.
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
Drama at Emanuel has a wonderful reputation, allowing pupils to perform to a professional standard throughout their time at school. Drama scholars and exhibition holders are dedicated, talented and have an appreciation for drama that goes beyond being a performer.
The application process involves the submission of written work and references, from which selected candidates are invited to audition. The audition consists of two parts: a group workshop and a solo prepared piece. Most successful candidates will have appeared in productions both within and beyond their current school.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Music scholars and exhibition holders are proud ambassadors for the department. They take part in all the main musical activities of the school, participate in appropriate ensembles and attend rehearsals.
Within the Music department, there are 22 ensembles of all sizes, including string quartets, jazz groups, rock bands, orchestras and choirs. Pupils have the opportunity to get involved in workshops, festivals, competitions, community outreach and trips.
Those applying for Music awards are tested on sight-reading, musical memory and listening as well as prepared performances. The standard of performance of the candidate’s instrument is at or above grade 4 at Year 6 and grade 5 at Year 7. Please note it is not necessary for the exam to have been taken.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
Sport scholars and exhibition holders at Emanuel are exceptionally talented, determined and enthusiastic.
Our performance sports at Emanuel are rugby, cricket, netball, rowing, hockey and football. To gain a sports award, applicants must be able to offer at least one of these sports and will be expected to attend an assessment.
Pupils receive exceptional coaching and benefit from the excellent on-site and off-site facilities. At the main school site on Battersea Rise, there are 12 acres of playing fields, a sports centre, netball, tennis and fives courts, a mini-astro and an indoor swimming pool. Off-site, there is a well-equipped boathouse at Barnes Bridge and 14 acres of playing fields including an allweather hockey pitch, netball courts and cricket nets at our sports grounds in Raynes Park.
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
In the Lower School, our pupils study a diverse and inspiring curriculum. It introduces them to new ideas and ways of understanding the world, stimulates debate and establishes firm foundations for future academic success with training in study skills and good work habits.
We are committed to a comprehensive programme of academic enrichment for pupils to nurture their inherent appetite for learning. Our academic ethos encourages pupils to ‘explore, experiment and exceed expectations’ to foster their own curiosity, creativity and commitment thereby driving
YEAR 6
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
• Music
• Art
• Computing
• Drama
• PE
• Taster courses in French, German and Spanish
• Games afternoon
• Life Education
their learning in an independent way. We want them to be ready to try things, take risks and surprise themselves by what they can do at this early stage when being open to learning in a broad sense is most important.
Throughout the year pupils learn by hearing from a selection of guest speakers and, in collaboration with a variety of departments, develop, plan, and organise a marketing campaign for a business idea. The course begins with pupils learning about personal finance, including topics such as budgeting, in order to improve their financial literacy.
YEAR 7
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Computing, Design and Robotics
• Geography
• History
• Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• French
• Latin
• German
• PE
• Games
• Life Education
• ‘Ethos’ - an introduction to critical thinking
YEAR 8
• English
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Computing, Design & Robotics
• Geography
• History
• Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Two languages chosen from: French, German, Latin and Spanish
• PE
• Games afternoon
• Life Education
• Social Entrepreneurship
Middle School (Years 9–11)
Year 9
• English
• Mathematics
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Two languages continued in Year 8
• Geography
• History
• Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
• PE
• Life Education
• Two creative subjects chosen from Art, Design & Technology, Drama and Music.
• Computing
• English Language
Years 10 & 11
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics
The majority of pupils study the three separate sciences at IGCSE, resulting in three qualifications. A minority of pupils follow a Double Science Award which leads to two IGCSE qualifications.
• All pupils are required to take at least one humanity subject from Classical Civilisation, Economics, Geography, History and Religion, Philosophy & Ethics.
• All pupils are expected to take at least one language from French, German, Latin and Spanish.
• A further two subjects from a range: additional languages (French, German, Spanish, Latin), an additional humanities subject, Art, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies, Music and Physical Education.
Pupils are supported closely by their teachers as they make their A Level choices during Year 11. They are also enrolled in the Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO) scheme ‘Futurewise’ which further provides advice about higher education and career paths and A levels.
ENGLISH
In English, we encourage an informed and questioning appreciation of literature, aiming to cultivate in every pupil the sustained love of reading which is essential to intellectual development. All pupils are regularly issued with lists of recommended books and attend themed book talks from our librarian on genres of fiction, prize winning novels, and new titles and authors.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics at Emanuel encourages a curiosity about the world around us and equips our pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand and describe it. Dialogue with teachers, frequent mini-investigations and low stakes tests help reinforce the learning process; crucially pupils are educated to take responsibility for their independent progress and consolidation by regular use of learning platforms such as Dr Frost and Sparx and Hegarty where they can complete interactive practice modules which assess progress.
SCIENCE
Each of our science departments is well-resourced and led by its own head of department. Pupils study all three sciencesBiology, Physics and Chemistry – together in Year 7, and then separately from Year 8 with all lessons are taught by a specialist teacher in one of our dedicated labs. The Lower School benefits from a programme that probes beyond the national curriculum, stretching pupils and fostering an inquisitive and hands-on approach.
The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.
THE HUMANITIES
The humanities subjects studied in the Lower and Middle School at Emanuel are Geography, History, Religious Studies and Classical Civilisation and Religion, Philosophy & Ethics.
Geography at Emanuel combines traditional Geography topics (physical and human topics, area-based studies and the development of key skills) with a modern approach which incorporates contemporary current affairs at every opportunity. We educate pupils on a diverse array of skills including graphical, presentation, and analytical skills, whilst using stories from as many communities, perspectives and voices as we can to illuminate our lessons.
At Emanuel, History fosters a sense of intellectual enquiry. Lower school lessons encourage pupils to gather and assess evidence, express arguments and ideas clearly and reach research-based conclusions. The curriculum includes the study of Medieval Realms, Tudor England, The British Empire, Slavery and the First and Second World Wars.
Religious Studies (RS) Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (RPE) facilitates pupils’ skills in deep questioning to enhance thinking and communication skills so that they will be confident to put forward their own views in a group and make positive judgments in everyday life. Pupils are inspired to consider the insights and influences of a variety of religious traditions.
From Year 10, pupils are offered the opportunity to study Classical Civilisation as a GCSE course. This popular subject involves the study of the lives and works of the Romans and Ancient Greeks and focuses on ‘Myth and Religion’ with Hercules, Theseus, Aeneas and Romulus all making an appearance, as well as ‘Roman City Life’ or ‘War and Warfare’.
MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Global culture is widely celebrated at Emanuel, with inspirational staff teaching French, Spanish, and German offered. Pupils are inspired to become more confident in their ability to process language through reading, listening, speaking and writing. The varied trips, exchanges and extra-curricular activities on offer provide additional opportunities for language immersion.
Latin is immensely popular at Emanuel spurred by pupils’ enjoyment of the Cambridge Latin Course. It is supported with a cornucopia of extra-curricular activities and trips, including visits to Bath, Fishbourne, the British Museum, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Emanuel was selected as one of only 10 independent schools in the UK to take part in the pilot Intermediate Greek Certificate. This has been a triumphant success.
COMPUTING
Computing lessons at Emanuel develop computational thinking skills. Pupils develop an understanding of the operation of networked computing devices and learn to use these safely to analyse, communicate and present information in a variety of formats. Lower school pupils build and code self-driving robotic vehicles with line-following and obstacle-avoidance features. Animated programmable robotic heads complete with speech recognition, capable of tracking head movements, displaying emotions and engaging in conversation provide an exciting way to extend their understanding of both coding and robotics.
One of Emanuel School’s most well- known former pupils is Sir Tim Berners-Lee who is credited as the founder of the World Wide Web.
“Results have improved exponentially, with consequent rise up league tables. Head’s determination to recruit bright, committed, innovative staff paying off in spades.”
VISUAL ARTS
Art, Photography, Design and Technology are all housed in the Dacre building. The Art Department is equipped with specialist paint and print studios, a ceramics room with a kiln, glazing room and a sculpture studio, a dark room and film studio. Emanuel pupils become proficient in all these media, and its innovative curriculum is deservedly regarded as one of the best of any London school.
Outside the classroom budding artists enjoy participating in weekly art clubs. A Level students attend weekly life drawing masterclasses and there are regular trips, including residential trips for older students to the Turner Contemporary at Margate and St Ives in Cornwall, as well as annual London tours of the Tate Modern and V&A and visits to specific exhibitions of interest.
The Design and Technology department benefit from multi-purpose workshops focusing on the resistant materials curriculum offer of woodwork, metal work, plastics work and CAD and 3D design. Pupils are given a solid practical and theoretical knowledge base in design and making, including sketching, modelling, CAD/CAM and a mix of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques.
PERFORMING ARTS
All Emanuel pupils in Years 6-9 study Drama. The vibrant Drama department focuses on skills-based teaching as well as a rich programme of public performances, trips and theatre visits. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with the creation of meaning in their work and study abstract theatre as well as more naturalistic styles of acting. The curriculum teaches characterisation skills, theatre history and the study of text.
The Music department is hugely ambitious for Emanuel pupils and their musical opportunities. We are working to become a centre of excellence for contemporary music while maintaining our high standards in choral and orchestral music. We offer DJ lessons, developing the KS3 curriculum so pupils benefit from a truly 21st century music education, hosting careers talks for those keen on a future in the music industry, becoming a Rockschool examination centre, offering RSL Music Production grades and investing in the very latest technology and software.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Emanuel has a dedicated Learning Support department. Our highly trained staff offer support and expertise to help resolve difficulties and promote positive solutions for pupils experiencing barriers to learning. For more information, please visit our website.
THE LIBRARY
Emanuel’s library, centrally located at the heart of the school, is one of the biggest and best resourced learning resource centres in London, with a stock of around 30, 000 books over 50 magazine subscriptions and an extensive range of graphic novels. Older pupils make extensive use of the large range of online resources subscribed to, including JSTOR, Newsbank, MASSOLIT, and the History Reference Centre.
GODDARD LECTURES
The annual Goddard lectures are named after one of our most distinguished alumni, Professor Peter Goddard, CBE FRS. He is a mathematical physicist who works in string theory and conformal field theory. The lectures offer pupils an opportunity to hear from experts in their field and promote a high level of academic and professional engagement, by showing innovative thinking and gritty determination.
Recent speakers have included Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia and Yonca Dervisoglu, Chief Marketing Officer of Europe, Middle East and Africa for Google, co-founder of Google Arts and Culture the Google Cultural Institute.
EMANUEL EXPO
Emanuel’s super-curricular initiative Emanuel Expo, is a programme of collaborative events from academic departments, offering Lower School pupils opportunities once a fortnight to be inspired by intellectual ideas beyond the classroom. They are an integral part of our ‘no-limits learning’ ethos encouraging curiosity, creativity and commitment and exploring links between the different disciplines. Recent popular events have included sessions on the mathematics of elections, the art of cyanotype photography, the politics of maps, and why it is easier to rap in French. Our Sixth Form academic offering is very strong. Students choose three or four A Levels from 26 subjects and are encouraged to enhance their knowledge and range of interests through independent study with most also completing an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
SIXTH FORM
Our Sixth Form academic offering is very strong. Students choose three or four A Levels from 26 subjects and are encouraged to enhance their knowledge and range of interests through independent study with most also completing an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
See our separate Sixth Form publication for further details.
PASTORAL LIFE
Emanuel is renowned for the exceptional quality of its pastoral care. We understand that a happy child - one who feels supported as part of a kind and welcoming community - is one who will achieve their very best whether in their academic studies, co-curricular activities or in their general day-to-day engagement with school life.
Emanuel pupils take responsibility for themselves and each other, developing a strong moral code and making informed judgements about what is right or wrong. Pupils respect and care for one other, taking pride in not only their own achievements but those of others, playing their part in making our community unique and very special.
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
One of the unique features of our pastoral care is the importance we place on the relationship between the pupil, the school and parents. We see parents as partners in providing support and guidance to a child through their time at the school. As such, we provide a tailored programme of parent education throughout your time with us, including a pastoral evening at the start of every year, a range of informative pastoral seminars throughout each term delivered by expert speakers and access to a wealth of dedicated parenting resources, including the Teen Tips Wellbeing Hub.
PUPIL EDUCATION
Through our Life Education programme, we work closely with a range of leading education providers to ensure our pupils are challenged to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to live confident, healthy, independent lives and to contribute positively to wider society when they leave us. Our current partners include Digital Awareness UK; the RAP Project; It Happens; the Nutrition Guru; and the DSM Foundation.
MENTAL HEALTH
We approach mental health proactively, with pupils being taught specific skills and techniques from the start of their time with us so they can be drawn upon as required. We want Emanuel pupils to have the confidence to face up to adversity and challenge in a healthy, measured and constructive way. In the Lower School, this includes stem4’s MindYour5, focussing on daily strategies for positive mental health, while in the Middle School, health and wellbeing play and important part in our Life Education programme. In the Sixth Form, pupils can take part in a 10-week ‘.b’ mindfulness course delivered by our trained mindfulness teachers. Our school wellbeing committee, with representatives from all year groups, runs initiatives that promote positive mental health. Our unique and innovative approach to digital wellbeing is supported by in-house trials exploring the impact of social media and smartphones.
PASTORAL STRUCTURE
Each pupil at Emanuel is supported by a form tutor who will see them daily for morning registration and assemblies and is the key contact for all parents; they can be contacted at any
time to provide advice on an individual pupil’s progress. There are approximately 24 pupils per form in the Lower School, 20 in the Middle School and 16 in the Sixth Form.
Beyond the form tutor is the head of year who provides pastoral leadership for the year group and the team of tutors. The head of year is responsible for monitoring pupils’ pastoral welfare, behaviour and general academic performance and will respond to any matters referred by staff, ensuring effective liaison with parents.
Each section has a deputy head of section who provides pastoral support across the year groups, as well as leading the Life Education for the section and focussing on bespoke projects which improve the pupil experience.
The heads of year and deputy heads of section are overseen by the heads of section: Lower School (Years 6, 7 and 8), Middle School (Years 9, 10 and 11) and the Sixth Form. The heads of section provide leadership and advice to pastoral staff and pupils, monitoring the behaviour and performance of pupils in their sections and ensuring a smooth transition between year groups.
The pastoral care within the school is overseen by the deputy head: pupils who reports directly to the headmaster.
Life Education (PSHE) forms an important part of the curriculum at Emanuel. The programme provides a valuable opportunity for pupils to broaden their understanding of issues that impact not only themselves, but the wider community, while preparing for their own futures as global citizens.
COUNSELLING
Where a pupil might require additional support, we have a trained and dedicated team of counsellors offering individual and group sessions across the week. These sessions are accessible to all pupils at any time during their schooling for any matter concerning them. Our counsellors will often provide advice to specific year groups, while also running bespoke sessions for groups of parents on more acute adolescent issues.
CHAPLAINCY
Pupils in each year group attend regular services in the school’s very own chapel on a fortnightly rota.These services provide an important moment of pause and reflection during the school day and an opportunity for coming together as a year group.
The chaplain, who is a priest in the Church of England, is available to all, regardless of belief, as a non-judgemental ear in times of difficulty or questioning.The chaplaincy exists to encourage the personal quest for meaning, regardless of a person’s faith or identity.
HOUSES
In addition to their form, each pupil joins one of eight fully vertical houses when they join the school, meaning our youngest pupils interact with and learn from our oldest pupils, helping to strengthen our community. House meetings are often used for informal mentoring where guidance can be offered on a range of school-matters. Pupils can also represent their house by taking part in a range of co-educational, sporting and academic house competitions. The annual whole-school
sports day in Battersea Park is a highlight of the summer, but other events include debating, quizzes and our new Rubik’s cube competition attract large audiences.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
The school has two qualified nurses working through the week in the medical centre. Pupils can access medical support at any time during the school day.
PUPIL VOICE AND PASTORAL INNOVATION
We firmly believe here at Emanuel that ensuring pupils feel listened to and heard is essential for any successful school community. Whole-school pastoral and academic surveys allow pupils to raise matters important to them and ensure the school’s pastoral care continues to respond to the specific needs of the pupil body. Pupils play an active role in shaping the direction of the school and in implementing tangible change.This may be through the school council, groups on gender equality and mutual respect, the Archer Advisory Group dealing with matters race and diversity or the Pride Committee, covering all matters relating to LGBTQ+.
We continue to innovate our pastoral care for the benefit of our pupils. Over the recent years, we have conducted trials into the use of social media by our pupils, looking at the impact this has on mood and behaviour with a view to ensuring our young people develop some agency in their use of these platforms. We are committed to developing this body of work over the coming years to help Emanuel pupils navigate the digital world.
“Pastoral care is impressive, with tutors, counsellors, school nurses, teaching staff and the chaplain all on hand whenever pupils need a listening ear.”
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
SPORT
Sport is an integral part of day-to-day life at Emanuel. We believe in engendering a love of sport and activity, where every pupil can benefit from being involved as part of team and as an individual.
Our sporting programme allows pupils to be introduced to a wide variety of sports from an early age. As pupils progress through the school, they can begin to specialise in their chosen sports but still retain the breadth of opportunity should they wish to diversify.
Current pupils have achieved significant representative success and honours, including competing for England in rowing, Ireland in netball,Wales in Hockey and numerous county representatives in netball, hockey and rugby, and selection for professional performances pathways including Surrey County Cricket, London Pulse Netball, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Chelsea FC, Millwall FC and, Harlequins RFC. We have also supported pupils to achieve national recognition in figure skating, ballet and swimming.
REPRESENTING THE SCHOOL AND OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE
We are ambitious, running over 1000 inter-school fixtures each year with significantly more teams than many other independent schools in our performance sports. Our sports facilities are very busy throughout the week with training and fixtures with significant numbers of pupils having the opportunity of representing the school and competing alongside their peers. The majority of these matches take place on Saturday mornings meaning the school and sports grounds are alive with pupils and parents at the weekend, though regional and national cup competition fixtures will often be scheduled for midweek.
Our co-ed House sports competition ensures that pupils have opportunities to compete alongside one another as part of their House teams.
Our on-site sports facilities are excellent with Emanuel pupils benefiting from 12-acres of playing fields, a large sports hall with a climbing wall, two fitness suites and dance studio, a new dedicated strength and conditioning gym, a mini-astro, indoor and outdoor cricket nets, tennis and netball courts, and an indoor swimming pool. Off-site, the school has its own boathouse at Barnes Bridge with its very own strength and conditioning suite, ensuring our rowers occupy a prime position on the river for training and events.
At our Blagdons site in Raynes Park, the school has a further 14-acres of playing fields to help support the sporting programme. In 2023 we opened a full-size all-weather pitch for hockey and new cricket nets, and in 2024 developed three new netball courts and tennis courts.
Our sporting programme can split into three different strands: performance, development and engagement. Further details can be found below, while a full list of fixtures can be found on our website.
SPORT AT EMANUEL
Our range of additional sports which support the athletic development of pupils. We aim to offer competitive opportunities against other schools in all of these sports.
ATHLETICS
CROSS COUNTRY FOOTBALL
SWIMMING
Our major sports for pupils in which we provide regular inter-school fixtures and enter national and regional competitions.
DEVELOPMENT ENGAGEMENT
Our range of sports and activities on offer to ensure that every pupil remains active and learns the value of sport and exercise for life.
Over 20 sports and activities including:
CLIMBING DANCE PILATES RACKETBALL SQUASH
TABLE TENNIS YOGA
SPORTS TOURS
There is a regular programme of sports tours designed to extend and challenge our pupils, while also providing them with opportunities to broaden their experiences playing cultures and styles. In the last year our senior pupils toured Malaysia for hockey and rugby, took part in a residential rowing camp in Italy and undertook a pre-season cricket camp in Cambridgeshire. Pupils in the middle and lower schools have travelled to the UAE for netball and Barcelona for football.
DRAMA
Emanuel’s reputation for excellence in the performing arts is exceedingly strong and was the winner of the Independent School of the Year Award 2022 in the Performing Arts category. The Drama department at Emanuel is busy and vibrant, with a focus on excellent skills-based teaching as well as an exciting programme of performances, trips and theatre visits.
There is a vast array of opportunities for pupils of all ages to get involved on stage or behind the scenes. Pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8 have their own annual summer term performances. The biennial Middle School play runs for three nights in December, which alternates with the senior play for pupils in Year 10 to the Upper Sixth. The annual school musical typically involves over 100 pupils. Recent performances include Beauty and the Beast and The Addams Family. Every other year, 20 senior students travel to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform two shows.
MUSIC
Emanuel prides itself on being a centre of excellence for contemporary music while maintaining the very highest standards in choral and orchestral music.
There are over 30 concerts a year: ‘Night at the Movies’ in the Hampden Hall; ‘A Night at the Musicals’ at the Clapham Grand; a DJing show at The Ministry of Sound; a ‘Showstoppers’ concert for all pupils in Years 6 and 7; masterclasses with external professionals; carol services; ensembles’ concerts; performers’ platforms; two major house music competitions; music scholar concerts; and an annual school musical.
Over 350 music lessons take place in school every week with 24 first-rate visiting professional music teachers. We hold ABRSM and Rockschool exams each term.
ART & DESIGN
Co–curricular art and design activities benefit from specialist paint and print studios, a dark room for photography, a ceramics room with dedicated kiln, glazing rooms and a sculpture studio. Lower School art, weaving and clay club are all extremely popular among younger pupils, whilst scholars and A level students are invited to regular drawing masterclasses. Pupils are given regular opportunities to visit galleries in London and make contributions to exhibitions in school.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
In addition to sport, there are over 70 clubs and societies for pupils to explore at lunchtimes and after school every week. The most popular co-curricular activity is the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with around 200 pupils enrolling in this national programme each year. Other popular activities include the media club, the dance clubs, the chess club, Athena society, the eco club and dissection club.
TRIPS
The school offers a wide range of day and residential trips to support elements of the curriculum and co-curriculum. In the next twelve months, our pupils will visit Greece and Rome with Classics, Barcelona and Iceland with Geography, take part in language trips to France, Germany and Spain and New York City with the Music and Drama departments. The centre piece of the trips calendar is field week in the last week of the summer term where all pupils take part in local, regional or international trips to enrich their learning and support community projects.
In
line with the governors’ aims, pupils enjoy an exceptionally broad range of activities beyond the classroom.
All pupils at Emanuel are encouraged to be outward-looking and to contribute to the community. Pupils in Year 6 take part in enrichment activities with local partners schools throughout the year, whilst those in Years 7 and 8 are able to join the community service club. Pupils in Year 8 also have social entrepreneurship lessons where they create a business plan and marketing campaign for a not-for-profit venture to alleviate environmental issues. A large number of our Year 9 and above pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme – we provide numerous opportunities for our pupils to fulfil their volunteering requirements through our partnership programmes.
PARTNERSHIPS
Our work with partner schools and community organisations permeates every aspect of school life. Pupils, staff, parents and Old Emanuels are encouraged to volunteer. Staff run Ascent, our summer term Saturday booster programme for Year 5 partner school children failing to reach national standards in English and Maths; and GCSE boosters for partner school students eager to excel and do so with a little extra support.We share careers events, Oxbridge and medical school interview preparation, inspirational speakers, author visits and more.
We support disability football sessions with Fulham FC Foundation and disability hockey with Wayfarer’s Flyerz; we provide weekly swimming lessons for five local primary schools each term; we share our theatre with Friends of Wandsworth Common for events. We deliver Christmas hampers to local single parent families and hosted a weekly Saturday morning ‘Coffee and Conversation Hub’ for Ukrainians refugees in our community. We sang, we DJ’d, we quizzed, we collected…
CHARITIES
Pupils work through their houses and the charity committee to support the work of charities. Over the last twelve months we have collected significant funds and items to support refugees arriving in the UK from Afghanistan. In addition to sending items to support Ukrainians in need, we currently run a Saturday morning coffee and conversation hub for families from Ukraine and their hosts.
At Christmas, we support Cheer, a charity that provides support for single parent families, by supplying items for hampers. We have an established relationship with Ace of Clubs, a charity that supports the homeless, and raise funds via a sponsored sleep out. The Sixth Form also raises money for our partner schools in Tamil Nadu, India through organising the Sixth Form Revue.
PRIMARY AMBITIONS
Primary Ambitions is our flagship Lower Sixth-led primary school-focused enrichment programme. Our Lower Sixth pupils plan and prepare their sessions including presentations, activities, worksheets and games with the support of their Primary Ambitions supervisors. They then deliver their materials to groups of 15 Year 5 or 6 pupils from 12 of our local state primary partner schools.
We offer 18 different subjects including action-packed swimming lessons in the pool, Orienteering around the school site and Biodiversity in our wonderful Biodiversity garden.These are in addition to Clay Creatures art workshops, Comedy & Masks drama sessions, Filmmaking and Robotics.
Primary Ambitions runs for 20 weeks from September to June each year. Each week 285 primary school pupils, all from schools with a high percentage of children qualifying for free school meals, attend. We provide 1425 pupil enrichment hours per five-week module; and 5700 enrichment hours across the year.
We were thrilled to win the highly competitive Independent Schools of theYear award for Community Outreach in 2021.The award recognised us for our creative approach to supporting our primary school partners throughout the pandemic with our Primary Ambitions’ Lesson-in-a-box programme.
The programme’s success stems from mutual benefit – our partner school pupils are engaged in their learning, build confidence, resilience and friendships; and Emanuel pupils develop their leadership, facilitation and teamworking skills.
Battersea Rise
London SW11 1HS
Tel: 020 8870 4171
Email: admissions@emanuel.org.uk
Instagram: emanuel.school
Twitter: emanuel_school
www.emanuel.org.uk