If you want to read about your school in the next edition, see page eight for contact details ISSUE 46, September 10, 2009 Helping you choose the right schools for your children Another bumper year Inside

THERE were smiles all around when this year’s A-level results were announced. Once again pupils at local inde- pendent schools have done them- selves,their teachers and par- NEWS ents proud with another Hollywood set of bumper results. At School 164 glamour pupils sat 522 A-levels and, see page 5 remarkably,almost 60 per cent of all grades were A, with a third of all pupils scoring three or more straight As. Eighty four per cent of all grades fell into the A/B bracket, while the A to E pass rate was 99.8 per cent. A-level students at Wolverhamp- ton Grammar School are celebrat- ing a 100 pass rate for the third suc- ● All smiles: Old Swinford Hospital’s Adam Turner, Natalie Bate, Felicity cessive year.The faultless per- Beard and Luke Jew – all offered places at either Oxford or Cambridge. formance by WGS’ 89 A-level stu- NEWS dents includes 77 per cent at 2008) – Luke Jew, from Stourbridge; No fewer than 40 candidates at the Float like a grades A-B. Remarkably all of NatalieBate,fromQuarryBank;Felic- Worcester school achieved at least butterfly WGS’ A-level art students once ity Beard, from Bromsgrove, and three A grades at A-level, with many again scored straight A grade Adam Turner,from Stourbridge, have gaining four or five A grades. see page 5 passes —the eighth year in a row confirmed their places at Oxford or Girls at Saint Martin’s,Solihull, are that this has been achieved. Cambridge on the strength of their celebrating again with a 100 per cent Students at Old Swinford Hospi- results. pass rate at A-level with 97 per cent of tal, Stourbridge, have also RGSAO A-level students were cele- all grades at A to C. achieved outstanding A-level brating as news of their excellent This excellent set of results ensures results.The pass rate was 98.6 per results came through from the exami- places for the girls at Cambridge, cent – 64.4 per cent were at the top nation boards. Durham, Exeter and Warwick and grades of A or B, which is the high- The overall RGSAO pass rate (grades other top universities. est rate recorded for Old Swinford A-E) was 99.8 per cent, with 77.2 per Jane Carwithen, the headmistress, Hospital. Four students (three in cent of subjects taken scoring A and B said: “Girls,parents and staffare grades.89.6 per cent of the subjects thrilled with these best ever A-level SPORT ● Jumping for joy: Wolverhamp- taken were graded A, B or C. The per- results for the school. ton Grammar School pupils Lucy centage of A and B grades is the high- “Our upper sixth have been a dynam- Serving up Crane and Sam Jones celebrate est ever achieved by either RGS, AO or ic group and thoroughly deserve these success their A-level results. RGSAO. excellent results.” see page 8 II September 10, 2009 New pre-prep department for King’s Worcester KING’S St Alban’s The only independ- school – King’s The new, purpose- sports and arts per- quality of educa- opens its doors for ent, co-educational Worcester – King’s built pre-preparato- formance centre. tion, unique in the first time to chil- school in Worcester St Alban’s has been ry department is The new depart- Worcester. dren from the age of to enjoy an adjacent established for open to girls and ment, existing jun- For families look- four. site to its senior more than 50 years. boys,aged four to ior school and sen- ing ahead to Sep- It is a thriving and seven, who transfer ior school are on tember 2010 the vibrant community to the existing jun- separate,but adja- school hosts an where young people ior school at the cent sites. open morning on are encouraged to beginning of year This ensures that Saturday, Novem- show their mettle three.Reception, each has its own ber 7. academically with- year one and year clear identity while A few places remain in an environment two enjoy light, airy enabling a sharing for this year. where sport, music and spacious class- of staff, facilities, Please contact the and the creative arts rooms and share a expertise and infor- school office on ● Pre-prep: are valued and cele- large double-height mation that ensures 01905 354906 for Confidence in a brated.Timehall serving to as a a richly cele continuous more details.brchangingate world.

IT was time to celebrate when this achieved ten grade year’s GCSE results were unveiled. A* and three grade registered its A passes. best ever GCSE results. ● Andrew Shoukry, More than 60 per cent of the 1,200 from Wolverhamp- GCSE and AS examinations sat by ton, achieved eight fifth formers were achieved at A* grade A* and five and A, while numerous individu- grade A passes. als achieved nine or ten GCSEs at ● Ben Bridgewater, A* and A. Among this latter group from Stourbridge, is Will Packwood, an American achieved six grade boarder currently on Birmingham A* and six grade A City’s books. passes and twin Ninety-sevenpercentof allGCSEs brother Peter fell within the A to C bracket. Bridgewater RGSAO Worcester has again achieved five grade achieved excellent results in the A* and eight grade GCSE examinations with 52.1 per A passes. cent of passes being at A*/A grade. ● Tim Joyce, from The overall pass rate (A*-C grades) Stourbridge, was 97.2 per cent and 99.9 per cent achieved five grade of candidates achieved five A*-C A* and eight grade grades.Forty-two RGS candidates A passes. gained at least eight A* or A ● Daniel El-Dalil, grades. from Hagley, ● Jumping for joy: Girls celebrating As in the recent A-level examina- achieved four grade outside Saint Martins. tions,this top independent school A* and eight grade achieved remarkable results in tra- A passes. Emily Martin, Sophie Pearson, ditionally tough subjects such as At Dodderhill School, Droitwich Rebecca Potter,May Prior,Rachael physics,maths,geography,drama, Spa, 53 per cent of grades were A* Willetts and Charlotte Wilson, who design technology,Latin and reli- or A ,the A*-C pass rate was 97 per all achieved nine or more A*/A gious studies. cent and all girls passed five or grades. Girls at Saint Martin’s,Solihull, more GCSEs including English, Students at Wolverhampton are celebrating again this year maths,science and a foreign lan- Grammar School gained an aver- having achieved one of the best guage at grade C or above. age of over nine A*-C passes at sets of results at GCSE with a 100 A* and A pass rates in the core sub- GCSE this year,with 40 per cent of per cent pass rate in English and jects (English, maths,science and students achieving an A*-A in maths. modern foreign languages) aver- eight or more subjects.Passes at A* The girls were in celebration mode aged 55 per cent and over three- and A were 58 per cent, retaining on results’ morning with 70 per quarters of the girls are going on the high standards of the previous cent of all grades awarded at A and to take A-levels in maths,science year. A*, and 28 per cent of grades or modern foreign languages at “This year’s GCSE cohort worked awarded at A*. sixth form – significantly above extremely hard throughout the Jane Carwithen, the head- the national average and reflecting year and it is so pleasing to see how mistress,said: “With 88 per cent of once again the academic success of all that hard work has paid off,” grades at A*, A and B, the strength girls’ only schools. said WGS head Vincent Darby. of this year group is very evident These results clearly demonstrate “These excellent results are once and they well deserve our congrat- the positive impact on girls’ aca- again testament to the commit- ulations for their commitment to demic success of small classes and ment and dedication of a superb their studies.” single-sex schools,where teaching group of young people and I would Students at Old Swinford Hospital, can be more imaginative, collabo- like to congratulate them all.” Stourbridge, have produced out- rative and challenging. There were several notable standing GCSE results.The per- Headmistress Joan Mumby said: achievements for individual stu- centage of results awarded at A* to “I am absolutely delighted and dents in WGS’ results including C grades,in five or more subjects, extremely proud. These achieve- six youngsters – Richard Bates, was 98.6 per cent. ments are a result of the girls’ hard Jessica Carty,David Jackson, Jor- Some of the outstanding perform- work and determination, com- dan Moxey, Stephanie Thomas and ances of the year were: bined with excellent support from Jenny Wilson – who all achieved ● Robert Killalea, from Kinver, teachers and families.” nine A* grades. achieved ten grade A* and two All the girls have performed bril- Deputy head Peter Hills added: grade A passes. liantly, but special mention should “We are delighted that our stu- ● Howard Coase,from Surrey, be made of Rebecca Cheshire, dents have excelled once again.”

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS yesterday,today,tomorrow...

Registered Charity Number 525616 www.habs-monmouth.org HABERDASHERS’ HABERDASHERS’ OctoberOpen Days 1st-3rd October 2009 AGINCOURTSCHOOL AND NURSERY MONMOUTH SCHOOL & THE GRANGE MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Boys and Girls 3-7 TEL: 01600 713970 Boys 7-18 TEL: 01600 710433 Girls 7-18 TEL: 01600 711104 September 10, 2009 III Success for all of the pupils

THEfamily of Haberdashers’ Schools halls,two 25m in Monmouth believe that through pools,perform- confidence and teamwork they ing arts cen- achieve success for each and every tres,science one of their pupils. labs,language Split into a pre-prep,two prepand two and ICT suites, senior schools and with pupil teacher art and record- ratios of 1:9, each child is encouraged ing studios and to develop their talents in an environ- a chapel. In ment which is both inspiring and car- 2009, the boys’ ing. prep school, across the two senior schools,from good road links to the Midlands,Mon- and on October 2 and 3 at Monmouth The schools use their endowment The Grange, moved into a stunning the cadet force to boarders’ evening mouth School and Haberdashers’ School and Agincourt. income to ensure the best possible new building adjacent to the sports and weekend activities. Monmouth School for Girls blend the For detailed information on timings, facilities coupled with a generous complex. This year’s A-level results will enable best traditions of English and Welsh or to arrange an individual visit, range of scholarships,bursaries and The schools offer the best of both pupils to gain places at leading uni- schooling while offering an education please click on our website www.habs- their own assisted places scheme, worlds – the advantages of single sex versities across the UK, the first step comparabletothefinestintheUK, but monmouth.org or telephone 01600 710433 which currently funds over 35 chil- education within a framework which in building careers in areas as diverse at a lower cost. Full boarding fees are for Monmouth School, boys aged dren through the senior schools.In includes a co-ordinated sixth form as bio-chemistry,engineering, medi- around £6,300 per term. seven to 18; 01600 711104 for Haber- total, the schools have more than 50 timetable, offering a choice of over 30 cine,law,politics,the arts,media and You and your family are warmly dashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, acres of sports fields,two full size all- AS/A level subjects. design. invited to visit the schools at their agedseven to18;01600713970 forAgin- weather pitches,ultra-modern sports There are many joint activities run Situated on the border of Wales,with open days on October 1 and 2 at HMSG court, boys and girls three to seven. Offering excellence and accessibility HeathfieldSchooL broken in every year The school is also striving hard King Edward’s is the first group. to ensure that these opportuni- major independent school in Heathfield is an independentday school forboysand An impressive 73 per cent ties are available to all able this country to introduce the of boys achieved an A boys,whatever the financial international Baccalaureate girls from 3to16years with an on siteday nursery grade at A-level and 63 per situation of their parents. Diploma and cease teaching A- forbabies from 3months. cent gained an A* at GCSE. The school has extended and levels at the same time. “These are truly excep- will continue to extend the pro- “This is a historic change for tional results,” said John vision of assisted places,fund- King Edward’s School,’ said developing Claughton, the chief mas- ed by the King Edward’s Foun- John Claughton. “We believe ter.“Achieved by boys who dation and the generosity of that, with its breadth, its free- are also doing an extraor- former pupils,and 30 per cent dom and its recognition of all dinary range of other of boys have some form of fee aspects of a pupil’s education, things.They reflect not reduction, with ten per cent it will provide the right chal- only hard work,but the having entirely free places. lenge for the boys that we have KING Edward’s School, Birm- wonderful relationships that Another major change is the in this school.” For details con- ingham, has been one of the this school engenders.” intention to offer the Interna- tact Nicole Phillips,admis- best academic schools in the Excellence is obviously one tional Baccalaureate Diploma sions and marketing co-ordina- country for over a century and goal of this school, but so is to the sixth form from Septem- tor,on [email protected] talents in 2008 previous records were accessibility. ber 2010. or 0121 472 1672. HeathfieldSchool, Please ring foraprospectus Wolverley, 01562 850204 Kidderminster, Norfolk House Nursery info@heathfieldschool.co.uk Worcs. www.heathfieldschool.co.uk DY10 3QE

Building for the future

Norfolk House Nurseryisthe new nurserydepartment of Norfolk HouseSchool, oneofthe country'sleading independentpreparatoryschools.The building,which stands adjacent to the school, has been completely refurbished and redecorated to the highest of standards and boasts beautiful landscaped grounds including a "secret garden" to the rear.Itwillprovide fulltime and sessional daycaretochildren aged 3months to 4 yearsinabright and airyenvironment in whichyour child will feel both stimulated and at ease.

Opens 15th September 2009

Formoreinformation, or to arrangeanappointment to view the school and its facilities,please contact: Helen MarescaB.Ed., Headmistress Norfolk House School, 4Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3PS T: 0121 454 7021 E: [email protected] www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk IV September 10, 2009 September 10, 2009 V

● Flag day: Headmaster Chris Edwards and his wife Karen accept the school flag from heads of school Rachel Toner and Alex Harding. Ending a successful year ONCE again Broms- grove School’s Com- memoration Day lived ● Sporting: St Martin’s captain Dan up to all expectations Mitchell with OSH’s Josh Banks. and was a fitting end to another very enjoy- able and successful Return visit academic year. The day started with ● All smiles: Sue Pickering and her ‘Oscar’. the traditional cere- CRICKETERS from South Africa’s St mony in the Cookes Martin’s School, Johannesburg, made a Room where the head return visit to Old Swinford Hospital, Hollywood glamour boy and head girl laid Stourbridge. the wreath beneath ● Rocket science: Amelia Bywater, Stephen Hill, of Starchaser, Sam Middlemiss, Rebecca Tilt and Ashley Gill. Their strong squad included no less than eight players who represent their A HOLLYWOOD-themed ‘Rat Pack’music. the portrait of Sir glamour ball, held at Broms- Sue, who is retiring after 22 Thomas Cookes and province. St Martin’s scored 208 for 6 off 50 overs, while OSH’s 1st XI were 176 all grove Pre-Preparatory and years at the school, said: “I celebrations contin- They’re aiming for the moon Nursery School, was a fab- have so many wonderful ued with the Leavers’ out, which meant that St Martin’s won by 32 runs. ulous success. memories of the evening, Service in the parish OLD Swinford Hospital welcomed the basis of an even bigger rocket to The winners of the annual OSH sci- Retiring headteacher Sue which I will treasure. Being church of St John. St Martin’s tour of included Float like a butterfly ● Dancing the night away: Amy McGowan- more than 100 prep school pupils to carry tourists into space by 2013. ence challenge cup were Vernon Pickering was awarded an given the responsibility for Prizegiving followed visits to Bath, Liverpool and London and Docherty, Freddy Green, Becky Pile, Joel White its annual schools’ summer festival. The Stourbridge school is one of only Lodge, from Brewood, for successful- tour manager Henri praised OSH for ‘Oscar’ for ‘best head- the welfare and develop- and guest speaker, Stars and rockets were the theme of 100 to be shown the rocket, which will ly making and firing their stomp mistress’, a charity raffle ment of Bromsgrove Pre- YEAR four children at Heathfield about butterflies, they enjoyed a boat Lady Marie Stubbs, and Hannah Morris at the leavers’ ball. their competitive spirit and fair sports- the day to recognise 2009 as the inter- hopefully inspire future generations rockets. Other events at the festival manship. raised £7,000 in aid of the Preparatory and Nursery School, Wolverley, visited Stratford ride on the River Avon, a picnic near delivered a profound tion and the day ended with call over national year of astronomy. of scientists, engineers and astro- included music ICT and drama work- Acorn’s Children’s Hospice School has been a privilege Butterfly Farm as part of their work a family of swans and cygnets and an speech. He looked forward to a return fixture on and the taking down of the school Star attraction was a visiting 38ft tall nauts. Pupils were taken on a jour- shops and a visit from Indian profes- their home ground. and a live band performed and a pleasure.” on life cycles. As well as learning hour of brass rubbing. A big band played to a gathered audi- flag.In the evening sixth formers rocket. The Starchaser Skybolt will ney through the solar system in the sional cricketer Aniket Redkar,who ence of pupils, parents and friends, enjoyed the annual leavers’ ball held be launched from a site in the UK in space dome. They learnt about the took pupils through their paces by the traditional fourth form cricket in the marquees on Gordon Green at November to test a number of sys- planets and constellations and what working on their cricket batting and match was played without interrup- the school. tems, which if successful, will form to look for in the night sky. fielding skills. St Mary’s putting girls first Worcester’sGirls’ School

KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL Wheregirls succeed

BIRMINGHAM An Independent Day School for Boys Open Morning Nursery (2¾ years) to Sixth Form Saturday 10 October 2009 9.30am –12noon

Saint Martin’sisanIndependent GSA Day School Non means-tested scholarships and means-tested OPENMORNINGS assisted places available. SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER &SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 10.00am -12.30pm (Please arrive between10.00am -10.30am) Saint Martin’s, MalvernHall, “Drama and music arestrong at all levels....” Financialassistance available Brueton Avenue, Solihull B91 3EN Independent SchoolsInspection Report Scholarships and Means-tested Assisted Places Tel. 0121 705 1265 Foraprospectusorfurther information pleasecontact: Generous Scholarships and Bursaries Available Tel: 0121 4721672. Email: [email protected] EdgbastonPark Road, Birmingham B15 2UA. [email protected] Charity No. 529051 www.saintmartins-school.com www.kes.org.uk www.stmarys.org.uk 01905 357786 Registered Charity No. 528967 VI September 10, 2009

Junior maths challenge

ONCE again pupils from Win- terfold House School, in Chad- desley Corbett, achieved excellent results in this year’s Junior Maths Challenge – a national compe- tition for the mathematically able. Telephone: 0121 454 1496 • www.hallfieldschool.co.uk Sixteen Winter- Open Morning Saturday 17th October 10.00am -12.00 noon fold children in years seven and eight received awards, gaining OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL five gold, three sil- ver and eight “An Outstanding Boarding School Education” bronze medals. Year eight pupil Jack Evans also ✔ Affordability ✔ Academic success made it through to the national finals ● Give it sum: Pupils celebrate doing well in the challenge. ✔ Topgrade in all Ofsted inspection categories on June 16 and received a distinction, which best 1,000 out of over 300,000 ships to senior schools. Win- ✔ Excellence in music and sport means he came in the top 1,200 maths students. A distinction terfold’s next open day will be entrants out of several hun- means that he has come in the held on Saturday, October 10, ✔ Boarding fees just £3075per term dred thousand entries across top 25 per cent of this final at 10am – please call in or visit ✔ Strong Pastoral Care System the country.To get into this thousand. This year’s leavers the school’s website at www.win- final Jack had to come in the also notched up 12 scholar- terfoldhouse.co.uk for details. ✔ Weekend programme of activities ✔ Sixth Form day student places for boys and girls Ensure quality and care Forfurther details contact The Registrar on 01384817325 for your child’s education or [email protected] FOUNDED in 1879, Hallfield Moving up to younger ones with- ties and dedicated staff, pupils get OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL School is one of the top mixed inde- in the school itself,pupils and the opportunity to take part in pendent schools within the region. teachers have a great working rela- plays,concerts,sports and even HEATH LANE,STOURBRIDGE,DY8 1QX Located just two miles from the tionship,with classrooms buzzing operas. website: www.oshsch.com city centre of Birmingham, it with life.The school has great facil- Hallfield is definitely a school to occupies a 20 acre site in Edgbas- ities and a comfortable working be considered, yet parents may still ton and has enjoyed years of suc- environment, yet at Hallfield there have doubts about the fees. cess,as pupils gain places at local is a noticeable difference in the However,there is always assis- selective maintained grammar or class sizes. tance and the governors of Hall- independent schools. Generally, state schools have a field School are awarding free From nursery to year six, Hallfield limit of 30 pupils to a teacher,yet places under the assisted places is open to all children who show an at Hallfield those numbers are con- scheme for pupils who display excellence in academic studies,yet siderably cut, ensuring each child excellence and potential. also show true potential to achieve gets the attention they deserve, Intended to attract more families in all aspects of education. whether it be to encourage or aid. with modest means,these places Starting from the nursery,where As well as ensuring that children will be awarded to those currently little ones start their education, aim high academically, Hallfield is in year one to year six. assistants and teachers work also about encouraging develop- For more information on assisted together to involve every child, ment in other areas including placements,or to make an appoint- providing care and assistance for music,drama, sports,arts and cul- ment to visit the school, please con- working parents within the hours ture. tact Alyson Devonshire on 0121 454 of 8am to 6pm. Supported by outstanding facili- 1496 or visit www.hallfieldschool.co.uk Winterfold West House School Edgbaston Dean Close Winterfold Independent Preparatory School forBoys Aged from 4to11years School House School OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER Come and see what makes us so special 9.30am -Noon For Girls &Boys 3-13 “A distinctive family ethos Bursaries available for local children and abalance between important traditional Open Morning values and the Saturday 26 September Open Day demands of modern education“ th Sat 10 October 2009 ISI Inspection 10.00am -12noon Report 2008

CHADDESLEY CORBETT • •DY10 4PW “The Doors To Success” Dean Close School Tel: 01242 258044 Dean Close Preparatory TEL 01562 777234 24 St. James Road &Pre-PreparatorySchool Tel: 01242 512217 Birmingham, B15 2NX hs ont www.deanclose.org.uk T: 0121 440 4097 12 m www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk 48weekNurseryfrom E: [email protected] co-educational |day and boarding |ages 3-18 www.westhouse.bham.sch.uk Charity no. 528959 September 10, 2009 VII New nursery all set to open its doors

THE Midlands’ newest ery,in Edgbaston, is the be able to accommo- him very proud. children which is second to children are nurtured and the independent day nurs- culmination of many date 52 youngsters “We have recruited the none.The intention is to estab- staffwork is all important and ery opens its doors this months of work on a from three months to highest calibre of staff, lish a nursery with a fine repu- is one in which children will month. lovingly-restored Vic- four-years-old. It will including a very expe- tation which will extend its feel both stimulated and at Norfolk House Nurs- torian house. be open all year round, rienced nursery man- teaching methods and pastoral ease,” he said. The nursery,which with the exception of ager, as well as refur- care to a new generation of Norfolk House School has been ● New era: The opens on Tuesday, Sep- bank holidays. bishing and redecorat- children, giving them the right at its present site for more than front aspect of the tember 15, is a depart- Jonathan Challinor, ing the building to the start on their journey in life.” 40 years and for the past three new nursery, com- ment of Norfolk House chairman of directors highest standards,” he Mr Challinor added that the years has been named Birm- missioned by the School, which is one of for the nursery and the said. landscaped grounds to the rear ingham’s best performing school from Birm- the city’s leading inde- school, said the open- “It’s important that we of the nursery also included a preparatory school in The Sun- ingham City Univer- pendent preparatory ing of the nursery was offer busy,professional “secret garden”. day Times Parent Power sity student Matt schools. a “natural extension” people a quality provi- “The environment in which League Table. Pupils’Hill. helpThe new nursery for will and one heroeswhich made sion of care for their

HAVING completed their common entrance examinations,the top year pupils at Abberley Hall decid- ed that it was time to give a little something back to a most worthy cause – Help 4 Heroes. The first fundraising event saw the 13-year-olds kayaking 100km over three days down the River Wye, starting at Glasbury and finishing at Ross-on-Wye. The children had been taught how ● Oarsome: Kayaking down to kayak in the Abberley Hall swim- the River Wye. ming pool and were eager to rise to the challenge to help our soldiers. the top year and four mem- All children felt that the challenge was bers of staffstarted their quite a tough one,but were spurred on by epic journey at 4.15am and singing, chanting and the promise of a completed the ride at 7pm, boil-in-the-bag stew at the end of the day. having been stopped by The second challenge was indeed a first police motorcyclists at Sen- ● Pedal power: Cycling 142 miles to Pembroke. for Abberley Hall – it was a 142-mile cycle nybridge in order to allow ride from Abberley Hall in Worcester- Prince Charles and his as one pupil said: “A lmost anything is pos- shire to Manorbier in Pembrokeshire in motorcade to pass through. sible when helping all those soldiers and one day. A massive £7,770 has been raised so far heroes who risk their lives for us and After extensive training, 14 children in through the children’s sponsorship and, many others across the globe.”

So much more than an education! An Independent Co-Educational School forpupils aged 3½-16 years

• Friendly,caring atmosphere • Promoting traditional values • Average class size 14 pupils • Outstanding Early Years Ofsted 2008 • Beautiful, rural location Peopleton, Pershore, WorcestershireWR10 2EE Tel: 01905 841242 www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk email: [email protected] VIII September 10, 2009 Editorial Advertising Alex Wellings Please contact (Please put Inde- Roz Barnes on pendent Educa- 01384 357115 tion in the sub- ject line) Email editorial: alex.wellings@mid- lands.newsquest.co.uk Email advertising: [email protected] All inquiries to 5 High Street, Broms- grove Success in the pool

ELIZA and Josh Bradley both qualified for the National ISA Swimming Championships and Eliza and Josh both won. The Heathfield School pupils have now been selected for the Worcestershire Schools swim- ming team. ● In the swim: Josh and Eliza Bradley. Swimming scholarships National THE Royal Wolverhampton School academic scholarship scheme,a has a vibrant nursery,which is in bursary programme designed to the process of expanding and a jun- assist pupils who may need assis- finals ior and senior school, which now tance and it is proud to be success- plays host to a combination of day ful partners in the government’s pupils who are representatives of ‘Pathfinder’ Scheme. YOUNGSTERS at a local primary ● Serving up success: Nick Gilmour, preparing for the Olympics. the local areas of Wolverhampton, This year has seen the opening of school have made something of a Dudley,Sutton Coldfield, Stafford a new girls’ boarding house due to splash by reaching the national and Birmingham, but who live and an increase in numbers and the final of the English Schools’ Swim- Nick is busy preparing work alongside UK and interna- school will soon be embarking on a ming Association (ESSA) follow- tional boarding students. series of exciting initiatives with- ing a barnstorming performance It is within this genuinely multi- intheboys’boardingenvironment. in the Relay Swimming Champi- cultural and multi-ethnic environ- Building on the success of the onships in Wolverhampton. for Olympic glory Having previously qualified for ment that the school fosters the Sport England and ASA West Mid- important values of tolerance, lands Swimming sponsored elite the finals of the medley and A WOLVERHAMPTON student is Nick, who lives in Compton, has been understanding and acceptance. performance hub,which started at freestyle relays,the eight-strong looking forward to pitting himself a student at Wolverhampton Gram- While it has students who are capa- the school in January 2009, the boys’ and girls’ teams from The against some of the world’s best mar School since he was 11 and is due ble of attaining four or five grade school is to offer up to 20 swimming BlueCoatSchool,Edgbaston,need- table tennis players when he com- to take A-levels in biology,art and PE A A-levels,who then move on to scholarships,equivalent to 50 per ed a first or second place to quali- petes in the Deaf Olympics taking next year.He is currently working universities such as Oxford, Cam- cent of the fees,from September fy for the Sheffield-based national place in Taipei this September. hard with his coach, Helen Lower, in bridge, the London School of Eco- 2009. The aim of the programme is final. The boys’ freestyle relay Nick Gilmour,aged 17, a student at order to be ready for his first match nomics and Imperial College,or to place swimmers on internation- looked the most likely event for the Wolverhampton Grammar School, of the Deaflympics. younger pupils who gain between al teams in national senior and school to secure a place,but not has been playing table tennis since “Travelling to the Far East to take ten and 12 A*/As at GCSE, the age/youth finals,as well as onto without a shaving of at least one he was 11 and in August he was part in such a huge international school also caters for students who the English talent programmes. second from the heat (1.07.23) named in the Great Britain squad for tournament will be a tremendous are likely to score less well on the To be eligible for the programme In the end, it fell to 11-year-old the Taipei Deaflympics, following a experience and I can’t wait for Sep- academic scale,but have an oppor- boys and girls,aged between 12 and George Wilson to race home in sec- series of trials which took place dur- tember.I’m not quite sure of the level tunity to develop many other per- 18, must have achieved a national ond place to Bromsgrove School ing the first six months of the year. of competition I will be facing in sonal skills and attributes that are time and meet the academic crite- with a stunning time of 1.05.23. “I was thrilled to be picked for the Taipei, so I want to be confident that of vital importance to their future ria set by the school. The swim- George enthused: “We we’re up 2009 Olympic squad,” said Nick. “A t I’m on top form so that I come back success ming scholarships are available against the clock all the time and club level I play for Woodfield in the feeling I did my very best out there,” What is of paramount importance towards boarding and day places competing against tough opposi- Wolverhampton Senior Table Tennis said Nick. to the headteacher is that each and and may be supplemented by tion,so it’s great to have made the League, so going out there to play The 21st Summer Deaflympics take every student is cared for and nur- means-tested bursaries. finals.” against some of the best deaf play- place in Taipei from September 5-15, tured from the very first moment Swimmers will be provided with a Swimming coach Terri Denham ers in the world will be a whole new with the table tennis tournament they come through the school door minimum of 25 hours a week water added: “This is a phenomenal challenge for me.” running from September 6-14. until they leave for the last time. and land training in the school’s 25 achievement by a very talented The school operates a successful metre indoor heated pool. group of swimmers.”