Academic
There are many excellent independent schools in the UK producing great results and ticking every box with regards to pedagogy. But away from this box-ticking exercise how many schools include the following in their vision?
To reflect on the past to embrace the challenge of the future
To be resilient, inquisitive and creative
To be happy and healthy
To live with integrity, empathy and humility
To be courageous, bold and robust in our endeavours
Our Vision: Transforming lives, unleashing potential
LVS Ascot excels at generating a real curiosity for learning. From Reception class to Year 13, students benefit from highly qualified specialist teachers, across a broad and balanced curriculum, who prepare our children for the challenging but wonderful world ahead of them.
This is not just about our syllabus, but it’s about creating an environment that seeks to open minds by promoting independence and entrepreneurship, and by inspiring individuals to problem solve and think ‘out of the box’. We do this by applying topics to real life scenarios, which adds relevance to learning and provides a holistic and worldly perspective on how we use this knowledge to benefit the world we live in – now and in the future. We want our children to leave our school equipped with the skills to really make a difference to the world they live in.
LVS Ascot is what we call a blended learning school. This means that we embrace technology as a tangible and integral part of the learning process for all students.
Every child across the school uses digital devices to access the Microsoft 365 world of wonder. Our teachers are the face of the class but they use technology to deliver personalised learning, to enable every child to explore and develop in their own individualised way. As adults, we know that everyone learns differently and a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. If anything, it can be destructive. Our way is to engender curiosity, the confidence to question and explore, and the means to help even the youngest child navigate their way using a range of tools, including a suite of Microsoft qualifications. These tools help individuals become proficient in real-world skills.
Our staff also benefit from continuous professional development. For instance, many have gained the highest Microsoft qualifications and, as a result, we are a Microsoft Showcase school. In December 2022, we were finalists in the National Schools Awards EdTech category for ‘EdTech Innovator of the Year Award’. We were one of only three finalists nationally and LVS Ascot was the only independent school in the final in this category.
High Performance Learning is a proven, research-based, pedagogy-led approach, which relies on teachers and their professional experience. The philosophy is that every single child can achieve academic success and live a life full of opportunity and fulfilment, regardless of their starting point.
We aim to be resilient, inquisitive and creative
Underpinning all of this is our commitment to look beyond the syllabus and to embrace the 4C’s of learning: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity
We reflect on the past to embrace the challenge of the future
According to The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change paper on ‘How to Futureproof Education in England’ (August 2022), the country’s future success rests upon our ability to break away from the traditional, narrow methods currently used in education. Developing new and relevant skills throughout our curriculum that allow young people to flourish when they join what is an increasingly digital workplace is what we aim to do at LVS Ascot.
In LVS Ascot’s Infant and Junior School, students are encouraged and taught to embrace the 4C’s, through a number of Learning Values and Skills which we have embedded into our curriculum and co-curricular activities. These activities result in students being awarded the unique LVS Ascot Year 6 Diploma in the Summer term before they transition to Senior School. These learning values increase and expand into the Senior School, where students work towards the equivalent of the diploma, known as Colours.
We understand that Value Added – the measure by which we can monitor progress and attainment from a baseline starting point – is important. Our goal is to challenge each pupil to achieve at least one grade higher than their predicted scores and, year-on-year, our GCSE and A-Level results data prove that we do just that.
At LVS we succeed by inspiring our pupils to want to exceed all expectations and have the confidence to reach their desired destination at the end of their time at school. Whether that be studying for a degree at a Russell Group university or starting an excellent apprenticeship or other work-based training programme, our students reach their aspirational goals because they are well-rounded, confident and happy young adults equipped with the life skills needed in the modern world.
Well-being
Happiness is fundamental to helping our students grow, both emotionally and academically. Happy children learn, and that’s why well-being is at the heart of all we do at LVS Ascot.
The well-being of our students is engrained in all aspects of school life and facilitated through dedicated teams of highly trained staff across the school. In the Infant and Junior School, class teachers are at the heart of our pastoral care and from Year 7, students are supported in small tutor groups. The whole school benefits from three integrated day and boarding houses, allowing continuity throughout the school in terms of competition, well-being and house spirit.
Class teachers are at the heart of our pastoral care and from Year 7, students are supported in small tutor groups.
We want to be happy and healthy
Aside from the day-to-day pastoral care in school, we have a dedicated Health and Well-being Centre (HAWC); a marvellous resource and sanctuary for those students who are in need of more dedicated pastoral support or medical assistance.
Our medical team consists of the services of the local GP practice and three registered nurses. We have consulting rooms, as well as excellent overnight facilities for those who may need to rest or as a residential patient overnight (boarding students). Alongside our medical unit, we have two counsellors and our HAWC resource boasts a large living space with sofas, chairs, TV, kitchen and outdoor area – a real refuge from the hustle and bustle of the main school.
We understand that life can be tricky at times and the pressures that young people face are ever increasing; whether through academic studies, peer pressures or online safety. Every aspect of the challenges that young people face are supported through our well-being strategy. All students and parents have access to the online platform TeenTips – The Well-being Hub, which provides a wealth of resources to support the community through webinars
and articles. The school also delivers an annual series of live talks on a variety of key topics, both in our school theatre and also via our online discussion series ‘LVS Perspectives’ on social media channels.
A balanced diet is essential for well-being, and our catering facilities are second-to-none. Our recently refurbished dining room is home to Sodexo, our catering provider, which freshly prepares three meals a day, as well as refreshments for sporting activities, shows and other events. Every day there is a varied seasonal menu of hot and cold food, which is included in the school fees. We cater for all dietary requirements, including those with adjustments due to food allergies or religious observances. We are a nut-free school.
Students can also take advantage of our wrap-around extended day provision, which is free until 5.30pm across the school, with a small additional charge for breakfast and dinner outside of the normal school day.
Safeguarding our children is our primary objective and our dedicated, highly trained staff, well-being strategies and facilities ensure our students stay safe, healthy and happy.
A fabulous academic experience, supported by effective well-being policies, enables all students to develop in every aspect of their school life.
At LVS Ascot, the co-curricular programme runs alongside the curriculum; challenging and stretching all students, enabling each and every child the chance to learn new skills and develop existing talents. Our LVS4 programme is an integrated activity session in the middle of the school day and provides a fun-packed and vibrant programme of activities.
Our 250-seat capacity professional theatre is home to our Performing Arts Department. From Years 3-9, all students experience two hours a week of drama, dancing, singing and music – with music, dance and drama being offered at both GCSE and A-Level. Dance and music are delivered throughout Reception to Year 2 as part of the curriculum, and provide a great foundation to the more demanding performing arts programme from Year 3 onwards.
Our productions are extensive and fully supported by a professional team of theatre managers, lighting and sound design engineers and, of course, our highly trained team of actors, dancers and musicians. From plays to musical theatre, there is never a dull moment in this department. Annually, LVS Ascot’s Performing Arts Festival hosts hundreds of young people from Berkshire and surrounding counties, who take part in a week-long extravaganza, coming together to perform in all categories to notable adjudicators. This amazing department were recent finalists in the Music and Drama Education Awards category of ‘Outstanding School Drama Department’.
We aim to be and robust in
Our award-winning sports programme is extensive and provides opportunities for all students no matter their ability. We offer a range of traditional sports such as rugby, cricket, football, swimming, netball, tennis and hockey where we compete at national levels and have a strong record of achievement. As well as traditional sports, we also offer handball, basketball, horse-riding and Teqball, where our achievements are equally impressive. LVS Ascot hosts annual national ISA Schools tournaments as well as offering high-profile sport tours both in the UK and abroad, and specialist highly-able programmes with local and regional clubs.
As well as curriculum sports, athletics, swimming and PE, our co-curricular and fixture programme from Year 3 upwards enables all students to take part in competitive sport throughout the week and, for Senior School students, Saturday mornings.
Our facilities include:
• A 25m indoor pool
• Astro pitch
• Fitness suite
• Tennis courts
• Rugby, football and cricket pitches
courageous, bold our endeavours
LVS Ascot is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Centre and provides all students from Year 9 upwards the opportunity to take part in Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Termly expeditions take place in the Brecon Beacons and New Forest. Notably our LiVeS week, which takes place towards the end of the summer term in the Senior School, affords all students the chance to take part in off-timetable activities and exciting adventures at home and abroad, as well as sports tours and performing arts tours. In the Infant and Junior School all children from Years 2-6 experience a residential trip and all children experience a variety of day trips, visiting speakers and themed weeks to bring their learning to life.
We are a competitive school and enjoy the challenge of taking part in Independent Schools Association (ISA) and other national competitions, not just in sport and performing arts but in other areas such as debating. LVS Ascot won the ISA Debating National Championship in 2022.
We are a competitive school and enjoy the challenge of taking part in Independent Schools Association (ISA) and other national competitions.
®
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and sustainability are integrated into our school lives. LVS Ascot is active in giving our students a voice and ensuring no matter what their level of skill and ability, everyone is encouraged to try new experiences and learn new skills. Whether we are working towards an Eco-friendly status, through sustainable fashion shows and debates, or celebrating the fabulous work of the LGTBQ+ staff and students groups, our school community is vibrant – with a multitude of strong voices leading local, national and international debates – sharing ideas and ensuring progress for all.
We live with integrity, empathy and humility
We are a Round Square school. Round Square is an internationally diverse network of 245 like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes, experiences and student exchanges.
Boarding
LVS Ascot boasts four fabulous modern and comfortable boarding houses, each named after a royal palace: Kew, Blenheim, Hampton and Osborne, and celebrates our close links with our royal patronage that we have been afforded for over 200 years.
Hampton (boys) and Osborne (girls) are home to students from the ages of 10 to 16 (Years 6 to 11). Both houses have a Housemaster / Mistress, a Senior House Assistant and a Graduate Boarding Assistant. Non-resident tutors are also attached to each house, providing a home-from-home in bright and airy living accommodation, each with its unique characteristics that the students help to develop in their house.
For students aged 16 and over (Years 12-13) we offer dedicated sixth form boarding houses: Blenheim House for boys and Kew House for girls. Accommodation for sixth form students provides the independence and sophistication older students desire, while providing the same level of safeguarding as the younger houses, but with a range
About our school
The benefits of boarding are unbounding, not least for academic achievement. Boarding students have academic staff available to them in the evenings during prep sessions / homework, and there is a plethora of co-curricular activities in the evenings and at the weekends. Having the run of the school after hours gives students the chance to exploit our facilities, as well as saving on time travelling to and from school.
Being located close to London, Windsor and Reading, our weekend activities embrace English culture, as well as the not so cultural activities of shopping trips, theme parks and other days out and events. For international students, our location is only 20 minutes from Heathrow airport.
LVS Ascot is a co-educational, day and boarding school set in 26 acres of parkland in Ascot, Berkshire. Our school, afforded with Royal Patronage for over 200 years, is situated 45 minutes from Central London, 20 minutes from Heathrow airport and four miles from the historic Windsor Castle.
Founded in 1803 in Kennington, London, our school prides itself on providing an all-inclusive broad and balanced curriculum and extensive co-curricular programme. Each year our 850 students not only enjoy significant academic success but develop all-round skills – enabling each individual to take on the challenges of the future with confidence and integrity.
admissions@lvs.ascot.sch.uk www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk
