ABOVE Professor Mark Bailey, High Master of St Paul’s School, speaking at the 2015 Independent Schools Show
Unlocking the answers The Independent Schools Show is the ultimate forum for parents to meet the biggest names in British education. Come and speak face-to-face with over 200 of the country’s leading schools at the world’s biggest open day. Hear from the brightest thinkers and most respected Heads at the renowned Education Theatre. I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H
when: Saturday 12 November 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 13 November 10:30 - 16:30 where: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
B A R R AT T
FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.SCHOOLSSHOW.COM
LONDON
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BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Bromley High Exceptional,Award Winning Education Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School
Bromley High School’s consistently excellent GCSE and A level examination results and outstanding performance in extra-curricular were recognised by an Exceptional rating for pupils’ learning and achievements from the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2016.
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or the second year running, Bromley High School has been shortlisted for the Education Business Award for Outstanding Progress in a UK Independent School. It was also one of five shortlisted schools drawn from across the state and independent sectors for the award for outstanding provision for the teaching of STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Bromley High buzzes with the sound of girls engaged in dramatic performance, dance and debate. One leaver is now starring in the BBC's Eastenders whilst one of our Junior girls is still wowing West End audiences in the lead role in 'Matilda'. A triumphant hockey season saw our U16s crowned outdoor and indoor Kent County Hockey Champions. Girls gained national representative honours in diving, swimming, rowing, hockey, biathlon, gymnastics and tennis and girls in Years 7 to 10 won 25 county representative honours in 8 separate sports. The U11 biathlon team were placed 2nd in the UK. Tennis had an impressive season: the Junior School swept the board at the Kent County Championships and the U12s won the Girls' School Association Doubles Championship. We look forward to meeting you and your daughter at our Open Morning on Saturday October 1st 2016. We are also holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday October 13th 6.30 pm. Booking is essential on www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net. Contact admissions@bro.gdst.net for more details. Follow us on twitter @bromleyhs THE DETAILS For more information about Bromley High School Blackbrook Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2TW visit the website at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net
OPEN MORNING SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2016 9.30am-1.00pm
JUNIOR & SENIOR TASTER DAYS
‘EXCEPTIONAL’ (ISI 2016)
Apply Online or Email: admissions@bro.gdst.net www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Unlocking the answers at the Independent Schools Show 2016 12-13 NOVEMBER 2016 BATTERSEA EVOLUTION, BATTERSEA PARK SW11
As the UK’s largest school open day, the TALKS INCLUDE Independent Schools Show (12-13 November) The changing face of Independent Education Derham, Headmaster of Westminster School and Adam Pettitt, welcomes 200+ of the country’s leading Patrick Head of Highgate School nurseries, pre-preps, prep schools, senior schools State til 8? Alternative routes moving your child between and sixth form colleges to Battersea Park. state and independent schools
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he Show has helped tens of thousands of parents make the right choice for their children. You will receive indispensable advice on questions that continue to concern parents: how to navigate your way through the London system; when should your child start tuition; could your child attain a scholarship; should you consider boarding and what are the options for a child with special needs. From nursery to sixth form and university options, there is no better place for you to get a complete understanding of the choices and opportunities that are available for your child: to meet key admissions teams; speak with heads; enquire about entry requirements at all stages and explore scholarships and bursaries. With two great cafés run by Muriel’s Kitchen, a free creche and Battersea Park to play in, a full Education Theatre timetable, there is no better way to plan for your child’s future.
Ralph Lucas, Editor of The Good Schools Guide and Keith Budge, Head of Bedales School Action for happiness Sir Anthony Seldon,Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham How to choose the right school Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council Deciphering senior school entrance - how to navigate the 11+ & 13+ systems Ben Thomas, Headmaster of Thomas’s Battersea Increasing access to independent schools Professor Mark Bailey, High Master of St Paul’s School Starting out in London Nick Baker, Head of Wetherby Prep & Senior and Jane Ritchie, Alpha Plus Your changing child providing support, learning to cope and nurturing achievement From the Tavistock Centre, Dr Sarah Wynick is Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Laverne Antrobus is Consultant Child and Educational Psychologist Scholarships & bursaries answered Susan Hamlyn, Director of the Good Schools Guide Educational Consultants THE DETAILS Full details of the show are available at www.SchoolsShow.com @ischoolsshow
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IndependentSchoolsShow
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
The Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties.
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Standard
ddressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/ pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an
environment that ensures that their needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.
London’s leading day school for specific learning difficulties
...and all of a sudden, nothing is impossible. 1257 FH_ISG GOLD STANDARD ½ PAGE 185x120.indd 1
020 7976 5456 fairleyhouse.org.uk
08/09/2016 13:23
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
GABRIELLE MALLET
As Sydenham High School GDST prepares to celebrate 130 years of educating girls to exceptionally high standards, the school’s star is rising ever higher.
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hilst the media recorded a fall in this Summer’s top exam grades Sydenham High celebrated a record haul of top results at both A level and GCSE. Almost half of the school’s A level grades (45.1%) were either A* or A, bucking the trend nationally and representing a 17.5% year on year increase in achievement. As a result, the school topped the Girls’ Day School Trust’s own league table for year-on-year improvement in top A level grades. Along with a one hundred per cent pass rate, over 80% of A level grades were A*-B and 93% were
Independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18
OPEN MORNINGS Reception & Junior Saturday 24 September 10am Wednesday 5 October 9.30am
Senior & Sixth Form Saturday 17 September 10am Tuesday 27 September 9.30am
19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Open Days admissions@syd.gdst.net
020 8557 7004
See our website for further details
Rising stars at Sydenham High
A*-C, ensuring students secured places at a range of top universities including Oxford, Durham, Manchester and Warwick. Gabrielle Mallet was amongst the highest achieving Year 13 students. Linguist Gabrielle (pictured) gained A*s and As, including A* for her Extended Project Qualification, and will be taking up a place at Queen’s College, Oxford, to read Japanese. Also celebrating was Orlane Doumbe, who joined Sydenham High’s Sixth Form after receiving a sought-after joint school and HSBC Global Education Scholarship. She achieved straight As in Maths, Chemistry and French, and is heading to Manchester to read Chemistry. The strongest subject performances at A level were in Physics, Further Maths, French, Business Studies and Design Technology where one hundred per cent of pupils gained an A*/A. Sydenham High’s talented drama students and mathematicians also took centre stage with 86% A*/As in Theatre Studies, with over 80% of Maths passes also A*/A.
HANTON TRIPLETS
The story at GCSE was also one of rising stars. Nearly two thirds of scores were A* and A, and more than 80% of grades in six subjects were A*/A, including STEM subjects: Biology (91 %); Statistics (89%); Chemistry, Physics and Drama (86%) and Latin (83%). Success was a family affair for three students. Triplets Kate, Louisa and Sophie Hanton (also pictured) scooped a total of 26 A* between them plus 5 As. Kate and three other students – Alex Lindsay, Maddy Telford and Betty Townley – all achieved a clean sweep of 10 or more A*s. Headteacher Kathryn Pullen said: “We’re immensely proud of each and every student. These are tremendous achievements to celebrate. They are their passports into their futures and they reflect both our students’ hard work and the dedication and inspiration of their teachers.” “Teaching and learning is something we do with our students, not to them or for them. We set high expectations, provide a strong academic framework, and instil confidence in each and every student to achieve their best. As a result they have done themselves and Sydenham High proud.”
H S GROUP ROUP OUSEschools CHOOLSgroup ROUP HOUSE OUSE SCHOOLS CHOOLS G house Bassett House Bassett HouseSchool School Bassett House School Bassett House School Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington
Orchard House School Prospect House School orchard House School OrchardHouse HouseSchool School prospect Prospect House School Orchard House School Prospect House School Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick
Bassett Bassett House School BassettHouse HouseSchool School Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP 60Bassett BassettRoad, Road,London LondonW10 W106JP 6JP 60 London W10 6JP Tel 020 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk OPEN DAYS Saturday, 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAY Saturday, 9thOct, May, 10am-12.30pm OPEN DAY Saturday 8th 11th October 2016 - 10.00am-12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm
Orchard OrchardHouse HouseSchool School Orchard House School Orchard House School 16 16 Newton 16Newton NewtonGrove, Grove,Bedford BedfordPark, Park,London LondonW4 W41LB 1LB 16 Newton Grove, Bedford Park, London W4 Tel 020 Tel 020 8742 8544, info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel020 0208742 87428544, 8544,info@orchardhs.org.uk info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk OPEN DAYS Saturday, Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAY Saturday, 7th March, 9.30am-noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAY Saturday 8th 4th October 2016 - 9.30am–noon
Prospect House School Prospect House School House School P H Shhh lll PProspect HHouse SSchool PProspect H S 75 Putney Hill, London 75Putney PutneyHill, Hill,London LondonSW15 SW153NT 3NT 75 Putney SW15 3NT 75 Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel020 0208780 87800456, 0456,info@prospecths.org.uk info@prospecths.org.uk Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk OPEN EVENING Thursday, 30th April, 6-8pm OPEN DAY Saturday 8th October 2016 - 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4thOct, Oct, 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th 9.30am –––noon
Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth
Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard Bassett House House School School in in Kensington, Kensington, Orchard Orchard Bassett Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard House School in Chiswick and Prospect House House School School in in Chiswick Chiswick and and Prospect Prospect House House House House School in Chiswick and Prospect House School in Putney are prep schools for children aged Schoolin inPutney Putneyare areprep prepschools schoolsfor forchildren childrenaged aged School School in Putney are prep schools for children aged 333 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and and above. above. All All are are IAPS-member IAPS-member schools schools and and and 3 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and participate in the Minimum Funding Entitlement participate in in the the Minimum Minimum Funding Funding Entitlement Entitlement participate participate in the Mininum Funding Entitlement Scheme, which reduces the fees charged Scheme, which which reduces thecharged fees charged charged for for Scheme, reduces the fees Scheme, which reduces the fees for childrenfor children aged under 5 years old. children aged under 55 years years old. old. children aged under aged under 5 years. All three schools are co-educational to age 11, All three three schools schoolsare areco-educational co-educationaltoto toage age11, 11, All three schools are co-educational age 11, All when the children leave for their senior schools. when the the children childrenleave leavefor fortheir theirsenior seniorschools. schools. when the children leave for their senior schools. when The schools are non-selective for younger Theschools schools are non-selective non-selective forchildren, younger The schools are for younger The are non-selective for younger children, yet the academic expectations are high children, yet the the academic academic expectations expectations are the high children, yet are high yet the academic expectations are high and and the achievement distinguished. We believe this and the the achievement achievement distinguished. Wethis believe this and distinguished. We believe this achievement distinguished. We believe is for is two principal reasons. First, we provide at is for for two principal principal reasons. First, weatprovide provide at is for two we two principal reasons. reasons. First, weFirst, provide each ofat each of our schools nurturing, positive and eachschools of our oura schools schools aaa positive nurturing, positive and each of nurturing, and our nurturing, andpositive happy yet happy yet structured environment. We know that happy yet yet environment. structured environment. environment. Wehappiness know that that happy structured We know structured We know that happiness and success go hand in hand and we happiness and success goand hand in hand handsuccess and we we happiness success go hand and and success and go hand in hand we in celebrate celebrate success at every level and in every sphere success atevery everysphere level and and in every every celebrate success at every level in atcelebrate every level and in of school life, sphere be it of school life, be it in academic work, sport, music of school life, be it in academic work, sport, work, sport, in academic work, sport, music or the music arts. or low pupil toand teacher orthe thearts. arts. Secondly, we have lowpupil pupil have low teacher Secondly, weSecondly, have a lowwe pupil toaateacher ratioto an ratio and an abundance of resources. Together these ratio and an ofresources. resources. Together abundance of abundance resources. Together these Together bring out these the bring out the best in each and every child. bring each and every every child. child. best in out eachthe andbest everyinchild. Examination consistently been Examination results results have have consistently consistently been results have consistently been Examination excellent: the schools proud of their hard-won excellent:the the schools are proud of their their of hard-won excellent: schools areare proud of their hard-won and and and long-standing long-standing reputations. reputations. long-standing reputations. Parents usually register their children earlytoto to Parents usually usually register registertheir theirchildren childrenearly children early Parents secure Nursery or Reception secureplaces places in each eacheach school’s NurseryNursery or Reception school’s Nursery or secure placesin in school’s or classes groups arise from classesbut butclasses vacancies inother otheryear year groups vacancies groups from Reception but in vacancies in other yeararise groups time to you wish consider one of these these time from to time. time. Ifto youtime. wishIfto toyou consider one consider one of arise timeIf wish to consider schools foryour your child,for westrongly strongly encourage schools strongly encourage you to to child, we encourage you one of for these schools your child, we strongly visit us. us. Please Please call the school secretary visit secretary of the the of encourage you tocall visitthe us. school Please secretary call the school relevant of school, who will will be who happy tobearrange arrange school, who be happy relevant happy to arrange for secretary the relevant school, willto happy tofor you to tofor visit the school and see see it in in school and action. you visit see it in action. In arrange youthe to visit the school and it see it in action.In addition, there are occasional Open OpenDays Dayswhich Open Days which addition, Open Days which In addition,there thereare are occasional occassional give an an even even greater greateropportunity opportunitytoto tospeak speaktoto greater opportunity speak our give give an even opportunity to speak toour our strongestsupporters, supporters, namely the children! supporters, namely children! strongest namely thethe children! strongest children!
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Privately Educated People
Dominate Top British jobs The study, by the Sutton Trust education charity, shows that virtually every key profession is dominated by privately educated pupils grabbing the senior management/director positions.
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heir grip on power is most noticeable in the judiciary, where 74 per cent of leading judges (those in the High Court or Court of Appeal) were privately educated. Figures in the report also show that one in
58 SEPTEMBER2016
three MPs (32 per cent) was privately educated – as were half the members of the Conservative Cabinet. Even in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet, 13 per cent of members went to private school. Nationally, the figure is just 7 per cent. The report, carried out by Dr Philip Kirby, goes on to show that 71 per cent of senior Army officers – two-star generals and above – went to private schools. Only 12 per cent attended comprehensives. In medicine, 61 per cent of doctors were privately educated while 22 per cent went to selective state grammar schools and just 16 per cent to comprehensives. The list goes on – 48 per cent of civil servants were educated privately, 29 per cent went to selective grammar schools and 23 per cent to comprehensives. The higher echelons of journalism are also
dominated by the private sector, with 51 per cent educated in independent schools. And of those chief executives of FTSE 100 companies who were educated in the UK, 34 per cent were privately educated. Nearly half the top actors – 42 per cent of Bafta Award winners – went to private schools, fuelling criticism that the profession is becoming more elitist. “Our research shows that your chances of reaching the top in so many areas of British life are so much better if you went to an independent school,” said Sir Peter Lampl, the chairman of the Sutton Trust. “As well as academic achievement, an independent education tends to develop the essential skills such as confidence, articulacy and teamwork, which are vital to career success.
EDUCATING OUR FUTURE GENERATION
OPEN DAYS
Pre Preparatory Chiswick th 24 September 2016 Preparatory Richmond th 8 October 2016
Pre Preparatory, 2 Burnaby Gardens, W4 3DT Tel: 020 8747 8393 Email: admin@falconschool.com
Preparatory, 41 Kew Foot Road, TW9 2SS Tel: 020 8948 9490 Email: registrar@falconsprep.co.uk
www.falconsboys.co.uk
Twitter: @Falcons4Boys
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Independent schools bring
Top of the class A-Level results
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he A-level results table below illustrates the highest achieving A-Level results of independent schools in the UK - including the percentage of subject entries graded A*/A or equivalent. Independent school league tables are created using data supplied by the Independent Schools Council. Some schools decline to submit results, so may not appear in the position they achieved. Only schools with 25 or more candidates sitting A-level or equivalent qualifications are included in the table. Cardiff Sixth Form College has topped the list once again this year, as the best-performing independent school.
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2016 A-LEVEL RESULTS
30 highest achieving Independent Schools Rank School Candidates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Cardiff Sixth Form College Westminster School Magdalen College School North London Collegiate School Queen Ethelburga's College Wycombe Abbey School King Edward's School, Birmingham The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga's Guildford High School for Girls James Allen's Girls' School The Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls Withington Girls' School The Perse School St John's College, Cardiff Brighton College The Stephen Perse Foundation Royal Grammar School Concord College Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School King's College School (KCS) City of London School For Girls Ruthin School King Edward VI High School for Girls City of London School St Albans High School for Girls Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST Alleyn's School University College School, Hampstead St Mary's School, Ascot Manchester High School for Girls
133 189 175 116 128 86 111 127 102 98 116 67 165 36 200 74 127 175 164 195 76 52 82 130 82 74 147 150 62 71
%A*A or equivalent 92.96 89.91 87.85 87.44 86.86 85.81 85.59 83.67 83.64 82.91 81.89 81.43 80.22 80.17 79.13 79.03 78.49 78.47 78.46 76.99 76.11 75.57 74.06 72.88 72.48 72.17 72.17 72.03 71.43 70.91
L0nd0n’s M0st Creative Preparat0ry Sch00l
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, r a place To registe our Registrar ntact please co ls.co.uk lconsgir fa @ in m ad 92 5189 or 020 89
Telephone: 020 8992 5189 www.falconsgirls.co.uk admin@falconsgirls.co.uk 11 Woodborough Rd, Putney, London, SW15 6PY @FalconsGirls
falconsschoolforgirls
The Falcons School for Girls
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
“Supporting whole-child development with personalised teaching and a holistic educational style.” Sinclair House School Sinclair House School opened in Fulham in 1989 as a co-educational Nursery and Pre-Prep. In the Autumn of 2013, a new Preparatory School building opened on Fulham High Street, offering additional facilities including individual Music Rooms, an Art Studio, a Science Lab, an ICT suite and a 5,000 square foot playground and covered all-weather sports hall. Children also have access to a rooftop gardening area where they cultivate fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers within the Grow-Make-Eat after-school gardening club.
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n September 2016, SHS further developed this area, opening a Food Technology room within a newly built kitchen space adjacent to the rooftop garden. Multiple ovens and food preparation units enable pupils to learn practical cooking skills and techniques, supported by additional theory in food science, hygiene, packaging, safety, and nutrition. Sinclair House focuses on providing a consistent gradient of learning from the Early Years through to preparation for 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance examinations. Teaching is academically challenging, encouraging scholastic progress whilst also nurturing personal talents and developing confidence. School Life is orientated towards developing the “whole-child” beyond academia, providing skills and knowledge for participation in society beyond the classroom walls. The preparatory years provide a firm foundation for secondary schooling in terms of academic grounding, but also act as cognitive preparation for the challenges and opportunities that face children at the next educational stage and throughout life.
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Intellectual attainment is encouraged alongside participation in trips and workshops, charitable events, community projects and pupil-driven initiatives that help to develop emotional intelligence, as well as imagination and selfmotivation. Pupils uphold high standards of behaviour and good manners at all times, ensuring that integrity, respect and kindness remain at the heart of the School. Every individual’s unique achievements are celebrated, giving all children the chance to progress and to shine. THE DETAILS Sinclair House School, Preparatory School 59 Fulham High Sreet, Fulham, London SW6 3JJ Montessori Nursery Lower Nursery 196 Munster Road, Fulham, London SW6 6AU Upper Nursery 159 Munster Road, Fulham, London SW6 6DA Call on 020 7736 9182, email info@sinclairhouseschool.co.uk or visit the website at www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk
DA Y O PE N
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 10.00am – 11.30am
SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER 10.00am – 12.00 noon
MONTESSORI NURSERY
FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 9.30am – 11.00am Preparatory School 59 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ Montessori Nursery 196 Munster Road, London SW6 6AU Tel: 020 7736 9182 Email: info@sinclairhouseschool.co.uk www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk
SINCL AIR HOUSE SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 2-13
Kensington Prep School in Fulham has been transformed. It now has some of the best facilities of any prep school in London with the completion of an innovative £2.7m ‘Creating Spaces for Growing Minds’ building programme. Deadline for registrations for 4+ entry in 2017: 30th September 2016.
The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is
ISI Inspection Report, May 2015 596 Fulham Road London SW6 5PA Phone: 020 7731 9300 Email: enquiries@kenprep.gdst.net www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net
Kensington Prep School is an award-winning school in Fulham for girls aged 4-11 set in spacious grounds with netball and tennis courts. We win praise for our nurturing approach, rich curriculum and outstanding academic results. Entry at all levels is by assessment.
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Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS
Inspiring Brilliant Futures
Open Mornings
Saturday 1st October 10.00 - 12.30 Tuesday 8th November 9.30-11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available
020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk
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We are pleased to announce the
OPENING OF YEAR 3
SEPTEMBER 2017 School Tour Dates Monday, 26 September (9:00am) Monday, 10 October (9:00am) Monday, 21 November (9:00am) Saturday Open Morning 12 November (10:00 – 12:00)
Co-educational Prep ∙ Senior ∙ Sixth Form
020 7307 8700 admin@portland-place.co.uk www.portland-place.co.uk
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ST. ANTHONY’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
OPENING IN SEPTEMBER 2016 St. Anthony’s School for Girls is a Catholic school located in Ivy House, North End Road, NW11. An exciting new sister school to the highly successful St. Anthony’s School for Boys in Hampstead. For further information on our Open Days or to register for a place, please contact us on 020 3869 3070 or info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk
www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk @StAnthonysGirls
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
The Study Preparatory School Wimbledon
Enriching School Life! The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon has long been renowned as a particularly creative school, with girls not only excelling academically, but enjoying a rich and diverse array of experiences that give them the chance to explore outside the boundaries of the core curriculum.
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t The Study, encouraging every individual in their interests, and celebrating the diverse skills and talents of all the girls is of paramount importance. The vast array of events, workshops, visiting speakers, trips, tournaments, competitions, and opportunities that the school’s inspirational teaching staff arranges, all go towards empowering girls with a love of 66 SEPTEMBER2016
learning and an openness to try new things. The extracurricular offer is one of the school’s beacons of success with over 40 clubs on offer,
ranging from Debating and Latin to Horse Knowledge, Fencing and Yoga. The desire to try different things and to push boundaries is something that this breadth of offer at The Study encourages in its girls. An intrepid spirit, “can-do” attitude, and a keenness to grasp every opportunity stands them in good stead for their future. The school instils an awareness that there is nothing they cannot achieve without hard work, determination and passion, and the exemplary results they achieve at 11+ underscores this ethos. The Study provides the girls with a strong academic foundation and sense of achievement in all that they do, but in today’s competitive world, it may be that one unique interest or passion, ignited at an early age, that will set them apart and catapult them into future success. Regular tours of the school with the Headmistress take place on Tuesday mornings. THE DETAILS For further details and to book a tour, call Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk
“One school, two buildings, great teaching, and tip top facilities.” The Good Schools Guide
The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community.
For further details and to book a school visit, contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012
Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
International Young Achiever Programme 2017 Debrett’s, the authority on social skills, etiquette and achievement, runs a residential summer school for 12-to-16-year-olds each July in London.
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he ten-day International Young Achiever Programme was created to focus on building confidence and developing the social skills so rarely taught in the classroom. As young people gain independence and face choices surrounding further education and work experience, these skills become ever more important, enabling them to perform to the best of their ability in challenging scenarios such as interviews, work experience, social events and networking opportunities. Lessons and workshops focus on topics including Personal Impact, Interview Techniques, Dining Etiquette, Personal Brand and International Etiquette. These run alongside activities such as a tour of Buckingham Palace, an outing to Oxford, and a West End musical. Experienced tutors ensure each student receives individual attention, helping them to discover their ambitions and what motivates them, as well as what makes them stand out from the crowd.
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“The best thing about the Young Achiever Programme is how different people with completely different backgrounds come together and form unique friendships, whilst learning life skills and participating in amazing activities. The programme is a truly incredible experience.” ZOË, YOUNG ACHIEVER 2016
“I have loved my time as a Debrett's Young Achiever. I have done things and met people that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise. Everything has been enjoyable, from the interview skills to the speedboat on the Thames, but it is the people that have really made my time here incredible. All of the tutors have been so lovely and supportive and I hope to have made lifelong friends in the other Young Achievers.” GRACE, YOUNG ACHIEVER 2016
THE DETAILS Debrett’s is now taking bookings for their 2017 Young Achiever Programme. Price per student: £7,950 Contact programme co-ordinator Ali Moss-Thomas on alimoss-thomas@debretts.co.uk or +44 (0)20 3786 7420, or visit www.debretts.com/courses-consultancy/personaldevelopment/international-young-achiever for more information.
Speak the Truth • Be Generous and Kind • Be Your Best
School Tours with the Headmistress for details contact the school 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk
ST JAMES Junior School
Earsby Street | London W14 8SH
for girls and boys
Registered Charity No. 270156
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ST. JOHN’S WOOD
PRE - PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Over 30 Years of Happiness & Success in Education Congratulations to the Year 2 class of 2015/2016 for receiving offers from schools including: Colet Court, Highgate Junior School, North Bridge House, South Hampstead High School, St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School, University College School (Junior Branch), Westminster Cathedral Choir School, Westminster Under School, Wetherby Preparatory School
Visit our website and book a tour of this small happy and successful school on during a normal school day. 020 7722 7149 info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
We care for each other The Hampshire School, Chelsea
Situated in the impressive former grade II listed Chelsea Library, The Hampshire School has been an enduring presence in the neighbourhood, providing education for boys and girls from early years up to grade eight examinations.
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he school was founded in Surrey in 1944 by June Hampshire who set the school up to educate her daughter, award winning actress Susan Hampshire who had dyslexia, as there was little recognition of this or support during this time. The school then moved to Kingsbridge in 1946 to St Saviour’s Hall, before relocating to Manresa Road, Chelsea. Early Years is housed nearby at Wetherby Place in Chelsea, and was founded on the principles of accessible education; as well as an emphasis on and passion for dance and the arts. It benefits from a central London location, where the children have access to a huge number of galleries and museums, which they take trips to on a regular basis. The school’s head is Mr Donal Brennan,
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who continues to maintain the schools ethos ‘We care for each other’ to this day. Mutual respect is palpable throughout the school, as well as a continued passion for dance, music and reading. The school prides itself on the fact that any child, despite their gender, is encouraged to take up anything that interested them, from ballet to football and everything in-between. The Hampshire School has a strong success record with the 11+ and 13+ exams and their children take up places in the UK’s top independent schools including Dulwich College, City of London, St Paul’s, Francis Holland and Godolphin & Latymer. THE DETAILS
For more information or to arrange a tour contact info@thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk or visit www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk The Early Years 5 Wetherby Place, SW7 4NX Tel:ephone 0207 370 7081 The Main School 15 Manresa Road, Chelsea, SW3 6NB Telephone 0207 352 7077
Early years | Pre-Preparatory | Preparatory
Based in the heart of Chelsea, a school with a long and proud history of academia, the arts, sports and music. “Pupils success is the result of the excellent quality of teaching� Latest ISI Report
Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.
www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk 020 7352 7077
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Lasting Memories and Changing Landscapes Dulwich Prep London Ask me to give you some facts that I remember from my school days and I’ll tell you all about glaciers. How they have shaped our landscape, the steep-sided U-shaped valleys they form, the deposits or moraines they leave behind when they retreat and even why the ice looks so blue.You’d be forgiven for thinking I studied Geography all those years ago but you’d be wrong. My knowledge of these magnificent geographical features has stayed with me ever since a school trip to Norway over 40 years ago
“I
’m sure I’m not alone in remembering a school trip over and above hours spent in the classroom, but beyond a few amazing memories what do pupils actually gain from the trips schools organise? A survey conducted by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) found that 87% of teachers said that LOtC made lessons memorable and 77% agreed that it motivated and enthused their pupils towards their learning*”. “Even the most local of trips gives the teacher something upon which to hang the learning of the pupils before, during and after the event. Getting away from a desk brings a subject to life in a way that no film, App or website can manage. Trips don’t need to be lengthy or a long way from home; a minibeast hunt in the woods adjacent to their Early Years site or the measurement of the speed of sound at the playing fields are just two of so many examples of excellent learning outside the classroom going on every day at Dulwich Prep London” David J. Adkins - Director of Development at Dulwich Prep London. David is also one of many leaders on some 17 residential trips and sports tours organised by Dulwich Prep London during the academic year; it is
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here that the children and the school reap a different reward. The shared experience of staying away from home and enjoying an ‘adventure’ adds a whole new dimension to learning. Trips raise a school’s core values (Dulwich Prep London articulates theirs as Courage, Honesty, Service, Love, Justice, Humility, Self-discipline and Gratitude) to an almost tangible level. Interpersonal skills - including leadership, team work and respect - come to the fore in a way that may seem remote or even contrived in school and the children’s growth in selfconfidence, self-esteem and resilience are always mentioned when teachers feedback following a trip. “Just as my glaciers shaped our physical landscape so school trips shape the learning landscape for our children.” THE DETAILS Find out more at www.dulwichpreplondon.org or why not speak to staff about school trips at the Open Morning on 17th September. 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA Telephone 020 8766 5500 Source: NFER Omnibus Survey November 2010
*
Hawkesdown House School
For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth
27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk QV38718 QV38718 Hampstead Hampstead Fine Fine Arts_V38718 Arts_V38718 21/08/2015 21/08/201512:02 12:02 Page Page 1 1
OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER | 9.00AM www.dulwichpreplondon.org V38718 V38718
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Private school students have a better chance of being Olympic champions claims Sir Steve Redgrave
The gold medallist's comments follow revelations the number of privately-educated Great British athletes has risen from 20 per cent in 2012 to 28 per cent this year. Privately educated pupils have a better chance of becoming Olympic athletes than their state-educated peers, five-time gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave has said.
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he retired British rower, 54, was educated at Great Marlow Secondary Modern state school in Buckinghamshire, where he was asked to try rowing by his English teacher. Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: “Early on in my career, people were saying, 'You're capable of being an Olympic champion', so I took that mantle on. Hopefully, I would have done whatever background I came from.
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But it’s not always the case: the opportunity of playing different sports and the coaching abilities at private schools are, unfortunately, much greater than at the state schools”. This year, the percentage of privately educated British sports people taking part in the Rio Olympics has risen to 28 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in London 2012. Research from the Sutton Trust that found more than a third of British medal winners in the 2012 London Olympics were privately educated, despite around 68 per cent of all
British participants coming from state schools. The figures fuelled debate over the dominance of private schools in sports such as rowing, in which more than half of gold medallists at London 2012 were privately educated, and fewer than a third came from state comprehensives. The government has since pledged to spend £350 million a year until 2020 to fund sports in primary schools. Concerns have been raised, however, over the lack of spending in secondary education for the same purpose.
ÂŁ3.6m BUILDING DEVELOPMENT Chapel/150-seat Theatre/ Two Storey Art Centre/4 New Classrooms Preparatory day school for boys aged 4-11 years
DONHEAD
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
3 Our 10 year ÂŁ8m Building Development Programme is on schedule for completion September 2016 3 Extensive extra-curricular provision 3 Outstanding Sporting and Musical tradition 3 Jesuit ethos 3 Children of all denominations welcome 3 33 scholarships achieved to top independent schools in the last 3 years 3 Wrap-Around Care from 8.00am to 6.00pm Full admissions details available via the website. To arrange a personal tour please contact: Mrs June Smith, EA to the Headmaster E: headmasterpa@donhead.org.uk or T: 020 8946 7000 (extension 1)
Outstanding Inspection Report available to view at: www.donhead.org.uk
The independent Association of Prep Schools
33 Edge Hill, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4NP T: 020 8946 7000 www.donhead.org.uk
SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Co-education is part of what makes
Alleyn’s School truly special A visitor to Alleyn’s School on any given day would see boys and girls learning together in a relaxed, enjoyable and purposeful atmosphere. In fact, this immensely popular School in Dulwich was one of the first of its kind to go fully coeducational, back in 1976.
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oday, co-education remains at the heart of the School’s ethos. Headmaster Dr Gary Savage says: “I have always been struck by our boys’ and girls’ enjoyment and genuine appreciation of each other’s achievements and contributions. It is satisfying to see them grow in confidence as our co-ed community offers them a fabulous variety of ways to get involved, develop skills and cement lifelong friendships.” The School has a strong record of achievement, and 2016 was no different. At A Level, 91% of grades were A*, A or B, and 70% were A* or A grade. 33% were A*. Over half of the students achieved at least 3 A* and A grades and there was a 100% pass rate. At GCSE, 67% of grades were A*, 92% were A* or A, and 99% were A*, A and B. 24 students gained 10 or more A*s and over 60% achieved all A*s or As. The School is no hothouse, though, and is well recognised by educational commentators for the quality of its holistic approach, focus on wellbeing and extensive co-curricular programme. Their 2013 Independent Schools’ Inspectorate report stated: “The quality of the pupils’ personal development is outstanding”. A Tatler Schools Guide researcher recently called the School: “A vibrant, down-to-earth school that I would dearly love to have on my doorstep.” Dr Savage continues: “We are proud of our pupils, who leave us with excellent examination results and places at some of the world’s top universities. Most importantly, they are happy boys and girls, and we do hope that prospective parents and pupils will enjoy meeting them during a visit to the School.” Open events take place in September, October and November. THE DETAILS For more information about Alleyn's School visit www.alleyns.org.uk Senior School office 020 8557 1500 Junior School office 020 8557 1519 @Alleyns_School
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AlleynsSchool
Alleyn’s Alleyn’s Junior School offers co-educational excellence in a caring community for boys and girls aged 4+. Open events on 24 September, 6 October and 15 November. Check the website for details. All welcome.
www.alleyns.org.uk / @Alleyns_School / 020 8557 1519 / Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU
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Alleyn’s
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Co-educational excellence in a caring community for boys and girls aged 11- 18. Open events in September, October and November. Check our website for details. All welcome.
www.alleyns.org.uk / @Alleyns_School / 020 8557 1500 / Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Why Choose an Independent Sixth Form College? BY JAMES WARDROBE
Independent VI Form colleges are now established as very reliable and successful providers of pre-university education. Most of the best colleges are members of the Council for Independent Education (CIFE). CIFE, founded in 1972, is a national association whose colleges are spread widely over the country. Details of each college can be found at www.cife.org.uk
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major advantage of independent VI Form colleges over a school's sixth form lies in the wider range of choice of subjects and much greater flexibility of subject combinations. Most colleges allow you to pick virtually any combination of subjects. Different types and lengths of A-level course are also available. More and more students are joining colleges just for the second year of A-level and most colleges will allow you to combine A2 courses with a complete new A-level taught in one year. So, apart from the variety of subjects, you 78 SEPTEMBER2016
will find standard two-year, final-year (ie second year), one-year and retake courses (even short, half-year pre-June courses!). GCSEs are also offered at all colleges. Intensive Easter Revision courses at both A level and GCSE are available at many colleges. CIFE colleges have experienced and enthusiastic teachers who are A-level subject specialists. They are familiar with all the requirements of the various examination boards and are often examiners for the syllabuses they teach. They often have the advantage of being able to specialise in their subject at a particular level for a particular exam syllabus throughout their whole teaching timetable, unburdened by any lower school teaching requirements. The colleges offer small group teaching, usually with a maximum of eight students
per class. The informal, relaxed nature of the small-group environment enables the teacher to establish quickly and maintain a very productive and beneficial working relationship with you, with close supervision of your work and plenty of individual attention, encouragement and advice, including for your UCAS application. Academic and pastoral support is a high priority, with some colleges running very sophisticated and targeted programmes of support for students applying for the most challenging university courses, e.g. Medicine. THE DETAILS For more information, go to the website at www.cife.org.uk or telephone 020 8767 8666
Make the grade at A level A
t CIFE we're not just about getting the right grades or getting you into the best university. We're about bringing out the best in you as an individual. That's why our 2-year A level courses have so much choice and flexibility built in. In fact it's what our association of highly accredited independent sixth form colleges is all about. Yes, we'll help you meet others' standards – but fulfill your own promise too.
To discover how CIFE can enable you to achieve your full potential, call 020 8767 8666 or visit www.cife.org.uk
Unlocking Potential A Level Drama and Music Auditions at Ashbourne College Full scholarships available
college.co.uk 020 7937 3858
www.ashbournecollege.co.uk admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College Kensington W8 4PL
Open Morning for Years 3-6 (ages 7-10) Saturday 1 October 9.30 – 12 noon (entry via Hunts Slip Road)
Parents and boys will tour the College with our current pupils, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College and Dr Toby Griffiths about the Junior School. No appointment is necessary. The offer of a place in the Junior School is the offer of a place at Dulwich College to age 18. Mid-week visits are also available by appointment. Please call Junior Admissions on 0208 299 8432 or visit www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school
Open Morning for entry into Year 7 Saturday 8 October 9.30 – 12 noon Tour the College with boys, meet staff and hear the Master, Dr Joe Spence, talk about Dulwich College. No appointment is necessary. Other opportunities are available to visit the College during the school day. Dates can be found on the Admissions section of our website, www.dulwich.org.uk, or please telephone the Registrar’s Office on 020 8299 9263.
Fulham Prep School
To learn is to grow
Education is about developing the curiosity, confidence and security to learn and try. Fulham Prep is a co-educational pre-prep and prep school providing continuous education for children between the ages of 4+ and 13. Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8).
F
S www.fulhamprep.co.uk
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
www.westminster.org.uk
To request a prospectus or find out about Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003 or email registrar@westminster.org.uk
16+ ENTRY FOR GIRLS AND BOYS 2017
For information about entry to Westminster Under School at 7+, 8+ or 11+ please call 020 7821 5788.
Online registration is now open.
13+ BOYS ENTRY Register now for entry in 2019.
Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.
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10/06/2016 17:03
DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE
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Girls Enjoying Success! 83.5% A*-A Grades at GCSE 69.5% A*-A Grades at A Level A leading Independent Girls’ School in North London inspiring pupils to develop scholarship, integrity, altruism and independence.
Visit us! Book a place at one of our Open Days.
Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18
www.channing.co.uk 020 8340 2328
‘A an 11 - 18 Church of England Girls’ School
‘LE BEST VE E L R VE ES R UL TS !
Open Sessions 2016
Tuesday 20th September 10am
Talk and questions with the Headteacher at 10.45am
Thursday 22nd September 6pm-8pm Talk and questions with the Headteacher at 7.30pm
Wednesday 28th September 10am
Talk and questions with the Headteacher at 10.45am
Thursday 6th October 10am
Talk and questions with the Headteacher at 10.45am New Kent Road, London SE1 4AN T: 0207 407 1843 W: www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk E: office@ssso.southwark.sch.uk
A local centre of excellence for girls since 1903, our motto is
Heirs of the Past Children of the Present Makers of the Future
MAN, RIE BLACK with MALO 30 RR and over JUDITH KE s or other auth
Independent thinkers and learners Prep School Open Day Saturday
1 October 2016
10.00 am - 12 noon
Senior School Open Day Saturday
24 September 2016
10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 5 October 2016
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Register for Open Days at www.schs.gdst.net Prep School (Girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 prep@schs.gdst.net
Senior School (Girls 11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 senior@schs.gdst.net
venue: Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Rd, SW16 1AW for readers nursery school age to Young Adult
www.STREAM2016.co.uk
“OUTSTANDING”* 1 Montessori education
Call:
1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum)
Fulham 020 7386 0006
1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics
or
Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877
www.littlepeople.co.uk
*26/03/09
Taking care of Little People since 1978
Whitgift. One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18
‘Superb cosmopolitan boys school, with outstanding facilities and a strong academic reputation – an example of what education is really about’ Good Schools Guide
OPEN MORNING | SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 OPEN EVENING | TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER 2016 SIXTH FORM/SECTION FRANÇAISE/ RUTA HISPANA | WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2016 BOARDING | BY APPOINTMENT admissions@whitgift.co.uk +44 (0)20 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom
Independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 13
OPEN MORNING Saturday 1st October 2016 Coffee & registration at 10am - morning includes presentations from the Headmaster and the Director of Studies and an individual tour of the school. RSVP - call admissions -01903 874701 whsadmissions@windlesham.com | visit windlesham.com
Windlesham House School, Washington, West Sussex RH20 4AY
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Green Flag Status awarded to
Walhampton School Walhampton Prep School in Lymington, Hampshire is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Status.The prized eco-award is testimony to Walhampton’s significant commitment to the environment. BBC environmental presenter, Miranda Krestovnikoff, was thrilled to present the Green Flag at the school’s Founders’ Day in front of over a thousand, children, staff and parents.
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ndertaking the EcoSchools programme is a long-term journey. Walhampton has been working towards this accolade for over 25 years. From the first steps of using recycling bins to investing in a biomass boiler, their aim has always been to live greener and educate the pupils in their responsibly to their planet. Ten years ago, Walhampton joined the EcoSchools scheme, that has guided teachers and pupils to achieving this ultimate Green Flag Status.. The Walhampton pupils are the driving force and they have worked hard to bring along staff, students, parents and the wider community
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along too. A journey well worth taking. By working through the Eco-Schools Awards of bronze and silver, staff and pupils have had the opportunity to look beyond their wonderful school and become more aware of the threats facing the environment - how understanding the problems can help us make informed choices, whether through small daily actions like switching off the lights and water, to other issues, for example understanding how we can raise our voices to influence the policy makers at environmental talks in Paris, and try to safeguard the future of our planet. Walhampton have made sure that sustainability is at the heart of school life, and this has been recognised by the fantastic achievement of being recently awarded the highest EcoSchools Award of Green Flag Status. They are delighted to have achieved such an award and look forward to continuing to ensure the community of Walhampton School strive to be as eco responsible as possible.
Next Open Morning is Friday 14th October 2016
THE DETAILS For more information about Walhampton School, Lymington,Hampshire,SO41 5ZG visit the website at www.walhampton.com
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Making a Difference in and out of the Classroom! More and more children are reaping the benefits of going to school outside London, where they can take advantage of wide open spaces, clean air, academic excellence, superb onsite extra-curricular activities and contemporary boarding life.
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elsted, situated only one hour from London in the picturesque North Essex countryside, offers families contemporary boarding options to suit their busy working lives, with a choice of 3, 5 or 7 nights. Such a modern approach has
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encouraged many London families to consider Felsted as the right option for their child. Felsted pupils are fortunate to be able to access a wide academic curriculum in balance with a rich programme of co-curricular activities to suit their talents and interest, all available on site. Felsted focuses on building each child’s character to become happy, wellrounded and confident young adults and to empower them to believe that they can really make a difference in the world, whatever path they choose. Choosing the right school for your child is a concern that every parent faces. Having read about Felsted in the Good Schools Guide, the Bourne family browsed the school’s website and attended an Open Day. “Felsted had just received its 100% Excellent ISI Award and a visit by The Queen to celebrate its 450th
anniversary. There was great emphasis on former pupils making a real difference in their chosen fields, along with all the amazing activities available on site such as the Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Plus the opportunity to exchange around the world via the Round Square programme really held our attention. We really felt that this was the right environment for our girls and we were right.” Felsted hosts a number of open days each year but also welcomes families on an individual basis. THE DETAILS Further details can be found on their website www.felsted.org or by contacting Admissions Office on 01371 822605 Enquire now for 2017 entry.
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96% A*/A at GCSE
79% A*/A at A level
Nurturing remarkable young women since 1710
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SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAYS September/October 2016 www.lehs.org.uk
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
A Truly
Independent School St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City helps children between the ages of 3 and 18 become self-disciplined, self-motivated and creative thinkers and develops them as independent learners who are able to make informed choices.
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t St Chris there are high expectations of all within the School. They expect excellent behaviour and maximum effort. St Chris also expect everyone to work together, to enjoy their time at School and have fun working hard. Students develop a self confidence that could never be described as arrogant and have admirably varied plans for the future. The School is situated on a 40 acre purpose built campus. The highly qualified staff use the very best resources to engage and enthuse the students. St Chris has been pioneering a distinctive and innovative approach to education for 100 years and their methods have stood the test of time. They believe – and universities, parents and employers tell St Chris– that it produces well-rounded, highly capable individuals with the skills and
confidence to thrive in the modern world. Surely there is no better role for a School. Words can never adequately describe the sense of purpose that exists within the School or reflect the levels of respect and trust between all teachers and children. Only a visit can do this and this is a School that needs to be visited. TRAVELLING TO ST CHRISTOPHER Located only five minutes from A1M Junction 9, the 40 acre campus is located in central Letchworth Garden City. Just 25 minutes from Finsbury Park and 30 minutes from King's Cross. There is a daily bus service and train links to Cambridge and Royston. If you have never visited before then do go and have a look – you’ll be amazed at what you find.
Open Day Whole School
Saturday 24th September 2016 9.30am - 1.00pm, no appointment is necessary
THE DETAILS Alternatively if you would like to book an individual tour or would like more information please contact the Registrar at admissions@stchris.co.uk or 01462 650947 or visit www.stchris.co.uk 92 SEPTEMBER2016
St Christopher School Truly Independent
OPEN MORNING Saturday 24th September 9.30am – 1.00pm Highly successful Day and Boarding school Excellent Independent Education for girls and boys from Nursery to Sixth Form Outstanding results at Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form Fantastic facilities on a 38 acre site For further details, or to arrange a private tour of the school, please contact Michelle on 01462 650947 or admissions@stchris.co.uk We look forward to meeting you.
www.stchris.co.uk
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE WORTH SCHOOL CHOIR IN ROME
Unique opportunities for
Academic Excellence
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ead Master Stuart McPherson and director of music Michael Oakley accompanied 36 students on the four-day trip to Rome in April which included a private tour of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore by the Basilica’s organist and a private visit to the Sistine. The opportunity was made possible by Mark Spyropoulos, a Worthian who now sings in the Sistine Chapel Choir – the first English person ever to do so. In January Spyropoulos returned to his former
school to deliver a masterclass students travelling to Peru to to the choir as part of its carry out volunteer work preparation for the in a children’s home event. before trekking on On the day the Inca Trail. itself Rome was Two Year filled with tens 12 students of thousands won Oxford of people University from all over writing prizes, a the world group of eight who were pupils swam celebrating the Channel a special in aid of charity Jubilee Mass for and former Young People, Worth head boy with many more Tom Mitchell was watching online. named as captain of TU I AR US T Mr McPherson said: Great Britain’s Rugby MC FM O PH OR ER “Only a few can claim to Sevens squad for the Rio CT SO N, T I RE HE R DD N A T Y REV DOM LUKE JOLL have been a part of the choir Olympics. that sang to a sea of people from all over the world in St Peter’s Square at a mass THE DETAILS led by the Pope. It is an extraordinary privilege For more information about Worth School to have been part of something so universal.” email admissions@worth.org.uk This was the biggest highlight of a busy few or telephone 01342 710255 months for the school, which included 14 www. worth.org.uk C
Having the opportunity to sing in front of thousands of people at a Mass led by the Pope has been hailed as a unique privilege. It is the highlight of the year so far for Worth School in West Sussex whose choir sang with the Sistine Chapel Choir at the Papal Mass at St Peter's Basilica.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE
OPEN DAY S
2016 17TH SEPT 1ST OCT 5TH NOV
CATHOLIC BENEDICTINE 11– 18 CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX admissions@worth.org.uk
www.worthschool.org.uk
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
An Exams Revolution I
Ben Horan is Senior Deputy Head (Academic) at Merchant Taylors' School. He writes on the challenges facing schools in the face of recent changes to A Level exams.
n their combined six years as Secretaries of State for Education, Michael Gove and Nicky Morgan launched a revolution in the education system of England that has had repercussions for millions of young people and their experience of the Sixth Form. One of the major thrusts of Gove’s reforms was the reversion to a system of ‘linear’ A Levels. From 2000, A Levels were examined in a ‘modular’ manner – with AS Levels being examined in the Lower Sixth year and A2 Levels in the Upper Sixth year – with each qualification contributing half of the overall marks for the A Level as a whole. Pupils could take exams in January and June of each year – often taking the same module multiple times. Fundamentally this modular system remained the same for 15 years. However, in January 2013, Gove announced that all A Levels would now be examined at the end of the Sixth Form and that AS Levels would now not count to the overall grade – a linear, not a modular system. This
linear system was nothing new – it was a return to the curriculum of the twentieth century and one that was welcomed by many who hankered after a return to less testing and more learning. However, a lack of proper consultation and a desire to see his reforms enacted led Gove to force them through in a staggered fashion, some subjects would start a linear programme in 2015, some in 2016 with the final tranche having to wait until 2017. The fact that the reforms have been enacted in this manner has led to a quandary for every senior school in England. Many pupils are doing a mixture of subjects. This means they will have some ‘linear’ and some ‘modular’ subjects – some will be examined in the Lower Sixth and others only in the Upper Sixth. All in all, it was a complicated and frustrating situation. Head Masters and Academic Deputies consulted parents, staff and pupils and made their plans accordingly. At Merchant Taylors’, we took the decision early to teach all of our subjects in a ‘linear’ fashion, irrespective of whether they were designed to be examined in such a fashion. A major advantage has been that by picking a course and sticking to it we are no longer buffeted by the winds of governmental caprice. It has allowed all of our subjects to be able to gain valuable teaching time – up to nine weeks across the year – and has allowed all of our boys to continue studying four A Levels. It has given all of our Heads of Department the ability to plan their curricula in the lower years to adequately prepare their charges for the rigours of the harder A Levels or Cambridge’s Pre-U courses some of our Departments are pursuing. Most of all though, this decision has given our boys time; time to study and enjoy their subjects without the constant pressure of external exams. It has meant that they can enrich their learning by wider reading rather than more revision. Teachers and pupils can now explore that which interests them and not obsess about whether it is on the syllabus. It has helped us break the mindset that something is only worth studying if you are definitely going to be examined on it, a feature of our education system in recent years. Boys at Taylors’ are more excited about their learning than ever and are engaging with it in a more mature and sophisticated manner. It is an exciting time for us all. Mr Gove’s rushed and hasty decision led to a minefield in terms of planning and logistics, but our decision means that we are through it and enjoying rediscovering a love of learning for learning’s sake. For that, he probably deserves a, grudging, thank you. THE DETAILS For more information about Merchant Taylors' School Sandy Lodge Lane, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HT Telephone 01923 820644 or visit www.mtsn.org.uk
96 SEPTEMBER2016
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The Next Level of Life Changing Arrives in Kensington In what is probably the most exciting new arrival in Kensington since Princess Eugenie took up residence in a 3 bedroom cottage at Kensington Palace, ALC-UK has opened its first branch in the capital on Elvaston Place, changing the city’s learning differences game.
T
he visual training group, frequented by celebrities, socialites and international royalty, has launched its new initiative, in collaboration with Osborne Cawkwell, one of London's leading tutoring agencies, offering eye strengthening treatments not previously available in London. Launched in 2012 by industry expert Jo Shedden, ALC-UK specialises
in eye training and neural pathway stimulation, and getting children moving ahead in the school environment. With established centres throughout Australia, New Zealand & Germany, ALC-UK was Britain’s first truly comprehensive eye-brain treatment program and is sure to be a treasure trove of new possibilities for London’s parents. Probably one of the most unique treatments available, and one that has grabbed headlines since the news of ALC’s arrival on the scene, is the eye training program – a vision therapy administered by a qualified vision training therapist and tailored to address an array of symptoms. Perfect for increasing comprehension, understanding, memory retention, reading ability, the eye training program is prescribed following an indepth consultation, where a bespoke program is put together depending on needs. Whether your child suffers from reading issues, high anxiety, headaches or untidy handwriting, the eye training program can change their life and give them the boost they need to get ahead academically. It is also perfect for those wishing to improve their vision for sporting abilities, or to conquer tiredness and motion sickness.
Our philosophy is all about addressing the root cause of your child’s learning difficulty, with a view to getting them ahead academically, and we are looking forward to changing lives throughout London. 100 SEPTEMBER2016
Jo Shedden, the owner of the UK centres said “As an English mother I always found it hard to get the right kind of program for my child who had learning difficulties. I found I was travelling to other countries to get the best or most comprehensive treatments on the market. That’s why I decided to bring the ALC program to the UK and offer the same unique treatment to other families across the UK and Europe. To be part of the outstanding ALC brand is amazing. It means we have access to cutting edge brain plasticity methods and knowledge which is years ahead of where most programs are today, meaning the process we offer our clients is totally unrivalled.” “We’ve managed to secure an excellent location on Elvaston Place which is easily accessible by road, underground and bus. I’m really excited that the eye training program has been launched in London, as this will mean so many more children will be able to see their lives dramatically changed, through the fast program, and move ahead to bright futures.” As well as the pioneering treatment, there is their unique comprehensive reading system developed by Fitzroy – which is also available on their online shop www.alc-uk.com. The sounding readers system works on blends and sounds, with its interactive program, covering a wider age range than usual. Perhaps what sets ALC-UK apart from the competition is the expertise on hand. All therapists are hand-picked and thoroughly trained in their field. Clients of the centre are first introduced to their assessor who discusses individual requirements and suggests a course of treatments. The visual assessment uses complex technology to look beneath the surface of the eyes and show what cannot be seen by the naked eye. This is used as a basis to tailor treatments for the individual, based on findings. Free comprehensive reports are included as standard practice at the completion of both assessment and treatment. THE DETAILS For more information or to book an assessment call ALC-UK on 0203 745 7302 or visit www.alc-uk.com