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Primary & Secondary
Last update: 18 March 2024

OPEN DAYS AND TOURS


Downsend thrives on welcoming new parents to the school, and loves to have the opportunity to make an impression. We run Open Days several times a year, with Talk and Tours offered every week.

THE DOWNSEND VISION

At Downsend, our vision is to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world.​

•  We inspire a global perspective, encouraging an awareness and an understanding of the world around us, and our responsibility to make change.​
•  We shape incredible people with the emotional intelligence to build relationships, lead teams and adapt to a changing world.​
•  We find the creativity within us all. We develop the curious, the critical-thinkers, the artists and the innovators.​
•  We aspire to digital mastery by equipping ourselves with the ability and the mindset to tackle the technology of the future.

OUR RESULTS


The academic achievement of Downsend’s pupils, at every stage, is something we are very proud of. We will always say that a child should never be judged by data alone, for their skills, talents, and strengths are far greater than what can be tested through assessments. But, this does not mean that our pupils are not achieving the most stunning results.  Because they really are. They work hard. We work hard. We work hard together, to make sure that every single pupil aims high, and reaches places they may never have felt possible.
       
Primary & Secondary
Last update: 15 March 2024

OPEN DAYS AND VIRTUAL VISITS

 

Open Days at Sherfield School are designed to let you experience our school ethos and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. 

Watch our video tour here

View 360 views inside and around the School here

MISSION AND AIMS

 

      
Our motto at Sherfield School is ad vitam paramus – 'we prepare for life'. This sums up our aim for our school community. Our mission is to educate reliable, honest and responsible young people who are reflective, engaged and dynamic and ready for the challenges of modern life.

We help our students to develop not only their gifts, but also their character, teaching them to work both individually and collaboratively. Our pupils learn to respect one another, contribute to the life of the school and celebrate their successes together.

Our core values:
  
- Learning through Innovation

- Pursuing Excellence

- Global Citizenship

- Growing by Learning

 

WHAT MAKES SHERFIELD UNIQUE?

 

Outstanding, all-round academic school

Active and creative school

School that educates children from all around the world

School that offers peer-to-peer learning and collaboration

Inclusive, family feel

Huge amount of parental support

Extraordinary, thriving enrichment programme

Primary & Secondary
Last update: 15 March 2024

OPEN DAYS AND VIRTUAL VISITS

 

Throughout the year, we hold a number of Open Events which entail a tour of the site where you will see all of our facilities and extensive grounds, followed by a talk from our Head.

Visitors are always – without fail – impressed by every girl they meet. From the youngest to the oldest, they present themselves as outstanding ambassadors for the school in whatever situation they find themselves.

CROYDON HIGH TO BE THE FIRST UK SCHOOL TO LAUNCH SATELLITE INTO LOW EARTH ORBIT

 

Croydon High School hosted an event to celebrate the resounding success of Mission Aspiration, which saw a team of students from the school’s Astrogazers Club collaborate with the University of Bath to become the first UK school to send two weather balloons into space.

The weather balloons were launched 32,000 metres into space and successfully retrieved images of the Earth. Alongside the celebrations, the gathering also marked the official unveiling of Astrogazers' new mission, Mission Pegasus. 

 

CROYDON HIGH SCHOOL GDST RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS ARTSMARK GOLD AWARD

 

Pupils and staff at Croydon High are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Artsmark Gold Award in a momentous year for the programme as it celebrates 20 years of arts, culture and creativity in schools.

 

 

Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Croydon High School on their Artsmark Award. Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, ambitious, and creative curriculum, every pupil can develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”

Secondary
Last update: 15 March 2024

HABERDASHER ADAMS OPEN WEEK - 22ND-25TH JANUARY 2024

  

For prospective pupils in Year 5 looking for September 2025 Entry and prospective pupils in Year 11 looking for September 2024 Entry into the Sixth Form. 

“A wonderful state grammar with stellar academic standards and a multitude of enrichment activities on offer to create real depth of character. Boarding is incredible for the price.” 

Haberdasher’s Adams offers boys (aged 11-18) a boarding school education from £4,619 per term. As a selective state grammar school, you just pay for the costs associated with boarding. This makes Haberdashers’ Adams an excellent alternative to the independent sector. 

 

NEW DEPUTY HEAD ANNOUNCEMENT

 

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Ruth Crichton as our new Deputy Head in charge of Curriculum.

Mrs Crichton has over twenty years of teaching experience in secondary education in the West Midlands. She began her career as a Geography teacher, with a love of the outdoors and the natural environment. With ten years’ experience as a senior leader in both comprehensive and grammar schools, Mrs Crichton has had responsibility for overseeing the quality of education, teaching, learning and curriculum.

Commenting on the appointment, Mrs Crichton said: “I’m very excited about joining Haberdashers’ Adams with its strong legacy of successful students and where the quality of provision is already excellent. I am looking forward to working with staff, students and the whole school community to further enhance the Adams provision for each and every student.”

Mrs Crichton joins Haberdashers’ Adams after Easter to work alongside Dr Pack for the summer term
before taking over fully in September.

 

Farlington School
Primary & Secondary
Last update: 15 March 2024

OPEN EVENTS

 

We run a series of Open Events throughout the year and these are an excellent way to get a taste of life at Farlington – to meet staff and pupils, tour our grounds and facilities, and experience our exceptional catering.

For details of upcoming Open Events, please click below. Please note that advance booking is essential for Open Events – simply complete the short form on our website to reserve your place. We look forward to sharing our school with you!

FARLINGTON CELEBRATES EXAM SUCCESS

  

  

 

Students at Farlington School in Horsham, West Sussex, celebrated exceptional A-Level examination results, with 74% of grades awarded to Farlington students being A*-B; 84% A*-C; and a 100% pass rate. Particularly impressive is the school’s ‘value added’, with 83% of students achieving one grade above expected in at least one A-Level, and 21% of all grades awarded being two grades above expected.

Furthermore, 83% of these students have secured a place at their first choice of university, beating the national average. Farlington students will now go on to read a range of subjects at prestigious universities across the country.

Read what Penny Hart, Head of Senior School had to say here.

 

Farlington students also celebrate an increase in top GCSE Grades

 

Year 11 students at Farlington School in Horsham, West Sussex, celebrate stronger GCSE results than those achieved before the pandemic in 2019, with 21% grade 9; 35% grades 9-8; 54% grades 9-7; and 95% grades 9-4.

Farlington is exceptionally proud of all of its Year 11 students, not only those who achieved straight grade 9s and 8s, but also those who are celebrating achieving grades 4 to 7 through their hard work and endeavour.

Headmaster James Passam says, “I am absolutely delighted to see so many of our students fulfil or exceed their academic potential in what is a much more challenging examination context nationally.

 

 

 

WELLBEING CENTRE WELCOMES STUDENTS

 

 

Farlington School, in Horsham, West Sussex, opened a brand new Wellbeing Centre at the beginning of 2024, giving students from the Lower School to the Sixth Form a safe space that promotes a sense of calm and reflection.

"The opening of our new Wellbeing Centre represents a milestone in what has been a community project for Farlington, led by the generous efforts of our fabulous PTA,” says Headmaster James Passam.

Students are able to enjoy a wide variety of wellbeing activities in the centre, including guided meditation, ‘Morning Mindfulness’ and ‘Woodland Wellbeing’. Drop-in counselling sessions are open to all students who may need a chat, and there are after-school sessions for staff including yoga nidra (yogic sleep), blissful aromatherapy, reiki and sound healing.

 

Primary & Secondary
Last update: 15 March 2024

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: EMILY SOROKA

One thing you will notice in our Prep School is the genuine family atmosphere created by our friendly, warm and professional staff. 

They include Mrs Emily Soroka, Year 4 Class Teacher. We popped down to meet her. 

How long have you worked at Ashville, Mrs Soroka? 

This is my fifth year now. I joined in September 2019, before the pandemic. Lockdown felt like being thrown in at the deep end coming so soon in a new job, but adapting to home learning was fine because I had a wonderful class. They were all brilliant, and we just found our groove. My kitchen became my classroom though, so I’m not sure my husband enjoyed having to tiptoe around much! (Laughs). 

Can you tell us about your professional background leading up to you joining Ashville? 

I always saw myself as a teacher and going to university but when I finished sixth form, I didn’t feel ready, so I went into full-time work instead. Working in the banking sector for a few years confirmed that teaching was what I really wanted to do and gave me the confidence I needed to go for it. I did my degree in Early Years Education at Leeds Trinity, before heading to Northumbria University for my PGCE. My first full-time teaching job after qualifying was at Ripon Cathedral School, a lovely primary school which linked to the Cathedral. I spent four years there before coming to Ashville. I have always taught Key Stage 2; I enjoy working with the children and seeing them progress. My favourite year groups are definitely Years 3 and 4!  

Why did you want to be a teacher? 

I’ve always loved working with children. It’s just fun! No two days are ever the same. It’s so rewarding to support children on their journey through education and to witness their individual ‘lightbulb moments’. 

Do you have a personal philosophy when it comes to providing the very best education? 

I believe in kindness and providing a kind, encouraging, and nurturing environment that allows children to flourish. I consider myself to be a kind and caring teacher, and hopefully the children think that too! 

How do you think children benefit from an independent education in a way they perhaps would not from a state education? 

Having worked in state education I can confidently say that there is a huge difference between the two, mainly the smaller class sizes, specialist teaching, and choice of facilities. I was blown away when I first joined Ashville. The children have so much more available to them here that you wouldn’t get from a state education, for example, the variety of sports facilities and weekly swimming lessons on site, and the children seem more confident and independent.  

Teaching smaller classes is lovely because you get to know the children really well and gain a better understanding of their individual learning needs.  

The Co-Curricular Programme is fantastic too, because there’s something for everyone. The children thoroughly enjoy their activities. Some have something on every day after school, and most lunchtimes too. Such busy schedules need good communication between home and school, to ensure that children are getting enough sleep and can cover all their commitments comfortably. 

What positive changes or developments have you seen since our new Head of Prep, Mr Soutar, joined in September? 

Along with many exciting opportunities for the children. Mr Soutar has been keen to support the personal development opportunities for staff, which is a positive step in the right direction. At the start of the year, Mr Soutar sat down with each of us individually to get to know us all and ask where we see ourselves moving forward. He’s really taken our feedback onboard and provided opportunities for us to grow in our careers. He’s also got to know the children very quickly, which is particularly important in our close-knit community. 

What is your favourite thing about working at Ashville? 

The children and the staff. We really are like one big family. We always support each other in any way we can. The children are just brilliant, and I have loved working with every class I’ve had here. They really do make my day. 

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of this academic year? 

I do love the Summer term. The weather makes such a difference as the children can get out onto the field at break-times, after having spent so much time stuck inside because of the bad weather. The summer term is extremely busy with exciting activities such as Sports day and residentials. I enjoy taking my lessons outside too, whether it’s to simply put our Maths books on clipboards and sit on the grass, do our daily reading outside, or work with Mr Oldham in the Outdoor Learning facility, bringing what we’ve learnt in classroom to life or engaging in team-building activities. 

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working? 

I enjoy lots of long walks at the weekend with my husband and Enzo, our Italian pointer, and spending time with family. During the holidays I love to get away and travel, this year I am returning to Italy, my favourite place to visit. 

Can you share something about yourself that people might not know? 

When I first qualified as a teacher, I knew that Ashville was the school I wanted to work for. I came for an interview as an NQT. Sadly I didn’t get it, but they gave me lots of helpful pointers. I then waited to get more experience under my belt. I really enjoyed working in Ripon but as soon as the Class Teacher role came up here, I knew I had to apply. And I’m glad to say, I got it! 

NO PASSING TREND – THE AIR FRYER REVOLUTIONISES A LEVEL PE LESSONS AT ASHVILLE

Air fryershave helped to bring A Level PE lessons to life for our Sixth Formers learning how to prepare the nutritious food elite athletes need to perform at their best.

Lower Sixth pupils at Ashville, all of whom are accomplished young sportspeople, have participated in a ‘Diet and Nutrition MasterChef’ session, equipped only with an air fryer, a kettle, hand utensils, and their ingredients to create a range of delicious meals.

The idea sprang from a passing conversation in the staff room between Mr Mathieu Medway, Head of Academic PE, and his colleagues about air fryers and the nutritional, energy-saving and cost-saving benefits of their use.

Each group of two to three pupils was tasked with creating a meal for a specific type of sportsperson and scenario, taking into account the timing of the meal relative to their sporting activity, the player’s gender, height, weight and age, their weekly workload, and allergies.

The prerace evening meal for a female 400m athlete was crispy shredded chicken, egg fried rice, peas and a smoothie; the during-match cricket tea for a batsman consisted of chicken breast with rice accompanied by a hydration electrolyte drink, a glass of milk, and a bowl of fruit, yoghurt and honey; and the post-match meal for an international level Rugby player was a sirloin steak, fries, salad and homemade ketchup.

The exercise combined academic theory, sports science and the development of important life skills and each group gained valuable preparation for their A Level examinations in the Summer by preparing the full meal and submitting a report.

Mr Paul Stansfield, Director of Sport, said:

“It has been really inspiring to see how Mr Medway and the team have helped to enthuse the pupils about the course module theory, and encouraged them to develop skills that will be valuable to them in the future. Like all subject specialists at Ashville, we are constantly looking for new ways to engage pupils with their learning and bring curriculum content to life, and this has been a brilliant example of that.”

Mr Medway said:

“From a passing chat, I was inspired to introduce air fryer cooking into our A Level Diet and Nutrition lessons, and it has been fantastic to see this evolve. The group really embraced the project and it smelt wonderful in the classroom as they cooked up a storm!”

Keira, a Lower Sixth pupil, said:

“I was looking forward to this lesson for ages. Learning about diet and nutrition has been very interesting and I enjoyed the cooking aspect of this section, as I was able to prove to myself and my class that I can actually cook something decent and edible! My partner and I worked well as a team to be able to provide a suitable meal for a pre competition performer which would benefit and provide the athlete with plenty of energy.”

PUPIL SPOTLIGHT: MEET THE CAST OF LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

It’s nearly time. The 2024 Senior School Production is just two weeks away and audiences are in for an absolute treat.

The Little Shop of Horrors cast and crew have been working hard since September to bring the show to life. We caught up with four cast representatives, Nick and Lucy in Upper Sixth, and Freddie and Gabby in Lower Sixth, to find out more.

What character do you play and what do you enjoy most about playing that character?

Freddie: I play Seymour Krelborn, a florist who finds a magical plant. He’s a great character to play and very comedic because he is so awkward and not the brightest! He’s madly in love with his coworker Audrey and puts all his energy into winning her affection. It has been fun to push the boundaries in playing him, and to ‘weird out’ my fellow cast members in the process.

Nick : I play the sadistic dentist, Orin, who is Audrey’s boyfriend. He has this kind of loud presence, and you have to almost ignore the other characters and audience and just focus on being as self-centred and nasty as possible. It’s not natural for me to behave that way, which makes it kind of fun!

Gabby : I enjoy playing the character of Audrey as she is so different to me. She’s melodramatic and has a silly, high voice, which means I get to be really over the top. My friends aren’t used to seeing me like that at all!

Lucy: I play one of the Skid Row girls, who act as storytellers for the show. The one I play is quite money-obsessed and not very nice to the rest of the characters, which similarly, is not like me at all, which makes it quite fun to do. As Drama Captain, I have also organised choreography for the show.

Can one of you please describe Little Shop of Horrors in a nutshell?

Freddie: It’s about a guy, Seymour, who finds a plant at an old Chinese man’s shop and brings it back to the flower shop where he works. Instantly the plant starts bringing in more business and attention, but then it starts to grow and develop and even to speak, leading to a complex story that gets very out of hand! Without giving too much away, the more the plant thrives, the worse the situation Seymour finds himself in. Our production is closely based on the 1986 film with most of the original songs.

Why should people come to see Little Shop of Horrors?

Nick: It is a spectacle and a ridiculously hilarious story. The cast are fantastic. Everyone has taken their characters on board so well. I’ve been looking around at everybody in rehearsals and just thinking ‘wow’! The choreography is also amazing, and Lucy has done a fantastic job bringing all the elements together. It is a privilege to represent the cast for this interview and everybody involved should be congratulated for what they have achieved so far.

What is it about Drama that appeals to you?

Nick: I am a bit of an anomaly here as I’m the only one of the four of us who hasn’t studied Drama or Performing Arts; my involvement is purely out of passion. My first time performing was in last year’s show Romeo and Juliet, and I absolutely loved it. I’ve made some fantastic new friends I wouldn’t otherwise have crossed paths with, and everyone is so supportive. On opening night last year, I remember being terrified all day long but as soon as the curtain went up that feeling stopped, and I just got into it. A lot of hard work goes into the Production, but it doesn’t feel like hard work because you’re enjoying yourself so much.

Freddie: I’ve been doing Drama from an early age, starting with Speech and Drama in Year 2. I had a little break when I first started Senior School but then thought I would give it a go again. My first big role was as Dracula in the 2020 Senior School Production of Eternal Flame, and I haven’t looked back. I love to see everything take shape in a show, from costume design to choreography. I enjoy doing accents and playing around with my character to make them different and unique.

Gabby: Like Freddie, I have done Drama for a long time, and I’ve always loved it. I now see it as a career. Shows stress me out a lot, but I like to stress myself out, if that makes sense? So much comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Lucy: I have also been involved in Drama from a very young age. I love to be someone else, craft a character from scratch and get into their psyche. Drama brings a lot of people and skillsets together, from the cast to the crew and the chorus.

For pupils undecided about being in next year’s Production, why should they get involved?

Lucy: As Nick demonstrates, you can join at any age, and you don’t need previous experience, just enthusiasm! And there are so many aspects of the production you can get involved in, from costume design to management. The production is what you make of it; you can choose to use existing skills, or you can challenge yourself by doing something different. You get to meet so many people and try things you never would have imagined possible, like sword fighting!

What is next for you in terms of performance?

Lucy: I am a dancer, so I have a show coming up with my own dance school. We then have the Performing Arts Summer Show in June, which for Upper Sixth acts as the final performance assessment for the Cambridge Technical qualification. I hope to join dance and drama clubs when I go to university in September. It’s a bit emotional to think that my drama days at Ashville are nearly over.

Gabby: After the Production I will be focusing on the Summer Show. I also do a few drama-related things outside of school, so I will be appearing in a performance of Les Misérables at Yeadon Town Hall in the Autumn. And then of course there will be next year’s Production.

Freddie: I’m really looking forward to presenting the piece we’re preparing for the Summer Show, and then other than next year’s Senior School Production I will be thinking about what I want to study at university. I like both English and Drama; I would like to study something that covers both of those but I’m not sure yet.

Nick: I very much hope to continue performing, maybe in theatre groups or clubs at university. I thoroughly enjoy performing, and being around other people who love to perform.

What’s your favourite thing about Ashville?

Nick: The community, of pupils and teachers alike. The teachers make a real effort to inspire you, which makes you want to put in a real effort in return.

Freddie: I’ve been at Ashville since I was 4, so it’s all I’ve known and where I’ve always wanted to be. I was certain I wanted to come here for Sixth Form. Ashville is a really good school to facilitate the pupil that wants to do everything, because everything here is amazing, from the arts to sport and the academics. If you want to do something, Ashville will support you. I have loved every minute of being here.

Gabby: The best thing about Ashville is the opportunities you get. I’ve been here since I was 8, When I was younger, I got involved in everything, but since then I have been able to hone my interests over time to focus mostly on Drama.

Lucy: I really like how everyone is pushed outside of their comfort zone. You’re encouraged to do more than just learn in a classroom, they want you to go off and try new things. Without having that ability to explore my interests, I would not have been Drama Captain or got the chance to do all the amazing things I’ve been able to do.

Primary & Secondary
Last update: 14 March 2024

THE YEHUDI MENUHIN SCHOOL ANNOUNCES DR ROBIN HARSKIN AS NEW HEAD

 

The Board of Governors of The Yehudi Menuhin School in Cobham, Surrey, has appointed
Dr Robin Harskin as its new Head, following an extensive and competitive selection
process. Dr Harskin will take up the post immediately.


Dr Harskin initially joined the specialist music school, founded by celebrated violinist
Yehudi Menuhin, in September 2019 as Head of Modern Languages, then as
Housemaster and Head of Boarding, before becoming Interim Head in December 2023.
He brings a wealth of experience, with a teaching career that includes posts at Sevenoaks
School in Kent, King’s College School in Wimbledon, Magdalen College School in Oxford,
where he was Head of Modern Languages, and two prep schools in Oxford – Summer
Fields and Christ Church Cathedral School – where he was Academic Deputy / Director
of Studies. He holds an MA in Modern Languages and an MPhil in Politics from the
University of Oxford, and a PhD in French Poetry from University College London.


David Buckley, Chairman of Governors, said: “Throughout his time at the school, Robin
has demonstrated a deep commitment to the school’s ethos and values. His dedication
to creating a nurturing environment for the pupils has been evident, and his vision for the
school aligns seamlessly with the school’s aspiration for musical and academic
excellence.”


Dr Harskin commented: “I am delighted and humbled to accept the role of Head of The
Yehudi Menuhin School. It is an exciting time for the school, particularly as we expand
our entry point to years 5 and 6 from this September. My focus has always been, and
continues to be, on empowering each pupil to reach their full potential, and I look forward
to playing a part in developing the next generation of 21st century musicians.”

Kingswood Preparatory School
Primary
Last update: 13 March 2024

 

Our upcoming Open Events are as follows but please check the link below for the latest information.

 

Kingswood Prep School

12 June - KPS Summer Virtual Event

21 September - Prep School Open Morning, 10am – 12.00pm

 

Senior School

19 June - KS Summer Virtual Event, Years 7 & 8. Virtual Event and offering timed tours throughout the morning.

23 September - Sixth Form Evening, 6.30pm – 9.00pm

25 September - Senior School Open Day, 9.00am – 12.00pm

 

 

The event will provide prospective pupils and their families with the opportunity to see what life is like at Kingswood School as well as the chance to speak to key members of staff, including the Headmaster, Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown.

Come and find out what makes Kingswood so special - a warm welcome awaits you and your family. You can also meet some of our pupils and staff by watching our Kingswood Stories films. 

Please do contact our admissions teams for information on when we may be able to offer a personal visit.

Please email Senara Derrick via [email protected] or click on the link below. 

Primary
Last update: 07 March 2024

OPEN MORNINGS AND PRIVATE TOURS

 

Our Open Mornings will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about our excellent school. Each visitor will be taken on an individual tour by our pupils where you will get a chance to meet our dedicated staff, watch our pupils in action and ask any questions you might have. Open Mornings are by appointment only.

If you are unable to attend one of our popular open mornings or would prefer a more personalised view of the school, we also offer private tours by a member of the admissions team who can answer any further questions you may have.

 

24TH IN THE PARENT POWER TOP 100 PREP SCHOOLS LIST

 

Breaside Preparatory School has been ranked 24th among the top 100 UK Prep Schools by The Times newspaper and feature in the accompanying Parent Power: Best UK Schools Guide. The guide identifies 600 of the highest achieving primary and prep schools in England and is rannked by the most recent exams results and features both independent and state schools.

“It is wonderful to be recognised for all of the hard work that the staff and children put into Breaside to make it the very special place that it is.”

 

EXCELLENT RESULTS

 

 

We have an excellent record of places gained to local super selective grammars and independent schools and this year is no exception. Our 11+ results were once again outstanding with some pupils offered academic, creative, music and sports scholarships.

Parents are given guidance on the schools that we recommend for their children throughout their time at Breaside and we pride ourselves on gaining the right opportunities for individual children.

Please see our lists of places offered over the past few years via the Leavers’ Destinations link below

 

Secondary
Last update: 07 March 2024

OPEN DAYS

  

We encourage parents of students who are currently in Year 5 to attend our Open Days.

 

 

LVS OXFORD STUDENTS SECURE PLACEMENTS AT BLENHEIM PALACE!

 

Recently four of our Upper school students visited Blenheim Palace to meet with Eleanor Plaice, Guest Services Manager. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to work alongside the Blenheim team.

The group of students were taken on a tour of Blenheim, to the estate department, customer services, and horticulture centre.  The students were extremely excited about working in these areas.

To incorporate our careers programme all the students have created CV’s and will take part in an informal interview with Eleanor and her colleagues. The students will have the opportunity of a mock interview with our LTC HR Director and LTC HR Manager who have kindly offered to come into school and conduct these interviews ahead of Eleanor’s meeting with the students before the start of their placement. 

100% PASS RATE AT GCSE

 

 

Students are celebrating a 100% pass rate in all GCSE subjects taken. We are proud to give our students a calming and appropriate environment where they can learn without limits, enabling them to unlock their potential and leave the school feeling confident, independent adults.

It is important to recognise that taking part in assessments and examinations for many autistic students who live with high levels of anxiety is an incredible achievement.

Our students achieved an overall pass rate of 100% in all subjects with 78% of those grades 4-9 (A*-C). They also achieved an outstanding 94% at or above their expected grades and 65% exceeding predicted grades. This has been a record year of achievement for our students.

Commenting on the results, Principal, Ian Peters, said; “I am immensely proud of what our students have achieved this year. The staff at LVS Oxford have delivered incredible learning opportunities and our students have taken full advantage of them. Despite the challenges, they have achieved such great results and I have every confidence our students will go on to achieve great things.”

Primary & Secondary
Last update: 29 February 2024

OPEN DAYS AND VIRTUAL VISITS

 

Meet the Headmaster, take a tour of the school with pupils and experience Quinton House life first-hand.

INSPIRING STUDENTS TO LEAD THE WAY

 

The School has a clear purpose which is to protect, nurture and inspire children. Our aims for all students:

  • To provide a holistic education, tailored to the individual.
  • To stimulate intellectual curiosity, nurture wellbeing and foster cultural understanding.
  • Inspired by a culture of aspiration, we aim for our students to lead the way, demonstrate a broad commitment to service and develop a zest for life.
  • For our students to become socially adept, resilient and virtuous, seeking opportunities to flourish as characters, living a life of purpose.
Sydenham High School GDST
Primary & Secondary
Last update: 29 February 2024

At Sydenham High School we aim to inspire the future generations of creators, independent thinkers and trailblazers, empowering every girl to forge her own path, strive to be her best and excel. Just a short walk from Sydenham Overground station and easily accessible from across South East London, Sydenham High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18.

Girls at Sydenham High are ambitious and open minded, with the inner strength and self belief necessary to outstrip all expectations. They are also well rounded, intellectually curious, down to earth and happy.

The school’s original Anglo Saxon motto, ‘Nyle ye drede’, means ‘fear nothing’ and underpins all that we do. Sydenham High is selective and diverse, welcoming girls with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds into a close community that is large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure that no girl is overlooked.

The best way to discover how we do this is to visit us in person and see our school in action at one of our open events:

Senior School Open Morning on Thursday 21 March (9.30-11am) Prep School Open Morning – Tuesday 12 March (9.30-10.30am)

"Meet the Head" Coffee Mornings throughout the year.

Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net/

STUDENTS CELEBRATE A LEVEL AND GCSE SUCCESS IN STYLE

 


A level

More than half of all grades (57.4 per cent) were A*-B and 25% were A*/A. The best performing subjects included all three sciences

A trio of Sydenham High School sixth formers celebrated stellar A Level results. Rachel Honeysett, Evie Richards and Greta Holmes achieved all A*s and As in their subjects and have top university places awaiting them.

Dozens of Sydenham High students joined them to celebrate their A Level results and a raft of further university places including York, Manchester, King’s College and Queen Mary’s London for courses from Economics to Astrophysics. A record number of six students secured coveted places on Art Foundation courses including the Royal Drawing School.
 

GCSE 

Sydenham High’s GCSE results have hit new heights with an increase in top grades for the second year running.

An excellent performance in Biology, Chemistry and Physics contributed to over 34.9 per cent of all grades being A* and 61 per cent being A* or A.  In total 94.7 per cent of grades were A*-C.

Over 80 per cent of all three science results were A* or A with a record 96 percent in Biology, 95 per cent in Physics and 82 percent in Chemistry.

Ten students opened their envelopes to find they had scored a full house of A*s and As, meanwhile a further six students achieved a run of 10 or more A*s.

FLOURISH & FLY AT SYDENHAM HIGH

 


 

As concern rises about the anxiety felt amongst students who face unprecedented levels academic pressure and expectation Sydenham High School GDST's well-established programme to help pupils build their resilience long before the approach of GCSEs and A Levels is going from strength to strength.

Our Junior School Flourish and Fly programme, is designed to inspire, challenge and embolden  our youngest students to discover their individual talents and look over and around perceived obstacles to their success.

Every half term we celebrate a different theme ranging from being bold to networking.  The culmination of the programme is a week of activities which include practical workshops and talks by inspirational speakers alongside fundraising and helping in the local community.

This innovative approach has proved popular with students, parents and staff alike.  Mental resilience and emotional well-being need to be developed in the very earliest years of child development and Junior Schools like ours have a duty to deliver a robust and holistic approach from the outset.

Secondary
Last update: 27 February 2024
Secondary
Last update: 23 February 2024
Primary & Secondary
Last update: 22 February 2024

ST MARY'S MUSIC SCHOOL: NEW VOCAL PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

The new Vocal Department at St Mary’s Music School is the only one of its kind in Scotland and the North of England. Singing is an intrinsic part of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and therefore makes the perfect home for young singers from the UK and abroad to help ensure that they can grow and flourish. There are two vocal programmes at the School which focus on age-appropriate vocal development: The Changing Voices Programme and the Senior Vocal Programme. All singers are encouraged to perform regularly and can do so at lunchtime concerts in School as well as in performance opportunities at the many major concert events held by St Mary’s Music School throughout the year. Pupils have access to masterclasses with industry leaders and are supported to attend external opportunities such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Scottish Opera Young Company.

Changing Voices Programme

Aimed at aspiring young singers, the Changing Voices Programme has vocal health and confidence-building at its heart. With a focus on classical vocal technique, singers are nurtured and supported to maintain confidence in their vocal ability through specialist classes and teaching on how to use their new voices. As first study singers, they are encouraged to work as soloists by exploring text, emotional expression and all areas of vocal performance. Each pupil will receive one-to-one lessons each week with a teacher who specialises in this period of vocal development as well as performance classes, coaching, language classes and ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Changing Voices Choir and Chamber Music. Pupils on the Changing Voices Programme are given an increased amount of contact time on their second studies to allow them flexibility within their education as their voice develops. This will allow them more choice as they progress through the School.

Senior Vocal Programme

The Senior Vocal Programme provides young singers with all the skills they need to succeed at conservatoire and beyond. During the course of their study, they learn how to use both their body and instrument as a means of communicating text and music, strengthen confidence in their vocal ability and learn team-working skills which will prove invaluable throughout their lives. First-study singers can expect weekly singing lessons where they focus on a wide range of repertoire and on honing their classical vocal technique; weekly coaching with a vocal specialist; performances classes; language classes (Italian, German and French); acting, movement and stagecraft, as well as involvement in ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Chamber Choir and Vocal Scenes.

Admissions are now open for September entry, for more information visit the school website: www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk/vocalprogramme