This school has 5 parent reviews
Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.
Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.
School Description
News & events from Polam School
We warmly welcome prospective parents to come along to our termly Open Mornings to see for yourself what a special little school Polam is during a normal school day.
With music, languages, drama, swimming and sport all introduced in small groups from an early age, our curriculum goes way beyond national expectations. The majority of our children progress to the local Harpur Trust schools, but destination schools also include other Cognita Schools as well as a number of State Middle Schools in Bedfordshire.
Children may join our Nursery from the age of 12 months until 4 years. The baby and toddler rooms, Acorns & Catkins (12 months to 2 years) and Saplings (2 to 3 years), provide the perfect environment in which to gently prepare your child for life in the School and our small classes ensure that he or she receives personal attention at all times. Our well-equipped and comfortable Nursery is a fully integrated part of the School, giving your child the opportunity to benefit from the extensive range of facilities and specialist teaching which includes modern languages, music, PE and swimming (from 3 years). We also have visiting teachers join us weekly to teach Creative Dance and Yoga.
Mrs Harris embarked upon her Teacher Training after having her family. Her first teaching position was at a small independent pre prep school where she taught the nursery class. She moved to Polam School in September 2000 and has continued to work at the school in a variety of roles. For many years she taught in Reception which is particular passion of hers –– a year in which children learn so much. She joined the Senior Leadership Team at Polam to lead Foundation (pre-school & Reception) eventually taking over as Early Years Manager for all early years classes and enjoyed assisting in developing and extending early years and nursery provision within our school. Mrs Harris undertook an MEd in Leadership and Management which she completed in 2017 as took over headship of Polam, initially as interim position and then as full time Headteacher.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
I had a less than positive start to school, I felt lost and anxious. These feelings dominated my first years at school and of course impacted upon my learning. My daughter also inspired me to become a teacher. As a mother, I had to be instrumental in helping her to read, which she found difficult. Watching her develop and grow in confidence as she developed a love for reading and books inspired me to do this with other children too.
When I began my training, I knew instinctively which age range I wanted to work with. I was drawn to these first years of school due to my own personal experience and that of my daughter. I very much wanted to get these years right for the little people who came through my classroom door. I wanted them to feel happy and secure within the school setting as they started on their educational journey.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
That our children are happy, confident and feel that they can be themselves within the walls of Polam.“Polam is like a second home where I can be who I really am.” A pupil wrote this about our school recently –– and the fact that children love coming to school, enjoy themselves, learn and feel that they “can be who they really are” –– makes me enormously proud.
What does a successful school look like to you?
A place where children feel secure and are happy. My educational philosophy is simple – happy children learn – if we get the happy right, the learning will come.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
My greatest wish is that when children leave us they are robust and resilient and leave Polam with self-belief. I want children to leave us never considering using the word “can’t” but rather “I will try”. Robust, resilient children who are willing to have a go, can, and will achieve their full potential and ultimately become their best selves.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Nurturing, happy, safe, creative and fun.
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
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