The Armed Forces Directory of Boarding Schools 2024

OF BOARDING DIRECTORY SCHOOLS THE 2024

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION (DFE) www.education.gov.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE (ISCIAS) www.isc.co.uk

SCOTTISH COUNCIL OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (SCIS)

www.scis.org.uk

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION ADVISORY SERVICE (CEAS) Email DCYP-CEAS-Enquiries@ mod.gov.uk

COUNCIL OF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (COBIS)

www.cobis.org.uk

UK COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS (UKCISA) www.ukcias.org.uk

THE EDUCATION GRANTS ADVICE SERVICE

www.educational-grants.org

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (ISA) www.isaschools.org.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

www.isi.net

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS EXAMINATION BOARD (ISEB)

www.iseb.co.uk

INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATION OF PREP SCHOOLS

www.iaps.uk

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ADMISSIONS SERVICE (UCAS)

www.ucas.com

GIRLS’ SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (GSA) www.gsa.uk.com

THE SOCIETY OF HEADS www.thesocietyofheads.org.uk

ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION (AFF)

www.aff.org.uk

NAVAL FAMILIES FEDERATIONS (NFF) www.nff.org.uk

ROYAL AIRFORCE FAMILIES FEDERATION (RAF FF) www.raf-ff.org.uk

SSAFA (TRI-SERVICE ARMED FORCES CHARITY) www.ssafa.org.uk

ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNING BODIES OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (AGBIS) www.agbis.org.uk

ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION AND GUARDIANSHIP OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (AEGIS) www.aegisuk.net

BRITISH DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION (BDA) www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

DISABILITY RIGHTS UK www.disabilityrightsuk.org

CONTENTS

Within this Directory you will find some featured schools and colleges that are actively looking to attract service parents. You will be able to read about the schools history as well as the key information about their courses and academic achievements and specialist subjects.

You will also learn more about the experiences other students and boarders have shared in the form of case studies and testimonials. These features really showcase the best of boarding and are an open invitation to make enquiries with all of the schools and colleges we feature.

Welcome to the 2024 edition of the Forces Recruiting Directory of Boarding Schools for Service Parents.

Choosing the right education for your child/children is one of the most important decisions you can make for their future. Every child has a different learning capacity and we all learn at different speeds and in different ways. It can also determine how they perceive the world, as well as having a massive input on the groups of friends and relationships they form with other students, as well as their teachers and mentors.

This is even more testing for Service Parents, many of whom will have concerns about not only changing the environment and surroundings of their education, but also the friendships and bonds they will undoubtedly form during this time.

Many decide to choose a Boarding School to create the stability that the Continuity of Education Allowance known as the (CEA) offers Armed Forces parents.

Although many service parents have less overseas tours in times of peace, as well as even more personnel being brought back from overseas bases and being

stationed in the UK, there are still many benefits of sending children to a boarding school.

For the service parents that still qualify for the funding, The Boarding Schools Directory offers insights into the boarding experience, with testimonials from students, parents and teachers about their experiences.

Many schools offer different opportunities to learn and this guide will help differentiate between them, to allow you to make a more informed decision on where and what is best for your child’s individual needs.

Within the directory you will be able to find additional information from various organisations and associations that will further aid you when making your decision, you will also be able to view a full alphabetical list of boarding schools at the back of the directory, along with a page full of useful contacts.

We have featured listings from boarding schools that are actively looking to attract service parents children, they are also listed on our website www.forcesrecruiitng.com/ boarding-schools which will enable you to send direct emails along with being able to click links on to their website. The featured listings at the front of the directory are also featured in the maps which are broken down by regions. Within each region there are also editorials and adverts from boarding schools in that area.

We hope you find this directory useful and ask that you mention this publication when making your enquiries. Please feel free to egt in touch with us and share your stories and experiences to help our future readers.

Kind

DIRECTORY OF BOARDING SCHOOLS

ABBOTSHOLME SCHOOL

Telephone: 01889 590217

Email: enquiries@abbotsholme.co.uk

Website: www.abbotsholme.co.uk

Postcode: ST14 5BS

Location: Rocester, Uttoxeter

No. in School: 227

No. of Boarders: 53

Boarding Age: 11

Boarding Type: weekly, full, occasional and Boarding Plus

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

Telephone: 01977 233600

Email: admissions@ ackworthschool.com

Website: www.ackworthschool.com

Postcode: WF7 7LT

Location: West Yorkshire

No. in School: 490

No. of Boarders: 100

Boarding Age: 10-19

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ALL HALLOWS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Telephone: 01749 881609

Email:

admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk

Website:

www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

Postcode: BA4 4SF

Location: Shepton Mallet

No. in School: 265

No. of Boarders: 50

Boarding Age: 3-12

Boarding Type: full, flexi, and Weekly boarding

ARDVRECK SCHOOL

Telephone: 01764 653112

Email: admissions@ardvreckschool.co.uk

Website:

www.ardvreckschool.co.uk

Postcode: PH7 4EX

Location: Perthshire, Scotland

No. in School: 150

No. of Boarders: 62

Boarding Age: 7-13

Boarding Type: full boarding, flexi boarding and ad hoc

BADMINTON SCHOOL

Telephone: 0117 905 5200

Email:

admissions@

badmintonschool.co.uk

Website: www.badmintonschool. co.uk/admissions

Postcode: BS9 3BA

Location: Bristol No. in School: 550

No. of Boarders: 180

Boarding Age: 9-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01833 696030

Email:

admissions@barneyschool.org.uk

Website:

www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

Postcode: DL12 8UN

Location: Barnard Castle, County Durham

No. in School: 719

No. of Boarders: 192

Boarding Age: 7-18

(Year 3 - Year 13)

Boarding Type: senior boys, Senior Girls, Junior (co-ed)

BOSWORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Telephone: 01604 239995

Email: info@bosworthschool.co.uk

Website:

www.bosworthschool.co.uk

Postcode: NN2 6JB

Location: Northampton

No. in School: 244

No. of Boarders: 183

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full and weekly boarding

BOUNDARY OAK SCHOOL

Telephone: 01329 280955

Email:

admissions@boundaryoak.co.uk

Website:

www.boundaryoakschool.co.uk

Postcode: PO17 5BL

Location: Fareham, Hampshire

No. in School: 490

No. of Boarders: 50

Boarding Age: 11-16

Boarding Type: Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding, flexi boarding, Short Stay

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

Telephone: (0)118 964 4516

Email: admissions@bradfieldcollege.org.uk

Website:

www.bradfieldcollege.org.uk

Postcode: RG7 6AU

Location: Bradfield, Berkshire

No. in School: 820

No. of Boarders: 710

Boarding Age: 13-18

Boarding Type: weekly boarding

BREDON SCHOOL

Telephone: 01684 293156

Email:

admissions@bredonschool.uk

Website: www.bredonschool.org

Postcode: GL20 6AH

Location: Tewkesbury

No. in School: 232

No. of Boarders: 101

Boarding Age: 9-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01527 579679

Email:

admissions@bromsgrove-school. co.uk

Website: www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Postcode: B61 7DU

Location: Bromsgrove

No. in School: senior 1090 prep 520

No. of Boarders: 590 (aged 7 – 18)

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full (no exeats)

BROOKE HOUSE COLLEGE

AND FOOTBALL ACADEMY

Telephone: 01858 462452

Email: enquiries@brookehouse.com

Website:

www.brookehousecollege.co.uk

Postcode: LE16 7AU

Location: Market Harborough

No. in School: 270

No. of Boarders: 260

Boarding Age: 11-19

Boarding Type: full, flexi

CALDICOTT SCHOOL

Telephone: 01753 649300

Email: office@caldicott.com

Website: www.caldicott.com

Postcode: SL2 3SL

Location: Farnham Royal, Bucks

No. in School: 250

No. of Boarders: 106

Boarding Age: 11 – 13 (Years 7 – 8), with optional flexi-boarding

Years 3 – 6

Boarding Type: full, flexi

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

Telephone: 01242 265600

Email:

prepadmissions@cheltenhamcollege. org (3 to 13)

admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org (13-18)

Website:

www.cheltenhamcollege.org

Postcode: GL53 7LD

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

No. in School: 1,175 (Reception to Sixth Form)

No. of Boarders: 637 (Year 3 to Sixth Form)

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

CHIGWELL SCHOOL

Telephone: 020 8501 5700

Email: admissions@chigwellschool.org

Website: www.chigwell-school.org

Postcode: IG7 6QF

Location: Chigwell

No. in School: 1100

No. of Boarders: 28

Boarding Age: 16-18

Boarding Type: International

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01293 520648

Email: admissions@

cottesmoreschool.com

Website:

www.cottesmoreschool.com

Postcode: RH11 9AU

Location: Pease Pottage, West Sussex No. in School: 200

including pre-prep

No. of Boarders: 111

Boarding Age: 8-13

Boarding Type: full boarding

DAUNTSEY’S

Telephone: 01380 814500

Email: admissions@dauntseys.org

Website: www.dauntseys.org

Postcode: SN10 4HE

Location: Devizes, Wiltshire

No. in School: 860

No. of Boarders: 340

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full

DRAGON SCHOOL

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 315405

Email: admissions@dragonschool.org

Website: www.dragonschool.org

Postcode: OX2 6SS

Location: Oxford

No. in School: 811 from Reception to Year 8 (Ages 4- 13)

No. of Boarders: Boarders (Full/weekly): 152

Flexible boarding: 114

Boarding Age: mixed sex 4-13

Boarding Type: full, day, and flexi

THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

Telephone: 01304 245023

Email:

admissions@doyrms.com

Website: www.doyrms.com

Postcode: CT15 5EQ

Location: Dover, Kent

No. in School: 500

No. of Boarders: 500

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly

ELLESMERE COLLEGE

Telephone: 01691 626510

Email: registrar@ellesmere.com

Website: www.ellesmere.com

Postcode: SY12 9AB

Location: Shropshire

No. in School: 600

No. of Boarders: 250

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

FARLEIGH SCHOOL

Telephone: 01264 710766

Email: office@farleighschool.com

Website: www.farleighschool.com

Postcode: SP11 7PW

Location: Andover, Hampshire

No. in School: 468

No. of Boarders: 125 (excl flexi)

Boarding Age: 7-13

Boarding Type: full, weekly and flexi if capacity allows

FINBOROUGH SCHOOL

Telephone: 01449 773600

Email:

shughan@finboroughschool.co.uk

Website:

www.finboroughschool.co.uk

Postcode: IP14 3EF

Location: Stowmarket

No. in School: 650+

No. of Boarders: 100+

Boarding Age: 2-18

Boarding Type: boarding, day school, weekly boarding

FRAMLINHAM COLLEGE

Telephone: 01728 723789

Email: admissions@

framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Website: www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Postcode: IP13 9EY

Location: Framlingham, Suffolk

No. in School: 600 across both Prep and Senior School

No. of Boarders: 190 across both sites

Boarding Age: 9-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly, flexi and occasional

GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL

Telephone: 01729 893000

Email:

admissions@giggleswick.org.uk

Website:

www.giggleswick.org.uk

Postcode: BD24 0DE

Location: North Yorkshire

No. in School: 313

No. of Boarders: 209

Boarding Age: 9-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

GORDON’S SCHOOL

Telephone: 01276 858084

Email: info@gordons.school

Website: www.gordons.school

Postcode: GU24 9PT

Location: Surrey Heath, Surrey

No. in School: 939

No. of Boarders: 265

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: day boarding, full boarding, weekly boarding

HABERDASHERS’ ADAMS

Telephone: +44 (0)1952 953810

Email: reception@adamsgs.uk

Website: www.adamsgs.uk

Postcode: TF10 7BD

Location: Shropshire

No. in School: 1066

No. of Boarders: 100

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH

Telephone: 01600 711104

Email: admissions@ habsmonmouth.org

Website:

www.habsmonmouth.org

Postcode: NP25 3HG

Location: Monmouth

No. in School: 1250

No. of Boarders: 267

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL

Telephone: 01473 201058

Email: admissions@ipswichhighschool. co.uk

Website:

www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk

Postcode: IP9 1AZ

Location: Ipswich No. in School: 533

No. of Boarders: 34

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly, flexible

JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Telephone: +673 241 1000

Email: enrol@jis.edu.bn

Website:

www.jerudonginternationalschool. com

Postcode: BE2 119

Location: Brunei

No. in School: 1683

No. of Boarders: 250

Boarding Age: 10-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE

Telephone: +44 (0)1624 820110

Email: admissions@kwc.im

Website: www.kwc.im

Postcode: IM9 1TP

Location: Castletown, Isle of Man

No. in School: 340

No. of Boarders: 54

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: day boarding, full boarding

KINGHAM HILL SCHOOL

Telephone: 01608 658999

Email: registrar@kinghamhill.org

Website: www.kinghamhill.org.uk

Postcode: OX7 6TH

Location: Oxfordshire

No. in School: 347

No. of Boarders: 191

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly, flexi, day

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL

Telephone: +44 (0)1225 734200

Email: admissions@kingswood. bath.sch.uk

Website: www.kingswood.bath. sch.uk/senior/boarding-life/forcesfamilies

Postcode: BA1 5RG

Location: Lansdown Road, Bath No. in School: 897

No. of Boarders: 170

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly and flexi

LIVERPOOL COLLEGE

Telephone: 0151 724 4000

Email: elatham@liverpoolcollege.org.uk

Website: https://www.liverpoolcollege.org. uk/boarding/about-our-boardingprogramme

Postcode: L18 8BG

Location: Liverpool

No. in School: 1200

No. of Boarders: 20

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: co-ed

LUDGROVE SCHOOL

Telephone: 0118 978 9881

Email:

registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk

Website: www.ludgrove.net

Postcode: RG40 3AB

Location: Wokingham, Berkshire

No. in School: 190

No. of Boarders: 190

Boarding Age: 8-13

Boarding Type: full

MILLFIELD PREP

Telephone: 01458 832446

Email:

admissions@millfieldprep.com

Website: www.millfieldprep.com

Postcode: BA6 8LD

Location: Glastonbury, Somerset

No. in School: 373

No. of Boarders: 126

Boarding Age: 7-13

Boarding Type: full, flexi

MILTON ABBEY

Telephone: 01258 880484

Email:

admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk

Website: www.miltonabbey.co.uk

Postcode: DT11 7YF

Location: Blandford Forum, Dorset

No. in School: 220

No. of Boarders: 177

Boarding Age: 13-18

Boarding Type: co-ed

MORE HOUSE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01252 792303

Email: admissions@ morehouseschool.co.uk

Website:

www.morehouseschool.co.uk

Postcode: GU10 3AP

Location: Farnham

No. in School: 501

No. of Boarders: 77

Boarding Age: 8-18

Boarding Type: day boarding, full boarding Specialist school for pupils with specific learning and languagebased difficulties, including Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and other associated SEN.

MYDDELTON COLLEGE

Telephone: 01745 472201

Email: admissions@ myddeltoncollege.com

Website: www.myddeltoncollege.com

Postcode: LL16 3EN

Location: Denbigh, Denbigshire

No. in School:

No. of Boarders:

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: boarding day, school, weekly boarding

NEW HALL SCHOOL

Telephone: 01245 467588

Email:

admissions@newhallschool.co.uk

Website: www.newhallschool.co.uk

Postcode: CM3 3HS

Location: Boreham, Chelmsford

No. in School: 1048

No. of Boarders: 281

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

Telephone: 01423 333330

Email: admissions@qe.org

Website: www.qe.org

Postcode: YO26 9SS

Location: Great Ouseburn, York, North Yorkshire

No. in School: 1300

No. of Boarders: 895 (319 forces)

Boarding Age: 7-19

Boarding Type: full

RICHARD HUISH COLLEGE

Telephone: 01823 320800

Email: boarding@richuish.ac.uk

Website: www.huish.ac.uk

Postcode: TA1 3DZ

Location: Taunton, Somerset

No. in School: 2000

No. of Boarders: 53

Boarding Age: 16-19

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ROEDEAN SCHOOL

Telephone: 01273 667500

Email: admissions@roedean.co.uk

Website: www.roedean.co.uk

Postcode: BN2 5RQ

Location: Roedean Way, Brighton

No. in School: 700

No. of Boarders: 340

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

Telephone: (0)1473 326136

Email:

admissions@royalhospitalschool. org

Website:

www.royalhospitalschool.org

Postcode: IP9 2RX

Location: Ipswich

No. in School: 716

No. of Boarders: 382

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

RYDE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01983 562229

Email: admissions@rydeschool.net

Website: www.rydeschool.org.uk

Postcode: PO33 3BE

Location: Ryde

No. in School: 795

No. of Boarders: 60

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: flexi, weekly

SEXEY’S SCHOOL

Telephone: 01749 813393

Email:

admissions@sexeys.somerset.sch.uk

Website: www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk

Postcode: BA10 0DF

Location: Bruton

No. in School: 704

No. of Boarders: 170

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

Telephone: 01843 572900

Email: admissions@slcuk.com

Website: www.slcuk.com

Postcode: CT11 7AE

Location: Kent

No. in School: 538

No. of Boarders: 173

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ST MARY’S CALNE

Telephone: 01249 857200

Email:

admissions@stmaryscalne.org

Website: www.stmaryscalne.org

Postcode: SN11 0DF

Location: Calne, Wiltshire

No. in School: 350 No. of Boarders: 290

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

ST SWITHUNS SCHOOL

Telephone: 01962 835700

Email: registrar@stswithuns.com

Website: www.stswithuns.com

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL

Telephone: 01738 812546

Email: admissions@strathallan.co.uk

Website: www.strathallan.co.uk

Postcode: PH2 9EG

Location: Perth, Scotland

No. in School: 602

No. of Boarders: 307

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: full

SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL

Telephone: 01344 620159

Email:

admissions@sunningdaleschool. co.uk

Website:

www.sunningdaleschool.co.uk

Postcode: SL5 9PY

Location: Berkshire

No. in School: 110

No. of Boarders: 100

Boarding Age: 7-13

Boarding Type: full, flexi

TAUNTON SCHOOL

Telephone: 01823 703703

Email:

enquiries@tauntonschool.co.uk

Website:

www.tauntonschool.co.uk

Postcode: TA2 6AD

Location: Taunton, Somerset

No. in School: 1138

No. of Boarders: 429

Boarding Age: 7-18

Boarding Type: co-educational

THE ELMS SCHOOL

Telephone: +44 (0)1684 540344

Email: registrar@elmsschool.co.uk

Website: www.elmsschool.co.uk

Postcode: WR13 6EF

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire No. in School: 170 No. of Boarders: 55

Boarding Age: 8-13

Boarding Type: full, flexi

THE LEYS

Telephone: 01223 508904

Email: admissions@theleys.net

Website: www.theleys.net

Postcode: CB2 7AD

Location: Cambridge

No. in School: 565

No. of Boarders: 371

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

THE ORATORY PREP SCHOOL

Telephone: 0118 984 4511

Email:

admissions@oratoryprep.co.uk

Website: www.oratoryprep.co.uk

Postcode: RG8 7SF

Location: Reading, South Oxfordshire

No. in School: 330

No. of Boarders: 15

Boarding Age: 3+

Boarding Type: full, weekly and flexi-boarding

THE PILGRIMS’ SCHOOL

Telephone: 01962 854189

Email:

admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk

Website: www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk

Postcode: SO23 9LT

Location: Winchester, Hampshire

No. in School: 235

No. of Boarders: 78

Boarding Age: 8-13

Boarding Type: full, weekly

THE ROYAL SCHOOL WOLVERHAMPTON

Telephone: 01902 341230

Email:

admissions@theroyal.school

Website: www.theroyalschool.co.uk

Postcode: WV3 0EG

Location: Wolverhampton

No. in School: 1493

No. of Boarders: 76

Boarding Age: 11-19

Boarding Type: full, weekly

WALHAMPTON INDEPENDENT PREP

Telephone: 01590 613300

Email:

registrar@walhampton.com

Website:

www.walhampton.com

Postcode: SO41 5ZG

Location: Lymington No. in School: 321 No. of Boarders: 50

Boarding Age: 7+

Boarding Type: full, flexi

WARMINSTER SCHOOL

Telephone: 01985 210100

Email:

reception@warminsterschool. org.uk

Website:

www.warminsterschool.org.uk

Postcode: BA12 8PG

Location: Warminster, Wiltshire

No. in School: 532

No. of Boarders: 29%

Boarding Age: Year 3 through to Sixth Form Boarding Type: boarding, day school

WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Telephone: 01749 834 200

Email:

admissions@wells.cathedral.school

Website:

www.wells.cathedral.school

Postcode: BA5 2ST

Location: Somerset No. in School: 756

No. of Boarders: 257

Boarding Age: 8-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

WINDELSHAM SCHOOL

Telephone: 01903 874700

Email: whsadmissions@ windlesham.com

Website: www.windlesham.com

Postcode: RH20 4AY

Location: Washington, West Sussex No. in School: 340 No. of Boarders: 140

Boarding Age: 7-13

Boarding Type: flexi, weekly and full boarding

WOODHOUSE

GROVE SCHOOL

Telephone: 0113 250 2477

Email:

amos.jl@woodhousegrove.co.uk

Website:

www.woodhousegrove.co.uk

Postcode: BD10 0NR

Location: West Yorkshire No. in School: 781

No. of Boarders: 89

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, flexi

WREKIN COLLEGE

Telephone: 01952 265603

Email:

admissions@wrekincollege.com

Website:

www.wrekinoldhall.com

Postcode: TF1 3BH

Location: Wellington, Shropshire

No. in School: 557

No. of Boarders: 91

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: full, weekly, flexi

WYCHWOOD SCHOOL

Telephone: 01865 557976

Email:

admissions@wychwoodschool.org

Website:

www.wychwoodschool.org

Postcode: OX2 6JR

Location: Oxford

No. in School: 121

No. of Boarders: 31

Boarding Age: 11-18

Boarding Type: Co-educational full, weekly and occasional boarding

WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

Telephone: 01953 609000

Email: enquiries@wymcol.org

Website:

www.wymondhamcollege.org

Postcode: NR18 9SZ

Location: Wymondham Norfolk No. in School: Senior and Sixth Form – 1435 Prep School – 335

No. of Boarders: 581

Boarding Age: 9-18

Boarding Type: day boarding, full boarding, co-ed

SINGLE SEX SCHOOL OR MIXED SCHOOL?

THE PROS AND CONS EXPLORED

For many years there has been an ongoing debate about whether single sex or mixed education works best or delivers the higher results.

In years gone by, it was commonplace that singlesex education was the norm, however, these days in many countries single sex schools have all but vanished. The UK in particular, still offer the opportunity for single sex education and we look at the pros and cons.

It is widely agreed that boys and girls learn in different ways and at a different speed, although this can be said for all children, as individuals have different capabilities and self-awareness, as well as different relationships, distractions and desires to learn.

Arguments for a single sex school tend to include the following arguments.

• Girls “do better overall” in a girls-only school.

• Boys and girls develop in different ways and at different rates, requiring different teaching.

• In groups girls want to co-operate whereas boys want to dominate. Therefore, in a mixed group, girls will either hold back, or avoid the mixed group altogether.

• In a girls-only environment, girls are more likely to study and excel in traditional male subjects such as science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM).

• Boys and girls socialise mainly with their own gender in a mixed school.

• Boys and girls in a mixed school distract each other to the detriment of their studies.

Arguments for a mixed school education include.

• Boys “do better overall” in a mixed school.

• In the real world, men and women have to get along professionally and socially. A mixed school prepares them whereas a single sex school compromises this skill.

• Girls in a mixed school are more likely to try football and cricket. Boys in a mixed school are more likely to try dance, singing and drama.

• A boys-only school is testosterone fuelled and sport driven.

• The emotional intensity of a girls-only school leads to more bullying than in a mixed school.

Preferences for a single sex or mixed school education are based on social considerations not academic ones.

Studies comparing the academic achievements in national exams of single sex and mixed schools are inconclusive and contradictory. Some studies may show one type of school outperforming the other in one year, but not over a number of years. Other studies fail to eliminate the impact of academic selection, among other things, in some of the test schools.

So, is it all down to a matter of personal preference? It would seem so, as there is no one size fits all answer, mainly due to the fact that there are different historical and geographical issues, differing teacher and student interactions, numerous choices on courses and subjects that are avilable, all of which needs to be considered when making your own assessment and drawing your own conclusion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT BOARDING

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A BOARDING EDUCATION?

There are many reasons why a family would choose to send their child to a boarding school, however, for most service parents, it is the knowledge that their child will benefit from a continuing education, enabling them to settle and forge friendships which will make for a more productive learning environment.

Boarding schools offer a safe and healthy boarding environment, enabling children to grow in confidence, each pupil being able and encouraged to discover and reach their full potential and recognise their own unique talents.

Boarding houses are communities, where every pupil matters and in which all can develop confidence and self-awareness, learning to live, communicate and support their fellow boarders in an ambitious and dynamic environment.

Whilst enjoying the boarding experience, they also learn to be self-reliant and resilient living within a community. They take on responsibility, mature as individuals and learn self-discipline within the clear boundaries set down for them.

The promotion of physical and mental health, as well as emotional wellbeing and happiness, is a core value to all boarding schools.

HOW WILL BOARDING AFFECT MY CHILD?

When boarding children grow in confidence and resilience, as they learn to take responsibility for themselves. They become more independent as they progress up the school and more organised. They learn to get to the right place at the right time with the right equipment and kit. Living in a boarding community also encourages understanding, respect, and consideration of others.

Children love spending time with their friends and enjoy a good social life as boarders, building wonderful friendships. Without the daily travel they have more free time. This means time to spend with friends, better access to a wide range of activities and an ability to use the fantastic facilities boarding schools offer

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE HOME SICK?

Almost certainly the boarding staff will be very experienced and are used to dealing with children who may be away from home for the first time.

Children are well looked after and given the care and attention they need to settle smoothly and quickly. Staff will always get to know the boarders quickly and are also proactive in noticing when a child is becoming home sick, often playing games, or doing an activity to distract them from thinking about home.

The school day is a busy and buzzing one and children will enviably find themselves immersed in school life very quickly as well as enjoying all that is on offer within the boarding community.

WHAT BOARDING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Boarding Schools will offer full or a flexible approach to boarding, this is sometimes seen advertised as full or flexi.

Parents may choose to board their children from 1 night a week to 7 nights a week (full boarding). Boarding houses will try to be as accommodating as possible to each individual family’s needs but

WHAT DO BOARDERS DO AT WEEKENDS?

Weekends are an important time for boarders, those staying at weekends often get to enjoy a wide range of wonderful trips and excursions.

Not forgetting that sometimes the boarders will simply want to enjoy some down time too, whether it is playing games together, reading or anything that helps relax over the weekend. Of course weekend boarders are able to visit friends and family whilst still being on campus.

will appreciate as much notice as possible to any changes in the normal established routine for any individual child.

Day Pupils will usually be welcomed to flexi-boarding if space permits, this is a very popular option for families as they get the ‘best of both worlds’ and enjoy all that is on offer to the boarders.

THE ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the nature of Army life.

WHAT DO WE DO?

AFF supports families in a number of ways:

• AFF ensures that families have the right information to empower them to resolve the issues they face as a result of the Army life.

• AFF signposts families to organisations that can support them.

• AFF collects evidence from families to voice their views to policy makers.

• AFF pushes for policy change where families’ views suggest that improvements are needed.

• AFF provides easy-to-digest, current information to Army families through our website, social media and flagship magazine, Army&You.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONTACT AFF?

If you need help with a local issue, your AFF Regional team can assist. Our Virtual Assistants are available via telephone, email and the ‘Ask a Question’ function on our website; they can help answer your queries and can signpost you to further support and information. If you need support with something more complex, our Specialists can help.

Our website also contains lots of useful information for families on a range of issues: www.aff.org.uk

AFF can then use this evidence to negotiate and liaise with the chain command and service providers to improve things for Army families.

WHAT ISSUES CAN YOU CONTACT AFF ABOUT?

AFF is here to help you with any issues related to the impact of Army life. Some of the key areas we support families with are:

• Housing

• Health

• Support for family members with additional needs

• Education & childcare

• Employment & training

• Military allowances & money issues

• Immigration support for non-UK families

HOW DO WE GET THINGS CHANGED?

AFF works at a local level directly with families and local command. We’ll speak to the chain of command, and our Specialists can help liaise with service providers with whom we have excellent contacts.

At a strategic level, we work with senior command and policy makers to raise the issues Army families are concerned about.

We collect evidence through enquiries from families but also through engagement with them through social media or surveys.

WHAT WERE THE KEY TOPICS FAMILIES RAISED

WITH AFF IN 2021?

The top three areas of enquiries from Army families were Foreign & Commonwealth, housing and money & allowances.

WHAT ELSE CAN AFF HELP WITH?

Along with the other Families Federations, AFF delivers Forces Families Jobs, an employment and training platform designed to support Service families into employment and provide opportunities for training and development.

FFJ supports spouses, partners and family members of currently serving personnel and connects them with organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or who can demonstrate a commitment to the Armed Forces community.

www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk

HOW DO I CAN CONTACT AFF?

There are lots of ways to contact AFF.

• Virtual Assistants: 01264 554004 or contact@aff.org.uk

• Regional Teams: https://aff.org. uk/contact/

• AFF Ask a Question: https://aff. org.uk/ask-a-question/

BOARDING SCHOOLS MAP

Here is a selection of boarding schools featured in this directory. Throughout this directory you will find key contact information about these fantastic schools.

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE ABOUT CHOOSING A BOARDING SCHOOL

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER PRIOR TO PLACING MY CHILD/YOUNG PERSON IN BOARDING SCHOOL?

Involving your child/young person Include the child/young person in the decision-making process. It is important that they have had input into the decision to engage in boarding education and that they are fully informed about the decision they are making. Some of the most successful transitions occur when the child/young person has full knowledge of the

implications of boarding and are both physically and emotionally prepared for the shift in lifestyle.

You may wish to discuss the following with your children:

• That they will remain within their chosen school following any future assignments and for the duration of the complete stage of education.

• They may not be able to come home regularly particularly if you are assigned overseas or to an area of the country a substantial distance away from the school.

• They will be expected to share a living space and facilities with others and privacy may be limited.

• They will be expected to be independent learners and have the ability to organise themselves and meet deadlines.

• They will be expected to have independent living skills and be responsible for their self-care.

• They will be expected to participate in extra-curricular activities and independent prep.

• They may be living within a diverse community alongside

children/young people of different ages, different cultures and languages to themselves; this will include at weekends.

• Some students at the school will not be boarders so will not be there in the evenings or at weekends- this may have an impact on friendships etc.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

Boarding education is expensive, and you should be aware of the full costs involved before committing yourself including any additional costs which may be incurred for school trips, support for special educational needs etc. The published fees can link to other additional charges which vary school by school. If you intend to claim CEA, you should be aware that you will be required to meet the costs of the first 10% of the term’s fees (8% for state boarding schools) and any costs incurred about the rate of CEA relevant to the stage of education for which CEA is being claimed.

SOME TOP TIPS FOR CONSIDERATION

• Location of the school: should you be posted away would you want the school close to relatives etc.

• High independent school fees do not automatically result in good or outstanding schools.

• Maintained, or State Boarding Schools, offer lower fees because they charge only for boarding provision with the tuition element being State funded. State boarding schools follow the National Curriculum prescribed by the Department for Education (DfE) and have statutory duties to meet the needs of children/young people identified with special educational needs and disabilities. Independent schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum, nor do they have statutory duties prescribed by the DfE. All schools must have due regard to duties placed on them by the Equality Act (2010) apart from in Northern Ireland.

• Ensure you and your child/young person are aware of the school’s published policies and that you support their approach. You should find policies in relation to safeguarding, anti-bullying, special educational needs, behaviour and discipline etc. published on their website or available upon request.

• Every child is an individual and a school suitable for one child may not be suitable for another; one child’s needs may best be met by a large, highly academic school, while another child needs a small family atmosphere in which to thrive.

• Ensure you are aware of the provision within the boarding house to support social and emotional needs as well as any academic support available within a school. Is there a cost implication for any additional support required?

• Choosing a boarding school is not easy and you will need to gather together as much information as possible. Do visit schools and speak with as many teachers and boarding staff as possible. Try to talk to pupils and other parents. Do not to commit yourself before you have confirmed that you will be eligible for CEA through engaging fully with the application process.

• Check school inspection reports which are public documents available either from The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) http://www.isi.net/

• If you intend to claim CEA, the school must be listed in the CEAS Accredited Schools Database (ASD)

MAINTENANCE OF CONTINUITY

It is a fundamental condition of entitlement to CEA that a child continues to attend the same school and completes the stage of education for which CEA is issued. Service personnel should carefully consider all the long term domestic and financial implications of claiming CEA before committing to the undertaking; enquiries should be addressed to your Unit HR.

For example, ask yourself the following questions:

• Will your child/young person be able to continue at the same boarding school irrespective of where you may be assigned in the future? This includes overseas assignments.

• Does the school provide the appropriate standard of education, bearing in mind the qualifications that may be required to proceed to the next stage of education?

• Are you able to make satisfactory arrangements for all travel to and from the school to your duty station during the school holidays?

• Are you confident that you will be able to continue to afford to pay the difference between the school costs and the CEA maximum rate for the duration of your child/ children’s remaining education?

Factor in any additional costs for items such as school trips etc.

• You may want to consider taking out insurance protection to cover

school fees due to a change in your entitlement or eligibility that may result in changes to CEA? Schools may charge you fees for a notice period even if you have withdrawn your child/young person; most schools will require a fullterm’s notice for which you will remain accountable for the fees irrespective of eligibility to claim CEA for that term. You can only claim for one school at any given time.

• Is it practical/desirable for your child to remain at the school when their sibling(s) moves to another school on completion of their stage of education. There is no automatic eligibility for siblings of different ages to move together to a new school. How will you manage collections and drop offs?

VISITING A SCHOOL WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Most schools will have an Open Day for you to attend. You may also find it useful to visit the school during term time when it is operating normally, and classes are in progress. If possible both parents should visit the school and it is recommended to take your son/daughter as well.

Consider the following:

• Are the children/young people engaged and included in all aspects of the school?

• Do they have a good relationship with the staff- teaching staff and boarding staff?

• How are students with additional needs included in all aspects of school life?

• How does the school environment make you feel?

• How is your child reacting to the environment?

• Will your son/daughter thrive in the type of atmosphere generated within the school?

• Have the school buildings/facilities/ resources been invested in?

• What age range does the school cater for?

• How many children/young people are full boarders and remain at school over the weekend?

• What weekend activities are available for full boarders?

• Are you content with the most recent assurance report for the school?

THE STAFF-TEACHING AND PASTORAL STAFF

You will entrust your son/ daughter’s care and needs to the school staff and it is important that you feel you and your son/ daughter can develop an open and trusting relationship with them. What qualifications and experience do they have?

The housemaster or housemistress will have an important influence on your son/ daughter. You must have confidence in the people who will be looking after your children in your absence. Ask questions– What happens if your child is unwell? What happens about medical appointments? What are the arrangements for replacing worn out/lost school uniform? How will meal times and self-care be monitored? How is the behaviour policy applied? How will communication be maintained? What provision is there on the weekends for your son/daughter? How many similar aged students board and are on site at the weekend?

You should trust that the staff at your preferred school will not

only care for your son/ daughter but will provide a good education that will allow them to reach their potential. Discuss with staff any concerns you may have or any special interests your child has.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL NEEDS

If your child has additional educational needs bring these to the school’s attention at the earliest appropriate time. You must be certain that the school has the resources and staffing available to meet any evidenced needs. Ensure you have read the school’s SEND policy and that you meet with staff within the school responsible for planning and delivering any additional support. You may wish to ask the staff to provide you with an overview of the support your child would get and any additional cost implications. Please be aware that Independent schools do not have statutory duties to the government of the country they are in. Independent schools set their own policies, can create their own curricular and set their own fees. Ensure you are aware of all policies related to a specific school prior to signing any contract. Independent schools do have duties under the Equality Act (2010) unless they are in Northern Ireland.

If your child has a statutory plan of Special Educational Needs such as a Statement of Special Educational Needs, an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or a Coordinated Support Plan (CSP) please provide the school with a copy of this and a copy of your child’s latest Annual Review. If the Statement/ EHCP/CSP is currently being maintained by a UK Local Authority (LA) you must agree the Boarding School placement with the LA and ensure that they will continue to maintain the plan through the Annual Review process. If you don’t do this, there is a chance that the LA will cease the plan and its legal status will lapse. Please consult CEAS with any questions about this.

MEDICAL NEEDS

State-maintained schools have statutory duties placed upon them by the Department for Education in relation to children/ young people with medical conditions: https://www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/638267/ supporting-pupilsat-school-withmedical-conditions.pdf

Be aware that Independent schools do not have the same

statutory duties placed upon them and therefore it is essential that you are aware of the school’s related policy and their procedures for administering any medications.

• Children/young people at schools with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education, including school trips and physical education.

• Schools must ensure, in accordance with their Equality Act duties, that arrangements are in place to support children/ young people.

• School leaders should consult health and social care professional, children/young people and parents to ensure that the needs of learners with medical conditions are properly understood and effectively supported.

• It is recommended that in consultation with parents, child/ young person and specialist agencies involved with the medical care, that an Individual Healthcare Plan is in place so that all staff are aware of the child/ young person’s needs and how to best support them.

Children/young people should not be refused admission to a school because they have a disability, special educational need or medical need; this can be considered discriminatory.

Remember that the Equality Act (2010) applies to the independent sector who are required by law to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ from within their own resources. Further details about reasonable adjustments can be found here: https://www. equalityhumanrights.com/en/ advice-and-guidance/what-arereasonable-adjustments https:// www.equalityhumanrights.com/ en/advice-and-guidance/equalityact-technical-guidance#h3

An additional allowance linked to CEA may be possible to meet part of the costs of a child’s SEN which is above what is reasonably expected that a school will provide. Refer to the section on SENA in JSP 752 for full details. It should be noted that significant evidence of a child’s needs must be accompanied by very clear current evidence that the school is making reasonable provision prior to the allocation of any additional funding. The allocation of additional funding for an individual is under constant review and is not automatically renewed once allocated.

A child/young person should not be offered a school place under the assumption that SENA will automatically be allocated and will remain for the duration of study.

SENA is matched to evidence of significant current need.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS I AM RECOMMENDED TO CONSIDER?

Boarding education can be expensive, particularly in the independent sector. You need to be aware of the full costs involved before committing yourself and be prepared to meet the costs if CEA is not authorised. School contracts may contain potential hidden costs, of which you should make yourself aware as such costs will be your responsibility.

Contracts - when you accept a school place at a boarding school, you will be asked to sign a contract with that school which is legally binding to you (as a parent) and the school. Please remember that this is not a MOD contract, it is a contract that you are personally making with that school. Ensure you read the school’s terms and conditions. Any breach of the terms and conditions can be considered a breach of contract and it is recommended you seek legal advice. CEAS cannot provide legal advice.

A school may ask you to agree that your child attend the school for a set period to qualify for a ‘Forces discount’. This is not an arrangement which has been negotiated with the MOD but an arrangement the school has proposed. If you decide to withdraw your child before the minimum period has been achieved (for whatever reason), you may be liable to reimburse the cost of any discount initially applies. If your school asks you to sign such a contract you must consider how you will make provision to repay this money if things go wrong; unit HR are not in a position to advise on this issue and you should consider the full implications of withdrawing the child(ren)/young person(s) before doing so; eligibility to CEA may be affected.

Examples of reasons that a child might leave a school before a minimum time is achieved:

• A child is asked to leave the school– permanent exclusion

• The school bars a child from the boarding houses.

• The school states it cannot provide for a child’s special or additional needs. (If this is the case then please take legal advice as the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 do apply to the independent sector and they must have made ‘reasonable adjustments’ to try and provide for a child with SEN. Seek further advice from CEAS if required).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does CEAS provide advice and guidance on CEA eligibility and the application process? No; you must seek this advice from unit HR.

Can CEAS staff recommend a school or comment on whether the school is performing well? It is the responsibility of the family and child/young person to choose the school which best suits their needs. CEAS can assist you to make an informed decision.

• A child becomes ill or is injured and cannot continue at the school.

• A child is unhappy at the school and the parents wish to withdraw the child.

• The Service parent becomes ineligible for the allowance or is made redundant. Certain provisions exist regarding CEA, for example due to medical discharge. Please refer to JSP 752 for further detail and/or seek advice from your Unit HR.

• The family or financial circumstances change.

The contract may require you to give one term’s notice if you decide your child should leave the school. In cases where one term’s notice cannot be given to the school, the school contract may require parents to pay one term’s fees in lieu of notice. The MOD will not cover this cost with an additional claim for CEA. Before signing the contract, ask for a copy of the contract to take away and read it carefully. Some schools have taken parents to court or used bailiffs to recover money that they were liable to pay, as they defaulted on terms of the contract. Independent schools are businesses.

Do CEAS mediate between the school and the family?

CEAS are an advisory body for Service personnel in relation to the education of their child/ young person. The MOD does not hold the contract with the school and therefore the school has no duties to MOD staff. Parents are best placed to discuss the needs of their child/young person with school staff. CEAS will be available to provide guidance and make recommendations to parents in relation to their rights and responsibilities.

How long before a Service Person’s end of service date can I start claiming CEA?

A Service Person must have at least 12 months to serve and will not have applied for early termination when making an initial CEA claim (for those for whom the family home is their own home and the service person is within their last 2 years, an initial claim will not be authorised). The date is taken from the day the child starts at school.

How long does the application process take?

Once the application has been entered onto JPA, the process can take up to 6 weeks. All enquiries must be taken to Unit HR.

Do I go to CEAS to review my entitlement to CEA?

No. On arrival at a new duty station you are required to submit a new CEA EC to confirm continued eligibility to CEA or when your personal circumstances change, your CO is responsible for initiating a review of CEA with a view to ceasing the entitlement when eligibility rules are no longer fully met.

Why does my CO have to sign the CEA Eligibility Certificate?

The CO (or their formally delegated representative) is required to

conduct an eligibility check on each application and provide a written response to PACCC.

Why would the PACCC request a review of entitlement?

PACCC may initiate a review of CEA eligibility if the information provided in the CEA EC or PACCC casework indicates that the family home has not relocated more than 50 miles or you have not been assigned more than 50 miles from your previous assignment location for 2 consecutive assignments or if the assignment authority states the Service person is not likely to move in the next 4 years. Further, if any element of the eligibility criteria directed in JSP 752 is not met, your CEA eligibility will be reviewed.

Can I live in my own home and still be eligible for CEA?

Yes, provided that the family home is within 50 miles of the current duty station in which the whole family is residing (accompanied) and on the understanding that should you be assigned you move the family home more than 50 miles from your own home and served permanently accompanied at your new assignment station. However, you may not submit an initial claim for CEA if you are within 2 years of leaving the service and the end of your contract.

If my child/young person has special educational needs, can I claim additional allowances for any extra tuition they require, and/ or any specialist reports required?

Special Educational Needs Addition (SENA) is available but is not guaranteed. Additional funding will be allocated upon review of information provided to the family from the school. SENA is under constant review. Reimbursement of the fees for specialist reports will only be given if CEAS requests the reports ahead of them being conducted.

For the purposes of CEA, how is a boarding pupil defined?

A full boarding pupil is one who lives (including overnight) at the school during term time for 7 days per week, apart from exeats, half terms, holidays and, on the agreement of the Head Teacher, some weekends.

A weekly boarding pupil is a child who lives at the school for a minimum of 4 consecutive nights per week, e.g., Monday-Thursday nights inclusive. Saturday night cannot be counted as one of the 4 consecutive nights.

WHAT TYPES OF SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are a range of different types of school to consider in both the maintained (state funded) and independent (private) sectors of education. The type of school you choose for your child will be individual and may, for example, depend on the age you wish them to start boarding. The schools can be categorised as follows:

• Maintained state secondary schools, also known as state boarding schools age range 11- 16 or 18 years. These are funded by the government and therefore they must follow the National Curriculum and adhere to statutory duties placed on them by

the Department for Education.

• Independent Preparatory Schoolsage 7 to 13+.

• Independent Senior Schools- age ranges from either 11 or 13 years through to 16 or 18 years.

Independent Integrated ‘All Age’ Schools. Independent schools do not have statutory duties to the government of the country they are in. Independent schools set their own policies, can create their own curricular and set their own fees. Ensure you are aware of all policies related to a specific school prior to signing any contract. Independent schools do have duties under the Equality Act (2010) apart from those in Northern Ireland.

Maintained Boarding Schools

Some local authorities provide boarding education in State Maintained Schools. Many of these schools have a high academic reputation and some of them are selective. The tuition fees are paid by the state sector and CEA can be used to pay towards the boarding element. Most Maintained Boarding Schools accept pupils from 11+.

Further information can be found on the State Boarding Forum website: https://stateboarding.org.uk.

Independent Preparatory Schools

Preparatory Schools, as the name implies, prepare children for entry to the senior or public school

at the age of 11 or 13 years old. These schools offer a wide choice of environment and attempt to give their pupils access to a wide range of activities both in and out of school. The normal age of entry is 8 or 9 years and pupils are generally prepared for the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) at 13+. Many of these schools are expensive with fees substantially more than the junior rate of CEA. You should be aware that if you place your child/ children in a Preparatory School that goes through to the end of Yr 8, age 13+, then your child is expected to remain there, i.e. complete the stage of education, until the end of Yr 8. Exceptionally

a child can move from a Preparatory school to another school at the end of Yr 6– again it is vital to note that you must obtain prior permission to do this from PACCC if you wish to continue to claim CEA, please see JSP 752.

Independent Senior Schools

Independent senior schools can be either single sex or co-educational. The age of entry varies but is usually 11 years or 13 years old. Entry is sometimes dependent upon completion of a satisfactory exam and/or interview. However, in some cases the previous school report and interview are all that is required. Some schools may offer a boarding ‘taster’ where the pupil stays at the school overnight and attends lessons for a day.

Independent Integrated Schools

Some independent senior schools have their own Preparatory schools or are affiliated with a Preparatory school. These should not be confused with Integrated Schools. The Independent Integrated School provides education for children between the ages of 7/8 years to 16 or 18 years old, i.e. some schools in this category do not have sixth forms. Some parents prefer integrated schools because pupils do not have to change from one school to another. However, bear in mind that CEA is paid for continuity of education so that your child would remain in that school for as long as that school provides education.

Sixth Form Colleges/Colleges of Further Education (FE)

There are a number of independent and maintained colleges which have residential accommodation where CEA may be claimed. They offer a wide variety of academic and vocational courses. You need to be aware that if you have not claimed CEA for your child up to this point you will not routinely be eligible to claim CEA purely for attendance at 6th form. You should speak to your HR Admin branch in the first instance and seek further advice from CEAS if needed.

The 3 stages are:

Stages of Education

For CEA, a child’s education is broken down into 3 distinct stages as set out below. The age of the child at which each stage commences may vary with the school attended but, in general, junior or preparatory school ceases between the ages of 11 and 13, and secondary or senior school education is generally complete by age 18.

a. Primary, junior or preparatory school: if your child/children are in a Preparatory school that goes through to the end of Yr 8, (age 13+ years) then they must remain at that school until the prep stage ceases. You may only move to another school earlier with exceptional authority from PACCC. If the move is allowed, you can only move to a school which goes through to at least Yr 11 (16+ years). Moving school at any point within a stage of education will require casework to PACCC as detailed within JSP 752.

b. Secondary or senior school.

c. A-Level or academic equivalent or equivalent vocational training or sixth form college studies. From September 2018 CEA Claimants are expected to acquire new CEA Eligibility Certificate when a child is preparing to enter 6th form. This is in all cases, not just when changing schools. Further information can be found in 2018DIN01-020.

Each stage of education is to be considered independent of the others for the purposes of establishing eligibility to CEA. Irrespective of assignment and/or other changes in personal circumstances, a CEA EC will only be valid up to the end of the stage of education that the child/ young person is currently in.

Allocation of Year Group

On initial placement into a school or on change of school the child must be placed in their correct chronological year group. If, on initial placement, or at any time thereafter, the school advises that the child should be placed into a different year group, the claimant is to make a written application (including the advice of the school) to the CEAS. The CEAS will make a recommendation to the claimant on the placement of the child out of chronological year group which the claimants should forward to the PACCC, copied to their Unit HR. Should the claimant wish to make a claim for the child beyond the age of 18 then casework must be submitted to the PACCC, no earlier than the commencement of Year 10.

Treatment of a Stage of Education for Eligibility Purposes

For the purpose of eligibility each stage of education will be treated as a separate part of the educational process. Many schools will, however, be able to provide continuous education for more than one stage. At each change in stage of education your eligibility certificate must be renewed and you must contact CEAS for your ISN and to obtain boarding school advice.

WHAT IS CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (CEA)?

Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) assists Service personnel to facilitate continuity of education for their child/young person. The objective of CEA is to potentially mitigate the impact of mobility of a child/young person’s education by allowing the child/young person to remain in one school for the duration of their studies/ stage of education. In claiming CEA, a Service person must fully accept that accompanied service, family and assignment mobility are the overriding principles for maintaining eligibility. If the family move from an area, the child/ young person remains in full boarding.

The Regulations regarding CEA are contained in JSP 752 Chapter 14. Any questions in relation to eligibility for CEA must be directed to your Unit HR; before committing to a contract with the school but after a place at the school has been formally offered. For each term that you claim the allowance, you will be confirming that you have read and understood the regulations and it is essential that you update yourself on these regulations each time you make a claim.

CEA is not a general education subsidy and not automatically transferable from one school to another. You will need to re-new your eligibility certificates for every new assignment or change of school via your Unit HR. Once CEA has been initially authorised, it does not confer retention rights; eligibility will be reviewed after every assignment and/or changes in personal or family circumstances. If the service person fails to meet any of the eligibility criteria, CEA may be withdrawn.

It is crucial to identify a suitable long-term plan for your child from the outset. It is a fundamental condition of entitlement to CEA that a child continues to attend the same school and completes the stage of education for which CEA is issued. Only in exceptional circumstances will changes be considered and for which PACCC authority is required.

Am I eligible for CEA?

Full details should be accessed by all applicants directly from JSP 752. All eligibility enquiries must be directed to your RAO/ Unit HR. CEAS staff are not SMEs on MOD allowances and will not interpret nor apply the regulations

to your circumstances. The following provides a summary of responses to frequent enquiries. All information is taken directly from JSP 752:

Family Mobility

Families are expected to move in excess of 50 miles for each assignment and acceptance of accompanied service and family mobility is inherent in claiming CEA. An exception to this requirement can be for those Service personnel classified as Involuntarily Separated (INVOLSEP). Advice on this can be sought from your HR Admin Branch and potentially casework to Pay and Allowance Complaints and Casework Cell (PACCC) will be required.

Eligible Child/Young Person

A child/young person becomes eligible, under the right circumstances, for CEA from the beginning of the academic year in which they reach the age of 8 years, until the end of the stage of education during which the child reaches their 18th birthday. You must consult with CEAS and obtain evidence of contact with CEAS prior to placing your child/ young person in a year group other than their chronological year group.

Eligible School

Planned placements need to be at a school that is registered on the MOD Accredited Schools Database (ASD). The ASD changes frequently and schools inspected by the appropriate regulatory bodies as not meeting expected standards will be removed; the MOD does not inspect schools prior to inclusion on the ASD. The ASD is maintained by the Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS) and the most current version can be obtained by emailing CEAS on DCYP-CEASEnquiries@mod.gov.uk

Any exceptionality to the guidelines delivered in JSP 752 is determined by submitting a case to the Pay and Allowance Complaints and Casework Cell (PACCC), through your unit HR where each case will be considered on an individual basis. This includes decisions about placing a child/young person in a year group other than their chronological year group or changing schools within a stage of education.

COMBINED CADET FORCE

The tradition of cadet units in schools goes back over 150 years to the 1850s.

In 1948, the Combined Cadet Force was formed, covering cadets from all three Services.

In 1859, the idea of cadet units in schools was developed by the Secretary of State for War, Jonathan Peel - who wrote to public schools and universities, inviting them to form units of the Volunteer Corps. Several schools took up the idea, and the first Cadet Corps in a school was formed in 1860 at Rossall School. Other units formed soon after at Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Hurstpierpoint and Felsted School - although Felsted School’s armed drill contingent pre-dated the 1859 letter from the War Office.

These early units were focused on Army activities, and were usually associated with Rifle Volunteer Battalions for Home Defence, with cadets wearing the uniforms of their parent volunteer battalions. The Corps evolved over time, focusing on Officer

Training - and during World War I and II, many of the young men who served in the units went on to serve their country in the Armed Forces.

After World War II, the structure of the Armed Forces changed, including the cadet units in school, which became the Combined Cadet Force in 1948 - incorporating sections from all of the Armed Forces, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. Over the following decades, the focus of the group moved away from being a recruitment pathway into the Armed Forces, the number of CCFs in state schools slowly grew - and for the first time girls were allowed to join.

Today the Combined Cadet Force contingents are very different to those early groups of young people. Although they are still based on the ethos of the Armed Forces - their focus is on helping young people to develop and reach their full potential by providing challenging, active, adventurous and fun activities.

Joining the CCF offers a number of opportunities to take on responsibility, and develop leadership skills. Find out more about the roles and ranks cadets and adults can hold in the organisation.

RANKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CADETS

As cadets progress through their time with the CCF, they are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and gradually for others. In the early stages, this will involve looking after their uniform and kit, and developing self-discipline and organisational skills to successfully complete their basic training. As they

develop their own skills, they may also be given the opportunity to take responsibility for a small group of cadets as a Junior NonCommissioned Officer (JNCO).

Cerys Bailey from Heanor Gate Science Academy explains how the skills she has developed through her time in the CCF have helped her rise up the ranks to Cadet Corporal, and also helped her outside of the CCF.

Cerys, aged 16, explained: “I’m really proud to have been promoted to Cadet Corporal just before we visited RAF Halton for our summer camp. ”

Cerys continued:

“I have had much more responsibility on camp this year as I have been leading a flight of 12 other cadets, giving them commands and leading the drill squad. This has helped to continue developing my confidence too.”

“I’ve gained a lot out of being in the Cadets including improving my team working and leadership skills, as well as helping me to become much more organised. We run to quite a strict timetable in the CCF, especially on camp so we cannot afford to not be on time. For example we have to get up at 6am to have an inspection at 7am and then be out for breakfast at 7.15am.”

Cerys explained how the skills she has gained from Cadets are

helping her in her everyday life. She said: “My organisational skills have helped me in school. I now prepare my school bag the night before and my school uniform in advance, meaning I am always on time.”

“

We have learnt about the physics of flight in the CCF which has also helped me in my recent GCSE Physics exam.”

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to join their local Cadet group as I have gained so many skills that can be used in everyday life, and I’m sure my experience will help me in the future.”

Find out more about the different ways CCFs have had a positive impact on others in their local area.

Although Combined Cadet Force contingents exist within schools, they also play an important role in the community. In many cases, CCFs will be the public face of the school at local events, such as summer fairs, county shows, mayoral engagements and Remembrance Day.

As well as being a positive representative of the school, we believe that CCFs can have a hugely positive impact on the local area, whether that’s through volunteering, getting involved in conservation or taking part in civic events. There are lots of positive examples of CCFs engaging with their local community - if your CCF has a great story to share, we’d love to hear it. There are also many opportunities for established CCFs to support the next generation of school-based cadet units, by working with the new schools joining the scheme as part of the Cadet Expansion Programme. The interim findings of an independent report, compiled by the University of Northampton, who undertook research across the entire cadet programme (including the CCF), has found that joining the cadets offers a range of benefits to individuals involved and the wider community.

CCF LOCATIONS

Combined Cadet Force contingents exist in schools around the UK, and are open to pupils at that school. If your school does not have a CCF contingent, but you are interested in finding out more about the cadets, there are Sea Cadet, Army Cadet and Air Cadet units in the local community, which are not tied to a specific school.

THE RAF FAMILIES FEDERATION

We offer support to all RAF personnel, regular and reserve, single, married or in a partnership AND to their families.

ADVOCATING FOR RAF FAMILIES

All of our staff travel the country to attend meetings, conferences and seminars, representing the views of RAF personnel and their families. We always ensure that your voices are heard, collecting our evidence from what you tell us through our surveys, online issue reporting, contacting the office and from our discussions with RAF staff. Our Director, Maria, is able to meet and present this evidence directly to senior RAF leaders, policy makers and Ministers.

We encourage all we meet and talk to, to consider service families in their policies and practice, promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and ways in which they might be able to help. We share best practice from around the UK.

EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Our Policy Advisor for Education and Childcare, Louise, is particularly engaged in networks supporting families in all matters supporting our children and young people, from early years and childcare through to sharing developments in supporting Armed Forces young people into Further or Higher Education. If you have queries, issues or need signposting to the right source of information and advice then get in touch –louise.briggs@raf-ff.org.uk

• The RAF Families Federation provides an independent voice for personnel and families. We work to improve quality of life around the world - at work or at home.

HEALTH AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Alison, our Policy Advisor for Health and Additional Needs covers the networks supporting our families’ access to and knowledge of healthcare. She represents RAF families on bodies that are considering how best those families with some of the most challenging circumstances in terms of disabilities or mental health can be supported. Do get in touch with Alison for help, advice or signposting – alison. cotton@raf-ff.org.uk

EVIDENCE AND ISSUES

Our Evidence and Issues team are those that you will make first contact with at the RAF Families Federation and have a wealth of knowledge to support serving personnel and families. They have supported those that have contacted us with a wide range of assistance and/or signposting including housing and accommodation issues, car finance issues, school place allocations and TV licence rebates. They collate the evidence, through issues you report to us on the phone or over the website, as well as through our surveys. You can contact us at enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk or to report an issue, use the ‘Report an Issue’ button on the website.

• From our offices at RAF Wittering, we provide practical support and advice, as well as lobbying for change with politicians, the Chain of Command and policy makers in the British Government and across Scotland, Wales and NI.

DID YOU KNOW?

• We have facebook pages and groups where you can get information and advice and share thoughts and experiences with others? For instance we have a group for parents and grandparents of serving personnel and one for dispersed families who live away from units and stations. We also have a dedicated page for education and childcare.

• You can keep up with all our news and that related to RAF and defence for free! Subscribe to our quarterly magazine Envoy and have it delivered straight to your door and our weekly e-Bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox.

KEEP IN TOUCH!

You can call us, follow us on social media. Our website has all the details of how to contact us as well as to subscribe to Envoy and e-Bulletin: raf-ff.org.uk

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS

A MILITARY FAMILIES GUIDE

As a military wife and mum, I often hear parents chatting about boarding schools and the continuity of education allowance (CEA).

The range of both positive and negative viewpoints on the subject is fascinating and I’ve realised that there are a hand full of common misconceptions which crop up time and time again.

As an armed forces education consultant, I’d like to help clarify some of these incorrect assumptions and answer some of the regular questions I get asked by military parents every day.

BOARDING SCHOOLS AND CEA ARE ONLY FOR OFFICER RANKS

At first glance, fees might seem unattainable for Junior ranks and SNCO’s even with the help of CEA. Whilst the CEA may only cover around 50-70% of a schools total fees, there are many schools in the country offering further discounts to attract military families to board. What you might not realise is that incredibly, some schools only ask military families to pay 10% of the total fee, bridging the shortfall themselves. These are all fantastic, reputable schools, ranging from the selective to non-selective, rural to town based, large and vibrant to small and homely, and you can board your child at any one of them, for less than £1000 per term. Boarding can be affordable.

BOARDING SCHOOLS ARE FORMAL AND ELITIST AND ONLY FOR ACADEMIC CHILDREN

While boarding schools have an historic reputation of academics in straw boaters, this could not be further from the truth today. Boarding schools are vibrant and inclusive places to learn and live. Many schools are not

Percival Library courtesy of Clifton College

Milton Abbey courtesy of Milton Abbey School

academically selective at all, focussing on the development and growth of a child. They combine excellent pastoral care and state of the art facilities with smaller class sizes for a more intimate learning experience. And with a healthy dash of fun thrown into the mix, children are properly nurtured and never bored. Boarding can be the perfect place to help your child grow in a secure and stable home from home environment surrounded by people who understand their unique needs.

I’VE HEARD IT’S NOT POSSIBLE TO CLAIM CEA AND HAVE YOUR CHILD LIVE AT HOME

Firstly, it is important to understand that you must be living accompanied, remaining mobile as a family unit, in order to claim CEA (see JSP 752 for details/exceptions). Essentially, by claiming CEA you are committing to move your family a distance of over 50 miles every four years. Happily this “ 50 mile rule” does not mean you can’t live close to your child at some point along their boarding journey. Living close by might enable you to board your child part time for a minimum

of 4 nights a week. If your child has already boarded for three consecutive terms or more, it is even possible to claim CEA day allowance and have your child living with you at home.

MY CHILD IS NERVOUS ABOUT BOARDING BUT THERE’S NO WAY OF TRYING IT BEFORE WE TAKE THE PLUNGE

Deciding to board is a daunting decision for any family to make.

From the child’s perspective “I’m scared of living away from home” and the big one “How will I make friends”?

From the parents perspective “how will I cope not seeing them ever day? And the big one “Will they be happy”.

But the question almost every family asks is “how do we know this is the right decision if we cant try before we buy ?”

While all schools will hold regular open days, (some even specific to military families alone), many will offer the opportunity to attend a taster session. Tasters can cover anything from spending a day at school, to a 24 hour stay including boarding alongside children who will be your child’s peers.

These sessions are a perfect way for your child (and you) to experience how it feels to be a part of a boarding school family, covering everything from lessons, to sports and experiencing exactly how it feels to be part of a boarding school family.

WE’VE SEEN A SCHOOL WE LOVE BUT THEY’RE NOT ON THE CEA LIST

Any school that meets the criteria can be considered by the Education Advisory Team (EAT) as a suitable CEA school. If you select a school that meets all the criteria (see JSP752) you can apply to the EAT to have the school added to the list

*for detailed information on CEA allowances and eligibility please access JSP 752 Chapter 14 (available to access on any search engine) or contact your Unit HR.

I’D LOVE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOARDING FOR MY CHILD BUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START

An informal chat with an education consultant will help! You’ll have a chance to ask any other questions you may have and discuss your individual needs.

PANOBA, OFFER A FREE IMPARTIAL SERVICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

With a wealth of experience and access to over 300 schools nationwide, we will create a shortlist that best fits your family. It is extremely important for us to understand your child’s unique needs. Considering all key aspects of your expectations, we will establish your ideal locations, your curriculum requirements, your child’s hobbies and strengths, special educational needs, budget and more. With understanding and empathy for the decision you have just made we will guide you hand in hand through the daunting task ahead, supporting you and striving to find your child a perfect home from home when home keeps moving. If you would like any more information about our service or would like to arrange an informal chat please contact us via the website panoba.co.uk/ education/british-forces-fcdo or email stacey@panoba.co.uk

SCOTLAND

The most northern part of the United Kingdom. A country with some stunning views.

Scotland is one of the few places in the UK that you can see the Northern Lights. These can usually be seen in the most northern part of the UK, particularly in the Shetland Islands

during the Autumn and Winter when the nights are at their darkest.

The snow peaked mountain of Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. It was once a massive active volcano, which erupted and collapsed to form the mountain. Now, many hikers and tourists from around the world challenge themselves to climb this beautiful mountain in Scotland.

The Jacobite steam train makes an 84-mile round trip, starting at Ben Nevis. The train passes impressive scenery, beautiful villages and stunning beaches, some of which has been used in films such as ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Highlander’.

Lock Ness is the largest freshwater lake in the UK; however, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster is still a talking point for tourists. The questionable evidence for proof is still debatable today.

Shetland ponies, originating from the Shetland Islands, are a Scottish breed of pony which are known for their small build and heavy coat of hair. They are often found grazing on the roadside and appear to roam wild but are in fact owned by farmers and crofters.

Some of Scotland’s traditions and customs include its music. Scotland is well known for its highland music by playing the bagpipes, generally joined with highland dancers. The Scottish national dress is the kilt, worn by both men and women. The kilts are made from a tartan, most Scottish

families have a family tartan which is unique in colour and pattern. Finally, Haggis is the national dish of Scotland, and famously served at a traditional Burns supper.

Scotland is certainly a beautiful country to visit with some interesting cities which ooze culture and history.

Cities such as;

• Edinburgh – hosts the world’s largest arts festival, the ‘Edinburgh International Festival’ every August.

• Inverness – features a 19th-centrury cathedral, which is still used today and is vibrant and lively place.

• Dundee – a city by the coast boasting an array of maritime ships to visit.

• Glasgow – is the biggest city in Scotland, with a population of nearly 600,000 people.

View on Portree before sunset, Isle of Skye, Scotland.

ARDVRECK SCHOOL

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STRATHALLAN SCHOOL

KILGRASTON SCHOOL

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

KILGRASTON SCHOOL

Kilgraston is a special place. A distinctive and remarkable, world-class boarding and day school, offering education for children aged 5 to 18. It is both exciting and challenging, building on the ambitions of both our pupils and their parents or guardians.

Our ambition for each pupil is to stimulate and develop the individual character and personality. Our teaching inspires and challenges our pupils to aim at the highest level and enables them to attain it.

We believe there should be no limit on either personal or professional ambitions.

Each pupil is encouraged to grow, learn and mature in an atmosphere of freedom and opportunity. Each is a key member of the ‘Kilgraston Family’.

Our pupils achieve all they are capable of. Each will leave Kilgraston with the potential to go on to take their place as a professional, academic, or business

leader of tomorrow; perhaps all three if that is their choice.

In the recent HMIE and Care Inspectorate report, inspectors noted that: “Young people thrive in this stimulating environment for learning and make the most of the extensive

range of enriching activities and learning experiences offered to them”.

Kilgraston’s educational performance places us as one of the very best schools in the United Kingdom, year after year.

The education is world-class, and learning takes pride of place. Individuality is encouraged to flourish and each person is empowered within the academic environment.

The school is part of the Sacred Heart Network. At the heart of the

Kilgraston ethos is its focus on the concept of the whole person, through the five Sacred Heart goals: a living faith, personal growth, intellectual values, building community, and active social awareness.

The setting for the school is in the beautiful Perthshire countryside with its stunning scenery and wildlife. The school campus consists of 54 acres of parkland which provide a tranquil and gentle-paced environment, allowing the pupils both time and space to concentrate without distraction. Nearby towns and villages are easily accessible.

Yet, it is only a one-hour drive to reach Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Both offer a wide range of opportunity to experience the excitement of city life. Cultural trips to theatres, museums and art galleries are frequently arranged.

Boarding is an extremely popular choice even for pupils whose families live within commuting distance of the School.

Boarding houses at Kilgraston are attached to the main school. This is a major plus giving girls access to all of the school facilities; musicians can practise at any time and artists have free access to their artwork during evenings and weekends.

Our boarding and pastoral care staff are friendly, approachable, sensitive and highly professional. They offer boarders help and advice at any time of the day or night. They are also there to support the pupils with their studies and work closely

with each pupil’s tutor to make sure they are getting the individual attention they deserve.

Living within the main school means that the girls can enjoy the benefits of the whole school whilst still enjoying living within a family environment.

The Junior Boarding House at Kilgraston School accommodates the youngest boarders from eight to twelve years of age in rooms of four.

At Kilgraston School, junior boarding provides a safe and happy place in which pupils can thrive and develop within a supportive environment. The transition from junior to senior boarding is eased by the links both staff and pupils have with both houses. The girls are encouraged to integrate with other year groups and attend trips onsite and off-site together. Throughout their time in junior boarding the pupils learn important key skills including, respect for others, kindness and teamwork. The girls learn to be adaptable and supportive with others and the pupils grow and develop and become ready for senior school.

At 13, most girls are given their own study bedroom in ‘Mater’, the Senior house, allowing them their own space to think, read, study, or just enjoy time to themselves. When the girls reach Upper Fifth, they move to Swinton then into Barat, the Sixth Form Boarding House, where boarders have their own kitchen, common room and laundry facilities.

Wireless internet access, monitored, as well as filtered, is provided throughout all residential areas of the school. This gives girls the opportunity to keep in touch not only with friends and family during term time but also to make

use of a wealth of information and debate related to their academic and co-curricular activities.

The School is proud of the depth of its clubs and activities programme. This provides a vital complement to the academic prospectus and allows children to take risks, develop life-long skills and to immerse themselves in a stimulating and invigorating range of activities, pastimes and hobbies. Each enriches the formal education provided by the School.

The School supports over 50 different activities giving the pupils exceptional choice and a wealth of opportunities. These include activities that raise social awareness.

sport, building on the expertise of the School’s excellent sports coaches, is also a particularly key element of the clubs and activities programme and Kilgraston is the only school in Scotland to have an on-site equestrian centre.

CONTACT US

admissions@kilgraston.com

01738 812 257

CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (CEA)

Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) is offered by the MOD to assist with funding a place in a boarding school in order to help to provide continuity of education for a child, and to enable the spouse of a Service person to accompany them on assignments.

In claiming CEA, a Service person must fully accept that accompanied service is the overriding principle for maintaining entitlement. An exception to this requirement is when a Service person is classified as Involuntarily Separated (INVOLSEP). This classification must be confirmed by the claimant’s Commanding Officer or by means of casework to Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) before claiming while serving unaccompanied.

CEA is available for children aged eight years and over. If your child has Special Education Needs or Disability (SEND), this should not prevent their admission to a boarding school, and an allowance for SEN support may be available in some circumstances.

Children for whom CEA is being claimed must be placed in their correct chronological year group. If a school suggests that a child be placed, on entry to the school, in the year behind (or in front of) their correct year group, advice and authority for this must be sought from the Children’s Education and Advisory Service before the placement is accepted, as this may affect your eligibility to claim CEA. Advice and authority

must also be sought from CEAS if a child is asked to repeat a year in a school they are already attending.

You are expected to contribute a minimum of 10% towards the fees. The fees are only part of the costs of attending a boarding school and so it is important to be clear about any extras the school charges for.

Further information about eligibility is in Joint Service Publication 752, part 2 (Chapter 9). To check your eligibility and to apply, contact your Unit Personnel Office.

CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (GUARDIANS)

The aim of Continuity of Education Allowance (Guardians) (CEA (Guardians)) is to financially assist Service parents who elect to place their child in the care of a guardian so that the child may continue to attend a particular day school. The allowance is intended to contribute to the additional costs of the child’s maintaining contact with their family when they are living away from the family home. The allowance is not intended to cover any costs for accommodation, education or welfare.

An eligible guardian is any person in whose care a child is placed to enable them to remain at a particular day school that the child could not attend if resident with their claimant parent. In this context, guardianship is deemed to exist if the claimant arranges private accommodation for the child, e.g., with a relative, friend, in rented accommodation, or in a YMCA or similar privately-run hostel. The safety and security of each child is the responsibility of the parents in such an arrangement. For full details of the allowance and of eligibility, see JSP 752 (Chapter 14 Section 5). CEA (Guardians) is paid at the rate of £10.00 per day (correct August 2018).

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. When considering sending your child/children to boarding school it is essential that you fully consider following factors: Boarding education is expensive and you need to be aware of the full costs involved before committing yourself.

2. The headline fees can link to other additional charges which vary school by school. The CEA rate covers up to 90% of the headline fee up to a published ceiling. Costs above that ceiling and additional school charges are the responsibility of the parent.

3. High independent school fees do not automatically result in good or outstanding schools.

4. Maintained, or State Boarding Schools, offer lower fees because they charge only for boarding provision with the tuition element being State funded.

5. Every child is an individual and a school suitable for one child may not be suitable for another; one child’s needs may best be met by a large, highly academic school, while another child needs a small family atmosphere in which to thrive.

6. Choosing a boarding school is not easy and you will need to gather together as much information as possible. Do visit as many schools and speak with as many teachers and boarding staff as possible. Try to talk to pupils and other parents and remember not to commit yourself before you have confirmed that you will be eligible for CEA through engaging fully with the application process.

7. Check school inspection reports which are public documents available either from The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

NORTH WEST

The North West of England, consists of the five counties Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

This part of the country has history, sport, culture as well as being enriched with magestic lakes, sprawling hills and mountains.

The Lake Distict, in Cumbria, is one of the most beautiful regions

in the UK. Towns such as Keswick, Derwent Water and Ambleside are popular tourist desitinations for the lakes, such as Windermere and the mountains. Not only did the views inspire the poet, William Wordsworth but Cumbria was also home to Beatrix Potter, who wrote and illustrated her books, Peter Rabbit, with inspiration of the surrounding countryside.

Kendal Mint Cake originates from Kendal and is popular with climbers and walkers, due to its high energy

content, the peppermint oil too makes its unique taste. Walkers may consider taking some mint cake if they plan to walk the longest part of Hadrian’s Wall, which can be seen in Cumbria, this great wall was built to protect the North-West border of the Roman Empire.

For football fans, the North West is never far from a stadium, whether its Red or Blue in Manchester or cross over to Merseyside to Liverpool, many of these stadiums have tours and museums to see behind the scenes and view thousands of football memorabilia.

Liverpool is well known for the infamous band ‘The Beatles’, therefore joining one of the

magical music guided tours offers the opportunity to visit the Cavern where the Beatles often played.

Liverpools, Royal Albert Docks are a popular place to visit for its explosion of restaurants, art exhibitions and culture festivals.

For that seaside destination, then Blackpool is certainly worth a visit, for it’s vibrant atmosphere both day and night.

The Blackpool Tower, is home to the prestigious Ballroom where dancers from all around the world have walzed and danced the night fandango and then at night Blackpool comes alive with the illuminations in the winter and its lively nightlife.

View overlooking Crummock Water in the Lake District, Cumbria.

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

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LIVERPOOL COLLEGE

ABBOTSHOLME SCHOOL

RISHWORTH SCHOOL

KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE

ROSSALL SCHOOL

ROSSALL SCHOOL

Rossall is more than a school; we are an extraordinarily diverse and wonderfully creative community which provides an inspiring environment within which young people live and learn together.

QUOTES

“Here at Rossall the overall experience is amazing thanks to the inclusivity and friendship I have found here. The level of consideration and care shown by teachers, students and Houseparents is incredible. Everyone wants us to succeed and does everything they can to help us get where we want to be. There is so much more to Rossall and I hope that you can visit us to find out what makes us so special.”

Marie Melsheimer, School Captain

“Our daughter has been in an environment that has allowed her to mature in a positive way. Rossall has been a great mix of the social and academic which has left our child as a confident smart young woman, with 3 A-levels at grade A, a group of friends and lots of fun memories. Rossall has over delivered! Thank you.”

Parent of Rossall Alumna

At Rossall, world class teaching engenders a lifelong love of learning and the outstanding academic results that our children routinely achieve would not be possible without our commitment to encouraging and supporting each pupil to identify and achieve their dreams.

Rossall has established an international reputation as a sporting centre of excellence while our International Piano Academy and Leadership & Adventure Training Academy are just as successful as our Elite Football Programme and Golf Academy.

Our beautiful, iconic buildings are truly historic but we pride ourselves on being one of the most internationally-minded and progressive schools in Europe.

Our natural environment includes a spectacular stretch of coastline, a small farm, sand dunes, woods, and acres of green space which our children enjoy exploring.

Rossall provides a uniquely holistic experience and no other school quite matches its blend of intellectual dynamism, warmth, friendliness and commitment to excellence.

Founded in 1844, Rossall now has 800 students on the school roll and with 290 boarders it is the perfect size to ensure a lively atmosphere while giving every

student the individual attention they need to thrive.

Set on an historic 160-acre campus complete with its own beach, Rossall is one of the country’s leading independent co-education boarding schools, where pupils aged 0-18 are nurtured and given challenges in a safe, secure and supportive environment.

Admitting boarders from seven years old into Anchor, our dedicated junior boarding house, Rossall’s ‘family structure’ provides the framework for its exceptional standards of pastoral care. With regular investments in its 9 boarding houses, each house is a well equipped and comfortable home, modernised to the highest of standards.

Few schools can compete with the breadth and depth of co-curricular activities on offer at Rossall. Our enviable on-campus facilities include 45 acres of outdoor grassed sports pitches, a dedicated golf centre with driving range, floodlit all-weather surfaces, a purpose built £4 million sports centre, heated indoor swimming

pool, Fives courts, shooting range and multi use games-area.

Rossall runs an Elite Football Programme across genders, in partnership with League One football club, Fleetwood Town, focusing on developing students by challenging them as athletes. We are the North’s number one ranked school football programme according to ISFA and have developed players who have gone on to play professionally in the UK and abroad. Our Girl’s football programme is leading the way nationally, with tremendous success on the pitch thanks to a culture of hard work and dedication. Our Football Ambasador Millie Bright, who plays for Chelsea and the England national team, serves as an inspiration for our students.

Rossall’s Golf Academy is ranked number 1 by the ISGA, boasting an indoor golf studio, equipped with the latest video analysis equipment and GC2 launch monitor/simulator, as well as an indoor putting lab and swing room. Our Director of Golf, Stuart Hemmings, is a PGA Golf Coach who brings his considerable experience to Rossall in service of our young people. We are joined by our Ambassador Jack Senior, an English professional golfer who plays on the European Tour, who has been inspired by the standard our golfers achieve.

Through the hard work of our Director of Music, Adam Dobson, our International Piano Academy goes from strength to strength and we have become an All-Steinway School. This means that every

piano on campus is made by the world famous Steinway & Sons, from the practice pianos in the boarding house to the Model D Concert Grand Piano in the Performing Arts Studio.

The School is home to the Lawrence House Astronomy and Space Science Centre, the only centre of its kind in Britain, specialising in astronomy education. Students can also join everything from the world famous Chapel Choir to our Tram restoration project.

We are proud to be the oldest Combined Cadet Force in the country established in 1860. CCF forms an integral part of our Adventure and Leadership Programme along with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. All students take part in CCF activities during Year 9 after which they can decide if they want to take it forward during the rest of their time at Rossall during which they can work towards the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) Advanced Syllabus. Cadets also

QUOTE

“As a father of three young daughters, nothing matters more to me than the wellbeing and happiness of all children within our community. Outstanding pastoral care and excellent relationships between home and school provides the foundations of a community that is built upon compassion, kindness and respect. Our students leave us as confident and caring young people – well placed to lead enriching and successful personal and professional lives. Most importantly, they seek to do good in this world.”

Mr Jeremy Quartermain, MA, M.Phil, Headmaster

have the chance to take part in the following activities:

• Archery

• Kayaking

• Rock Climbing

• Military Beach Fitness

• Bushcraft/Survival

• Hill/Mountain Walking

• Air Rifle Shooting

• Sailing

The School provides a modern education with the senior school following the British National Curriculum culminating with GCSE/iGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. In the Sixth Form, students can choose from A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or BTEC qualifications in Sports or Musical Theatre.

In 2021, Rossall celebrated outstanding results. At A-Level 29% of grades awarded were the top mark of A*, firmly beating the national average of 19%. With 61% of pupils achieving A* or A grades. For IB Diplomas students had a 100% pass rate and average score of 35.

Year 11 students achieved excellent GCSE results. With 55% of results at a grade of 7-9 or A*-A. Art, Latin as well as our enrichment subjects Ancient Greek, Business Studies and Mandarin all celebrated 100% of their grades being 7 – 9. Furthermore, almost all subjects, including the core English, Maths and Science, had over half of their entries at grade 7 or above.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Rossall so that you may experience the incredible energy and friendliness of this most remarkable and successful of schools.

QUOTE

“From the moment I first visited Rossall I was captivated by its idyllic setting and knew it would be a special place to teach. You cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning campus, although this is matched by the warmth and enthusiasm of the engaging pupils who thrive here.

The community spirit, international element and quality of teaching and learning really do make this a special environment, one that motivates the pupils to fulfil their potential in all areas of school life. It is inspiring to see children of all ages make friends from around the world and develop a global perspective.

The Preparatory School is in the heart of the campus and has a family feel, with the opportunity to benefit from the amazing facilities of the whole school site. As Deputy Head of the Prep School, it is a privilege to see children begin their journey at a young age and watch them flourish all the way through the Senior School. It is extremely rewarding when those pupils that I once taught come across to share their news and achievements with pride, and this close relationship engenders our community spirit.

Rossall is truly an inspirational place to teach and I always look forward to sharing my passion for our school with any prospective families. You really do need to visit to see for yourself this unique and wonderful school.”

Lawrence Condon, BA (Hons), PGCE, Deputy Head Preparatory School

DEEDS NOT WORDS RISHWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL

Rishworth School is a forward thinking, innovative day and boarding school that retains traditional values.

We are an independent school with the freedom to offer an educational experience personalised to each child’s needs. We are a charity organisation originating from the Wheelwright legacy of 1724 where all our income is invested in the education of our children and the school. Our values are based on Christian ethics and we welcome those of all faiths or none to our community.

The school has existed for 300 years and occupies magnificent buildings within 140 acres of countryside within the beautiful Ryburn Valley.

WHY CHOOSE RISHWORTH?

Because your child will succeed academically…

As an example, 2020 summer A-level results were outstanding.

• 100% pass rate

• 76% of grades were A*/B

• Year 11 results headlines are:

• 96% pass rate (increase from 90% in 2019)

• 46% grade 9-7 (increase from 33% in 2019)

• 66% 9-6 (increase from 52% in 2019)

Because of this, your child will be able to access some of the best Universities. We understand that life outside of the classroom is just as significant as the world within it.

Our academic curriculum is supplemented by a full and diverse selection of over 90 enrichment and extension activities. From our renowned Ford Rugby Academy through to our Medical Society there’s

something to simulate, entertain and light that creative spark; Duke of Edinburgh Award, a jazz band rock climbing, ski trips, artistic pursuits, sports teams and more. University destinations of this year’s leavers included: UCL, Kings College London, Leeds, Bristol and Durham. 100% of students applying to study medicine at University in the last 5 years were accepted and achieved their place.

PRE-PREP ACADEMIC HEATHFIELD SCHOOL

Heathfield is the Junior School to Rishworth. Boys and girls join us from the age of 3 in the Nursery and we continue to provide a caring and stimulating learning environment to the age of 11.

Heathfield is set in its own grounds, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The Foundation Stage unit is self-contained and makes use of large outdoor learning areas. Heathfield has its own spacious and well-equipped Hall for

assemblies, dramatic productions and concerts as well as specialist rooms for Science, Art, Design Technology, ICT, Learning Support and Music. Heathfield has its own kitchens for serving healthy and delicious lunches. There is also separate provision for care before and after school and there is even a Holiday School! Other facilities are shared with Rishworth: the swimming pool, the Performing Arts Centre and extensive playing fields, for example.

Foundation Stage

Nursery and Reception Children can join the Foundation Stage from the age of three. In our spacious building they are selfcontained and secure, following a programme working within seven learning areas:

3 Prime Areas:

Communication and Language Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, 4 Specific Areas:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Art and Design

Years 1 and 2

Children follow a broad and engaging curriculum, informed by the National Curriculum and enhanced by specialist teachers, aiming to address individual needs and fulfil individual potential.

Prep Academic- Years 3 to 6

Children follow a challenging and innovative curriculum, moving beyond the demands of the National Curriculum with enriching activities in music, art and sport. We aim to prepare children for secondary

school academically and practically, encouraging thinking skills and selfreflection. A range of co-curricular activities allows children to explore varied activities in an enjoyable and informative way.

At Heathfield, we know the importance of maintaining an excellent community atmosphere - a learning environment which sees the home and school united in a common set of high expectations, good manners and a love of learning. Our parents are fully involved in the life of the School and we have a thriving and innovative PTA. A good education is about individuals exceeding their own expectations and having the widest possible set of experiences. Where children are happy and eager to learn, progress follows naturally.

SENIOR ACADEMIC

The school motto: Res non Verba (Deeds not Words) exemplifies our Yorkshire no-nonsense approach to decision making and actions.

This foundation provides all members of the friendly community with a physical environment which is conducive both to the clarity of mind required for academic study and to pursuits which provide for a full and balanced development of personal character. At Rishworth students develop a life-long love of learning, a sense of responsibility, a capacity for self reliance and cooperation and an appreciation of values such as dependability, commitment and humility.

SIXTH FORM ACADEMIC

The Sixth Form is very much a part of the whole school community. The younger members of the School will look to senior students for guidance, leadership and example. By acknowledging these responsibilities, a Sixth Former will develop personally.

Students join the Sixth Form at Rishworth with many goals: the fulfilment of their academic potential; the focus for their cultural pursuits and artistic talents; a challenge

BOARDING Boarding Aims

Through boarding, we aim to give the young people in our care the very best of opportunities to become well-balanced, responsible adults who are willing to contribute to society at large and, in so doing, to enrich their own life and that of others.

To some extent, all forms of schooling have this as a goal. However, we believe that living in a boarding community, with the continuity in relationships it provides and the direct experience of diverse cultures and people it offers, constitutes an education that reaches into a young person’s core in a particularly deep and lasting way.

Specifically, we seek to provide:

• a balance between privacy and sharing, and between freedom and guidance, as appropriate to the age and particular needs of the individual

• a blend of people, practices, provisions, and place where

for their sporting prowess; the development of life-long friendships; a growth in character and confidence; enrichment from a diversity of views and experiences. Students will be encouraged, and have opportunities, to achieve these goals.

In the Sixth Form, Rishworth aims to offer:

• a high level of individual attention with small class sizes and individual monitoring and assessment to ensure that each student is optimising potential;

• pleasant sixth-form facilities, including a Sixth Form Centre with areas for study as well as communal areas;

• opportunities for leadership and personal development as students take on responsibilities associated with being a senior member of the School; these include the prefect system, the sixth-form council and

students can thrive, feeling properly “at home”, happy, cared for, healthy and secure

• a flexible and convenient system for pupils and parents to remain properly in touch

• an exceptional breadth of experiences and activities

• a stable environment that offers a clear but supple structure of support, promoting both the value of learning and the growth of the person as a whole

• a spirit of community and a sense of belonging

• a respect for the rights, cultures and beliefs of others as well as for the material fabric of both House and School

• the ability to live harmoniously and considerately with others, and to be organised and orderly in one’s daily life

• a readiness to assume, and the capacity to discharge, appropriate responsibilities

• a high level of self-discipline and self-reliance coupled with a will to participate, co-operate, help and care

the paired reading scheme;

• a structured programme of guidance and advice on careers and higher education;

• scope to develop sporting, musical, theatrical and community interests, as well as providing the framework to develop other individual talents;

• caring, committed, well-qualified specialist staff who actively support every student in their care;

• a number of scholarships and bursaries to sixth-form students, details of which may be obtained from the Registrar or Bursar.

NORTH EAST

The North East of England covers an area of approximately 3,317 square miles and has a population of almost 3 million people.

Its most popular and recognisable places include Newcastle Upon Tyne, Middlesborough, Sunderland, Gateshead, Darlington, Hartlepool and Durham.

The North East has significant historical importance with two places of particular interest being Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, along with the world famous Hardians Wall which was a frontier during the Roman Empires existence. Other places of interest include Barnard Castle, Bamburgh Catle, Lindisfarne Castle, St Marys Lighthouse, Penshaw Monument, Alnwick Castle, Guisborough Priory and the Yarm Viaduct.

In 793, the Vikings arrived on the shores of the north-east of England with raiding parties mainly coming from Norway.

Viking attacks proceeded for almost 300 years before William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 putting an end to the raids in the north east.

In the modern era, the North East had predominantly been seen as a Labour Strong hold. It has been recognised for having vast industrial activity for hundreds of years, mainly due to its abundance of minerals such as salt and coal. Glass has also been a significant industry with stained glass windows being referenced as far back as 674 AD in monasteries in Wearmouth and Jarrow. Shipbuilding was once one of the regions largest industrial sectors with the River Wear being

used from 1346 and the River Tees at Stockton from 1470. There was many great vessels built from wood until steel replaced the material of choice in the 19th Century.

The North East can now be recognised by newer land marks, such as the Angel of the North in Gateshead which was completed and erected in 1998 and is believed to be the largest sculpture of an angel in the world. It is estimated that approximately 33 million people view this sculpture

due to its proximity to the A1.

Famous people to have originated from the North East of England include TV and Film actors and actresses, Sports personalities, singers and comedians such as Ant and Dec, Ridley Scott, Sting, James Arthur, Jimmy Nail, Chris Rea, Kevin Whatley, Robson Green, Steve Cram, Bryan Ferry, Bob Mortimer, Sarah Millican, Alexander Armstrong, Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer to name a few.

The Angel of the North Sculpture in Gateshead.

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

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BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS THE VALUE OF

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) brings together seven associations and four affiliate associations to represent over 1,300 independent schools. These schools educate more than half-a-million children. Approximately half of UK independent schools are ISC schools, educating around 80% of all independent school children.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION FOR ALL

Every child deserves an excellent education and a good start in life.

The independent sector is a small part of the school system – educating approximately 7% of children – yet these schools make a valuable contribution to our nation’s education by providing excellence, extra capacity, and innovation.

The sector is keen to work with government and political parties to develop education policies that support the widest range of children across the country, helping to raise educational standards for all. Our vision is one of partnership where independent and state schools work together to share expertise and resources to benefit all children.

Independent schools are aware of their social responsibility. Across the UK, independent and state schools are combining their expertise to provide meaningful opportunities for increasing numbers of young people.

Our latest Census shows 84% of ISC member schools already have partnerships with their

state counterparts – equating to almost 11,500 partnership projects including supporting pupils with university applications, careers advice and providing teaching in shortage subjects such as modern foreign languages.

We invite everyone to find out more about our schools and the role we play in local communities. The Schools Together website schoolstogether.org provides thousands of examples of the work our schools are doing.

Our sector is playing a positive role and wants to do more by working together with our state partners, making the most of our combined capacity and specialisms for as many young people as possible.

Julie Robinson ISC, chief executive

BENEFITS OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Independent schools make an important and positive contribution to the education system, their local communities and national productivity. In particular:

Boosting global competitiveness

Supporting provision in subjects that are crucial to harnessing new technologies and building global relationships. Last year (2018) independent schools accounted for:

• 30% of Spanish A-level and 30% of French A-level entries

• 30% of further maths A-level entries

• 22% of physics A-level entries

“If there is a lack of wider provision of foreign languages for children, UK business will suffer and will be unable to seize global opportunities effectively.” Confederation of British Industry (CBI/Pearson Skills Survey 2018)

Innovation in education

The sector’s independence allows it to innovate, developing new ways of teaching and trialling

new qualifications, which enable students to better prepare for further and higher education. New methods of teaching and learning can also be shared with the state sector.

Independent schools place great value on providing a broad all-round education including learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as music, sport, drama and volunteering.

Helping to develop soft skills is hugely important, and we know from independent research that pupils at our schools are confident and like a challenge. Independent schools are well known for delivering character education and supporting wellbeing.

Supporting our economy

Independent schools are often integral to neighbourhood communities, supporting economic prosperity both locally and nationally. Research from Oxford Economics shows that for the UK as a whole, independent schools:

• Contribute £13.7bn annually to GDP

• Support 303,000 jobs

• Provide £4.1bn in tax revenue

• Save the state sector £3.5bn per year through parents not taking up state school places

An international asset

The strong global reputation of British education attracts overseas companies and international students to the UK. These students bring a global perspective, enrich the community and are a vital pipeline to British universities.

• There are currently 55,000 nonBritish pupils at ISC schools. Pupils come from all round the world.

• Independent schools contribute £930m annually to education exports.

• Non-British pupils at ISC schools account for £1.8bn of GDP per year, supporting 39,310 jobs and generating £550m in annual tax revenues.

DELIVERING VALUE TO SOCIETY

Just over half of all independent schools are charities that advance education. These schools are regulated by the Charity Commission and must report on public benefit in their trustees’ annual report. Schools will primarily deliver public benefit by way of support for the state sector through partnerships and schemes to widen access.

Partnerships

Schools of all kinds are demonstrating that in partnership they can achieve more, bringing educational experiences to a greater number of children through all kinds of collaborative projects. Educational partnerships between independent and state schools are an important aspect of school life and such collaborations mutually benefit school communities. Our Census shows ISC schools are currently involved in 11,500 partnership projects.

Independent schools offer GCSE and Alevel revision classes; subject support in maths, science and modern foreign languages; teacher training; careers and higher education advice – including interview technique and application support – as well as masterclasses in subjects like Latin and classics which are not often available outside the independent sector. Larger independent schools have forged partnerships through the sponsorship and cosponsorship of schools as part of the Government’s academies and free schools programme. Schools such as the London Academies of Excellence in Tottenham and Stratford rely on independent school sponsorship and achieve high rates of Oxbridge entry. The sector is keen to do more and has signed a Joint Understanding with the Department

for Education to grow stateindependent school partnerships to “support the raising of educational standards in state schools”. The ISC publishes an annual report on partnership working.

“We have developed professional and productive relationships across a diversity of independent and state schools. We recognise that collaboration between the sectors is of great value – learning from our diversity makes each of us better at what we do.”

Andrew Celano, state headteacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford

Widening access

Independent schools are working to widen access to their schools through bursary provision and recognise the benefits this brings both to bursary pupils and the wider school community. Our latest data shows:

• ISC schools currently provide £422m in means-tested bursaries and scholarships – a 6% increase on last year.

• One in 13 pupils at ISC schools is on a means-tested bursary or scholarship. There is an appetite to do more but most schools do not have large endowments and must meet bursary costs throughfundraising.

• A scheme to place increasing numbers of looked-after children (LAC) in independent schools is under development. Following a successful pilot in Norfolk, local authorities and receiving independent schools are committed to jointly fund places for LACs and children on the edge of care. In addition, Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation provides bursaries for disadvantaged and vulnerable children to attend boarding schools.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

ISC schools are proud to be part of a diverse education system, where different schools collaborate together to support all children to meet their potential.

Independent schools are part of the solution to the educational issues facing the country and should be an asset that is harnessed. The offer each independent school can make to state schools in their local communities will vary according to capability and experience, but through strengthened local brokerage independent schools

The UK has a global reputation for education, characterised by excellence and quality. Our global education offer encompasses the full range of the education spectrum, including early years, independent schools...[and] higher education.

International Education Strategy, HM Government

can come together to make a positive difference to local state partners, with all participants gaining from the experience.

In addition, the sector is open to discussions on how access to independent schools could be widened, possibly through some form of co-funding model. It is essential that any proposed reforms do not negatively impact upon the state system. Proposals to add VAT to fees and to remove charitable tax reliefs would be damaging to all schools both independent and state.

European law currently exempts all forms of education from VAT because of the value of learning to society, and independent schools are not treated as a special case in this respect. Imposing VAT on school fees would penalise parents and would be a tax on learning.

Ultimately, it would be smaller independent schools without large catchment areas that would be hit hardest by VAT, potentially leading to closures that harm parents, pupils, and staff. It is inevitable that a sudden fee increase will mean children moving to the state sector, swelling class sizes and resulting in higher costs. Research shows that VAT would cost the Government at least £416m in its fifth year once pupil displacement and VAT recovery is taken into account.

Parents value choice over their children’s education. Recent polling has shown 68% of people believe that parents should have the choice of paying for their children’s education, while only 18% disagreed.

Independent schools are part of the broader educational offering, delivering excellence to the pupils in their care, and a force for good that can be utilised for the benefit of pupils across the country.

ABOUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Parents who choose independent schools want the best for their children. The money spent on fees comes from taxed income with many families stretching resources to support their children in this way.

As the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states, “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children”.

Assumptions about independent schools are often based on outdated stereotypes that mask the true diversity of a sector encompassing co-educational schools, single-sex, boarding and provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Specialist music, dance and SEND schools receive state funding, providing capacity for children who could not be accommodated in the state system.

ISC schools vary significantly in size from fewer than 50 pupils to over 2,000, although half of all schools have fewer than 300 pupils. In reality,many independent schools are small and not as wealthy as people may imagine.

Only 83 schools (or 6% of ISC members) have more than a thousand pupils.

Data from our annual school Census also shows that:

• Half of our schools are not selective.

• Over 15% of pupils at our schools have SEND.

• A third of pupils at ISC schools are from ethnic minority backgrounds – the same proportion as the state sector.

• Over a quarter of new pupils to ISC schools joined from the statefunded sector.

You can read our census, as well as all of the other research reports and information about the independent schools sector at www.isc.co.uk

ABOUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ADDRESSING COMMON MYTHS

Assumptions about independent schools are far too based on outdated stereotypes. Our sector is very different from the common portrayal, which tends to present schools as inhabiting sprawling estates, with pupils who dress in top hats and tails. In reality independent schools are diverse and more accessible than you might think. So, it’s time to bust some myths and common misconceptions...

MYTH: ALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ARE LARGE OLD-FASHIONED BOARDING SCHOOLS

Fact: 87% of pupils at our schools are day pupils. There are 476 schools that offer some boarding and just 12 ISC schools that are 100% boarding. The ISC represents over 1,300 schools with real diversity of provision. ISC schools vary significantly in size from having fewer than 50 pupils to over 2,400, although half of all schools have fewer than 300 pupils. Over 15% of pupils at ISC schools have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We have a wide range of schools in our membership including schools to support pupils with specifically with SEND, music schools as well as drama, dance and sports-focused schools. Specialist provision at independent schools means that our country’s education offering is broader and has greater capacity than it would otherwise.

MYTH: INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FEES ARE ABOUT £40,000 A YEAR

Fact: The average day school fee is £14,500 a year – a lot of money, yes, but many hard-working families make tough financial choices in order to support their children in this way. And that is the average figure – nearly two thirds cost less than this and fees also vary by region.

The numbers often quoted are for boarding schools where the total cost combines both tuition and boarding fees (which state boarding schools charge too). The vast majority of independent schools are small.

MYTH: INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ARE FULL OF CHILDREN FROM RICH FAMILIES

Fact: There is socio-economic diversity at independent schools. Many families make huge sacrifices in order to pay fees for their children to attend.

Our schools are committed to further widening access. They do everything the can to offer help with fees, so children can access an independent school education whatever their background. Last year alone, one in 13 pupils was on a means-tested bursary, with schools providing more than £420 million in means-tested fee assistance.

Schools offer help with fees because having a broad social mix that reflects our society is important.

MYTH: INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ARE BEING KEPT AFLOAT BY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Fact: There are 29,000 nonBritish pupils at ISC schools whose parents live overseas – that’s about 5% of the total pupil number. We welcome international students. They bring a global perspective, enrich the school community and improve the international community’s view of the UK. They are also a vital pipeline for British universities. Research shows that these nonBritish pupils account for £1.26 billion of GDP and support £390 million of tax revenue per year.

MYTH: INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS HAVE FEW ETHNIC MINORITY PUPILS

Fact: Our annual census shows 33.8% of pupils at ISC schools in England are from ethnic minorities. Data from the Department for Education shows a similar pattern for state schools – where 32.2% of pupils are from ethnic minorities.

MYTH:

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ARE HIGHLY SELECTIVE

Fact: Only half of our schools are academically selective.

Independent schools place great value on providing a broad all-round education, including learning opportunities outside the classroom and outstanding pastoral care. Helping to develop soft skills is hugely important, and we know from independent research that pupils at our schools are confident and like a change. Independent schools are well known for delivering character education and supporting wellbeing.

MYTH: INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS DON’T CONTRIBUTE TO THE COUNTRY

Fact: Independent schools put into society far more than they take out. They save the taxpayer £3.5 billion each year through the education of children and young people outside of state schools.

Across the UK’s independent schools sector, schools contribute in the region of £13.7 billion to the economy and generate £4.1 billion in tax annually, as well as supporting 303,000 jobs.

84% of ISC schools work in partnership with state schools on a wide range of educational projects, which unlock new teaching and learning experiences for those involved.

SUPPORTING MUSIC AND THE ARTS

Cross-sector partnerships involving music and the arts enable children to explore new talents and express themselves through creativity.

Initiatives like these can also help pupils to meet new people, form friendships and boost their levels of confidence. While some of these partnerships have unfortunately been limited by coronavirus restrictions, schools look forward to running their events and projects as normal once it is safe to do so.

The RGS String Scheme, devised by the Royal Grammar School (RGS) in Guildford, enables over 200 local state pupils to learn either the violin or cello for a year. In addition to weekly music lessons, each school has termly concerts, where the children can demonstrate their progress. When lockdown hit, the school uploaded over 40 short videos online to help Year 4 pupils continue with their learning.

Once it became clear that pupils would not be returning to school until September, the organisers offered all pupils free one-to-one Zoom lessons with their teacher of choice, and have since delivered 75 hours of tuition remotely. In September, RGS staff members were allowed to visit each of the three primary schools involved, where they began a new cycle of string scheme tuition.

Every Friday afternoon, a specialist drama teacher and a group of sixth form students at St Albans School run interactive drama sessions with local primary schools, involving children of various ages and abilities. The programme has been running for several years and is especially valued by schools that do not have their own specialist drama departments and performance spaces. The sessions, which are linked to relevant curriculum topics where possible, inspire participants to explore their love of the subject. Participating pupils are encouraged to

collaborate and share ideas, enabling them to develop their performance skills and interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, the sixth form volunteers have the opportunity to improve their directing and teaching abilities, in an environment where they are regarded as role models.

Last year, Salisbury Cathedral School (SCS) and Exeter House Special School developed their established music partnership to include a new Key Stage 1 project. During one term per year, Year 1 pupils at SCS spend their Friday mornings with students from the local state school, where they explore sounds, dance and play with one another. The project aims to bring the children together, where they can make new friends who communicate in different ways, and concludes with an end of term party for all those involved.

Every year, around 150 children from Osbaston, Overmonnow and Kymin View primary schools, Monmouth School Boys’ Prep and Monmouth School Girls’ Prep join together to form a choir of voices. The Friday Afternoons singing initiative, which was inspired by legendary English composer, Benjamin Britten, launched nationally in 2013, with the aim of developing pupils’ skills as performers, listeners, and composers. The musical sessions take place weekly for a term, and culminate in a concert for the local community at Monmouth School for Boys

YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER

This region comprises of Yorkshire as well as North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

The largest settlements being Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Hull and York. Leeds is the largest city in the northern regions and The Royal Armouries, houses the national collection of arms and artillery. Leeds is also known for its trendy bars, live music and bustling Market stalls.

The city of York is an eclectic mix of old and new, from the city walls, cobbled streets and charming medieval buildings, to modern shops and restaurants; furthermore with its varied and vibrant calendar of events and

festivals means there is always something happening in the city.

However, if you are looking for tranquility and picturesque views then Yorkshire is home to two national parks, the heather moorlands of the North York Moors and the Penine Hills of the Yorkshire Dales where you can roam and explore.

Runswick Bay, with its sweeping, sheltered bay and charming red roofed cottages is certainly one of the Yorkshire Coast’s prettiest destinations. The sandy beach once provided anchorage for brightly coloured fishing boats, but is now a family favourite for rock pooling, fossil hunting and coastal walks, where you can admire the breathtaking sea views.

Humber Bridge at dusk looking towards the north bank of the Humber.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Clarence Dock in Leeds.

ACKWORTH

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* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

WOODHOUSE GROVE SCHOOL

SCHOOL

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s has provided students with a vibrant and supportive school community since 1912.

QE has a long-standing relationship with the British Forces, welcoming students from Forces families for over 100 years.

As the preferred school for military families in the UK, we currently have over 300 Forces students boarding with us.

We welcome boarders from Year 3 onwards and pride ourselves on our wrap-around specialist support for our Forces students and their families.

We are CEA accredited and in recognition of our commitment to the British Forces, we offer a significant reduction in fees.

Across the Collegiate there is an understanding of the importance of providing a secure and supportive home from home

for students whose parents may need to travel or live abroad for work. Staff strive to create the right learning and living environment in which every one of the students at QE can thrive. QE also has two specialist Forces Liaison Officers, a keeping in touch club for students and support clinics. In these sessions, staff help students to contact parents who may be deployed abroad, chat about issues that are important to them and anything else that they might need help and support with. The school also runs a ‘buddy’ system between students and have Peer Mentors in the Sixth Form, who are very happy to chat to younger students and offer their support.

We support girls and boys in their educational journey through

our four schools - Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and Faculty (both Year 10 to 13) – to become resilient, confident and independent young adults who are well prepared for their future. QE is known locally, nationally and internationally as a place that promotes the highest standards in all that it does. Our reputation has grown considerably over recent years, and we believe this is due to our drive to ensure that our outcomes for QE students, across all areas of their endeavour and aspiration, match those of the world’s best schools.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded the Collegiate the top grading of Excellent across all schools and areas in 2019, praising pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.

EXAMINATIONS

Our exam results speak for themselves, consistently ranking us amongst the top 10 day and boarding schools in the UK, with students benefiting from wonderful study, boarding and

leisure facilities as part of campus life. The Times Independent Schools Guide ranked us the No.1 independent secondary school in the North of England for exam performance. In 2022, the academically focused College achieved 96 per cent A*/B at A Level. The Faculty, which offers a wider range of academic, creative and vocational courses, achieved 86 percent A*/B at A Level and 81 percent D*/D grades in BTECs.

THRIVE@QE

At QE we have an excellent pastoral team who run our THRIVE@QE programme, ensuring that our student’s mental health and resilience is a priority. The team are available for students at any time of day or night. There is a dedicated area in the school where THRIVE activities take place and students can go for help and support. Boarding facilities at QE support easy and direct communication with student’s families, with direct phone lines in each room. In addition, we do not have specific “exeat” weekends and parents are able to let their children have any weekends away from school to enable their children to visit relatives or friends.

FEES SUPPORT

We are CEA accredited and in recognition of our commitment to the British Forces, we offer a significant reduction in fees. This means our Forces parental contribution is only £1185 per term for the academic school year 2022/23. Employer provided Childcare Vouchers and Government issued Tax Free Childcare Vouchers are accepted for qualifying activities such as After School Clubs, Music Lessons, etc. and any boarding element, for up to 15 years of age for Employer Childcare Vouchers and up to 11 years of age for Tax Free Childcare Vouchers. This means we are one of the most competitively priced boarding schools in the UK for Military families.

THE QE COMBINED CADET FORCE

QE has its own Combined Cadet Force (CCF), bringing together an Army Section (Yorkshire Regiment) and an RAF section. Choosing to be part of the CCF offers students the chance to develop real life skills that will help them achieve success in life and in the workplace. They learn leadership skills, how to handle responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and discipline through military themed activities. Students can volunteer to join the CCF from Year 9. Following recruit training, cadets are given the opportunity to choose whether to join the Army Section or the RAF Section. Training is exciting and challenging, it places great emphasis on selfreliance and responsibility. It is safe, but above all fun! Senior

cadets are also encouraged to motivate and train more junior members, giving them a chance to develop their leadership skills and gain promotion. Through the CCF, cadets can attend external courses, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and various nationally recognised vocational diplomas in Personal Development, to gain further new skills and experiences.

SPORTS AT QE

All of Queen Ethelburga’s students follow a sports programme with the values of fair play, honesty and determination at its heart. Our motto of ‘be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have’ is never more evident than through our sports provision. Health and fitness is a vital part of school life for QE students with many continuing with sport and exercise, either recreationally or as a route of study, through to their chosen university or career pathway. There are a wide range of sports and activities available including: rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket, swimming, basketball, rounders, tennis, fencing, dance, gymnastics, trampolining, archery, cross country, badminton, and volleyball.

OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY

We have a boarding community here unlike any other, a unique blend of cultures and nationalities, where friendships are formed that last a lifetime. We have a strong foundation built on listening to the needs of others, engaging with life and all it has to offer, attending every commitment with enthusiasm, respecting each other and never giving up on attaining our goals. We create a second home for our students and try to emulate the boundaries and

expectations that you as parents would want to implement. QE’s life-long learning programme supports our boarding students with invaluable skills and our dedicated boarding team understand that the soft skills they promote outside the classroom are every bit as valuable as the academic skills gained during the school day. At the heart of our boarding offer is the desire to help our students to develop the outlook and skills they need to prepare them for their undoubtedly successful futures.

The facilities on campus are outstanding, with the recent development of our dedicated Sports Village, to which all students have additional access outside of formal school hours. The Village is home to a 25-metre swimming pool, triple court sports hall, 100 station fitness suite and free weights centre. Outside we have a four-lane synthetic cushioned running track and over 30 acres of grass and 3G artificial pitches. We also have a number of specialist studios used for; martial arts, wrestling, dance, gymnastics, table tennis, cycling, archery, fencing and boxing. Staff cater for all abilities and encourage each student to enjoy all the fantastic opportunities on offer during their time at QE.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Life on campus is a careful balance of organised activities, trips and socials, providing opportunities for students to independently spend time with their friends and make the most of the fantastic facilities on offer. Socials are held regularly, with students enjoying spending time with one another, whether it be a formal black-tie event with all its traditions and etiquette, a paint party or a cookery competition. QE’s also runs rewards weeks to celebrate success and effort and these are always very popular with the students voting to choose the rewards. There are six dedicated play areas across campus, creatively purpose-built for the age groups that use them. This is balanced with a number of tranquil gardens where students can relax and reflect. The Muggles activity centre is a vibrant and engaging complex designed for all students to relax, have fun and socialise. Facilities include an indoor lounge and games area,

whilst the outdoor offer includes a climbing wall, assault course and trampolines. Students also have access to a range of sporting equipment to use at the various sports pitches and facilities across campus. The Muggles café offers delicious food from Friday evening to Sunday each week.

The King’s Theatre on site is run as a professional venue, combining inhouse performances with external productions and shows. It has a packed programme of practical workshops, performances, music festivals, talks and presentations throughout the year, providing wonderful opportunities for student enjoyment and participation. The Queen’s Academy, is an exciting and enriching on-site Creative Arts initiative, which provides students with open access to music practice rooms, arts studios and a wide range of workshops and skillbased projects on their evenings and weekends.

ENRICHMENT

We have a varied and diverse co-curricular programme at QE.

Students discuss participation alongside their academic progress with their tutors, to ensure that they are individually tailored to as they progress through each year at QE. Students can choose from over 100 Enrichment Activities from the following categories to encourage a breadth of experiences: Community, Creativity, Culture, Health & Exercise and Leadership. We also work with students and staff to make sure that the timetabling of activities enables them to make the most of the opportunities on offer and get maximum use out of our facilities. A fulfilling outreach and volunteering programme enables our students to contribute positively to the lives of others within our local community. There are opportunities for students to take academic subjects beyond the classroom, learn or master a skill, contribute to conservation and community projects and learn about history and culture across the UK and beyond! All of our residential trips aim to develop a passion for exploring the world and equip students to become accomplished

FACILITIES

QE boarding is known for its modern facilities, which support student development and provide a safe and productive environment for them to thrive. All our bedrooms are air-conditioned, provide ample room to study and include private en-suite bathrooms with a toilet and shower. Every boarder has access to a well-equipped common room where they can enjoy downtime and opportunities to get together and socialise, as well as plenty of outdoor space.

travellers; developing skills such as navigating both rural and city landscapes, reading public transport systems and timetables and ordering food in a new language.

At Queen Ethelburga’s, we understand the importance of providing a home from home for everyone in our community, including our Forces students and families. We know that the choice of school for your child is one of the most important ones you will make, so we are here to support you. Come and visit us on campus to find out more – look out for our Open Days on www.qe.org or book a private tour by contacting our friendly admissions team on admissions@qe.org

spe cial forces

pa stor al provision

cea approved wit h forces disc ounts non- cea & ex-forces disc ounts

c ombined cadet force club onsite

book a private tour today >

admissions@qe.org

100+ clubs, act ivit ies & t rips

Giggleswick School is one of the leading independent coeducational boarding and day schools in the north of England for children aged 2 to 18. Set in 215 acres of stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, here you will find a rich and broad education, 500 years of heritage, exceptional modern facilities and a happy welcoming community that has a long tradition of supporting forces families.

Giggleswick School is renowned for its happy and supportive environment. Family friendly boarding from Year 4, an extended day during the week and full day of school on Saturday, mean that boarders enjoy a structured timetable of activities and are never left on their own.

GIGGLESWICK WELCOMES YOU

Giggleswick has always had an intangible spirit that we have never quite been able to articulate, until now.

We are a characterful school, full of energy and dynamism, with more than a hint of ‘Yorkshireness’ about us. We are a school focused on hard work, rolling your sleeves up, being pragmatic, not taking yourself too seriously, and shunning any kind of pretension.

The new headteacher of Giggleswick School has vowed to make the leading northern independent one of the “best places” for forces families to send their children.

Sam Hart took on the headship just after Christmas, joining from Winchester College in Hampshire with his wife and two daughters. He has worked in education for 14 years following a successful career in the Army Air Corp, where he flew Lynx helicopters.

As a child, Mr Hart also attended boarding school while his father served in the Royal Air Force. He said: “I have seen some amazing places

over the years, but the Yorkshire Dales is just incredible. Every morning when I see the beauty of the area - the hills, the greenery - I know how lucky I am to be here, and how lucky our pupils are as well. It really is an absolutely perfect place for children to grow up

“I know first-hand how important it is to have stability and continuity of education for a child when their parents are serving around the world. Not only is Giggleswick located in one of the most beautiful places in the country – away from the worries and stresses of the city – but we’re small enough that everybody knows everybody which creates a really strong sense of community.”

He added:

“I was fortunate that my parents were able to send me to boarding school - otherwise I would have had to attend six different schools over a ten-year period. It would have been very disruptive; boarding provided a constancy which allowed me to make and keep friends, and really feel part of something – it was a home from home.”

Mr Hart added:

“Life is busy at Giggleswick. There’s always something going on and everyone is pulling together, staff and pupils, to ensure there’s a strong sense of place and community.

“We also focus a lot on the individual and know it doesn’t necessarily

follow that a forces child will be interested in the forces themselves. We do have an excellent Combined Cadet Force, but what really matters is that everyone has the opportunity to develop their own strengths, find things that interest them and strive towards excellence in those fields.”

Deputy headmaster and Designated Safeguarding Lead of the school, Christian San Jose, also served in the forces for six years as an infantry officer in The Royal Green Jackets/The Rifles.

He said:

“I think it is really helpful that both Sam and I have military experience as together we understand those extra challenges military families have

“As a school, we are extremely wellplaced to support the additional needs forces families have - even the small things that make life easier for families such as picking a child up from the airport, or the out of term care we provide. Communication between parents, children and the school is key, and we’re lucky that technology now allows pupils to talk to their parents whenever they want.”

Mr Hart agreed that pastoral care is vital. He said:

“As a housemaster, I was responsible for the care of 63 boys, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Keeping them safe, happy and feeling they belonged and were part of something was very important.

It was like a family, and I learned a lot about the importance of the all-round care of a child.

“Academic achievement is an absolute priority, but equally important is our curriculum for life and preparing them for when they go out into the world.”

He added:

“Our school ethos of ambition, respect and participation is also a very good fit for military families. We recognise that every child is different, and we want to give them the opportunity to develop their strengths, find out about themselves and strive for excellence.”

The MoD’s Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) is designed to mitigate unnecessary disruption to the education of a child from

forces families, by covering up to 90% of school fees.

Giggleswick School has an extensive Creative, Active, Service & Enrichment programme providing over 70 different activities. Ranging from academic enrichment (CASE), sport, music, drama, art and design to outdoor pursuits, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Pupils benefit from exceptional facilities including well-equipped, modern classrooms, art & design studios, extensive sports pitches, and the professional standard Richard Whiteley Theatre.

For more information, visit the school’s website or get in touch. www.giggleswick.org.uk

email:

admissions@giggleswick.org.uk

tel: 01729 893000

KAYAKING CHAMPION BECOMES NEW HEAD OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION

We are delighted to announce that Housemaster, Pete Keron, now leads our Outdoor Education provision. Mr Keron has been teaching Maths here at Giggleswick for ten years as well as instructing climbing, kayaking, mountaineering and mountain biking.

Mr Keron’s passion for the outdoors began with Kayaking and he has represented Great Britain five times at the World Championships as well as winning three National Championships in the sport. Originally from Cumbria, he has rock climbed extensively throughout the UK and Europe and has cycled solo across America as well as from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He is also a keen fell runner and mountain bike racer and won the Adidas Terex ‘Coast to Coast’ Adventure race in 2015.

Said Mr Keron “Our Outdoor Education provision provides a superb opportunity that reflects the amazing geography and geology of our location. There can be no other school in the UK, if not the world, with such immediate access to caves, rivers, crags, trails, an indoor pool, climbing wall and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition directly from the school grounds. I can’t wait to build on the fantastic opportunities pupils already have. These experiences give children and young people skills that have a positive impact in all aspects of their life; building confidence, encouraging problem solving and increasing resilience.”

WEST MIDLANDS

At the top of the West Midlands region lies the Peak District, with its breath-taking views.

The Peak District, is home to the Peak District National Park, 555 square miles of natural landscape maintained by the National Park Authority. Within the National Park are a number of caves with unusual rock formations, including the famous Blue John Cavern, known for its Blue John stone.

Birmingham, with its variety of culture and well visited shopping centre, is a vast city in the West Midlands. Birmingham with its Industrial Revolution-era, it is known for being a manufacturing powerhouse. However, more

recently the board game, ‘Cluedo’ was invented by Anthony Pratt, whilst working in a tank factory in Birmingham.

The Iron Bridge, which runs across the River Severn, is the first ever cast-Iron bridge, built by Abraham Darby III in 1779 and is an iconic symbol of the Industrial Revolution.

Warwickshire is most famous for being the birthplace of the English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare’s house, in the picturesque town of Stratfordupon-Avon, and Warwick Castle are popular tourist destinations which ooze history and are fun family days out, and you never know you may even see the Ghost in the Tower.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a twelve-roomed farmhouse where Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, lived as a child in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile (1.6 km) west of Stratfordupon-Avon. Spacious, and with several bedrooms, it is now set in extensive gardens.

Malvern reservoir, Malvern Hills, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

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SCHOOLS

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

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ELLESMERE COLLEGE

HABERDASHERS’ ADAMS’

WREKIN COLLEGE

THE ROYAL SCHOOL WOLVERHAMPTON

THE ELMS SCHOOL BROMSGROVE SCHOOL BREDON SCHOOL

HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL AT BROMSGROVE

ABOUT BROMSGROVE

Bromsgrove School is proud to be one of the finest boarding schools in the UK with pupils coming from all over the world. We believe pupils are happiest when they are succeeding; we pride ourselves on the outstanding opportunities that are available, both inside and outside the classroom. Pupils engage enthusiastically with knowledge, embrace new ideas and are intellectually stimulated. The massive range of activities, combined with outstanding academic provision and the most caring pastoral support, is just a flavour of what makes a Bromsgrove pupil so successful in their future careers. Facilities at Bromsgrove have been improved beyond measure in the last decade. All sections of the School benefit from state of the art teaching areas. Outside areas are extensive, covering 100 acres, with beautiful, landscaped grounds and dedicated sports areas blending seamlessly.

BOARDING LIFE

Bromsgrove is home to over 590 boarders aged 7 to 18. There are 400 day pupils in Prep and another 600 in Senior School. The majority of boarders are full time with a few weekly boarding places available. The five new or recently refurbished boarding houses for boys or girls sit comfortably within the School grounds as does Page House for Prep School boarders, which is home for 100 boys and girls aged 7 – 13. All the boarding Houses are run with the intention of creating a family feel as opposed to rigid hierarchies. Of course there are rules, and of course those rules are enforced, but the level of respect pupils have for one another means the Houses are treated like homes.

We do not operate exeat weekends, so boarders are not required to leave the School during term time. This means that there are always large numbers of boarders on site and that an

exciting activity programme is available to them.

The School has a long tradition of welcoming children of forces families. Being ideally located near the heart of the motorway

network, the School can be reached easily and quickly from any part of England. We are always happy to put prospective forces families in touch with parents of existing boarders so that they can get an alternative view point. We offer generous bursaries to forces families and the Government’s Educational Allowance can be added to with our means-tested bursaries. We ask that forces’ families make direct contact with the School for further information.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Bromsgrove offers staggering breadth – first division academic performance not only in GCSEs, but also A levels and the International Baccalaureate.

Despite the academic rigour, we teach and learn with passion. In addition to the extensive academic programme, every day has time dedicated for developing other vital life and social skills. The success of our extra curricula offer is astonishing. In sport we consistently rank in the top six of all UK independent schools– judged across 26 sports. In addition to sport, and all the opportunities within music and drama, we offer over one hundred other optional activities for pupils to choose from each week.

Weekend activities are numerous and varied as befits a true boarding school. From high culture (trips to London and Stratford theatres) to paintballing, go-karting and concerts, Bromsgrove looks to inform, entertain and, occasionally, thrill its boarding community.

CCF AT BROMSGROVE

The School has an outstanding tradition of military service as reflected in the roll of the fallen commemorated in the Memorial Chapel and the selflessness of the five Bromsgrovians who were awarded the Victoria Cross. The endeavour of the CCF today is to reflect these values and to encourage the young to discover themselves through teamwork, challenge and disciplined good fun. We are proud that each year a small number of School leavers apply to join the services, and of others who successful apply for Forces University Bursaries.

There are currently almost 400 Cadets in the Bromsgrove contingent, which includes both an Army and an RAF Section. Approximately half of the CCF staff are ex-Forces, and so have a good background knowledge of all parts of the UK Military; this

is used to good effect to give our ever expanding Cadet Force an interesting, diverse and fun training programme. At Bromsgrove the CCF is fully integrated to School life, and the leadership and instructional teaching that we give the Cadets serves them well in the Sixth form and beyond.

There are annual Field Days for each year group (Years 10 – 13), and around 35 Cadets enjoy the Annual Camp run by the Cadet Training team at the end of the summer term. There is a Biennial Inspection, when a current forces parent or a former pupil who is currently serving comes to inspect what the Contingent has been up to. This is normally a very busy and enjoyable day, and the Cadets always give a good account of themselves. With a bit of enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, anyone can be a member of our CCF.

590 boarders aged 7 - 18 over 100 forces boarders

prep boarding house for 100 boys and girls has recently been refurbished

Individual visits welcome no exeat weekends

THE ELMS SCHOOL COLWALL

Proud to have been educating military families for generations

Nestled under the Western slopes of the Malvern Hills, and set in 40 glorious acres, The Elms School is a totally independent boarding and day prep school, educating children from age 3 to 13.

The school was founded in 1614 by Humphrey Walwyn, a member of the Grocers’ Company, and we enjoy our continued connection with Grocers Hall today.

We have a long and proud history of educating military children, and we are delighted to continue to educate forces offspring and to support them whilst families are serving in Britain and further afield. In addition, numerous staff members, including the Headmaster, Ed Lyddon, have experienced military

‘The friendliest community of parents, teachers and children of any school we have experienced.’ Elms parent

BOARDING AT THE ELMS –PRESERVING CHILDHOOD

Boarding at The Elms is both fun and relaxed, providing a nurturing family environment in which all can flourish. We aim to create an atmosphere similar to that of home, where children are encouraged to work hard and play hard, be kind and supportive to each other, and to contribute to the community.

Before breakfast, boarders can often be found at the farm, helping with early morning routines, such as feeding the animals, collecting eggs, or bringing in the ponies from the fields.

We are proud to offer screen-free boarding (except for the occasional film night!), where children spend time enjoying wholesome and sociable fun, building dams in the stream, clambering in trees, or inventing games, and enjoying the grounds with friends, rather than staring at a phone or computer.

Elms boarders enjoy a busy weekend. Saturdays start with

life either as serving personnel, military spouses or children of serving members of the Armed Forces, so there is a wealth of empathy and understanding of the specific challenges and demands of military life.

ETHOS AND AIMS

The Elms’ ethos encourages pupils to make the very best of life. Whether in the classroom, in the theatre or the art room, on the sports pitches or the farm, in the equestrian arena, the great outdoors, or the boarding house, our aim is for every child to become the very best version of themselves.

morning activities for the younger boarders and lessons for the older children, followed by Chapel and lunch. In the afternoon pupils play sport and there is often an extensive programme of sports fixtures. After the formal day, children can help on the farm or play, and equestrian enthusiasts can ride too, before enjoying an evening activity.

On Sundays, after a relaxed brunch, boarders head off for activities and outings, ranging from cycling in the Forest of Dean to picnics and games at the beach, or exploring the countryside around us.

Elms pupils are renowned for their ‘can-do’ attitude, their eagerness to have a go, and approaching each challenge with determination, perseverance, and an open mind. At the heart of our community is a real sense of family, of fun and of kindness and consideration.

ACADEMICS, A GREENHOUSE NOT A HOTHOUSE

As a non-selective school, we are committed to ensuring each child fulfils their academic potential, whatever their ability. Our small class sizes allow us to continuously monitor progress, and to ensure that your child attains and exceeds their goals, and continues to reach for new targets.

Those who show particular aptitude for a subject are quickly identified as potential scholars and are encouraged to follow our scholarship pathways. There is extensive in-class support on hand to

nurture and stretch all ability levels. Individual tuition is also available for pupils who require supplementary support in specific areas.

As a stand-alone prep school, we are not biased towards any one senior school, which allows us to work in partnership with parents to find the best fit for each individual. Pupils gain entry to a wide range of top senior schools, and we achieve 100% Common Entrance pass rates. Despite being non-selective, over 50% of our pupils secure senior school scholarships.

SPORT

The ‘can do’ attitude of all the boys and girls means that The Elms punches far above its weight in sporting competitions, and numerous pupils have achieved success at regional and national level over the years.

All pupils from age 7 and above have games lessons every day and, regardless of ability, every child has the chance to represent the school regularly in each major sport. Sports at The Elms include rugby, netball, hockey, football, cricket, tennis, athletics, cross country and swimming. An abundance of other

RIDING AT THE ELMS

Riding takes place throughout the year and children are welcome to ride the school ponies or bring their own pony to school. Our fabulous riding arena allows children to learn to ride and develop their skills with our team of experienced and enthusiastic instructors year-round. There are further opportunities for afternoon, evening and weekend hacks, and riders regularly compete in triathlons, tetrathlons, showjumping and cross-country events.

sports are also on offer through our eclectic clubs programme.

Whatever their starting level, your child will be encouraged to have a go at everything and to find their sporting niche, or to immerse themselves in lots of sports, according to their individual interests.

Our sports facilities are excellent, with numerous playing fields, a floodlit Astroturf, riding arena and cross-country course within the 40-acre site. Our indoor sports facilities include a large multi-purpose sports hall, an indoor swimming pool and an air pistol range.

ARTS

We place great importance on the creative arts and on giving every child the opportunity to be involved and ‘have a go’. Pupils have weekly timetabled lessons for Drama, Music, Art and DT, as well as many other opportunities to get involved through our extensive programme of clubs.

Our numerous and varied drama productions are enormous fun, whilst also building all-important confidence and developing great communication skills from an early age.

Music is enthusiastically taught at all stages, both individually

(over half of our pupils have individual tuition on an instrument) and in the classroom. We offer lessons in a wide range of instruments, from piano to electric guitar, and all pupils are encouraged to take part in the school’s various bands and choirs.

Art and Design Technology at The Elms is also exciting, nurturing both creativity and technical know-how. We aim to equip our pupils with the skills to derive pleasure from the visual arts, through the creation of their own work and the appreciation of that of others.

THE SCHOOL FARM

As a school with its own working farm, everyone is encouraged to get involved in looking after our pedigree livestock. We have a herd of prize-winning Hereford cattle, a flock of Shropshire sheep, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, pygmy goats, free-range chickens, ducks, and, of course, plenty of ponies! Every break time pupils rush down to the farm, eager for guidance from the farm team as to how they can help today.

Many pupils compete at agricultural shows, such as the Royal Three Counties. One of the highlights of the year is our very own Elms Show, at which pupils can share their handling and grooming skills with friends and family. Each year group also has a weekly Rural Studies lesson, led by our Farm Manager, during which they learn about life cycles, foraging, rearing livestock, environmental management, sustainability and our responsibilities to the natural world, and so much more.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

In addition to all the wonderful opportunities that the farm and equestrian facilities provide, pupils at The Elms enjoy a superb breadth of choice in terms of clubs and activities. The huge selection of clubs on offer each term include such

‘A children’s paradise – like something out of Enid Blyton’ Elms

activities as: Air Pistol Shooting, Foraging, Singing, Art, Dance, Green Fingers, Horrible Histories, Rock Band, Tennis, Cookery, Swimming, Showing, Pony Management, and Instrumentalists

ADMISSIONS

Our Head of Admissions, Aurora Mercer, is herself the daughter of an Army Chaplain, and her husband served for over 20 years, so she knows from her own experience as a child, a wife, and as a mother of three children who were all educated with the support of the CEA system, what boarding is like for service families.

The Elms School is a mainstream but non-selective school and entry is based on previous school reports and an informal interview with the Headmaster, and where practicable, a taster day or boarding taster. We hold open days throughout the year, but we love to welcome families for personal visits so that we can get to know you and your child. If you would like to find out more about all the opportunities that The Elms School can offer your child, we would be delighted to hear from you:

Email: registrar@elmsschool. co.uk/phone 01684 540344/website www.elmsschool.co.uk

parent

EAST MIDLANDS

Consists of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

An area of cosmopolitan cities, charming market towns, historical buildings and plenty of opportunities to get out and about to explore nature.

The Peak district covers a swathe of land in the East Midlands, where you can walk along one of the many trails through the undulating hills. Many charming villages such as Bakewell are well worth a visit, as well as the grand stately homes such as Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House.

Foxton Locks in Leicestershire is where you will find the steepest and longest staircase locks in the UK. Also in Leicestershire is the town of Melton Mowbray, famous for the Melton Mowbray pork pie. Every year it hosts a large food

festival, where there are hundreds of stalls with interesting local produce to try and buy.

If you’re looking for historic England, then a visit to Lincoln will not disappoint, with its medieval cathedral on top of the hill, timber framed houses and quaint tearooms. Further afield, Lincolnshire host golden sandy beaches and wind swept sand dunes.

Althorp in Northamptonshire, is home to the Spencer family and the final resting place of Princess Diana. Moreover, Northampton is probably best known for its boot and shoe making industry and has made shoes for people such as HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Ernest Shackleton and James Bond. It’s most famous brand is the Dr Martens which are still very popular today.

Once part of Leicestershire, but now independent Rutland is home to the largest man-made lake, Rutland Water which is popular for bird-watchers, boaters, walkers and cyclists.

One of the East Midland’s well most b well-known forests, Sherwood Pines.b

Bradgate Park is a huge coutry park in Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire. It covers 850 acres of woodland and grounds to explore.

BOSWORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

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* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

BROOKE HOUSE COLLEGE AND FOOTBALL ACADEMY

The teachers are very helpful. I can’t pick a favourite teacher because everyone is really nice. My experience of Bosworth is the people are very friendly and the teachers really push you to achieve your best.

Apy, GCSE Student

BOSWORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL WHERE INDIVIDUALS THRIVE

A welcoming coeducational school for students aged 11 to 18, Bosworth Independent School nurtures every student to pursue their talents and ambitions.

Located in Northamptonshire, Bosworth Independent School offers a traditional boarding school, with a focus on academic progress, with a multicultural feel. Committed to academic success for each student, our teaching ensures steady progress, whilst our wider curriculum provides opportunities to develop other talents and passions.

Our approach means that our students are confident in

themselves, and their skill set, which sets them up for success beyond school life. Our success is evident in our student progressions to top UK universities, to study Law, Medicine and Economics, and into creative industries and other opportunities.

In 2023, Bosworth students obtained places to The University of Edinburgh, the University of Warwick and University of Nottingham. Two students progressed to the prestigious Parsons School of Design (at The New School in New York) and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD in Georgia, USA), with merit-based scholarships. These students are now pursuing degrees in art and design, the first steps to success in creative fields.

Our student body comprises local British students and

international students with over 30 nationalities represented. This multicultural mix enables students to develop the intercultural communication and understanding that is increasingly essential in our interconnected world. Students build strong friendships that span the globe and frequently praise the welcoming community where every student is recognised and supported. Multiculturalism and diversity are embedded into our school values, reflected in our regular activities that celebrate and share our students’ success, stories and cultures.

ACADEMICS

As a non-selective school, we focus on supporting students to make progress from their educational starting point. Our students do achieve top grades at GCSE and A Level, but we also recognise and celebrate personal academic progress beyond examinations. Our aim is to develop confident, independent learners with strong personal values and self-belief, who realise their full potential. We support students to achieve academic success however that looks for them.

We offer a broad, rigorous curriculum that builds knowledge

and skills sequentially to ensure strong foundations for further study. Taught by highly qualified academics, our students are supportively challenged to progress academically and to develop the research, communication and critical thinking skills that will serve them well at university, in their careers and beyond. We support them to thrive as individuals who succeed in their personal journeys.

At GCSE and A Level, students are well prepared for examinations with high quality teaching, revision sessions and personalised support. The traditional two year route for both GCSE and A Level is popular with our student body. However, we also offer Fast Track GCSE, where students can achieve five GCSEs, including Maths and English, in one year. A Level students may also consider our shorter A Level course, which runs over 18 months. This shorter programme may be suitable for students returning to the UK or moving schools during Sixth Form. It is important that students understand that the 18-month programme is more demanding but still achievable for a determined student.

Our broad curriculum sparks students’ interest in the sciences, arts and humanities. We ensure that they have a strong foundation to pursue any academic field with confidence. Our STEM provision is particularly strong with our recently refurbished, high quality labs acting as an excellent teaching facility. Our students do achieve top grades in Maths and the sciences with many A Level students progressing to pursue degrees in STEM subjects. At GCSE, in 2023, 100% of Further Maths grades were A* and over 80% of grades were A*/A for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

BOARDING

Our boarding provision provides a secure, welcoming home from home within walking distance of the main school buildings. The short walk between the boarding houses and school provides a supported transition to the independence of university and adult life. Our younger pupils are supported by experienced house parents to pack their bags and manage their time effectively, with a scaffolded approach to preparing our Sixth Formers to be independent, responsible young adults.

Each house offers comfortable bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities, shared kitchen facilities and excellent shared, recreational spaces. House parents arrange varied activities across the week,

Bosworth offers a unique educational experience for every child. Our diverse multicultural environment offers an opportunity to learn about the world, developing intercultural communication skills and understanding, in a traditional educational setting. We value every student as an individual, nurturing their passions, talents and ambitions, whether they are academic, creative or athletic. This is a school where students thrive; where they are prepared to pursue their dreams and goals.

Jason Lewis Headmaster

creating an engaging boarding life that provides opportunities to quiet study and socialisation. Recent activities include film and karaoke nights, trips to local historical sites and cultural events, including Lunar New Year.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Bosworth offers an extensive co-curricular programme that allows students to pursue academic, social, artistic, musical and sporting interests beyond the classroom. We believe that participating in a wide range of activities in an important addition to a successful personal and academic life at school. Through their chosen activities, our students learn to use their knowledge and skills independently and collaboratively with peers, developing their confidence, creativity and communication skills.

Our co-curricular programme takes two forms. Firstly, we offer daily, after-school activities that run for the full term. Activities vary between terms, although some clubs, such as Med-Soc, Music and Art, run all year. Secondly, we offer one-off activities that provide opportunities to develop perseverance, resilience and confidence. In academic year 2023/2024, these activities have included sailing, rock climbing and golf.

CONCLUSION

Bosworth Independent School offers a warm, welcoming educational environment where students develop their potential as individuals. With a traditional boarding environment, we deliver a well-rounded education that facilities academic progress and nurtures artistic, athletic and other talents. Our students become confident, responsible young adults, well prepared for their personal academic and professional futures.

WALES

Wales is part of the United Kingdom mainland and is bordered by England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south and the Irish Sea in the north and west. It has a population just over 3 million, making it the 2nd smallest of the countries that are part of the United Kingdom.

The first settlements on Welsh land are thought to have been around 230,000 years ago. After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, Britain divided into several different cultures which spoke their own languages. Wales was the largest of these settlements and began to be known as Wales.

Since 1282 the heir apparent to the English monarch has been known as the “Prince of Wales”. During the 15th and 16th century the Welsh launched several revolts against the English, which were all unsuccessful. In 1707 Wales become part of the Kingdom of Great Britain, and then in 1801 they became part of the United Kingdom retaining much of their culture under this new ruling.

Wales covers a substantial 8,023 square miles with large sections of the landscape being largely mountainous terrain. The English counties that border Wales are Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

The regions that are particularly noted for their mountain ranges are Snowdonia (Pictured - where you’ll find the highest mountain in Wales, which is Mount Snowdon at 914m), Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons are also National Parks along with the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is the largest city in the country. There are five other cities in the country; Bangor, Newport, St Asaph, Swansea and the smallest city in the United Kingdom, St Davids with a population of just 2,000 people.

The largest town in Wales is Wrexham closely followed by Barry, both with populations of over 50,000 people.

The main road that runs through Wales is the M4 which crosses into Wales from England via the Second Severn Crossing and then runs through the south of the country before ending at Port Abraham. Before the opening of the Second Severn Crossing the main access used to be via the Severn Bridge which is still operational today. The two main roads that provide access in the north

of the country are the A55 and A494. The A483 and A470 link the north and south of Wales passing through the centre of the county.

Wales has two airports with Cardiff providing services to other UK airports and international destinations, while Anglesey runs two return flights daily to Cardiff. There are 923 miles of mainline railway in Wales and these provide a vital link to a number of rural destinations along with the major towns and cities.

With its own language, customs and iconic flag, Wales is a fascinating country which boasts a wealth of culture to see and discover. The country is symbolised by its vibrant flag, which features a red dragon and Tudor colours, once used by Henry Tudor during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Other symbols that are linked to the country include the daffodil and leek. The use of the daffodil was encouraged by the politician and statesman David Lloyd-George in the 19th century, while the association with the leek dates back even further to the 16th century. The leek once featured on British Pound Coins.

The Welsh language, which stems from the Celtic languages, is still spoken in Wales. However, in the 2011 census less than 30% reported that they were able to speak Welsh. The country also has its own mythology which was passed orally through generations by early poets.

The list of people below all have links to the country after having been born here or living in Wales for a sustained period of time.

•Catherine Zeta Jones (Actress)

•Gareth Bale (Footballer)

•Christian Bale (Actor)

•Tom Jones (Singer)

•Ryan Giggs (Footballer)

•Roald Dahl (Author)

•Anthony Hopkins (Actor)

•Timothy Dalton (Actor)

•Bonnie Tyler (Singer)

•Shirley Bassey (Singer)

•Charlotte Church (Singer)

•Katherine Jenkins (Singer)

•Rob Brydon (Actor)

•Tanni Grey-Thompson (Olympian)

•Joe Calzaghe (Boxer)

•Dylan Thomas (Poet)

•Gareth Edwards (Rugby player)

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MYDDELTON COLLEGE

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

STATE

BOARDING SCHOOLS

You may be surprised to learn that there are currently 40 state boarding schools.

They offer a more affordable option when considering your child’s education to an Independent Boarding school, mainly because the education is free, with parents only having to pay the boarding fees.

There are eligibility requirements to attend state boarding schools, with admission being restricted to children who are nationals of the UK and are eligible to hold a full UK passport, or those who are nationals of other European Economic Area (EEA) countries or those who have the right of residence in the UK. Holding a BN(O) passport does not make a child eligible for a state boarding school in the UK. A student needing a visa under Tier 4 immigration rules will not be permitted to attend a UK state boarding school.

Most state boarding schools are for pupils aged between 11-18 with most of them being mixed, but there are some that are single sex. Some of which are grammar schools which will require the same tests and entry exams for boarders.

You will be able to view all the key information about each state boarding school from the directory listings below. State boarding schools offer an alternative for parents that may be put off by the high fees, but still like the idea of continuity of education as well as the benefits of smaller classrooms, excellent teaching standards and the

continuous support that boarders receive. Many of these school’s rank amongst the highest in the results tables for GCSE’s and A Levels.

The majority of the students in state boarding schools tend to be day pupils, however many of the full time boarders will be service parents children, this is because they often require their child/children to have continued education, without the upheaval of long distance travelling or even changing schools. This is often because serving members of the armed forces can be moved and stationed in different parts of the UK or overseas.

Many boarding schools now offer weekly and termly boarding, which includes all the same benefits for student, a safe and welcoming environment, high quality education, and with Ofsted inspecting the quality of the boarding as well as the education ensures a clean, comfortable and happy place to learn, study and relax in.

State boarding schools give priority to children who have a particular need to board and will assess children’s suitability for boarding. Below are the contact details for each of the state boarding schools

HABERDASHERS’ ADAMS

High Street, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7BD

Tel: +44 (0)1952 953810

E-mail: reception@adamsgs.uk

Website: www.adamsgs.uk

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding 11–18 and day 11–18, and co-educational day 16–18

ASHBY SCHOOL

Nottingham Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1DH

Tel: +44 (0)1530 413748

E-mail: admin@ashbyschool.org.uk

Website: www.ashbyschool.org.uk

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding and co-educational day 11–19

BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL

Alexandra Park, Bath BA2 4RE

Tel: +44 (0)1225 480466

E-mail: headmaster@beechencliff.org.uk

Website: www.beechencliff.org.uk

Type: Boys boarding 11–19 and day 11–16, and co-educational day 16–19

BRYMORE ACADEMY

Cannington, Bridgewater, Somerset TA5 2NB

Tel: +44 (0)1278 652369

E-mail: office@brymore.somerset.sch.uk

Website: www.brymoreacademy.co.uk

Type: Boys boarding and day 11–17

BURFORD SCHOOL

Cheltenham Road, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PL

Burford Boarding School – Lenthall House, Church Lane, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4SA

Tel: +44 (0)1993 823303

E-mail: admin.4040@burford.oxon.sch.uk

Website: www.burford.oxon.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–19

COLCHESTER

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

6 Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 3ND

Tel: +44 (0)1206 509100

E-mail: info@crgs.co.uk

Website: www.crgs.co.uk

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding 16–18 and day 11–16, and co-educational day 16–18

CRANBROOK SCHOOL

Waterloo Road, Kent TN17 3JD

Tel: +44 (0)1580 711800

E-mail: enquiries@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk

Website: www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 13–18

DALLAM SCHOOL

Haverflatts Lane, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7DD

Tel: +44 (0)15395 65165

E-mail: enquiries@dallam.eu

Website: www.dallam.eu

Type: Co-educational full boarding and day 11–19

DE ASTON SCHOOL

Willingham Road, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3RF

Tel: +44 (0)1673 843415

E-mail: enquiries@de-aston.lincs.sch.uk

Website: www.de-aston.lincs.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

Guston, Dover, Kent CT15 5EQ

Tel: +44 (0)1304 245023

E-mail: admissions@doyrms.com

Website: www.doyrms.com

Type: Co-educational full boarding 11–18

EXETER MATHEMATICS SCHOOL

Rougemont House, Castle Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3PU

Type: Co-educational weekly boarding and day 16-19

GORDON’S SCHOOL

West End, Surrey Heath, Surrey GU24 9PT

Tel: +44 (0)1276 858084

E-mail: info@gordons.school

Website: www.gordons.school

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

THE HAREFIELD ACADEMY

Northwood Way, Harefield, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 6ET

Tel: +44 (0)1895 822108

E-mail: info@theharefieldacademy.org

Website: www.theharefieldacademy.org

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

HOCKERILL

ANGLO-EUROPEAN COLLEGE

Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 5HX

Tel: +44 (0)1279 658451

E-mail: admin@hockerill.com

Website: www.hockerill.com

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–19

HOLYPORT COLLEGE

Ascot Road, Holyport, Berkshire SL6 3LE

Tel: +44 (0)1628 770442

E-mail: info@holyportcollege.org.uk

Website: www.holyportcollege.org.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–19

KESWICK SCHOOL

Vicarage Hill, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5QB

Tel: +44 (0)17687 72605

E-mail: admin@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk

Website: www.keswick.cumbria.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

LANCASTER

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

East Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3EF

Tel: +44 (0)1524 580600

E-mail: Via website

Website: www.lrgs.org.uk

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

LIVERPOOL COLLEGE

Queen’s Drive, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 8BG

Tel: +44 (0)151 724 4000

E-mail: admin@liverpoolcollege.org.uk

Website: www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding 16–19 and day 4–19

OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL

Heath Lane, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1QX

Tel: +44 (0)1384 817300

E-mail: reception@oshsch.com

Website: www.oshsch.com

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding 11–18 and day 11–16, and co-educational day 16–18

PETER SYMONDS COLLEGE

Owens Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 6RX

Tel: +44 (0)1962 857500

E-mail: psc@psc.ac.uk

Website: www.psc.ac.uk

Type: Co-educational full boarding and day 16–19

POLAM HALL SCHOOL

Grange Road, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5PA

Tel: +44 (0)1325 463383

E-mail: information@polamhall.com

Website: www.polamhall.com

Type: Co-educational boarding 8–19 and day 4–19

THE PRIORY ACADEMY LSST

Cross O’Cliff Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN5 8PW

Tel: +44 (0)1522 889977

E-mail: general.enquiries@prioryacademies. co.uk

Website: www.prioryacademies.co.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

QE ACADEMY TRUST

Western Road campus, Western Road, Crediton, Devon EX17 3LU

Tel: +44 (0)1363 773401

E-mail: admin@qe.devon.sch.uk

Website: www.qe.devon.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

READING SCHOOL

Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5LW

Tel: +44 (0)118 901 5600

E-mail: secretary@reading-school.co.uk

Website: www.reading-school.co.uk

Type: Boys boarding and day 11–18

RICHARD HUISH COLLEGE

South Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3DZ

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 16-19

RIPON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 2DG

Tel: +44 (0)1765 602647

E-mail: admin@ripongrammar.co.uk

Website: www.ripongrammar.co.uk

Type: Co-educational weekly boarding and day 11–18

ROYAL ALEXANDRA AND ALBERT SCHOOL

Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD

Tel: +44 (0)1737 649000

E-mail: admissions@gatton-park.org.uk

Website: www.raa-school.co.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 7–18

THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL HIGH WYCOMBE

Amersham Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 6QT

Tel: +44 (0)1494 524955

E-mail: Via website

Website: www.rgshw.com

Type: Boys full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL

Sun Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4TD

Tel: +44 (0)1582 765477

E-mail: admin@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

Website: www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

SEXEY’S SCHOOL

Cole Road, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0DF

Tel: +44 (0)1749 813393

E-mail: admissions@sexeys.somerset.sch.uk

Website: www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

SHAFTESBURY SCHOOL

Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8ER

Tel: +44 (0)1747 854498

E-mail: office@shaftesburyschool.co.uk

Website: www.shaftesburyschool.com

Type: Co-educational full boarding and day 11–18

SIR ROGER

MANWOOD’S SCHOOL

Manwood Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9JX

Tel: +44 (0)1304 613286

E-mail: info@srms.kent.sch.uk

Website: www.srms.kent.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

SKEGNESS

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Vernon Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2QS

Tel: +44 (0)1754 610000

E-mail: enquiries@sgs.lincs.sch.uk

Website: www.sgs.lincs.sch.uk

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

STEYNING

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Shooting Field, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RX

Tel: +44 (0)1903 814555

E-mail: sgs@sgs.uk.net

Website: www.sgs.uk.net

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

THE FIVE ISLANDS SCHOOL

Carn Gwaval, Church Road, St Marys, Isles of Scilly TR21 0NA

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 5-16

THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL

Lowe Hill, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5UB

Tel: +44 (0)1939 237000

E-mail: enquiries@thomasadams.org.uk

Website: www.thomasadams.org.uk

Type: Co-educational full boarding and day 11–18

THE

ROYAL SCHOOL, WOLVERHAMPTON

Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV3 0EG

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 4-19

WELBECK

– THE DEFENCE

SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

Forest Road, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8WD

Tel: +44 (0)1509 891700

E-mail: helpdesk@dsfc.ac.uk

Website: www.dsfc.ac.uk

Type: Co-educational full boarding 16–18

THE WELLINGTON ACADEMY

Tidworth, Wiltshire SP11 9RR

Tel: +44 (0)1264 405060

E-mail: admin@thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

Website: www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11–18

WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

Golf Links Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9SZ

Tel: +44 (0)1953 609000

E-mail: enquiries@wymcol.org

Website: www.wymondhamcollege.org

Type: Co-educational boarding and day 11–18

STATE BOARDING

The previous pages show the list of state boarding schools. A state boarding school is one where you pay for boarding and the education is free.

The government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England. This means you would be paying around £4,000 a term for full boarding. Forces families are encouraged to consider state boarding schools when choosing a boarding school. Many are surprised to find that, in fact, state boarding schools could easily be mistaken for independent schools. Boarding

facilities are comfortable and homely, sports and academic facilities are top class and many state schools top national league tables. With so much going for them, state boarding schools are an attractive and realistic option for Forces families.

The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) provided to qualifying MOD families. The MOD would expect you to pay 10% of charges so, for a state boarding school charging £4,000 per term, your contribution would be £400 per term.

Some Forces families receive further assistance in the form of Childcare Vouchers, and these can be put towards the 10% parental contribution.

THE BEST OF BOARDING CARE

State boarding school facilities, pastoral care and the quality of teaching is frequently judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Most schools are 11-18 schools, though some offer boarding at primary level. Most schools are mixed, but there are a small number of girls’ schools or boys’ schools. Some schools are selective.

EXCELLENT RESULTS

Each year, state boarding schools regularly out-perform other state schools with many topping academic league tables around the country. The combination of the excellent state-funded education and a stable boarding community enables pupils to make the most of their talents and abilities.

PLEASE NOTE

Admission to state boarding schools in the UK is limited to children who are nationals of the UK and are eligible to hold a full UK passport, or those who are nationals of other European Union countries or those who have the right of residence in the UK. Please note that the holding of a BN(O) passport does not make the child eligible for a state boarding school in the UK.

There are many reasons for choosing a state boarding school for your child. Here are just a few.

Excellent Education

All state boarding schools follow the National Curriculum and pupils take the same exams as they would in a state day school. Whilst the exams are the same, the performance exceeds that of many other schools with state boarding schools frequently featuring at the top of league tables. This applies to selective and non-selective schools.

Top quality boarding facilities

By selecting a state boarding school parents are choosing top quality boarding care. Many schools have new boarding houses with state-of-the-art facilities and staff that are totally committed to the well-being of the children.

When you can get top quality, education combined with stateof-the-art boarding facilities it is easy to see why so many parents choose state boarding education for their children.

Wide choice of schools

Parents will usually find a school that meets their requirements - however specific they are. There are selective schools and comprehensive schools: co-ed and single-sex schools: primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges: specialists in many different subjects: all boarding or minority boarding. The schools are spread throughout the United Kingdom.

EAST OF ENGLAND

Also known as East Anglia, comprises of historic counties of Norfolk and Suffolk as well as Cambridgeshire and Essex.

East Anglia was one of the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England, consisting of the north people (Norfolk) and south people (Suffolk)

The Norfolk Broads are unique man-made wetlands with 125 miles of navigable rivers to explore the beautiful countryside and wildlife by boat. Hunstanton, Cromer, Great Yarmouth and Wells-Next-The-Sea have great beaches for a summers day, and you can also take a boat trip to see Common and Grey Seal colonies from Blakeney Point.

One of the queens residence, Sandringham estate in Norfolk, is a beautiful place to visit and walk around the grounds.

Cambridge, home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, famed for its choir and towering Gothic chapel. The

University has educated students such as Charles Darwin, Oliver Cromwell and David Attenborough to name just a few. The University has also been a popular film location for many films such as, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ and ‘The Theory of Everything’ –a film documenting the life about the famous physicist, Stephen Hawkins. Furthermore, whilst in Cambridge why not take a punting ride on the River Cam to explore the ‘backs’.

Britains oldest town, Colchester in Essex, is best known for being the capital of Roman Britain. The Castle is a huge Norman keep, built on the foundations of a Roman temple.

East Anglia is never short of things to see and do, from coastal towns and pretty villages to going back in time with its wealth of history.

Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea.

Large herd of Fallow Deer in the grounds of Holkham Hall, Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea.

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THE LEYS

NEW HALL SCHOOL

FINBOROUGH SCHOOL

WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

FRAMLINHAM COLLEGE

IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

* This map is for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

NEW HALL SCHOOL

New Hall School is characterised by warmth. Teachers approach their vocation as educators with passion and pride.

One of New Hall’s biggest strengths is the ability of our teaching staff to balance delivery of the curriculum with helping each child to hone their talents and interests. To paraphrase words of our Principal: what makes us special is our determination to develop the whole child; to help them understand how to be a force for good and be able to see from a perspective different from their own.

Students across all Divisions are supported by specialist teachers who have a passion for their subject and for passing on their knowledge to the next generation. This is evident in the successful tradition

of our sports programmes.

New Hall is a Saracens partnership school, is ranked in The Cricketer’s top 100 schools, and the 1st VII Netball team achieved bronze at the World Schools Netball Cup. Many students go on to achieve great individual successes, for example in the last year, students have qualified to represent Team GB in skiing, competed at Junior Wimbledon and signed

to professional football clubs including Arsenal and Ipswich Town. The value of New Hall’s sporting provision has been recognised with the award of ‘Highly Commended’ for Sport in a Large School by the Independent Schools Association Awards receiving.

This year witnessed the reopening of New Hall’s Equestrian Centre, originally opened by HRH Princess Anne in 1979. At New Hall’s main site, a new Learn-toRide Centre includes two stateof-the-art Equestrian Simulators, catering for beginners and seasoned riders alike. A satellite equestrian and outdoor learning facility is being developed at New Hall Park Farm, Little Baddow, a

couple of miles from the main site. Here, New Hall students benefit from a stunning 70-acre private country park.

Students can take advantage of involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The Scheme has proved to be an extremely popular co-curricular option with nearly 150 students actively engaged in attaining one of the levels, with expeditions both locally and further afield in the Peak District and Brecon Beacons. The Scheme encourages personal

development physically and ensures that students develop skills beyond their normal repertoire. The volunteering component is very much in keeping with our School ethos and encourages service from our students as well as developing strong leadership qualities.

This success overflows both into New Hall’s performing arts and academic performances. New Hall dancers have competed at the Dance World Cup and performed in Matilda The Musical in the West End, as well as gained sponsorship from the English National Ballet in the Ballet Futures Programme. New Hall musicians have gained places on the Junior Guildhall programme, are performing in the School of Rock musical Asia tour, and are performing with the Essex Youth Orchestras.

Former students, known as Old Fishes, have excelled in their careers, with Flt Lt Shipley, the Officer Commanding of 308 Squadron, welcoming HM King Charles, and the Queen Consort to Colchester Castle, for the coronation year celebrations with the Lord Lieutenant. Old Fishes,

Dom Morris and Josh Hallett, both progressed through the Saracens’ partnership programme and have been part of the Saracens Men’s team for the last eight years. In 2022, actress and writer Joanna Scanlan took home the BAFTA for Leading Actress, against the likes of Lady Gaga.

A stimulating curriculum in the Prep Division provides pupils with opportunities to contextualise knowledge, practise skills and broaden understanding. The Year 5 and 6 pupils benefit from a curriculum taught by subject specialist teachers who provide them with challenge and an indepth understanding of subjects such as Science and Politics. This prepares them for their continued development in the Senior Divisions.

New Hall’s Cookery Department expanded in 2024, to include an innovative, high-specification additional Cookery Room, where an immersive modern languages experience is offered to students who learn traditional French and Spanish cuisine, with all teaching and learning exclusively in the target language. Taught by specialists and native French and Spanish teachers, students engage in weekly Spanish Cookery Club and termly French Soirées. This cross-curricular approach enables New Hall to buck the national trend of decline in modern language learning. New Hall students have a strong international outlook.

New Hall’s boarding provision is as old as the School itself, with those who have experienced boarding at New Hall knowing that they have been part of something special. Offered to students from Years 3-13, the boarding provision allows students to explore their talents and interests further with the opportunity to attend

co-curricular activities such as the Swim Academy, who begin training at 7.00am, evening gym sessions, Farm Club, and weekend programmes such as sport matches and our Saturday Dance School. Students enjoy beautiful, extensive grounds that form the setting of the magnificent former Tudor palace of Beaulieu, which has New Hall’s historic Chapel at its centre.

Our Head Boy, Prajj, has been a boarder since coming to the School in Year 7. “As a child from a Forces family, it is normal to see your parents leave for months, so when I first left my family to study here at New Hall, I felt uneasy. However, the staff were instantly welcoming and there were many chances to make new friends. They were like my second family. Everyone was welcomed with open arms no matter where they were from, near or far and this is what I like about New Hall. You feel a sense of belonging. New Hall has helped me to develop as a student and a person by pushing me to strive for excellence, which has helped me to achieve outstanding results.”

Boarders benefit from the extra support of residential staff that aids both their co-curricular and

academic success. Romilly is a boarder at New Hall, she plays in the orchestra, studies Japanese and plays for the School’s netball team. Before starting her Sixth Form studies, she achieved ten grade 9s at New Hall. “The boarding environment has given me so many great experiences, and an incredible level of support to help me achieve this set of grades.”

With all Houses located in the Main School Building, boarding is both literally and metaphorically at the heart of the School. Each House has its own distinct character which radiates through the School community, with students wearing their house badges and ties with pride. We ensure that students feel relaxed and happy in their home away from home.

New Hall School is committed to supporting families in the British Forces, offering an Armed Forces Award for full boarders (girls and boys aged 7-18) ensuring that families only pay 10% of net fee payable, together with a Forces Co-Curricular Grant, and discounted full boarding fees for those in receipt of MOD Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). For more information, please go to our website: www.newhallschool.co.uk

NAVIGATING SUCCESS

NAVIGATING SUCCESS

DISCOVER YOUR PATHWAY

An ambitious and supportive boarding education based on the stunning Suffolk coast.

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN MORNING OR TASTER DAY

Scholarships and Bursaries available

ROYALHOSPITALSCHOOL.ORG

Independent / Co-educational / Boarding & Day / Ages 11-18

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

The Royal Hospital School (RHS) is set in 200 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside overlooking the Stour Estuary and about an hour from both London and Cambridge.

Founded in 1712 in Greenwich to provide education for children of naval seafarers, the school moved to Suffolk in 1933, and has continued to grow in size and reputation to become one of East Anglia’s leading independent schools, providing a full and broad education, fit for the modern world. With over 325 boarders making up the pupil body of 650, our extensive grounds and boarding houses allow pupils to thrive in an exceptional environment. Pupils entering at age 11 join our coeducational Junior House, giving them a chance to get to know the whole year group and settle into

life at senior school. Pupils then move into either a boys’ or girls’ boarding house, before joining our co-education house, Nelson House, in Year 13. We encourage pupils to aim high and to contribute to the life of the school. We challenge them to challenge themselves both academically and beyond the classroom. There are endless opportunities to explore, grow

and find their own direction. Our extensive curriculum promotes a well-balanced attitude in our pupils, leading to them becoming ambitious citizens. We combine the best of academic rigour with the latest digital technology. Individuals are inspired to think creatively and take initiative through varied teaching and learning strategies that are aligned to their own pace and progress.

BOARDING

Today, pupils join RHS from all over the world to take advantage of our excellent boarding provision, including many from families serving in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marines and RAF). Our wellbeing team is tuned in to the additional anxiety some pupils may experience as a result of their parents being in service, or deployed overseas, and have sensitive measures in place to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. We have an extremely active Combined Cadet Force (CCF) (Army, Navy, Marines and RAF) and appreciate the many links we have to parents and alumni working in these areas.

Boarders are able to enjoy the facilities, on our extensive campus, in the evenings and at weekends. This includes our coffee shop, fitness suite, astro-pitch, tennis and netball courts, football pitches, swimming pool, martial arts studio, climbing wall, golf course,

plus stunning walks to our local beach. A small supermarket is just a short walk away, where boarding pupils enjoy stocking up on their favourite snacks. Our younger boarders can enjoy a programme of activities on Saturdays. Then, from year 8, pupils attend Saturday School, where lessons take place in the morning, followed by sport in the afternoons. A vast range of co-curricular activities may be enjoyed throughout the week, including in the evenings and at weekends. Saturday evening and Sunday activities include planned trips to the theatre in London, shopping and cinema trips to Ipswich, and visits to theme parks such as Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Full boarders also enjoy some downtime on Sundays, with a later breakfast and the flexibility to catch up with friends and family. They may choose to watch a film or play games with friends in their boarding houses. Our boarding house team also plan activities in house such as quizzes, BBQs, team games and other social events.

SPORTS

Alongside traditional English team sports such as cricket, hockey, netball and rugby, RHS also offers additional sports and activities, such as basketball, climbing, football, golf, kickboxing, horse riding, swimming and tennis. RHS is one of the world’s leading schools for sailing, with its own RYA Training Centre, based at our Sailing Academy at Alton Water Park, a 400-acre reservoir just a five-minute walk away. All children learn to sail in Year 7 and may choose sailing as a sports option in later years. A recent RHS alumnus won the Youth Sailing World Championship 2021. He was a full boarder from Bermuda, who is one of many international sailors who chose RHS for the sailing provision and is placed alongside a number of pupils who have excelled at sailing championships in the past 18 months.

MUSIC

We are well known for musical excellence, with music embedded in the school’s wider culture and ethos. Our state-of-the-art Music School offers a concert hall, recital rooms, practice rooms, recording studio and music technology suite. We also have a cathedralproportioned chapel, housing both a Grand Organ and Classical Organ, and used by our 80-strong choir. We deliver over 400 one-to-one music lessons each week, with everything

from singing to the drum kit on offer, plus a choice of 19 different music groups and bands pupils can join. Our recent musical productions were hits with our pupils and their audiences, these are wonderfully creative opportunities for many to get involved both on stage and backstage.

RHS is proud of its awards, including Finalists in Independent Schools of the Year 2023 and Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards 2023 - Happiest Boarding School. We were delighted to win the Empowering Young Entrepreneurs category, by Muddy Stilettos. In addition, we have the National Whole School Wellbeing silver award 2023.

Our last ISI inspection (2021) rated RHS ‘Excellent’ in all areas, quoting;

“The School realises its aim to enable pupils to grow into the person they wish to become, fulfilling their potential and leaving very well prepared for life ”

“Pupils’ personal development is enhanced by the strong sense of community, fostered by the house system and the boarding experience.”

Headmaster Simon Lockyer, explains the School’s aims and ethos: ‘We inspire our pupils to have the courage to be ambitious for their futures and the commitment to pursue whichever path they choose. We challenge pupils of all academic abilities, steering them to look beyond the moment and beyond the confines of the classroom, and to approach life with an open and receptive mind.

Everyone can achieve the most exceptional things, but we are all different. That is why we focus on the individual, getting to know every one of our pupils and finding out what motivates them. It is this focus on personal challenge and individual guidance that enables our pupils to develop into self-reliant, socially responsible adults with enviable open-mindedness and

resilience qualities that are so sought-after by employers and important in life.’

With Open Mornings in the spring and autumn, and Private Tours throughout the year, we hope to see you soon.

SOUTH WEST

South West England has a stunning coastline which runs along both the Bristol Channel and the English Channel.

Bristol is home to Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, and its neighbouring city of Bath features Roman hotspring baths dating back to the 1st Century A.D. The prehistoric stone circle, Stonehenge, is found in the County of Willtshire.

Cornwall is the western most part of England hosting an abundance of interesting beaches and coves, particularly in Newquay which is renowned for attracting surfers and water sport enthusiasts due to the

area’s huge waves. Of course Lands End, the most westerly point in England, is always worth a visit for those photo opportunities. Not far from Lands End is the Minack Theatre, this open air theatre was designed and created by Rowena Cade, and is beautifully built within the cliffs, looking out over the Atlantic ocean.

If nature is something you like then The Eden Project, in Bodelva bears a fascinating rainforest Biome where you can experience rainforest environments from around the world.

Finally, we must not forget the local delicacies as the Cornish pasties and clotted cream teas, now is it cream first or jam first?

Bedruthan Steps, between Padstow and Newquay

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Whatever your background, whatever your story, we unearth potential in every child.

Find your exceptional at Taunton School.

www.tauntonschool.co.uk /militaryfamilies

PASTORAL CARE

The wellbeing of each individual student is central to life at Taunton School. Across a family of five schools, from nursery to senior school, staff create a sense of belonging to one inclusive, supportive community.

Rooted in kindness and compassion, their approach recognises that without emphasis on a child’s social and emotional development, students will not thrive academically.

They understand students need to explore their passions outside the classroom to discover their true selves and develop a mindset for life. Taunton School offers

more than 150 extra-curricular clubs - ranging from sport and the performing arts to student-led clubs and societies which appeal to every interest.

However, adolescent years can be challenging. This is why Taunton School’s wraparound approach to pastoral care ensures there is always someone to turn to for support. Excellent student-teacher relationships

and regular meetings with an assigned tutor help students with the development of character and social skills. This team effort is an integral part of a student’s time at Taunton School.

A House System mirrors family life for both day students and boarders. Each house is led by a Housemaster or mistress who, in turn, works closely with parents. Older ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ in the house look out for younger students as buddies or peer mentors. This sense of

togetherness provides a secure ‘home-from-home’ platform from which students can embrace the challenges of school life – and growing up.

The School’s Health Centre – at the heart of the campus – plays a pivotal pastoral role. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and staffed by a team of highlyqualified nurses and healthcare staff who take care of students’ physical and mental health needs.

“Excellent pastoral care should be proactive, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to flourish in a rapidly changing global world” says Lyndsay White, Deputy Head Pastoral & Designated Safeguarding Lead, Taunton School.

An adventurous education at Dauntsey’s

Dauntsey’s is a leading co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18 year olds. Set in an estate of 150 acres of idyllic countryside, on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, we offer some 850 pupils challenge and inspiration both inside and outside the classroom.

Pupils are expected to look after each other and this culture of mutual respect leads to a real sense of belonging. We aim to be a school where everyone can be themselves, where friendship and kindness really matter and where pupils make the most of their talents and abilities.

Academic success is at the heart of all that we do, but our ethos is about much more than exam grades. It’s about developing the skills and characteristics, such as resilience, flexibility and a willingness to have a go.

Adventure at Dauntsey’s

Central to this ambition is our approach to adventure. Adventure at Dauntsey’s is not simply an event but something that teaches

invaluable life skills and changes attitudes and behaviour for the better.

150 acres

This spirit of adventure reaches into the classroom where inspirational teaching stretches and nurtures each pupil’s learning. The resilience, determination and willingness to push personal boundaries that many pupils discover through physical challenges are a key aspect of life in the classroom too.

Every member of the school, teachers as well as pupils, is encouraged to question and explore, approach topics from unexpected angles, and unpick and rebuild ideas and attitudes. We want our

pupils to challenge ideas, do their own research and form their own opinions.

This approach ensures that we are equipping pupils with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in whatever the future holds for them.

Outside the Classroom

Sport is a fundamental part of life at Dauntsey’s. As well as developing physical skills and fitness, participation in sport builds confidence and resilience, whilst developing character.

850 pupils

Our sport provision aims to provide ‘sport for all’, whilst pursuing excellence for the

most talented individuals. From elite athletes to energetic all-rounders, there is something for everyone. In addition to this, Dauntsey’s prides itself on the huge range of clubs, societies and activities that exist to provide enrichment and breadth to the academic curriculum - there are over 80 different clubs, activities and societies for pupils to chose from.

80+ clubs & activities

Concerts, masterclasses, drama and dance productions and exhibitions also take place throughout the year.

Pupils are encouraged to get involved with all that is on offer and make the most of the opportunities offered.

Pastoral Support

Pastoral care at Dauntsey’s is about striking a balance between care and personal development. We are here

to help each individual find out more about themselves, enjoy success beyond the classroom, make lasting friendships and of course experience inevitable failures in a safe and supportive environment.

Our House system creates a feeling of belonging and collective responsibility. Our network of care and support reaches every corner of the school; from the teaching staff to the nurses and counsellors, the chaplain to the domestic staff. There is an abundance of staff making sure that the mental, physical and spiritual needs of all pupils are met.

40% boarders

At Dauntsey’s, our ultimate priority is the happiness and fulfilment of everyone in our community. We want the pupils to do better here than they would anywhere else and, in our experience, when pupils are happy, success follows.

Through our adventure programme, the confidence and self-esteem of pupils rises dramatically as they discover what can be achieved.

Sam Moore - Head of Adventure Education

In Adam’s words

“There’s never a dull moment here and I am always surrounded by like-minded people. It’s amazing!

“It’s great fun at The Manor. It feels like coming home at the end of the day. All the Tutors here are so happy and positive and there is always someone to talk to if you are feeling low.

“I have moved home eight times so far - part of me enjoyed that as I met lots of people and saw a lot of different places but I’m really happy to be settled now at Dauntsey’s as a boarder. I’ve also hooked up with some people I had met before who have come here –the Navy is a bit like that – it’s a small community and it’s nice to have some familiar faces further up the school.”

Nestled amongst a 75acre site in the heart of The Cotswolds, Cheltenham Prep School is a co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 3 to 13. After being named ‘Independent Boarding School of the Year ’ in 2023, it is clear our young Cheltonians feel safe, happy and part of the wider school community whilst in their Boarding House.

AN ADVENTURE IN EDUCATION CHELTENHAM PREP SCHOOL

YOUR BOARDING ADVENTURE

Situated at the heart of the main school building, Cade House is our co-educational Boarding House for children aged 7 to 13. The House is run as one huge family by Mr and Mrs Avery and their three girls, Olive, Fleur and Gigi. Having both girls and boys from Years 3 to 8 under one roof really helps to create the sense of an extended family and strengthens our boarding community. With around

" "

Fantastic buildings and amazing facilities are all nice to have, and we are very lucky that we have both in abundance, but they are not what makes a school special. That must come from the staff, from inspiring, dedicated, extraordinary individuals that will, quite genuinely, change the path of your child’s life forever.

Tom

O’Sullivan, Headmaster

50 Full Boarders, more than half of which are from military families, Cade House is bustling busy and exciting every single weekend.

At the end of each school day, the Boarders can turn the school into their playground, enjoying all our facilities. Whether it is to burn off steam or relax in House, there is an activity programme to suit each child’s personality and needs. Although organised fun still has its place, we encourage children to take ownership of their own time, empowering the pupils to choose what they would like to do, depending on how they are feeling. This choice allows the children to naturally develop their independence, taking ownership of their evenings and weekends. Understanding that the needs of a Year 3 Boarder is very different to that of a Year 8 is critical in creating an environment where each Boarder will flourish.

A typical weekend in Cade House is lively and vibrant with

Sport fixtures on a Saturday morning, followed by lunch and an afternoon of activities and trips. The evening is spent together in House – popular events include movie nights, bingo, House quiz, silent discos and more! Sundays are a lovely family day in the Boarding House. Children have an easy start to their day with a pyjama breakfast, followed by a Sunday activity, such as Crazy Golf, cinema trips, climbing walls, GoApe, Aquaventure, Ninja Warrior and many more. Having The Cotswolds and areas of outstanding natural beauty on our doorstep means that we are only a short 15-minute drive from the countryside, where we can take the children to enjoy walks at the weekends.

MORE THAN A BOARDING HOUSE

Our pastoral support system means that Boarders always feel supported, whether that is when they have personal challenges

or to celebrate their success. Our team of Boarding Tutors, Matrons and House staff take time to get to know the characters, personalities, and pressure points of the children in their care, so they feel secure and listened to.

“Boarders say that they value the very strong team spirit and sense of community within the boarding house and being part of the boarding house ‘family’.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023

Our Cade House ‘families’ have further enhanced our pastoral system, bringing the boarding community together as a close-knit family. Each family consists of a range of pupils from Year 3 to Year 8; there will always be younger and older ‘siblings’ in House to chat to and spend time with. Pupils look out for each other within House and during the school day. On a Sunday afternoon, the Boarders end the weekend by sitting together in their families for a roast, enabling them to connect and share success stories between the year groups and families. It is a truly wonderful way to end and reflect on the past week.

THE PERFECT LOCATION

Often referred to as the ‘Heart of The Cotswolds’, Cheltenham is a thriving town, with over 118,000 people. Also known as ‘The Festival Town’, Cheltenham’s festivals attract thousands of regional and international visitors. The town is famous for holding the world’s oldest Literature Festival, along with Jazz, Science, Music and Food Festivals!

The world-renowned Cheltenham National Hunt Festival takes place at the Racecourse in March, and Cheltenham College hosts the annual Cricket Festival, the world’s longest running cricket festival.

Cheltenham Prep is within easy reach of the main Army and RAF bases across the South West. Cheltenham Spa train station is only five minutes by car, with a direct train to Paddington and links to Bristol, Birmingham, Bath and Oxford. Heathrow, Bristol and Birmingham airports are all easily accessible in under two hours.

CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE AND FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Cheltenham has a long and distinguished connection with the military dating back to 1841. We are one of only three schools in England to have its own military colours!

In recognition of our heritage, Cheltenham Prep supports the CEA from the Ministry of Defence. In

addition to CEA, the school offers 15% and 25% discounts to families serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force. These discounts can be combined with a means-tested bursary.

We also support FDCO bursaries and offer an additional 15% discount to FDCO families.

PARENTAL QUOTES

“Definitely one of the best boarding schools in the UK, especially for military families! Our son was at The Prep boarding from Year 3, and he is now at College and our daughter started in Year 4 and is loving it. The school focuses on growth mindset in a huge way and the staff are incredibly supportive. As a family, we love Cheltenham Prep, and the boarding house has a fantastic ‘home away from home’ environment – highly recommend to any military family looking for that ‘forever school’ for their children.”

“This school transformed my son, and he loved every second of his nights in Cade House. Mr Avery is a top-notch housemaster, fizzing with energy.”

LONDON

London, city, capital of the United Kingdom. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre.

London is situated in south eastern England, lying astride the River Thames some 50 miles (80 km) upstream from its estuary on the North Sea. In satellite photographs the metropolis can be seen to sit compactly in a Green Belt of open land, with its principal ring highway (the M25 motorway) threaded around it at a radius of about 20 miles (30 km) from the city centre. The growth of the built-up area was halted by strict town planning controls in the mid-1950s. Its physical limits more or less correspond to the administrative and statistical boundaries separating the metropolitan county of Greater London from the “home counties” of Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire (in clockwise order) to the south of the river and Buckinghamshire,

Hertfordshire, and Essex to the north. The historic counties of Kent, Hertfordshire, and Essex extend in area beyond the current administrative counties with the same names to include substantial parts of the metropolitan county of Greater London, which was formed in 1965. Most of Greater London south of the Thames belongs to the historic county of Surrey, while most of Greater London north of the Thames belongs historically to the county of Middlesex. Area Greater London, 607 square miles (1,572 square km). (2011 prelim.) population of Greater London, 8,173,941.

If the border of the metropolis is well defined, its internal structure is immensely complicated and defies description. Indeed, London’s defining characteristic

is an absence of overall form. It is physically a polycentric city, with many core districts and no clear hierarchy among them. London has at least two (and sometimes many more) of everything: cities, mayors, dioceses, cathedrals, chambers of commerce, police forces, opera houses, orchestras, and universities. In every aspect it functions as a compound or confederal metropolis.

Historically, London grew from three distinct centres: the walled settlement founded by the Romans on the banks of the Thames in the 1st century ce, today known as the City of London, “the Square Mile,” or simply “the City”; facing it across the bridge on the lower gravels of the south bank, the suburb of Southwark; and a mile upstream, on a great southward bend of the river, the City of Westminster. The three settlements had distinct and complementary roles. London, “the City,” developed as a centre of trade, commerce, and banking. Southwark, “the Borough,”

became known for its monasteries, hospitals, inns, fairs, pleasure houses, and the great theatres of Elizabethan London—the Rose (1587), the Swan (1595), and the world-famous Globe (1599). Westminster grew up around an abbey, which brought a royal palace and, in its train, the entire central apparatus of the British state—its legislature, executive, and judiciary. It also boasts spacious parks and the most fashionable districts for living and shopping— the West End. The north-bank settlements merged into a single built-up area in the early decades of the 17th century, but they did not combine into a single enlarged municipality. The City of London was unique among Europe’s capital cities in retaining its medieval boundaries. Westminster and other suburbs were left to develop their own administrative structures—a pattern replicated a hundred times over as London exploded in size, becoming the prototype of the modern metropolis.

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SOUTH EAST

The South East of England is known to be the most sunniest and warmest part of the UK.

It stretches from Kent, where we find Dover and those amazing white cliffs in the east, across the South Coast through Sussex to the New Forest in Hampshire, also not forgetting the beautiful island of the Isle of Wight, famous for its music festival and some of the UK’s most darkest nights, which is a great place for stargazers.

Dover, also known for being a port, which travelling 30 miles across the Channel Tunnel you have the opportunity to explore France and the rest of Europe.

Other areas of interest include the world famous Canterbury Cathedral which holds a shrine of the medieval Archbishop Thomas Beckett and is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in England, dating back over 1,400 years. For the art lovers, the seaside town of Broadstairs where the beautiful sandy beach

of Botany Bay is well worth a visit, this is one of the many shores that inspired the Artist, Turner. We must not forget the magnificent English countryside

of the South Downs National Park, where there are miles of country walks and chalky hills to explore, or for the more adventurous maybe even go horse riding.

The Rock-a-Nore area of Hastings in East Sussex follows Rock-a-Nore road between the beach and the cliffs from the Old Town to the edge of the coast. The area is known for its caves, which were frequented until they were sealed by the council in the 1960s. Rock-A-Nore Beach, Hastings.

South Downs National Park.

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Timeless foundations. Contemporary world.

In a fast-changing world, it’s essential to evolve. But it’s also important to hold fast to what matters.

At Caldicott we specialise in nurturing bright young minds equipped with character, courage and compassion. Our boys are fundamentally prepared to pursue a future full of possibility, surrounded daily with inspiration, opportunity and fulfilment.

Caldicott delivers a first-class educational experience for boys that is built on timeless foundations, while fitting the demands of the modern world.

An education very much of its time and unmistakably Caldicott in its nature.

Caldicott

Preparatory School for Boys

Come and look a little deeper.

+44 (0) 1753 649 301

admissions@caldicott.com

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CALDICOTT SCHOOL

Caldicott is proud to be a school that has educated military families since 1904, when our founder, J Heald Jenkins, set up the school with the belief that ‘decency, tolerance and humanity’ would enable each boy to ‘shine their light on the world’.

Our location in rural South Bucks, with easy access to West London, gives boys the best of both worlds; set in 40 acres of green belt countryside, we’re a small prep school of around 250 boys aged 7-13.

Caldicott delivers a first-class educational experience for boys that is built on timeless foundations, while fitting the demands of the modern world.

NURTURING ALLROUNDERS WITH GOOD CHARACTER

Caldicott boys are nurtured to be the very best version of themselves. Senior schools tell us regularly how confident and wellrounded our boys are; it’s probably the aspect of our school we are collectively most proud of.

“The best thing about Caldicott comes in the opportunities it affords the boys to discover and really experience positive learning across a multitude of subjects, and the expectation they engage with them all to help figure out what it is they really are interested in’.

Caldicott parent

Every week there is something to enable each boy to shine; whether it’s a new Art project in Ma’am King’s classroom, a Lunchtime Recital in the Chapel, a LAMDA Showcase, the House Maths Competition, Lego League Finals, or the French Pop Video Competition! Resilience and grit are key components of Caldicott boys, but not without compassion. Our Deputy Head (Pastoral),

Sarah Bisschop, is an expert at what she does, and her phrase is, ‘competitive, but kind’, which sums up Caldicott and its boys perfectly.

ACADEMICS

We are an academically selective school, but this process is more about finding the right boys who will contribute to our community, rather than finding the highest achieving pupils. Our ‘assessment process’ is a classroom experience, that encourages asking questions, and rewards intellectually curious boys with a twinkle in their eye.

Our small class sizes allow us to monitor the progress of each boy, and ensure his learning is being supported in the right ways. We have an impressive list of scholars each year who progress on to the top day and boarding schools at 13+. Despite our relatively small sized year group, for the last few years we’ve earnt a ‘full house’ of scholarships (across academia, arts and sport) and since 2016 our boys have achieved over 100 scholarships across these varying disciplines.

Our Deputy Head (Academic), Ma’am Naidoo, is an expert when it

comes to the 13+ application process and ensures not only that we find the right school for each boy, but that he has all the tools needed to attain a place there and thrive in that environment. In the past five years, boys have progressed to more than 30 different senior schools and always achieved a 100% pass rate at Common Entrance.

BOARDING

We’re a school with a thriving ethos of boarding, and in recent years have made some changes to our model in order to be more flexible for families who want the option to board at a younger age or want to wait until after Year 7 for weekly boarding. Around half of our pupils board in some capacity, whether that is as a full, weekly or flexi boarder. We seek to offer a very gentle and nurturing introduction to boarding. Our team of matrons, nurses and houseparents foster exactly the right balance between teaching independence, resilience, and offering home-from-home kindness and comfort.

Nonetheless, we recognise that boarding isn’t right for everyone, and with this in mind, we’re

excited to be introducing ‘Day Plus‘ from September 2024. What this means is, boarding will no longer be compulsory in Years 7 and 8 from this point and instead there will be an option alongside weekly and full boarding that provides two nights of boarding a week (which doesn’t have to be used, or can be easily topped up). Our Day Plus offering is best described as striking a balance between ensuring boys are enriched and prepared in all the ways that we’re known for, yet it also allows flexibility for the individualised needs of each child.

One of the advantages of being a small school, is that we can easily seek feedback from our stakeholders. What we were hearing from prospective parents who chose not to send their sons to Caldicott was that they weren’t ready to commit their son to weekly boarding a few years down the line. What we were hearing from some current parents was that their sons weren’t settling into boarding as quickly as they’d hoped. We’re happy to say that since the announcement, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. We are undeniably advocates of boarding; we regularly hear how impressively quickly Caldicott boys settle into life at Harrow, Eton and the wide range of other senior schools that our boys progress to. Obviously, this is thanks to the work of many teachers over several years at Caldicott, but one key part is the delicately designed path that starts in Years 3 and 4 and finishes in Year 8, when boys leave, historically, with two years of boarding under their belts. For this reason, we’ll still be encouraging parents to choose boarding for their sons, but it will be their decision to make as a family (made easier by the option of flexi boarding from Year 3). Our relationship with top boarding senior schools is well documented, but our strong relationship with many 13+ day schools is less widely known. Our Deputy Head (Academic), Ma’am Naidoo, regularly attends meetings and events at lots of day schools such as Merchant Taylors, St Paul’s and Westminster, and is thoroughly familiar with the application process to these schools.

THE ARTS

Music has a big place at Caldicott, with over 180 individual instrumental music lessons timetabled a week. This is on top

of our many recitals, concerts and House competitions which give our musically inclined boys (or those who just want to give it a go) the chance to shine in the spotlight. Our Carol Service which takes place at St Marylebone each year is one of the many great community events where everyone comes together as one.

Alongside this, a new rock band has been assembled and recently some of our choristers performed brilliantly at Bath Abbey. Two brothers have just earnt their ASRM diplomas, letting them add the post-nominals to their names –an incredible feat for their age.

The success of productions in recent years has given all boys the opportunity to participate, either on stage or by forming part of our backstage team. Our 2023 senior school production was Bugsy Malone. Boys participating in backstage elements has grown year on year, with roles encompassing lighting, sound, stage makeup, deputy and assistant stage managers and filming.

We have had huge success rate in our immensely popular LAMDA classes, with timetabled lessons being offered in either solo or duo by our two LAMDA teachers. To further develop confidence, we also run a popular Public Speaking and Communication Skills Club as part of our middle school activities programme. 121 boys receive weekly

LAMDA tuition currently, and there are always keen boys adding to the waiting list to start next term.

ADMISSIONS

Our Director of Admissions, Lisa Botwright, is only an email or phone call away and will be more than happy to answer any queries you might have or get you set up with a individual tour with the Headmaster.

SPORT

If you’ve heard of Caldicott, you will likely have heard of our sporting provision already. Every boy has access to exceptionally high-quality coaching, outstanding facilities and a broad range of opportunities to relish enjoyment through sport.

Our ‘sports for all’ philosophy is key to how the Sports Department runs at Caldicott and enables us to provide our boys with incredible life experiences as they form longlasting memories with their closest friends. Our Director of Sport, Matt Hutchings, is England Counties Rugby U18 Assistant Coach and will coach each of our boys at one point or another, whether he is in the As or the Ds. Caldicott teaches lessons to our boys that they take with them off the field: the ability to persevere, work in a team, and tackle challenges with a smile are a few examples of this.

Although the key to measuring sporting success is not just down to

We also host an open morning every October and May, where you can talk to our teachers, boys and see Caldicott at its best!

Website: www.caldicott.com

Email: admissions@caldicott.com

Phone no: 01753 649301

win/loss ratios and the number of trophies that we collect, Caldicott continues to achieve some stellar results. We have won countless galas, athletics and tennis meets, golf competitions and cricket, football, basketball and rugby tournaments. In terms of notable, national successes, our list is similarly impressive. Significantly, we have a strong history of boys achieving sports scholarships to some of the country’s most prestigious sporting schools including Wellington College, Harrow, Radley and Bradfield to name but a few.

A great example of our ‘sports for all’ philosophy in action can be witnessed at the Grand Finals which take place each term for the respective core sport of the term (rugby in the winter, football in the spring and cricket in the summer). These internal competitions see all the boys outside of the A teams, battle it out to make it to the Grand Final which is complete with pyrotechnics, live commentary, music, and a buzzing crowd of parents, boys and staff – everyone gets together to watch it on Top Pitch. The CPL Final (Caldicott Premier League), in recent years has seen a helicopter drop off the match ball, as well as the gappies (gap students) dramatically capturing the ‘ball thief’ after a long saga which captured the boys’ interest thoroughly!

THE PILGRIMS’ SCHOOL

The Pilgrims’ School,

sitting in the heart of Winchester but with acres of green space, is a boys-only prep school renowned for nurturing excellence across diverse fields. “Boys are celebrated for their unique strengths,” a parent recently commented, reflecting our ethos of recognising and fostering individual talents. Our high-calibre subject specialists are deeply committed to the boys’ academic and personal growth, both within and beyond the classroom.

At Pilgrims’, we embrace each student as part of our extended family, ensuring the journey is enriched with joy, warmth, care, and humour. This is embodied in

our exceptional pastoral support, and we are particularly aware of the importance of this for our Forces families.

“A happy school which offers endless opportunities for boys, preparing them for senior schools and life.”

Pilgrims’ parent 2023

Our mission extends beyond strong academic preparation; we aim to equip our boys for a bright, happy future as they transition to their senior schools. Drawing inspiration from the concept of a pilgrimage, we view education as a transformative journey that broadens horizons and inspires change.

Our pupils consistently achieve excellent outcomes, with a significant number securing awards in academics, music, sport, or art at prestigious senior schools, such as Winchester College, Eton, and Harrow, as well as a range of other schools. Alongside the boys’ achievements, the deep connections formed among them, staff, and the wider school community are equally strong.

“Boarders are supported to develop good relationships with fellow pupils and staff, based on mutual trust and respect.”

ISI Inspection 2023

Pilgrims’ offers a rich and varied curriculum and provides for a huge range of sports and extracurricular activities like fencing, scuba diving, and rowing, sailing, dry slope skiing and clay pigeon shooting. The major sports are football, rugby and cricket. With two vibrant boarding houses, our boarding community thrives from Year 4 onwards, and typically more than three quarters of boys live in by Year 8. Boarding at Pilgrims’ provides a wonderful opportunity for personal growth,

independence and camaraderie in a supportive atmosphere under a team of highly experienced houseparents, nurses and matrons.

Life’s journey comes with its ups and downs, and at Pilgrims’ we focus on instilling key skills such as compassion, empathy, and resilience. Our dedicated pastoral and boarding teams are committed to guiding the boys in managing emotions, time, and relationships, making their boarding and school experience truly enriching. Furthermore, a Forces boarder himself when a boy at Pilgrims’, Headmaster, Tim Butcher, has an intrinsic understanding of the needs of Forces families, their sons, and what Pilgrims’ can offer them.

“The dorms are the nicest you’ll find anywhere”

The Good Schools Guide

www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk

hall.”

‘’I love the close friendships you make and how your best friend can be literally down the

A boarder from Hillcroft

Kindness, community and a sense of belonging… These are at the heart of our boarding life. With individual rooms for girls from the age of 12 and over 140 co-curricular activities there’s both privacy and plenty to do on our 45-acre site just outside the cathedral city of Winchester.

We are a leading day, weekly and full boarding school for girls aged 11-18. Please contact us to arrange a visit: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700

ST SWITHUN’S LIGHTS UP TO CELEBRATE

St Swithun’s School in Winchester has lit up the front of the school to celebrate the start of its 140th birthday celebrations.

St Swithun’s was founded in 1884 by Anna Bramston and has been lighting sparks and inspiring girls ever since. The school develops resilient, enquiring, optimistic and collaborative women who will stand on their own two feet and pull others up to stand alongside them.

The all-girls school has a range of activities planned

throughout the year to celebrate the milestone and also look towards the future.

On 17th March the school community will come together for an evensong at Winchester Cathedral and drinks reception. Current students will celebrate with a birthday lunch and party on 3rd May before the Founders’ Day Concert that evening.

Students across both the senior and prep school will

come together on 4th July to take on St Swithun’s challenges to raise vital funds for the Bramston Bursary Foundation.

Finally, pupils are researching the history of the school and its links to Winchester and the wider local community.

Jane Gandee, St Swithun’s Headmistress said, “We are proud of the positive impact the school has had on generations of girls since its inception in 1884. Anna Bramston set about forming the school because

she saw a lack of appropriate education for young women.

140 years on we are passionate about ensuring that all of our students have opportunities to learn who they are and what they can aspire to be without being laden with lazy genderbased stereotypes.”

140 YEARS

THE HISTORY OF ST SWITHUN’S

St Swithun’s was founded in 1884 by Anna Bramston. Alongside Amelie LeRoy, Anna formed a committee to raise money for the establishment of the school. Their efforts resulted in Winchester High School opening in the middle of Winchester on 5th May 1884 with seventeen pupils.

The aim of the school was to provide an education that developed the full capacity

of every girl and enabled her to become a woman of independent thought. Originally located in the city centre, the school was at the forefront in the development of female education in the nineteenth century.

The school changed its name to St Swithun’s in 1927 and by 1929 it had grown to such an extent that it was decided to move to the current home on Magdalen Hill.

Princess Mary the Princess Royal opened the new

buildings in 1932.

The outbreak of World War II saw the school turned into a hospital and by 1942 it became an American casualty clearing station with as many as 700 patients a day after D-Day.

The prep school moved to the site in 1966. A fire saw the original building burn down in 1974 before being rebuilt within a year.

1984 marked the school’s centenary and H.R.H the Princess Royal visited the

celebrations and opened the new sports hall on 5th May 1984.

The Performing Arts Centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester in 2003. The main performance space Harvey Hall was named after Dr Helen Harvey, the school’s then headmistress who oversaw the creation of the centre.

Construction of a new prep school was completed in September 2015 with the additions of a performing arts hall and sports hall the following year.

NURTURING SUCCESS

PASTORAL EXCELLENCE AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

From the all-round education set within outstanding facilities and grounds to the excellent pastoral care; there are many reasons why you should consider The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, says Principal Alex Foreman.

From the moment you enter the 150-acre Kentish parkland estate, you will be amazed by the profound emphasis placed on pastoral care, designed to create a secure and nurturing environment, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits while feeling supported, valued, and part of a caring community.

CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE

In recognition of the school’s commitment to the British Forces, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is CEA accredited, offering families a significant reduction in fees. Serving families who qualify for the Ministry of Defence’s Continuity of Education Allowance will benefit from having 92% of their children’s boarding fees covered. This means parents are only required to pay £506 per term (£1,517 per year, correct at time of writing).

Accoladed with two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards, the school consistently exceeds national GCSE progress figures, a testament to its commitment to academic achievement. The school’s exceptional facilities, including an Olympic-standard athletics track, a state-of-theart sports centre, and a recent £24.9 million refurbishment project, showcase its dedication to providing an outstanding educational environment.

Beyond the classroom, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School distinguishes itself through its unique approach to an all-round education, maintaining small class sizes and fostering an active lifestyle. The school’s emphasis on instilling leadership qualities and life skills, sets students (affectionally known as Dukies) up for life. These values reflect its military heritage and ethos – the school was founded by Royalty for military orphans.

The pastoral care at the school is delivered by a dedicated pastoral team, comprising Houseparents, academic tutors, and matrons, ensuring that students receive academic, social and personal support. With over 200 students from Forces Families, students find a sense of belonging and camaraderie within each

House and experienced staff ensure students feel at home.

The school’s commitment to student wellbeing extends to its outstanding medical facilities, providing comprehensive healthcare resources and access to nurses and GP services.

The availability of Wi-Fi throughout the school, coupled with regular exeat weekends (although the school remains open for students who wish to stay on-site), facilitates communication, allowing students to stay connected with their families – a

crucial element in creating a home-from-home environment.

Fundamentally, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School stands as an educational institution that seamlessly integrates a military ethos with a strong pastoral focus, creating an environment where students thrive academically, develop enduring friendships, and experience the supportive embrace of a close-knit family. Students leave the school with elevated grades moving onto fantastic destinations including Russell Group universities, professional apprenticeships and employment.

Explore this exceptional educational setting with private tours offered daily and frequent open mornings at www.doyrms.com

UNRIVALLED FACILITIES

Unrivalled facilities include an Olympic standard floodlit athletics track, a floodlit all-weather hockey

pitch, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym suite, an indoor heated six-lane swimming pool, two climbing walls and squash courts; the school also has its own Chapel. Students enjoy an active lifestyle with sport, music, drama, and a vast activities programme including Combined Cadet Force and Duke

of Edinburgh’s Award scheme (for which the school is an accredited centre offering Gold Award).

SCHOLARSHIPS AT DOYRMS

Boarding at Sixth Form can be highly beneficial to students seeking to cultivate independence

BENEFITS OF FULL BOARDING

All students board, either weekly or full, at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School. This ensures all students can partake in the comprehensive co-curricular programme of over 80 clubs and activities a week, along with weekend House activities.

before embarking on university studies or pursuing careers. For this reason, the school offers academic scholarships to Sixth Form students who excel in their GCSEs. The Duke of York’s Royal Military School also offers a limited number of sport scholarships as part of their player professional partnerships with Ealing Trailfinders and the White Rose Academy.

MILITARY HERITAGE AND ETHOS

The school was founded in 1803 by His Royal Highness Frederick Duke of York. Since then, the school has transitioned into an academy which is open to all families and students. In honour of this military heritage, students take part in ceremonial parades featuring a magnificent 90-strong Marching Band. Students wear the cap badge of a family member who has served in the armed forces on their dress blues. It’s called their ‘heart badge’ and is a poignant recognition of their own family’s military heritage.

THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

Find our more:

www.doyrms.com

Contact us: +44 (0) 1304 245023

Admissions@doyrms.com

Electrifying performance of “High School Musical”

THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL DELIVERS

SPECTACULAR SENIOR PRODUCTION OF “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL”

The three-night extravaganza concluded on Thursday, February 8th, leaving audiences spellbound by unforgettable performances.

Starring Daniel Onyeator as Troy Bolton, Sasha Musicha as Gabriella Montez and Shyan Ogunjimi-Dyer as Sharpay, the production brought the characters to life with remarkable authenticity and flair. From captivating solo performances to dazzling ensembles, each cast member delivered a stellar performance that truly captured the essence of the iconic musical.

Backing the talented cast was a student and teacher live band, featuring outstanding musicians Dara Boyejo, George Overy, Connor Earle-Mitchell, Nathan Gazi, Marci Elliot, Kitty Coleman, and Zizzy Achiri. Their musical prowess added depth and energy to the production, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School showcased an electrifying performance of “High School Musical” for its annual senior production, featuring exceptional talent from its students affectionately known as ‘Dukies’.

The performances took place in the school’s state-of-the-art performing arts centre, Nye Hall, providing an immersive setting for the audience to enjoy the show.

Talented

Refreshments were made available by the Parents and Friends of the School, adding to the delightful experience for all attendees. With over 450 seats filled

each night, attendees included students, staff, parents, local drama associations and primary schools, as well as members of the local community. The production of “High School Musical” was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and acclaim from the school community and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performances in ‘High School Musical,’” said Principal, Alex Foreman. “Their passion, dedication, and talent have shone brightly on stage, delighting audiences and leaving a lasting impression. This production truly exemplifies our Dukie values of courage and commitment. Our student’s creativity and excellence define our school community.”

For more information about upcoming events and performances at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, please visit www.doyrms.com

cast of ‘Dukies’

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

Founded in 1879, St Lawrence College provides a first-class education for boys and girls from 3 to 18 years old.

Located on the Kent coast, within easy walking distance of the sea, we are an independent school set in a safe, spacious campus housing boarding and day pupils from local, UK and international families. We have approximately 600 pupils – 150 in the Pre-Prep and Prep School and 450 in the Senior School, of which 185 are boarders (boarding is available from 7 years of age). Modern facilities combined with traditional

PUPIL TESTIMONIAL

“All I can say is every child that I know that has boarded or is still boarding at St Lawrence College have never regretted a single moment at this College and I highly recommend it from someone who has experienced being a forces child at boarding school.”

values, based on our Christian roots draw out the talents of each pupil. Outstanding pastoral care, high-quality teaching and a great emphasis on extracurricular activity make this a very special community in which to live and learn, and we ensure that our pupils both attain high performance academically, whilst also preparing them for life in a rapidly changing global society. Pupils at St Lawrence work hard and make the most of the vast array of opportunities available to them. The broadly non-selective nature of the school ensures that a mixed and vibrant community continues to prevail. Results are strong with 49% of all grades at GCSE being 9-6 (the equivalent to A*-B), with a particularly high percentage gathered in specific subjects such as Music (100%), German (100%), Chemistry (80%) and Art (76%).

The same high results were achieved at A Level with 100% of students achieving A*-B grades in Art, Russian and Chinese and 75% of students achieving A*-B in Further Maths. Aside from the hard work that the pupils clearly put

in, they benefit significantly from the College’s status as a ‘World Class School’ in the Fellowship and Global Community of High Performance Learning (HPL). This is an established teaching and learning framework that recognises that every pupil can be a high performer, and which does not put barriers on children, and seeks to nurture every individual.

OUR ETHOS

The happy atmosphere, friendly familiarity that exists between staff and pupils and the sense of community that they see around them, is tangible to all who visit the College. Pupils thrive in an environment which is friendly and calm, yet disciplined and purposeful. We firmly believe that if young people feel secure, valued and properly guided, they will not only enjoy their schooldays but will achieve high performance both in and out of the classroom. The school recognises the benefits of a community who originate from a variety of backgrounds, and our strong family ethos ensures we are bound together by mutual respect.

FACILITIES

The College has a wonderful balance of both the traditional and modern, with pupils accessing the old wooden panelled dining room and chapel, whilst also experiencing our state of the art Science, Art and Technology Centre. The sports facilities include squash courts, weights room, sports hall including climbing wall, sand-based and water-based astroturfs and a whole host of other pitches and facilities. This theme is echoed throughout the school with an emphasis on traditional values and modernday teaching and learning techniques.

BOARDING AT ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

Boarding is central to school life and it is one of our great strengths. Strong pastoral care, the explicit development of soft skills and the diversity of nationalities that exist make this a very special community in which to live and learn. A wide range of evening and weekend activities are provided for boarders, along with additional events and day trips. St Lawrence has a strong sense of community, and all of our boarders are supported with both their academic advancement and pastoral development.

We help and support our Boarders to value life in a boarding school environment, which means supporting each other and developing the skills of tolerance, understanding and emotional intelligence. The School’s Social Vision is ‘a caring community of kindness, positivity and respect’ and we develop independence, as well as teach our pupils the importance of community as they live, laugh and learn amongst like-minded friends. We value each pupil as an individual and ensure that they take advantage of all that we offer here at St Lawrence College. Our campus is large and there is so much green space that our boarders are able to discover the importance of growing up in a safe and secure environment. With outstanding pastoral leaders, we are able to reassure parents that our staff will support their child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SPORT

The school has been rated as one of the top 200 sports schools in the country and there are currently six pupils at St Lawrence who have gained international honours in their chosen sport. The main sports are rugby, hockey, netball and cricket, and the school plays a competitive and regular fixture list against other schools.

We have had a number of successes in recent county and national competitions in all of our sports, but with particular success in hockey – where

We are a genuine full boarding school, with a full complement of boarders remaining on site at the weekends and even our exeats are optional. We aim to provide a ‘home-from-home’ for our boarding pupils, both in terms of comfort and atmosphere. In recent years, a substantial programme of investment has created exceptional boarding facilities, with all rooms ensuite. Currently, we have a significant number of pupils whose families work in the Armed Forces at the school, so we understand the support such families need.

It can be very daunting to leave a home, which is perhaps on the other side of the world, and to go to a boarding school. However, our warm welcome, family based boarding houses and supportive staffing, mean that very soon, all of our boarders feel integrated into a new and vibrant community.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

At St Lawrence College we place great importance on the values of service and citizenship, good leadership, self-knowledge, independence and consideration for those around us. There is more to education than just exam results and we aim to develop pupils’ wider skills through our extensive range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities, as well as our full Games and PE programme.

we have won both indoor and outdoor, boys’ and girls’ national championships in the last five years. We believe that sport is an important element of or curriculum, with pupils both learning how to win magnanimously and lose gracefully, as well as learning important lessons about teamwork, communication and respect. In addition to our major sports, which are played regularly throughout the week, our pupils also choose from an extensive activities programme.

We ensure a balance of adventurous and creative options, which vary according to the time of year, such as the School Play, House Plays and the House Singing Competition. Those wishing to develop their musical interests may also join the Orchestra, Choirs and various Bands on offer. The Art and Design facilities are exceptional, and pupils also have the opportunity to learn to cook, dance, help out in the local community and develop their financial literacy. We aim to provide something for everyone to enjoy, and we encourage all of our pupils to try as many of the opportunities on offer as they can, acquiring new skills and having unique experiences.

ENQUIRIES AND VISITS

Our self-contained campus is situated within easy walking distance of the historic seaside town of Ramsgate. It has excellent transport links to the continent, being near to both Dover and the Channel Tunnel. London is only 75 minutes away by high-speed rail link to St Pancras International and Gatwick and Heathrow are under two hours away. Our Admissions team (admissions@slcuk.com, +44 01843 808080) would be delighted to hear from you and answer any questions you may have, but we always find that our families gain the most from a personalised visit, so do please come and see for yourself all that St Lawrence College has to offer!

COMBINED CADET FORCE AT ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

St Lawrence College Combined

Cadet Force (CCF) is committed to providing enjoyable, challenging and rewarding training for young people. The purpose of this training is to encourage and nurture both team and personal development skills needed for our young people to be future leaders in their chosen professions, and to stimulate an interest in a career as an officer in the Services. The CCF receives assistance and support for its training programme from the Forces, but the bulk of adult support is provided by members of school staff who are responsible for the conduct of cadet activities. CCF officers wear uniform but they are not part of the Armed Forces and carry no liability for service or compulsory training. The role of the CCF is to help boys and girls to develop powers of leadership through training, which promotes qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. All pupils in Year 9 join the CCF and have the opportunity to attend CCF Camps, and all pupils in Year 10 also take the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Windlesham House is a distinctive school where tradition meets innovation, providing opportunities for children to be creative, courageous and successful.

• An exceptional day and boarding prep school for girls and boys aged 4-13

• 65 acres of outstanding beauty and facilities situated in the South Downs

• Four science labs, theatre, golf course, swimming pool

• Creating opportunities to develop new skills

• 25% of pupils achieve scholarships to senior schools

• Weekly, flexi and full boarding options

• British forces discount

OVERSEAS

VIEW

OUR FEATURED SCHOOLS LOOKING TO ACTIVELY ATTRACT SERVICE CHILDREN

FOR SERVICE CHILDREN EDUCATION OVERSEAS

The education provision for service children overseas can be categorised as Ministry of Defence (MOD) Schools and Settings or non MOD schools locations.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD) SCHOOLS AND SETTINGS

MOD Schools and Settings are part of the Directorate Children and Young People (DCYP). MOD Schools and Settings provide education to the dependent children of service personnel and MOD entitled civilians, entitled contractors and fee payers. MOD Schools and Settings

are predominantly overseas, with one school in Scotland. For information and guidance specifically for Queen Victoria School in Scotland, please see Education in the UK.

The diverse locations of our schools and the dedication of our staff ensure pupils engage in a rich and fulfilling curriculum whilst overseas. MOD Schools and Settings overseas mirrors

including Ofsted inspections, assessments and examinations. This enables pupils to transition from our overseas schools and settings to UK based schools and nurseries with the minimum amount of disruption. We work closely with UK schools and local authorities to ensure information is shared to support the varying needs of pupils.

EDUCATION CLEARANCE

All parents need to obtain educational clearance for their children, aged 0 to 18 years of age, before proceeding with a move overseas. Educational clearance is provided by the receiving MOD school or by CEAS, dependant on the assignment location and the age of your children.

The educational clearance process can take up to 9 weeks if a service child has an additional need as checks will take place to ensure that those needs can be met in the new assignment location. As the process can take a considerable amount of time, early application for educational clearance is strongly recommended.

If you are in receipt of an overseas assignment order you should first contact the Families Section at MOD Abbeywood in order to obtain the family travel pack. The email for the Families Section is desdscom-famsec-gp@ mod.gov.uk

MOD SCHOOLS AND SETTINGS BY LOCATION

Germany

Ramstein

St David’s Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Sennelager

Attenborough Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Cyprus

Akrotiri

Akrotiri Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

Akrotiri Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Ayios Nikolaos

Ayios Nikolaos Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

Ayios Nikolaos Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Dhekelia

Dhekelia Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

Dhekelia Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Dhekelia King Richard Secondary School (11 to 19 years)

Episkopi

Episkopi Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

Episkopi Primary School (3 to 11 years)

St John’s Secondary School (11 to 19 years)

Brunei

Seria

Treetops Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

Hornbill Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Italy

Naples

BFS Naples Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Belgium

Mons SHAPE Primary School (3 to 11 years)

Falkland Islands

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Primary School (2 to 11 years)

Gibraltar

Europa Point

Sunflowers Early Years Setting (0 to 3 years)

St Christopher’s Early Years Foundation Stage (3 to 5 years)

The Netherlands

Brunssum AFNORTH Primary School (3 to 11 years)

NON MOD SCHOOL LOCATIONS

SUPPORTING

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN ISOLATED DETACHMENT (ISODET) AREAS

There are many locations around the world where service personnel and their families may be posted, which are not served by an MOD school. Children’s education in these locations can either be provided by local state schools or by schools from the independent or international school sector.

In countries where the first language is English, children accompanying their parents on assignments are expected to attend local state provided schooling, unless this is deemed inappropriate (either at an individual student level or more broadly incompatible with the UK education system). There are significant benefits associated with a student being immersed in the local education system, however there are occasions where the local education system is deemed inappropriate for the needs of students from the UK.

The decision whether a local state provided school system is appropriate is either made through the completion by the Global Education team in DCYP of an Educational Suitability Review (ESR) or through casework which is submitted to DCYP by parents requesting schooling provided by the international or independent sector.

Parents are to complete their own research into the educational options in ISODET locations and may access previously completed Educational Suitability Reviews.

Parents may also contact the Global Education Team at DCYP via dcyp-ceas-enquiries@ mod.gov.uk who can provide additional advice and guidance regarding educational options in ISODET locations.

Once parents have researched the educational provision in the new assignment location, they must complete and submit the Parental Declaration form (found in the travel pack issued

MOD ASSESSMENT OF SUPPORTABILITY OVERSEAS (MASO)

The availability of educational, medical and social care facilities to support children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) is different in overseas commands and varies between commands.

Prior to a service parents posting overseas, the needs of all service children will be assessed to ensure that the educational needs can be met. This process is part of the MOD’s Assessment of Supportability (MASO).

Those service children who have SEND will require further assessment by the assignment location to ensure that the child’s needs can be met. In MOD schools locations, this process will be undertaken by the school and local command. In non MOD school locations, this will be coordinated through the school and local command.

If you are in receipt of an overseas assignment notice, and have a child with a special educational need or disability, you are required to register your child with CEAS. It is recommended that this is done as early as possible for advice to be given in a timely manner. It can be difficult as a parent to move a child abroad with special

by Families Section) to the Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS). If your child is of school age, the Parental Declaration must be supported by a Pupil Information Profile (PIP) from your child’s current school.

educational needs, and MOD schools and CEAS, depending on assignment location, will endeavour to support families in the process. If it is determined that a child’s needs cannot be met overseas, you will be advised not to proceed with the posting.

For those personnel assigned to a location supported by an MOD school, each MOD school has its own SEND school offer, based on the resources available in the geographical location. Please visit the individual school’s website to view each school’s SEND offer.

For those personnel assigned to an area not supported by an MOD school, the provision on offer can differ greatly dependant on the location.

More advice is available from CEAS on the SEND provision in non-MOD schools location.

You proceed with your posting until you have heard the outcome of the MASO process.

Families Section at MOD Abbeywood will not book travel for service children aged 0 to 18 years of age unless educational clearance has been given. It is recommended that you email Families Section on desdscom-famsec-gp@mod.gov. uk when an overseas assignment is received as they are responsible for issuing the family travel pack which contains the information on educational clearances.

The information on this form will either result in educational clearance being provided or prompt further investigation and/or further documentary evidence relating to the supportability of a child in the proposed assignment location.

JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Jerudong International School (JIS) - welcoming students through its doors since it was founded in 1997 - is an outstanding British International, co-educational Day and Boarding School in Brunei with a diverse community of over 1660 students, aged 2-18 years old, from 45 countries.

Parents posted to Brunei, a small Sultanate of just over 455,000 people situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, are delighted to find an outstanding British international HMC school located there. The teachers, pupils and parents warmly welcome new families and help them discover all that is on offer.

The school is proud of its links to the UK and has had a longstanding relationship with the British Armed Forces due to the British Garrison located in Brunei and also the ‘Loan Service’ programme which exists between Brunei and the UK Armed Forces.

“As an educator and as a father, I am proud to lead this amazing school”, says Nicholas Sheehan, Principal of Jerudong International School. “I joined JIS in 2012 with

CAMPUS

The world-class campus with exceptional facilities, qualified teaching staff and excellent pastoral care enhances the overall learning experience and provides a superior learning environment where JIS students are able to thrive and achieve excellence.

The 120-acre campus, well situated by the South China Sea, is surrounded by rainforest and is within easy reach of beaches, amenities and the airport. The facilities include well resourced classrooms, a fantastic Performing Arts Centre with a 750 seat full size theatre, a Racquet Sports Centre plus an Outdoor Discovery Centre which enhances the curriculum as an outdoor classroom allowing students ample opportunities to develop essential skills.

The school places great value on community and hosts regular performances and sports events for football, netball and fun-runs.

my family, and my three children have been fortunate to attend JIS and experience the wonderful environment that the school and the country provide. Two have now left and are at university”. Mr Sheehan became Principal in 2020.

ACADEMICS

JIS offers a British International Curriculum, from Nursery through to Year 13, including I/GCSEs and A Levels, as well as the IB Diploma and International BTEC. JIS holds the COBIS Patron’s Accreditation and became the first international school worldwide to receive Beacon Status in three areas: Boarding Provision, Student Welfare and Extra-Curricular, Enrichment & Engagement.

The schools’ academic rigour is complemented by a holistic approach to learning. The school values of Challenge, Respect and Inspire are threaded through school life and empower students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

JIS believes in offering a strong co-curricular programme, that includes a wide range of sports and arts activities to enrich students’ learning experiences, from inter-house competitions that foster competition and camaraderie to the International (DoE) Award and the Model United Nations.

Graduating students consistently achieve exam results above the world average and many go on to pursue their education in the best universities around the world.

PASTORAL CARE

The health and wellbeing of students is a top priority at JIS. It is committed to providing a strong pastoral system for students and through the House system, they aim to offer a comprehensive support network that facilitates integration and strengthens the strong feeling of belonging and community at JIS.

There are 16 Houses in the Senior School, all named after birds in Borneo, which are single-gendered. The brother and sister Houses collaborate for a range of events and social activities. The wellequipped medical centre and team of nurses ensure that all students receive the care they need.

The school takes full advantage of the wonderful environment of Brunei to provide students with unique and enriching experiences, helping them to be the very best that they can be.

“So what makes this school so special and successful? In a nutshell, its unrivalled campus and facilities, the creative spirit, the inspiration and commitment of its teachers and its pragmatic leadership. And one parent’s verdict: ‘JIS has grown into a world-class facility, producing some of the best students in South-East Asia.’”

“At the risk of overpraising the school, there is one final observation to be made. This concerns the infectious enthusiasm you feel absolutely everywhere on campus -- the surest and most noticeable sign of a very healthy school.”

(The Good Schools Guide)

ADMISSIONS AT JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The academic year starts in late August but JIS welcomes enquiries throughout the academic year. It

is recognised that families coming from different countries may need to start during the school year on occasion and the school does their best to work with families to ensure children quickly adjust and settle into school life. Moving school is a big decision and can be quite stressful especially if you are moving from overseas, when finding the right school for your son or daughter will be one of your top priorities. The Admissions team at JIS is there to support families and help your child’s smooth transition.

BOARDING

The newly refurbished Boarding houses provide a home from home for the boarding students. There are four boarding houses set within the safe and secure campus, two boys and two girls houses. A recent COBIS statement reads “The school in its provision of boarding provides a high level of care for students promoting their health, emotional well-being and educational progress”. Both full and weekly boarding is available. The Boarding houses are led by experienced Boarding Housemasters and Headmistresses who are also teachers within the school.

“Our family has been part of the JIS community for 4 wonderful years, since we were posted here in 2020. The staff, teachers and boarding staff have been so supportive since day one! It has been lovely to see our son flourish in such an engaging and caring environment. He has formed good friendships in boarding and we can truly say that JIS has provided a home from home. I know we will be sad when the time comes for us to leave but we will be taking some very fond memories with us! ”

JIS Military Parent with child in boarding (March 2024)

Jerudong International School looks forward to welcoming your family and your children to join its thriving and caring community!

Email: admissions@jis.edu.bn

www.jerudonginternationalschool.com

BOARDING SCHOOLS INDEX

Over these pages, you will find contact details of all the boarding schools in the United Kingdom and overseas.

AVI - CENNA

BEDE’S SENIOR SCHOOL

BEDFORD SCHOOL

BEDSTONE COLLEGE

BEECE GROVE SCHOOL AND ACADEMY

BEECHEN CLIFF SCHOOL

BEECHWOOD PARK SCHOOL

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART SCHOOL

BEESTON HALL SCHOOL

BELHAVEN HILL SCHOOL

BELLERBYS COLLEGE BRIGHTON

BELLERBYS COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE

BELLERBYS COLLEGE LONDON

BELMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

BENENDEN

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL

BETHANY SCHOOL

BILTON GRANGE

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE

BISHOPSTROW COLLEGE

BLOXHAM SCHOOL

Telephone: 01323 843252 admissions@bedes.org

Telephone: 01234 362216 admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk

Telephone: 01547 530303 admissions@bedstone.org

Telephone: 01304 842980 timmaas@ccimail.co.uk

Telephone: 01225 480466 headmaster@beechencliff.org.uk

Telephone: 01582 840333 admissions@beechwoodpark.com

Telephone: 01892 532747 registrar@beechwood.org.uk

Telephone: 01263 837324 office@beestonhall.co.uk

Telephone: 01368 862785 admissions@belhavenhill.com

Telephone: 01273 339300 study@bellerbys.com

Telephone: 01223 363159 study@bellerbys.com

Telephone: 0208 6947008 study@bellerbys.com

Telephone: 01306 730852 schooloffice@belmont-school.org

Telephone: 01580 240592 schooloffice@benenden.kent.sch.uk

Telephone: 01442 358000 enquiries@berkhamstedschool.org

Telephone: 01580 211273 registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk

Telephone: 01788 818249 admissions@biltongrange.co.uk

Telephone: 01279 838575 admissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Telephone: 01985 219210 principal@bishopstrow.com

Telephone: 01295 724352 n.gray@bloxhamschool.com

BRADFIELD

BRILLANTMONT

BROMSGROVE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Telephone: +66819257224

headmaster@bromsgrove.ac.th

Telephone: 01527 579679

Email: admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

CHIGWELL SCHOOL

Website: www.chigwell-school.org

No. in School: 1100

Boarding Type: International

CHINQUAPIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

CHRIST COLLEGE BRECON

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL SCHOOL

CITY OF LONDON FREEMEN’S SCHOOL

CLAREMONT SCHOOL

CLAYESMORE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

CLAYESMORE SCHOOL

CLIFTON COLLEGE

COBHAM HALL

COLCHESTER ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

COLLEGE ALPIN INTERNATIONAL BEAU SOLEIL

COLLEGE CHAMPITTET

COLLEGE DU LEMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Telephone: 020 8501 5700

Postcode: IG7 6QF

No. of Boarders: 28

Email: admissions@chigwell-school.org

Location: Chigwell

Boarding Age: 16-18

Telephone: +281 426 5551 lhenry@chinquapin.org

Telephone: 01874 615440 head@christcollegebrecon.com

Telephone: 01403 247432 hmsec@christs-hospital.org.uk

Telephone: 01372 822 400 admissions@freemens.org

Telephone: 01424 234482 charlotte.hamilton@claremontschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01747 811707 prepheadpa@clayesmore.com

Telephone: 01747 813111 admissions@clayesmore.com

Telephone: 0117 315 7118 jbreeze@cliftoncollege.com

Telephone: 01474 823371 enquiries@cobhamhall.com

Telephone: 01206 509100 jtompkins@crgs.co.uk

Telephone: +41 24 496 26 26 kevin.foyle@beausoleil.ch

Telephone: +41 (0) 796167466 mihaela.marcovici@champittet.ch

Telephone:

DAUNTSEY’S

Website: www.dauntseys.org

No. in School: 860

Boarding Type: full

DAY WATERMAN COLLEGE

DE ASTON SCHOOL

DEAN CLOSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S

DENSTONE COLLEGE

DLD COLLEGE LONDON

DOLLAR ACADEMY

DORSET HOUSE SCHOOL

DOVER COLLEGE

D’OVERBROECK’S

DOWNE HOUSE

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL

DRAGON SCHOOL

Telephone: 01380 813500

Postcode: SN10 4HE

No. of Boarders: 340

Email: admissions@dauntseys.org

Location: Devizes, Wiltshire

Boarding Age: 11-18

Telephone: +2348058735130 stewart.cowden@dwc.org.ng

Telephone: 01673 843415 enquiries@de-aston.lincs.sch.uk

Telephone: 01242 512217 dcpsoffice@deanclose.org.uk

Telephone: 01242 258000 registrar@deanclose.org.uk

Telephone: 01291 622045 admissions@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

Telephone: 01889 590484 headmaster@denstonecollege.net

Telephone: 020 7935 8411 dld@dld.org

Telephone: 01259 742 511 rector@dollaracademy.org.uk

Telephone: 01798 831456 rbrown@dorsethouseschool.com

Telephone: 01304 205969 admin@dovercollege.org.uk

Telephone: 01865 688600 sixthform@doverbroecks.com

Telephone: 01635 200286 correspondence@downehouse.net

Telephone: 01761 235103 admissions@downside.co.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 315405

Email: admissions@dragonschool.org

FOREMARKE HALL , REPTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

FORRES SANDLE MANOR

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

Website: www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01283 707100 hm@foremarke.org.uk

Telephone: 01425 653181 office@fsmschool.com

Telephone: 01728 723789

Postcode: IP13 9EY

Email: admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Location: Framlingham, Suffolk No. in School: 600 across both Prep and Senior School No. of Boarders: 190 across both sites

Boarding Type: full, weekly, flexi and occasional

FRENSHAM HEIGHTS

FREWEN COLLEGE

FULNECK SCHOOL

FYLING HALL SCHOOL

GEMS CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL KAMPALA

GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL

Website: www.giggleswick.org.uk

Boarding Age: 9-18

Telephone: 01252 792561 admissions@frensham-heights.org.uk

Telephone: 01797 252494 office@frewencollege.co.uk

Telephone: 0113 257 0235 enquiries@fulneckschool.co.uk

Telephone: 44 (0)1947 880353 office@fylinghall.org

Telephone: +256204007100 admin_cik@gemsedu.com

Telephone: 01729 893000

Email: admissions@giggleswick.org.uk

Postcode: BD24 0DE Location: North Yorkshire No. in School: 313 No. of Boarders: 209

Boarding Age:

HABERDASHER’S

IPSWICH SCHOOL

JERSEY COLLEGE FOR GIRLS

JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Website: www.jerudonginternationalschool.com

No. in School: 1683

Boarding Type: full,flexi

JOHN F. KENNEDY

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

JUNIOR KING’S SCHOOL, CANTERBURY

KENSINGTON PARK SCHOOL

KENT COLLEGE CANTERBURY

KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY

KESWICK SCHOOL

KILGRASTON

KILKENNY COLLEGE

KIMBOLTON SCHOOL

KINCOPPAL - ROSE BAY

KINGHAM HILL SCHOOL

Telephone: 01473 408300

Telephone: 01534 516200

admissions@ipswich.school

c.howarth@jcg.sch.je

Telephone: +673 241 1000

Postcode: BE2 119

No. of Boarders: 250

Email: enrol@jis.edu.bn

Location: Brunei

Boarding Age: 10-18

Telephone: +41337441372 henri.behar@jfk.ch

Telephone: 01227 714000 head@junior-kings.co.uk

Telephone: 020 7616 4400 info@kps.co.uk

Telephone: 01227 763231 enquiries@kentcollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01892 820218 admissions@kentcollege.kent.sch.uk

Telephone: 01768 772605 boarding@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk

Telephone: 01738 812 257 admissions@kilgraston.com

Telephone: 00 353 776 1544 simonthompson@kilkennycollege.ie

Telephone: 01480 860205 headmaster@kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

Telephone: +61 2 9388 6000 admissions@krb.nsw.edu.au

Telephone: 01608 658999

Email: registrar@kinghamhill.org

KING’S ELY

KING’S HALL SCHOOL

KING’S ROCHESTER

KINGSLEY SCHOOL BIDEFORD

KINGSMEAD SCHOOL

KINGSWOOD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL

Telephone: 01353 660701 admissions@kingsely.org

Telephone: 01823 285921 schooloffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk

Telephone: 01634 888555 admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk

Telephone: 01237 426200 admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk

Telephone: 0151 6323156 headmaster@kingsmeadschool.com

Telephone: 01225 734460 kpsreception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1225 734200 Email: admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Website: https://bit.ly/KingswoodForcesFamilies

KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL

KITEBROOK PREPARATORY SCHOOL

KNIGHTON HOUSE SCHOOL

KOLEJ TUANKU JA’AFAR

Telephone: 01772 684264 info@kirkhamgrammar.co.uk

Telephone: 01608 674350 office@kitebrookhouse.com

Telephone: 01258 452065 enquiries@knightonhouse.co.uk

Telephone: 006067582958 principal@ktj.edu.my LA

MORE

PERROTT

QUEEN ELIZABETH’S

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

Website: www.qe.org

Telephone: 01363 773401 principal@qe.devon.sch.uk

Telephone: 01423 333330

Postcode: YO26 9SS

Email: admissions@qe.org

Location: Great Ouseburn, York, North Yorkshire

No. in School: 1300 No. of Boarders: 895 (319 forces) Boarding Age: 7-19

Boarding Type: full

QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL

QUEEN MARY’S SCHOOL

QUEENSWOOD SCHOOL

RADLEY COLLEGE

RATCLIFFE COLLEGE

RATHDOWN SCHOOL

READ SCHOOL

READING SCHOOL

REDDAM HOUSE

REEDS SCHOOL

Telephone: 01904 727600 enquiries@queenmargarets.com

Telephone: 01845 575000 admin@queenmarys.org

Telephone: 01707 602500 admissions@queenswood.org

Telephone: 01235 543000 warden@radley.org.uk

Telephone: 01509 817072 iblackmore-allen@ratcliffecollege.com

Telephone: +353 1285 3133 registrar@rathdownschool.ie

Telephone: 01757 618248 enquiries@readschool.co.uk

Telephone: 0118 9015600 info@reading-school.co.uk

Telephone: 0118 974 8300 registrar@reddamhouse.org.uk

Telephone: 01932 869044 aatkins@reeds.surrey.sch.uk

ROEDEAN SCHOOL

Website: www.roedean.co.uk

Telephone: 01273 667500

Postcode: BN2 5RQ

Email: admissions@roedean.co.uk

Location: Roedean Way, Brighton No. in School: 700 No. of Boarders: 340

Boarding Type: full. flexi

ROOKWOOD SCHOOL

ROSSALL SCHOOL

ROYAL ALEXANDRA AND ALBERT SCHOOL

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL HIGH WYCOMBE

ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

Website: www.royalhospitalschool.org

Boarding Age: 11-18

Telephone: +44 (0)1264 325900 office@rookwoodschool.org

Telephone: +44(0)1253 774201 admissions@rossall.org.uk

Telephone: 01737 649001 admissions@gatton-park.org.uk

Telephone: 01494 524955 admin@rgshw.com

Telephone: 01225 313877 royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net

Telephone: 01473 326136

Email: admissions@royalhospitalschool.org

Boarding Age: 11-18

SEXEY’S SCHOOL

SHAFTESBURY SCHOOL

SHEBBEAR COLLEGE

SHERBORNE GIRLS

SHERBORNE INTERNATIONAL

SHERBORNE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

SHERBORNE SCHOOL

SHERFIELD SCHOOL

SHIPLAKE COLLEGE

SIBFORD SCHOOL

SIDCOT SCHOOL

SIR ROGER MANWOODS SCHOOL

SKEGNESS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SLINDON COLLEGE

ST ANDREW’S PREP

ST ANDREW’S PREP SCHOOL TURI

ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL PANGBOURNE

ST CATHERINE’S, BRAMLEY

ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL

ST CLARE’S, OXFORD

ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

ST DAVID’S COLLEGE

ST DOMINIC’S HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE

ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL CANTERBURY

ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL, SURREY

ST EDWARD’S OXFORD

ST FRANCIS’ COLLEGE

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE, ARGENTINA

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS EDINBURGH

Telephone: 01749 813393

Email: admissions@sexeys.somerset.sch.uk

Telephone: 01747 854498 office@shaftesburyschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01409 282000 admissions@shebbearcollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01935 812245 registrar@sherborne.com

Telephone: 01935 814743 reception@sherborne-international.org

Telephone: 01935 812097 school.office@sherborneprep.org

Telephone: 01935 810403 admissions@sherborne.org

Telephone: 01256 884800 info@sherfieldschool.co.uk

Telephone: 0118 940 2455 info@shiplake.org.uk

Telephone: 01295 781200 tspence@sibfordschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01934 845236 admissions@sidcot.org.uk

Telephone: 01304 610200 n.young@srms.kent.sch.uk

Telephone: 01754 610000 eday@skegnessgrammar.co.uk

Telephone: 01243 814320 registrar@slindoncollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01323 733293 info@standrewsprep.co.uk

Telephone: 00254719622783 headprepschool@turimail.co.ke

Telephone: 0118 9744276

Telephone: 01483 899609

Telephone: 01462 650850

Telephone: 01865 552031

headmaster@standrewspangbourne.co.uk

admissions@stcatherines.info

school.admin@stchris.co.uk

andrew.rattue@stclares.ac.uk

Telephone: +353 (1) 4906791 admissions@stcolumbas.ie

Telephone: 01492 875 974

headmaster@stdavidscollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01902 850248 admin@stdominicsgrammarschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01920 824247

Telephone: 01227 475600

Telephone: 01428 604808

Telephone: 01865 319200

Telephone: 01462 670 511

Telephone: 01344 629900

Telephone: +5411 43507900

Telephone: 0131 3118000

admissions@stedmundscollege.org

admissions@stedmunds.org.uk

marketing@saintedmunds.co.uk

registrar@stedwardsoxford.org

vbutin@st-francis.herts.sch.uk

admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

infoquilmes@stgeorges.edu.ar

office@stge.org.uk

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL, HARPENDEN

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL, SWITZERLAND

WINDSOR CASTLE

ST GILEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ST HUGH’S SCHOOL, LINCOLNSHIRE

ST HUGH’S SCHOOL, OXFORDSHIRE

ST JOHN’S BEAUMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE SCHOOL

ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BELGIUM

ST JOHN’S ON THE HILL

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL LEATHERHEAD

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

Telephone: 01582 765477 admin@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

Telephone: +41219643411 admissions@stgeorges.ch

Telephone: 01753 865553 enquiries@stgwindsor.org

Telephone: 00436 22720259 m.moetz@stgis.at

Telephone: 01526 352169 office@st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk

Telephone: 01367 870700 office@st-hughs.co.uk

Telephone: 01784 432428 hmoffice@sjb.email

Telephone: 02392 815 118 jhunt@stjohnscollege.co.uk

Telephone: 01223 353532 shoffice@sjcs.co.uk

Telephone: 01395 513984 contact.stjohns@iesmail.com

Telephone: +3223520612 admissions@stjohns.be

Telephone: 01291 622045 frett@stjohnsonthehill.co.uk

Telephone: 01372 373000 admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk

Telephone: 01473 690281 admin@stjos.co.uk

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE Telephone: +61 07 3865 0555 contact@nudgee.qld.edu.au ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

Telephone: 02904 527300 enquiries@stpetersyork.org.uk

STAMFORD

STEWART’S

STEYNING GRAMMAR SCHOOL Telephone: 01903 817601 sgsboarding@sgs.uk.net ST

701740

THE PILGRIMS’ SCHOOL

Website: www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk

No. in School: 235

Boarding Type: full, weekly

THE PREBENDAL SCHOOL

THE PRIORY ACADEMY LSST ROBERT DE CHENEY BOARDING HOUSE

THE PURCELL SCHOOL

THE READ SCHOOL

THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL

THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL

THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL HIGH WYCOMBE

THE ROYAL

Telephone: 01962 854189

Postcode: SO23 9LT

No. of Boarders: 78

Email: admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk

Location: Winchester, Hampshire

Boarding Age: 8-13

Telephone: 01243 772220 office.prebendal@btconnect.com

Telephone: 01522 889977 Boarding@prioryacademies.co.uk

Telephone: 01923 331100 s.clark@purcell-school.org

Telephone: 01757 618248 enquiries@readschool.co.uk

Telephone: +234 80722 93280 principal@regentschoolabuja.com

Telephone: 0207 836 8899 karen.davies@royalballetschool.org.uk

Telephone: 01494 524955 admin@rgshw.com

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS YEAR’S DIRECTORY. THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE OUT IN 2025!

A GUIDE TO

EDUCATIONAL GUARDIANSHIP

When sending your child to the UK to study, you want your child to be well cared for and supported, and we are here to help.

Guardianship organisations are commonly known for supporting international families, however many also cater for British families living overseas who might not have a family member residing in the UK, close to the school, able to act as guardian for their child.

An educational guardian acts on behalf of the parents, helping the student adapt to their new life. A guardian keeps in regular contact with the student and assists with any problems that may arise. Their services include, for example, host family accommodation during holidays and term time, airport transfers, attending parents evenings, and a 24/7 emergency contact number. A guardianship organisation will have experience of working with agents and parents of different nationalities and be able to offer a fast and efficient response. There are currently no regulations in place around educational guardianship in the UK which is why AEGIS exists.

AEGIS inspects and accredits guardianship organisations. The inspection process ensures, for example, that all host family members aged 16 and over, drivers, staff and contractors are DBS checked and that host family homes have been visited and assessed. AEGIS provides peace of mind that there is someone on hand to care for your child whenever necessary.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AN EDUCATIONAL GUARDIAN

1. Are you AEGIS accredited and when was your company last inspected by AEGIS?

2. Can you provide a caring host family which matches the needs of my child?

3. Will my child have the same host family every holiday?

4. Will the host family be in a convenient location, close to the school?

5. How often will the educational guardian visit my child at school?

6. Do you provide a student handbook which clearly explains who to contact in different circumstances?

7. How much is your service and are there any additional costs?

8. Do you provide 24/7 emergency support?