Open Days at Sherfield School are designed to let you experience our school ethos and warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
School Description
Open Days at Sherfield School are designed to let you experience our school ethos and warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
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
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
With 25 years of teaching experience within a range of educational settings, Nick has gained a real insight into the provision of high quality educational experiences. Prior to joining Sherfield in September 2018, Nick was Executive Headteacher of two exceptional senior schools in South Wales, with more than 2500 students.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
The incredible positive impact you can have on the future of so many young people is definitely a big attraction. Every day is a new experience and daily interactions with children provides a real spark and excitement to life. Coming from a family of educators, it might sound inevitable that I join the profession! Even from a young age I was always eager to lead, coach and support others and as my interest grew through working more with children in the UK and abroad, my desire to embark on a teaching career grew. I really believe that the opportunity to teach is a privileged position and with passion and commitment you can make such a difference.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
I have been very fortunate in my career to work in many outstanding environments and learn so much through such varied experiences. There are many highlights which include regional and national recognition for the successes in different schools, however I would have to say that leading an environment, which enables children to flourish and thrive with a smile on their faces every single day has to be the greatest highlight that just keeps on giving! The ethos and culture at Sherfield School most definitely typifies this approach.
What does a successful school look like to you?
First and foremost, the learning environment needs to be warm, friendly and supportive, built on positive relationships between all members of the school community. With a strong base of support, including positive well-being, happy and vibrant learners eager to get involved, children will be curious and creative, solving problems every single day. With a strong academic core coupled with varied and enriching co-curricular and wider curricular experiences, children will experience a passion and love for learning whilst also developing as well-rounded, global citizens ready and equipped to succeed in life.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
This is a very difficult question to answer I have to say! There are many really important qualities which are all so important. I suppose, if I have to provide one, then I would say humility is often a very understated quality that can be forgotten. We always talk about positive mindset, building confidence, being creative and connecting with others. Underpinning this is a real sense of humility which enables learners to understand emotional intelligence and the subtleties surrounding getting the best out of life and other people in the best possible way whilst staying grounded and humble at the same time.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Warm, friendly, engaging, child-centred, positive.
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.