Headmaster: S D Kibler (BA Hons)
WELCOME TO TERRINGTON HALL
I’m proud to be the Head of this small and friendly independent school in the heart of the Howardian Hills. Visitors are immediately struck by the smiles on children’s faces, and the bright, engaging personalities that set them apart. The children here breeze into school with confident expectation and leave bursting with enthusiasm for all they have learned.
We believe strongly that the benefits, values and charm of a prep school education, with weekly and flexi-boarding at its heart, are as prevalent today as they have ever been.
We’re just north of York; easily accessible but with all the space, fresh air and sense of freedom that a rural setting brings. As a truly independent prep school, the breadth and quality of the senior schools our children go on to reflect our focus on developing fully rounded young people who are outward facing individuals and courageous learners, ready for the senior school best suited to them.
Community spirit and a strong sense of belonging are at the heart of our school. Our exceptional pastoral care is core to this feeling, alongside a commitment to developing a deep understanding of each and every child. We are academically exacting, in the sense that we’re ambitious for every child and support them to achieve the best they
can. Our school motto Expanding Horizons not only reflects our beautiful outlook across the Howardian Hills, but it also communicates our drive to stimulate curiosity and nurture potential.
When you join us, you become part of the Terrington Hall family: an inclusive, warm, welcoming and friendly environment. We are at our strongest when we collaborate and work together, allowing the children to shine brightly. I have an exceptional team, and we are all driven by the same determination to achieve the best for every child. This includes a proactive and positive relationship with parents.
Come and see for yourself what makes Terrington Hall a very special place for children aged 3-13 to learn and grow.
We have regular open days, and I would also be delighted to welcome you for an informal chat and tour of our happy and purposeful school.
Huw Thomas, Headmaster
OUR VISION
We aim to expand every child’s horizons through the best co-educational preparatory education, with opportunity, happiness and community at its core. Our key aims are:
• To ensure every child feels happy, safe and listened to.
• To equip every child with a love of learning, and inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity at the world around them.
• To deliver a curriculum and co-curriculum packed with unbounded opportunities to engage, stretch and challenge.
• To provide a supportive learning environment where individuality is respected and each child feels confident enough to have a go.
• To help each child develop the courage to transfer their skills and apply their knowledge in a collaborative environment where teamwork is encouraged.
• To celebrate diversity, embrace difference and promote mutual respect.
• To hold every child’s happiness, confidence and development at the heart of all we do.
• To open doors to any future destination, securing a bright future at your child’s chosen senior school and beyond.
OUR VALUES EXPANDING HORIZONS
Growth
As the world around us evolves, so do we. We encourage children to expand their minds, life experiences and skills, to build confidence and effect change now, and for the future.
Confidence
As we take our children on a journey of discovery, we make learning fun and light a spark in hearts and minds. We show how with every small step, we learn and build confidence in our own unique abilities
Kindness
We act with kindness always. It is at the heart of everything we do. We show children the power of kindness, encouraging them to act with empathy for each other, their community and our planet.
Courage
It takes courage to do the right thing. We act with integrity, showing the value of honesty and good character. We show how with courage, we can take calculated risks and be willing to have a go without fear of failure.
NURSERY
Every day is a new adventure in our Nursery class. It’s a time to explore, to learn through play, make new friends and grow in confidence. Your child will feel safe in our warm and nurturing environment, and confident enough to enjoy the many new experiences open to them.
Nursery children are based in the Pre-Prep building and have full use of our school’s extensive facilities. The Nursery class teacher and teaching assistant get to know every child well and engage with them in play-led learning activities. We develop their curiosity by taking the classroom outside and using the natural environment to excite and inspire them.
Every activity is designed to encourage creative and independent thinking. Our curriculum is carefully planned to cover the seven areas of learning and development: personal, social and emotional; physical; communication and language; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world and expressive arts and design.
Children enjoy forest school and weekly swimming lessons in our heated swimming pool. They have their own playground and shared indoor and outdoor play areas with Pre-Prep children. They eat lunch together in the dining hall, in a family dining atmosphere. Above all, children learn how to work and play alongside others, and always be kind and thoughtful.
Your child is welcome to join Nursery from the term they turn three. They can attend full-time or for morning, afternoon or all-day sessions from 8.30am until 3.30pm. We also offer after-school care until 5.30pm.
PRE-PREP
RECEPTION TO YEAR 2
Your child’s first years at school lay the foundations for a life of learning. That’s why we keep classes small, get to know every child and nurture their own individual learning style.
Every child has the time and space to grow, to be curious, and to have a go. Kindness and respect underpin everything, and our supportive environment means there’s no need to worry about getting it wrong. We help children become independent, confident learners who are willing to take risks and happy to try again.
We will encourage your child to think and always question ‘why?’ and ‘what if?’ We carefully choose objects that stimulate their curiosity and allow them to see the magic they are looking for. Whether they’re weighing food in our traditional ‘home’ corner or building a shelter in our forest school, they will develop vital life skills while having fun with friends.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in Nursery and Reception, expanding
their listening and attention skills along with understanding and speaking. Throughout PrePrep, they will build a solid learning base in mathematics, literacy, technology, creativity and expression, physical fitness and conversational Spanish. Our Focus Topic learning approach encourages each child to make links across subject disciplines, and to understand their relevance to the world around them.
Parents are valued partners in every child’s development and you can keep up to date with your child’s progress through our secure Tapestry learning platform. You can log in to view their learning profile, see photos we have uploaded from activities, as well as post your own comments and photos.
PREP
YEAR 3 TO YEAR 8
Children make huge progress from Year 3 onwards, when they increasingly take control of their own learning and thrive in our collaborative and caring community.
From Years 3 to 5, they spend the majority of their time with their class teacher, and also learn from specialists in science, music, art, drama, French, Spanish, PE, games and swimming. Children learn Latin from Year 5. Every child is valued for the contribution they make, and our small class sizes mean they thrive on individual care.
Interactive, topic-based lessons are tailored to suit every learning style. Educational trips and experiences help bring subjects to life – and the enthusiasm of our inspirational teachers proves irresistibly infectious.
From Years 6 to 8, specialist teachers engage pupils and invite them to apply their skills and knowledge more widely. Alongside the core subjects of English, maths and science, children
learn French, Spanish, Latin, ICT, music, drama, sport, art, PSHE, history, geography and TPR (theology, philosophy and religion). Pupils in Upper Prep also have the option to study Ancient Greek during enrichment time.
Our ‘ad astra’ Academic Challenge Programme stretches and challenges children in a wide range of intellectual pursuits. There are regular competitions and enrichment activities to encourage pupils to go above and beyond in their learning. They also work on our TALL programme, which endeavours to improve pupils’ Teamwork, Adventure, Life skills and Leadership, by providing opportunities beyond the core curriculum.
WELLBEING
Children’s wellbeing and happiness lies at the centre of all we do at Terrington Hall. Children feel safe and valued, and confident that they are supported and listened to.
Our open, friendly atmosphere gives children the courage to express themselves and talk about any concerns. Their form tutor will look out for them and help to settle any worries – but children know that every member of staff is happy to listen.
The House system and our very successful buddy scheme foster friendships and a sense of belonging across the year groups. Every pupil has a ‘buddy,’ and equal opportunities and mutual support are paramount. Children learn the value of teamwork from the very first day at school and older pupils become used to offering younger children support and friendship.
Our core values of Kindness, Confidence, Growth and Courage are evidenced in every part of school life. Children learn the value of resilience, and experience the satisfaction that comes with success. Even if they have to try and try again, we will support them at every step.
Children learn the value of teamwork from the very first day at school and older pupils become used to offering younger children support and friendship.
BOARDING
Boarding offers children the opportunity to spend extra time with their friends enjoying a regularly-changing programme of activities, theme nights and trips.
Boys and girls stay in bright, cosy dorms in the main house, which regular boarders are welcome to personalise. At the end of the school day, boarders change into their ‘home’ clothes and enjoy a delicious meal together in the dining room to help set them up for an evening of fun. Activities vary greatly, ranging from bowling and cricket to camping or karaoke. We also host regular boarding weekends which are very popular.
Weekly and flexi-boarders are welcome from Year 3 onwards. Our flexible, family-friendly approach is popular with working families. Children often stay between one and three nights per week, with an increasing number of families opting for the full, weekly boarding option. Children sleep in the main house, in a dormitory with children of a similar age. Girls and boys have separate dormitories and washrooms.
The Head of Boarding and his family, and the gap year students, also live in the main house. Together with rotating members of the teaching staff, they maintain a friendly and supportive presence, discussing the ups and downs of the day with the children.
Boarding builds confidence and social skills, giving children the independence to make their own decisions and grow from them. It fosters deeper friendships and is particularly valuable for those who may board at senior school. We are always delighted to show prospective families our boarding facilities.
SPORT
Every child gains a sense of achievement through sport at Terrington Hall. Whether they’re high-flyers or finding their feet, they’ll benefit from endless support and encouragement.
Our main aim is to help every child enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle – and to have fun! We play a wide range of individual and team sports and our inclusive approach means every child has a chance to represent the school, regardless of their ability. In competitive matches, they will play alongside pupils of a similar standard to ensure each child is challenged appropriately and to nurture their confidence and love of the sport.
We also support children who aim to represent their county, a regional team or even their country. Our passionate and dedicated sports staff and coaches have helped develop the talent of past and present county players and internationals in Rugby, Football, Hockey, Rounders and Cricket.
As a rural school, we have plenty of space and superb facilities. Our sports pitches are idyllically situated, with sweeping views over the valley to the Howardian Hills beyond.
Our facilities include:
15 acres of playing fields and pitches
Heated swimming pool
Cricket nets
Tennis courts
Sports played include:
Rugby
Football for girls and boys
Hockey
Netball
Cricket
Rounders
Tennis
Swimming
Cross Country
Athletics
Sport beyond the curriculum
Beyond the classroom, your child will also have the chance to experience other PE activities and extra-curricular sports. These include:
Badminton
Basketball
Gymnastics
Climbing
Dodgeball
We offer private tuition in:
Swimming
Cricket
Tennis
CREATIVE ARTS
The value of allowing children to express themselves through music, drama and art is immense, and they have every opportunity to do so at Terrington
Hall.
Pre-Prep children discover the joy of moving to music as well as exploring a wide range of instruments. From Year 3 onwards they discover more about instruments through topic-based work, and by Upper Prep they are engaging with world music topics. They experience the satisfaction and fellowship that comes with performing in concerts, recitals and musicals. Our excellent team of peripatetic staff also deliver one-toone tuition in a wide range of instruments.
Drama fuels the imagination and develops communication and teamwork skills. Every child experiences the excitement and satisfaction of performance, from Nursery onwards. Whether they are addressing assembly, presenting to their class or performing plays and musicals to a wider audience, they will be boosted by our inclusive and supportive approach. Children also prepare for and are invited to
take exams through LAMDA. After their CE exams, Year 8 rehearse and perform a comedy, which is always much-anticipated and is a wonderful way to finish the year with a flourish.
Art reinforces our encouragement of self-expression among children, and our belief that individuality is to be welcomed. Children work with a wide variety of media in our bright and busy art room. They are introduced to the great breadth of artists and art styles, from cave painting right through to the modern and contemporary art scene. Trips to galleries and to spots where they create their own art help to inspire individual expression. Every child’s imagination finds its voice as they develop their talents and discover their own preferred creative outlet.
Terrington Hall pupils are regularly awarded drama, art and music awards and scholarships to senior schools.
FEEDBACK
I know our son will look back at his time at Terrington as some of the happiest days of his life. What more can you ask of a school?
Year 8 parent
Terrington encourages everyone to find their strengths. Not just in the classroom, but also on the sports pitches, on stage, and in music.
Current pupil
In the early years, leaders ensure children learn to make new friends and resolve conflicts amicably by developing effective social and emotional skills.
ISI Inspection Report, Nov 23
Terrington has no boundaries when it comes to year groups. I feel this is a really special and unique part of Terrington life.
Current parent
We all love Boarding breakfasts. New dishes are introduced regularly, and we have themed nights such as Italian night where we have pizzas and pasta and Burns Night where we tried haggis!
Current pupil
Pupils benefit from assuming leadership roles such as heads of school, prefects, buddies and peer mentors.
ISI Inspection Nov 23
Our daughter has loved boarding since Year 3 and you have made it so lovely and homely for them all.
I often wish I could join in!
Current parent
Teachers have a secure understanding of their subject and employ effective teaching techniques to stimulate pupils of all levels, encouraging independence and self-reflection.
ISI Inspection Nov 23
I love all the support the school provides and all the help it gives. They help whenever you are sad or happy or if you need some help with some work.
Current pupil
Mutual respect is modelled by leaders and staff and instilled throughout the curriculum.
ISI Inspection Nov 23
The pupils have such a thirst for knowledge that ‘everyone looks forward to the house events such as the big quiz and spelling bee’.
Tatler Schools Guide
I chose this school because of its
· Breathtaking location allowing children to have as much fresh air as they could ever need
· Small class sizes led by welcoming staff who know the names of every pupil
· The opportunity to have a go at any sport, instrument extracurricular interest and be part of a team
· The gentle way that strengths are noted and fostered, allowing each child to find their niche.
Current parent
This school feels like a large extended family that as a parent you are very much part of.
Current parent
The staff never stop providing great opportunities for children in the school.
Current parent
I love picking my children up and escaping into what often feels like an Enid Blyton-style bubble of adventure!
Current parent
The school puts huge effort into drawing out students’ talents, academic or otherwise, and giving them everything they need to flourish within their niche.
Current parent
The staff are all very approachable, responsive with open lines of communication and children are encouraged to share any worries early rather than letting them build up.
Current parent
There’s been a marked rise in applications, so make sure to put names down fast.
Tatler Schools Guide
DESTINATION SCHOOLS
As a truly independent school, we help children and their families find the right senior school for them to continue to build on the great foundations laid at Terrington Hall. Recent senior schools our children have gone on to study at include:
Winchester College
Shrewsbury School
Ampleforth College
The Mount School
Repton School
St Peter’s School
Barnard Castle School
Oundle School
Sedbergh School
Scarborough College
Worksop College
Bootham School
Uppingham School
Durham School
Pocklington School
Queen Margaret’s
Malton School
Ripon Grammar School
MINIBUS SERVICE
To provide busy parents with added flexibility and to support a sustainable environment, we offer a minibus service on several routes into school. We do our best to ensure pick up/drop off points are as close to home as possible, but pupils may have to make their way to an existing pick-up point. Please note that the school reserves the right to change routes as necessary.
Each route has a dedicated DBS-checked driver, who builds up a relationship with families and provides a sense of security and familiarity for the children. All of our drivers are contactable, with their mobile phone number shared with parents using the transport service.
Terrington Hall is in the centre of the village of Terrington, in the Howardian Hills near York. It is close to Malton, Easingwold and York. The School enjoys breathtaking views over the Howardian Hills, an AONB, and children benefit from the feeling of space and freedom this brings.
Terrington Hall’s postcode is YO60 6PR. The nearest train stations are Malton and York. The school is just off the main street in the village of Terrington and parking is available on the front drive.
