Leweston | Good Schools Guide Review 2024

THEGOODSCHOOLSGUIDE

HEADMASTER

Since 2020, John Paget-Tomlinson. Previously deputy head (academic) at Portsmouth High School GDST having progressed through several roles at Churcher’s College, Hampshire His continued passion for history (read history and philosophy at Reading followed by a master’s in war studies at King’s College London) is immediately evident from his large office Bookshelves groan with historical tomes (another few thousand are in his house); antique maps and flags adorn the walls and there’s even a pith helmet perched on an antique filing cabinet But Mr Paget Tomlinson is no lofty, removed academic, as confirmed by parent opinion, ‘He doesn’t have a big ego. It’s not about him, it’s about the students ’ His priority as head is to know and be known by all. On arrival, he moved his office from the backwaters of the main building to occupy one of the largest reception rooms at the front; he is frequently on the door in the morning to greet pupils and will happily pause his daily dog walk to chat One pupil said, ‘He knows the students really well and takes an interest in every one of us ’

Not one to rest on his laurels, he has spearheaded the continued growth in success and popularity of Leweston: ‘I want parents to talk about the school at their dinner parties and say that, yes, it is affordable, but it is also a great experience.’

During his spare time, he reads his vast selection of history books, follows the rugby and enjoys the outdoors He is involved in the Ten Tors hike and Duke of Edinburgh scheme and cajoles his two daughters to join him on walks with his beloved Cocker spaniel, Arthur, who even has his own Instagram feed

Head of prep since 2023, Richard Thompson is equally affable Like Mr Paget-Tomlinson, he too was drawn to Leweston by its warm, welcoming feel: ‘I was educated at Salisbury Cathedral School which metaphorically embraced us with its family atmosphere. I want to ensure we re-create that here ’

He has moved himself and his family to Dorset, ‘We are fully invested!’ Previously deputy head of Old Hall School in Shropshire and before that head of teaching and learning, as well as head of geography, at St Andrew’s School, Berkshire BA in geography and French language and literature from Oxford Brookes, where he also gained his PGCE

With little need to worry about numbers, Mr Thompson can focus on finessing the great offering of the prep Aims to forge even stronger links with the senior school and continue to develop the academic offering by gaining accreditation from NACE (which awards schools for their academic provision for more able learners).

Quick to realise that part of the job description was to own a dog, he swiftly got one, much to the delight of the family, who can be found yomping along the Jurassic coast at the weekends

ENTRANCE

Admission is selective at all ages and, as the school has grown in popularity, there are waiting lists for certain year groups. For pre-prep and prep, pupils attend a taster day and complete an informal literacy and numeracy assessment followed by a school reference. For entry into year 7 and 9, the process starts well in advance: pupils take part in an activity day in year 5 In year 6, they sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test, which is followed by an assessment day of interviews and group activities Half of senior school places are filled by pupils moving up from the prep school with the rest filled mainly by pupils from state primaries and some from other local preps. For sixth form, entry requirement is 6 GCSEs at grade 5 or above with a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to study for A level.

EXIT

Very few leave at the end of prep: most head on to the senior school. Approximately a third leave after GCSEs. University choices are varied, including Exeter, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and London. Also supports students with international applications and degree apprenticeships, which are becoming increasingly popular

Up to a third chooses STEM subjects, medicine or veterinary science Students win places on high quality creative courses (Central St Martins, Glasgow School of Arts) One recent student has been awarded a scholarship to the Royal School of Music One to medical school in 2023

The school has prioritised the stuff that really matters

LATEST RESULTS

In 2023, 42 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 46 per cent A*/A at A level (61 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 38 per cent A*/A at A level

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Prep school is close to senior school with pre-prep being in one building and the prep located in the new Padua Hall Pre-prep is one form entry, increasing to two by year 4 and all with class sizes of less than 20 Teaching is engaging, one parent saying, ‘The school attracts dynamic teachers who are not tired or stale The way they teach is so creative ’ When we visited, year 2 had just had a lesson about capacity which featured glittery water (what child turns their nose up at glitter?); year 3 were preparing for a ‘Wow Day’ on the ancient Romans at which they would be re-enacting a battle scene with their homemade swords on the tennis courts; year 6 had designed a scene from their favourite book for World Book Day using an old shoe box One of our year 6 tour guides told me that she loves the ‘fun lessons’ and started regaling me with gruesome details about the dissection of a sheep’s eyeball that had been donated by a family who were sheep farmers!

Roughly 400 pupils in the senior school. Its size means all are closely monitored and benefit from small classes (about 14 for GCSE and five for less popular A level subjects). Pupils positive about staff: ‘They are really encouraging and always say to us that it is ok not to know but it is not ok not to try.’ When we visited, we saw an array of costumed World Book Day students - a hirsute Gandalf got our vote – indicating that creativity doesn’t need to stop after the prep Deputy head academic has introduced laptops for all in class and hopes to see more integration of useful technology into lessons Science (biology particularly), maths and geography are popular at A level with computing science gaining traction. Art much-liked (fine art, fashion and textiles, 3D design and photography all options) and gets good results (often close to 100 per cent achieving A* or A) French, Spanish and classics for languages All must take RS for GCSE. School did have exceptional valueadded scores for GCSE – it remains above average but has dropped slightly due to increased numbers The Leweston Enrichment and Development programme offers sixth formers experiences beyond the classroom: organising charity events; supporting year 7 tutor groups; volunteering in the nursery or prep

Yes, classrooms and facilities look a little tired compared to some we see, but Leweston’s fees are noticeably lower than others Instead, the school has prioritised the stuff that really matters - investing in their staff body rather than teaching blocks Staff pay has been increased and a careers adviser has been appointed Parents understand and approve, ‘It might look a little scruffy, but they invest hugely in getting good teachers, and to us, that is more important ’ Parents of Leweston are akin to canny shoppers - they have hunted down great quality at a price they can more readily afford.

THE ARTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR LEARNING SUPPORT

Two SENCOs (one in prep and one in senior whom work four days a week Very clear sy student is assessed and then grouped acco needs Band one includes in-class provision intervention sessions (done by missing fore in senior school); band two offers (paid for including support for dyslexia, dyscalculia, language; and band three is for children wi support arranged on a case-by-case basis. range of needs but will be honest if they ca ‘We are a small school and we don’t have a for example, so I would be honest and sugg SENCO is trained to do assessments for acc ‘saves time and money!’ she proudly said B wellbeing with recent employment of a full wellbeing lead

Art is popular and facilities are impressiv The quality of the drawing on display was n seemingly little restriction on the media: o been allowed to spray their own Banksy-es of the main school building to joke about t girls’ skirts! Textiles is thriving and there is show Also access to photography equipme designs and kilns

Music centre has taken over much of the m reception rooms are used as concert space for practice lessons Musical talent is nurt and enthusiastic staff who really encoura practice,’ according to one parent Plenty ensembles and choirs to join and pupils ca own – as with so much at Leweston, pupils independent and proactive Drama has go strength The school was the first to perfor production of the West End hit, Six All wel the big productions. One parent said, ‘It’s s can be in the chorus and enjoy the experien play.’

Wide range of clubs available with new one trends (such as the new girls only strength club) ‘Give it a go’ mentality continues her students must do at least three clubs per w Tor training both popular Trips include sk excursions to Iceland and travelling to Bali and Triathle Annual residential trips for ea year 5 going to Mill on the Brue.

Musical talent is nurtured by ‘dedicated and enthusiastic staff who really encourage the students to practice’

The school has significantly grown in popularity but has retained its core ethos: a family feel school without airs or pretension where all students are noticed.

Its small size and low-key Catholicism create a supportive family atmosphere where pupils can thrive.

PUPILS AND PARENTS

Vast majority of parents are dual income: farmers, doctors, nurses and other professions resulting in grounded children who ‘don’t expect too much’ according to one teacher Naturally, therefore, the wrap around care is important –children can be dropped off at 7:30am for breakfast club and stay until 7pm, with most staying until 5:45pm Plenty of parents choose Leweston because families are local.

Former pupils include Baroness Harding of Winscombe, businesswoman and conservative life peer, Erin Pizzey, equality activist and founder of the world’s first domestic violence shelter and actors Kristen and Selina Scott Thomas

Fees significantly lower than nearby boarding schools and very significantly lower than those closer to London This may mean that the facilities are not as swanky as others but if you want a school that prioritises spending on teachers and ethos, then Leweston offers real bang for your buck.

Scholarships are available for academic excellence, a range of extra-curricular subjects and sport They represent honour rather than significant monetary value. Bursaries are means tested and usually equate to 10 – 20 per cent of the fees with up to 40 per cent reduction in exceptional circumstances (such as recent Ukrainian families)

THE LAST WORD

VISIT US

Visit us for a bespoke tour, meet the Head, staff and current students and find out more about an education at Leweston.

Scan the QR code to book or visit our website: info.leweston.co.uk/book-a-visit

Leweston’s motto is ‘Rejoice and Do Well’ and the school can certainly rejoice in the fact that it does well, very well.