The Good Schools Guide
We were delighted to welcome The Good Schools Guide in December 2022 and their review, which was published in January 2023, gives a really good insight into life at our school.
Highlights include:
- The school combines a keen sense of history with a thoroughly forward-looking ethos
- We navigated our way between zig-zagging tricycles in the junior playground and children busy with football, basketball and construction games in the seniors’ space; a sense of fun prevails. Facilities generally praised by parents – notably the striking theatre and a lovely swimming pool
- cheerful dining hall offers ‘yummy lunch’ with plenty of options for even the fussiest eater, gently encouraging pupils to expand their tastes
- Teaching lauded as ‘really inspiring’ and throughout our visit we observed pacey, purposeful learning, with hands shooting up to answer questions. Surfaces everywhere covered in busy, colourful displays
- High-quality, inclusive approach to full range of SEN both individually tailored and thoroughly integrated into classroom provision, with teachers well coached in useful techniques by SENCo
- Preparation for transition to secondary school starts in year 4, with one-to-one parent meetings to discuss possible options with head. Guidance very much tailored to schools where head reckons child will thrive, based on thorough assessment of their strengths, character and interests: ‘it’s all about the right fit, not prestige,’ say parents
- Inclusive yet stretching ethos typified by school’s approach to the arts, with great support for gifted artists and performers, yet everyone encouraged to have a go and experiment – ‘it’s all about helping each child find their passion’, enthused a happy parent.
The final word from The Good Schools Guide
Welcoming, thoroughly grounded local school delivering a broad and well-rounded curriculum that allows pupils to explore their own interests, providing an excellent foundation for later study and life as well as preparing them thoroughly but unobtrusively for competitive entry to secondary schools. Parents describe the school as ‘a happy place with happy children’. We would certainly concur.
About The Good Schools Guide
Each school in The Guide is selected on merit alone. Schools cannot pay to be included and have no influence over what they write. During their visit, the reviewer met with many members of staff, had a tour of the school with pupil guides and spoke to a number of current parents about their experiences.
