“I’m absolutely delighted with my children’s results. Lancing’s strength has been to support them in exploring their talents and making the most of them, as well as pushing them out into new ventures.” Mrs B, mother of current and former pupils at Lancing
NOW OPEN NEW EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Lancing College
Senior School & Sixth Form
AN EXCEPTIONAL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 13 TO 18 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS OF OUR SCHOLARSHIPS
www.lancingcollege.co.uk Tel 01273 465805 West Sussex BN15 0RW
Registered Charity Number 1076483 THE LADY JANUARY
Untitled-2 52 12/04/2017 15:43 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Co-education or single sex? Choice has never been greater in the independent sector, with teachers being able to tailor learning styles for the benefit of boys and girls
he old adage has it that you should educate your sons at co-educational schools and your daughters T at all-girls schools. The maths of that obviously doesn’t add up if everyone does it, but is there any truth in the saying? And should that be a factor when choosing a school for your children? There are now relatively few all-boys schools; most now take girls at least in the sixth form, if not all the way through. This has been driven in part by economics: boys’ schools found their numbers were dropping so started admitting girls. By comparison, girls-only schools are flourishing. ‘In the 21st century, aspirational parents select girls’ schools for their daughters because they consider them the best option,’ says Charlotte Avery, President of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA). ‘It’s no longer the case that girls in girls’ schools are cloistered ‘Girls develop emotionally and academically earlier than away from boys and the world at large. Contemporary life for our boys, which can benefit boys in a co-educational school’ students involves routine interaction with other schools – co-educational subjects. According don’t know the answer, while and single sex – with social events, to a recent Institute girls are silent even if they Facebook, and so on.’ of Physics Closing do. Girls write long essays Single-sex schools also appear Doors study, cited but may not get to the less prone to harmful gender by Avery of the GSA, heart of the subject; stereotyping, where sciences are ‘The majority of co- boys write fewer words seen as ‘male’ subjects educational schools but tend to spot the and the arts as are failing to counter salient points. ‘female’: in whatever external factors Even though all a single-sex drive young people to schools now struggle environment, girls make gender-weighted against these historical are more likely to choices when picking assumptions, it’s often take sciences than A level subjects.’ difficult to escape them, in co-ed ones, There’s also the says Julia Harrington, a history
iS as are boys to perception of different adviser to and member of the TOCK opt for learning styles. Boys tend Independent Schools Examinations arts to speak out even when they Board (ISEB), who has taught in co-ed w
APRIL THE LADY
SPECIAL Co-ed Apr21 v2.indd 53 13/04/2017 15:33 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
schools and is now advocates of headmistress of an co-education, one all-girls boarding of them Peter Green, and day school. headmaster of an ‘Girls will still let independent school that boys take the lead. has taught both boys and They feel bad if they focused girls for over 40 years. ‘It’s just get something wrong in by the girls. normal,’ he says. ‘Educating boys class, but boys are less On the other and girls together reflects today’s inhibited. If you have both hand, being society when all of them will go boys and girls in a class, you talk to separated in the often on to work with the opposite sex. the boys, because you have to carry choppy hormonal teenage years We have skilled teachers who them with you, while the girls will means students can be encouraged spot different learning styles and potter on quietly,’ she says. to mature at their own pace without recognise that all the pupils come Both sexes need good role worrying about judgments from the with their own hopes, dreams and models. Gender equality has yet opposite sex. ‘Boys have suffered aspirations. I laugh when I hear to be achieved, so the continued most from the over-sexualisation that a boys’ school has admitted success of girls’ schools suggests of teenage years,’ believes Alice girls and then introduced a textiles they are where parents feel their Phillips, Vice-Chairman of the course for them. They are at the daughters are more likely to be Independent Schools Council (ISC) beginning of a very long journey.’ When choosing a school, it is ‘A number of UK co-educational schools are turning to very much down to the individual, and many experts believe that single-sex teaching in an effort to improve results’ parents today are lucky in the sheer richness of choice offered by schools inspired to achieve their true and headmistress of an all-girls in the independent sector. Mike potential and take leadership boarding and day school. Buchanan, Chair of the Headmasters’ roles. Harrington says former Charlotte Avery believes there are and Headmistresses’ Conference pupils of her girls’ school are advantages in single-sex education (HMC), states trenchantly that surprised on arrival at university for both girls and boys. ‘This is ‘gender is a long way down parents’ that fellow female undergraduates borne out,’ she says, ‘by the fact list of priorities – as it should be. from co-ed schools are more likely that teaching in single-sex groups Most parents are looking for a to defer to their male counterparts. – for girls and boys – is thriving. good school, which is convenient Also, points out Harrington, A number of UK co-educational for their family and way girls develop earlier than boys, both schools are turning to single-sex of life. Thank goodness emotionally and academically. This teaching in an effort to improve for diversity.’ can benefit boys in a co-ed school, results.’ She also cites the statistic It is important to explore where they are likely to be kept that as many as 40 per cent all the options. ‘Look at the of all member schools of the school’s ethos, its aims ISC teach either all girls or and values, and don’t get all boys between years sucked into gender,’ seven and 11. says Alice Phillips. A development over Although an the past 20 years or so advocate of single- has been what are known sex education, Avery as ‘diamond’ structure agrees. Her advice to schools, in which girls parents is: ‘Visit as and boys are educated many schools as together at the beginning possible and leave and end of their education your preconceptions but separately in at home. the middle years. ‘Parents usually Children remain say that, once they on the same campus have established throughout, so different that the school has a learning styles are sound academic and accommodated. pastoral care record, Nevertheless, pupils it is its feel and grow up side by side, culture that wins them spending morning breaks and over, rather than whether it lunches together, and sharing is single sex or co-ed. In other extra-curricular activities such words, do the research with as music, drama, clubs and your head but, ultimately, school trips. make the decision with There are, however, firm your heart.’
THE LADY APRIL
SPECIAL Co-ed Apr21 v2.indd 54 13/04/2017 15:33 ADVERTORIAL
Co-education on the rise in independent schools
Championing the benefits of educating boys and girls together, Cheltenham College is entering a new phase in its 176-year history
he demand for excep- Mrs Jo Wintle, tional girls’ education Housemistress at within a co-educational College Lawn environment is on the increase, as reflected Tin Cheltenham College’s recent ex- pansion programme. College Lawn – the latest girls’ day and boarding House at Cheltenham College – will open its doors in September. Cheltenham College first welcomed girls back in the 1980s and numbers have soared ever since, with additional recent new girls’ Houses opening in 2013 and 2015. Headmaster Dr Alex Peterken comments, ‘Our provision for girls’ places proved so popular that we were again faced with a girls’ waiting list. The opening of College Lawn helps satisfy this demand and will be our fifth girls’ House. I’m delighted to confirm that this will now bring the ratio of girls to boys at College to almost 50:50.’ He continues, ‘This fully reflects at university and in the workplace.’ the commitment to our philosophy Thus, Cheltenham College pur- College Lawn that co-education is the optimum chased two beautiful large Regency girls’ day and teaching and learning environment houses adjacent to its stunning his- boarding House for young men and women today. toric campus close to the centre of Co-education promotes equality Cheltenham. The lady who will and respects diversity; it helps welcome girls into College Lawn boys and girls to achieve academi- in September is newly appointed cally, and to be prepared for life Housemistress Mrs Jo Wintle. She brings a wealth of boarding experience and joins Cheltenham College from Cheltenham Ladies’ College where she is House- mistress and teaches English. Prior to this she boarded and taught at Sevenoaks school in Kent. ■
For more information Cheltenham College is celebrating the launch of College Lawn with a limited number of Founders’ Scholarships. For more information contact the Admissions Cheltenham team on 01242-265680, or email [email protected] College campus u www.cheltenhamcollege.org/collegelawn
APRIL THE LADY
Cheltenham Advertorial Apr21 v5.indd 2 13/04/2017 15:35 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
A rounded education It’s important pupils have access to as broad a curriculum as possible
hether you combined science GCSE. Indeed, hope your the combined science avoids the child will gender lean of girls towards biology study the and boys towards physics. It provides arts, classics a good foundation.’ or W sciences at university, the Peter Green, who is head of a independent sector offers the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ broadest choice. Its main good Conference (HMC) member school, fortune, says Barnaby Lenon, supports a broad base curriculum Chairman of the Independent of sciences, arts and languages, Schools Council (ISC), is not to be including the classics. ‘That is accountable to the Government’s the foundation of a liberal arts curriculum policy. He suggests education, which shouldn’t just be that, despite what the Government utilitarian.’ He is concerned that says, Progress 8 – the measure by Government reforms to A levels, which maintained (local authority with pupils narrowing down their funded) secondary schools are interest in the classics, with the options again to just three subjects, judged – gives extra weight to key majority of independent senior may eventually have a knock-on subjects at the expense of others schools offering Latin through to effect even in the independent and removes flexibility. GCSE and sixth-form diplomas. sector, with arts, languages and Pressures on the curriculum are And in many schools, classical drama departments suffering as a political football, with newspapers happy to bewail, for instance, the ‘Whether pupils pick sciences, arts or classics, they loss of subjects such as history of art and archaeology. Lenon is dismissive will do well if they have chosen subjects they enjoy’ of these claims. ‘History of art has been saved,’ he says. ‘Archaeology civilisation and Greek are also pupils specialise was taken by no more than a available, as examined and non- in the core hundred pupils, so for that reason examined subjects. subjects. it has been scrapped at A level.’ Nevertheless, offering subjects ‘It would be On the whole there is no evidence such as Latin and Mandarin may be an appalling of a narrowing of the curriculum, something of a marketing gimmick, situation as with independent schools, which warns Neil Roskilly, Chief Executive pupils need are less affected by policy swings, Officer of the Independent Schools depth and continuing to offer a broad choice. Association (ISA). ‘Parents should variety, In recent years, the sciences have treat the curriculum with caution,’ especially facing an strengthened and the numbers he says, ‘as more obscure subjects uncertain future in which they taking maths, especially at may not be sustainable. In won’t have jobs for life.’ girls’ schools, have grown the early years in particular, Most schools try to keep their since 2002, with increasing parents should be looking pupils’ options open as long as appreciation of its importance for as broad a curriculum possible, says Lenon of the ISC. for many jobs. Subjects such as possible.’ ‘What parents should be looking at as IT and design technology RoskillyRoskilly warns against is the numbers of pupils choosing are also evolving: preconceptions. ‘Some each subject and their results.’ IT is being replaced independent schools Alice Phillips, the ISC Vice- by more academically teach three separate Chairman, doesn’t offer specifically challenging computer sciences at GCSE, oriented career advice to the pupils science, enhancing which can seem attractive. at her school: her philosophy is the understanding of But there is no indication pupils should choose subjects they pupils who already have that pupils going on to delight in and are good at. ‘Whether basic computer skills. study science at a higher pupils pick sciences, arts or classics, K Alongside that has level do any better than they will do well if they have chosen STOC
come an upturn in those who have taken the subjects they enjoy.’ i
THE LADY APRIL
SPECIAL RoundedSyllabus Apr21 v3.indd 56 13/04/2017 16:30 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
A welcoming and high-achieving family of pupils aged 7 to 18 with a strong continuity of education and co-curricular activity across both schools. Admissions at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.
For more information, or to arrange a visit, email [email protected] or [email protected]
JANUARY THE LADY
Untitled-3 57 12/04/2017 16:21 B4444 Cran+Prep A4+3mmP.indd 1 19/08/2016 12:58 Day, full & weekly boarding | 900 girls 4-18 years | Founded 1885 Unforgettable ...
www.farringtons.org.uk
A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school offering high academic standards, excellent pastoral care and a wide extra-curricular Bramley programme within a supportive Christian environment. StCatherine’s Co-education Day, full & weekly boarding - the definitive Juniors 3 – 11, Seniors 11 – 16, Sixth Form 16 - 18 education for girls, under an hour from London.
Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256 Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF | 01483 899609 | [email protected] www.farringtons.org.uk www.stcatherines.info
thelady01 March 2017.indd 1 30/03/2017 11:27:53 General 2016-17_132x92.indd 1 16/03/2017 13:13
Co-educCo-educationalational M Mainstreamainstream EducationEducation Dyslexia MoonMOON Hall HALL SCHOOL SEARCH SpecialistSpecialist DyslexiaDyslexia SchoolsSchools Experts in placing children with Educational Learning Difficulties. • Dyslexia • Dyspraxia • Dyscalculia • Dysgraphia Focusing on the needs of • Autism the individual • Asperger’s Syndrome Our goal is to encourage our pupils to achieve • and other complex learning difficulties Our goalacademic is to encourage and personal ourexcellence. students to achieve academicCompassion and• Cour personalage • Resilience excellence. Your journey starts here Ambition underpin• Aspira theirtion learning • Cour agejourney. • Resilience Come and see for yourself how we give our pupils Let us help you find your way and underpinthe opportunity our to learning realise their journey. potential. the best school for your child.
Moon Hall School,we make. Reigate, 7-16 yrs Telephone: +44 (0) 1728 687 964 ☎ 01306 611372 www.moonhallcollege.co.uk Mobile: +44 (0) 7754 756726 Moon Hall School, Dorking, 7-11 yrs Moon Hall Junior & Senior School, Reigate, 6-16 yrs [email protected] ☎ 01306 731464 www.moonhallschool.co.uk ☎ 01306 611372 www.moonhallcollege.co.uk www.dyslexiaschoolsearch.com Moon Hall Junior School, Dorking, 7-11 yrs ☎ 01306 731464 www.moonhallschool.co.uk
THE LADY APRIL
Untitled-2 58 12/04/2017 16:00 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Preparing children for entrance
With some childrenexams taking Common Pre-Tests at 10, Vanessa Berridge asks how you can help and support them without piling on pressure
he 11-plus and Common Entrance are key moments in a child’s life, and it is often difficult for parents T to know how best to help them prepare. Parents may feel at sea as their children face hurdle after hurdle, particularly with the recent rise in pre-testing of children as young as 10 for their place at a senior school at 13. So how do parents know what is required? And how do they encourage and support their children without putting them under undue pressure? In a way, the process is best started with parents building a strong relationship with the child’s primary or prep school, which should start in the earliest years. In fact, when looking for an independent preparatory school you should vet your choices carefully the 11-plus, Pre-Tests and Common Common Pre-Test at 11. ‘Whilst and look at where the pupils are Entrance tests.’ Common Entrance still flourishes, going on to. Then, trust your chosen Difficulties can arise when there are questions being raised over school’s teachers to give your children parental ambitions are not matched its raison d’être,’ says Brotherton. ‘Is the academic and emotional support by reality. That’s when it’s important it an entrance test or a setting tool? to ensure they move on to a senior to listen seriously to the school’s Many believe the growth of Common school that’s right for them. If your head, who will want what is right Pre-Tests allows prep schools to children are happy and confident, for your child and is best placed to establish a skills-based curriculum they are likely to be eager to learn. offer guidance. In most cases, it is and focus less on teaching to the Mark Brotherton, Director of part of the school’s culture to involve Common Entrance test, and this Education at the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), ‘Perhaps an unintended consequence of pre-testing is says that parents must not be afraid to open the lines of communication transferring the stress from 13-year-olds to 11-year-olds’ and talk to potential schools. ‘It should be a partnership parents in decision-making, and could be seen as a positive outcome. between parents and schools, and schools will be prepared to help with Perhaps an unintended consequence schools will welcome approaches extra work if a child is borderline but will be transferring the testing stress from parents to help them support has a realistic chance of coping in from 13-year-olds to 11-year-olds, children in their applications. an academically selective school. and schools will need to manage Equally, it is reasonable for parents If the intended school is a good fit, this sensitively.’ i
STOCK to expect transparency, and to ask the transfer should go smoothly. Children may be applying to four the school to be clear about how The nature of testing is changing or five schools and will be facing the school is preparing pupils for in prep schools with the rise of the a range of tests. Many senior w
APRIL THE LADY
SPECIAL Preparing Apr21 v3.indd 59 13/04/2017 15:57 North Bridge House Preparatory School Regent’s Park, London NW1 First class results
North Bridge House Preparatory School First class results for 11+ and Common Entrance Upcoming open mornings: Friday 5 May and 16 June 2017 northbridgehouse.com/prep 020 7428 1520 THE LADY JANUARY
Untitled-2 60 12/04/2017 15:45 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
schools still set their own entrance papers and are likely to examine maths and English. These schools won’t necessarily supply previous papers, as they want to be able to tweak their entrance exams to prevent them becoming too predictable. Even if you can’t get hold of past papers, you can still get a good idea of the entrance process and requirements on a school’s website. Many schools, however, use standard Pre-Common and Common Entrance tests produced by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB); these are available to buy from publisher Galore Park (www.galorepark.co.uk). Guidance about the tests and entrance requirements is published on the ISEB’s website (www.iseb.co.uk). Above all, as a parent, you need to ensure your child’s life continues in a way that would not now be I discovered well into term that to be interesting and diverse. Don’t permitted in schools.’ children were being tutored. talk about ‘when you get to such The very fact of having a tutor It’s often the case that shared and such a school’, encouraging can put extra pressure on an already strategies can be put in place the child to believe they will have anxious child, particularly if it between school and tutor.’ failed if they don’t get in. comes at the expense of sport and Parents need to exercise caution ‘The mistake some parents other leisure interests. ‘It can seem when appointing a tutor, but there make,’ says Barnaby Lenon, as if the classes outside are as are tutoring organisations that Chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), ‘is to think ‘Parents sometimes throw money at a perceived the choice of school is a life-defining moment. The good news is they are problem rather than talking to the school’ wrong. There can be disappointment if a child fails after cramming, but important as those in school,’ provide excellent tuition by trained to bump along the bottom in the adds Roskilly, ‘and the children teachers and answer many of the wrong school is much worse. may be desperate just to keep their schools’ criticisms. Just make sure Children stand just as good a parents happy. Parents are often you take up detailed references for chance of getting excellent results very busy, but sometimes they are any tutor or agency that you are and going to the university of their throwing money at a perceived considering using. choice in a middle-ranking school. problem rather than talking to Roskilly concedes that tutoring What matters is the added value.’ the school.’ can work if it feeds an interest that Brotherton of the IAPS is not the school doesn’t meet, such as To tutor or not to tutor a fan of tutoring, believing that learning an unusual foreign The use of private tutors is rising, parents should have faith in their language, just as children learn with some tutors commanding top chosen school to develop their musical instruments out of school. hourly rates from parents desperate child’s potential. He is also Lenon of the ISC doesn’t dismiss to ensure their children achieve concerned that tutoring may tutoring completely, although it is, places at their chosen schools. make a perceived problem he believes, ‘ridiculous at the age Neil Roskilly, Chief Executive worse, with a child getting of seven’. He is of the opinion of the Independent Schools confused by different that a tutor can be of Association (ISA), is highly teaching styles, or even assistance if a child is suspicious of what he sees as a being taught something weak in one subject, has worrying trend, on a number of completely different. missed school through counts. ‘For a start, it’s a completely ‘If parents are genuine illness or has a problem unregulated industry in which about doing the best with a particular teacher. many agencies don’t provide any for their child, they ‘I failed French O level,’ he training,’ he says. ‘As a parent, you should put the tutor remembers, ‘then often know very little about the in touch with the I had an Oxford tutor’s qualifications, and there school,’ he says. offer conditional are also health and safety issues. ‘As a head, I was on French. Parents are allowing tutors into the frustrated A tutor saved house to be alone with their children when my life.’
APRIL THE LADY
SPECIAL Preparing Apr21 v3.indd 61 13/04/2017 15:58 “EXCELLENT” - ISI Inspection Report, 2017 [email protected] 01865 242561 www.cccs.org.uk
London’s only diamond structure school 89% of all GCSE grades awarded to Forest with single-sex teaching in a coeducational pupils in 2016 were A*, A or B. e A* FOREST environment for girls and boys aged 4-18. grade has now been the most common We are a city school with 30 acres of grounds, GCSE result for Forest pupils for the past SCHOOL located next to Epping Forest. ve years.
Summer Open Evening www.forest.org.uk Monday 26 June 2017 [email protected] 4.30pm - 7.00pm 020 8520 1744
THE LADY APRIL
Untitled-2 62 13/04/2017 10:54 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
The sixth-form
debateThe choices for education from 16 onwards can be baffling – here are the pros and cons to consider
he philosopher When you’re choosing a school extended essay AC Grayling believes for your child at 11 or 13, the sixth- on a subject of passionately in the form diploma that’s taught is their choice. This International probably not one of the first things represents few marks, but is a good Baccalaureate. you think about, not least because preparation for individual study Speaking T at last October’s the syllabus, diploma and marking at university. Cheltenham Festival of Literature, systems may all have changed by Some schools teaching A levels the Master of the New College the time the child reaches the Lower have now introduced CAS, TOK, of the Humanities applauded Sixth. ‘The best thing is to have and the EPQ or Extended Project the element of philosophy in the choice,’ says Barnaby Lenon, Qualification, narrowing the gap Theory of Knowledge presentation Chairman of the ISC. ‘But the reality between A levels and IB. The EPQ and paper, an intrinsic part of the is that 90 per cent of children won’t doesn’t have to be an essay, as the diploma, and its breadth. Yet the have that choice. But that shouldn’t student can produce another kind IB has failed to gain real traction cause parents much anxiety.’ of project. ‘This allows students who across the country as a whole and In all but a few cases, particularly aren’t essay-writers to excel,’ says is still taught only in a minority of schools. With the advent of the new ‘It is the skills, attitudes and behaviour you learn at A* grade at A level, some leading schools, previously messianic in school that are going to count when you’re 25 or 30’ their support for the IB, are pulling back from just running the diploma for those parents looking to move Mike Buchanan, Chair of the to offer A levels as well. Parents their children at 16, the choice Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ glad of renewed choice may, will be between schools teaching Conference, ‘and it gives essay- however, find that the fees will A levels and those teaching the writers a chance to do increase as running two systems International Baccalaureate, with something different.’ is expensive as well as being a some offering both. Both systems Alice Phillips liked the timetabling headache. have their strengths, although until opportunities pupils A few years ago, a handful of the first results of the new reformed had before the reforms highly academic schools adopted A levels are published this August, of being able to do the Cambridge Pre-U diploma, it will be hard to assess exactly how four or five subjects which was intended as a return to they are working. at AS level first. But the more rigorous and linear style The breadth of IB has been she also believes the of A levels 40 years ago. This has its chief attraction, with students IB may disadvantage achieved far less penetration than required to take six subjects, three at students ready to the IB, and Alice Phillips, Vice a higher level and three at standard specialise, particularly Chairman of the Independent level, with maths, English, a science, scientists as the diploma Schools Council (ISC), a language and a humanity has a humanities bias. suggests that the compulsory. In addition, But, says Buchanan, these Pre-U ‘will die students do the Theory diplomas are all stepping stones, with the new of Knowledge (TOK) mechanisms by which students reformed A presentation are moved on to the next stage. ‘It is levels. They mentioned earlier, the skills, attitudes and behaviour are more follow programmes that you learn at school, not the linear, so the of creativity, exams you take, that are going to i
STOC Pre-U loses activity and count when you’re 25 or 30. A good its unique service (CAS), school offers an excellent education K selling point.’ and write an regardless of diploma.’
APRIL THE LADY
SPECIAL 6thform Apr21 v2.indd 63 13/04/2017 15:56 Monkton Bath, England
Don’t miss The Lady’s bumper Independent Schools Guide
On sale 15 September 2017 Copy deadline 7 September 2017
One of the top 20 co-ed boarding schools in the country Independent Schools League Table: GCSE results 2016
Open Day on Saturday 6th May Register on our website monktoncombeschool.com
Pre-Prep | Prep | Senior | 2 to 18 years Monkton School, Bath BA2 7HG For advertising please contact T: 01225 721133 | E: [email protected] Dorinda Lewis 0203 857 9915 monktoncombeschool.com [email protected]
THE LADY APRIL
Untitled-3 64 13/04/2017 16:57 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Preparation for
lifeWhat should you look for in an independent school? Activities that teach life skills are as important as exam results, says Vanessa Berridge
t is hard not to be fascinated more resilient, better at dealing with time for a wider range of activities, by the league tables and setbacks and more open to learning but a good day school should also drawn into spotting which as a result’. These life skills are devote at least a two afternoons school is up and which is attained through academic and a week to non-academic pursuits down each year. Good exam extra-curricular activities in to help pupils learn about life-work Iresults are, of course, essential, but independent schools. Preparing balance at an early age. choosing an independent education students to lead constructive lives It is in these ‘soft’ skills that will give your child much more than and face future challenges with independent schools excel, says a string of A*s or 40-plus points at confidence is as crucial as teaching Roskilly. ‘Small classes mean International Baccalaureate. Indeed, them to pass exams. teaching is less didactic, encouraging Alice Phillips, Vice-Chairman of the So, when choosing a school for pupil engagement. There are also Independent Schools Council (ISC), your child, by all means study the lessons now in well-being to help advocates that parents should look at exam results and the destinations of young people understand their the destination of the leavers rather the leavers, but also investigate the emotions and thought processes.’ than at league tables. ‘A pupil might get to a Cambridge college with one ‘Preparing students to lead constructive lives is A* and two As at A level,’ she says, ‘but on the league table that won’t as crucial as teaching them to pass exams’ look as good.’ ‘Independent schools fare better extra-curricular activities, not just Building teamwork and with university admission,’ says how many of them there are but leadership is part of any school’s Neil Roskilly, Chief Executive of the how many pupils are doing them. brief. This is helped by encouraging Independent Schools Association ‘Great schools are about broadening children to take on management (ISA). ‘These schools have high experience,’ says Phillips. ‘Pupils roles by setting up and leading aspirations and are likely to have need an awareness of other things, societies, becoming prefects and, people in the careers department so look at the sports, music, art and in boarding schools, taking who visit universities and know drama offered by the school. Are responsibility within their houses. admissions tutors personally. They they equally weighted?’ Many schools now have leadership are able to point their students to Roskilly agrees. ‘There should training courses for sixth-formers. the appropriate courses and be lots of wraparound Barnaby Lenon, a former head universities. There is a high level activities, with sports and current Chairman of the ISC, of care, commitment and detail.’ and lunchtime clubs believes students’ personal qualities Equally, if not more important, being a normal part of are ultimately going to matter more is the development of personal each day, rather than than their exam results. ‘I spent qualities such as resilience, bolt-on optional extras.’ 35 years as a teacher, and some teamwork, self-presentation Investigate, too, he suggests, of my most successful pupils and the ability to relate to the outdoor education were academically disastrous.’ other people. Psychometric offered. Camping trips, for Independent schools, he says, are research for the ISC shows instance, can take children reacting against the excessive focus that ‘pupils at ISC out of their comfort zone, on exams and are concerned with independent schools have while giving them their pupils’ mental health. ‘Schools i
STOCK good attainment, challenging experiences are thinking hard about improving well-being and within a safe space. pupils’ well-being and preparing behaviour, and are Boarding allows more them for life, not just for university.’
APRIL THE LADY
SPECIAL Life Apr21 v2.indd 65 13/04/2017 15:55 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Is boarding a good
idea?When both parents work long hours, more flexible arrangements such as weekly boarding can be the ideal solution
he latest 2016 children more confidence and a academic advisory boards of the Independent Schools greater range of life skills than Independent Schools Examinations Council (ISC) census a nine-to-four education, as they Board (ISEB) and headmistress indicates that the are thrown into a community of of a girls’ boarding and day school, percentage of pupils different ages. They learn to live agrees. ‘Boarding now is about Tboarding has remained fairly side-by-side with others, a useful adapting to 21st-century lifestyles, constant for the past 15 years. There skill for their social and professional rather than locking pupils away until are some 70,000 boarding pupils lives in adulthood. Pupils also Christmas,’ she says. Flexi- or weekly at ISC schools, making up around develop lifelong friendships. boarding assists with this, particularly 14 per cent of total pupil numbers. Very few parents now opt for full in a school that also takes day pupils. Only three per cent of these schools boarding, although that may offer This may be an ideal solution are exclusively boarding, although stability if there has been divorce where both parents work long hours 38 per cent of all ISC schools cater or bereavement, or if parents are during the week. Schools will for boarding pupils. These figures overseas or travelling a great deal. engage with their pupils on extra- suggest that there is a small but Mike Buchanan, Chair of the curricular activities during the definite market for boarding. Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ week, freeing up the weekends for children to enjoy family time. The ‘Boarding now is about adapting to 21st-century lifestyles, day pupils can also benefit from a school where boarding sets the tone rather than locking pupils away until Christmas’ and gives them access to activities in the evenings and at weekends. ‘Modern British boarding is a Conference (HMC), warns parents If parents are late to pick up their world away from the traditional against sending a child to board just children, they can even be swept image of draughty dormitories, cold because the mother and father are up into the programme laid on for showers and bad food,’ says Robin struggling to tackle difficulties at the boarders. Fletcher, Chief Executive of the home. ‘Many parents are hugely Boarding Schools’ Association busy, worried about their own (BSA). ‘Today boarding is about work, and don’t know what they are USEFUL CONTACTS great pastoral care, lovely boarding supposed to be doing, especially Boarding Schools’ Association houses or bedsits and plenty of in the teenage years.’ The HMC’s u 020-7798 1580, boarding.org.uk healthy food. Every year, students April conference will be looking at Girls’ Schools Association come from more than 100 other how to support parents during these u 0116-254 1619, gsa.uk.com countries to British boarding challenging times. ‘If parents are The Headmasters’ and schools, making them diverse open with the school, mechanisms Headmistresses’ Conference and multicultural.’ can be put in place to resolve issues, u 01858-469059, hmc.org.uk Boarding can give but not if these problems are hidden. Independent Association Communication is vital.’ of Prep Schools Boarding for younger pupils u 01926-887833, iaps.uk continues to thrive. ‘These schools Independent Schools Association can help children grow in a supportive u 01799-523619, isaschools.org.uk environment, surrounded by Independent Schools Council friendship and fun,’ says Fletcher. u 020-7766 7070, isc.co.uk ‘Many have rolling acres for children Independent Schools to run around in and even pets for Examinations Board them to look after.’ u 01425-470555, iseb.co.uk STOCK Julia Harrington, member of the i
THE LADY APRIL
SPECIAL Boarding Apr21 v3.indd 66 13/04/2017 15:54 d’Overbroeck’s is energetically dedicated to students achieving their best on every level. Passion, compassion, intelligence and humour characterise the school.
d’Overbroeck’s parent
Brand new Sixth Form building and boarding house
An independent, co-educational, day and For more information, or to arrange a visit boarding school for students aged 11-18 call our Senior Registrar, Mrs Lynne Berry on 01865 310000 www.doverbroecks.com/thelady or email [email protected]
APRIL THE LADY
Untitled-3 67 12/04/2017 16:33 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
Independent schools guide contacts Find out more and get in touch with independent schools and educational organisations
Abbots Bromley School, D’Overbroeck’s, Oxford Monkton Combe School, Bath Staffordshire u 01865-310000, u 01225-721133, u 01283-840232, www.doverbroecks.com www.monktoncombeschool.com www.abbotsbromleyschool.com Dyslexia School Search Moon Hall College, Reigate Academic Summer u 01728-687964, u 01306-611372, u 020-8123 8083, www.dyslexiaschoolsearch.com www.moonhallcollege.co.uk www.academicsummer.co.uk Farringtons School, Kent Moon Hall School, Dorking Cheltenham College, u 020-8467 0256, u 01306-731464, Gloucestershire www.farringtons.org.uk www.moonhallschool.co.uk u 01242-265680, www. cheltenhamcollege.org/collegelawn Forest School, London North Bridge House, London u 020-8520 1744, www.forest.org.uk u 020-7267 6266, Christ Church Cathedral www.northbridgehouse.com School, Oxford Lancing College, West Sussex TOCK u 01865 242561, www.cccs.org.uk u 01273-465805, Senior School & Sixth Form, IS www.lancingcollege.co.uk Canonbury Cranleigh School, u 020-7267 6266, Surrey Marlborough College, Wiltshire www.northbridgehouse.com u 01483-273666, www.cranleigh.org u 01672-892388, www.summerschool.co.uk St Catherine’s Bramley Cranleigh Prep School, Surrey School, Surrey u 01483-542051, www.cranprep.org u 01483-893363, www.stcatherines.info
IT ED HY CR RAP HOTOG P
THE LADY APRIL
Special Directory Apr21 v3.indd 68 13/04/2017 15:39 RECRUITING SINCE 1885
How do you keep your household in order? How do you keep your life running smoothly? How do you have enough time for the things you enjoy?
The Lady, England’s longest-running women’s weekly magazine, is renowned for being the best place to advertise for Domestic Staff.
Did you know that The Lady also has a recruitment division? Our specialist Recruitment Consultants offer a personalised service, tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are in the UK or living abroad, our professional Consultants will work with you to ensure that we find the most suitable candidates to fill your role.
Our skilled and experienced candidates have been placed into households as Housekeepers or Housekeeping Couples, Cooks, Butlers, General Factotums, Gardeners, Maintenance Personnel, PAs or PA/Housekeepers, Nannies, Governesses, Carers and Companions.
We pride ourselves on offering a personal, discreet approach and building effective relationships with our clients and candidates alike.
The Lady Recruits – Delivering the very best in Domestic Recruitment since 1885
[email protected] or 020 3857 9945 Permanent UK and International Domestic Recruitment
JANUARY THE LADY
Untitled-5 69 13/04/2017 18:10