bromsgrove

Welcome to bromsgrove school

In the business world, a prospectus is is the first critical deposit. Parents who usually issued by a company seeking understand that our contract with you to raise funds. But as one of Britain’s does not end as your child graduates; most reputable and enduring schools, that is simply the time when the it is human rather than financial capital dividends begin. which interests us. With magnificent buildings both ancient and modern, Deriving from Latin, the word set in more than 100 glorious acres prospectus means literally something and inhabited by a community of which gives a view or prospect. world-class teachers with a proud Here then, is what the prospect of a reputation for academic excellence, Bromsgrove education holds. Your son our foundations today could not be or daughter, no matter their age, stage more certain, nor our future more or aspiration, can excel. Moreover, they assured. It’s not equity but enquiring can be happy, motivated and safe as minds that we’re after. they get there. The immediate pay- outs will be evident. They will leave this Neither do we offer these pages to fine school with nationally-recognised you to sell some superficial package academic distinctions, sporting of promises. There are enough slick triumphs and cultural accolades. But corporates masquerading as schools they will also take with them deeper in education’s overly-commercialised and more enduring returns. In their marketplace; we have no wish to join years at Bromsgrove, our pupils learn their clamour. Your child’s learning is to balance humility with confidence, not some consumable product which ambition with compassion. They are lasts only as long as they wear a respectful, yet unafraid to be curious. school uniform; it is an investment. At Tolerant of others, yet possessed of Bromsgrove, we don’t see our parents their own vision. Future-ready, that is as consumers. You are investors our promise. and that is what this prospectus describes – the lasting value of a If that sounds like an attractive Bromsgrove education. We attract prospect and you would like to know parents who recognise the value of how we have been achieving this for investing in every aspect of their child’s over five hundred years, I invite you to future: academic, moral, physical read on. and creative. Parents who share our belief that learning is a lifelong PETER CLAGUE endowment; selecting the right school Headmaster ethos & atmosphere

Nobody has a monopoly on truth. We are inspired, not overwhelmed, by And yet, values drive us. Our Mission a history both noble and strange. An Statement makes this explicit. We seek ancient chantry School of the middle to foster people who will, proactively, ages, Bromsgrove existed for perhaps make this world a better place. 100 years before its Foundation proper This is no school for the arrogant, the in 1553. It was then refounded in snobbish or the idle. We employ over 1693 when it moved to its present site. four hundred support and academic Thomas Cookes, the man responsible staff, and pupils learn to value for this new start, also founded everybody equally, from part time Worcester College in Oxford University, shift workers to senior academics. and thus a historic link began. During A common vision is key. We never the Second World War, the entire think of Bromsgrove as an institution: School (still relatively small then) it is a community. And it’s a had to up sticks and move to Wales community intent on building the while the British government used the roads and bridges of the future, not School’s facilities. But in recent years, the walls. Bromsgrove has re-established, indeed reinvented itself, tripling in size and investing many millions of pounds in its facilities. Yet amidst all this change, we ensure there is time to reflect and to calmly assess, as individuals, where we are. Two or three ten minute Chapel services per week, remain fundamental in that process.

There are three constituencies to Bromsgrove School: The Pre- Preparatory School (over 200 pupils aged 2-7), the Preparatory School (500 pupils aged 7-13) and the Senior School (900 pupils aged 13-18). The Sixth Form is unusually large with over 400 pupils. Bromsgrove School Thailand opened its doors in 2005, demonstrating that while the School may have physical boundaries, its aspirations to promote first rate education are limitless. development

Frankly, a great teacher should be able to inspire young people in a pig-sty. Mercifully, it’s not a point we have to prove at Bromsgrove.

Tens of millions of pounds have been invested in the last fifteen years, and if no one iconic building screams “Bromsgrove”, it’s only because there are so many that might. From the 17th century school house to the many 21st century structures, the working and living environments are magnificent. The Senior School sits in 100 acres of leafy grounds with the Preparatory School adjacent, while the Pre-Preparatory School is housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion overlooking the countryside. In essence, visiting Bromsgrove School is like visiting a small town in which the planners, century after century, generally got things right. The second decade of the 21st century is witnessing new developments on an unparalleled scale: a massive sports arena; state of the art boarding and day accommodation; a hospitality suite; a fitness centre; and two further dance studios. We move forward. Always. The School continues to innovate and lead in terms of the physical environment. academic excellence

We are unashamedly academic. Our results place us in the top ten At the time of writing, the government’s (sometimes top five) of co-educational value added A level tables ranked day/boarding schools in the UK. Bromsgrove first out of all state and The majority of the 200 pupils who independent schools in this part of the leave the Upper Sixth every year go country (Birmingham, Worcestershire to Russell Group universities in the and all surrounding counties). Aiming UK. Popular choices are LSE, UCL and high is sine qua non at Bromsgrove. Imperial universities. Some choose overseas universities (from the USA to But we are not the sausage machine the Far East) and others will pursue that parents of a certain age will recall Art, Music and Drama at specialist from a Pink Floyd video. You don’t institutions. Oxford and Cambridge have to be Einstein or Picasso to come candidates are specially prepared via here. Instead, our exceptional results a programme of extension lessons and flow from a community that nurtures interviews, often one to one. and encourages, with the expectation that pupils will achieve their best. Our own academic facilities have been This message is communicated improved beyond measure in the last regularly and unambiguously, whether decade. Eighteen new and refurbished pupils are taking IB or A level, GCSEs Science laboratories recently joined a or internal Prep School examinations. magnificent new Humanities block, Art Academic success is celebrated and and Design Building, and Library. we want young people to enjoy hard All older academic buildings have won achievement. been given a 21st century makeover so that every pupil learns in a superbly resourced environment. sixth form

The Sixth Form is large and dynamic. Our bespoke University and Careers Many pupils from all over the world Department deals with every pupil join the School at this point, and individually and gives as much the resultant atmosphere is one of time as necessary in helping pupils Bromsgrove’s great joys. Lifelong make the right choice after School. friends are made. It’s a special place This intensely personal approach to to be. university selection is a huge strength of the School, and it needs to be. It’s not merely that one can The young people of today will leave choose between the International their university for a world that is Baccalaureate or A level: it’s more economically, politically and socially to do with leadership opportunities, unrecognisable from the one their and the chance to dive into the parents knew. coming waves of adulthood while lifeguards still watch from the shore. At Bromsgrove, Sixth Formers will be challenged intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. They will learn that life is not the stroll in the park some advertising agencies would have them believe, and they will be asked to contemplate loss and failure as well as triumph and joy. If a great education is to be truly transformative rather than merely informative, it must face the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be. creativity

We believe that if Music, Art and The Art and Design facilities in the Drama are central to the life of a Senior School are among the country’s School, the human condition is finest. The recent refurbishment and better understood by the pupils. extension of both the historic Routh This seemingly portentous statement Hall and Cobham Theatre will allow informs our approach to the creative the Performing Arts to flourish still arts. We have no in-house style. further at Bromsgrove to the benefit of The creative arts at Bromsgrove allow our pupils and the wider community. pupils to breathe, and although all With more flexible space, a Concert great art demands discipline, we Hall and Theatre each with over seek to develop rather than cramp three hundred seats, better teaching the individual muse. facilities and studios, and the latest ‘theatre tech’, we hope to create more opportunities to inspire our pupils to express themselves as performers, technicians, artists, designers, writers and composers. Yet all this counts for nothing unless the passion and fizz of young people is manifest in the concerts, productions and displays. At Bromsgrove, it is.

From Liszt to Led Zeppelin, Shakespeare to Stoppard, Breughel to Banksy, a Bromsgrove pupil has the chance to explore the Western tradition; but our international dimension means that world theatre, music and art are also embraced and celebrated. Kabuki anybody? The opportunities are boundless. sports & facilities

Bromsgrove offers nationally Hundreds of pupils will often be recognised elite sport together with representing the School on a Saturday a mighty breadth of opportunity for (or indeed on a weekday). Some pupils those who simply want to participate. in top teams will be trying to impress All this takes place in superb facilities: national selectors; others will be more sports halls, floodlit astroturfs, tennis concerned with having as much fun as and netball courts, a swimming pool, possible in a competitive environment. a fitness suite and acres upon acres of Every week we play fixtures against grass pitches. other schools - both independent and state - and we also tour internationally. At the highest level we aim to perform Sport is a most wonderful way to build like a sports academy. National more than muscles: relationships, honours frequently come our way at leadership and teamwork skills Prep and Senior level, and many of all ensue from an inspiring sport our pupils play at regional and national programme. level. However, the majority do not, and we recognise that. Some pupils may want to move from a C to B team, and their journey is no less important than that of a budding international. Whatever one’s level, there will be sport to enjoy at Bromsgrove. extra curricular

Bromsgrove aims to provide a three hundred and sixty degree education, and if we are to do that we must provide opportunities outside of classrooms and sport halls. Bromsgrovians serve the community, test themselves on mountains and in rivers, debate the issues of the day in competition, make and sell products, teach, march, climb, ride, shoot. Be it Duke of Edinburgh or the Combined Cadet Force, Young Enterprise Schemes or one of the numerous voluntary School activities, the richness of the extra-curricular programme is available to all.

As well as the huge weekly programme, Bromsgrove offers an optional Saturday morning programme that includes everything from martial arts to creating bio-fuel from discarded vegetable oil which will power the School minibuses. Virtually every conceivable interest is catered for, and in adjacent rooms one might find the chess club and a RADA group hard at work, though at different noise levels.

To call somebody a Renaissance man or woman might seem a little Eurocentric these days, but the phrase encapsulates the breadth of education to which we aspire. What happens away from the traditional school environment is every bit as important as what happens within. pastoral care, parents and the house system

The most important aspect of any abound, and important lessons about school is the quality of its pastoral community life are learnt. Interhouse care. We want safe, happy young competitions, from singing to sport, people to take the School’s values are keenly fought, but in the Houses into the adult world, and so we have the gentler conversations take place as obvious and necessary facilities such well. Chances are, if you’ve had a bad as a superb Health Centre staffed day, it will be to friends and staff in the 24 hours a day. But it’s the people, House to whom you will turn. not the buildings, who define the community, and with specially trained And each House has a parental liaison medical, counselling and pastoral staff group who feed ideas into the School (including the Chaplain), pupils always Parents’ Association. All parents can have somewhere to turn. input at House level and feel a part of the special community. Obviously, this However, the ace up the sleeve is that might be more difficult for overseas the Senior School operates a House and UK boarders’ parents, but modern system (as opposed to a form system) technology has helped enormously for day and boarding pupils alike. in this regard. We value every We are a large Senior School, and communication with parents, and we breaking it down into eleven Houses, want them to enjoy the Bromsgrove each with a cohort of young people experience. The House system aged 13-18 means that pupils will ensures a large School can respond have a physical base in the School with quickly to the input of its parents, and a Houseparent, Assistant Houseparent give time and individual attention to and House tutor team on hand to help, every child. advise and, if necessary, console. Housemothers, who have no academic obligations, provide a vital and much loved extra dimension to the pastoral support. Pupils will know every other pupil in their House, regardless of age: everybody matters; you will never get lost in the crowd. In these small communities, leadership opportunities preparatory school

An unintended consequence of The academic syllabus is rigorous, Bromsgrove School moving to Wales though it does not slavishly follow during the Second World War was the national curriculum. Monitoring the founding of a Preparatory School, of performance is tight and the known to one and all as “the Prep”. expectation is that everybody will give Seven decades later, the Prep and of their best. We set our benchmarks Pre-Prep have over seven hundred way above national averages and, as pupils between them. The values ever, we find that busy, happy pupils stated on previous pages, together with take this in their stride. Never mind a culture of limitless aspiration define what the statistics say; how good can the Prep School. Standards are sky- you be? Challenge yourself. high, and pupils respond to the ethos with astonishing vigour. Drama has always been a huge strength of the Prep School while Though day and boarding pupils the Choir performs in chapel every attend, and though the values are week and tours nationally and even consistent with the Senior School, the internationally, taking Bromsgrove Prep School is not simply the Senior music out into the world. Art and School on a different scale. The Prep Design are as vibrant as their large, is where straitjackets and comfort modern home. As for sport, it is no blankets are slowly and carefully exaggeration to say that Bromsgrove discarded: it is where children are Prep is one of the country’s most encouraged to learn autonomously. successful schools of its type Life skills mentioned throughout both in terms of performance and this prospectus, from cooperation to participation. Breadth is every bit as leadership, are fostered here. Even at important as elite squad training. this early age there are considerable The joy on the face of a pupil who has opportunities for leadership: a team broken into a second or even third of Prefects, Heads of School, sports’ team (actually, we’ve had a seventh captains and so forth allow pupils to team exist at Bromsgrove Prep) is as experience the challenges of leading great as that on the face of a county and inspiring others. player. The extra-curricular programme is expansive, and Saturday morning activities (optional for day pupils) take these sessions to new heights. preparatory (Continued)

Mention of Saturdays leads neatly to the boarding experience. Bromsgrove Preparatory School has more boarders than many schools that are traditionally thought of as “boarding schools”.

The reason is obvious as soon as one visits. Boarding is homely, fun and gently instructive in the art of – well, in the art of living. That sounds like something from a TV commercial, yet there is truth in the statement because although the boarding community is carefully nurtured by Houseparents, tutors and others, it is independence, not reliance, that is engendered in the pupils. Weekend programmes, evening activities, and even conversations with friends over a home-cooked breakfast all help prepare young people for the world beyond.

The Prep School’s green site sits adjacent to the Senior School, and the Prep therefore shares some of the Senior School’s facilities (such as the Music School, swimming pool and astroturfs). However, the Prep boasts fine grounds and buildings of its own and has a unique atmosphere. A modern sports hall, superb Design centre, grass pitches, hardcourts and a magnificent, airy, twenty first century teaching block for the younger pupils are just some of the eye catchers. For young people aiming high and wanting excellence with breadth, Bromsgrove Preparatory School is a world of wonder. boarding at bromsgrove

a thriving community Bromsgrove is a large School, and our Our youngest boarders (aged 7 -13) boarding pupils are part of a wider are in the Preparatory School, and community which includes many their accommodation is in a state of hundreds of local pupils as well. So, the art house accommodating seventy wherever a boarder comes from, they pupils. Our Senior School Houses know that the School is rooted in local range from buildings you would expect English soil, even though the tree that in a Harry Potter novel (refurbished has grown up has many international inside of course) to superb 21st branches. And another thing boarders century structures. and their parents should know is that we never close in term time. Sundays FORCES’ FAMILIES included. The community exists seven, Although Bromsgrove is most definitely not six, days per week. not a “military” School (despite a thriving CCF), we have a long and All boarders and day pupils are proud relationship with the children of attached to a particular House, and UK forces personnel. We are always loyalty to that House is very strong. very happy to care for the children So in the Senior School, for example, of forces’ parents and provide the nine-hundred pupils are divided most generous provision possible. We among eleven Houses. Five of those ask that forces’ families make direct eleven Houses are for boarders. With contact with the School for further one exception, Houses contain pupils information. of different ages, so in a Senior School House the youngest pupils would be 13 and the oldest 18. The older one gets, the more opportunities one has to lead, set examples and discover more about one’s own potential.

There is only one House not on the main campus (Housman Hall), and that is a Sixth Form only House, five minutes’ walk away in Bromsgrove town. Sixth Formers do, however, have the option to stay in one of the other Houses and live on the main campus if they wish. boarding at bromsgrove boarding at bromsgrove

sixth form international Sixth Form boarding at Bromsgrove them safe, but they can visit the town We know how very worrying, even This special group of teachers is an unbeatable preparation for more often and take trips further afield traumatic, it can be for parents when provides an invaluable service to university life. These boarders are not provided appropriate permission has their children come to study abroad. those international pupils who need children anymore and will need to been granted. Also, they can assume The young people usually worry less assistance with, for example, technical hone their independence, but they will positions of responsibility within the than their parents, but even so, at all language. They also prepare pupils often need reassurance as well. House and School. A team of Prefects times, we at Bromsgrove are here to for examinations such as IELTS and It is rather like swimming in the sea or Monitors is selected for each House, reassure and help. Everybody is cared Cambridge Proficiency where relevant. but knowing there are lifeguards and Sixth Formers find out a great deal for and no international pupil will ever watching intently from the shore. about themselves when they know have to face any challenges alone. We Because the wellbeing and younger pupils are looking to them for have thousands of Old Bromsgrovian happiness of our international pupils Sixth Formers can choose either examples. men and women around the world who is paramount, we have a special A Level or the International can testify to the fabulous experience induction programme for new Baccalaureate, and House tutor teams The advice our boarders are given Bromsgrove can offer international boarders. They arrive in September are there to help when lessons are regarding university and career pupils. before the day pupils and get to know over. Indeed, staff can offer round choices is second to none. These one another over a few relaxing days. the clock support if necessary. The are not casual words. A dedicated Just as with medical care, the School We get through some practical matters working day does not end at 5pm at team of university specialists offers deals with the administration and during this time (such as helping Bromsgrove. bespoke one-to-one advice on the logistical issues that sometimes pupils open bank accounts) but we most appropriate university choices. concern parents. We take care of all also familiarise international pupils Sixth Formers also have more freedom Everybody is cared for with a mixture transport to and from airports (the with British customs and traditions by than younger pupils. They are still of interview practice, university School has its own minibus fleet) and taking them to places like Oxford. In subject to rules designed to keep open day visits and numerous can book taxis where necessary. All this way, international pupils can be other supports. visa and passport issues are dealt with sure of the warmest of welcomes by the School, and the School will also and the opportunity to make new communicate with parents regarding friends quickly. UK guardians. For pupils requiring extra support with their English, we have a special department dedicated to teaching English as an Additional Language (though all pupils need a sufficiently good level of English on arrival to access the curriculum). boarding at bromsgrove

daily routine Bromsgrove keeps people busy. There indoor facilities to enjoy. Of course, are no exeat weekends (some schools pupils can continue to work if they so close down on certain weekends), so wish, but equally they can relax with the School is always vibrant, even on their friends in the House in front of a a Sunday. Yet we all need breathing television set if they have had a very spaces, and so we ensure boarders busy day. have time to relax in the School’s new café, swim in the pool or simply stroll Saturday morning has pupils choosing around the grounds with a friend after from a host of activities that range a busy day. from the intensely academic (extra preparation for Oxford and Cambridge Weekdays start with breakfast at for example) to horse riding. Saturday around 7.30am, and lessons begin afternoon is when sports teams play at 9.00am. Lessons are fifty minutes other schools from around the country long and continue (with a morning in many different sports. Hundreds and lunch break of course) until mid- of our pupils will be representing the afternoon. Lunch is eaten centrally School on a Saturday and we are often in the School dining hall, and many to be found in regional and national dishes from around the world are sports finals. on offer. Sunday trips are optional for boarders, Late afternoon sees the activity but we have a full programme of programme begin, and the atmosphere organised trips that vary from cultural in the School changes as hundreds visits to Stratford and Oxford through of pupils make for their chosen areas. to fun days out at theme parks or There is over one hour’s free time shopping expeditions to London. before supper at 6.30pm, and then pupils go back to Houses to do their supervised prep (or “homework”) at 7.30pm. Pupils can, of course, use the library as well. After prep, pupils have free time before bed. In the summer months, this time is often spent outside as the long, light nights at Bromsgrove are a joy, but if the weather is poor, there are all the other boarding at bromsgrove

communication Whether parents and guardians are parents just want a general talk or to one-hundred or ten-thousand miles share confidential information with away, they will expect open and regular the School, Houseparents and tutors communication. We have traditional welcome emails and telephone calls parents’ evenings, active parent if any questions need answering. liaison groups and House committees, They are here to help. Similarly, the while local parents can of course see Houseparent will email or telephone Houseparents and tutors anytime they parents if there is anything that needs wish. However, for boarders’ parents, communicating quickly. especially those living overseas or in distant corners of the UK, membership It should be pointed out that the of liaison committees and regular face Bromsgrove Headmaster and senior to face contact with staff may not be staff frequently visit other countries, possible. and when they do they often hold sessions for current parents when There is no need to worry. direct feedback is given about pupils’ Technology can never replace face progress. So, having said nothing to face meetings, but it has helped can replace face-to-face meetings, enormously. Obviously the website is we have actually had such meetings very important because it has a news in Hamburg, Shanghai and a host of section that is updated daily and we places in between. urge all parents to follow the website closely. However, parents will also want frequent reports and observations on their own children, and for that we use a different route.

In terms of hard facts such as academic results, attendance and disciplinary records, every pupil has an area on the School computer system to which parents have access via a password. Wherever in the country or world parents may be, they can see up-to-the-minute records in all areas at the touch of a button. If pre-preparatory school

Five minutes drive from the Prep and skills are being honed nonetheless. Senior Schools, overlooking the green And by the time the children are ready countryside of North Worcestershire, for Prep School, you will find, time stands a beautiful Victorian mansion. and time again, immaculately dressed, It is approached by a long drive courteous, eloquent, enquiring and surrounded by delightful young people. grounds. You might be forgiven for thinking it is inhabited by a dear old From outdoor learning areas to Professor whose nephews and nieces computer suites, the children of the periodically nip over to Narnia. Without Pre-Prep have wonderful facilities in wishing to stretch the image too far, which to learn and play. It may not you would, in part, be right. Over two quite be Narnia, but if there’s a finer hundred very young Bromsgrovians school of its kind in the country, are having a mighty fine time in I haven’t seen it. this mansion.

This is where the foundation is laid for many pupils. They learn not simply to read and write and paint and operate computers: they learn to live by the values of the School. They learn to care and contribute.

In an invisible, rather mystical way, the joyous atmosphere of the Pre- Prep sets our youngest people up for the rigours of life. The academics are taken very seriously indeed (we stretch our pupils beyond the expectations of any national curriculum), though the purposeful nature of the lessons is always illuminated by flashes of unapologetic fun. In Nursery and Reception the learning process is inevitably rather different, but the GLOBAL VISION

Bromsgrove put itself in the vanguard Within Bromsgrove UK, a dedicated of international education by going team of teachers offers bespoke out into the world; and, in turn, the support to international pupils, world has come to Bromsgrove. The ensuring that specialist language imperative to cooperate, learn from needs, cultural differences and one another, and respect differences other relevant issues are addressed while sharing common values is sympathetically and personally. evinced in all we do. China, India and International pupils thrive at Brazil had small, struggling economies Bromsgrove because they enjoy a when I was born. The world in which British education in an environment our children are becoming adults is that understands and celebrates so very, very different. At Bromsgrove, diversity. we recognise that and respond to the challenges with gusto. The School may have a Utopian vision of global harmony, but we are While the spectacular new campus not ashamed of it. The nations of the of Bromsgrove International School earth do indeed come together at Thailand is the largest physical Bromsgrove. If we can play some part manifestation of the School’s in helping to keep things that way international mission, the truth is once our young Bromsgrovians have that Bromsgrove UK has had an gone out into the world, we will have international dimension for many done well. years. Three hundred of our sixteen hundred pupils are from places other than the UK, and they represent forty different nationalities. The numerous parents’ meetings and consultations conducted overseas, together with the many alumni events held around the world are testament to the significance of Bromsgrove’s international community. after bromsgrove

Old Bromsgrovians around in situ. Many of these come back the world are engaged in activities to the School to inspire the current as diverse as jazz music, politics, pupils: and many keep in touch with scientific research and international friends they made long ago in North law. Some are very famous, most are Worcestershire. not. But what we hope the majority do have in common is a value Not all Bromsgrovians will become system that guides them through life. household names. But whatever they Around the globe, thousands of Old choose to do, it is our hope that they Bromsgrovians are in contact with the will never forget that they needed care School and each other. From Munich and guidance along the way. to Massachusetts, Kiev to Kampala, Birmingham to Beijing, there are schools, hospitals, rehearsal studios, university laboratories, film sets, seats of government with Old Bromsgrovians mission statement

Bromsgrove School aims to produce:

happy, creative, moral citizens who live motivated, fulfilled lives while enriching the lives of others

It seeks to achieve this through:

an enlightened, disciplined and broad education that responds to global change while retaining core values

The Core Values Bromsgrove seeks to foster in its pupils are:

Humility and Confidence • Compassion and Ambition • Respect and Curiosity • Tolerance and Vision

R E G I

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

FOUNDED 1553

Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 7DU 01527 579679

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