Rendcomb College Junior School
Thoughtful, Adventurous, Ambitious
Rendcomb College turned 100 in 2020. It opened with just 12 boys in June 1920 and now educates nearly 400 girls and boys aged 3 to 18.
Welcome to our Junior School
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to find out more about Rendcomb College Junior School; I hope that this booklet will help to give you an idea of what makes Rendcomb such a special place.
We understand that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent will make and herein, you will find some useful information about our rich curriculum, varied co-curricular programme and fantastic Forest School. I hope that it will help to answer any questions you may have.
Of course, whilst this will serve to provide you with a flavour of life at Rendcomb College, it is impossible to convey to you everything that I believe makes Rendcomb such a unique educational setting. Here you will find a sense of family and community at the very heart of all that we do. We are proud of being a school that is small enough to value each and every child as an individual and large enough to be able to provide excellent facilities and a high degree of specialist teaching.
We seek to help all of our pupils develop the character and confidence that will help them to be successful in later life. Perhaps Goethe’s notion that ‘Instruction does much, but encouragement everything.’ best reflects our ethos at Rendcomb - we believe strongly that to fail at something is simply a First Attempt In Learning and making new mistakes is often a sign that you are trying to improve.
Having read through this booklet, I do hope that you will also take the opportunity to come and visit us and view the school in person. The grandeur and beauty of our surroundings is inspiring but, moreover, I can assure you there will be a very warm welcome awaiting you upon your arrival.
I am always happy to meet with parents and to discuss any queries so please do feel free to contact us if you think I can be of any further assistance. Our Admissions Team would be delighted to hear from you and to arrange a visit and I look forward to welcoming you to Rendcomb College in the near future.
With every good wish,
Gavin Roberts Head of Juniors
A Rendcomb Child
We aim to encourage all of our pupils to be thoughtful, adventurous and ambitious. For our youngest pupils, we aim to foster some key attributes – we want our pupils to:
A Family School
We recognise that every child is an individual and we provide them with opportunities to develop their character in an environment where they feel safe and secure.
Ours is a family school in every aspect. A good relationship with parents is fundamental to all that we do and we always look forward to welcoming new members to Rendcomb College.
Our pupils develop self-confidence through positive reinforcement and our small class sizes enable our
teachers and assistants to get to know each child exceptionally well. Lunch is provided in our dining room with pupils eating alongside staff and older children; this family experience helps to encourage good eating habits and manners.
Staff are always available to meet informally with parents at the start and end of each day and we report on pupils’ progress at regular intervals. Parents are invited to attend our weekly Distinction Assemblies to help celebrate the achievements of our pupils in front of the whole Junior School.
Joining Rendcomb College
The Admissions Journey
A typical journey would entail the following steps:
1. Initial Enquiry
2. Open Event
3. Personalised Visit
4. Registration
5. Taster Day or Session
6. Offer of a place
7. Acceptance
Visiting Rendcomb College
We encourage all families to visit us and acknowledge that seeing the school first-hand is instrumental in the decision making process. Our open days and events throughout the year also give you the opportunity to view the Junior School and Nursery in action and to experience all that we have to offer.
Personalised visits take place throughout the school year. During the visit you will be met by the Admissions Team, followed by an appointment with the Head of Juniors, Mr Gavin Roberts. You will also be taken on a tour of the Nursery or Junior School which will allow you to experience the average school day, meet with teaching staff, and ask any questions you may have.
Registration
Registration adds your child onto our entry lists and is a requirement prior to the next step; a Taster Day or Session. Please note that registration does not necessarily guarantee a place and is non-refundable. Registration can take place at any time throughout the year. In order to register your child, please fill in the Registration Form, which can obtained from the Admissions Office or downloaded from our website, and return it together with the Registration Fee of £100.
Taster Days or Sessions
Children will take part in a Taster Day in the Junior School or a morning or afternoon Session in the Nursery ahead of an offer of a place. Children are paired with a buddy who has similar interests and they will attend lessons and activities together during a typical school day.
Taster Days and Sessions allow your son or daughter to understand and engage with school life and also encourage a smooth transition when moving schools. The experience is as much for your child as it is for the school; it is the chance to assess whether we are a suitable fit and will be able to offer a happy school life.
Acceptance
Following a successful Taster Day or Session we will offer your child a school place. You will receive an Acceptance Form along with an offer letter. The Acceptance Form will need to be completed, signed by both parents and returned to the Admissions Office with the Acceptance Fee of £250.
The Acceptance Fee acts as a deposit and shall be refunded at the time the pupil leaves the school (minus any sums due). Once paid, the fee will be forfeited if the child does not enter the school. During the Acceptance period, if not beforehand, the Admissions Team will request a reference from your child’s current school or nursery where applicable.
Policies
School policies, including the Admissions, Scholarships, and Bursaries policies, are available to download from the Rendcomb College website.
International Pupils
We welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds. We are proud of our cultural diversity and strongly believe this enhances our community. In our Junior School, we accept international day pupils who live locally with a parent or Guardian. Full-time or flexi boarding is available in our Senior School from Year 7 (age 11).
Nursery
Children are able to join our Nursery as soon as they turn 3 years old providing they are potty trained. The Nursery consists of a number of light, spacious areas – each individually designed to stimulate learning through play. Each section is well-equipped and resourced creating an inspiring environment.
The Nursery Timetable
Morning club 7.45am to 9am
Morning session 9am to 12 noon or 12.45pm (with lunch)
Afternoon session 12 noon (with lunch) or 12.45pm to 3.30pm
Full day 9am to 3.30pm
After school club 3.30pm to 6pm
Junior School
For entry into our Junior School, we welcome applications throughout the year and start dates are flexible. We ask that families initially visit the Junior School for a tour and a meeting with our Head of Juniors. Following the visit, we ask that you register your child and that they take part in a Taster Day.
A World of Opportunity
Along with the benefits of being in a small, family-orientated setting, pupils also gain a great deal from the close links with our Senior School.
Our Junior School staff are all engaged with whole school activities resulting in our youngest pupils being known and valued throughout the College. Children interact across the year groups through initiatives such as Buddy Reading and Senior School pupils frequently volunteer to help in the Junior School. Such interactions provide our youngest pupils with positive role models and enable them to further their communication and language skills.
Pupils also benefit from a variety of educational visits and from external visitors to the classroom. The cocurricular programme is wide ranging with activities from puzzles and board games to cookery and from martial arts to STEM club.
Pupils receive specialist Music teaching and, in addition, there is access to individual music tuition. Further activities taught by subject specialists include dance and French. In addition, PE lessons are taught by specialist teachers and sports coaches; these lessons are well resourced and make use of facilities such as the sports hall, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), gym and astro. All pupils from Reception to Year 2 swim at the local leisure centre.
Upon joining the Junior School, pupils join one of three Houses and have the opportunity to earn points throughout the year. Events such as World Book Day and Sports Day also offer pupils the opportunity to become active members of the school community.
Curriculum
Rendcomb offers a broad and varied study programme to enable an all-round education in keeping with a common educational curriculum.
Nursery and Reception
For pupils in Nursery and Reception, the curriculum is based on the Government’s seven areas of learning:
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
Pupils also undertake some fun French activities.
Year 1 and Year 2
Children benefit from small class sizes and a generous teacher-pupil ratio. All children are treated as individuals within the group and are able to progress at a pace that suits their stage of development. They are taught a broad range of subjects using the National Curriculum as a framework. Within this, the focus is upon encouraging and motivating children to learn in a creative and nurturing environment.
The curriculum is enhanced by the introduction of afterschool activities and the access to specialist teachers in certain subjects such as Music, French and PE.
Year 3 to Year 6
These classrooms are located within the main College building. Facilities include a well resourced Science Laboratory, a well-stocked Library, a continually updated Computing suite and a purpose built Art and Design Technology Studio. Our classes remain at a size which enables us to focus attention on each individual. Our aim is to ensure all pupils find their niche and develop to their full potential.
Pupils in Year 1 to Year 6 follow a balanced curriculum which includes:
• English
• French
• Computing
• Mathematics
• Music (Years 3-6)
• Games
• Science
• Drama
• Physical Education
• History
• Art
• Religious Education
• Geography
• Design Technology
• Personal, Social and Health Education
In addition, certain year groups learn some Latin, German or Spanish as an additional language.
Beyond the Classroom
From Nursery to Year 6 children have the opportunity to take a number of day trips to local events and destinations. Children in Year 5 and 6 also experience a residential trip to France to experience a traditional French town and enhance their language skills. Year 6 also spend three days team building and trying adventurous activities at Kilve Court in Somerset. Trips often include:
• Chedworth Roman Villa
• Cheltenham Literature Festival
• Coastal Geography field trip to a local beach
• Cotswold Farm Park
• Corinium Museum
• Gloucester Cathedral
• Oxford Castle
• SS Great Britain
• Warwick Castle
• We The Curious, Bristol
• Winchcombe WW2 experience
Activities
Children can choose to participate in a number of weekly activities each term which take place at lunch time and/ or after school. Here are some of the activities on offer at various times throughout the year:
• Art Club
• Ballet and dance
• Chess, Scrabble and strategy games
• Choir
• Cookery
• Drama and school plays
• Football
• Forest School
• Gymnastics
• Hockey Club
• Horse Riding
• Knex Club
• Knit and Stitch
• Junior Strings
• Cricket
• LAMDA
• Lego Club
• Martial Arts
• Touch Rugby
• Orchestra
• Rock Band
• STEM Club
• Tennis
• Ukulele Club
• Stop Motion Animation
Forest School
Our extensive Forest School sits within our grounds and is in close proximity to the Junior School. There are several qualified Forest School Leaders within the Junior School staff who place high value on outdoor learning and ensure that pupils understand their environment and how to care for it.
All pupils from Nursery to Year 6 have a timetabled Forest School session each week with the Year 5 and 6 session supported by our very own bushcraft specialist.
These weekly sessions are undoubtedly a highlight with pupils often spending some of the afternoon building dens, hunting bugs or toasting marshmallows on the camp fire.
Forest School is an excellent means of providing our pupils with the freedom to experience, explore and enquire about the world around them. Many activities are curriculum linked – after all, what better way is there to learn about the tales of Robin Hood than to experience building bows and arrows in real life woodland?
These activities are successful at developing children’s physical and co-ordination skills as well as their social skills. Children learn to work with others in a group and to express themselves as independent learners. The practical activities enable them to experience numeracy, literacy, science and many other subjects within a stimulating environment.
Moving up to the Senior School
Junior School children have many opportunities to interact with the Senior part of the College. We view Rendcomb College as a through-school and very much as a family environment. Your child will take part in a number of Senior School Taster Days, along with an experience in our Senior School Houses in preparation for life ahead. They will engage with Senior pupils during some lessons, where older pupils act as a source of support and learning.
Pupils in Year 6 take part in our Year 7 Entrance Day in the November preceding the September of joining the Senior School. The Entrance Day involves a written task, an online CEM test and an outdoor education afternoon. Whilst our Junior School pupils undertake the same assessments as external applicants, there is an expectation that all Year 6 pupils are able to transfer to the Senior School if they wish to do so. Should we have any concerns with regard to any pupils being unsuited to continuing their education into the Senior School then this will have been outlined and discussed with parents.
Junior School pupils receive an automatic loyalty discount of 10% of the annual school fees for the Senior School (Year 7 – 11), if they have been in the Junior School since Year 4 or earlier.
Facilities
Within our 230 acre campus, pupils have access to extensive indoor and outdoor facilities. We are continually developing our provision and recently we have invested substantially in our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) subjects.
This investment includes:
• The installation of a specially designed Junior School Science Laboratory and the refurbishment of all our Senior laboratories to include university-grade fume cupboards and separate benches and classroom/desk areas
• Our Computing Suite boasts cutting-edge equipment such as 3D printers, Raspberry Pi computers, virtual reality headsets and the latest PCs for pupils to learn and progress in a hands-on environment. Both Junior and Senior pupils have access to this state-of-the-art equipment
• A performing arts centre opened in 2017 featuring a 350-seat auditorium, dance studio and highspecification audio visual technology.
In addition, pupils have access to extensive sports facilities with 10 acres of stunning grass pitches, an England Hockey standard astroturf, tennis courts, a gym and a large sports hall with modern cricket nets.
Within our grounds is also a Deer Park with around 74 fallow deer, a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), a clay pigeon shooting ground, a gym and an outdoor education area.
Sport
All pupils in Years 3 to 6 take part in Games on two afternoons a week. There is also a weekly multi-sports session for our younger pupils in addition to their weekly swimming lesson. There is a different major sport for boys and girls each term with fixtures for Year 5 and 6 being played predominantly on Wednesday afternoons and fixtures for Year 4 taking place on a Friday afternoon.
The focus for pupils in Year 2 and Year 3 is to develop key skills in these major sports but some fixtures may also occasionally take place for these age groups.
We support the idea that sport is for all and thus every pupil has the chance to represent the school on at least one occasion.
Junior School Major Sports
Term Boys Girls
Michaelmas Rugby Hockey
Lent Football Netball
Summer Cricket Cricket
In addition, several other sports are taught as part of the PE curriculum. These can vary from year to year but, at present, pupils have the opportunity to develop skills in Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics, Fitness, Dance, Athletics and Swimming during the course of the year.
Drama
We recently opened a performing arts centre in the heart of our campus. Used by pupils throughout the College, the complex, named The Griffin Theatre, provides an industry standard performance and rehearsal space for pupils to practice, perform and nurture their creative talents.
Junior School pupils have weekly Drama lessons and Nursery to Year 2 perform every year in our Nativity. Years 3 to 6 take part in a musical production in the Summer Term. In many cases, pupils are invited to participate in Senior School productions. Recent Junior School productions include Rock Bottom, Porridge, Pirates of the Curry Bean, Star Warts, and The Amazing Adventures of Superstan.
LAMDA
We offer LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams from Year 2 upwards. The sessions cover a range of disciplines including:
• Acting
• Devising drama
• Miming
• Speaking verse and prose
• Reading for performance
• Using spoken English
• Speaking in public
• Musical theatre
LAMDA exams offer an ongoing measurement of progress in Speech and Drama. The gradual progression through the LAMDA grades provides benchmarks for every stage of a pupil’s development. It helps to support a steady improvement in self-confidence, vocal and physical technique, and language awareness.
Dance
Our dance studio is located within The Griffin Theatre and benefits from a sprung floor, air conditioning, PA system, ballet barre and mirrors.
Regular dance activities take place during the week including:
• Street Dance Club
• Performance Dance Group
• Music and Movement (Nursery)
Pupils across the Junior and Senior School can also participate in a number of dance sessions which progress through grades and styles.
Dancers have the opportunity to perform regularly and can enter classes at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts and have competed in The Great Big Dance Off at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.
Music
Our Music Department is vibrant and varied with many pupils taking individual instrumental lessons in addition to their timetabled music lessons.
Pupils are encouraged to join the many ensembles and activities on offer which include:
• Piano Duet Club
• String Group
• Rock Band
• Wind Band
• Recorder Group
• Ukulele Group
• Choir
Some pupils are also invited to join the Senior music groups such as the Senior Orchestra and Choir.
With a team of dedicated staff musicians, pupils may have one to one tuition in almost every instrument and style, helping to build skills that will enrich lives and potentially fuel a desire for a future career in music.
Our musicians are given many opportunities to perform on both informal and formal occasions. Regular Junior Music Tea concerts take place each term and musicians are invited to perform at Friday’s Distinction Assemblies. The Department also organises a Solo Competition for Junior and Senior School musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child is a fussy eater?
Our catering team is excellent and they produce all lunches on-site on a daily basis. They are experienced in catering for pupils with a variety of allergies and produce food which is nutritious and healthy.
At lunchtimes, staff eat with the pupils and thus are able to monitor what is being eaten and to reinforce food table manners.
It is important to remember that children will be very busy during their school day and they are often very hungry by lunchtime! They are often keen to follow their peers and will soon become happy to eat their lunch in its entirety. We will always encourage pupils to eat sensibly and also to try new foods whenever possible. Throughout the year, the catering team cook traditional celebratory meals for events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
What happens during break time?
Our pupils feel safe and secure in our environment and, as a result, they enjoy outdoor play at break times. This is always encouraged unless the weather conditions are extreme.
With over 230 acres of grounds, we certainly do not lack space! During morning break, our youngest pupils will either be playing on the Junior School playground or its accompanying woodland area. There is also the option of a designated quiet zone where pupils may simply chat with each other.
We encourage children to take part in a variety of playground games and there is a vast amount of equipment for them to use. Our Year 6 Prefects act as Playground Buddies and there are always plenty of adults supervising.
Nursery children have their own courtyard outdoor area and our Reception pupils also make use of their own adventure play area which is purpose built.
What if my child is feeling unwell or has a medical condition?
We have a Medical Centre on-site which is continuously staffed by qualified nurses. In addition, all Junior School staff have basic first aid training with some being paediatric first aid qualified.
Cuts and scrapes are all part of growing up but we always let parents know if their child has hurt themselves at the end of the school day. For more serious matters, parents are contacted during the day as necessary.
What time can I drop off and pick up?
The academic school day begins at 8:30am and Form Tutors are in their classrooms and ready to welcome pupils from 8:10am. Most children arrive between these times, but for those who arrive earlier, there is an Early Morning Club which is supervised from 7:45am.
The end of the school day is staggered in 10 minute intervals for Nursery, KS1 and KS2; however, a number of pupils stay in school beyond this time. There are several activities throughout the week which are open to pupils and these usually run from 3:40pm until 4:40pm for Reception to Year 2 and from 3:50pm to 5:00pm for Years 3 to 6. Alternatively, pupils in Reception to Year 2 may attend After School Club between 3:40pm until 5:00pm and Year 3 to Year 6 Pupils may attend Prep between 3:50pm - 5:00pm.
After 5:00pm, pupils then attend our After School Club which remains open until 6:00pm. A member of the Junior School Management Team is always in school until all children are picked up.
Is there a school bus?
Our school bus service operates across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Generally children may take the bus when they reach Year 3 but may be able to take the bus at a younger age providing they can travel responsibly or are with an older sibling.
Key pickup points include: Cheltenham, Swindon, Cricklade, South Cerney, Tetbury, Malmesbury, Kemble, Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold and Northleach.
Additional stops are possible depending on location and distance. Full details of our routes are on our website.
Children who take the bus will attend Morning Club until classrooms are open. After school, a member of staff ensures each child is on their respective bus before it departs.
Registration Fee (non-refundable): £100
Acceptance Deposit (refundable when your child leaves Rendcomb College): £250*
Fees are subject to an annual review. All fees are payable in advance and must be received on or before the first day of each term. Monthly instalments can be arranged via an external commercial school fee plan company at your own arrangement.
Lunch, snacks, all text books, pupil personal accident insurance, games equipment (not listed as an optional extra), laboratory and design technology resources and in-school entertainment are included in the fees.
External exam fees, personal equipment, stationery, maths equipment, school trips, off-site entertainment and activities involving material costs or external tuition are not included in the school fees.
Optional Extras
Music
The lesson rate is £33.30 per 30 minute lesson. Recorder tuition can be arranged in smaller groups and charged pro-rata. Pupils are encouraged to join ensembles and choirs, which are offered without charge. Instruments are available to hire at a cost of £45 per term.
Learning Support
Charges are dependent on the level of support required. Details on additional services and fees are available from the Learning Support Department.
Sibling Discount
A sibling discount is awarded when three or more children are in the school at any one time. The discount is applied in the following way:
• 1st child - full fees
• 2nd child - 5% discount
• 3rd child - 15% discount
• 4th and subsequent children - 15% discount
Government Funding
Fees are payable in advance, however the government funding is received in arrears and will be credited against the next term’s fees depending on eligibility.
For a child in Nursery, who attends a full week between 9am - 3:30pm and whose parents are in reciept of 30 hours funding, parents will need to pay for 30 minutes per day. If the child stays beyond our normal end time of 3.30pm, the standard Wrap Around Care charges will apply. The 30 hours’ funding cannot be used against Wrap Around Care charges.
For a child in Reception, the funding ends at the end of the term in which they turn 5-years-old. A child does a full week which is 8.30am-3.40pm, so parents will be required to pay for 1 hour per day. If the child stays beyond our normal end time of 3.40pm, the standard Wrap Around Care charges will apply. The 30 hours’ funding cannot be used against Wrap Around Care charges.
Scholarships
Junior School Pupils are welcome to apply for Senior School Scholarships as they enter Year 6. These awards recognise a pupil’s potential, a pupil’s particular level of skill or talent and the value that we believe they will add to the life of our school.
Please see our website for more details. All Scholarships can be applied for using a Scholarship Application Form supported by the Reference Form. The forms can be obtained from the Admissions Office or downloaded from our website along with further information.
Bursaries
Parents wishing to apply for a bursary must complete a Financial Circumstances Form, by the December of the year preceding entry to the Junior School, to allow the school to assess the level of bursary required.
Forces Bursaries
Rendcomb College has strong links with Forces families and is able to offer specific support for families who are with HM Armed Forces or Diplomatic Services, where applicable under the rules of the scheme. Rendcomb is pleased to accept payments under the CEA scheme in respect of pupils from Forces families.
Further information about Rendcomb College bursaries can be obtained from our website or from the Admissions Office.
Bank Details
For payment of all school and registration fees
Bank name: Lloyds Bank, 14 Castle Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1QJ
Sort Code: 30-92-06
Account No: 00234948
IBAN: GB84LOYD30920600234948
BIC: LLOYDGB21102
Quote your child’s surname followed by their first name when arranging payment of your registration fee, acceptance fee and school fees.
Basic fees (per term) from September 2023 are as follows. There are 3 terms per academic year.
Fees are available on our website: https://www.rendcombcollege.org.uk/fees
School Play Area
Our campus is set within 230 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside, located between Cheltenham and Cirencester
Park House
To the Deer Park
Junior
Outdoor Pool
Junior School
Main College & Reception
Forest School & Wilderness
Art, DT & Music
Gym & Squash Court
St Peter’s Church
Estate Gardens
Sports Hall
Garden House
Godman House
Griffin Theatre
Astro
Tennis Courts
The Barn
Stable House
Stable Block Head of College’s House
Lawn House
Old Rectory