The Good Schools Guide Review
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Can resolutely not be compartmentalised as for sporty, bookish, academic or other. As one pupil put it, ‘ It’s a something-for-everyone school.’ It is an embodiment of the current head’s aspiration for level-headed, communityspirited pupils to secure excellent academic results in a warm environment.
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Headmaster Since 2017, Robert Milne, previously deputy head (pastoral) at KCS, Wimbledon. Started teaching at Oundle, moved to King Edward’s, Birmingham as housemaster and thence to Magdalen College School as head of English. English degree from Leicester, master’s from King’s College, London. While remaining respectful of the school’s long history (it was founded in 1594), he has hurled it into great fresh prominence, pointing out that the area needs a ‘thriving co-ed school’. He has already overseen significant structural renovation (‘the place just looks so much better,’ commented one parent) and there is more to come, with developments in the sciences, computing and maths. Lively, active and dynamic, he exudes energy and brims with ideas and projects. Particularly passionate about social mobility, wanting to foster ‘sparky but not arrogant’ pupils who ‘don’t exist in a bubble’. ‘I want them to do their best here and then help others when they leave.’ Community work and outreach programmes have evolved markedly since his arrival, of which parents approve: ‘My son got so much out of his community work – it really woke him up.’ ‘What I hadn’t foreseen is how good it’s been for recruitment. It’s obviously good for the children but it also generates interest from prospective members of staff who have similar interests – in inclusivity etc.’ Wants to increase the number of free places. Convinced that the key to the success of his tenure is recruitment of good staff, and they reciprocate: ‘You can talk to him about anything, at any time.’ Pupils, too, spoke of ‘how reasonable’ he is, one mentioning that the behaviour policy is ‘more lenient’ than it had been but that ‘there’s less trouble’. Perhaps a result of head’s belief in the centrality of pupil voice. ‘It’s so important to involve them, they do most of our surveys,’ he says. Indeed, his large office with welcoming
sofas frequently hosts groups of pupils armed with proposals. ‘South west London needs a school doing well academically but not at the expense of mental health,’ he sums up, ‘I hope we’re a warm environment.’ Previously found time to do some teaching but ‘this is the first term I haven’t, and I don’t like it. I expect to be back soon’. Seems to be ubiquitous, though, popping up all over the place when we visited. ‘He’s always at all the fixtures,’ said one parent.
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Lively, active and dynamic, he exudes energy and brims with ideas and projects.
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Entrance
Exit
Main entry points are 10+, 11+ and sixth form. Year 6 entry is a significantly smaller cohort of 48 children, divided into two classes of 24. Year groups higher up hover around the 150 mark. For years 6 and 7 entry, registration up until midOctober the year prior to entry. Copies of last school report together with reference from head. December exams in English, maths and VR, after which successful candidates will be invited for one-to-one interview and group activity. Offers made in February, deadline for acceptance in March. If not successful for year 6 entry, candidate will be offered another chance for year 7. Conversely, turning down an offer in year 6 debars a second attempt in year 7. Almost 50:50 from prep and state primary.
Vast majority of students stay for sixth form. Principally on to Russell Group universities, but many to other destinations of repute such as Bath and St Andrews. Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Exeter and Durham perennially popular. Pre-Brexit sprinkling to other European universities being reinvigorated. Small but growing number to the US. Unusually strong creative and performing arts department results in sizeable number to Royal Drawing School, LAMDA, RADA, Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Music Conservatoire. New heights reached in 2023 when nine headed to Oxbridge. High praise for careers advice, societies, higher education fairs and specialist buttressing for aspiring medics and Oxbridge applicants, plus form tutors’ support with UCAS process. ‘We’re well guided.They’re really helpful.’
About 30 join in sixth form, when candidates need 7s in any subjects to be studied at A level. Exams in English, maths and a general paper, followed by interview and group assessment. School report and reference sought.
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New heights reached in 2023 when nine headed to Oxbridge.
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Latest results In 2023, 87 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 53 per cent A*/A at A level (85 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 71 per cent 9-7 at GCSE: 47 per cent A*/A at A level (82 per cent A*-B).
Teaching and learning The Emanuel of the present is an astonishing evolution of the Emanuel of the past. Results have improved exponentially, with consequent rise up league tables. Head’s determination to recruit bright, committed, innovative staff paying off in spades. These fresh new recruits, as well as the devoted old timers, set high expectations which are largely met. As one member of staff said,‘It’s all about aspiration’. Parents say much is expected and much is given – and without exception, the children we saw were attentive, involved and participatory. ‘The teachers really support you,’ said one, while a sixth former told us that what he would miss most when he left was ‘the teachers – they’re just great’.Technological innovation also notable, with all now issued with Chromebooks on entry. ‘Almost everything’s online,’ said a teacher. We did, however, see a class full of year 9s vigorously engaged in a debate on immigration, not a computer in sight. Lower school lessons in rhetoric, ethics and social entrepreneurship. Most pupils take 10 GCSEs. French, German and Spanish on offer. Latin popular, together with classical civilisation, but no Greek. High take-up for history, geography, art, DT, economics, PE. Vast majority take three A levels from a choice of 27 subjects. Around 80 per cent do an EPQ on subjects as varied as ‘To what extent is the effectiveness of antibacterial handwash affected by price?’ to ‘Create a dress which fuses Edwardian design with modern haute couture’. New sixth form centre is a strikingly attractive space with café, cleverly segmented to maximise study and civilised socialising. Beautiful views onto extensive playing fields blighted only by two hideous portacabins whose days are numbered. Well-stocked library leads directly off the entrance hall, offering an enticing setting for calm study. We saw several
pupils working on their own to the quiet background buzz of a younger group enjoying an English lesson. Impressive range of magazines – everything from The Economist to Match. Brimming archive sits on mezzanine, abutting chapel, from where glorious organ music wafted. Innovative curriculum constantly being unfolded. From inaugural year 6 spelling bee competition to inaugural French exchange, new initiatives abound. Classroom learning complemented by seemingly endless number of activities, many anchored in the community programme. Year 6 enrichment with local primary school, art workshops, public speaking competitions, coffee and conversation hubs for Ukrainians, sustainability seminars, film-in-a-week productions, tree planting schemes, waste less weeks, gallery space curating, limitless learning imitative – we could go on. ‘I love the ethos lesson best,‘ said one year 7. Social entrepreneurship lessons in year 8 much prized.
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The Emanuel of the present is an astonishing evolution of the Emanuel of the past. Results have improved exponentially, with consequent rise up league tables.
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The arts and extracurricular Teachers say the head is ‘wonderful’ at giving them opportunities to follow their own passions. ‘That’s why there are so many interesting clubs, so well run,’ said one. Ranges from LGBTQ+ to law, from spin to world film, most meeting during extended lunch period. Some sporty ones before school too. DofE popular at all levels. Music integral to the curriculum, with extensive repertoire from DJing to rap via more traditional choral and classical. Annual carol concert at nearby St Luke’s, umpteen concerts and recitals and a years 6 and 7 annual ‘Showstoppers’ performance – all giving instrumentalists and singers plenty of opportunity to perform in one of several school halls. Outstanding record in music exams: over half are awarded distinction or merit, not bad for a non-specialist school. Again, dedicated staff play critical role. We saw an animated choral group rehearsing under an amusing and inspiring teacher. Around 30 per cent have individual instrumental lessons. School recently won Independent School of the Year for performing arts. A theatre, opened by Ralph Fiennes and Mike Leigh no less, accommodates smaller-scale productions whilst magnificent main theatre is home to all else, including annual school-wide musical. The Beauty and the Beast next up. Years 6, 7 and 8 have own annual play in summer term. Middle school and senior school play, as well as inter-house productions. We loved watching the GSCE pupils putting together costumes and props, complete with open bottle of wine (fear not, Ribena). For those not seeking stage stardom, masses of lighting, technical and backstage opportunities. Spills over into community work when children collaborate with local school to script a play-in-a-day, then performed to parents.
Ample opportunities for dance of all sorts, too, with strong pupil led emphasis. Pupils no strangers to national venues, recent trips having included a DJ event at the XOYO nightclub, choral evensong at St Paul’s and an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Art literally part of the buildings’ fabric with cheerful coloured glass insulating the sight and sound of adjacent railway line. Opportunities to paint, sculpt, etch and design in 3D. Ingeniously designed, newish block where light fills every space and every room brims with materials, machines and maquettes. Work in progress adorns windowsills and display shelves. In DT, the adjustable lamps being made by year 9 looked useful and we coveted the enamel jewellery being created by year 8. We were particularly impressed by the opportunity pupils are given to link it to so many other subjects, such as physics and chemistry. Plentiful opportunities for trips, far and wide – from battlefields to Barcelona and beyond. We loved the LEGO, legere, legi, lectus year 7 trip to Legoland.
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Music integral to the curriculum, with extensive repertoire from DJing to rap via more traditional choral and classical.
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Learning support and SEN Learning support department small and rated highly. ‘Very unobtrusive’, reported one parent. ‘You never really know who gets help,’ agreed a sixth former. Four strong department, one specifically assigned to the lower school (year 6, 7 and 8), catering for ADHD, autism, minor forms of visual and auditory impairment but not dyscalculia. No additional charges.‘Vibrant and happily atmosphere of school ‘probably wouldn’t suit those with significant learning or behaviour issues’. Original buildings not conducive to mobility issues. Almost half are bilingual but no specific EAL support, although this is offered outside school.
Sport Much revamping and renovation in this department. Transformed boathouse near Barnes Bridge now boasts gym, while school’s large off-site playing fields, just off the A3 near Raynes Park, is having a makeover. New all-weather pitch and cricket nets recently opened, with more to come for tennis and netball.Vast sports hall (with booming voice needed to fill it), ample pitches onsite and own swimming pool, complete with exotic palm trees, means that some do not have to leave main campus. Three-pronged programme – performance, development and engagement - ‘reinvigorated’. ‘There’s been a real drive,’ say parents. Football, rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, tennis and cricket main sports, ‘but there’s a growing choice’, said a pupil. Indeed, squash, Pilates, croquet, water polo and racquetball also feature. Rowing serious and becoming more so. ‘And the school physio is really good,’ threw in one sixth former. Upper sixth leavers played last game of their school career at Twickenham Stoop.
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Three-pronged programme – performance, development and engagement - ‘reinvigorated’.
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Ethos and heritage Undoubtedly ‘one of the most striking school buildings in southwest London’, as one parent put it.A first in co-education, it has its origins in Westminster where it was founded for 10 boys and 10 girls by Lady Anne Dacre, a cousin of Elizabeth I’s. Moved to former Victorian orphanage and, after spell as boys only, returned to co-ed in 1995. Wide bridge over railway line makes for unique entrance and keeps car congestion to minimum. Free access during break and lunch to extensive lawns (exceptionally convincing artificial grass in places) and handsome gardens. Enclosed all-weather pitch, quieter areas and a delightful eco garden cater for the ‘super-introverted’ or to calm those more boisterous. Hidden courtyard in which the former Queen planted a tree, celebrates Elizabeth I, II and the late Queen Mother. Sensitive adaptation of original buildings and attractive new additions (bar the two portacabins) make for a clean, bright, spacious place, surprisingly uncluttered. Every pupil has a locker where mobiles have to be stowed away for fear of confiscation. Old black and white floor tiles run seamlessly into dazzling almost psychedelic new version. Food straightforward and nourishing. Occasional moans about the absence of choice but we found it well-presented and varied. Staff eat at long table in same room as pupils. Buttery for years 6 and 7, together with a jolly sixth form café where hungry teenagers can stock up on pizza, lattes and the like. Outdoor tables too. Dacre family motto, ‘pour bien désirer’, more than hollow adornment. Firm anchor of school’s community-minded approach and widely practised. Even local MP waxed lyrical about ‘the great work’ school does ‘for our community and the schools within my constituency’. Battersea Rise
Trust, set up to help increase social mobility, thrives. Flagship Primary Ambitions programme, whereby, every Friday, older pupils impart their knowledge to 285 state pupils. Multiple partnerships, with schools in India too, ensure all from year 6 are involved. Swimming pool also put to good local use. School recently awarded Independent School of the Year for partnerships.
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Undoubtedly ‘one of the most striking school buildings in southwest London
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Pastoral care, inclusivity and discipline Emphasis on collaboration and consideration. In life education classes, toxic masculinity and other unsavoury areas are openly discussed and tackled through schemes such as Girls Onboard. Confidential counselling service operates daily, with a drop-in session at lunchtimes. Pupils over 12 can self-refer or be referred without the consent of their parents. Head has reviewed disciplinary approach and made it ‘gentler’, according to one parent. Minor misbehaviour and late homework attract ‘reminders’ or ‘concerns’ rather than opprobrium. A certain number of these trigger a detention but even these are now constructively used either to catch up on work or to reflect on misdemeanours. Parents contacted in early stages of any concerns and most wholeheartedly praised new system:‘It’s made for a much kinder environment.’ But zero tolerance of bullying and drugs – of which pupils are reminded firmly at start of each term. No expulsions in living memory, and very few suspensions. Members of staff warmly spoke of the genial atmosphere. They are offered access to the swimming pool before school, and feel much appreciated. ‘You really feel you can make a contribution here.’ Good ethnic diversity, including among staff who lead events such as Black History Month and bring their wealth of experience and background to their charges.
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Head has reviewed disciplinary approach and made it ‘gentler’.
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Pupils and parents
Money matters
Families mostly ‘low-key’. ‘A grounded lot,’ declared one. Vast majority local – within cycling or walking distance. But catchment area spreading rapidly back towards central London - fair few now from South Ken, Knightsbridge and Notting Hill. Hoards walk from Clapham Junction. Lively PA fully immersed in local community events and fundraising. No explicit demands made but implicit expectation that they will share the school’s unusually highly-developed sense of outreach and partnership.
Fees a little below comparable schools in the area. School attempting to become more accessible: 20 per cent of pupils now in receipt of financial assistance, with around 50 in fullyfunded places. Any family with an income of under £26,000 can apply for a fully-funded place, all the way through. ‘I’m not so keen on the frills, I want more free places,’ says head. PA proud to have recently raised enough money for one free place – ‘That’s why the school’s unique - there’s every sense of giving, not entitlement,’ said a parent. Recently-launched Giant Strides initiative aims to drive philanthropic campaign further and is well supported by current parents, OEs (former pupils) and vast majority of staff.
Pupil we met demonstrated an easy articulacy, authentic approach and comfortable, polite manner. A nudge from a friend prompted one sixth former quickly to move his feet from a sofa when we entered the sixth form centre. With over 1,000 pupils, ‘you’re bound to have the usual teenage stuff’, says head. What is less usual is the extent to which the school strives to and succeeds in quashing any sense of misplaced birthright.
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Pupil we met demonstrated an easy articulacy, authentic approach and comfortable, polite manner.
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Music, co-curricular, art and design, drama, sports and academic scholarships available at 10+ 11+ and for sixth form – usually worth 10 per cent of fees, but can rise to 50 per cent, and they can run alongside assistance with fees.
The last word Can resolutely not be compartmentalised as for sporty, bookish, academic or other.As one pupil put it,‘It’s a somethingfor-everyone school.’ It is an embodiment of the current head’s aspiration for level-headed, community-spirited pupils to secure excellent academic results in a warm environment.
Emanuel School, Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HS Tel: 020 8870 4171 Email: enquiries@emanuel.org.uk Instagram: emanuel.school X: @emanuel_school www.emanuel.org.uk