TES Independent School Awards 2019 | Holmewood School
The Holmewood School, an autism specialist school near Finchley, has won two prestigious awards at the TES Independent School Awards 2019Working in an autism specialist school like Holmewood, where all pupils are on the spectrum and more than half have mental health needs, can often be challenging. But the senior leadership team’s commitment to putting student and staff welfare first was…
Cranleigh Prep School on making AI work in class
Cranleigh Prep School Headmaster Neil Brooks considers future uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroomEducating is an incredibly positive occupation. Schools, colleges and universities are preparing future generations, and it is human instinct to aim to better what has gone before. Society demands progression: better health provision; more efficient transport networks; secure…
Shrewsbury School on the importance of a kindness culture
Leo Winkley, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, discusses its recent successes at the Independent School Awards and explains why a culture of kindness is so ingrained among pupils and staffAs the place where Charles Darwin learned his schoolboy science, Shrewsbury School has always looked to evolve to meet the challenges of the times. Founded in 1552, it has a deep heritage and strong sense of…
Putney High School’s green team
Putney High School's Biophilic Classroom project has produced fascinating findings about nature's ability to enhance both wellbeing and learningPutney High School's Biophilic Classroom study is a first – showing a clear route to improve a sense of wellbeing and even productivity in the classroom through the power of plants. It started in 2019 as part of the school's wider 'Breathe' programme…
Choosing a London infant school with excellent outdoor space
Choosing the right infant school for your child is an important decision, and there's many factors to consider, from academic reputation to the quality of pastoral care.Among these considerations is outdoor space which is so important for the holistic development of young children.London’s dense urban environment means that infant schools don't always have access to green spaces. This…
60 Seconds With William Brierly, Head of Claremont Fan Court School
The Headmaster of Claremont Fan Court School near Esher, Surrey on his background and educational philosophyWhat is your background?I joined Claremont from King’s College School, Wimbledon, where I had most recently been senior deputy head. I had attended King’s as a child, but it was the opportunity to evolve the school that inspired me so much there; I was head of sixth form at King’s…
Sutton High Prep School takes learning outside
Sutton High Prep School is taking class outside, with a new purpose-built space inspired by its pupils' desire to connect with natureCome rain or shine, Sutton High Prep School, Surrey will teach all pupils outside in a purpose-built outdoor classroom at least once a week. This change was inspired by its children, who said that walks they took during lockdown had made them calmer, happier and…
How schools are helping to boost children’s mental health and happiness
A holistic approach to education is helping schools to nurture children's mental health and focus on creating happy childhoods...From wellbeing lessons, to onsite counselling, schools are really stepping up their game when it comes to mental health. Pastoral care has become about so much more than simply safeguarding children. Looking after children's mental wellbeing now goes hand-in-hand…
60 Seconds With Kate Bailey, Headmistress of Godstowe Prep School
Kate Bailey, Headmistress of Godstowe Prep School in Buckinghamshire, on her background and educational approachWhat is your background?On leaving Edinburgh University after four happy years studying for an English and History MA, I moved to London and gained my PGCE from the Institute of Education, University of London. Finding my feet, I worked at Garden House Boys and Broomwood Hall in…
Question Time: Gabbitas answer your education questions
The team at Gabbitas Education answer your questions on pros and cons of moving to a different school for sixth form, choosing a UK boarding school when you're based overseas and acquiring the skills that make it more likely you will win a place at veterinary schoolQ: We're looking to place my daughter in a UK boarding school next September, but as we are living overseas, we're not really…