Roots: Eaton House Schools’ focus on the future
Eaton House Schools has grown from one pioneering London prep to a thriving family of five schools. Rich in notable alumni, it has always combined tradition with a modern approach to educating boys and girlsEaton House Schools is a stalwart of the London education scene, now encompassing five schools across two historic sites – one in the heart of Belgravia and the other overlooking leafy…
Building confidence: how all-girls schools prepare young women for success
It's well documented that girls tend to do better academically in single-sex schools. But all-girls schools are not only the path to achieving higher grades. The unique environment that they create fosters confidence, building a supportive atmosphere where girls can thrive socially and personally – as well as academically. Read on to find out why an all-girls school could be the best choice for…
Teaching entrepreneurship – four schools talk business
Teaching entrepreneurship has huge value, whether or not a young person decides to carve a career in business. We find out how schools develop that can-do attitude – alongside social responsibility – both in and out of the classroomCranleigh SchoolAt Cranleigh School in Surrey, entrepreneurship is introduced in imaginative ways. Year 9, pupils consider financial planning, profit/loss and…
Academic and co-curricular learning: helping pupils develop essential ‘soft skills’
Academic track record will always be one of the first things parents look at when considering a school. However, although good grades are important, developing 'soft skills' will help prepare your child for life after school and the world of work. Many soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication can be learnt in the classroom. However, activities that complement the curriculum –…
How girls’ schools are challenging gender stereotypes
Choosing a senior school for your daughter is a huge decision for any parent and single sex vs co-ed is high up on the list of considerations. The academic benefits of single sex schools for girls are well documented. But have you thought about all the other ways that girls' schools help to give young women an edge?Girls' schools focus on empowering young women to become leaders, thinkers,…
Making an entrance | Senior schools are rethinking admissions
Absolutely Education investigates admissions changesLast October, Patrick Derham, head of Westminster School, used his column in The Times to proclaim a change to the admissions policy, an alteration which would generally have warranted only a tweak to the website. His very public declaration of the school’s intention to abandon 13+ Common Entrance from 2021 was summed up in the phrase…
Question Time | SEN Specialist and Gabbitas consultant has the answers
What should you do if you think your child has SEN?We try not to, but we’re only human: we compare our brood at the school gate, over a cup of coffee, and on the touch line... ‘How is my child doing? What reading scheme are they on? Have they been invited to so and so’s party?' But sometimes a gnawing thought returns with regular monotony – your child isn’t doing as well as their…
Kew House on the importance of community focus
Will Williams, Headmaster of Kew House School, talks about the challenges – and opportunities – of a focus on community spiritOf all the lessons we have learnt from recent times, the importance of the role played by schools in forging and maintaining community cannot be overlooked. Timely as they were, the renewed statutory responsibilities within the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)…
Reed’s and Tim Henman – foundations of strength
Reed's School describes its unique position as a 'foundation with a school' and its important work with alumnus Tim Henman and his charitable foundationReed’s School was founded as a charitable orphanage in 1813 by Rev. Dr Andrew Reed. It was originally named the London Orphan Asylum, during a time when ‘asylum’ meant a place of sanctuary. Reed believed all children, regardless of…
The benefits of forest school
The Director of Activities at Moulsford Prep explains the benefits of Forest School, and why all schools should take up outdoor learningMore and more schools are appreciating the benefits of outdoor learning and realising the value of getting children outside. Children don’t always learn best in a classroom environment and offering practical learning in nature can help keep children…