2012/13 Annual Report
INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIRMAN
CONTENTS
Introduction from the Chairman Introduction from the Headmaster
2 3
Dean Close Senior School Public Examinations Academic Co-curricular Pastoral
4 4 5 6 7
Dean Close Preparatory School Introduction from the Headmaster Academic Co-curricular Pastoral Care Preparatory School Hall and Classrooms
8 8 9 10 10
Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School Introduction from the Headmistress Academic Pastoral Co-curricular
12 12 13 14 14
Whole School Matters Chaplaincy Report Marketing Development & Fundraising Chapel Organ Maintenance & Major Works Information Technology
15 15 15 16 16 17 17
Governance Vision Strategic Aims Governance and Management Board of Trustees Financial Summary Members of Council
18 18 18 19 20 22 23
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The role of the governing body is to ensure that the School has a sustainable long term future whilst meeting the needs and expectations of current parents, pupils and staff. Success today is necessary if we are to succeed in the future. Collectively with the Headmaster and his staff, Trustees feel an enormous responsibility for ensuring that we do our best for these young people. I am therefore happy to report that 2012/13 has indeed been another year of success at Dean Close. Pupil numbers have remained buoyant, though as Trustees we are all too well aware of the sacrifices many parents are making to enable their children to be at Dean Close. Academic results, particularly at GCSE and AS level, were exceptional, whilst our A2 results
enabled almost all pupils to achieve entry to the University of their choice. Oxbridge results were also encouraging. Looking to the longer term, the ethos of the School remains strong. We are true to our Christian foundation, as is manifest in the supportive relationship between staff and pupils and in the attitudes and behaviour of the young people themselves. It is always a particular delight to meet with the Sixth Form and to appreciate their open minds and warm hearts. This is the DNA of the School which makes Dean Close so special and which, as Trustees, we are committed to maintaining. New fabric also underpins our future and has been especially obvious this year with the construction and completion of the fabulous new hall and classrooms for the Prep School. The School’s solid financial position has enabled the funding of this major investment which sends a strong message emphasising the important role the Prep School plays now and in the future. On behalf of all the Trustees I would like to thank the Headmaster and his staff, both in and out of the classroom, for their role in ensuring another successful year at Dean Close. My particular thanks go to John Ewbank, our Clerk and Bursar, who retires in January 2014.
Patricia Napier Chairman of Trustees
INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER
As economic recovery begins to affect other sectors, it is perhaps wise to recall that independent schools tend to be last out of recession. Nonetheless Dean Close remains buoyant in all three Schools, and well set to benefit from the recovery whenever it takes place. Marketing and Admissions have been high priorities and under the guidance of David Evans, Senior Master (Communications), a number of initiatives have been launched, notably to raise our academic profile among feederschools. These departments have a hard job, with increased numbers of visitors and events to manage, and Mary-Ann McClaran and Tracey Colbert-Smith have been instrumental in keeping the Senior School so successful. Numbers remain strong from Pre-Prep to Senior and we have shown significant confidence in the future by our investment in a flagship hall for DCPS. The long term strategy of course calls for significant fund-raising and I am pleased to report that the Development Office has made good progress in improving contact with our extended community of supporters. For our Organ Appeal to achieve a £250,000 target during these times is a sign of great goodwill as well as an effective campaign; next year will see an increase in activity. The Senior School continues to do well academically by its pupils. Although the overall A2 results were down this year at 71% A* to B, the outcomes in terms of university entrance were excellent with 87% going to first or second choices and eight Oxbridge offers. We maintain that young people can have academic success as well as full lives, and our co-curricular programme provides many highlights. The rugby initiative led by Paul Hull and Greg Baber-Williams has paid dividends and we now have strength through all age groups and much more recognition on the circuit in Gloucestershire.
Hockey is our top sport and we had teams in four national finals. The U18 girls emerged as National Schools Champions, a great triumph for them and for Coach, Gary Tredgett and Director of Sport, Rhys Gwilliam. Drama attracts notice beyond the region. Arcadia at the Edinburgh Fringe was sold out and received 5-star reviews; at the same time the Old Decanian company, No Prophet, put on Ella Hickson’s Boys, and has since had a successful short run in London. The Chapel Choir sang for the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral and instrumental music included a well-attended jazz festival, a concerto concert in the Pittville Pump Room and several orchestral successes including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony conducted by a pupil, Oscar Osicki, who goes on to a Choral Scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge. Art, equestrianism, debating, fencing and host of other activities continue to flourish and to provide interest for every member of the community. Service activity is central to our ethos and the Uganda trip this year was the culmination of two years’ fund-raising and hard work. As ever, our pupils received as much as they gave and learned some wisdom during their time in Nyakatukura. It is important to be grateful for what we have, and our outstanding Commemoration speaker, Dame Julia Cleverdon, left us in no doubt of her view that from those who have been given much, much will be expected. In particular, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Common Room and support staff who make all these achievements and successes possible.
Jonathan Lancashire
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Senior School 2012/13 PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS The School’s A2 results were better than had been expected. Despite having a very mixed ability cohort with a very long ‘tail’ (20% of pupils had an Advanced Level Information System indicator of less than a C grade), our overall outcome of 72% A* to B was respectable and the cohort achieved a positive value-added score. One in six of the exams taken were awarded an A*. At the top end we were delighted to gain seven Oxbridge offers, our second highest performance on record. 87% of Dean Close pupils were successful at obtaining places in their first or second choice university, which again is our best performance to date. Half of all leavers gained places at Russell Group universities or similar institutions.
The GCSE results were a significant success story this year. 35% of all examinations taken were rewarded with A*s, which is yet another new school record, replacing our previous best of 29%. With 60% A*/A grades our pupils can be very proud indeed of their achievements. Indeed, a quarter of all pupils scored six A* grades or better. In addition, 63 A* grades were gained by pupils who sat GCSEs in the Remove (a year early). For the first time, two pupils from the Fourth form took their Mathematics GCSE two years early and were awarded A*s.
At AS Level 41% of the exams taken were awarded an A grade, our best result for many years. 19 pupils are to be congratulated on achieving four straight A grades or better. Overall, 62% of grades were A to B, 6% points higher than last year, which bodes well for the A2 cohort in 2014.
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ACADEMIC We continue to offer a breadth of subjects for pupils of all ages. This year, for example, public examinations were taken in nine different modern languages plus Latin and Greek. Our two year Curriculum Review culminated in September with the introduction of some new options at GCSE. For the most able pupils we now offer the possibility of studying ‘Gratin’ (Greek with Latin) in one option block and an opportunity to study Triple Science in two option blocks. In response to requests by pupils and parents we have also introduced a GCSE in Economics and Business Studies; over a third of the year group have taken up this option. At Sixth Form level, we have introduced the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is available to all pupils regardless of ability and which is designed to promote independent
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learning. Our investment in the Library continues to bear fruit with a significant increase in the volume of pupils using this facility; indeed, our new Study Skills programme for the Fourth and Fifth Forms is being driven by the Librarian and his team. The new academic year also sees the adoption of our new timetable. We have introduced a two week schedule which provides more flexibility and a better rhythm to the working day. This is accompanied by a move to 50 minute lessons which offer the opportunity for teachers and pupils to explore topics in more depth and reduces the amount of time spent moving around school between lessons. Departments continue to offer a range of subject based trips, societies and challenges outside the classroom, all of which enrich the curriculum and promote learning in its wider context.
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CO-CURRICULAR This year has been one of continued success in nearly all of our major areas – sport, music, drama, CCF and outdoor pursuits. A quick search through the School website will quickly show how the investment into our rugby programme is beginning to pay dividends with successful 15 and 7 a-side seasons at the top end. The girls are the U18 National Hockey Champions which, given the large number of girls who play hockey nationally, must rank as one of our finest sporting achievements to date. The Music Department has enjoyed a golden year with some exceptional performances both individually and in ensembles with our top players being stretched whilst providing challenge for all levels of players across a range of music genres. This was highlighted at a stunning evening of musical performance at the individual final of the House Music Competition.
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Dean Close drama continues to catch the eye with a combination of modern pieces, such as the student directed Studio Production of ‘Decade’, to continuing to ensure that players and audiences alike enjoy the full range of classical repertoire from Shakespeare to Stoppard. With a sellout run in Edinburgh to bring the drama year to a close in August, the Drama Department continues to enjoy a significant place in our overall programme of cocurricular activities. The CCF and outdoor pursuits activities have met their brief of challenging individuals and developing leadership through a range of regular activities and one-off expeditions. The Ten Tors team endured an unforgiving Dartmoor, Bronze and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes are thriving and a challenging expedition to the Scottish Highlands delivered all you would expect from stunning scenery to literal highs and lows.
Our aim this year, throughout the cocurricular programme, is to build on our reputation for excellence and to provide a wider range of opportunities for all our pupils to access. This process is already well under way with new activities such as judo and fencing, alongside an improved offering of Monday Afternoon Activities. This year we will be adding increased dance provision, boarders football matches and a ‘no audition’ drama club. We have inherited and invested in a strong tradition of co-curricular activities but there is still much work to be done.
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PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care is one of the cornerstones of Dean Close and we are rightly proud of the system that helps to support every individual. The house and tutor systems, the Health Centre, the Chaplaincy team and many others contribute to pastoral care to ensure that every pupil is equally valued and able to develop their own unique skills and talents. Boarding is particularly strong and the houses are flourishing. Day houses are also maintaining numbers and have strong house identities, often excelling in interhouse competitions. The tutorial system is constantly under review and the past academic year has seen a focus on improving individual Sixth Form tutoring in particular. Great efforts are made to match Lower Sixth pupils with suitable tutors from the list of choices they submit. Many valuable relationships are established and continue into university life and beyond. Tutorial content varies from
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discussion of progress in lessons, advice on university applications, support when things are not going well and the celebration of success. The termly tutor outings, which can be as varied as a meal out in a local restaurant or an evening go-karting in Gloucester, are greatly valued by tutors and tutees. Lower school tutoring is organised on a house basis and is fundamental in helping younger pupils succeed. All houses now hold weekly tutor meetings where individuals are discussed and house concerns raised; this ensures that the welfare of every pupil is at the heart of decision-making processes and actions. The Health Centre has an important pastoral role to play. Although most medical information is confidential, good relationships exist between the nurses and the HsM team and so vital information can be discussed to ensure comprehensive treatment and care. The School Counsellor
operates independently of the Health Centre and has proven an invaluable aid in helping pupils with emotional difficulties. Issues of pastoral concerned are varied most are not serious and tend to be centred on relationships of various kinds. The long and busy days means that friendships can be strained and arguments develop. The tutorial system is invaluable in dealing with these constant issues and ensuring that house parents are fully up-tospeed. Social media continues to present an array of pastoral challenges and educating the pupil body in the responsible use of digital technology is a key task. A small number of pupils have presented with more serious concerns such as depression, anorexia and self-harming. Most of these have been successfully managed, with both parents and pupils expressing their gratitude for the way these issues have been handled.
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Preparatory School 2012/13 INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER A significant part of the past year has involved implementing and sustaining new school routines for whilst we cope with the necessary disruption caused during the build of our new hall and classrooms. Getting used to new venues and different timings has certainly kept everyone on their toes, as the daily commitment to education has continued on all fronts. Whilst towards the end of this 14 month period, the School may have been cumulatively looking towards the finishing line, it has all been worthwhile as the superb new building is about to be occupied and put to great use.
little success – experienced in our sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic pursuits, over and above on going academic progress in the classroom.
Leonard Browne
Mrs Victoria Beevers has had a very successful first year as our Deputy Head (Academic), running with most things as she inherited them, whilst carefully reviewing to see which aspects of our teaching and learning should be altered in order to give the best to, and get the best from, our pupils. As will been seen from what follows the Prep School has had another busy and successful year with great enjoyment – and more than a
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ACADEMIC There were a dozen candidates for the 7+ scholarship tests this year and we were able to offer five awards. At 11+, we were able to offer a number of awards in all fields, including academic achievements. We were particularly pleased with the number of pupils coming from Richard Pates. The plans to add an 11+ Drama award, coinciding with the opening of the new hall and drama classrooms, will add another attractive option for prospective parents. At 13+, all of our pupils were offered an award and we gained some of the top Senior School scholarships. Common Entrance results were positive and there were no surprises with individual pupil achievements. History and RS continue to achieve a pleasing number of A grades and the English results were better than in previous years. We will continue to consider the use of Common Entrance as the selective exam for the Senior School. This year we have focused on improving the learning experience for pupils in the
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classroom. The Lent and Trinity Inset were on structuring lessons well, using starters and plenaries, and providing pupils with stimulating teaching styles and resources. Input from Jo Cahill about supporting those with learning difficulties, and from Naomi Coleman, challenging gifted and talented pupils, has improved differentiation, especially in independent work. The presentation and marking policy has been reviewed and is now pasted into the front of each exercise book; these are now colour-coded for each subject across all year groups. The profile of Life Skills has been raised, with planning and resources in place and staff being given training; information about key issues within Life Skills has been made available in all classrooms and houses. Communication with parents has improved. A curriculum booklet has been produced, informing parents of the procedures for prep, exams and scholarships, as well as providing a topic outline for each subject for Years 3-8.
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CO-CURRICULAR
As ever, the co-curricular provision at DCPS is rich and varied thanks to the commitment and energy of the teaching and support staff. We continue to enjoy both considerable success and a healthy amount of defeats on the games’ field, with all pupils representing the School in inter-school fixtures during each term. Access to, and the sharing of top level coaches is undoubtedly having an impact and proving hugely beneficial, the only shortfall being netball for the girls in the Lent Term: a work in progress. Senior prep pupils also had the chance to tour the South Coast and Isle of Wight on a combined cricket and tennis tour. Our programme of activities continues to involve 98% of our pupils and we are ever-mindful of the need to ensure adequate provision is made for both genders. To this end the introduction of gymnastics, girls’ cricket, judo, equestrianism and a revitalised dance programme has been most beneficial in both pupil recruitment and retention. More cerebral activities have also been introduced, with a Spanish club and a gifted and talented activity being added this year.
PASTORAL In common with the Senior School we continue to provide pastoral support mainly, but not exclusively, through our house system. House handbooks are produced each year and contain useful contact numbers, names, pictures and email addresses of the house tutor teams and the answers to frequently asked questions, including house opening times. The Common Room meets every Monday to review pastoral and academic concerns and Minutes are disseminated to all parties. Both form and subject teachers are encouraged to share information to ensure we give the best possible care. We are continuing to look for ways to develop a discrete identity for the senior prep years to assist with the important transition between the Preparatory and Senior schools and to help pupils to learn the balance between freedom and responsibility. We are also seeking to involve parents in key areas such as on-line safety and the use of social media. Our Life Skills programme has been thoroughly re-vamped under a new departmental head and all staff
were given the opportunity to provide input and to suggest skills they might be able to contribute. The driver behind this is the desire to see our pupils more emotionally intelligent and articulate and to add value to their academic learning. The support of local, national and international charities continues to be a feature of our pastoral life; day houses have combined with boarding houses to ensure the continuity of funding for sponsored children in East Africa whilst our yearly Charity Fair continues to raise much needed funds and provides our pupils with the chance to have fun whilst helping those who are less fortunate. Two members of staff went out with a Senior School party to Nyakatakura School in Uganda in the summer, which was a first but hopefully not the last opportunity to share in this important part of Dean Close life. Our three Christian Unions (junior, middle and senior) and other Christian activities continue to thrive under Libby Talbot and her team with good numbers attending each week.
Music and drama remain strong within DCPS and Lynne Lawrence and Tim McVittie combine well to produce inclusive and high standard School productions. Our programme of Performance Platforms, Carol Service, Spring Concert and combined music and dance in June has been supplemented and each day house stages a concert in-house, attended by parents and house members, as well as a combined boarders concert. Mrs Sarah Davies continues to work with Bettridge Special School to provide our Year 7’s with weekly opportunities for service and personal growth and we are actively looking for opportunities to broaden these experiences.
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PREPARATORY SCHOOL HALL AND CLASSROOMS Twelve months may be a long time in politics but it seems an absurdly short space of time when we look back at the huge progress that has been made in the construction of our new DCPS Hall and Classrooms. The site was cleared by a team of enthusiastic bulldozer drivers during the 2012 summer break, and despite the autumn and winter months being a little unkind, the 2012/13 academic year ended with an increasingly impressive building on budget and on time for occupation during the 2013 Michaelmas half term break. Anyone who has seen, or better still strolled around the new building, will know that this is no mere reincarnation of the late and unlamented Langhorne Hall which stood previously on the site. The new building offers a cavernous performance and assembly hall with 350 retractable seats and a full sized (and fully equipped) stage, eight large classrooms, an ICT suite, six music practice rooms, offices, meeting rooms, stores and direct access to the Hardy Hall, which is now a fully self-contained Music School. Not only will this project provide the Preparatory School with impressive and modern facilities precisely matched to today’s and tomorrow’s requirements. As importantly it emphasises Trustees’ confidence in the future of the School and will demonstrate to current and prospective parents alike that Dean Close is quite definitely at the top of its game.
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Pre-Preparatory School 2012/13 INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMISTRESS This has been an exciting year in the Pre-Prep with the celebration of our 20th birthday. This important milestone has encouraged us to celebrate many achievements and thank those who had the vision and determination to develop the School over the past twenty years. It was wonderful to invite many former staff and pupils back and to celebrate together the Pre-Prep’s vital part in the education of so many children. In addition to celebration, birthdays are often a time for reflection – a time to examine and evaluate progress, and more importantly, to plan for the future. During my second year as Headmistress this planning has included embedding initiatives begun last year, for example, thinking skills across the curriculum, and developing new initiatives, both curricular and co-curricular. Our aim is for vibrant and stimulating learning to ensure we provide the very best environment for teaching and learning. In this special year, we have also been able to celebrate and encourage others to enjoy our
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wonderful facilities. Focusing on creating good relationships with nurseries, There have been visits to many of the local nurseries and their staff and children have been invited to our first ‘Forest School for Nurseries’ event in the Trinity Term. This was a very successful and popular day which was very well received by those who attended. In addition to this we held a special Open Morning in Reception in order to showcase our excellent provision at this level. Although these were some of the main events during the year, it would be true to say that the celebrations we have every day, when children achieve academically, socially, physically and personally, are in many ways even more important. The School has always been known for an exciting learning atmosphere and we are delighted to continue to inspire a love of learning in our pupils taking the first steps on their educational journey.
Carolyn Shelley
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ACADEMIC The curriculum review initiated last year, and the resulting development targets, have continued to yield positive results. This academic year started with an Inset entitled ‘From Good to Outstanding’ to set the tone and expectations, and the momentum gained has been very beneficial. In addition, a Parents’ Curriculum Evening was held in September to underline our partnership with parents and to set out and explain the teaching and learning in each year group, expectations across the curriculum, and parental support in children’s learning. Parents have commented favourably on this academic emphasis. As always we are focused on the importance of ‘irresistible’ teaching and learning for the pupils at our Pre-Prep, ensuring that children develop a love of learning. This was ably demonstrated by the exciting Science week held in the Trinity Term, where the whole school was captivated and inspired by the atmosphere of discovery, and the use of the vital skills of prediction, reflection and discussion.
Standards of teaching and learning: Standards have been monitored during the year through observations of each teacher, and through SMT examination of workbooks, with a particular focus on differentiation – ensuring that each ability level is challenged, that tasks are appropriate and progress is made. Written and verbal feedback was given. In addition, subject co-ordinators have become more active in developing their subject areas and in supporting colleagues through the programme of observation instigated last year. Mathematics: This was one of the specific curriculum focus areas for the academic year, aiming particularly to monitor the balance of practical and recorded maths. In addition to purchasing maths games to be used in class, there is now a greater focus on the use of problem-solving in maths lessons. This was underlined by the setting up of a ‘maths library’; children are able to take maths games out of the library to play at home with parents, once again underlining the home-school partnership in learning.
ICT: An Inset at the beginning of the Trinity term examined the use of interactive white boards and focused on new techniques, programmes and the sharing of best practice by staff. After an audit of the use of ICT across the School and a trial of iPads it became clear that they are a flexible learning tool, with benefits for staff and pupils. A set of 10 iPads was ordered and these have proved to be a popular and worthwhile investment.
Literacy: Building upon the work in developing reading last year, a new and appealing core reading scheme was purchased and implemented at the beginning of the Lent Term. The scheme has a broader basis, incorporating the latest research in reading methods and has been very well received by children, staff and parents. Early Years Developments: The EYFS framework has continued to result in new developments, and new assessment profiles were brought out for the end of the EYFS (Reception Year). Staff attended training sessions to enable the successful implementation of the profile, and the Pre-Prep also hosted a Gloucestershire Early Years meeting focusing on the profiles and their moderation. The emphasis on the provision for outside learning also prompted a review of the EYFS playgrounds to enable children to access and learn outside according to the new curriculum, and this will continue next academic year.
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CO-CURRICULAR The broad curriculum and co-curricular activities continue to be a strength. After the successful introduction of three extra clubs last year, provision was widened further this year with the introduction of two free club activities: META club (mental exercise and thinking club) which underlines our emphasis on thinking skills and independent learning, and Art and Craft Club. The School now has a good range and balance of co-curricular activities and they have been very well received by parents and children alike. The Pre-Prep Orchestra, Choir and Choral Speaking groups have gone from strengthto-strength, performing at informal concerts and significant school events during the year, including the 20th Birthday Soiree, where children confidently performed in front of 150 invited guests.
The Choral Speaking group performed superbly at the Cheltenham Festival and were thrilled to win the U8 category again and bring the Selwyn Challenge Cup back to the School for the second consecutive year. Year Two Speech and Drama pupils also performed very well in Lamda exams, all gaining either Merits or Distinctions. This year, for the first time, the Pre-Prep choir, the ‘Singing Squirrels’, were also entered into the Cheltenham Festival, under the direction of Mrs Rachel Gay. The choir performed very well and were complimented for their tuneful singing, co-ordination and stage presence. They came second by just a few marks and were delighted to receive ‘Honours’, setting a standard to aspire to in the years to come.
PASTORAL The personal development of each child is a very important part of the Pre-Prep curriculum and the Dean Close ethos. Through the PSHE (personal, social, health education) curriculum, assemblies and circle times, children develop greater understanding of themselves and others and these are a foundation for the personal progress pupils make as they grow older. Each child makes significant steps as they move from self-orientated behaviour to empathy, awareness and understanding of others. The emphasis on the service of others is a key part of the School ethos and charity days are an important way to demonstrate to children that we are able to make a difference through service. This year, our Harvest collection was in aid of Farm Africa and staff and pupils raised money with a sponsored walk around Shelburne field. Every child from Nursery to Year Two demonstrated a great
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determination to complete as many laps as possible and a fantastic £1,053 was raised. Also during the Michaelmas Term, all the children had the opportunity to buy a poppy and learnt the importance of remembering those who had fought bravely for our country. The Christingle service was again a great success. The charity focus in the Lent term was ‘Comic Relief’; children enjoyed having fun and raising money for children in the UK and across the world. In the Trinity Term, a new exciting event was held - a ‘Charity Fair’- which was suggested, planned and run by parents. This fair included traditional stalls and games, items for sale made by pupils and rides on a fire engine. It was a wonderful afternoon, finishing this special 20th birthday year with a real ‘Dean Close Family’ moment.
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WHOLE SCHOOL MATTERS
CHAPLAINCY
MARKETING
The School’s Christian ethos remains at the heart of Dean Close and flows into much of what is done and said and how members of the community interact with each other and the world at large. The Chaplaincy therefore plays a key role within all three parts of Dean Close School.
Tribute should be paid to the effective work of Tracey Colbert-Smith and Rebecca Chaplin who lead Dean Close marketing activities. Our strategy across all three schools revolves around the three ‘Rs’ of Reputation, Recruitment and Retention
This year we were delighted to have new lighting and multimedia technology installed in the Chapel which has enabled us to use different visuals and songs in our Prep and Senior School services. With the loss of the Langhorne Hall these enhancements have also facilitated our use of Chapel for Tuesday and Thursday assemblies for the Prep School. The full-time Chaplaincy team continues to have a varied ministry across the School, running five Christian Unions and numerous Bible study groups each week, a Christian Leadership course for Sixth Formers, prayer groups for parents, staff and pupils and of course our assemblies and chapel services. Alongside this they have organised many one-off events and services such as the Lent Addresses, Prayer Week and weekends away as well as supporting staff, parents and pupils in different pastoral and mentoring situations. It has been a busy but exciting and fulfilling year.
REPUTATION n
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Derived from the School Strategic Plan, a new Values document has replaced each school prospectus and sets the style and format for all future literature and the website. This now gives a clear and consistent branding which explains who we are. Following market research with Heads of feeder schools, we have identified the need to stretch academic highfliers at all levels: various plans have been put in place to provide academically focussed days for feeder schools, and for marketing personnel to discuss with Heads of Departments how to maximise our academic reputation. There has been regular press coverage of our outstanding curricular and cocurricular activity programme and particular successes within it. Making more effective use of social media has been addressed with good success.
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A coherent programme targeting entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ has been developed, with a large number of recurring annual events as well as new initiatives. A detailed International Marketing Plan has been completed which sets out how to optimise our use of agents and international visits. A Market Research programme has been implemented with particular emphasis on those who leave Dean Close before normal leaving points, and on prospective and current parents. Visitor/Registration/Acceptance conversion rates have come under particular scrutiny.
RETENTION n
Although there are unavoidable reasons why some pupils leave Dean Close (relocations, finance, changed circumstances etc.) it is important that the School should understand the motivation when parents decide to move their children to other schools. Research is being undertaken to identify and address the issues involved.
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WHOLE SCHOOL MATTERS
DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING
CHAPEL ORGAN
Organ Appeal: Since the appeal brochure was circulated in October 2012, over £250,000 has been raised, fully meeting the target of the Organ Appeal. Donations have been received from a mixture of present parents, past parents, staff and former staff, Council Members, Trustees and Old Decanians.
The project to replace the Chapel Organ has made significant progress this year. Following the successful appeal, which raised a substantial proportion of the cost of the new instrument, a decision was reached early in 2013 that it was no longer possible to maintain the old organ, which was dismantled during the summer holidays. In the interim the School has purchased a small electronic organ to accompany worship in the Chapel.
Database: Following negotiations with the Old Decanian Society, the sharing of data has been agreed and in January all records were merged into a new database. There have been a number of technical challenges, mainly as a result of importing data from different sources in different formats, and there is a substantial amount of work to do to transfer legacy information. Other departments, including Marketing and the Front Office, are being encouraged to use the new database. Community Activity: The Business Club has been very active and well attended, with a number of formal presentations and networking sessions. Work placement and internship opportunities have been put in place and this will be an area of growth over the coming year. The Parents’ Network has been very well received, particularly by new parents, and Prep School parents who have welcomed the social opportunities generated. The ‘Friends’ had a social event and are mailed termly with an e-news bulletin inviting them to School events. ODs: The Development Office has supported the Old Decanian Society with the management of its social networking groups and website. OD events have also been organised, including a reunion day for leavers from 1950-60, and social occasions for recent leavers and the London and Cheltenham OC communities. A very successful reunion lunch in Dean Close House was held for a family who have thus far provided over 25 family members as pupils through the School.
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Over the summer, discussions began with Nicholson of Malvern, who will be building the new instrument, regarding the voicing and physical layout of the new organ in preparation for the final drawings and the start of construction. Nicholson expect to start the build in
their workshops in January 2014 and the organ should arrive on site during the 2014 summer break. In the meantime, the Chapel needs to be prepared structurally for the arrival of the new instrument. This will include reinforcement of the chamber floor and the installation of a new staircase from the vestry space below onto the new gallery. The new organ should be ready and in use by Christmas 2014.
WHOLE SCHOOL MATTERS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Often regarded as the Cinderella of the Bursar’s empire, the School’s Information Technology Department has a difficult, and sometimes frustrating, role to play. Whilst acknowledged as being absolutely essential to the operation of every school, they can find themselves swinging from being everybody’s best friend to becoming the villain of the piece in the time it takes an electron to travel from keyboard to server. This year, however, has been a little different. Increased investment in our network technology over the past several years has paid dividends in both reliability and capacity, whilst the introduction of improved Wi-Fi coverage, laptop encryption and Voice over IP telephones have all brought significant improvements to the ease of use and security of our systems. Of course the real IT challenge for schools is to understand where technology will be taking us in the coming years and to ensure that the School invests wisely in the right systems and in the training that will enable Dean Close to lead the way in this increasingly vital aspect of education.
MAINTENANCE AND MAJOR WORKS Although his primary focus for the past twelve months has unquestionably been to oversee the construction of the wonderful new Preparatory School Hall and Classrooms, the Assistant Bursar (Estates) and his team have nevertheless continued to maintain and improve the remainder of the Dean Close estate. Whilst it is inevitably the case that much of this loving care and attention is lavished on some of our older buildings, it is also true to say that our Edwardian buildings are standing the test of time rather better than those erected in the 1950s and 60s. Summer 2013 saw the usual busy programme of projects large and small, some of which involved the presence on site of external contractors, although many were carried out by our own tradesmen. New windows and dormitory furniture in Fawley House (senior girls boarding) made a significant contribution to improving the feel of the accommodation, whilst full redecoration of both Turner Hall (senior girls boarding) and Caldecote House (junior boys boarding) has transformed both buildings into modern and comfortable boarding experiences. Works carried out elsewhere in the School included the installation of a new power supply to the Senior School main building, fantastic (and enormous) new light fittings for the Senior School dining hall, re-carpeting throughout much of the Prep School and the removal of the old Chapel Organ in preparation for the new instrument arriving in 2014.
A major study is planned for 2014.
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GOVERNANCE
VISION Dean Close n
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is a Christian school and community. The Christian faith is seen as life-enhancing and dynamic and therefore acts as a positive force in the School, even to those who do not share this faith. affirms that we are all comprised of body, mind and spirit and encourages spiritual exploration and questioning. seeks to treat every member of our community as unique and equally valuable because we are all made in the image of God. believes that our gifts are used most effectively in the service of others. holds community, respect for others and relationship at the heart of the School. challenges selfishness, greed and consumerism. pursues excellence without being exclusive. supports ambition to use talents to their fullest, valuing a balanced life of commitment and hard work along with times of rest and reflection, but discourages too much focus on fame, money and celebrity. prepares its pupils for life by providing them with a strong and proven education underpinned with a balanced Christian ethos. is prepared to challenge the status quo. believes that happiness and wellbeing are learnt by living these values and by following the examples of those who do so.
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STRATEGIC AIMS Academic: To sustain and enhance our reputation as a School with a strong academic emphasis while avoiding selection based on academic grounds alone. To encourage creativity, independence of thought and initiative, and to provide pupils with a body of knowledge of lasting value. Pastoral: To remain a flourishing, coeducational community for families; to be a welcoming, caring place where there is trust and where relationships are developed. Every individual should feel valued and all pupils should be equipped to cope with life after school. Co-curricular: To provide a range of activities that contribute to the development of qualities and talents in all of our young people. To maintain a national reputation for excellence in aspects of the creative and performing arts and sports, and a regional reputation for strength in other major areas.
Growth and Scale: To maintain a structured development of all year groups through Pre-Prep and Prep Schools so that the Senior School can remain at its capacity of 500. Finance: To deliver a net surplus capable of facilitating the investment needed to provide an environment in which these aims can be achieved. Charitable Status: To fulfill our founding objects as laid out in our Constitution: n
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To provide an education for children based firmly on Christian Evangelical principles in accordance with the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church of England; and To provide assistance with the resources available to the school for the education of children of parents of limited means who benefit from such and education
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Fulfilled, confident, well-equipped young people enjoying a unique learning experience in a supportive community underpinned by Christian values
The Council of Members: The Members of the Council are the members of the Company in the legal sense. Since the Company is limited by guarantee there are no shares and the liability of each Member is limited. The Council meets twice a year and Members’ main duties are to appoint the Board of Trustees, to elect and re-elect Members to Council, and to receive and approve the annual audited accounts. Additionally, Members are involved in the life of the School and act as ambassadors in their professional and social circles. The Board of Trustees: The Trustees are the directors of the Company and are also trustees in charity law. The Board meets four times a year and its principal duties include: n n
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To review and decide upon long term plans and general strategy To appoint key members of the Schools’ senior management teams, fix their salaries and prescribe duties To make nominations for the appointment of new Members and Trustees
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To appoint membership of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and other committees and appointments To delegate powers to the various committees as well as to the Headmaster and the Bursar
The Finance and General Purpose Committee: The Board appoints some of its members to the Finance and General Purpose Committee which meets seven times each year to oversee various aspects of the running of the School and corporate governance. It is also a source of advice and support to the Heads and the Bursar. Dean Close Services Ltd: The School’s non-educational trading activities are carried out under the auspices of a separate company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the School. It has its own Board of Directors, although its management is supervised by the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES (1st September 2012 to 31st August 2013)
Patricia Napier
Nicholas Bewes
Dr Wendy Bowring
Dr Timothy Brain OBE QPM
John Carter
Kathryn Carden (joined September 2013)
Revd Duncan Munro (joined September 2013)
Mike Cartwright
Revd Richard Coombs
Stephen Drew
Rosemary Dick
Richard Harman
Sara Hirst
Revd Canon Tim Watson
Rt Revd John Went
Helen Daltry
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(joined January 2013)
Patricia Napier • Chairman of the Board of Trustees • Member of the Finance and General Purpose Committee • Chairman of the Nominations Committee • Member of the Remunerations Committee • Former Dean Close parent Nicholas Bewes • Chief Executive of a commercial property company Member of the Nominations Committee • Dr Wendy Bowring • Headmistress of Butcombe, Clifton College Pre-Preparatory School Dr Timothy Brain OBE QPM • Member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee • Member of the Nominations Committee • Member of the School’s Health and Safety Committee • Former Chief Constable of Gloucestershire
Revd Richard Coombs • Vicar of Burford • Dean Close parent Helen Daltry (joined January 2013) Member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee • • Dean Close parent • Sponsorship consultant and businesswoman Rosemary Dick • Member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee • Chartered Accountant • Dean Close parent Richard Harman • Headmaster of Uppingham School Sara Hirst • Former Senior Mistress of Sedbergh School and former Headmistress of Sedbergh Preparatory School
John Carter • Member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee • Member of the Concessions Working Party • Former Dean Close Parent • Business owner and executive
Revd Canon Tim Watson • Retired clergy
Mike Cartwright • Vice Chairman and Treasurer • Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee • Chairman of the Concessions Working Party • Former Dean Close parent • Chartered Accountant and businessman
Kathryn Carden (joined September 2013) • Civil Service Commissioner, non-executive director and lecturer in Business and Leadership • Dean Close parent
Stephen Drew • Former Headmaster of St Faith’s Preparatory School, Cambridge
Rt Revd John Went • Bishop of Tewkesbury
Revd Duncan Munro (joined September 2013) • Self-employed management consultant and non-executive director providing support to third sector organisations on strategy, governance and organisational development
The role of the Council of Members is to: Elect new Members and the Board of Trustees n Approve the Annual Accounts n Act as ambassadors for Dean Close n Provide a source of wisdom, advice and support for the School and for Trustees n
The role of the Board of Trustees is to: n Provide the School’s strategic vision and direction n Approve budgets, monitor income and expenditure and agree major projects n Have responsibility for statutory compliance in a number of areas, including finance, Health & Safety and Child Protection n Maintain an educational and pastoral overview n Make senior appointments n Provide a source of wisdom, advice and support for the School n Identify and recommend new Members and Trustees
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FINANCIAL REPORT
Income and Expenditure 2012/13
2011/12
2010/11
School Fees
17,753,127
17,465,003
17,249,020
Scholarships & Bursaries
(2,692,450)
(2,441,853)
(2,316,178)
15,060,677
15,023,150
14,932,842
Dividend & Interest income
101,930
114,952
110,422
Gains / (Losses) on investments
103,032
59,938
(9,416)
Donations
172,053
8,074
12,194
Other Income (Incl. Dean Close Services)
677,734
654,429
698,742
16,115,426
15,860,543
15,744,784
Teaching
7,339,351
7,297,883
7,006,500
Welfare
2,165,094
2,250,465
2,171,491
Premises
1,722,429
1,734,822
1,598,349
Admin support
3,292,223
3,239,495
3,109,643
31,156
27,599
23,066
565,355
607,426
608,835
15,115,608
15,157,690
14,517,884
999,818
702,853
1,226,900
2012/13
2011/12
2010/11
21,883,331
18,984,311
18,892,370
1,877,469
1,733,070
1,685,045
Stock
103,376
94,196
114,684
Debtors
744,960
734,240
607,383
2,732,279
1,771,441
1,200,424
Total Assets
27,341,415
23,317,258
22,499,906
Bank Loans
2,149,200
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435,642
Fees Received in Advance
2,183,443
1,942,112
1,525,770
973,948
961,011
1,184,049
Total Income
Governance Other Costs (Incl. Dean Close Services)
Total Expenditure Surplus for the year
Balance Sheet
Tangible Fixed Assets Investments
Cash
Capital Fees Deposits held
1,901,258
1,832,343
1,587,108
Other
1,194,734
642,778
531,176
Total Liabilities
8,402,583
5,378,244
5,263,745
18,938,832
17,939,014
17,236,161
Net Assets
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MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
President The Baroness Cox of Queensbury Vice Presidents C J Buckett, FCA Mrs L S M Hardy, OBE, JP G E King-Reynolds, MA, JP, LRAM C P Lynam, MA Council of Members Sir John Adye, KCMG, MA Prof D W Aviss, OBE, FRSA (elected 24th May 2013) G W Barnes N C J Bewes, BA A R Bird, BA Dr W E Bowring, ADB(Ed), BEd, MEd Dr T Brain, OBE, QPM, BA, PhD, FRSA AVM M Brecht, CBE, MA A J Bruckland, BA Mrs N Cansdale, BA, MA Mrs K Carden BA, MPhil (elected 24th May 2013) J M Carter M J Cartwright, BA, FCA Mrs G A M Cocks, Dip Ed, BA J R B Cook, MA The Revd R M Coombs, BSc, MA Mrs H Daltry, BA Mrs R Dick, BA, ACA C S S Drew, MA I Duffin, BCom, FCA (elected 24th May 2013) Prof R J W Evans, MA, PhD, FBA D Goode, MA, MPhil (elected 12th January 2013) N Goodwin The Revd Dr T F L Griffiths, BA, PhD R S Harman, MA The Earl of Harrowby, MA, FRICS Prof E Higginbottom, BMus, MA, DPhil, FRCO Miss F Hildick-Smith, BA (elected 24th May 2013) S M Hill, MA Mrs S L Hirst, BEd A J Hunt H J Hodgkins, ACIB Revd Dr J M Holmes, MA, PhD, VetMB, MRCVS The Very Revd J D Irvine, MA N Jenkins Mrs C M LainĂŠ, BA, JP (To 25th July 2013) P J Lawrence Prof F Leishman, MA, MSc, PhD C Lion-Cachet, MSc, MBA (elected 24th May 2013)
I W Marsh, BSc Gen Sir John McColl, KCB, CBE, DSO The Revd D J S Munro MA, MBA (elected 24th May 2013) Mrs P G Napier M Philip-Sorensen C R H Rank Lord Ribeiro, kt, CBE, FRCS, FRCSEd Mrs K Riding, LLB M P Smith, MA (elected 24th May 2013) Mrs J Sykes, BA (elected 24th May 2013) Maj E T Taylor, BA, RA S Thomas, BA, LLB (elected 12th January 2013) The Revd Canon T P Watson The Rt Revd J S Went, MA The Revd Canon P R Williams, MTh (elected 24th May 2013) The Revd P C Youde, LLB Board of Trustees Mrs P G Napier (Chairman) N C J Bewes, BA Dr W E Bowring, ADB(Ed), BEd, MEd Dr T Brain, OBE, QPM, BA, PhD, FRSA J M Carter M J Cartwright, BA, FCA (Vice Chairman) Revd R M Coombs, BSc, MA Mrs H Daltry, BA (appointed 12th January 2013) Mrs R Dick, BA, ACA C S S Drew, MA R S Harman, MA Mrs S L Hirst, BEd The Revd Canon T P Watson (To 12th January 2013) The Rt Revd J S Went, MA (To 12th January 2013) Mrs K Carden BA, MPhil (from 1st September 2013) The Revd D J S Munro MA, MBA (from 1st September 2013) Finance & General Purposes Committee Mrs P G Napier Dr T Brain, OBE, QPM, BA, PhD, FRSA J M Carter M J Cartwright, BA, FCA (Chairman and Treasurer) Mrs R Dick, BA, ACA Visitor The Rt Revd Michael Perham, Lord Bishop of Gloucester
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DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL Shelburne Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6HE Telephone 01242 258000 Email office@deanclose.org.uk www.deanclose.org.uk
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