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WINNERS’ EDITION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating student experience

Our boarding students have access to the finest teaching all day and in the evenings, too as part of our Academic Boarding Programme. Just one more reason why an NLCS Jeju education is truly exceptional.

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NLCS Jeju is ranked a Top 50 IB School in the world - Class of 2021. NLCS Jeju is a British International boarding school for girls and boys aged 4-18. We welcome Korean passport holders and all foreign passport holders. We oﬀer the IGCSE and IB curriculums - recognised at all universities around the world. For more Informaion : www.nlcsjeju.co.kr : 064-793-8004 : admissions@nlcsjeju.kr

WELCOME S

chools were just beginning to return after the second lockdown when nominations opened for our fourth awards campaign last year. Over the previous 12 months they had been closed twice, GCSE and A-level examinations cancelled and school life as we knew it had been turned upside down. And yet independent schools rose to the challenge: providing a full curriculum, including a plethora of extracurricular activities and school trips online. With all that the independent sector had faced, we were absolutely thrilled to receive over 700 entries last year – the largest number received in the history of the awards. This special awards supplement is dedicated to the winners of the 23 categories, the overall Independent School of the Year and the highly commended finalists of each category who you will find on page 52. Many congratulations to all the schools who won an award and a huge thank you to all who entered. This year there were three new categories added to the canon: on page 21 you can find out why Francis Holland triumphed in the Innovation Award for an Outstanding New Initiative category; on page 16 why Alan Atkins of Handcross Park won the Unsung Hero of the Year award; and on page 27 read about Portsmouth Grammar, who clinched the top spot in the Development Award for Fundraising Achievement category. On page 5, judging chair Helen Wright gives a rousing overview of the judging process; she also looks ahead, as I do, in excited anticipation of the Independent Schools of the Year 2022, as nominations have just opened! All schools have to do is visit the awards website, independentschoolsoftheyear. co.uk download the entry form and share your story!

COVER IMAGE: STAMFORD ENDOWED SCHOOLS; QUEEN MARGARET'S SCHOOL; BRAMBLETYE; BEDFORD; CLAREMONT SENIOR SCHOOL; GEORGE HERIOT'S; POLAM SCHOOL; SHERBORNE PREP; LATHALLAN; BRADFORD GRAMMAR

WITH ALL THAT THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR HAD FACED, we were absolutely thrilled to receive over 700 entries last year – THE LARGEST NUMBER RECEIVED IN THE HISTORY OF THE AWARDS

Good luck!

CLAUDIA DUDMAN, EDITOR

The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ. Tel (020) 7349 3700. Email editor@independentschoolparent.com. Web independentschoolparent.com. EDITORIAL: Editor Claudia Dudman; Sub Editor Laura Sutherland. DESIGN: Barbara Stanley. ADVERTISING: Group Sales Director Catherine Chapman; Advertisement Manager Harriet Cottrell; Senior Sales Executive Danielle Thirsk; Senior Sales Executive Katie Amps. DIGITAL: Group Digital Manager Ben Iskander; Email & Digital Creative Manager Jenny Choo; Digital Editorial Assistant Amber-Rose Hurst. PUBLISHING: Executive Chairman Paul Dobson; Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin; Managing Director James Dobson; Publisher Caroline Scott; Circulation Manager Daniel Webb; EA to Chairman Sophie Easton; PR Executive Eleanor English. Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel: 020 7429 4000. Fax: 020 7429 4001. Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk. Printed in England by William Gibbons. ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2022. All rights reserved.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

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THE FEELGOOD FACTOR Helen Wright, our chair of the 2021 judging panel reflects on last year’s awards, how the judges reach their decision and looks ahead with excitement to this year’s forthcoming campaign

DR HELEN WRIGHT, Chair Helen is a former President of the Girls’ Schools Association and Vice-Chair of ISC, with three major headships under her belt. Since 2014, she has worked in international education, and advises, recruits and coaches senior leaders in schools across the world.

society. It made me feel proud to be associated with the sector, and I’m sure it did the same for you. Do watch, listen and read about the worthy winners, including George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh, which won Co-Educational School of the Year and the overall Independent School of the Year Award. With more than 700 entries arriving from schools across the country – and world! – judging was a really tough task for the panel this year, but they set to it, sifting through piles of really, really great stories, to identify a winner in

f you want a feel-good moment, then do sit back and watch the Independent Schools of the Year 2021 Awards ceremony, broadcast back on 7 October 2021. With marvellous and uplifting stories, the awards were a real testimony to the phenomenal work of the independent school sector in supporting students to become the very best of themselves; moreover, they reflected very clearly the impact that schools have on their wider communities, and the immense good that they do in our

WITH MARVELLOUS AND UPLIFTING

stories, the awards were a real testimony

TO THE PHENOMENAL WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SECTOR

INTRODUCING 2022’S PANEL OF JUDGES... These independent school education experts are looking forward to reading your entries

DAVID MONCRIEFF, Vice-Chair is a publisher specialising in education and heritage, David previously worked as Director of Marketing at Mayfield School and for more than 12 years as Director of Marketing Services at the British Tourist Authority.

DONNA STEVENS is chief executive officer of the Girls' Schools Association which represents 146 girls' schools. She previously worked at the Independent Schools Council leading their research department.

CHARLOTTE AVERY is Headmistress of St Mary’s School Cambridge, GSA Vice-President, and a Governor of Haileybury College, Mill Hill School and a local 11-16 MAT. She’s an ISI team inspector and former lay member of the MoD’s Research Ethics Committee.

JAMES PRIORY joined Tonbridge School as Headmaster in 2018 from Portsmouth Grammar School. He’s known for his passion for the creative arts and for his commitment to widening access.

ROBIN FLETCHER is Chief Executive of the Boarding Schools’ Association. Robin worked for 30 years as an awardwinning journalist, newspaper editor and comms director. He’s also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Honorary Fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University.

TORY GILLINGHAM is the Managing Director for AMCIS, Admissions, Marketing & Communications in Independent Schools, which has over 500 schools in membership. She has over 25 years marketing experience in the independent schools sector.

JULIE ROBINSON was Head of Ardingly College Junior School and Vinehall Prep School, then Education and Training Director for the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, before becoming General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

each category. My heartfelt thanks go to the judges – all eminent in their fields of education, and I know I write on their behalf too when I offer especial thanks to all the schools for taking the time to enter for these awards. This awards ceremony was a real celebration of the diversity of the sector, and the impact it has on the lives of children and young people, and the time taken by the judges and the schools was instrumental in enabling this to happen. As I remind people every year, in my round-up of the awards, the process for determining these awards is really thorough, and begins almost immediately after the previous year’s awards have been presented. As judges, we review the criteria for each category, and then if appropriate we also suggest new categories. Last year, for instance, we introduced three new awards which each reflected an important aspect of school life which we wanted to recognise and celebrate: • The Innovation Award for an Outstanding New Initiative • The Development Award for an Outstanding Fundraising Achievement • The Unsung Hero of the Year Award Our key principle as a judging panel is that we’re here to celebrate the student experience in the independent schools’ sector; if there’s another way for us to achieve this, through a different kind of

SUE WOODROOFE has been a Head for 12 years, at The British School of Brussels and now at The Grammar School at Leeds. She has a particular interest in the three-18 learning journey and the benefits of multicultural and international learning. environments.

COLIN BELL is CEO of COBIS (Council of British International Schools) which works with and supports students, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors from high quality British international schools in more than 80 countries worldwide.

award, we will look to do this, and we’re grateful for the support of Independent School Parent magazine to enable us to do this. Once the criteria are firmed up for the year, then the judges are confirmed too – and we’re delighted to be welcoming two more eminent leaders in the sector to our panel this year: Gavin Horgan, Headmaster of Millfield School, and Louise Bennett, CEO of IDPE (The Institute of Development Professionals in Education). With the judging panel

THIS AWARDS CEREMONY WAS A REAL CELEBRATION of the diversity of the sector, and the impact IT HAS ON THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE in place, the awards are launched, and we start to welcome submissions, according to the published timeline. This year, we’ve also prepared a webinar to help schools best present themselves when they come to submit, including focusing on the experience of the students, providing evidence of the impact on students, and remembering to tell a story. Stories are one of the most powerful means of communicating the heart of what happens in schools; after all, schools are where our children begin to write what we – as parents, as well as

JIM MASSEY has been Headmaster of Daneshill Prep School since 2018. Daneshill, founded in 1950, is a co-educational school set in rural Hampshire and situated on part of the Wellington Estate. It has around 270 children aged between three and 13.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

educators – hope will be the amazing, fruitful, happy story of their lives. Above all, these awards are an opportunity for schools to stand back and really see, then articulate their achievements. These awards showcase the positive impact that independent schools have on the lives of young people across the UK and further afield, including the thousands who are educated in British independent schools internationally. Every school makes a difference to the lives of young people,

PHILIPPA SCUDDS is a chartered marketer, with over 25 years’ experience in marketing, communications and public relations. She spent 12 years in the City, and since 2004 has focused on the education sector, working with prep, senior and allthrough schools.

IRFAN LATIF Irfan joined DLD College London as Principal in 2018 having had a number of leadership roles in education. He is the London Chair of the BSA and sits on the Executive Committee as the Inclusion and Diversity representative.

and empowers them to make the very most of their experience in school and in life beyond school. So, on behalf of the judging panel, I’m delighted that we are able to support the sector through these awards. And we definitely want to hear more inspiring stories this coming year – let’s celebrate together! Good luck for the 2022 awards, everyone! Nominations are now open for Independent Schools of the Year 2022 and close on Friday 27 May. independentschoolsoftheyear.co.uk

DURELL BARNES is Chair of ISEB and Head of Governance and Compliance at RSAcademics, prior to which he spent many years as the public face of the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

GAVIN HORGAN joined as Headmaster of Millfield in Somerset from Worksop College, where he delivered academic turnaround. His earlier career included working in schools in Sri Lanka and Argentina before he returned to the UK as the Deputy Rector of The Glasgow Academy. Gavin has worked in senior management in the maintained, independent, and international sectors.

LOUISE BENNETT is CEO of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE), supporting schools to develop successful fundraising and engagement programmes, through providing training, guidance, benchmarking and partnership work across the schools’ sector. Lou has over 20 years’ experience of working across fundraising disciplines.

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Independent School of the Year GEORGE HERIOT’S Building on its rich philanthropic heritage, this Edinburgh school’s foundation continues to offer pupils extensive bursarial support, alongside a rich and varied academic curriculum

t might be difficult to imagine a school you haven’t seen, situated in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle on a World Heritage site, echoing the castle’s magnificent turreted structure in its striking main building, The Wark. George Heriot’s School foundation stone was laid in 1628, thanks to the vision of early philanthropist, goldsmith and court jeweller George Heriot. George Heriot’s vision, inspired by what he had witnessed at Christ’s Hospital School, was to create a school for fatherless children. The school opened its doors in 1659 and expanded in the 1800s to create a further 18 out-

schools for the children of Edinburgh, educating many thousands of children before the advent of the 1872 Education Act, when schooling became managed by the state. The school has survived Cromwell’s troops, two world wars and evolved in its nine-acre city centre site to become today’s leading independent school in Scotland, as voted by The Sunday Times in 2021. Heriot’s is a modern and vibrant hive of co-educational learning, with 1,668 children from ages four to 18 filling its corridors, turrets and learning spaces to study the Scottish curriculum, learning to question, to respect rights, to develop confidence in their own voice

and above all, leaving with a skillset to carve their place in the modern world. Herioters today go on to become actors and writers, advocates and scientists, doctors, researchers, public servants and more, many continuing the legacy of its founder by supporting the school’s foundation.

The school has 1,668 pupils

George Heriot's School's doors first opened to pupils in 1659

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Senior students here enjoy a choice of 34 examined subjects Academic classes are complemented by less mainstream, specialist lessons

As Scotland’s oldest independent school, on the cusp of celebrating a 400year anniversary, the school is a good example of widening access. Fees are kept comparatively low (approximately half the level of two other Edinburgh independent schools), with 31 children studying at the school on full bursaries and 61 children attending through the Foundation, set up by George Heriot to educate the fatherless bairns of Edinburgh. Any child who has lost a mother or father through bereavement, and lives within a defined local area, is entitled to apply to study at George Heriot’s. Over the years, some 4,400 children have studied at Heriot’s through the foundation. The school provides £1.3m of bursarial support each year. As a selective school, the academic standards at Heriot’s are recognised as being high... it’s a school for children for whom academic success is important and as such, pupils are encouraged to try their hand at all that is on offer. The study of traditional SQA subjects at National, Higher and Advanced Higher

“RECEIVING THIS AWARD IS A TREMENDOUS FILLIP FOR THE SCHOOL. THIRD-PARTY recognition of what we do gives us encouragement THAT AMONG 700 SCHOOLS UK-WIDE, WE’RE ACHIEVING SOMETHING SPECIAL” level is complemented by specialist classes in less mainstream areas such as choreography, current affairs, surfing, robotics/AI, Lego, debating, creative writing, and highland dancing, to name but a few. In the nursery, the school has dedicated teachers, delivering high quality learning experiences to promote creativity, curiosity, independence and kindness. Weekly specialist lessons include physical education, music, outdoor learning, resilience, mindfulness, story massage, philosophy, science and technology. Philosophy is taught from nursery to primary seven using the P4C method, with parents attending the school’s workshops to develop their own philosophical thinking. Heriot’s is the only school in Scotland to have achieved a Gold Award from the SAPERE organisation, which recognises the high standard of teaching and participation in this subject. There are many advantages to teaching children philosophy. It improves literacy and language skills, encourages children to develop articulacy and self-expression, nourishes concentration and thinking skills and invites young people to be effective in collaboration, group work and reasoning.

The Learning Enhancement team of qualified primary teachers delivers a programme which incorporates philosophy, resilience, team-building and mindfulness, setting up good habits for life. In senior school, there’s a choice of 34 examined subjects for pupils to study, from human biology to psychology, Mandarin, politics, economics and graphic communication, to name a few. Heriot’s has recently been awarded its third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. The rights of every child are central to school life, including promotion of rights respecting attitudes and language across year groups, from diversity, equality and inclusion lessons to pupil-led assemblies celebrating Diwali, Black History Month, Dyslexia Awareness Week and much more. “Receiving this award is a tremendous fi llip for the school,” says Principal, Gareth Warren. “Third-party recognition of what we do gives us encouragement that among 700 schools UK-wide, we’re achieving something special. Today we look to the future to ensure the content of curriculum, the pupil experience we offer and the availability of a compelling extra curricular offer remain at the forefront of our agenda.’’ george-heriots.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Prep School BICKLEY PARK The school’s four quadrant learning curriculum is bold and aspirational in its vision for pupils earning it the top spot in this category

uturologists write about a society that will be more fluid and uncertain, where out-of-the-box thinkers who are tech savvy, resilient and great collaborators will thrive. The building blocks for this future world are put in place through Bickley Park’s unique Four Quadrants of Learning, which aim to develop the skills and mindset for the future. Within the Academic Quadrant, Bickley Park focuses on the premise that ‘We live in a fascinating, diverse world: let’s go on an adventure and find out more about it.’ Take literacy: boys join the Accelerated Reader scheme in which they read a book, at the end of which they complete a ‘quiz’. They love doing this. The ‘what’s in it for me?’ is answered by a word count that accumulates based upon the number of words a boy reads. Needless to say, there are now numerous multi-millionaire readers and reading ages sky rocket. Of course, exams are passed along the way: half of year eight was awarded academic scholarships to selective schools this year, despite the school being largely non-selective in reception. The Arts Quadrant develops two key life skills for now and the future: quality communication and confidence. The diverse arts programme provides boys with the opportunity to express themselves, arming them with the tools to build great relationships in the future. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, specialist drama teaching and individual music and LAMDA lessons ensure every passion can be followed. Opportunities such as publicspeaking competitions, school choir performances and school productions all foster enthusiasm for taking part and embracing personal challenge.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

The Community Quadrant recognises the best relationships are built on empathy and giving, and this lies at the heart of much outward-looking community engagement at Bickley Park, both locally and further afield. Last year, 80 school families were involved in a pandemic befriending project, linking boys with elderly and vulnerable people living in isolation in and around Bromley. In international outreach, the school’s strong association with India was reflected in thousands of pounds being raised to support the purchase of ventilators for the country’s worst Covid-affected areas, as well as donations of raincoats to help underprivileged children in the monsoon season. Links between the Cygnus International School, Gujarat, and Bickley Park have enabled pupils

to gain life-changing insights into each others’ worlds through science and arts collaboration projects. Through the Sport and Outdoor Education Quadrant, the boys develop leadership skills; resilience and the ability to manage risk, experiencing up to 26 different sports, forest and adventure schools. They drive Land Rovers; undertake the Three Peaks Challenge; fly down the fastest zipwire in the world and undertake challenges while spending a day travelling around London in groups without adult direction. Head, Tammy Howard says “we were thrilled to win this award for our ‘wellarticulated, coherent and holistic Four Quadrants of Learning programme’, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole community.” bickleyparkschool.co.uk

“WE WERE THRILLED TO WIN THIS AWARD FOR our ‘well-articulated, coherent

and holistic Four Quadrants of Learning programme’, WHICH IS TESTAMENT TO

THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY”

Inspiring Boys

BICKLEY PARK SCHOOL INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 2½–13 Commended for our ‘coherent and holistic Four Quadrants of Learning’. Come and visit to see for yourselves. admissions@bickleyparkschool.co.uk 0208 4672195

@bickleyparksch #BPSacademic #BPSarts #BPSoutdoors #BPScommunity

Aspire • Endeavour • Achieve 14 Page Heath Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2DS

www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk

Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing

Our girls believe in themselves. Whatever their calling in life, we support, nurture and inspire them so they can face the future with confidence.

queenmargarets.com/book-a-visit Winner in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2021.

Wellbeing QUEEN MARGARET’S Multi-faceted initiatives, flexible timetables and bespoke pastoral programmes ensured that pupils around the globe stayed connected during the pandemic

ueen Margaret’s (QM) is a day, flexi and full boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. We’ve adapted our offering to fully support seamless online learning during the pandemic. From the start of lockdown, the school was committed to ensuring that student wellbeing and mental health support wouldn’t be compromised, and indeed, it continued to grow from strength to strength. The challenge for QM was ‘how do we grow our wellbeing support when our girls are scattered across the globe’? QM chose to take a multidimensional approach to wellbeing in lockdown, this allowed the school to acknowledge the individual circumstances of every girl. Wellbeing has been both a starting point and the thread which has run through the school’s remote learning support platform – QM Connect. • Five Ways to Wellbeing initiative: Throughout the first lockdown, QM launched the #fivewaystopositivewellbeing initiative. This is a national strategy that’s supported by many mental health charities. During an extremely difficult period, it provided structure and guidance for girls about how to keep themselves healthy. • Wellbeing focus for tutorials: A critical driver in every tutorial during lockdown was discussion about positive wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing initiative gave tutors a structure in which to check the girls were following a healthy lifestyle. • Adjusted timetable: QM takes great care in ensuring wellbeing and learning are fully integrated. As such, during the lockdown period, QM adjusted the timetable to ensure that girls had time away from the screen.

The QM Connect remote learning platform helped clinch the wellbeing award for the school

FROM THE START OF LOCKDOWN, THE SCHOOL was committed to ensuring that student wellbeing AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WOULDN’T BE COMPROMISED During lockdown one, academic lessons finished at noon for KS3 students and 2pm for KS4 and 5 students. This enabled the afternoons to be spent on enrichment activities, with families and outdoors if possible. During lockdown three, academic lessons finished early at 4.30pm and there was no Saturday school. • Community corner: A virtual space on the school’s VLE gave girls a place to connect and have fun. • Wellbeing-focused enrichment: QM developed its enrichment programme throughout the remote learning period, which included many activities continuing online, such as dance and music lessons. In addition, an extraordinarily wide range of enrichment classes were delivered that focused on the girls having time away from the screen and having fun.

• Deputy Head Girl (Wellbeing): The last academic year saw the first appointment of a Deputy Head Girl (Wellbeing), a great way of giving status to the school’s position on student health. • Wellbeing Champions: QM introduced a new Wellbeing Champions initiative, designed to encourage girls to come forward and apply to become one of 10 new Wellbeing Champions, responsible for taking the lead in positive mental health. In order to become a Wellbeing Champion the girls completed six weeks of training, virtually, every week and worked their way through a range of units. This included ‘The role of the Wellbeing Champion,’ ‘safeguarding’ and ‘active listening skills’. queenmargarets.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

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suttonhigh.gdst.net NURSERY I PREP I SENIOR I SIXTHFORM

Student Careers Programme SUTTON HIGH GDST The school’s career-focused curriculum across every senior year group prepares pupils for post-school life and the world of work

ur ethos is about focusing on the individual – and our careers provision fully reflects that, with a clear aim that each girl pursues her own path and can successfully and confidently move forward. Careers work is at the heart of what we do. All girls take part in an individual guidance interview every year, focusing on their own needs. At a time when the future of the jobs market is uncertain, it’s vital that girls have the expert one-to-one guidance that our full-time Head of Careers provides throughout the senior school, including during the complex UCAS process. However, career-focused work must be built into all areas to be successful, so careers work happens across the curriculum as a whole school activity here. All staff are involved and subject weeks, run by faculty staff, allow girls to see how different subjects link to careers, with alumna, parents and teachers involved in talking to pupils about their careers in faculty areas. Work on being ready for forever starts from year seven, where girls are introduced to possible careers by leading interviews with a range of our staff, and the Careers Mark report on our initiatives praised the way that careers skills are built steadily throughout the school. Alongside larger events and initiatives like our Careers Fair, MedSoc Interview programme and comprehensive work experience scheme, our smaller annual projects for younger students enable our girls to develop career management skills and to take ownership of their future, forging their

own path with confidence. From our annual Learn to Earn Day (year eight), to our Dalma Frost entrepreneurial project (year nine) and our Fiercely Independent Research projects which focus our girls on research into their chosen field, all students are encouraged to develop the soft skills that employers and higher education providers value. Careers education is built into weekly personal and social responsibility lessons across years seven to 11, and then into enrichment lessons in sixth form. During lockdown, we moved events online, creating a Zoom Careers Carousel Fair for year 10, a two-day managerial skills conference for year 13 and optional taught units in marketing skills, finance and budgeting and

building a portfolio career. All this leads to 85 per cent (a three year rolling average, 92 per cent in 2020) of students gaining a place at their first-choice destination, and to our girls entering careers in an array of fields, confidently forging their own future. As one of the first schools nationwide to be awarded the National Platinum Careers Mark and now this award, we’re delighted that our careers programme continues to be recognised as exemplary. It helps and supports each and every girl explore the range of options available to them, so that they make confident choices, whether they choose university, apprenticeships or employment. suttonhigh.gdst.net Sutton High School has a dedicated Head of Careers, offering one-on-one guidance

WE’RE DELIGHTED THAT OUR CAREERS PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO BE RECOGNISED AS EXEMPLARY. It helps

and supports each and every girl explore the range of options AVAILABLE TO THEM, SO THAT THEY MAKE CONFIDENT CHOICES INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Unsung Hero HANDCROSS PARK Over 17 years, Head Groundsman Alan Atkins has demonstrated the utmost dedication where anything asked of him is never too much – making him a worthy recipient of this award

lan Atkins joined Handcross Park 17 years ago as Head Groundsman. Under his tender and loving care, the 52-acre Handcross Park site now rivals any National Trust garden you could find. Alan’s dedication to ensuring the children enjoy their childhood in a magical and idyllic setting is simply remarkable. Alan manages the entire site alone with very little help and really is such a huge part of the success of the school. Alan is the first to arrive and the last to leave Handcross Park each day, ensuring that the whole school is warm and welcoming. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and he always carries out his never-ending list of jobs with a smile. Alan is always on hand to help with any crisis that arises, be that digging a parent’s car out of the snow, retrieving a football from a tree, rescuing a deer trapped in the cricket nets or helping a pupil carry heavy belongings. Alan puts his work at the school as a priority, even coming in on Christmas Day each year to ensure that the animals are fed and the site is secure.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Alan has been dedicated to the running of the school for 17 years

EVERYONE AT HANDCROSS HAS HUGE GRATITUDE FOR ALL ALAN’S

loyalty, efforts and continued devotion to the school, AND HE’S THE INCREDIBLY

WORTHY RECIPIENT OF THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD A kind and gentle man who is unfailing in his good humour, whatever the situation, Alan’s wisdom and deep knowledge and understanding of the history and workings of the Handcross Park grounds is truly incredible. Alan

takes charge of all the big school events, such as setting up sports days, school fairs, theatre productions, bonfire night and looking after all the pitches. Last year, Alan received the tragic news that he has terminal throat cancer. Throughout his chemotherapy and operations, Alan has remained in school and dedicated to his job. Despite the intensive treatment and effects of this on his body (Alan is now unable to speak or eat properly), Alan continues to smile and carry out his duties to the most incredible standard: his strength of character is remarkable. Everyone at Handcross Park has huge gratitude for all Alan’s loyalty, efforts and continued devotion to the school, and he’s the incredibly worthy recipient of this year’s Unsung Hero of the Year Award. handcrossparkschool.co.uk

HANDCROSS PARK

BE TR EWE

HANDCROSS PARK A

B R I G H T O N

C O L L E G E

S C H O O L

Today at school...

I made a firework #TALESOFHXP

www.handcrossparkschool.co.uk Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6HF

Boys’ School BEDFORD This school's bespoke holistic provision ensures pupils leave well equipped for the challenges of 21st-century life

e’re delighted and honoured to have been awarded this muchcoveted accolade, not least because of the prestigious panel of judges who chose us from such distinguished competition. We were recognised for our “holistic school experience, tailored to the specific needs of the all-boys community, … so that they be good men”. It represents the result of the hard work of our entire community of over 1,100 boys, their teachers, non-teaching staff, families, governors and Old Bedfordians, all of whom have played their part in making the school the happy, vibrant and successful place that it is today.

Now more than ever, we need forces for good in the world. At Bedford, our boys contribute to wider society as well as to each other; they know that arrogance is the least attractive of traits; regret the most wasted of emotions. We seek to raise good people first and foremost; and then allow them to flourish as academics, as sportsmen, as artists and above all as themselves, in a supportive and ambitious atmosphere. Being in an all-boys environment as they develop through such an important stage of their lives means qualities can be nurtured without inhibition and lived without awkwardness. Boys feel they belong here and therefore feel able and keen to participate to the fullest. Class sizes are small and the

WE’RE DELIGHTED AND HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THIS MUCH-COVETED ACCOLADE, not

least because of the prestigious panel of judges WHO CHOSE US FROM SUCH

DISTINGUISHED COMPETITION

Bedford equips their pupils with the tools to navigate 21st-century life

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

curriculum is broad, offering A-level and IB. Free from sexual stereotypes, boys eschew traditional masculinity, with numbers taking up art and drama far higher than national averages. Every boy finds his own path, guided by the same tutor and housemaster throughout his time at school. Sport is a forte and our major sports teams regularly make national finals, with many pupils playing at county or national level and at least one leaver almost every year going into professional sport. We work with Northampton Saints, Northants CCC and Woburn Golf Club. But it’s sport for all and we regularly field E and F teams. Facilities are first class but it’s the boys who make the school. Every single one makes a meaningful local contribution via our Community Partnership Programme, working in mutually beneficial partnerships within our community. Results and destinations speak for themselves with 80 per cent going onto Russell Group/Times Top 30 universities in 2021, including an impressive 11 boys to read medicine. We find, happily, that our boys retain a genuine love of their old school having left, regularly supporting current boys, this year through a Professional Skills programme, Careers Fair and many online talks. Our staff specialise in educating boys, focus on boys alone, and as a boarding school, live with them 24/7. We direct our PSHE teaching and pastoral support towards boys’ needs, aiming always for balanced, outward-looking, forwardthinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own skins. Now more than ever, our focus is ‘that they be good men’. bedfordschool.org.uk

INDEPENDENT BOYS’ SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Bedford School is part of the Harpur Trust

Explore an award-winning education for your son. Join us at one of our open events on Saturday 23 April and Saturday 7 May or book a personal visit for your family by emailing admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk.

Boarding and day for boys aged 7-18

Innovation Award for an Outstanding New Initiative FRANCIS HOLLAND, SLOANE SQUARE From day one at the school, pupils of every year group are immersed in programmes and workshops – and even podcasts – to build entrepreneurship skills for their future

“

reavity, innovation and enterprise have come to be cornerstones of our ethos,” says Headteacher Lucy Elphinstone, “making this win for our Creative Enterprise Programme particularly gratifying. Thank you to our Director of Creative Enterprise for developing the unique programme, to the judging panel for recognising its strength and, of course, to our girls for their boundless enthusiasm in pursuing their social enterprise and entrepreneurial passions.” FHS has a strong Christian foundation and a philanthropic ethos. Developing successful businesses was one approach; inspiring young women to set up social enterprises was another. There’s an inherent risk that such programmes become swept up in the co-curriculum but this approach has enabled pupils from all year groups to access the unique initiative. When pupils apply to FHS, they’re asked enterprising questions and face a creative challenge as part of their 11+ interview; if pupils were to run a successful business, what might they do with their profits? In year seven, they are presented with a creative challenge. Last year, they challenged Professor Kneebone’s claims that children were leaving school without the levels of dexterity required to sew bodies in surgery. Cue working with a professional artist and an acrylic butterfly project. The aim: to ensure that all year sevens believed in their collective creativity as a year group. By year eight, pupils lean on their creative confidence to partake in Peter Jones’ Tycoon in Schools project, only to act as business mentors in year

The school’s podcast is called Francis Holland Questions

“CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE have come to be cornerstones of our ethos, MAKING THIS WIN FOR OUR CREATIVE ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME PARTICULARLY GRATIFYING” nine with this valuable experience under their belt. From bamboo pens manufactured by pupils to healthy slushies sold at targeted Enterprise Fairs, year eights know how to sell and year nines understand the importance of business acumen. The journey continues in year 10 when all pupils participate in FHS’s Upper School Enrichment programme. Working with its Link Entrepreneur, Zena El Farra, winner of investment on Dragon’s Den for her creative refuge, Masterpeace, pupils experience four hours of Design Thinking. Last year saw pupils design face masks which incorporated wearable technology, the year before focused on headphones and technology which might enhance the experience for listeners. The school’s flagship programme is the sixth form’s Innovation Sprints – workshops with Link Entrepreneurs

where pupils learn to start businesses alongside their studies. All very impressive, but what about the final piece of the jigsaw? And what’s on offer for year 11 and upper sixth? A podcast called Francis Holland Questions has been launched, where the FHS community is given an insight into the lives of a range of professionals. The aim is to harness the unconfined creativity, innovation and enterprise shown by so many pupils – brought to life by a programme which aims to develop skills over time. Visiting speakers are one thing; living and breathing entrepreneurship through regular Enterprise Fairs is another: there’s a team of sixth formers developing an Etsy channel to give the school’s alumni, current pupils and parents the chance to trade through FHS’s community. fhs-sw1.org.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

British International School NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL, JEJU

This South Korean educational island outpost instils in its pupils a global outlook that will enable them to thrive for a lifetime NLCS Jeju’s graduating classes go on to prestigious international universities

THE SCHOOL’S ETHOS IS BASED AROUND

Three Pillars: academic excellence, pastoral care and A RICH VARIETY OF

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CURRICULUM

he North London Collegiate School Jeju was truly honoured to be named Best British International School in this awards campaign, and overjoyed that now even more people know about its very special community. NLCS Jeju is situated on the beautiful UNESCO heritage island of Jeju in South Korea. It has a rich history, but it’s also home to a special education zone known as the Global Education City. The founding school in the GEC is NLCS Jeju – established in 2011 and now known to ambitious parents who want a global outlook to give their children the best preparation for a lifetime of thriving wherever they go. The co-ed school caters for ages four to 18, with both boarding and day options. NLCS Jeju is the sister school to NLCS founded in 1850 in north London in the UK by Frances Mary Buss, a true

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

educational pioneer. The school’s ethos is based around Three Pillars: academic excellence, pastoral care and a rich variety of opportunities beyond the curriculum. NLCS Jeju believes that these are inextricably linked and aims to fulfill the dreams and passions of all its students, whatever their age and stage. Pupils are cared for and supported by their teachers, tutors, school leaders, emotional guidance counsellors and boarding teams. Boarders enjoy an enhanced home-from-home experience. IGCSE and IB success is important, of course, especially in a country renowned for its respect for academia. Students are taught a UK curriculum and lessons are taught in English, meaning all graduates speak and write at a near native level, allowing them access to the finest institutions in the UK, US and beyond. For the past two years, students have graduated with an

average IBDP score of 39. More than just academics, they understand the value of authentic service. From creating Christmas for a local orphanage, clearing debris from the dolphins’ habitat and donating electronics to local villagers – each project is done with selfless pleasure. Students love sports from badminton and tennis to the numerous squads: football, rugby, netball, volleyball, swimming. Arts are also hugely important: visual art, music, drama and dance are all part of the curriculum and the extracurricular schedule – taking advantage of the school’s 700-seat theatre and other performance spaces. Graduating classes go on to study at elite universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia and Stanford, with the dedicated University Guidance Counsellors ensuring that each student chooses the right path for them. It has been an unusual two years and Korea has led the way with its pandemic response, adopting sophisticated online teaching methods early on, including numerous platforms and opportunities. As one teacher puts it “The world suddenly got a lot bigger rather than smaller!” We connected with every student on a daily basis, creating a sense of community with tutor-time sessions and inclusive class activities. nlcsjeju.co.kr

Our committed teachers and our university guidance counseling team put every student on the right path for them - whatever their strengths, their passions, their ambitions. For these students that path includes acceptances from Oxford and Cambridge - two of the world's most prestigious universities. Find the right path for you at NLCS Jeju.

Start here. Go anywhere.

Small School of the Year LATHALLAN

By embracing both its history and traditional values with a dynamic vision for the future, this school is one of opportunity where pupils can become the best they can be

n 17 January 1930, five young boys (Alexander, Duke, Grace, Harrison and Price) wearing short trousers, caps and red and grey striped ties, were handed over by their trusting parents to the care of Lathallan School and this is where its story began. Lathallan today is an extraordinary co-educational nursery, junior and senior school for youngsters between the ages of six months and 18 years. The school castle, boarding house and facilities are located within 60 acres of leafy grounds along the North Sea coastline, and this incredible setting provides unrivalled outdoor learning opportunities and a spacious environment for its pupils to explore and enjoy. “We’re elated to have been awarded Small Independent School of the Year, recognising the quality of the student experience we offer,” says Headmaster Richard Toley. “The process was valuable and allowed us time to think and reflect robustly on our school’s achievements. Charlotte Avery, Headmistress of St Mary’s School Cambridge presented the award at the virtual event commending our ‘success in providing secure and successful education, maintaining long term commitment to environmental education which sparkles with innovation such as the School Farm, Therapet Programme and Youth and Philanthropy Initiative’. Lathallan was among some exceptionally worthy finalists and our school community was humbled that the panel selected us.” By committing to teaching both

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Lathallians learn in the fresh air of the school’s magical grounds

“WE’RE A SMALL COMMUNITY AND WE REALLY want to make sure that every pupil who comes here is happy. IF YOU’RE HAPPY IN YOUR LEARNING, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL ACADEMICALLY” inside and outside the classroom, Lathallians understand that learning occurs everywhere, at all times. For this school community, it’s about opening up opportunities to learners. All pupils thrive here. Lathallan has a remarkable teaching team, and with an average class size of 12, teaching staff are in a position to offer tailored support to meet the pastoral, vocational and academic needs of each child. Richard Toley continues: “we’re a small community and we really want to make sure that every pupil who comes here is happy. If you are happy in your learning, you will achieve your potential academically”. A Lathallan parent notes: “the small school size encourages vertical

friendships as well as horizontal. This in turn results in a more nurturing environment, with older children looking out for the younger children and younger pupils looking to the older pupils for inspiration and guidance. Lathallan feels very much like one big family”. Pupils here learn in the fresh air, immersed in nature, which helps them to connect with others, themselves and the environment. Lathallan has an unwavering commitment to empower, inspire and motivate its pupils to be curious about their futures and this endures in the hearts of all Old Lathallians (the school’s alumni) for life. lathallan.org.uk

YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE IN MIND Co-educational day and boarding school Nursery | Junior School | Senior School

Book a tour with our admissions team

admissions@lathallan.org.uk 01561 362220 Brotherton Castle, Johnshaven, Angus DD10 0HN

www.lathallan.org.uk

Courageous Join us now at an open event habsboys.org.uk & habsgirls.org.uk

Development Award for Fundraising Achievement PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL A whole-school initiative held just as schools reopened after lockdown culminated in raising a six-figure sum for its life-changing bursary programme

t was with a degree of trepidation that Portsmouth Grammar School planned its first Giving Day for March 2021, especially when schools in England went back into remote learning that January. But it had already been deferred once due to the pandemic and Covid-19 uncertainty was likely to continue for some time, so the community decided to press ahead. The Giving Day was always meant to be a whole-school celebration, as well as a wonderful opportunity to raise much-needed funds for life-changing bursaries. In the event, it took place during the first week back on site, on 10 and 11 March 2021, and proved to be the

WINNING THIS AWARD WAS the cherry on

the cake for the school, as it celebrated ITS

MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING YEAR ON RECORD

perfect way of drawing the community back together and celebrating its heart, spirit, and culture as a school as everyone emerged from lockdown. The date was also serendipitous in fundraising terms. As one of the school’s major donors said on the phone when he made his gift “We’ve all suddenly realised how important schools are.” The chosen theme was Be the Difference, reflecting two of the school’s strategic intentions: to serve the communities of Portsmouth and to significantly increase the number of free and fee-assisted places available for talented local young people. Portsmouth Grammar’s external

communications focused on following the footsteps of the school’s founder by providing an excellent education for the city’s children, while also highlighting a very generous alumni pledge to match the first £80,000 of donations. Meanwhile, pupils completed and participated in their own #BeTheDifference challenges: volunteering in foodbanks, undertaking beach cleans and baking cakes for care home residents. Younger ones donated more than £750 of their own pocket money by forming the year of the school’s foundation (1732) in coins in the playground, while pupils of all ages took part in a range of challenges based around the number 1732. A non-stop 36-hour online radio broadcast added to the celebratory atmosphere and helped spread the word about our appeal. The broadcast included interviews with bursary recipients and updates on the pupils’ activities and fundraising challenges. While the rest of us slept, the broadcast continued, interviewing alumni in different time zones around the world. The £280,000 donated exceeded all our hopes and expectations, but as ever, Portsmouth Grammar’s pupils said it best, so the final words go to them: “The best thing about Giving Day was getting away from the screen and doing something good in my community” (Samuel, year 12). “It’s surprising how happy you feel after making someone else happy” (Naomi, year eight). Winning this award was the cherry on the cake for the school, as it celebrated its most successful fundraising year on record. pgs.org.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Discover

one of the best kept secrets in boarding For girls and boys aged 2-18; day, flexi and full boarding

stamfordschools.org.uk Registered charity number 527618

Community Outreach STAMFORD ENDOWED SCHOOLS Its commitment to charitable endeavours and outreach projects within the local community ensured that this Lincolnshire school became a worthy joint winner of this award

he Stamford Card is an excellent example of the symbiotic relationship between the Stamford Endowed Schools and the town of Stamford, of which they’ve been the beating heart for the past 488 years. The objective of the card, which is available to all residents and visitors, is to support local independent traders, maintaining the vibrancy of the town’s eclectic high street, while also providing funding for an education at the schools for local children. Cardholders benefit from perks and discounts with local businesses, while funds raised provide ‘transformational fee assistance’ to those local children who require means-tested funding of at least 80 per cent of the fees, and who would otherwise be unable to benefit from an education at Stamford. Despite the economic effects seen by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years, support for the Stamford Card continues to grow. The initiative has seen an increase of more than 30 per cent in the number of businesses signing up as card partners, and an increase of 45 per cent in the number of paying cardholders. Further supporting the businesses of Stamford, the schools provide provision of meeting spaces and refreshments for the ShopStamford board and marketing meetings, and offer practical support of all ShopStamford events, including training and merchandise distribution. An annual late-night shopping event sees pupils and staff from the schools volunteer their time to serve refreshments, marshal, and show recognition for the town’s traders. The list of charitable endeavours and outreach projects undertaken and engaged with by pupils and staff each

receive regular updates, encouraging support for local businesses. Throughout the pandemic, as businesses were forced to close, the schools funded and managed digital marketing campaigns, amassing 50,000 impressions on Facebook, raising awareness of how local traders are

year is phenomenal, with examples from this academic year including: – 495kg of food collected for the town’s foodbank; where students regularly volunteer, sort, and donate. – 470 Easter eggs donated and distributed to local care trusts and care homes.

“I’M DELIGHTED THAT STAMFORD SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AS A WINNER OF THIS AWARD. It’s fantastic to be recognised for our ongoing commitment TO SUPPORTING THE STAMFORD COMMUNITY”

Support for The Stamford Card continues to grow with an increase of more than 30 per cent in the number of businesses signing up

– 500 gifts and cards donated to the Evergreen Care Trust to celebrate Christmas, after their annual Christmas tea party (usually held at the schools) was cancelled due to the pandemic. Wherever possible, the schools work with local companies and suppliers, based within 30 miles of Stamford. In 2020, £1.6m was spent with the schools’ top 20 local suppliers. The schools’ thriving community of over 1,600 families and 12,000 alumni

operating, and how customers could reach them. Stamford School’s Principal Will Phelan said: “I’m delighted that Stamford Schools have been announced as a winner in this award. It’s fantastic to be recognised for our ongoing commitment to supporting the Stamford community, and my congratulations to all of the students and staff who are supporting our town in so many different ways.” stamfordschools.org.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Community Outreach EMANUEL SCHOOL The continued success of its Primary Ambitions programme and the work it has done to close lockdown learning gaps make this London school a clear joint winner in this category

n integral aim of this school is to build and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with schools and community organisations in the local area. The goal is to ensure that pupils have a sense of responsibility, purpose and an understanding that they can make a significant difference to the world around them. Emanuel’s work in the community permeates every aspect of school life. All pupils from years six to 13 are involved in outreach programmes that are an integral part of the curriculum. More than 180 pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh programme each year, volunteering thousands of hours between them. Links with the local community are commended through school newsletters, form time and assemblies, with stand-out student contributions recognised by Community Partnership school prizes. The flagship Primary Ambitions programme is central to the school’s work in the community. Every Friday, Emanuel’s lower sixth students teaches local year six pupils from 18 state schools with a high proportion of pupils on free school meals. Students teach 20 modules, covering the arts, language, literature, politics, science, tech, maths and sport. The emphasis is on Emanuel students running each session, enabling them to develop leadership, coaching and mentoring skills as well as further developing confidence, empathy and respect for others. Given the restrictions posed by Covid-19, partner schools have needed more support than ever. Throughout the pandemic, Emanuel’s lower sixth students embraced the challenge, adapting and developing the Primary

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Lower sixth students teach varied modules to local stateschool pupils

“A PROJECT THAT STARTED WITH A PUPIL IDEA IN 2017 HAS TAKEN LIFE, AND NOW

ensures 1,200 primary pupils come to our school FOR COACHING, MENTORING AND TEACHING FROM EMANUEL STUDENTS” Ambitions programme to a lessonsin-a-box format. Students prepared lesson plans and materials, group and individual activities and how-to videos, which were all delivered to partner schools to enable valuable enrichment activities to continue remotely. The school has continued to help close the gap for pupils whose education has been hardest hit by school closures. The Ascent programme, developed through consultation with partner schools, consists of Saturday morning sessions for year five pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who are failing to meet national standards in literacy and mathematics. Curriculum-linked sessions in these subjects, alongside interactive sessions in science, sport and

the arts, are taught by Emanuel staff, enabling pupils to catch up, consolidate knowledge and build confidence. Each year, more than 6,500 children and young adults participate in community programmes. Now Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the school will strive to do even more. Headmaster Robert Milne said: “A project that started with a pupil idea in 2017 has taken life, and now ensures 1,200 primary pupils come to our school for coaching, mentoring and teaching from Emanuel students. Everyone involved in the Primary Ambitions partnership is delighted with the recognition and is motivated to do even more in the next five years.” emanuel.org.uk

Founded in 1594 Co-educational

•

Ages 10-18

•

Clapham Junction

Entry at 10+, 11+ and Sixth Form Fee Assistance available at all entry points Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1HS

www.emanuel.org.uk

@emanuel.school

@emanuel_school

020 8870 4171

Be Yourself at Claremont re Except when you’ se! being someone el

BOOK A TOUR Nursery & Prep School St Leonards, East Sussex TN37 7PW 01424 751555

Senior School & Sixth Form Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UJ 01580 830396

admissions@claremontschool.co.uk claremontschool.co.uk

ing oard g b g nin rivin A th ol in stun 75mins scho ide, just 5 miles trys and coun London easide. s from om the r f

Performing Arts CLAREMONT SENIOR SCHOOL The school has established a strong platform that allows students to take the lead on productions, hone skills and collaborate on performances, even during the Covid-19 lockdowns

he work produced by the performing arts department at Claremont serves as a constant reminder that in its short 10-year history, student voice, leadership and inclusion are firmly embedded in the school’s DNA. “To win an award that recognises our Performing Arts department as a can-do team, feels hugely satisfying. To also have our adaptability and inclusiveness commended by the judges, particularly in a pool of schools with performing arts provisions we already admire, was very special. Whether on the stage or behind the scenes, every single person who contributes to a piece of work in our theatre, does so with a full understanding of the level of commitment, trust, imagination, freedom and focus needed to create professional and consistently memorable performances. To celebrate this on such a grand scale was wonderful,” says Sarah Cakebread, Director of Performing Arts. Happening upon an original idea by chance and running with it, rather than following a tried-and-tested process in pursuit of one has empowered Claremont’s young performing artists to think beyond themselves and follow creative paths of expression through music, dance and drama that have, and continue to be quite transformative. Full company, big budget theatre productions are inevitable crowdpleasers, but as the role of the teaching team increasingly becomes a guiding one, the results and long-term impact of this way of learning on the lives of students are consistently positive. Claremont Extra, was an idea born out of the confines of lockdown when drama and music students started

The school put on a production of Guys and Dolls at the end of 2021

“TO WIN AN AWARD THAT RECOGNISES OUR PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT as a can-do team feels hugely satisfying. TO ALSO HAVE OUR ADAPTABILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS COMMENDED BY THE JUDGES WAS VERY SPECIAL” to work with the medium of radio so they could share the plays they’d been devising and rehearsing with an audience. Claremont Extra’s main feature is an original radio drama Holly Avenue, which is scripted, voice-acted and edited by our students. A Midsummer Night’s Dream community outreach workshop was quickly adapted for radio during lockdown to enable local primary schools to take part from afar. For the International Schools Partnership Film Festival, students created an original piece of performance art: fully scripted, acted and produced by the students, to include a new arrangement of Chicago’s Cell Block Tango by a music scholar, BETCHA

tackles the issue of women feeling unsafe walking home alone. The whole person is focused on in the performing arts: everything that a student is, everything they stand for and against, their interests, their cultures and experiences all feed into the work that they produce and how they reflect upon the work we create. Seeing students, who elsewhere may not be heard, ‘hold the space’ and the attention of a live audience of their peers is pretty extraordinary. It’s like no other area of their student life – they can’t get it wrong! It’s a doorway to the fullest expression of themselves – something which is of profound value and importance to these teenagers. claremontschool.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

“I found lifelong friendships.” - Teal

Find your future Find your Downe House Open Days and individual tours available registrar@downehouse.net | 01635 204701

www.downehouse.net An outstanding independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18 years 89% Grades 9-7 GCSE

98% Grades A*-B A Level

94% First-Choice University

26% STEM at University

Sporting Achievement SHERBORNE PREP The Dorset school’s bespoke all-inclusive approach to teaching sport equips pupils with a habit and mindset they can take with them through life

port plays an important role in life at Sherborne Prep for all its pupils. The spirit that pupils approach sport with and the way they seize all of the opportunities on offer is central to all that is great about the school. “Winning the ISOTY 2021 Award for Sporting Achievement has meant such a lot to us as a whole school,” says Head Natalie Bone. “We’re extremely proud of our FMS UK partnership, and have developed and redefined our physical education programme to ensure every child creates their own sporting habit for life.” Sport is far more about having fun and building a lifelong desire to participate than ‘the final score’ at Sherborne Prep. The sports department wanted to design and deliver a programme that would equip pupils with the right physical, tactical and technical tool kit to take a positive attitude and create a sporting habit for life. This equips them with the skills and understanding to improve their own functional movement, so that they can access all areas of the school’s sporting curriculum. Sherborne Prep screens its pupils regularly throughout the year and provides them with a personalised set of exercises that contains an individualised movement skills development plan connected to posture, breathing and the wider benefits of physical wellness in the classroom. Sherborne is also advocating schools take a fresh look at fixture programmes to move away from the gender bias and stereotypes in evidence within co-educational settings. The pupils do enjoy and relish the chance to play with their friends, and of course, the balance of some single sex sessions is important.

“WINNING THE ISOTY 2021 AWARD FOR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT has

meant such a lot to us as a whole school.

WE’RE EXTREMELY PROUD OF OUR FMS UK PARTNERSHIP”

The aim is for each and every pupil to develop a sporting habit for life

That said, how many other departments or aspects of school life separate the girls and boys as clearly as sport? As a school, it’s fully committed to an inclusive approach, with all pupils regularly representing the school. Sherborne’s policy ensures game time for all and captains are rotated to develop leadership opportunities. Running alongside this approach is a real layer of success, which in the last year alone includes regional and national recognition in major sports (several trophies are in the bag already this year) and a host of pupils are involved in regional pathways for hockey, netball and cricket. Pupils are also succeeding on a regional and national level in the individual sports including horse riding, tennis, gymnastics and swimming. The school

has two Team GB representatives in skiing and sailing respectively, and pupils regularly gain senior-school sport scholarships. This is an exciting time for the school and the sports department. Post-merger with Sherborne School, the collaboration across the two schools is developing fast, with even greater access to first-class facilities and coaching with a new sports hall under construction. The prep school is also working hard to continue growing its community links. It has positive relationships with local karate, hockey, cricket and swimming clubs, and is now building plans with the local tennis and golf clubs with the fundamental aim of providing its pupils with an even richer and broader sporting experience. sherborneprep.org

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Ludgrove • Full boarding boys’ prep school set in 130 acres of grounds in rural Berkshire. • Family run school with a homely atmosphere and outstanding pastoral care. • Small classes and excellent academic record. • Extensive extracurricular programme supported by new and modern facilities. • Newly opened £2.5million, state-of-the-art Exploration Centre providing one of the finest prep school scientific and creative learning environments in the country.

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB · 0118 978 9881 · registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk · www.ludgrove.net Ludgrove_Advert_2022_190x135_v4.indd 1

stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit

09/03/2022 16:32

Brand Communication MILLFIELD Its mission to discover brilliance in every child and vision to be the world leader for the development of children secured success in this category for the Somerset school

illfield launched the Discover Brilliance marketing campaign in January 2020. With change in the management team, a re-evaluation of the Millfield brand was undertaken, utilising the expertise of an Old Millfieldian in the change-maker field. The school’s purpose, vision, mission and values were reviewed, as well as how that’s communicated to the outside world, and adopted, articulated and integrated it into all that it does. As a young school (founded 1935) that isn’t shackled by tradition, Millfield’s personality as a bold, progressive school, not afraid to be part of the conversation and challenge the status quo, had been lost. What the school stood had to be redefined: Its purpose: to break the mould and provide an educational experience that honours the individual. Its vision: to be the world leader for the development of children.

Its mission: • Discover brilliance in every child. • Be the world’s best at immersing pupils in limitless academic, creative and sporting opportunities. • Be the market leader in providing transformational bursaries. ‘Discover Brilliance’ became the unifying thought and feeling that connects all parts of the school from pupils aged two to 18 to staff, parents and Old Millfieldians to provide a consistent brand message: a promise that Millfield will help everyone to discover their brilliance. Giving children the opportunities to develop a curious mindset to uncover their brilliance, and staff the environment to deliver brilliance in the classrooms, on the sports field, in performances, from their desks. Everyone has their own brilliance story to share. A new creative wrapper was produced, with all photography and design produced in-house, for print and digital ads. Using single images

“WE’RE DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE THIS AWARD for the Discover Brilliance campaign. IT’S A REAL HONOUR FOR IT TO BE RECOGNISED AMONG SUCH OUTSTANDING COMPETITION”

of students in their field of brilliance, on bright pink and blue backgrounds, helped portray a fresh, modern school that wants to stand out. The images give the school’s lesser known, but equally brilliant arts and academic departments, a place in the spotlight and is a declaration that Millfield is for all. Links reveal their individual stories on the school’s website. Prospective students and parents see a person that they can aspire to, relate to and feel excited by. The campaign was rolled out at a London train station, a supermarket, via social media, through industry publications and relocation sites, and features prominently in the new school website, alongside a new promotional film, This is Millfield. Interest in the school has grown significantly, with waiting lists made across many of the key age-entry points. Without any prompting, students have openly talked about discovering their brilliance at Millfield in conversations with prospective families. Brilliance has been embedded into the school culture with these initiatives: • Brilliance Curriculum: showing how subjects overlap to aid understanding e.g. studying ocean warming in geography after learning about specific heat capacity in physics. • Discover Brilliance Fund: a campaign to raise £100m by 2035 for bursaries. • Millfield Brilliance Award (MBA): a prize which will recognise leadership and altruism in students. • Brilliance Conference for staff inset. Head Gavin Horgan says: “we’re delighted to receive this award for the Discover Brilliance campaign, It’s a real honour for it to be recognised among such outstanding competition.” millfieldschool.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

“I FELT LIKE I STUMBLED ON SOMETHING UNIQUE WHEN I FOUND BRAMBLETYE.” – PARENT

BOOK A VISIT!

Brambletye, Lewes Road, Sussex www.brambletye.co.uk +44 (0) 1342 321004

BR A M BL E T Y E PRE-PREP PREP BOYS & GIRLS DAY & BOARDING AGED 2 - 13 YEARS

International Student Experience BRAMBLETYE A warm and welcoming environment and bespoke programmes to help international pupils with their English secured this West Sussex school the top award

rambleteye is proud to be a global village. Reputation spreads through word of mouth to families across the world and it currently hosts children from 12 countries. Diversity in the boarding house is celebrated, and from an early age, the children learn to accept and celebrate each other’s differences. Children understand and practise tolerance, respect and empathy: they’re interested in each other’s cultures. Junior boarders have story night in the dorms, when they choose traditional stories from around the world to be read to. They often like to choose one from their own culture to share with the others. Joe who’s from Japan recently chose The Samurai and the Tea Master. Food is a great vehicle to aid cultural appreciation. Boarding suppers are often themed and children are encouraged to recommend food. Mexican, tapas, Chinese, Morrocan, Thai, American and Vietnamese are favourites. Boarding staff support the children by discussing cultural differences, especially at mealtimes, helping the children with table manners and understanding what the children may be missing, such as warm water to drink. The children also learn to make sushi, pasta and bread. The boarding team seeks advice from specialists to understand cultural nuances and how parental expectations and attitudes vary from our own. Sophia joined Brambletye from China with her older brother in year four. She was naturally shy and quiet with limited English, particularly when it came

to writing but it was obvious that she was an able mathematician and artist. The Head of Lower School developed a bespoke and focused phonics programme to work through over the course of the year enabling her to close the gap on her native English-speaking peers. Sophia’s year group was large, but the quiet girl was quickly assimilated and almost immediately found herself being invited out for playdates and sleepovers with local children. With ongoing support from staff and her friends, Sophia was encouraged to be involved in more aspects of school life. She found that she was very good at sport, playing for the A team in netball and being selected for the very fast girls’ 100m

relay team. She was cast in school plays and took up the oboe. She learned to ski on a school trip and spent as much time as she could in the art studio. She has developed into a chatty, confident, popular and talented girl and she has now been awarded a Charterhouse art scholarship. Witnessing her return to Brambletye post-Covid, a parent said “it was the warmest reunion I’ve ever seen.” “We’re delighted to have won a prestigious ISOTY award,” says Headmaster Will Brooks. “Our staff go the extra mile to create an exceptional boarding experience for pupils from around the world and it’s wonderful for their efforts to be recognised.” brambletye.co.uk

“WE’RE DELIGHTED TO HAVE WON THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD. Our staff go the

extra mile to create an exceptional boarding experience, FOR PUPILS AROUND THE

WORLD AND IT’S WONDERFUL FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO BE RECOGNISED”

Food is just one of the aspects Brambletye uses to embrace its boarders’ diverse cultures

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Girls’ School LADY ELEANOR HOLLES With a supportive sisterhood network that encourages pupils to discover their voice and develop self-confidence, this Hampton school succeeds in preparing its girls to be future leaders

EH has been demonstrating the importance and success of single-sex education for more than 300 years. ‘Hope favours the bold’ is more than just a motto. During their time here, students acquire mental, intellectual, emotional and moral courage. It aims to undo the socialisation of perfection and replace it with a sisterhood that teaches girls to be brave, and a supportive network which cheers them on. “We’re proud that our remarkable school has been recognised in this way, with this award,” says Head Heather Hanbury, “and this is only possible thanks to the involvement of the entire LEH community.” The results speak for themselves. But there’s so much more to a great education than exam results. Here, every subject is a girls’ subject. 80 per cent of A-level students take one or more science, with many winning UK and international competitions and awards and collaborating with top universities and NASA. At LEH there are many opportunities for girls to lead. This role modelling

teaches pupils to discover their voice and to speak up, developing the selfconfidence they need to succeed in their career and their life. Every opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, provide inspiring role models and raise awareness against bias is grasped. From the moment students arrive at LEH, they’re encouraged to demonstrate the key values of kindness, compassion, tolerance and inclusivity. Its pastoral care and Life Advice programme runs throughout their entire time at LEH, focusing on building resilience. Its annual Wellbeing Day is a highlight of the year, with an exciting timetable of events from yoga and mindful sessions, to petting zoos and kick boxing. LEH has always had a reputation for sporting prowess, and aims to ensure that every girl in the school appreciates the benefit of participation. There are more than 23 sports on offer and the facilities are second to none. Music here is, and has always been, exceptional, while the drama department is hugely innovative. Frustrated by the lack of lead roles for women, LEH launched a nationwide playwriting competition, Write the Girl,

to create challenging, female-driven narratives for large female casts. The Girl Writes initiative encourages pupils from LEH and its partnership schools to create their own plays. The school takes pride in its bursary programme: currently, 67 students receive means-tested financial support, with 48 of these taking up free places. This is complemented by a programme of Public Benefit activities which enrich both the local community and the lives of students in partnership schools. From the new science wall mural – a daily reminder of the pioneering role women have played in science – and its expert Careers Programme, to a reinvigorated alumnae offering which has increased alumnae engagement by 200 per cent, LEH promotes the power of female networking and mentoring. Melanie Ivarsson, Class of 1990, Chief Development Officer at Moderna Inc, led the global development of one of the world’s first Covid-19 vaccines. She told pupils: “An education at LEH is absolutely what you need go into the world feeling pretty confident that you can meet any challenge head on.” lehs.org.uk

“WE’RE PROUD THAT OUR REMARKABLE SCHOOL HAS BEEN RECOGNISED IN THIS WAY, and this is only possible thanks to the involvement OF THE ENTIRE LEH COMMUNITY”

The school has always had a reputation for sporting prowess

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

HQ for boys’ adventures No other prep school offers the same mix of opportunities for boys to flourish! C OT H I L L • OX F O R D S H I R E • OX 1 3 6 J L

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Contribution to Social Mobility BRADFORD GRAMMAR The school clinched this award for its bursary provision programme offering assisted places to hardworking and talented pupils from working-class backgrounds

or almost 500 years, Bradford Grammar School (BGS) has remained a constant in the city, loyal to the vision of our founders and 1662 Royal Charter. With economic disadvantage in Bradford deepening because of the pandemic, this vision – to provide an outstanding education to all with the talent to flourish at BGS, irrespective of background – remains an essential part of our ethos. It’s synonymous with our belief that a BGS education can make a valuable contribution to social mobility. Bradford is the youngest local authority in England, and one of the most deprived. 22 per cent of children live in poverty. Assisted places for talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend BGS are transformative, creating opportunities which last a lifetime. BGS spends around £900,000 on assisted places annually, supporting 10 per cent of its student community. In 2020, it launched the 1662 Fund for Assisted Places, with the aim of doubling this in the next seven years. Thanks to the support of Old Bradfordians, £1m has already been raised. This created an additional five assisted places for entry September 2021, in addition to existing provisions. Recent assisted-place recipients have gone on to achieve their dreams. Blaine Thomas lived on the notorious Canterbury estate in Bradford until he was 14 and joined BGS in sixth form, thanks to an assisted place established in memory of the late Sir Ken Morrison, of Morrisons supermarkets (himself

“IT’S WONDERFUL TO RECEIVE THIS RECOGNITION. Rewarding excellence and creating opportunities are important AND ENDURING ASPECTS OF BGS LIFE AND HAVE BEEN FOR ALMOST 500 YEARS”

Bradford Grammar School was established in 1548

an Old Bradfordian). Blaine is now completing his first year of a law degree at the University of Oxford. Year 13 student Charlie Kelly, who wants to be an inventor, comes from a working-class background and joined BGS thanks to an assisted place funded by another former pupil, retired businessman Roger Bowers. She’s now holding an offer to study engineering at the University of Cambridge, and says: “BGS has completely changed my life. It’s opened up the world of learning to me and it’s made me enthusiastic about education again. It’s not just about the quality of education, it’s who you surround yourself with.” Roger attended BGS during the Direct Grant era, when almost half of all pupils received some form of support. He says: “I’m heartened by how

bursary provision has grown at BGS. Rewarding hard-working young people who wouldn’t be able to attend BGS without financial support, has long been a cornerstone of all that makes it great.” This profound social conscience characterises why Old Bradfordians support assisted places. Current students are also getting in on the act: this summer will see its first telethon for assisted places, led by 13 trained student callers. Social mobility has, and will continue to be, part of its purpose. Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster says: “It’s wonderful to receive this recognition. Rewarding excellence and creating opportunities are important and enduring aspects of BGS life and have been for almost 500 years. Assisted places can change lives.” bradfordgrammar.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

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Special Award for an Outstanding Response to Covid-19 GODOLPHIN AND LATYMER From ensuring that timetabled lessons and extracurricular pursuits continued to devising new outreach initiatives, this west London school prevailed through the pandemic

espite unprecedented challenges and disruption, students, staff, parents and alumnae showed great generosity of spirit, energy and commitment in their efforts to stay connected and to support each other and the wider community. The school’s new outreach Bridge programme quickly moved online, with nearly 40 primary state school students logging on to live sessions via Google Meet using iPads provided where necessary. The Higher Education Undiscovered Subjects event, introducing university subjects not normally taught in schools, was relaunched as a series of 30-to-40minute online lectures, which were well-attended by students from its partner senior-state schools. Debating continued to flourish online: Godolphin

hosted debating workshops for year seven and eight pupils from local state schools and its teams regularly competed remotely against teams from schools in the US and Spain. The Ancient World Breakfast Club, with more than 200 members from the local community, moved online, which allowed it to introduce speakers from across the world and the podcasts have received more than 4,000 visits. The local community was also invited to the virtual Christmas Stallholders Bazaar. The Friday Lunchtime Recital Series moved to Soundcloud and has received more than 40,000 plays. Students, staff, parents and alumnae competed in the Weekly Wellness Workout challenge and together ran, cycled and scooted all the way to Australia! The Daily Dolphin student newsletter and video messages from teachers kept pupils connected and spirits uplifted

“OUR STUDENTS DEMONSTRATED great

imagination, energy and commitment in supporting each other and the WIDER

COMMUNITY DURING THE PANDEMIC” while staff enjoyed a Weekly Wellness Bulletin. Little Ones was also launched via Google Meet, for staff with small children to share tips and support each other. The school’s alumnae newsletter was published weekly during the first lockdown and Christmas and school birthday cards were sent out to some of the oldest Old Dolphins. A record number of parents signed up for its online quiz nights. In the wider community, Godolphin linked up with Certitude, one of Students collected and donated food to the local Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank

London’s leading adult social care providers, to supply PPE to staff in care homes and the 1st XI hockey squad ran 3,000km in 30 days to raise over £9,000 for NHS Charities Together. Students made face masks for the local community, laundry bags for the NHS Rapid Response Appeal and volunteered with local community groups to support vulnerable people; one student was featured on the BBC News Report, Corona Kindness. DofE students contributed 3,224 hours of voluntary service to the local community; we collected and donated food to the local Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, presents for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and raised funds for Children in Need. Students supported Ready Tech Go and Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council by donating used IT equipment, laptops and tablets for children who didn’t otherwise have access to the internet. The Head Girl set up Mentor Jr and recruited fellow sixth formers to provide a free online mentoring and tutoring service to local primary school pupils. Lower sixth students set up the online Pulsar Science magazine for primary school children to support their interest in science and help with their learning. Head, Dr Frances Ramsey was delighted to accept the award saying, “our students demonstrated great imagination, energy and commitment in supporting each other and the wider community during the pandemic. I was particularly proud that the judges paid tribute to them and to our Bridge outreach programme which continued remotely during the periods of lockdown.” godolphinandlatymer.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Healthy Eating BEECHWOOD PARK With an array of healthy themed meals, multicultural cuisine celebrations and allergen-conscious initiatives, this Hertfordshire prep instils nutritional knowledge in its pupils

ood is integral to Beechwood Park life, going beyond “just” an understanding of the importance of healthy, balanced food choices; it also includes the development of children’s palates, experiences and culinary lexicons. Beechwood’s catering department, in keeping with the school’s mission to nurture, engage and inspire, provides pupils, staff and visitors with freshlyprepared, nutritious and creative dishes, ensuring everyone fuels their day well and develops lifelong positive eating habits. The team recharges around 700 pupils and staff every lunchtime, as well as providing copious boarders’ breakfasts and suppers. They extend pupils’ gastronomic understanding through engaging themed meals, experiences, tastings and quizzes, such as Meat Free Mondays, Healthy Eating Weeks and the recent allergen quiz. Events celebrate food from different countries and cultures; through Diwali and Caribbean lunches, South American taco evening, and Irish fare on St Patrick’s Day, children and staff are introduced to new flavours: the Head Chef’s motto is “It’s fine not to like it, but you must try it first”. Taste the Rainbow is a regular event, and the colourful displays of fruit and vegetables always prove popular with even the most discerning pupils – children sample exotic fruits such as kumquat, dragon fruit and star fruit, and an assortment of smoothies containing spinach and apple. With 10 per cent of pupils presenting allergies, intolerances or preferences, it’s crucial that daily food choices encompass something suitable, and safe, for everyone. Beechwood and catering firm Holroyd Howe have

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

worked together to devise a bespoke allergen policy, and their ‘wooden spoon process’ enables staff to quickly identify the children who need guidance and information about appropriate meal selection. Beechwood recently became the first Holroyd Howe school to be accredited by Coeliac UK for its gluten-free provision. Working with the charity and gaining their accreditation demonstrates the school’s commitment to its pupils and staff with coeliac disease, or gluten intolerance. Talking about food and interacting with children is key in helping them learn about healthy eating; by talking and learning about food from the catering team, even the youngest pupils learn about making healthy choices, gaining independence as they do so. Interactive chef’s tables and hands-on demonstrations provide a powerful means to get children excited about where their food comes from and how it’s made – ask any pupil and they’ll tell you how much they enjoyed making pasta from scratch!

Equally important is learning about the provenance of food, and the implications of food waste. The nursery children have planted and harvested potatoes, reception has grown tomatoes, and the school gardening club was tasked with growing herbs to be used in the school kitchen. At the other end of the food “journey”, the school is working with Holroyd Howe’s Sustainability and Environmental Manager to develop innovative ways to reduce food waste. Beechwood pupils have a voice that is listened to, and the food committee meets regularly with the catering manager to discuss initiatives and events, and to review the menus. “We were thrilled to be named winners in this category,” says Head Ed Balfour. “We’re delighted that the hard work of our catering team throughout the year – meeting the constant challenge to come up with interesting, healthy and varied meals – has been recognised in this way.” beechwoodpark.com

“WE WERE THRILLED TO BE NAMED WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY. We’re delighted that the hard work of our CATERING TEAM HAS BEEN RECOGNISED IN THIS WAY”

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The Green Award for Environmental Achievement ST PAUL’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL Placing environmental initiatives and activities right at the heart of the curriculum ensured award success for the west London school

aking environmental responsibility has long been central to the lives of many students at St Paul’s Girls’ School, as shown by numerous alumnae working in this field, including Professor Kate Raworth and Professor Rebecca Henderson. Over the past few years, however, addressing the climate and biodiversity crises has become mainstream here. There has been an explosion in applications from all years to be on the St Paul’s Environmental Action Committee (SPEAC), one of its most active societies, which is supported by teachers from across the school. It has been another busy year for SPEAC and winning the Environmental Achievement Award 2021 felt like a

fitting way to acknowledge all the efforts of students and staff, past and present. Notable recent student achievements have included two year 10s winning the inaugural Climate Science Olympiad against 12,000 participants (aged 14 to 25 from 149 countries), leading to an invitation to COP26 in Glasgow to present their innovative carbon tax proposal; and a year 12 winning the Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Green Champion Awards 2021. Others have been selected as ambassadors for the Youth Climate Summit, Ernest Cooke Trust and Bright Green Futures. Last term several activities were held to mark COP26, including a vegan bake sale in aid of global south youth activists, a student-run mock COP and another mock COP attended by a

“THE AWARD HAS PROVIDED IMPORTANT

recognition and motivation for all those students and staff who work so hard ON

SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION ACROSS THE SCHOOL”

St Paul’s pupils are engaged in lots of environmental campaigns

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

dozen state and independent secondary schools. The long-term focus, however, remains embedding sustainability throughout the curriculum, cocurriculum and operations. The school offers its own courses on business sustainability and animal conservation and has just conducted a survey of environmental education completed by all staff. It’s signed up to the Let’s Go Zero nationwide schools’ campaign and awaits the findings of an external carbon audit to inform the next steps of its staff-student waste, food, energy and travel taskforces. Student-led activities include an Eco Discussion Group open to other schools, weekly bulletins and regular whole school and year assemblies. The student-run Green Week typically includes talks and workshops, art and poetry displays, a greenest year group competition, volunteering, fundraising vegan cookalongs and oldest clothing day. Partnerships are critical to the school’s environmental work. Its service programme includes popular options to tend community spaces and volunteer with local environmental charities. In 2018, St Paul’s founded the London Schools Eco Network (LSEN), originally a partnership with its main partner school Hammersmith Academy, that has expanded to schools from across the capital and provided a model for other regional networks, brought together by the UK Schools Sustainability Network. “The ISOTY environmental achievement award has provided important recognition and motivation for all those students and staff who work so hard on sustainability and climate action across the school,” says Head of Sustainability, Dr Jessica Tipton. spgs.org

Pre-Prep POLAM An immersive learning programme and timetabled wellbeing practices ensured success for the thriving Bedfordshire school in this category

t the virtual awards ceremony on 7 October, this small pre-prep and nursery was commended specifically for its outstanding commitment to pupil wellbeing and for its innovative immersive learning programme. Polam is a small independent preprep and nursery for children aged 12 months to seven years, which provides a home-from-home learning environment with a distinct focus on pastoral care, mental health and wellbeing. In September 2020, the school embarked on an immersive learning programme, transforming ordinary classrooms into themed, interactive learning spaces. Polam currently has two completed rooms – Discovery, a space-themed IT suite and Amazonia, a plant-fi lled rainforest room. Dressing classrooms with themed resources encourages the students to be absorbed and engaged, making their learning more purposeful – and lots more fun! Having a unique, multipurpose space like the Rainforest Room is a perfect environment to support wellbeing, providing the opportunity for meditation and mindfulness, imaginative storytelling and social activities, as well as specific learning from the curriculum. Headteacher Darren O’Neil said “I couldn’t be more proud of Polam winning this award. To get this level of national recognition for such a small school is a real testament to the great teamwork and the vision of the staff. As a pre-prep with its own feeder nursery and pre-school, our staff really are experts in those all-important Early Years and it feels amazing to have this recognised nationally. On a personal level, to be the head of an award-

winning school after just one year as headteacher is a real career high for me. I’m not quite sure how I’ll top it!” As part of the Cognita Schools group, Polam regularly takes part in Cognita’s annual Global Be Well Day. From this, Polam developed its own Week To Be Well, which then blossomed into dedicated wellbeing activities becoming part of the weekly timetable. Polam has also become the only school in Bedfordshire to incorporate resilience programme RISE! into their weekly timetable too. And with a Wellbeing Champion in school, as well as a Mental Health First Aider, this is testament to Polam’s commitment to wellbeing all year round, reinforcing the importance of wellbeing as the foundation that needs to underpin every aspect of nursery and pre-prep education. “Being a winner is a remarkable

Dedicated wellbeing activities are included on the timetable at Polam

“BEING A WINNER IS A REMARKABLE FEELING, BUT we won’t be resting on our laurels for long! WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF NEW INITIATIVES” feeling, but we won’t be resting on our laurels for long!” says Darren O’Neil “We want to continue to be at the forefront of new initiatives, and constantly refine and improve our expert status in Early Years education. But we do hope that this win will put Polam on the map in Bedford as a top school choice. And there couldn’t be a better time to join the Polam community, with our 100-year celebrations coming up in the next academic year!” polamschool.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Boarding School of the Year GORDONSTOUN

The school’s three Rs strategy to reintegrate pupils back into school life after lockdown clinched it the win in this category

fter a year which turned its students’ world upside down, Gordonstoun recognised the need for a totally different set of ‘three R’s’ and built a mental health recovery curriculum based on the return to campus, a reconnection with nature and a focus on rebuilding resilience. The return plan began before term even started with Houseparents connecting with home parents to build individualised student reintegration plans. Once back on campus the return programme included art therapy, training senior students to be ‘wellbeing watchers’ and using the CHIME mentalhealth recovery framework. Gordonstoun has always believed that the best classrooms don’t have walls and as a result extended its already extensive outdoor programme to reconnect students with nature. New outdoor learning and social spaces were built within the campus woodlands, boarding houses were given personalised braziers for evening fires, there were outdoor quizzes and even a fairy-lit winter funfair on the lawn complete with a Ferris wheel. To help build resilience following months of containment, teaching staff knew that young people had to be challenged, so the size of the school’s outdoor education team was quadrupled, and staff chartered a second yacht to operate alongside Ocean Spirit of Moray (on which every Gordonstoun pupil learns to sail). Sunday rest days were dispensed in favour of coasteering, the ornamental lake was used for canoeing and the local cliffs were rigged with climbing ropes.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Every pupil experienced several multiday expeditions and, after rigorous risk assessments not to mention rigorous cleaning, Gordonstoun became the only school operating overnight sail training voyages. This all proved the perfect antidote to the stresses of the past months.

‘gents’ or ‘girls and boys’. As a result, 15 students have felt supported to ask to use gender-neutral pronouns. Gordonstoun believes that the character traits of resilience, compassion and self-awareness are key to success. Head Richard Devey says: “winning this award has been a huge

“WINNING THIS AWARD HAS BEEN

a huge boost to our whole community AND IS A STAMP OF APPROVAL” Gordonstoun’s motto is Plus est en vous (there is more in you) and this inspires a commitment to supporting individual student identity. Gordonstoun’s curriculum is LGBTQi+ inclusive and never allocates roles by gender (we would never ask for a ‘strong boy’). It was a natural next step to support student gender identity by adapting the school’s language. Teaching staff now say ‘everyone’, ‘students’ or ‘folk’ instead of ‘ladies’, Pupils reconnected with nature upon their return to Gordonstoun after lockdown

boost to our whole community and is a stamp of approval which has prompted even greater interest in our school, not only from prospective families but also when it comes to filling vacant posts.” Despite the unprecedented challenges for the sector over the last 18 months, Gordonstoun’s inclusive, healthy and, above all, happy atmosphere has resulted in record admissions enquiries and not a spare bed in the school! gordonstoun.org.uk

New Music School Hal l School Openinand g Soon

Modern Boarding for girls aged 11-18 in the heart of the Kent countryside

benenden.school

www.benenden.school

Finalist schools INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

PRE-PREP BROOMWOOD HALL LOWER SCHOOL

Family-oriented pre-prep in southwest London, Broomwood is part of the Northwood Schools group, and as such, offering a fully-rounded innovative education in a traditional setting is key to its success.

northwoodschools.com

FALCONS PRE-PREPARATORY

Forward-thinking and progressive, this Chiswick-based pre-prep puts pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything it does. The small school tailors its curriculum to its childrens' needs, with its forest school achieving the most engagement with the all-boy intake.

falconschiswick.co.uk

GRIMSDELL, MILL HILL PRE-PREP

Honouring its philosophy ‘instilling values, inspiring minds’, this north-west London pre-prep has created a safe and secure community environment which embraces and celebrates each child’s individuality, providing plenty of opportunities to flourish.

millhill.org.uk/pre-prep

JAMES ALLEN’S PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The JAGS journey begins in a large Edwardian house full of life and laughter: after all, the pre-prep’s approach values the importance of play, curiosity and imagination. Wellbeing is of paramount importance, and provisions include everything from mindfulness sessions to a therapy dog! jags.org.uk

LOCHINVER HOUSE SCHOOL

With the motto ‘to persevere, to succeed’, this all-boys pre-prep has a forward-thinking approach. Responding to world news, teachers give pupils an age-appropriate understanding of current issues and impactful topics. lochinverhouse.com

ORWELL PARK SCHOOL

This purpose-built, eco-friendly modernlearning Suffolk pre-prep, and its magical forest-school setting creates a happy environment with a strong focus on building the firm foundations of literacy and numeracy. orwellpark.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

POLAM SCHOOL

A small Cognita Group pre-prep and nursery in leafy Bedford, Polam offers youngsters a home-from-home environment where every teacher knows and looks out for them. The school employs an immersive learning programme, with classrooms transformed into themed spaces. polamschool.co.uk

PREP SCHOOL BICKLEY PARK SCHOOL

The school's Four Quadrants of Learning theory – which combines academic, arts, community and outdoor education sectors– aims to develop the skills and mindset required in the next generation of workplaces. bickleyparkschool.co.uk

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL

Weekly Learning for Life Plus sessions reflect a community that focuses deeply on pastoral care, with PSHE, RSE and wellbeing all covered. From the International Primary Curriculum to Curriculum 200, the prep aims for pupils to develop a passion for learning.

eaglehouseschool.com

NORTHCOTE LODGE

CO-EDUCATIONAL BOURNEMOUTH COLLEGIATE

With the aim of preparing its boys and girls for 21st century life beyond the school gates, this school believes its co-ed environment will create well-rounded individuals who can move through the world with confidence and an understanding of society’s diversity. bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk

CLAREMONT FAN COURT

Students here are encouraged to pursue subjects that suit them as individuals, rather than because of their gender. Academia is the bedrock of life at the Surrey school, but pastoral care is just as essential, inspiring the confidence to reach full potential.

claremontfancourt.co.uk

GEORGE HERIOT’S SCHOOL

Principles of equality, dignity, respect, nondiscrimination and participation are the key pillars of this Edinburgh co-ed. Personal and social education garners great importance too, with students actively involved in the development of lessons on finance, LGBTQIA+ culture and Black History Month.

george-heriots.com

This boys’ prep embraces traditional values of manners, teamwork and kindness, while technology is available to enhance all aspects of learning. Boys are encouraged to have the confidence to know that by trying their best, they’ll reap the rewards of personal satisfaction and achievement.

PANGBOURNE COLLEGE

northwoodschools.com

Established as ‘the nautical college’ for boys in 1917, today the Berkshire school is co-educational, with the motto ‘a community where the individual matters’ to prove it. This approach is seen in sports, as well as gender-neutral leadership opportunities and ceremonial traditions. pangbourne.com

PRESTFELDE

SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL

With a progressive, inclusive education, a wealth of pastoral care initiatives, cocurricular programmes and top-notch facilities, this Shropshire prep offers a learning experience with a difference.

prestfelde.co.uk

SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL

The school's boys, parents and members of staff all feel like members of a family sharing in a unique journey. Students are encouraged to take risks in their learning and not fear failure, developing curiosity and a passion for knowledge through inspirational teaching.

sunningdaleschool.co.uk

Aiming to inspire pupils to be knowledgeable, caring and successful, this school’s vision is complemented by its co-ed setting. During senior years, small class sizes, a broad range of GCSE courses and mutual access to STEM opportunities mean that students become confident learners. sanctonwood.co.uk

GIRLS’ SCHOOL BENENDEN SCHOOL

The Benenden Bounce is a term coined by sixth formers to describe the school’s unique spirit of optimism. In what was a difficult year,

the all-girls senior boarding school was able to lean on its proactive and influential student body. benenden.school

and the Encounters series, allowing pupils to participate in debates, seminar and guestspeaker events. warwickschool.org

DOWNE HOUSE

WHITGIFT SCHOOL

Honed over generations, Downe House has a tailored learning environment focused on the needs and preferences of girls. Discussion-led learning, freedom from gender stereotyping in subjects and curriculum content which is paced to the way girls learn are all techniques that work for the Berkshire school’s student body. downehouse.net

HARROGATE LADIES’ COLLEGE Harrogate Ladies’ College's vision is all about empowering the next generation of women to follow their own path and make choices that are right for them, the all-through school ensures that STEM is one of the potential career avenues available. hlc.org.uk

LADY ELEANOR HOLLES

Having demonstrated the success of singlesex education for more than 300 years, ‘hope favours the brave’ is more than just a motto at this Hampton school. During their time here, girls will acquire mental, intellectual, emotional and moral courage through a supportive sisterhood network. lehs.org.uk

ST MARY’S CAMBRIDGE

Girls here are empowered to aim high, follow their dreams and make a positive contribution to society. Inspired by Mary Ward – the school’s 17th century foundress who dedicated her life to educating girls – the belief ‘yes she can’ is at the heart of St Mary’s School. stmaryscambridge.co.uk

BOYS’ SCHOOL BEDFORD SCHOOL

In this supportive environment, boys are taught to be good people first and foremost, before flourishing as academics, sportsmen or artists. Boasting vertical tutor groups, Bedford gives boys the chance to mentor and learn from one another without peer pressure. bedfordschool.org.uk

STAMFORD SCHOOL

With an educational provision that’s finely tuned to its boys' needs, this Lincolnshire school focuses on the development of core characteristics and competencies, such as self-awareness, self-management and mutual respect, to underpin its curriculum.

stamfordschools.org.uk

THORPE HOUSE SCHOOL

The school has embraced new initiatives which are tailored to the pupils; an individual learning plan has been made for every boy. And the academic side isn’t the only aspect that's bespoke: termly pastoral assessments allow boys to score their happiness and speak about any concerns. thorpehouse.co.uk

WARWICK SCHOOL

BOARDING SCHOOL COTHILL HOUSE SCHOOL

Cothill develops supportive initiatives to ensure that youngsters have a seamless transition into their new environment. In 2020, Cothill Juniors was launched, offering years four and five greater flexibility: there's now the option of weekly boarding, while younger boys can come in daily as they transition to boarding life. cothillpst.org

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

With wellies at the back door and wholeschool dining hours, there’s a warm, family feel at Cottesmore. Up in the dorms, a nurturing team comprising medical leads, heads of boarding, matrons and ‘gappies’ lead the daily routine under the watchful eyes of the house parents. cottesmoreschool.com

GORDONSTOUN

After a year that turned its students’ worlds upside down, Gordonstoun recognised the need for a different set of three Rs: return to campus, reconnection with nature and rebuilding resilience. The initiative included art therapy, wellbeing watchers and the CHIME framework. gordonstoun.org.uk

HAZLEGROVE PREP SCHOOL

With 80 per cent of boarders coming from armed forces backgrounds, these pupils have often attended several schools. This drives how the Somerset prep uses imagination and innovation to develop students beyond the curriculum, on one hand preparing them for the next step, but still celebrating childhood on the other. hazlegrove.co.uk

HORRIS HILL SCHOOL

Boys learn to live as part of a community at this nurturing Hampshire prep, with full, transition and weekly boarding options available. This framework allows more time for lessons, within which prep, activities, music practice, tutor sessions and 15 different subjects are timetabled. horrishill.com

SANDROYD SCHOOL

In spite of the 2020 summer-term lockdown, boarding was fully open by the end of term – a phenomenal achievement. The Wiltshire school’s accommodation has improved in recent years, meaning that there’s now a waiting list for pupils wanting to become boarders! sandroyd.org

SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE

For a number of years, the North Yorkshire co-ed has honed a home-from-home boarding experience, with the last three years seeing a multi-million-pound investment

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ALICE SMITH SCHOOL

After navigating a challenging pandemic with its new Student Support Programme, this Kuala Lumpur school celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. This inclusive community continues to bring out the best in all of its pupils. alice-smith.edu.my

DUBAI COLLEGE

Having focused on facilitating individual student voices through oracy sessions, INSET, lunch-and-learn meetings and a comprehensive resources platform, this senior school was able to keep the dialogic pedagogy of its classrooms alive throughout the disruptions. dubaicollege.org

HALCYON LONDON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

This London-based not-for-profit IB school has a diverse community and a studentcentred ethos, creating the optimum learning environment for each individual to flourish, learn and fulfil their own full potential.

halcyonschool.com

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL JEJU

In just one decade, the school has established the principles of a British education in South Korea, garnering the number-one spot in the country. Its three-pillared ethos of academic excellence, pastoral care and a broad extracurricular offering results in happy, successful individuals. nlcsjeju.co.kr

TAUNTON SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL

Founded on the premise that international students need a bespoke package of support, the school's intensive EAL classes, pastoral programmes and alternative, ‘English for Academic Purposes’ higher education pathway ensure pupils are nurtured.

tauntonschool.co.uk/international

SMALL SCHOOL LATHALLAN SCHOOL

At this Scottish co-ed day and boarding school, 192 pupils are immersed in a nurturing environment and exposed to unrivalled outdoor-learning opportunities. The average class size is 12, so teachers can offer tailored support to meet the needs of each child.

lathallanschool.org.uk

LUDGROVE SCHOOL

This Berkshire prep has big ambitions for its 186 boys. Whether it’s reaching their academic potential, mastering a sport, trying new extracurricular pursuits or taking a risk with outward-bound challenges, the ethos remains the same: nothing is beyond your reach, so always aim high! ludgrove.net

MOON HALL SCHOOL REIGATE Pastoral support is at the heart of this specialist school for dyslexic pupils. Young

The academic programme at this Warwickshire school is interspersed with plenty of opportunities for boys to engage their critical-thinking skills and direct their own projects, and last year saw the launch of the Floreat academic enrichment course

Whitgiftians are resilient learners who are always mindful of those around them: these traits have been developed through a supportive environment, where learning ‘how to fail’ can teach the best lessons. These values are reflected in the interactions across the community. whitgift.co.uk

in facilities and a doubling in the amount of tutors on duty to offer academic and wellbeing support. scarboroughcollege.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

people here are empowered to embrace their creative ways of thinking. With glowing GCSE results, this combination of academic rigour and a nurturing community is a recipe for success. moonhallschoolreigate.co.uk

guidance interview, alongside expert oneon-one guidance from the dedicated Head of Careers throughout senior school and the complex UCAS process. suttonhigh.gdst.net

MOORFIELD SCHOOL & NURSERY

A bespoke careers programme for sixth form girls is offered at this all-through, singlesex school. Led by the dedicated Careers Leader, new initiatives have been introduced to enhance students’ development options.

This pre-prep and prep has been called ‘a small school with a big heart’. While it has just over 100 pupils, teaching staff think big, with 2021 seeing the implementation of an expanded curriculum, and the employment of a teacher specifically to develop STEM learning. moorfieldschool.co.uk

PERROTT HILL PREP SCHOOL Not only does Perrott Hill boast excellent academics (a whopping 79 scholarships in the past five years) and a varied, everchanging curriculum, the Somerset prep is also fast becoming the go-to south-west countryside school. .perrotthill.com

YORSTON LODGE

mountschoolyork.co.uk

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACKWORTH SCHOOL

This West Yorkshire co-ed runs a tennis and racket sports outreach programme. Jointly funded by the Tim Henman Foundation in partnership with the LTA, it has helped coach Alice Robson bring tennis to nearly 2,000 pupils from 28 local primary schools.

ackworthschool.com

With a holistic approach to educating the whole child, this Knutsford prep is renowned for its high academic standards and eightto-one pupil-teacher ratio. Staff here spark creativity and curiosity, harnessing each of the school’s 61 pupils’ talents to enhance their development. yorstonlodge.com

ASHFORD SCHOOL

STUDENT CAREERS PROGRAMME

ASHVILLE COLLEGE

CONCORD COLLEGE

Due to the academic success of its students, 41 Concord College alumni gained places at medical, dental or veterinary schools. With a strong focus on vocational medical science, the Shewsbury school provides the Medicine Support Programme – a world-class preparation initiative. concordcollegeuk.com

FRANCIS HOLLAND SCHOOL, REGENT’S PARK

To prepare them for the world of work, students in the lower sixth not only enjoy a career mentoring programme with fortnightly sessions, they also receive two CV writing and mock interviews with parents, before tutors offer input. fhs-nw1.org.uk

HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL

This north London school’s careers programme went virtual during the pandemic, adapting to enable students to connect with its alumni and parent network in a new way, including remote workexperience opportunities. habsboys.org.uk

MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

With an alumnae roll call including the first females to be called to the Bar, be a British Army helicopter pilot and be a bishop, the careers department works hard to sustain this pioneering spirit. From year seven, pupils enjoy Inspirational Learning Group opportunities. manchesterhigh.co.uk

SUTTON HIGH SCHOOL GDST

At this greater London all-through girls’ school, all students have an annual individual

THE MOUNT SCHOOL YORK

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

The Ashford School Swim Programme was launched in 2015 with the aim of developing an intensive scheme for students, as well as offering facilities and expertise to the local community. It welcomed 1,600 children weekly for lessons, while also serving 14 primary schools. ashfordschool.co.uk

Being community minded is a value of huge importance to this co-ed Harrogate school. While the past year hasn’t been typical, the school’s charity committee has continued fundraising activities throughout, raising thousands of pounds for Comic Relief and Children in Need. ashville.co.uk

EMANUEL SCHOOL

As its borough has high levels of deprivation, the Wandsworth school’s aim is to build and nurture relationships with schools and community organisations in the area. This manifests in drama, art, STEM and creative writing workshops, GCSE booster courses, and the Duke of Edinburgh programme’s volunteer scheme. emanuel.org.uk

STAMFORD SCHOOLS

An excellent example of the symbiotic relationship between this Lincolnshire school and the town of which it has been the beating heart of for 488 years is the Stamford Card. Its objective is to support local independent traders, while also funding an education for local children. stamfordschools.org.uk

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

This Berkshire school provides academic and pastoral support for 15 schools across England and Wales. Building on practices established in the old ‘normal’ – enrichment days, sixth form lectures and university fairs – the college continues to bridge the gap.

wellingtoncollege.org.uk

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT EPSOM COLLEGE

This Surrey co-ed has been working hard to encourage every pupil to make exercise a

part of everyday life. This has been achieved through investment in cutting-edge training facilities for girls’ sports, the appointment of former county and national hockey and netball players as coaches and a programme of more than 22 sports. epsomcollege.org.uk

GRESHAM’S SCHOOL

Sport has always been an integral part of this Norfolk school’s ethos of ‘educating the whole person’. Pupils are encouraged to get involved in many of the sports on offer to cultivate a healthy approach to teamwork, collaboration and leadership, with hockey, rugby, cricket and netball being disciplines that Gresham’s excels at. greshams.com

NOTTING HILL & EALING HIGH SCHOOL GDST

Director of Sport, Sophie Nicholas, is passionate about motivating students to exercise – here it’s not about winning, it’s about inspiring a lifelong love of sport and its benefits. During lockdown, she launched several initiatives, including #BeYou, a social media campaign that encourages girls to set themselves goal. nhehs.gdst.net

RUGBY SCHOOL

Simply put, the West Midlands co-ed’s approach to physical education is ‘sport is for all’. While programmes are athlete-centred with the highest standard of coaching, all students play in fixtures at every level, so they can experience the positive mental and physical benefits of being part of an active team. rugbyschool.co.uk

SHEBBEAR COLLEGE

Sport is a huge part of the whole school’s life and every pupil is encouraged to take part, whatever their ability and aspirations, with the values of commitment, teamwork, grit, communication and enjoyment being prioritised. shebbearcollege.co.uk

SHERBORNE PREP SCHOOL

This Dorset prep believes that physical education needs to be redefined: the time taken for PE must have a sustainable impact on their health for life. This ethos is reflected in a co-ed fixture programme and a fundamental movements systems sporting programme. sherborneprep.org

PERFORMING ARTS BOLTON SCHOOL BOYS’ DIVISION

In 2018, the school was awarded Artsmark Platinum status, in recognition of its creative learning opportunities, cultural partnership programmes and position as a regional advocate for arts curriculum. Now in the second phase of its Artsmark development, the senior offers a cultural learning programme that is blended with pastoral, enrichment, curricular and community aspects of school life. boltonschool.org

BRENTWOOD SCHOOL

As lockdown loomed, the performing arts department of this Essex school took the decision to stage a full chamber concert, which was the start of a wider performancesharing trend across the student body.

brentwoodschool.co.uk

CANFORD SCHOOL

Excellence, involvement and ambition underpin music-making at the Dorset school, with exceptional academic results: 95 per cent of A-level music students have achieved A* to B grades, while 81 per cent have gained level 8 or 9 at music GCSE – resulting in five university scholarships and 13 ARSM diplomas. canford.com

CLAREMONT SENIOR SCHOOL

Student voice, leadership and inclusion are embedded in Claremont’s DNA. During lockdown, the role of teaching staff increasingly became a guiding one, as young performing artists were empowered to follow creative paths of expression through music, dance and drama while separated from their community. claremontschool.co.uk

GLENALMOND COLLEGE

The college was one of the very few schools in the UK to stage a play amid pandemic restrictions. The show, which was broadcast online, was a take on Epicene, the 1609 Renaissance comedy by Ben Jonson, which was originally performed after theatres had been shut by the plague, making it all the more fitting. glenalmondcollege.co.uk

TRINITY SCHOOL, CROYDON

Hardly a week goes by without a concert or production at this south London school, and its inclusive philosophy encourages all to participate. This passion for music is reflected in the phenomenal progress seen in Associated Board exams, with more than 50 Grade 8 passes with Distinction amongst the current student body. trinity-school.org

CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL MOBILITY BRADFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

For almost 500 years, BGS has been a constant in Bradford. With economic disadvantage deepening due to the pandemic, the commitment to providing an outstanding education to all with the talent to flourish remains a cornerstone of the school’s ethos. bradfordgrammar.com

NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Located in the one of the most deprived areas of Nottingham, this co-ed is a beacon of hope and inspiration, creating an educational experience that allows bright pupils to prosper. Established in 1513, Nottingham High's history is built on benevolence and philanthropy. nottinghamhigh.co.uk

REED’S SCHOOL

Founded for orphans in 1813 by Reverend Dr Andrew Reed, this Surrey boys’ school is now a fee-paying school, with 10 per cent of pupils still being ‘foundationers’. The Foundation is at the heart of Reed’s School, having helped around 13,000 children break the cycle of social deprivation. reeds.surrey.sch.uk

STREATHAM & CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL

TRINITY SCHOOL, CROYDON

This south London school was founded to serve children from every walk of life within its community, and it continues to do so today. During the pandemic, it invited 120 local primary schools to participate in a range of programmes, including its STEMLink, CHEMLink and COMPLink events, as well as the Rowdown Foundation’s Saturday school.

wellbeing initiatives, comprising anti-bullying ambassadors and peer mentors. qcl.org.uk

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL GDST

In a year like no other, this north-west London girls’ school has found positive pastoral leadership vital. Headmistress Mrs Bingham delivered her own Downing Street briefing-esque mantra – ‘habits, plans, treats’ as schools closed, in order to instil a sense of purpose and energy in students ahead of remote learning. shhs.gdst.net

trinity-school.org

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE

STUDENT WELLBEING

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL

BROOMWOOD HALL UPPER SCHOOL

This south-west London school helps children to thrive by providing them with structure and secure attachments to adults whom they trust. While Broomwood is big enough to allow for a broad range of characters, it’s also small enough to enable teachers to get to know every student, and vice versa.

northwoodschools.com

EATON HOUSE SCHOOLS

A Head of Wellbeing was appointed in late 2019, just in time for the schools to close in March 2020. Parent webinars, one-toone online wellbeing meetings and on-site sessions for key workers’ children were also provided. eatonhouseschools.com

ELSTREE SCHOOL

Remote learning in lockdown led to this Berkshire prep holding bi-weekly pastoral care meetings to identify, monitor and support the most vulnerable children and staff. Elstree hosts an annual Mental Health Awareness Week, where everyone is encouraged to focus on a PSHE theme each day. elstreeschool.org.uk

POCKLINGTON SCHOOL

Pocklington is passionate about nurturing young people to understand that their happiness matters. From their first day as a three year old through to being young adults of 18, the Yorkshire school is committed to ensuring pupils have the capacity and strategies to manage their wellbeing.

pocklingtonschool.com

QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS The biggest challenge of the pandemic for this York senior school was how to deliver wellbeing support when its girls were spread across the globe. Queen Margaret’s School chose to take a multidimensional approach, implementing its own remotelearning support platform, QM Connect.

queenmargarets.com

QUEEN’S COLLEGE, LONDON

Student wellbeing underpins Queen’s College’s entire approach, with the Principal stating that pastoral care is the most important thing that the school offers. The new Thrive programme encompasses the school’s mental health, pastoral and

Adamant that staff would do all they could to keep their students safe, the Hertfordshire school made life in the boarding houses as fun and stress free as possible. International boarders completed their quarantine at the school in August 2020, so that they’d be able to join in with classes and extracurricular fun from the first day of term. berkhamsted.com

BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL

Brambletye is proud to be a global village, with a student body covering 12 countries. Diversity in the boarding house is celebrated, and from an early age the children learn to accept and celebrate one another’s differences, fostering tolerance, respect and empathy. brambletye.co.uk

DLD COLLEGE LONDON

Home to students of more than 50 nationalities, DLD College’s boarding house became a sanctuary, providing many with somewhere to stay during Christmas and other holidays. House parents and teachers are mindful of all of their pupils’ cultural celebrations and actively seek to promote these around the school. dldcollege.co.uk

SEDBERGH SCHOOL

The Cumbrian school’s outstanding team travels around the world, so that families meet the key members of staff who will be responsible for looking after their children. To enhance the international student admissions process, welcome packs comprising vocabulary lists, practice papers and subject notes are gifted. sedberghschool.org

ST LEONARDS

With a historic campus, school life is rooted in Scottish tradition but global in outlook. The boarding school offers the IB continuum pathway, delivering a globally-recognised curriculum for ages five to 18, and is one of just two UK schools that offer all four IB programmes: Primary, Middle Years, Careerrelated and Diploma. stleonards-fife.org

WYCOMBE ABBEY SCHOOL

Almost a third of Wycombe Abbey pupils are based overseas, so the school has worked hard to maintain its special community, despite constraints. Throughout the difficult months, staff have supported girls and their families in a number of ways: a key initiative has been the creation of an Overseas Pupil Co-ordinator post.

wycombeabbey.com

Through its partnerships, the school aims to build the skills, character and confidence that will ultimately lead to social mobility. It offers widened access to certain GCSE

subjects, such as classical civilisation and additional mathematics, for the local community by inviting pupils from local maintained school to study alongside its students. schs.gdst.net

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

HEALTHY EATING BEECHWOOD PARK SCHOOL

Food is integral here, going beyond an understanding of the importance of healthy, balanced food choices, it also includes the development of children’s palates. The catering department provides pupils, staff and visitors with freshly-prepared, nutritious and creative dishes. beechwoodpark.com

GORDONSTOUN

There’s now a multitude of scientific studies which demonstrate the link between food and mental and physical wellbeing. Gordonstoun believes it is the first school in the UK to marry its menu to the curriculum all year round in order to enhance wellness and pupil outcomes. gordonstoun.org.uk

IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL

This Suffolk school decided to educate, enthuse and excite its pupils about wholesome, nourishing food. Catering partners were chosen carefully to ensure that they shared the same values and enthusiasm for local produce and seasonal ingredients. ipswichhighschool.co.uk

STROUD SCHOOL, ROMSEY

Pupil wellbeing is at the root of everything the community does. With an ethos of ‘creating fresh food from scratch’, the aim is to offer sustenance that will sharpen the mind, energise the body and make pupils smile. stroud-kes.org.uk

THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL CHELSEA

The Hampshire school has assembled a child-led food development forum to widen pupils’ understanding of nutrition. The motto ‘eat the rainbow every day’ encourages students to choose a wide selection of colourful salads and vegetable dishes.

thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

EFFECTIVE BRAND COMMUNICATION BEDFORD SCHOOL

It was decided that as the boys are the school’s success, they should be its voice. A new prospectus was devised, featuring interviews and excerpts from the boys in their own words, closing with the line ‘that they be good men’. bedfordschool.org.uk

CHANNING SCHOOL

For Channing, the words, ‘girls enjoying success’ are so much more than a marketing strapline; they’ve become the school’s shorthand for the education philosophy it offers. While the prevailing mood is for academic achievement at any cost, the Highgate school embarked upon a visionary marketing direction. channing.co.uk

MILLFIELD

In January 2020, Millfield launched the Discover Brilliance marketing campaign. With a change in the school’s management team, a re-evaluation of its brand was undertaken, Single images of students in their field of brilliance were utilised for modern impact.

millfieldschool.com

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

PRINCE’S MEAD SCHOOL

The Hampshire school has enjoyed academic and sporting success over the decades, but has faced challenges attracting new generations, so it was time to refresh its voice. The brand purpose was brought to life with a refreshed logo, a redesigned website and a new social media campaign.

princesmeadschool.org.uk

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL

Prior to lockdown the Perthshire school had been working to consolidate its visual brand across print and digital mediat. The focus was switched to a digital-first strategy and an innovative new website that offers each visitor their own tailored homepage was produced. strathallan.co.uk

TUDOR HALL SCHOOL

The school has implemented virtual initiatives to harness community spirit and engage prospective families. The first series called Tudor Talks, featured alumnae talking about their career paths. The next series, Saturday Live, was aimed at girls who want to get a feel for the school. tudorhallschool.com

ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT DUMPTON SCHOOL

Set in 26 acres of countryside, an integral part of the education provided at this Dorset school is the ongoing development of a love of the great outdoors, and all the benefits it brings. This is taught through Dumpton’s geography, science and outdoor education curriculum. dumpton.com

KINGSLEY SCHOOL BIDEFORD

ST PAUL’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL

There has been an explosion in applications to be on the St Paul’s Environmental Action Committee, a society which is supported by the Staff Eco Forum. It leads termly assemblies, discussion groups, a junior Eco Club, and an annual Green Week. spgs.org

INNOVATION AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING NEW INITIATIVE CATERHAM SCHOOL

Caterham has established a Next Generation shadow board of under-30s alumni to support the Board of Trustees as they make decisions about the school’s future. It shapes pupil experience by embracing diversity and placing a sharp focus on the world pupils will be moving into. caterhamschool.co.uk

FRANCIS HOLLAND SCHOOL, SLOANE SQUARE

The Creative Enterprise programme, drawn up by Francis Holland’s Director of Creative Enterprise, is based upon the core principles of innovation, creativity and enterprise. Developing successful businesses is one approach, setting up social enterprise is another, and both initiatives have been woven into each year’s curriculum. fhs-sw1.org.uk

JESS DUBAI

This UAE-based school holds a wealth of pupil information: academic, records of reward or conduct, aptitude measures and wellbeing. Its new programme will pull all of the data to one place, using Microsoft PowerBI dashboards. This allows students to take ownership of a personalised dashboard to drive their own progress. jess.sch.ae

Kingsley School has launched a new Earth Centre: a unique ongoing project for all of the pupils. In response to the challenges of this time, this facility puts the natural world and environmental stability at the heart of the Devon school’s curriculum.

MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL

kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk

The Wild Monkton campaign is built around four key areas of outdoor focus: to thrive, to learn, to conserve and to share. It’s an initiative that aims to facilitate all students and staff to have frequent access to the outdoors. monktoncombeschool.com

PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

PORTLAND PLACE SCHOOL

The Total Cleaner Power-certified school has sourced 100 per cent of its energy from renewable fuels since late 2020 – and that’s just the start of its eco-credentials. It's also part of Energy Sparks’ Switch Off campaign, which reveals how energy consumption can be furthered reduced.

portsmouthhigh.co.uk

SOMPTING ABBOTTS

Learning about sustainability is part of everyday life at this small prep. Pre-prep pupils benefit from twice-weekly forest school-style outings to the woods and enjoy gardening club, where they grow tomatoes, onion and peppers for school lunches.

somptingabbotts.com

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL, ASCOT

This year has seen the Berkshire school take a strong stance on environmental matters, with the newly-appointed bursar bringing a focus to St George’s ecological policy and practice, and ensuring that it’s at the heart of future planning. stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

Offering a seamless blend of the traditional and the innovative through its flexible approach, the school's programme is ideal for students who feel the benefits of remote learning, and want to follow online lessons four days a week, with the fifth day spent at the London campus. portland-place.co.uk

RISING STAR PETER QIANG, DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS

It’s one thing to learn a new language, but it’s quite another to do so when one has been profoundly deaf since birth: and that’s exactly what Peter did upon moving from Shanghai to the UK. He has gone from strength to strength, achieving outstanding GCSE grades. And if that wasn’t enough, he's also an exceptional pianist. dameallans.co.uk

ALFIE GRIFFITHS, EDGEBOROUGH SCHOOL

A talented and passionate artist, Alfie's

career began at the age of nine, when he won the local art competition at Farnham Maltings. From there, he went on to become the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition’s youngest exhibitor. edgeborough.co.uk

ethic is unassailable, her can-do attitude is inspiring, her smile is contagious and her kindness is legendary. moretonhall.org

JAMI SCHLUETER, MILLFIELD

Head of IT, James Hart-Prieto, helped to mitigate the impact of lockdown on West Buckland School, with his swift deployment of Microsoft Teams to nearly 700 pupils and 150 staff members. His calm response ensured that everyone was up to speed and ready to start teaching and learning online within three days. westbuckland.com

Jami’s drive and determination to create societal change inspires everyone at Millfield. When the Black Lives Matter movement began, Jami – as a Black teenager – launched into action, creating a Prefects Corner speech on white privilege. millfieldschool.com

CARLY GORTON, NORWICH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Carly wanted to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust, but was told that afro hair wasn’t suitable and couldn’t be accepted for technical reasons. When she learned that only caucasian hair was used, she worked tirelessly to find a wig maker, sharing her story with local and national newspapers, radio and television. norwichhigh.gdst.net

ELISE COUSINS, STRATHALLAN SCHOOL

Strathallan is really proud of Elise’s progress and potential, having arrived at the school on a swimming scholarship as a third former in September 2019. So far, she's recorded a number of personal bests, breaking school record and winning a silver medal at the Scottish Schools Finals. strathallan.co.uk

UNSUNG HERO LINDY THEMISTOCLEOUS, BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL

Without the selfless commitment displayed by Lindy, the senior boys’ boarding matron, many boarders wouldn’t have been able to return over the past year. She chose to remain and look after the boys who couldn’t return to home countries or needed to shield guardians. barnardcastleschool.org.uk

ALAN ATKINS, HANDCROSS PARK SCHOOL

Alan joined the prep 17 years ago as Head Groundsman. Under his tender loving care, the 52-acre site could now rival any National Trust garden. Last year, he was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer. Throughout treatment, Alan continued to carry out his duties, showing an extraordinary strength of character. handcrossparkschool.co.uk

SALLY WITTS, KINGSWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL

Support staff have been the heroes of the pandemic, and none more so than school bursar, Sally Witts. She’s fondly known as the go-to person here, fielding an endless stream of queries. She also happens to be a qualified nurse, a skillset that was put to the test when a pupil suffered a cardiac arrest. Thanks to Sally, the boy received effective CPR. kingswoodhouse.org

PAT WILLIS, MORETON HALL

Aunty Pat, as she’s known by generations of Moretonians, has worked at the school in various capacities for the past 35 years, and embodies Moreton Hall’s values of scholarship, gaiety and humanity. Her work

JAMES HART-PRIETO, WEST BUCKLAND SCHOOL

OUTSTANDING RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CHRIST’S HOSPITAL

Upon pupils’ return in September 2020, this West Sussex school took swift action by strengthening pastoral care provision, realigning boarding houses to make bigger year-group bubbles and addressing gaps in learning with catch-up sessions for year 11 to 13 exam groups. christs-hospital.org.uk

EATON HOUSE THE MANOR SCHOOL

Having closed a couple of days before lockdown was enforced, this London prep was ready to soft-launch its digital learning programme, encompassing Microsoft Teams and Seesaw. Online communication was enhanced by weekly newsletters and a virtual Wellbeing Hub. eatonhouseschools.com

GODOLPHIN AND LATYMER

This Hammersmith school community was able to demonstrate a lot of generosity, energy and spirit during this time, with the new Bridge outreach programme quickly moving online to facilitate 40 state-school children via Google Meet.

godolphinandlatymer.com

KILGRASTON

When lockdown was confirmed on 18 March 2020, this Perthshire girls’ school immediately mobilised an online learning framework for a seamless transition to remote teaching. kilgraston.com

LVS HASSOCKS

As a specialist school for students with an autism diagnosis, it closed for the first five weeks of lockdown, and then remained fully open thereafter. While closed, online and telephone support was offered to all pupils, including occupational and speech therapy. Teams was rolled out to all staff so they could stay connected. lvs-hassocks.org.uk

LVS ASCOT

This Berkshire co-ed entered the pandemic with a clear continuity strategy: honest, timely communication, an outstanding online education and a focus on mental health. The impact of this was evidenced through high levels of lesson engagement and sustained academic progress. lvs.ascot.sch.uk

OLDHAM HULME GRAMMAR

As a Google Reference school, this Greater Manchester co-ed was well-prepared for Covid-19 restrictions, with pupils enjoying

remote assemblies, interacting with class peers and extracurricular clubs. It even shared its Google Suite tips and best practice with other schools as they eased into their own distance learning rhythms.

ohgs.co.uk

RGS WORCESTER

RGS Worcester was able to deliver a swift response to the lockdown announcement, rolling out a complete timetable of online learning for 850 pupils within 24 hours. Pupils’ academic development continued apace, with pastoral care, extracurricular and co-curricular provisions also successfully moving to the digital realm. rgsw.org.uk

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENT BURY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Bury Grammar’s 450th anniversary was in 2020, and the school had spent two years planning a series of events with the aim of raising £1m towards its bursary fund, but when Covid-19 struck, plans were derailed. However, by increasing social engagement and running virtual concerts, it raised more than £1m! burygrammar.com

EMBLEY

The school's drama scholars decided to fundraise for charity by hosting a series of events. They advertised on social media, nominated charities, set up a Virgin Money Giving page and organised a successful Broadway-themed evening, resulting in many generous donations. embley.org.uk

PARKSIDE SCHOOL

The Parents of Parkside is a group formed of pupils’ families. More than your standard PTA group, they’ve created an inclusive community and succeeded in raising impressive amounts of money to fund projects around the school over the years, from the food technology kitchens to the cricket pavilion. parkside-school.co.uk

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL

In May 2019, the school launched a £20m Shaping our Future campaign. Following consultation with the community, bursaries and partnerships became areas of focus, with a target of £13m. In under two years, £12,440, 000 has been raised. stpaulsschool.org.uk

SUMMER FIELDS

This North Oxford boys’ school embarked upon an ambitious capital campaign, The Next Chapter. It marks an exciting new stage in the school’s history, aiming to ensure that it continues to provide an unparalleled boarding education and bolster the meanstested bursary provision. summerfields.com

PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The school’s first Giving Day in March had the theme Be the Difference, reflecting two of the school strategic intentions: to serve the Portsmouth community, and to significantly increase its number of free and assisted places. More than £280,000 was donated in 36 hours. pgs.org.uk INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

Rising Star of the Year

EDGEBOROUGH SCHOOL As the youngest exhibitor at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and an artist shortlisted for 2021’s Jackson Painting Prize, Alfie Griffiths richly deserved this award

very talented artist who’s passionate about the subject, Alfie has a wealth of experience for someone of such a young age. He has a very exciting future in the art world ahead of him, and it’s very rare to find a pupil with so much experience and talent for his age who’s also so humble about his ability. Aged nine in 2018, Alfie won the local art competition at Farnham Maltings with large beetle collages. By the time he’d turned 10 in 2019, Alfie had a set of six portraits exhibited in Farnham Station Gallery. Also in 2019, Alfie was awarded an internal art scholarship at school, making him an Ambassador of Art and the next year, he had two artworks selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (1,000 pieces were chosen from 14,000 entries). To date, he’s the youngest exhibitor at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. In 2020, Alfie was featured in the BBC documentary Sale of Painting, and he had two artworks accepted for the first Young Royal Academy Summer Show (YASS). One was shown in the online gallery and one in the Royal Academy exhibition. Last year he entered a painting into the Jackson Painting Prize, making the shortlist (42 pieces chosen from more than 8,600 entries). Last summer, Alfie had an entry in the Young Royal Academy Summer Show, as well as the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Last year, he was awarded an art scholarship to Bryanston School, in Somerset which will give him a wonderful opportunity to pursue his

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021

passion and talent. Alfie has his own website (alfredgriffiths.com) which includes his portfolio to date, sketchbooks and his DT interests and projects. Edgeborough was delighted to support Alfie on his journey. His preferred media is oil, working in immense detail. He was awarded an

providing a great balance for him. The impact on school has been overwhelming: it has brought tremendous joy and inspiration to many and showcased the school’s art department talent. Alfie’s example has been invaluable to those with other raw talents waiting in the wings. edgeborough.co.uk

THE IMPACT ON SCHOOL HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING:

it has brought tremendous joy

AND INSPIRATION TO MANY internal art scholarship in year seven, and he has been closely supported by Head of Art, Clare Lock. His enthusiasm has been fuelled by visits from professional artists such as Joshua Waterhouse and trips to galleries (pre-Covid) and exhibitions locally, London and abroad (Bilbao and Paris). As Edgeborough’s Ambassador of Art, Alfie inspired fellow pupils and helped them express and expand their individual creativity and skills. The school prides itself in finding and nurturing a passion or talent in every pupil and boasts notable successes across many fields; climbing, sport, music and now art. Alfie loves school and being with his friends, and doing well academically and enjoying sport are hugely important,

Alfie was an Ambassador of Art at Edgeborough

“Inclusive, ambitious and a huge amount of fun…” The Good Schools Guide, 2019

Nursery | Pre-Prep Prep | Flexi-Boarding www.edgeborough.co.uk

01252 792495

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