55 School Opener.Indd 57 18/09/2014 09:34 Slug Here St Martha’S School in Barnet and (Right) Some of the Boarders

indEPEndEnT SchoolS SPEcial

The lady’s essential guide to private education. By Vanessa Berridge Go indEPEndEnT

19 SEPTEMBER 2014 The Lady 55

55 School opener.indd 57 18/09/2014 09:34 Slug here St Martha’s School in Barnet and (right) some of the boarders

Sports period gets lively at Forest School in London ChOOSINg the rIghT SChOOl It’s a choice that could change your child’s life. So just how do you make the right one?

hoosing a school is an school of your choice, you’re setting schools is now very competitive, so emotional business. It’s yourself up for a fall.’ even an able child may need some all too easy to let your It can be hard, of course, for par- extra support for the 11+ entry or aims and aspirations for ents to appraise the relative abilities Common entrance. Tuition can be Cyour child get in the way of clear- of their children, which is why it is seen as hothousing by pushy parents sightedness about their actual apti- worth listening to the advice of your determined to propel their children tude and personality. But it is vital to child’s current school when consider- into a chosen school regardless of be as objective as possible when making their next move. It is very much their aptitude. But this is not neces- ing this decision, and also to take in the school’s future interest that sarily so: tuition can offer a boost by professional advice from schools and their pupils go on to flourish in their giving children some one-to-one time even independent experts. senior schools. You could also con- to sort out any problems they have The most important thing that sider turning to organisations such with the syllabus that are not being parents should do is ‘align expecta- as gabbitas or William Clarence addressed in a large class at school. tions with abilities’, says Stephen education for a completely impartial It may be helpful for children moving Spriggs, managing director of Wil- academic assessment. William from the state to the independent sec- liam Clarence education, a provider Clarence education offers a half-day tor at 11 or 13, and needing coaching of highly qualified tutors and educa- evaluation of a child’s competence with the kind of exams set at these tional advice. ‘A lot of parents are in maths and english, from which ages. A tutor will be able to prepare a sucked into the brand names of big they will draw up a shortlist of child’s exam technique and develop schools, such as eton, harrow or schools. ‘We try to match the person- effective working methods. Westminster, when a less well-known ality of the child to the school,’ says ‘It’s a question,’ says Spriggs, ‘of school, such as repton or Oakham, Spriggs. ‘A happy child will find it far making sure children approach pa- may be better for their child. If you easier to learn.’ pers the right way.’ Private tuition decide there is no alternative to the entry to the most academic may also help to identify whether your

56 The Lady 19 SePTeMBer 2014

56 57 Choosing a school.indd 56 18/09/2014 09:35 independent schools special

Pupils enjoying their break at Downe House in Berkshire and (right) Forest School

child is in fact applying for the most care, how emotional problems are for my own children was a prep where appropriate school for his needs. dealt with, how the children are we were taken round by 13-year-olds For parents who may not them- divided up academically, how the in their final year.t heir enthusiasm selves have been to independent house system works, and how dis- was a glowing recommendation. schools, the whole enterprise may putes between children and about once you have visited, write down seem intimidating and baffling.s ome bullying are dealt with. look, too, at your impressions a day later, rather schools, too, are better than others at the notice boards and classroom than in the heat of the moment when putting parents at their ease: when walls: do they match the school’s you’re overwhelmed by the sales talk we went to look at a junior school for vaunted clubs and sports’ teams? is of the head and dazzled by the new our eldest son, the headmistress sat it only the rugby First XV who are theatre complex. it is probably best us on tiny chairs, so our noses were feted or does the school also flag up to take your children only to schools on a level with her desk. talk about the success of the level 6 netball you are seriously considering, and do power play! even if schools do their team? are the classroom walls cov- listen to what they say. it is easy for best to make you feel comfortable, ered with vibrant examples of chil- a 10-year-old’s views to be overlooked, you are undoubtedly there as sup- dren’s work or with mass-produced but they must be taken into account: plicants, hoping that your child will educational posters? try also to look their sixth sense may be right, while be admitted to this magic circle. to get as wide as possible a view of what’s on offer, you might visit thei ndepend- ‘Visit a number of schools to make comparisons, always ent schools show, which takes place on 8 and 9 november at battersea going during term time when lessons are in progress’ evolution in london’s battersea park. over 200 schools will be exhibiting, so the schools themselves will be sell- at the pupils’ books and essays. ask a parent may be blinded by the qual- ing, with prospective parents buying. for absolute numbers as well as ity of the facilities. some schools offer there will also be talks from school percentages for comparative studies half-day, day or overnight placements heads and leading educationalists. such as league tables. some schools in the case of boarding schools, to Visit a number of schools to make are inclined to claim, for example, give children an immersive experi- comparisons and do the groundwork 100 per cent success in a*s in man- ence. they’ll have a chance to eat a without your children, always going darin when only one (chinese) child meal at the school, take part in a les- during term time when lessons are in is sitting the exam. if the school is son and maybe a sports period, which progress. a wet morning break in reluctant to give you this breakdown, will give them a better idea of wheth- February is probably as good a test ask yourself why. er they can see themselves there. as any as to how well the school is be suspicious of a school tour that choosing a school is a bit like buy- run. as well as the obvious questions is led entirely by the head or a staff ing a house – a mixture of gut instinct about the curricular and extra-cur- member. the school i was most im- and hard-headed calculation. but ricular activities, ask about pastoral pressed by when researching schools your child’s needs are paramount. ■

19 september 2014 The Lady 57

56 57 Choosing a school.indd 57 18/09/2014 09:36 Day, full & weekly boarDing gSa School 900 girls 4-18 years | founded 1885 StCatherine’s Bramley

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Choosing the right f you are choosing a very aca- Woods, ‘and the experience gives demic school for your child, them insights into themselves and school is essential, there are certain assumptions each other. Pupils have to build a CV, that the pupils will be thor- not just write it, and need to learn but so is planning Ioughly prepared for their exams and transferable skills, which employers likely to achieve high grades. But how want.’ The careers process starts with for the next stage of do you look beyond scholastic attain- Year 10 pupils being encouraged to ment to find out how well the students look at job advertisements and really your child’s life will be equipped for life beyond the think about what employers are seek- school room and even university? ing. ‘We steer them to ask these ques- Gordon Woods, warden of Glen- tions of themselves.’ almond College in Perthshire, ad- Alice Phillips, headmistress of vises parents to look at a school’s St Catherine’s School in Bramley, Sur- broader curriculum, beyond the class- rey, and current president of the Girls’ room. ‘I spend up to 45 minutes with Schools Association (GSA), starts her every prospective parent,’ he tells me, pupils thinking about working life as ‘and I stress the importance of devel- young as Year 9. Mothers are invited oping leadership in our pupils.’ to come in to talk about their careers Glenalmond has the advantage of and are introduced to the class by 300 acres of sports pitches, lakes and their own daughters. The following woodlands in which the mostly year, girls prepare their first CVs, boarding pupils can be tested in a which they can use to get temporary variety of ways. These include a low- jobs such as babysitting. A big careers er sixth form leadership exercise, led fair is held at the school biennially, PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT St Martha’s: by staff and external specialists. Pu- and at the end of term, an alumna pupils are pils camp out on the hills and take from the last decade lectures to the equipped for part in arduous activities such as be- whole school. ‘Our alumnae register university ing woken at 3am to canoe down the is enormously important,’ says Phil- River Tay. lips. ‘We use it all the time to put girls ‘They have to help each other to in touch with a range of careers.’ complete the programme,’ says At Eastbourne College there’s w

19 SEPTEMBER 2014 The Lady 59

59 60 Schools_The next stage.indd 59 18/09/2014 09:42 independent schools special

is another pillar in the canford activities, and which offer a wide programme, with pupils visiting the range of extra-curricular opportuni- elderly, teaching in primary schools, ties. independence of learning is val- working in a hospice, and providing ued above all else. We avoid the “teach ground-force assistance at local sites. to test” mentality and league-table all this gives pupils insight into them- culture that exists in some schools, selves and others to help them make and have adopted the rigorous iGcse the right life choices. assistance is exams. We don’t want our pupils to given on the structure and content of get to university simply by passing a generic cV, with advice on how to exams to meet an offer; we want them A St Catherine’s deal with demanding online applica- to get through university with a good pupil meets the tion forms. the school’s alumni men- degree, achieved by thinking and Duchess of Cornwall toring programme is ‘where they learn learning for themselves.’ the importance of networking, build- similarly, eastbourne college en- an extensive careers programme from ing relationships and getting practical courages pupils to work independ- Year 10, including careers-interest experience in a career area that in- ently outside of lessons, with older questionnaires, visits from key profes- terests them’. pupils required to set aside time to sions, and a careers convention sup- education is, in the end, about complete their work. its extensive co- ported by 50 old eastbournians. more than academic success, as curricular programmes help, says sixth-formers receive guidance in dominic oliver, headmaster at lanc- headmaster simon davies, ‘to nurture course and institution choice, including college in West sussex, stresses. children to be remarkable young peo- ing overseas and vocational courses. ‘a successful school will nurture and ple. We want to enable our pupils to an outside organisation provides grow a child’s sense of themselves but stand out because of who they are, interview practice with feedback. also a sense of the importance of not simply for what they achieve.’ Matthew Burke, headmaster of all- girls’ st Martha’s school, Barnet, uses former pupils as mentors, and also ‘Most independent schools will provide a wide buys in advice from outside experts on time management and study skills. range of experiences for pupils across the term’ ‘the girls need to be equipped for university, when they won’t have a form tutor on their back chivvying others. such a school will produce the independent sector’s big ad- them,’ Burke says. confident individuals, who will trust vantage is that the majority of schools, all st Martha’s sixth-formers do key adults around them, and will day and boarding, don’t have a ‘nine the extended project Qualification know their perspective is noted and to five’ attitude, so allow pupils a wide (epQ), which requires the girls to do heard. they will also recognise that range of experiences across the term. individual research and make pres- this needs to be balanced against the alice phillips’s advice to prospective entations. the school’s sixth-form perspective of others and the needs parents is to talk to sixth-formers and ‘enrichment’ programme introduces of the whole community.’ ask them about their decisions. ‘ask, the girls to outsiders who will talk daniel connolly, the college’s reg- for instance, how and why they chose about careers, gap years and even istrar, advises parents to ‘look for their universities. they are your best alternatives to university. ‘it’s not schools with opportunities for leader- guide as to whether the school truly necessary, for instance, to have a de- ship and representation, in houses, offers its students choice and the op- gree for accountancy,’ Burke points sport, music, drama and community portunity to learn independence.’ ■ out. all pupils do religious education up to Gcse, so they are confronted Lancing College by the ethical questions that a profes- students working sion such as medicine throws up. the together school’s denominational status is crucial, he says. ‘the fact that st Mar- tha’s is a catholic school ensures that the girls are not just given paper qualifications but also a moral com- pass – to do the right thing and show it by the way they live their lives.’ canford, a co-educational boarding and day school in dorset, provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to learn new skills beyond the academic curriculum and to gain independence. as at st Martha’s, pupils take the epQ, as well as selecting a series of classes on non-a-level sub- jects such as law, archaeology and the classical world. community service

60 The Lady 19 septeMBeR 2014

59 60 Schools_The next stage.indd 60 18/09/2014 09:42 Learn Open Day An outstanding education for a bright future Saturday 20 September 2014 8.30am-1.30pm www.forest.org.uk [email protected] 1,300 boys and girls aged 4-18 who 020 8520 1744 are taught in single-sex classes at key stages of their education.

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Engrossed in projects at Moreton Hall School

neW technoloGY – FRiend or Foe? schools are and gives greater access for pupils to a co-ed day and boarding school for changing with the lesson material. For instance, staff children from two-and-a-half to 13, in can record lessons to be rerun later shropshire. ‘there are two approach- times… but how for revision. it’s particularly helpful es that schools may take with regard in maths where children can go back to wireless devices,’ he says. ‘You can will technology over problems they have struggled go for school owned and administered with earlier in the year.’ or bring your own device (BYod). affect your child’s portsmouth high school is a mem- ‘the problem with the latter, ber of the Girls’ day school trust cheaper option, is of having a multi- education? (Gdst), which enables the sharing tude of different sorts of devices in of best teaching practice across its the classroom. there is absolutely no 24 independent schools and two escaping the fact that we shall have ew technology is trans- academies. cat scutt, head of creative to install a managed Wi-Fi system w forming school life and teaching and learning at the trust, learning, and is a pow- says that ict is a very powerful tool. erful tool if harnessed ‘We have developed a teacher col- then right way. We cover some of the laboration site, organised by subject. issues raised by new technology over it offers teachers the opportunity the last decade or so. to have vigorous discussions across Jane prescott, headmistress of all- the geographically dispersed schools. girls portsmouth high school, is on not every school has an ict expert, the independent schools council’s so we can help with expertise from (isc) information and computer tech- other schools.’ nology (ict) committee. ‘new tech- there are tricky decisions to be Google-eyed: nology is a huge help with teaching,’ made about how schools implement Canford School she tells me. ‘it promotes engagement, new technology, says Jeremy Bloom- pupils provides different ways of learning field, head ofit at Moor park school,

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63 64 SCHOOLS New Technology.indd 63 18/09/2014 09:43 independent schools special

in the near future. Very expensive, but no choice…’ moreton hall school in shropshire, however, has chosen to allow its girls to use their own devices in class to access resources, share work with their teacher and for the teacher to show work from a student’s device through the cloud, as well as for independent research and learning. IT should enhance ‘Using a cloud-based system al- teaching rather than lows for cross-platform compatibility,’ be used to replace it says sona champion, it co-ordinator at moreton hall school, ‘and so gives parents the choice of device to nothing to beat the interaction there has been a breach, such as writ- buy for their daughters, rather than between teachers and pupils: it ing unpleasantly about another girl, imposing only a certain type to should enhance teaching rather than or posting an unflattering picture of be provided for school at an ever- be used to replace it. there are some someone else. they have to realise increasing cost.’ disadvantages to it, says prescott that such actions are hurtful and sybil cary, head of ict at co-ed of portsmouth high. ‘pupils and that it’s not in their gift to post other pre-prep and prep milbourne lodge teachers can become over-reliant – people’s photos.’ school in surrey, formerly worked in and it doesn’t always work. children maurice Walters, head of academ- the computer industry and in broad- are so fast and savvy that they some- ic enrichment at canford school, casting, and so is familiar with a times know more than a teacher, says: ‘What pupils tend to lack is the range of it systems. ‘it frees teachers which can be threatening.’ ability to filter and funnel informa- up from the traditional classroom and as sybil cary of milbourne lodge tion and to discern what is relevant and what is not. there is an interest- ing schizophrenia in attitude to what ‘The very speed of the evolution of new technology is in is written online. When they post itself an extraordinary challenge for today’s schools’ something about one of their friends on twitter or Facebook, they are happy to write what is fictitious, enables them to engage children points out, new technology can also whereas when they read something who learn in different ways.i magina- make teachers lazy. ‘some of the posted by someone else, they accept tion is the only limitation,’ she says. best teaching is still done using books it as incontrovertible truth without pupils at the school record their and through the personal experi - question.’ activities and also blog about what ences of staff. nothing beats a good e-safety and cyber-bullying are not they have been doing. ‘technology raconteur for capturing the imagina- problems that are unique to technol- makes lessons so much broader – and tion of the class.’ ogy, says scutt of the Gdst. ‘it’s no there is a massive amount out there the very speed of the evolution of different from face-to-face bullying which is free.’ new technology is in itself an extraor- and you need to teach the students all the teachers i spoke to are dinary challenge for schools. ‘Within responsibility and how to keep them- agreed that ultimately there is a decade, we have gone from zero to selves safe. they need good models hero, and there’s no benchmark,’ says of education for technology just as cary. ‘there are no handed-down they do for other aspects of their per- models, so schools are making up sonal life at school.’ rules and boundaries about social most schools don’t attempt to take media and internet use as they go mobiles and other devices away from along.’ pupils at school. ‘We believe in teach- because of the age of the children, ing them how and when to use them,’ Facebook and twitter are not used in says prescott. at moreton hall, says school at milbourne lodge. ‘but we champion, ‘there are no restrictions are teaching them how to blog safely,’ to social media sites during the day says cary. ‘parents and children here (the girls would be able to access them sign up to our safe-use policy. We through 3G, which we don’t have con- teach children to remember not to trol over), but there are restrictions in leave a trail, not to leave images that the evening. access cut-off times are their parents wouldn’t like, and to tell different, depending on the age of the an adult if they see something inap- pupils. social media is an important propriate during their internet use.’ part of a boarder’s life, so they don’t Medical science: prescott says that it is important feel cut off from friends and family, access to equipment to keep reminding the older girls of which is an important element for has really moved on what is suitable. ‘We act swiftly if their continued happiness.’ ■

64 The Lady 19 september 2014

63 64 SCHOOLS New Technology.indd 64 18/09/2014 09:43 Visit our OPEN MORNING • Saturday 4 October 2014 • 9.00am – noon

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00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 12/09/2014 15:51 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SPECIAL

Forest School pupils are taught the importance of community

mANNErS mAKETH bOYS and GIrLS Just how do schools go about ensuring good manners and thoughtfulness?

anners makyth man’ Elbows by your side and off the table, Courtesy makes is the famous motto Only eat the food on your plate, a school a of Winchester Col- Use your knife AND fork – that’s great, happier place lege, founded by Wil- Superb manners go down well!’ mliam of Wykeham, bishop of Winches- ter and Chancellor of England in the Freddie’s Courteous Code has now late 14th century. It may seem rather been enforced across the school, and an outdated concept in the pell-mell those pupils falling below the required of 21st-century life, but it was an standard are sent on a manners adage that struck a chord with 13-year- awareness course. It may sound a old Freddie Wootton, a pupil at Fel- bit prissy, but headmistress Jenny sted Preparatory School in north burrett says that Freddie’s resource- Essex. A member of the school coun- fulness has worked, and the children, cil, he decided to establish his own although amused at first, have code of conduct for mealtimes, intro- responded well. ‘It has been very ducing his own little mnemonic: much child-led. Teaching students ‘Clean hands and go to the loo, life skills, such as good table manners, Open mouths to chat, not to chew, is important preparation for their Use ‘please and thank you’ to get what future social interactions. As a school, you wish, it’s our duty to teach that.’ Remember – place knife and fork side Other schools are also using meal- by side on the dish, times as a springboard for raising Try to use your napkin if you’re able, wider questions about respect for w

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67 68 School_Manners.indd 67 18/09/2014 09:44 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SPECIAL

others. Downe House, a girls’ boarding school in Berkshire, has replaced long refectory tables with round ones, which have cloths, fresh fl owers and proper cutlery. ‘It’s an opportunity for girls to eat in a more traditional way, at a time when families don’t sit down Sidcot, a together and good table manners Quaker school are not being picked up,’ says Teresa in Somerset MacColl, boarding deputy at the school. ‘The girls will also eat breakfast with the headmistress on certain is at the heart of the school’s ethos. the sixth form. ‘We serve an ethni- days and will be expected to carry We have four school rules: speak the cally diverse area of London,’ says the on a conversation.’ truth; be generous; be kind; and warden, Sarah Kerr-Dineen. ‘The Similarly, at the co-ed St James never be careless, but be your best. pupils come from many diff erent Junior School in west London, food It’s a living, breathing philosophy: if walks of life and backgrounds, but is brought to the table, which is cor- you are not kind to others, you don’t they are all fellow pupils in the school, rectly set, and the teachers sit with get on in life.’ where diversity is celebrated.’ the children. ‘We teach them to serve It is important, too, stresses Tom- One of the school’s values is com- others before themselves, encourage linson, that the teachers also embody munity, with pupils expected to sign them to pass food, and to thank the the school’s philosophy in their up for its code of conduct on arrival. dinner ladies as well,’ explains head- behaviour to each other and to the ‘They have a part to play in making mistress Catherine Thomlinson. children: children should stand up the school a nice place to be,’ adds ‘This induces an atmosphere of serv- when teachers come into the room, Kerr-Dineen. ‘The obvious manifesta- ice, kindness and care, which goes and teachers should respond by tions are letting people pass and not beyond physical table manners.’ thanking them. slamming doors, but the pupils also For this is really the essence of Timothy Hobbs, headmaster and seem naturally to look out for one such initiatives at these schools. It founder of the co-ed Hall School in another and will seek help if they can may seem relatively trivial how Wimbledon, agrees: ‘Consideration see that a fellow student is distressed. They realise that they have the power to make people happy or unhappy.’ ‘Our school rules form a living, breathing philosophy: ‘Manners are a way of life here,’ says Jackie Bagnall, director of the if you are not kind to others, you don’t get on in life’ Centre for Peace and Global Studies, at Sidcot, a Quaker school in north Somerset. ‘In Quaker practice, when children hold their forks, but what and kindness are the foundation of others speak we need to fi nd the dis- good table manners signify is impor- good manners. At school, a child who cipline to sit quietly and listen to what tant, for so much of social intercourse is treated with courtesy and respect, they say, to hold back our immediate is carried out over meals of one kind and who feels safe and appreciated, response to take time to really listen. or another. It’s something of a cul- will respond in like manner. Being This is the respect that is needed to tural battle, believes MacColl of polite in a hostile situation can often build and develop relationships.’ ■ Downe House. be your most powerful weapon. At ‘My colleagues complain that the the heart of it all is the need for a child girls have become ruder in the past to be aware of those with whom he or fi ve years. I hesitate to blame parents, she spends time, to notice their feel- but they are undoubtedly more lib- ings and understand their diff er- eral and less rigorous. If parents don’t ences and shared interests.’ insist on good manners, the girls start Respect for diff erence is signifi - at a lower level when they come to the cant, as Burrett of Felsted explains. school and it is a challenge for us. We ‘We have a number of international have to teach them to value them- children in the school, and we encour- selves and those they come into con- age them to talk about their lives and tact with. We are looking to the future their homes. In the sixth form, we run beyond our sheltered bubble, because an etiquette course about understand- employers are saying that young peo- ing diff erent cultural conventions and ple don’t fi t into their organisations having respect for others.’ This is because they don’t know how to true, too, of Forest School, at Snares- behave with others.’ brook in southeast London, Such training needs to start young. which teaches boys and Pupils need Thomlinson of St James echoes girls in separate a code of MacColl: ‘Looking after one another classes until conduct

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GDSTTheLadyAdvertSept2014.indd 1 09/09/2014 17:46:12 00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 12/09/2014 16:56 indEPEndEnT SchoolS SPEcial

It is cricket Dulwich College at Dulwich was founded College in 1619 hoW to PaY for PRiVaTE

independent their best to control costs and stop one method of tax-free saving for fees increasing. Many are letting out the longer term, but there are other schools aren’t their facilities in holidays for confer- shorter-term plans if the more im- ences and summer schools. and the mediate future is a problem. cheap. But there independent sector is bringing mon- ideally, parents likely to choose ey into the overall British economy.’ private education should start invest- are many ways Taylor’s advice is that ‘it is crucial ing as soon as the child is born. if you to make them to prepare for the commitment of pay- can afford to put £10,000 away at that ing fees as early as possible, and to point, you’ll find things easier later more affordable have in place a strategy to meet fees on, but even £200 a month will help if in the event of death, illness or loss invested in the right interest-earning of income’. he also advocates taking scheme. Bobker recommends starting professional advice at the outset. ‘with a small amount that’s comfort- ndependent school fees have Keren Bobker, senior associate at able to you and increase it as you can’. more than quadrupled over the holborn assets, adds that different My sons’ school used to encourage past 20 years, according to a education plans are available from a parents to pay by direct debit, sug - recent study. Figures suggest range of well-respected providers. gesting, to our derision, that it would ithat an infant enrolled at a private day school this year will eventually cost their parents £271,000 in fees ‘Not all school fees are the same. There can be a and associated extras by the time they take their a-levels. does this mean 50 per cent difference in cost, so do shop around’ that these schools will become the preserve of the super-rich, or an international export, pricing out the Bespoke advice is important as one avoid the cost of a stamp for our children of doctors, lawyers and civ- size will not fit all. aspects to con- cheque. on a more serious note, many il servants? and if you’re not super- sider include family circumstances schools, including St catherine’s, rich, how do you contemplate paying (are grandparents likely to want/be Bramley, offer a fee composition pack- for 13 years of independent education? able to contribute?); the time frame age. ‘Parents buy a number of years’ a number of financial pressures (will you be paying for a child’s tuition fees at a discount,’ explains headmis- drive the rise in fees, says Mark Tay- starting from when they are three, or tress alice Phillips, ‘and invest with lor, bursar at the King’s School, can- from the age of 13?) and the amount us rather than a bank. They don’t get terbury, and current chairman of the of initial investment available. interest, but they get, say, a three per independent Schools’ Bursars asso- The purpose of these payment cent discount. These are ideal for ciation (iSBa). ‘The cost of utilities plans is to spread the cost of schooling grandparents who may be downsizing and teachers’ pay are both big drivers,’ over a longer period and thus make and “want to give with a warm hand”.’ he explains. ‘But schools are doing the fees more affordable. iSas are according to Janette Wallis, senior

70 The Lady 19 SEPTEMBER 2014

70 73Schools_Fees&address book.indd 70 18/09/2014 09:45 Meet Charlotte. She wants to be an artist. We’re going to help her get there.

‘A more forward-thinking, flexible education to equip girls better for life beyond school.’ Tatler Schools Guide 2014

An Independent Boarding School for girls aged 11-18. Open Days: 22 Nov 2014, 17 Jan 2015 and 21 Mar 2015. Friends’ School SaffronWalden Open Morning - 11th October, 10am Please contact [email protected] to book an appointment. t. 01635 200286 www.downehouse.net www.friends.org.uk [email protected]

Independent, co-educational, weekly boarding school for students aged 13 to 18, with an impressive academic record and wide variety of co-curricular activities. Set in a stunning rural location on the edge of the Surrey Hills, Cranleigh prides itself in helping every student to broaden their horizons and exceed their expectations.

For more information, or to arrange a visit, call 01483 273666 or e-mail [email protected]

B1491 CS 133x190L 3.indd 1 05/09/2014 16:43

00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 15/09/2014 11:59 “This is where I belong” We are North London and Hertfordshire’s leading Independent Catholic School for Girls aged 11-18. We accept girls from all faiths and traditions. Open Morning 27 September 2014 10.00am to 1.00pm Sixth Form Open Evening 16th October 2014 6pm to 8pm Tel: 020 8449 6889 [email protected]

St Martha’s School Independent Catholic Girls’ School Camlet Way Hadley Wood Barnet Hertfordshire EN4 0NJ st-marthas.co.uk

00DISPLAY AD Template.indt 1 12/09/2014 16:20 Slug Here

Dulwich College musicians (above) and King’s College School, Wimbledon

The Duchess of Cornwall visits St Catherine’s

editor at The good Schools guide, ADDreSS Book ‘some parents plan excessively, while SchoolS London 020-8862 2254, others will just have one term’s fees Brighton & Hove High School www.stbenedicts.org.uk in their hands’. She adds that parents 01273-280280, www.bhhs.gdst.net St Catherine’s, Bramley, Surrey should shop around: ‘Not all school Canford School, Dorset 01483-893363, fees are the same. There can be a 01202-841254, www.canford.com www.stcatherines.info 50 per cent difference in cost.’ Downe House, Berkshire 01635- St James Junior School, It is worth parents looking at The 200286, www.downehouse.net London 020-7348 1793, good Schools guide’s Scholarship Dulwich College, London 020- www.stjamesschools.co.uk and Bursary Service, which is a com- 8693 3601, www.dulwich.org.uk St Martha’s, Barnet 020-8449 prehensive database of schools offer- Eastbourne College 01323-452300, 6889, st-marthas.co.uk ing bursaries and scholarships: a third www.eastbourne-college.co.uk Sidcot School, North Somerset of pupils receive financial help of Edgeborough, Surrey 01252- 01934-843102, www.sidcot.org.uk some sort, according to figures from 792495, www.edgeborough.co.uk The Dragon School, Oxford the Independent Schools Council Felsted School, Essex 01371- 01865-315400, www.dragonschool.org (ISC), which represents schools edu- 822600, www.felsted.org The King’s School, Canterbury cating four out of five children in the Forest School, Snaresbrook, 01227-595501, www.kings-school.co.uk independent sector. In recent years, London 020-8520 1744, Woodcote House School, the targeting of funds has changed www.forest.org.uk Windlesham, Surrey 01276-472115, from scholarships being awarded on Friends’ School, Saffron Walden www.woodcotehouseschool.co.uk academic, sporting or musical merit, 01799-525351, www.friends.org.uk regardless of parental income, to Glenalmond College, Perthshire organiSationS means-tested bursaries. 01738-842000, Gabbitas Educational Consultants Many independent schools began www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk 020-7734 0161, www.gabbitas.co.uk life as charitable foundations, so the Gresham’s School, Holt, Norfolk Girls’ Days Schools Trust greater recent emphasis on bursaries 01263-714500, www.greshams.com 020-7393 6666, www.gdst.net is very much in the original spirit of Hall School Wimbledon 020-8394 Independent Schools’ Bursars the schools. That is true of Dulwich 6144 (admissions), hsw.co.uk Association 01256-330369, College, founded in 1619 by the actor King’s College School, Wimbledon www.theisba.org.uk edward Alleyn, who stated that the 020-8255 5300, www.kcs.org.uk Independent Schools Council college would be for ‘poor scholars’. Lancing College, West Sussex 020-7766 7070, www.isc.co.uk Dulwich has sought to maintain this 01273-452213, www.lancingcollege. Independent Schools Show tradition by providing bursaries for co.uk 020-3301 0299, boys whose parents are unable to meet Milbourne Lodge School, Surrey www.schoolsshow.co.uk the school’s fees. 01372-462737, The Good Schools Guide So the advice is, get saving early, www.milbournelodge.co.uk 020-7193 1167, www. take financial advice, shop around – Moor Park, Shropshire 01584- goodschoolsguide.co.uk and find out whether your child might 876061, www.moorpark.org.uk The Headmasters’ and be eligible for a bursary at the school Moreton Hall School, Shropshire Headmistresses’ Conference of your choice. Independent education 01691-773671, 01858-469059, www.hmc.org.uk is costly, but it may not be as far be- www.moretonhallschool.com William Clarence of London yond your means as it first appears.■ St Benedict’s School, Ealing, 020-7412 8988, williamclarence.com

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