Admissions Information Booklet 2022/23
Believe We believe in helping each pupil to realise they are truly unique and possess gifts and talents which give them unlimited potential. We wish to create an educational foundation whereby throughout their lives our pupils will always be ambitious for self-improvement and so develop beyond their perceived potential.
Strive We strive to: • provide excellent teaching, learning and outstanding pastoral care. • provide a wealth of opportunities both curricular and extra-curricular. • build a caring community. • encourage pupils to be the best they can be.
Achieve We develop pupils who are: • high achievers. • happy and resilient. • ambitious and respectful. • appreciative of themselves and others. • equipped with a spiritual foundation, and a strong moral code. • are ready to become positive and life-long contributors to society. Our School motto, “Quantum Potes Aude”, means to strive for the best and that is exactly what we want for our students at St Edward’s.
2 St Edward’s Prep School
3Information Booklet 2022/2023 This information booklet, along with the Prospectus, describe the broad principles on which St Edward’s Cheltenham is presently run and give an indication of our history and ethos. They are not part of any agreement between the parents and the School. Although believed correct at the time of printing, certain statements may become out of date over time. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on a statement in the information booklet or prospectus should see written confirmation of the statement before accepting the offer of a place. WelcomeContents 3 Preparatory School: 4 Key Staff 4 Admissions Process 5 Life at the Prep School 6 School Fee Information 8 Bus2022/2023Routes 10 How to Find Us 11 Welcome Here at St Edward’s we know that choosing the right school for your child is one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. Gloucestershire is extremely fortunate to benefit from many excellent schools, both independent and state, making the decision even more difficult.
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• Admissions Policy • Anti-Bullying Policy • Behaviour, Rewards & Sanctions Policy • Complaints Policy • English as an Additional Language Policy • Exclusion Policy • First Aid Policy • Safeguarding Policy • Safer Recruitment Policy School Policy documents A selection of our policy documents is available to read online via our website (www.stedwards.co.uk) including the following: On our website you can also find a full list of our other policies which are available on request. If you would like to receive copies of any of our policies please contact the School Office (contact details can be found on the back cover of this booklet).
Thank you for considering
St Edward’s Prep School is an independent day school which provides an outstanding education for boys and girls aged 9 months to 11 years. No matter what age, at St Edward’s we can support your child to fulfil their potential, academically, creatively and in sport. We encourage all our pupils to be the very best they can be by providing them with a wealth of curricular and co-curricular activities and experiences. hope that our School Prospectus and website have provided you with a window into the St Edward’s community, and that this Information Booklet answers any remaining questions you may have. If you have not yet visited us, or need any further help, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Team whose contact details can be found on page 4. St Edward’s Cheltenham, look forwarding to welcoming you soon.
our Admissions
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4 St Edward’s Prep School Preparatory School Key SeniorStaffManagement Team Headmaster Mr Paul Fathers BA (Hons) Deputy Head & Designated Safeguarding Lead Miss Sarah Tow BA (Hons) Kindergarten Manager Mrs Lynn Young BA (Hons) For a complete list of all our academic staff please visit our www.stedwards.co.ukwebsite: Admissions Team For further information about entry to the Preparatory School, or to book an appointment to visit, please contact: • prepadmissions@stedwards.co.uk • 01242 388550
388550
Experience Days (Year 1 upwards) Following your visit and the completion of a Registration Form, Experience Days will be arranged for your child to spend time at the School. We suggest a minimum of three days so your child can fully experience our curriculum (this varies for younger year groups). Children being considered for entry into Year 3 to Year 6 are asked complete standardised Maths and English testing during their visit. Entry Requirements Whilst there is no entrance examination for entry to the School, we will request satisfactory reports from the child’s current or most recent school/Nursery (if applicable), as well as copies of any specialist assessments.
International Applications Our entry process for International pupils is tailored to the individual pupil. Please contact Admissions Team for further details. Further information For further information about entry to Prep School, or to book an appointment to visit, please contact Admissions Team, on 01242 or at prepadmissions@stedwards.co.uk
Offer of a Place Following registration and, in the case of Year 1 to Year 6, successful completion of the Experience Days, an offer can be made. Please note that in the event of oversubscription for a year group, your child will be placed on a waiting list and the Admissions Manager will keep you updated on any progress or availability. Acceptance On receipt of an offer of a place at the School, parents are required to complete and return an Acceptance Form, along with an acceptance deposit of £500. The deposit is refunded when the pupil leaves St Edward’s and all financial matters have been settled.
5 Admissions Process The admissions procedure will typically include the following steps: • Visit • Registration • Experience Days (Year 1 entry upwards) • Offer of place • Acceptance Visit We hold a number of Open Mornings throughout the year, details of which can be found on our website. We also offer Individual Visits throughout the working week providing the opportunity for a tour of the school with the Headmaster or the Kindergarten Manager, depending on the year of entry you are interested in. Registration Registration may be made at any time to enter at any point in the academic year. Parents are requested to complete a Registration Form and return it to the Admissions Manager, together with a non-refundable fee of £75.
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Year Group Age Kindergarten 1-3 years Pre-School 3-4 years Reception 4-5 years Year 1 5-6 years Year 2 6-7 years Year 3 7-8 years Year 4 8-9 years Year 5 9-10 years Year 6 10-11 years
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6 St Edward’s Prep School
Life at the Prep School
The School’s 45 acres of parkland is used to full effect with pupils using the extensive lawns and woodland for play, our Forest School programme and as a venue for all parts of the curriculum. The extensive facilities mean that a broad range of sporting activities from cross country to tennis tournaments are possible with pupils competing at local, regional and national level.
All children in Pre-Prep take part in Forest School sessions and use the School Farm to complement learning in the classroom. Our educational programme also involves inspiring visits to nature reserves, the seashore, farms and other local places of interest.
Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) Children begin their full time education in Reception. We provide a safe and secure environment extending all areas of children’s development within the seven areas of learning. In our wonderful surroundings we promote exploration, self-discovery, and a curiosity towards learning. We begin to introduce a little more structure, following a curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Play and exploration still play a vital part in learning.
Preparatory (Years 3-6) When working independently or collaboratively, our pupils are confident and competent learners, always ready to embrace the next challenge. As pupils progress through the Preparatory School, we work to ensure that they have a firm understanding of the core academic subjects and are capable of sharing and collaborating with their peers. This is achieved while still maintaining a broad curriculum of subjects including ICT, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Drama and Technology.
– Willow and Maple: Our focus in Nursery is to inspire children to have a lifelong passion for learning and exploration. Children are driven by curiosity and imagination and seek to gain a better understanding of the world around them through observation and investigation. With this in mind we listen to the children’s voices and facilitate their and knowledge and understanding by implementing a ‘See, Think, Wonder’ curriculum that is built upon the child’s interests.
Forest School & Outdoor Learning:
Pre-School (3-4 years) – Hazel and Laurel: In Pre-School we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and integrate the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) to further develop broad and balanced learning. Our Pre-School classrooms are based in the Pre-Prep Department to ensure a smooth transition into Reception. All children also benefit from a wonderful outdoor environment which has been designed to ignite their imagination and instil a growing sense of wonder. The children make regular use of our School Farm and Forest School Upon joining the Kindergarten, children are expected to stay on through to Reception.
In Years 1 and 2, our pupils are taught the core subjects of Literacy, Mathematics and Science and a broad range of foundation subjects. Alongside these, lessons in French, Music, Computing and Swimming add an extra dimension.
– Little Acorns and Little Oaks: Our qualified practitioners support the babies and toddler’s natural curiosity by ensuring that the children have lots of scope for exploration and expression in a beautiful inspiring environment. With sensory play being an important part of early childhood development and crucial for brain development we ensure that the children engage in daily activities that promote the use of their senses.
In Year 3, pupils are taught for most of the lessons by their class teacher in their own classroom, with some lessons taught by specialist teachers. Pupils are also grouped by ability for Maths. From Year 4, pupils are grouped by ability for English and Maths and have lessons in other classrooms with specialist teachers. From Year 5, pupils are also grouped by ability for Science.
Nursery (2-3 years)
BabiesKindergarten(9-24months)
Through the use of the IPC, we are able to offer exciting and imaginative topic work and the children feel included, secure and valued.
• Dahl - House colour is green.
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After School Clubs are open to pupils from Reception to Year 6. There are a wide range of activities available. Clubs include a tea and are invoiced termly in arrears. Clubs such as Swim Squad where the pupils are invited to be part of a group will not incur a charge; cross-country races and other sporting events, such as School matches, will also not incur a charge. For pupils in Years 3-6, the clubs are booked on a daily basis at morning registration by pupils themselves. Prep Department clubs end at 5pm, after which time children have their evening tea. Following tea, children are taken to the Library for collection. Lunches Healthy lunches are included in the school fees and are served in our purpose-built refectory, The Seedling. Hot meal choices include both meat and vegetarian options. Any specific dietary requirements can be catered for.
After School Clubs
The Prep School Day 8:30-8:45am Registration 8:45-9:35am Whole andassemblySchool(MondayFriday)/Lesson 1 9:35-10:25am Lesson 2 10:25-10:50am Break 10:50-11:40am Lesson 3 11:40am-12:30pm Lesson 4 12:30-1:30pm Lunch 1:30-1:55pm Reading 1:55-2:50pm Lesson 5 2:50-3:40pm Lesson 6 3:40-3:50pm Form & Registration 4:00–5:30pm After School Clubs with Tea. 5:30–6:00pm Extended late collection in the Library Please note: Kindergarten and Pre-Prep have their own daily timings which differ slightly to the main school day above.
• Lewis - House colour is red. House Points are awarded for a variety of reasons including: achievement, effort, exemplary behaviour and kindness. Inter-House competitions are run throughout the year with various sporting competitions/matches. Music Music is a very exciting part of the School, and we are fortunate in having a large number of dedicated peripatetic teachers offering lessons in many musical instruments as well as musical theory. Timetables are arranged throughout the day on a rotating system so that music pupils do not miss the same subject on a regular basis. Sport Every child has the opportunity to take part in a whole host of sports on offer at the Prep School. From Year 3 pupils are part of teams, and represent the School in many matches, galas and tournaments. Our Prep School site offers three Rugby and Football pitches, Netball and Tennis courts, running track and a Sports Hall, as well as a cricket square and nets.
The House System
Each child in Prep is allocated to one of three Houses, each named after a children’s author:
• Blyton - House colour is blue.
8 St Edward’s Prep School Year Group Termly Fee Annual Fee Reception £2,660 £7,980 Year 1 £2,865 £8,595 Year 2 £2,990 £8,970 Year 3 £3,585 £10,755 Year 4 £3,945 £11,835 Year 5 £4,595 £13,785 Year 6 £4,595 £13,785 Termly School Fees School Fee Information 2022/2023 Registration & Deposit (per child) • Registration Fee (non-refundable): £75 per child • Deposit: £500* *An enhanced deposit may be required for non-UK resident families. For more information please contact the relevant Admissions Team. Our School fees include a healthy and varied lunch choice. Please refer to the School website to ensure that you have the most up-to-date fee schedule: www.stedwards.co.uk/admissions/fees-and-charges/ Kindergarten Session Fees Under 3s Session Fees Session Fee No. Hours Morning Session (incl. lunch), 8am – 1pm £37.35 5 hours Afternoon Session (incl. tea), 1pm – 6pm £34.35 5 hours School Day (incl. lunch), 8am – 3.30pm £54.72 7.5 hours Full Day (incl. lunch and tea), 8am – 6pm £68.62 10 hours Over 3s Fees Once your child is in receipt of Government funding, an individual hourly rate will be applied. Please contact the Kindergarten Manager for details (l.young@stedwards.co.uk). Children must attend for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• The cost to attend extra-curricular clubs run by the School including an evening tea (4:00–5:30pm with pick up until 6pm) is £5.20 per session.
Extras The following are not included in the fees: Individual Private Music lessons, LAMDA, overseas and residential trips, non-academic day trips and after-school clubs including evening tea. After School Clubs
• The cost to attend extra-curricular clubs run by external providers, including an evening tea (4:00–5:30pm with pick up until 6pm) is £8.95 per session.
The School insures all students for personal accidents. Insurance cover is 24/7/365 meaning that it will cover students all year even when they are not at School. Personal Effects Parents are responsible for providing their own personal effects insurance (including sports clothing and equipment, calculators, watches, bicycles, clothing etc.). Valuables including musical instruments must be handed in for safe custody and not left unattended in lockers, classrooms or changing rooms. School Fees Refunds The School is unable to refund fees if a student is away from School for any reason. Parents who are interested in insurance cover should contact their own brokers or insurers for advice. Fee Increases The annual fee increase for September will normally be announced at Easter. However, the School reserves the right to alter the fees by notice in writing before the start of any term.
Payment of Fees School accounts may be settled by bank transfer, credit/debit card or Direct Debit. Payments are required to clear in full on or before the first day of term. Direct debit payments are required either termly, on or just after 1st September, 1st January and 1st May or monthly, on the 1st of each month. There is no additional charge to pay monthly. Invoices for each term are issued half a term in advance. So, for example, parents will receive their invoice for the Spring Term fees in the second half of the Autumn Term. A 1% discount is applied for all payments received prior to the end of term in which the invoice is issued. So following on from the previous example a 1% discount would be applied on the Spring Term fees if payment was made prior to the end of the Autumn Term. Direct Debit is the preferred method of payment as it is the simplest way to pay your school fee bills and make sure your account is up to date. To pay by Direct Debit, you will need to instruct to your bank/building society to pay the School variable amounts from your account. The instruction needs to be variable because the payments can alter from term to term depending on the activities your child takes part in and any changes in fees. Payment by credit or debit card can be made over the telephone by calling 01242 388567. There is no charge applied to paying by card.
9Information Booklet 2022/2023
Insurances
Late Payment of Fees Direct Debit is the School’s preferred payment method as it will ensure that fees are never late. However, should fees not in paid on time, the School reserves the right to charge interest on the outstanding balance in line with Terms of the Parent Contract. If parents foresee problems with paying fees on time, they should contact the School. Sibling Discount Sibling discounts are available where a family has three or more children attending the School at the same time. A third child will receive a discount of 20%. Fourth and subsequent children receive a discount of 40%. Sibling discounts are not available in the Kindergarten Notice of Withdrawal To withdraw a student from the School, a parent must give a full academic term’s notice in writing to the Headmaster. Notice to any other member of staff, will not be accepted. In lieu of such notice, a full term’s fees at the rate prevailing at the time of leaving are payable.
A timetable with fares and information about how to book is available to download from the school website. All enquiries about routes and booking on to the routes should be made direct to the operator, Pulhams Coaches, which is responsible for the operation and administration of the service. Please do not contact the School for travel information or booking requests for the Pulham routes. Pulham’s dedicated school transport team can be contacted on 01451 820369 or at accounts@pulhamscoaches.com.
Routes 6-8: St Edward’s runs its own bus routes which current serve the north of Cheltenham although routes may change in line with demand. For more information about tickets and timings, please visit our website. Parents who live within reach of the routes are encouraged to use the bus service, as this helps to reduce the car congestion within the grounds at peak times in the mornings and afternoons.
There are eight bus routes available: Routes 1-5: Routes 1 – 5 are run in partnership with three other Independent Schools in Cheltenham. The service is operated by Pulhams Coaches.
Route 2:Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-theWold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Northleach, Andoversford, East End Route 3: Ashton Keynes, South Cerney, Cirencester, Rendcomb, Colesbourne, Sandy Lane Route 4: Gloucester Cattle Market, Innsworth, Churchdown, Shurdington, Leckhampton Route 5: Nailsworth, Amberley, Stroud, The Camp, Birdlip Route 6: Hoo Lane, Tredington, Woodmancote, Southam, Pittville Route 7: Montpelliar, Train Station, Westhall Green, Hatherley Ct Road, The Park/Lauriston Park, Leckhampton Road Route 8 (mornings only): Southam, Train Station, Lauriston/Sir Charles Irving Close, Osprey Road/Moorend Park Road
Route 1: Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe, Gretton, Gotherington, Bishops Cleeve, Racecourse (Lexington Square)
Pulhams is prepared to be flexible. If parents have queries about the day-to-day matters of timings, routes or fares, they should contact the company to see if their personal requirements can be accommodated. Return routes on the Pulhams Services run at the end of the School day, and there is also the option of a later 6pm service on these routes for any students wishing to remain at School for co-curricular activities.
Bus Routes
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11Information Booklet 2022/2023
Approaching from the A40 Oxford: Once you enter Cheltenham on the A40, you will reach a row of shops on London Road, the entrance is on right between a large red brick wall.
From the town centre: Follow A40 signs for Oxford. You will approach a fork in the road with Holy Apostles Church directly ahead, keep left, following the A40. You will reach a row of shops on London Road, the entrance is on left, between two large red brick walls.
Approaching from the A435 Cirencester Road: As you approach Cheltenham, turn right on Lyefield Road at the traffic lights by Sacred Hearts Church. Shortly after, take a left on Copt Elm Road at the mini roundabout, this will take you back onto the A40 (London Road). Turn left onto London Road and the entrance is on the right. How to Find Us
London Road, Tel:GloucestershireCheltenham,GL526NR*01242388550
*Please use GL52 6HS when using a Sat Nav
Updated August 2022 252 London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 6NR Tel: 01242 388550 Email: www.stedwards.co.ukprepschool@stedwards.co.uk facebook.com/StEdwardsSchoolCheltenham/ For all the latest updates take a look at our Social Media Channels: @StEdwards_Prep | @StEdsPrePrep | @SportStEds_Prep stedwardsprepcheltenham
