‘Self-actualisation’
INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18
(Becoming the very best version of yourself)
My Manifesto
You will find many things at Prior’s Field, some expected, some surprising.
One of the most important is a paradox – you will immediately feel an environment that is down-to-earth, relaxed even, and yet this informality is in fact a launchpad for a disproportionate number of stellar performances in all fields of endeavour – academic, sporting and performing arts.
We punch way above our weight.
Our feet are firmly planted on the ground as we reach for the sky. At Prior’s Field, high achievement is accompanied by a sense of self-worth. It is my intention to maintain this equilibrium, which is so beneficial for our students.
#SELFDRIVE
Here, every day, I have just one simple question to answer: ‘What’s best for the students?’
PASTORAL LIFE
Boarding here combines the love and care of a family home with the stimulation, variety and support of a school. Our boarding houses exude warmth, homeliness and most important of all – laughter. Highs are celebrated and lows are shared – no girl feels she has to cope on her own.
This brings focus and purpose to all we do. For example, here I see a high ratio of students taking STEM subjects. I see girls lining up to play cricket. I see the students actively taking responsibility for their own learning, working hard in the knowledge that it is not about how good they are now, but how good they want to become.
At Prior’s Field, ambition and a desire to improve is not uncool, it is not hidden, it is there for all to see.
“I have been able to become me at Prior’s Field. What I mean is that I am not forced into a camouflage or false persona. It is me here with all my faults and worries as well as all the things I am good at. I think that is worth something. It is important. When the time comes, I feel I can go on to University emotionally mature and prepared, with the sort of navigational skills I need. I think I will arrive ahead.”
Fifth Form Student
Parents tell me they feel that if they could just find the right school for their daughter, she would take off. Prior’s Field may well be the answer.
SPORTING LIFE
We have a ‘work hard, play hard’ approach, with plenty of time built into busy lives for friendship, relaxation and fun. Sport has a key role to play – our students are encouraged to get involved and experience the fun and commitment involved in being part of a team.
I am very conscious that the move from school to university can be precarious. It is often said that a bigger school for Sixth Form is a better preparation for university. Consider this: in our smaller school community there is simply more space, more room, more oxygen for gaining emotional, as well as academic, intelligence.
“I decided to stay at Prior’s Field for my A Levels. Obviously I could have moved school at the end of Fifth Form, but I did not want to. I have many really good friends here, friendships that I hope last for years. I did not want to have to get used to new teachers in larger classes at exactly the point that A Levels are looming. I have high hopes of going to a top university and did not want to put that in danger.”
Sixth Form Student
Our teacher/student ratios are excellent. Our class sizes are small. Whether boarder or day student, we place emphasis on values – the sort of interpersonal, social skills that will be essential in the brave new world of university. That starts with selfknowledge, self-belief, self-awareness, self-confidence – the sort of emotional ballast that can be best learnt in a school like ours.
A LEVEL RESULTS
Exceptional A Level results across a breadth of subjects, securing places at Russell Group and top ranked UK universities.
The level of achievement delivered across a wide range of subjects has been significant, with over half of all students achieving a top grade (A*/A). Standout departments were Computer Science, Music, Russian, Textiles, Design and Technology, where all students achieved an outstanding 100% A*s and As.
DESTINATIONS & COURSES
Cardiff University, Economics Kingston University, Fashion Loughborough University, Graphic Design Loughborough University, Psychology with Criminology
UCL, Viking and Old Norse Studies University of Bath, Physics University of Essex, Law with Human Rights University of Exeter, English, University of Exeter, Finance University of Exeter, Business and Management University of Gloucestershire, Film Production University of Leeds, Business Management University of Oxford, Fine Art University of Sussex, Politics and International Relations
Warwick University, Biochemistry
Warwick University, Chemistry
It is my aim to develop Renaissance young adults – multi-faceted, multi-talented students. Here we prioritise breadth of experience as well as focus.
“I have been able to do lots and lots every day. Much more than at my last school. I play music, I play hockey, cricket and netball. I’m in all our plays. I’m better at some things than others, but being part of it is great.
In this school you can always be a part of it, whatever it is. That way you make friends with all sorts of different people and I can learn from them. That way we all get better. Everything you do makes you better at everything you do.”
Fifth Form Student
From music to maths, from sport to science, drama to DT, the channels into which our students can pour their enthusiasms are endless.
Here we come to a crucial point and a cornerstone of my philosophy for Prior’s Field. Once a student becomes good at one thing, irrespective of what it is, it becomes much easier to become good at another thing, and another and another. A good performance on the hockey pitch can help your physics, a starred English essay can help a piano recital.
For me, that is the secret of an education in full. Excellence, that much over-used word, can only be achieved when there are many chances to excel.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular provision is rich and varied allowing the students to try new things and develop new skills. From Eco Club to Gardening, from the History of Film to Model United Nations, from Juggling to Roller Disco Club, there really is something for everyone!
Our academic performance is way beyond the norm. If you look at our value-added scores, the difference between predicted grades on entry and grades actually achieved at GCSE and A Level, our results are right up there with the best in the country. Over half of all students achieved a top grade A*/A.
This of course reflects the quality of our teaching staff. It means, simply, that your daughter will achieve beyond expectation. It means that, at Prior’s Field, we make a bigger difference.
You may not understand what makes us so special. Come to talk to some of our students. Then you will.
Prior’s Field. Become the very best version of yourself.
GO FORWARD AS YOURSELF WITH ADMIRATION, HOPE & LOVE
ADMIRATION of the achievements of our peers and of those who have gone before us.
HOPE
for the present and for the future, because hope is stronger than optimism, being based on faith in ourselves and in our values.
LOVE must underpin every worthwhile endeavour and be the fellow traveller of kindness.