HEATHFIELD P R E PA R A T O RY S C H O O L
INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL | AGES 3-18
PROSPECTUS
Rishworth School &Heathfield PROSPECTUS
WELCOME
An Introduction from the Head
Rishworth is an exciting independent boarding and day school for boys and girls from Nursery to 18. it is obvious from the moment of setting foot over our threshold that Rishworth School has a focus squarely upon each student, celebrating individual successes, supporting and encouraging each member of our community to achieve the very best. The School’s rich history since foundation in 1724 provides the institutions’ solid grounding; our innovative approach to learning supplies and environment in which academic potential is fulfilled. Rishworth is small enough to guarantee that teachers know their pupils’ strengths and will address their weaker areas; yet Rishworth is large enough to boast of excellent facilities within magnificent architecture.
At Rishworth we know that academic achievement must be achieved alongside developing a desire for true education so that students are equipped to learn about subjects which don’t even exist yet. We recognise that the successful citizens of the future will be highly skilled in presenting themselves and their ideas with erudition and panache. The Rishworth student will appreciate the values of hard work but will also know how to properly enjoy all the wonders and marvels of our incredible world. Nothing can equal seeing our school in action, so I would urge you to contact our admissions team to arrange a visit.
Mr Anthony M. Wilkins Head
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We are pleased to announce that our report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which rated us ‘EXCELLENT’ in all areas is now available to view on our website. We belive that the report captures the essence and ethos of our school and reflects extremely well on the whole community.
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The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is
EXCELLENT. The quality of pupils’ personal development is
EXCELLENT.
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Pupils are extremely effective independent learners.
Excellent individualised support...both academic and pastoral.
Pupils achieve excellent outcomes. Pupils develop their The School is decision-making skills a closely knit from an early age. community.
The School fully fulfils its stated Pupils radiate confidence, aim to develop in enjoyment and a sense of its pupils a love of pride in their learning. learning and the Behaviour There is a strong sense around the of mutual respect. will to succeed. whole school
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is exemplary.
Overseas boarders are quickly and effectively integrated.
Boarding pupils learn International pupils are articulate and much independence from making decisions. were extremely positive about their experiences. Day pupils value the diversity which international Boarding pupils value boarders bring. weekend activities.
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The whole school is steeped in history, giving it so much character and presence. Parent of Year 10 pupil.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
HISTORY Rishworth School has a long and proud history. It was founded and endowed by John Wheelwright in 1724 and established in a modest but charming old building which is now the Chapel. Today the School is very different. It extends over 130 acres with a wide range of buildings developed to accommodate increasing numbers of pupils.
One tradition established over our three centuries is that Rishworth is endlessly innovative, enabling us to celebrate our history whilst also looking to the future, creating a curriculum fit for the twenty-first century and developing young people of tenacity, independence and good humour. The School is a founder member of the Society of Heads, which was established in 1951, to preserve high standards in those schools privileged to be its members. Rishworth is also in membership with the other most important organisations which oversee high standards in British independent education, including the Boarding School Association (BSA), the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS).
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The small class sizes have ensured our daughter has had individual attention and achieved her maximum wonderful!
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Parent of Y8 pupil.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
THE ACADEMIC AND BROADER CURRICULUM Examination Results
Taught by a highly qualified staff of dedicated specialists, the curriculum is broad and stimulating, and offers every pupil the chance to be challenged and to excel. Rishworth enjoys a justly high reputation in sport, music, art and drama and a wide and varied programme of extra-curricular activities is on offer to all pupils.
Students build on their strengths thanks to the individual attention afforded by small teaching groups. A close ‘home’ school bond ensures that progress is monitored vigorously and that the next steps are always foremost in students’ learning. The School embraces the spirit of the national curriculum and goes well beyond it because we want to have the latitude to tailor a pupil’s programme of study to suit particular educational needs. Details of the present curriculum are to be found on the school’s website.
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We are proud of our public examination results at all levels. At GCSE over recent years. around 90% of pupils have gained at least 5 A*-C or 9-4 passes. At A-level, there is typically a near-100% pass-rate, with half of all grades being A*, As or Bs. We were also gratified when recently, in the national exam results’ tables, we were placed in the top 25% of all schools in the country for ‘value added’ - what a pupil achieves relative to their ability. Students from Rishworth go on to study a range of subjects at university level, including medicine, engineering, vet sciences and more at many prestigious British and foreign universities including Oxbridge. Individually, the strongest candidates achieve their string of top grades, whilst the results of a number of students who from the outset find academic work more challenging exceed all expectations. Ultimately, we see each student achieving results which are their very best.
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The environment and facilities enable the pupils to be so creative. An Open Morning visitor.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
CREATIVE ARTS Music, Art and Drama thrive at Rishworth both as enrichment activities and as academic subjects. All three can be studied to GCSE and A-level, practised recreationally, or both.
Music A team of highly qualified specialist staff provides tuition in all orchestral and brass band instruments as well as in other disciplines, including piano, guitar, drum-kit, singing, percussion, organ and electronic keyboard. Our pupils’ successes in Trinity College Music Examinations and their achievements regionally and nationally are quite outstanding. The teaching of Music has been much enhanced by the introduction of music technology where students can develop their composition and sequencing skills. There is a Choir, a Rock Band, a Concert Band, Big Band and various ensembles covering every musical family. Instrumental players and singers are always deeply involved in the musical festivals, concerts and recitals, which are held each year and of an exceptionally high standard. Art Taught by specialist subject teachers the creative artwork here at Rishworth is evident not just in the department but also in the displays around school. Throughout years 7 to 9 students will study a 9 10
variety of concepts and styles whilst learning how to use a variety of media. Artwork from different cultures and artists is studied in depth to inform and inspire the practical work. These skills are then developed further during the GCSE and A-level courses and are the foundation in producing a portfolio work. Students are encouraged to work independently on areas of art and design in which they are interested and will be required to present a professional portfolio of their work to exhibit in an end of year exhibition. Visits to universities and galleries are encouraged and many students go on to study at some of the country’s most prestigious art colleges. Drama Drama is a popular and extremely successful subject in its own right. The opportunity to perform is given an excellent foundation at Heathfield where productions are mounted at least twice a year. At Rishworth recent productions have included ‘School of Rock’, Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Tempest’. We have a well resourced Performing Arts Centre where the senior students have staged many challenging productions, including work written by the actors themselves.
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The enthusiasm for the event was remarkable. These children showed real determination. Second place was just not good enough for their school.
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Spectator at schools’ athletics competition.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
SPORTS A purpose-built sports hall provides facilities for cricket, indoor hockey, 5-a-side football, volleyball, badminton, netball, and tennis, and houses a further fitness suite with more cardiovascular and weight training equipment. In addition there are playing fields, tennis courts, a basketball court and access to a number of artificial pitches. Students in Year 11, 12 and 13 can also attend local rock climbing, golfing and sailing facilities.
The sports curriculum tends to follow national curriculum guidelines, with students taking part in both mixed and single-sex lessons. The main games for Years 7 to 10 are rugby, football, hockey, athletics, rounders and cricket. In PE students in Years 7 to 10 take part in basketball, netball, swimming, badminton, tennis and volleyball. Pupils swim throughout the year in the indoor heated pool. All swimming lessons are supervised by qualified members of staff. Every pupil is taught to swim and promising swimmers are encouraged to train and compete.
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Competitive matches in a wide range of sports are organised both within the School as House matches and against other schools. Care is taken to ensure that pupils who do not play in school teams can also still enjoy sport. A ‘Sport is Open to All’ policy operates in conjunction with high-level, specialist training. This combination accounts for the sporting success we enjoy at local, regional, national and international levels. Recent sports tours have included Australia, Barbados, Canada, the Far East, South Africa, South America and Sri Lanka.
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There are loads of clubs and teams to join - there aren’t enough days in the week to fit them all in! A Year 7 pupil talking about the range of extra-curricular activities.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES Enrichment activities form a essential part of the education of the ‘whole person’ and the furtherance of personal development. The range of clubs and activities is huge, from chess to fencing, and from debating to environmental protection. Structured courses, as the D.O.E Scheme, leading to prestigious awards, are very popular; a science group have even sent recording devices to the edge of the atmosphere! However, the most important principal is that everyone ‘has a go’ to find activities they enjoy and in which each individual can excel.
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I appreciate having a study and social area at lunchtimes. Year 11 day-pupil talking about his House area.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
PASTORAL CARE Pastoral work is underpinned by the School’s caring ethos and by the fact that we are a community with small classes, in which students can be known and made to feel valued as individuals. Exceptionally committed staff know their pupils and deal with them on a daily basis within a pastoral system that recognises that education is a collaboration process.
Pastoral care is a central component of the School, providing support and guidance, developing the character traits which mark out the Rishworthian; honesty, integrity, perseverance, and good humour being some examples!
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Every student at Rishworth has a Tutor who oversees the academic progress and general well-being of each ?????, and who shows a particular interest and gives encouragement and guidance. The Tutors work in close collaboration with other members of staff and parents to ensure that each individual makes the most of their Rishworth experience.
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Boarding has changed the way I live - I am much more self assured and independent. New sixth-form boarder.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
BOARDING Rishworth has a long tradition of co-educational boarding and offers a wide range of cultural, social and other opportunities for for both boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.
Pupils are allocated to a single-sex boarding house in the care of House Staff. These boarding houses are in close proximity to all school facilities. A very good standard of accommodation is offered. With individual study bedrooms, almost all single or double occupancy, which allow pupils to enjoy their personal space. All boarding pupils can rely on a carefully structured pastoral system in which excellent relationships between House Staff and pupils flourish in an atmosphere of trust. Progress in school work is monitored closely by academic tutors and communicated to families regularly.
Boarding Aims Through boarding, we aim to give the young people in our care the opportunities to become well-balanced, responsible adults who are well-equipped to contribute to society at large and, in so doing, to enrich their own life and that of others. We believe that living in a boarding community, with the continuity in relationships it provides and the experience of diverse cultures and people it offers, constitutes an education that reaches a young person's core. Specifically, we seek to provide a balance between privacy and sharing, and between freedom and guidance, as appropriate to the age and particular needs of the individual a blend of people, practices, provisions, and place where students can thrive, feeling properly "at home", happy, cared for, healthy and secure a flexible and convenient system for pupils and parents to remain properly in touch an exceptional breadth of experiences and activities
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R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
BOARDING a stable environment that offers a clear but flexible structure of support, promoting both the value of learning and the growth of the whole person a spirit of community and a sense of belonging a respect for the rights, cultures and beliefs of others the ability to live harmoniously and considerately with others, and to be organised and orderly in daily life a readiness to assume, and the capacity to discharge, appropriate responsibilities a high level of self-discipline and self-reliance coupled with a will to participate, co-operate, help and care
Flexi-boarding and Weekly boarding At Rishworth day pupils are welcome to stay overnight at any time. Over the last few years we have seen increasing demand for pupils to spend the occasional night with us, and it is often a helpful option to enable extended trips or to allow activities to run into the evenings without inconveniencing parents.
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Many parents find weekly boarding the perfect solution to busy working lives: it leaves them free to devote the week to their career commitments and the weekend to their children. Other families choose weekly boarding for the GCSE and sixth-form years to enable their sons and daughters to concentrate better on their studies, to reduce the time spent travelling to and from school, and to avail themselves of Rishworth's study facilities and its experienced, supportive boarding Staff. Parents find flexi-boarding convenient when their child has an activity that finishes late or starts very early or when they are away from home for an evening, a few days or more. Whatever the reason and whatever parents and pupils require from flexi-boarding, we will be ready to help and support. We offer all pupils the opportunity of trying out boarding at Rishworth for one night free of charge (the availability of rooms permitting). That way, the pupils can decide for themselves what it's really like!
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Flexi-boarding has allowed me to combine my study, friends and activities in ways which would have been impossible as a day pupil; for example, I now have two groups of friends - one at my parents' home and one in my other 'home': Rishworth!
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Quotation from a flexi-boarder.
For further, more detailed information about ‘Boarding’ please visit our website.
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Rishworth has provided an excellent stepping stone for university. Upper-sixth student.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
SIXTH FORM Housed within its own Centre the Sixth Form is very much a part of the whole school community. The younger members of the School look to senior students for guidance, leadership and example. By acknowledging these responsibilities, our most senior students develop skills and attributes vital to future succes.
Students join the Sixth Form at Rishworth with many goals: the fulfilment of their academic potential and acheive the best results of which they are capable in public examinations; to further develop their cultural pursuits and artistic talents; to train with specialist sports coaches; a growth in character and confidence; enrichment from a diversity of views and experiences. Students will be encouraged, and have opportunities, to achieve these goals. In the sixth form, Rishworth aims to offer: a high level of individual attention with small class sizes and individual monitoring and assessment to ensure that each student is optimising potential; teaching and learning that ensures students achieve outstanding academic results and are able to aspire to the very best universities and courses in the country;
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Support for those who wish to continue their studies at Russel Group Universities; pleasant sixth-form facilities, including a Sixth Form Centre with areas for study and communal areas; opportunities for leadership and personal development as students take on responsibilities associated with being a senior member of the School; a structured programme of guidance and advice on careers and higher education; an Enhanced Curriculum programme to support academic studies as well as to extend research and presentation skills, build up employability skills and build awareness of different life skills; scope to develop sporting, musical, theatrical and community interests, as well as providing the framework to develop other individual talents; caring and committed, specialist staff who actively support every student in their care; A number of scholarships and bursaries are available to sixth-form students, details of which may be obtained from the Registrar.
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I have had associations with Rishworth for some 20 years. For me the School has an excellent atmosphere, successfully marrying both academic and social achievement.
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Former Parent & Charity Representative.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
COMMUNITY Rishworth School is a part of a wider community.
Sixth-form students founded and continue to run the School’s main Charity Committee. They actively raise money for various causes each year such as ‘Children in Need’. Staff are always ready to support and regularly end up wet, in costume or disappearing on a rope over a precipice – all for a good cause! Senior students actively help in the community, supporting events such as Ripponden Childrens’ Day. The Forget Me Not Hospice, the British Heart Foundation, the RSPCA, Oxfam and The National Kidney Research Fund. As well as benefiting the community at large, students broaden their own experience through these activities.
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There are very high standards set at Heathfield, and the children are encouraged to set challenging targets for themselves. By building on firm academic foundations, they develop into well-rounded and responsible young people.
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Past pupil.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
HEATHFIELD Heathfield is the Junior School to Rishworth School. Boys and girls join us from the age of 3 in the Nursery and we continue to provide a caring and stimulating learning environment to the age of 11, when our students graduate to Year 7 at Rishworth.
Heathfield is set in its own extensive and beautiful grounds, with learning outside of the classroom an integral part of the curriculum and the co-curricular programme. The Foundation Stage unit is self-contained but the children have access to all the specialist teaching and facilities of the whole School. Heathfield has its own spacious and well-equipped Hall for assemblies, dramatic productions and concerts as well as specialist rooms for science, art, design technology, ICT, learning support and music. We have our own kitchens for serving healthy and delicious food, and a separate dining hall. There is also provision for care before and after school.
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Foundation Stage Nursery children can join the Foundation Stage from the age of three, and progress to the Reception class. In our well-appointed Foundation building, the children are self-contained and secure, following a programme working within seven learning areas:
3 Prime Areas: PSED - personal, social and emotional development CAL - communication and language PD - physical development. 4 Specific Areas: Literacy Maths UW - Understanding the World EAD - Expressive art and design
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
HEATHFIELD Years 1 and 2 Children follow a broad and engaging curriculum, informed by the national curriculum and enhanced by specialist teachers, addressing individual needs and fulfilling individual potential.
Years 3 to 6 Children follow a challenging and innovative curriculum, moving beyond the demands of the national curriculum with enriching activities in music, art and sport. We aim to prepare children for secondary school academically and practically, encouraging creative thinking skills and self-reflection. A wide range of co-curricular activities allows children to experience success in many different activities.
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At Heathfield, we know the importance of maintaining an excellent community atmosphere – a learning environment which sees the home and school united in a common set of high expectations, good manners and a respect for learning. Our parents are fully involved in the life of the School, exemplified by a thriving and innovative PTA. A good education is about individuals exceeding their own expectations and having the widest possible set of experiences. Where children are happy and eager to learn, progress follows naturally.
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Heathfield children enjoy a terrific range of experiences and activities, from magazine editing to fencing – no wonder they are so confident!
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Quotation from Year 6 Parent
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
GENERAL INFORMATION Admission A Pupil can be considered for entry to Rishworth at any age from 3 upwards. Children who have reached the age of 3 may be accepted into Heathfield’s Nursery. Entry into other year groups, when places are available, is subject to satisfactory assessment. The main points of entry into the Senior School are at 11, 13 or 16 years, but pupils are accepted at any age, provided there are places and the entry requirements are met. A pupil then has the opportunity of a continuous education through to A-levels in Year 13. Admission is subject to interview and/or a satisfactory report from the child's previous school. A written test may also be required. There is an assessment for pupils at 11 years old. Special consideration is given to pupils with a brother or sister already at the School. Transfer from Heathfield to the Senior School is expected, Students from other schools are accepted each year into the Sixth Form. Admission is dependent upon a good report from the previous school, an interview, and satisfactory GCSE results.
Scholarships Entrance scholarships may be available for candidates who demonstrate excellence in academic work, sport, music, drama or other recognised fields. Bursaries may also be available to help with fees. Details of these awards are available from the Registrar or Bursar.
Holidays The academic year can vary in length, however generally holidays are arranged so that pupils spend about 36 weeks per year at school, divided into three terms, (Michaelmas, Lent and Trinity). Half-term holidays are approximately mid-way through each term. Provided that sufficient notice has been given to House Staff, the School tries to be flexible over boarders’ requests for spending time away on other occasions.
A calendar of School events and important dates is available on our website.
Communication with Parents Detailed reports on pupils' progress are issued regularly. There are consultation evenings when parents can meet individual subject teachers and form tutors, as well as information evenings for designated purposes. In addition to regular, formal communication, the School values close contact with parents at all times. Colleagues are always glad to call or meet parents in order to discuss pupils' academic and social development. More senior colleagues are available to discuss matters as appropriate. It is important that parents keep the School fully updated on any changes to their contact details. In the belief that a close working partnership between school and home is the best way to secure and sustain a child’s continuing progress, the School has always enjoyed excellent support from families in academic, pastoral and disciplinary matters.
Discipline The School tries to instill a sense of self-discipline and pride in achievement. Partly in the interests of safety and security, there are a few basic School Rules. By accepting a place for their son or daughter, parents undertake that the pupil will be subject to these. The Head has the right to require parents to remove a pupil from the School if the pupil's conduct or general attitude makes this desirable in the best interests of either the School or the pupil.
Health Tutors and House staff in particular, and staff generally, keep an eye on the day to day health of each boy and girl but, if any serious ailments arise, a resident School Matron is on hand. She maintains separate sanatoria for boys and girls. The School Matron is available on call at any time. It is vital that parents keep the School fully informed of any known, new and suspected medical matters and particular needs relating to their child. Personal accident insurance is included in the school fees.
R I S H WO RT H S C H O O L | H E A T H F I E L D P R O S P E C T U S
Catering All pupils are required to eat together in the School Dining Hall which is served from a central kitchen operating on a cafeteria system. A varied, balanced, appetising menu is provided. Heathfield has its own dining room and both kitchens have been recipients of awards for healthy eating and consistently have the highest possible rating for hygiene. There are also facilities in the Boarding House areas for pupils to prepare their own coffee, tea and snacks.
Uniform Uniform requirements are indicated on the School Clothing Lists. Sixth Formers have a smart, professional dress code. Boarders may wear their own clothes after lessons and games and once all other school commitments are over. Adherence to the uniform regulations and compliance with the requirement that pupils look smart is considered very important.
School Fees A separate leaflet, available from the School, provides details of current fees. The School operates a composition fee scheme for lump-sum payment in advance. Details of this and of the School Fees Remission Scheme are available from the Bursar.
Leaving School A term's notice is required, in writing, before a pupil is withdrawn from the School and should be received by the Headmaster by the first day of a pupil's last term. In default of such notice the next term's fees will be charged.
Parents of International Students, Forces’ Parents and other British Parents living Overseas Some pupils at Rishworth have parents who live overseas. The School is experienced in providing for their particular requirements. Parents who live abroad must, however, appoint a guardian in the United Kingdom who has various responsibilities which are set out in an information sheet (available on request). This person must be authorised by parents to make decisions on behalf of the ward if an
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emergency arises, and make holiday, and travel arrangements. Sometimes an agreement is reached that pupils will stay with friends who live locally. Arrangements are made to transport pupils to Manchester Airport or rail termini, and to meet them at these points on their return. Every effort is made to assist with end-of-term travel arrangements. Vaccinations and inoculations are arranged, and provision can be made for storing possessions at School for those who fly home for the holidays.
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
A6177
Bradford BRADFORD
A646
Approximate travel times by car.
A681
A671
Sowerby Bridge
Dewsbury B6113
A58
Rishworth A672
Hollingworth ROCHDALE
Elland
A644
Slaithwaite
A629
Marsden
Holmfirth
A6052
Diggle
Saddleworth
0
Oldham OLDHAM
M60 Mossley
30 minutes from Manchester Airport. Direct flights worldwide. Around 2hrs to London via train.
AND
H E A T H FM I E L D P R E PA R A T O RY S C H O O L
A642
A640
A62
Delph
A629
M62 Huddersfield HUDDERSFIELD
Jct 22 A672
A58
MANCHESTER
Brighouse
A629
A6033
Littleborough
BURY
A58
A646
Todmorden B6138
10 minutes 15 minutes 25 minutes
Halifax HALIFAX
Luddendenfoot
Rishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QA. Tel: +44 (0)1422 822 217 Fax: +44 (0)1422 820 911 E-mail: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk Website: www.rishworth-school.co.uk Rishworth School: a company limited by guarantee Registered in England: Company Number 05855479 Registered Office: Oldham Road, Rishworth, West Yorks HX6 4QA Registered Charity Number: 1115562
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A646 A671
M606
A629
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