Our classes are small which allows the teachers to give pupils more individual attention. In Years 7, 8 and 9 there are 18 children in a typical class. In Years 10 and 11, when children choose specific GCSE courses, class sizes can be as small as six or seven for certain subjects.
Every pupil is a member of one of the four school Houses: Tigers, Drakes, Panthers and Swifts. When pupils transfer from the Junior School they remain in the House they joined in Year 3. Loyalty to the goals of the House are actively encouraged through a range of activities including:
- House Music events
- The House Talent Show
- The House Cookery Competition
- House Sports competitions
We greatly value the close partnership we enjoy with parents, and parents are always most welcome to visit the school to speak to the Head or to specific members of staff. There are weekly newsletters throughout the year and letters are sent to parents inviting them to a range of different events. A school calendar is issued each term highlighting significant forthcoming dates.
Twice a year, each pupil receives a full set of subject reports, along with a report from his or her Form Teacher. Parents are free to request updates on progress at any time. For Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, reports are also made on the progress of GCSE coursework.
The main GCSE examining period occurs during the summer term of Year 11. Pupils then enjoy a well-deserved break before returning to take AS and A2 levels in the Sixth Form. The strong academic foundation and wide range of enrichment activities which they have enjoyed during their first five years in Senior School are an ideal preparation not only for Sixth Form but also for University and beyond.
