Deciding where to send your child for their education is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. To help you get it right, we’ve put together a handy guide outlining 8 of the best schools Essex has to offer
Every child that joins Dame Bradbury’s School takes an individual journey through which they flourish and succeed. Set in the beautiful town of Saffron Walden, they pride themselves on getting to know every child and their family.
As part of the renowned Stephen Perse Foundation, Dame B’s are not afraid to do things differently. Their approach encourages young people to become independent thinkers – preparing them for life way beyond school. Creativity and fun is everywhere - from the Forest School to the inspiring art facilities, as well as in clubs. From ballet to photography, rugby to rock band, there’s something to capture the imagination of every child at Dame B’s.
From ages 3 to 11, Dame B’s students share a willingness to experiment, to question and to take on new challenges. They leave the school full of enthusiasm, equipped with a love of learning and ready to take their next steps in life.
But don’t take their word for it - visit them in Saffron Walden to see them in action and understand for yourself what makes their learning environment so special.
Ashdon Rd, Saffron Walden CB10 2AL
t: 01799 522348
2) St. Anne’s Preparatory School
Here at St. Anne’s they instil politeness and good manners from an early age. They set standards high and aim to encourage pupils to develop as well-rounded individuals, academically, creatively, socially and spiritually.
Academically, they have an excellent track record as demonstrated by their national ranking of 13th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Preparatory Schools list. They put our success down to small class size – maximum of 20 - and the excellent teaching, motivation and encouragement provided by the dedicated team of teachers.
Sport is an important strand in the life of the school and everyone is encouraged to participate, resulting in St. Anne’s receiving the Gold School Games Mark for two consecutive years. Their specialist teachers of music, drama and choreography ensure that each child’s artistic potential is nurtured and, throughout their time at school, the children gain valuable experiences for personal and social development.
They aim to provide an education for life and pride themselves in preparing the children to face the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
154 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0AW
e: admin@stannesprep.essex.sch.uk
Pupils and staff at St Michael’s Church of England Preparatory School, Leigh on Sea, have moved into a suite of new classrooms that are revolutionising learning. The new Google classrooms are the most recent innovation in the school’s IT development plan which aims to transform pupils’ learning through adopting forward-thinking approaches to the use of IT within the curriculum. Through the virtual classrooms, pupils have immediate access to learning resources, are engaging in individual and collaborative learning tasks, responding to questions set by their teachers and contributing their comments to on-line class discussions.
The introduction of the Google Classroom to lessons has been enthusiastically welcomed by pupils, staff and parents. Head, Mr Steve Tompkins said, “Within hours of being introduced to Google Classroom, pupils were discovering the benefits of this new way of learning. Within the first few weeks, pupils have already been actively engaging in new and innovative learning activities that are sparking their imaginations and are promoting in pupils the essential qualities of independence, confidence and responsibility.”
This latest innovation is just part of the school’s wider aims to promote in pupils a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning. It comes as the school is promoting habits of curiosity, cooperation, resilience, resourcefulness and reflectiveness for high performance learning and personal development in order to prepare them for each new step in their education and to equip them for life and work in the digital age.
St Michael’s School, 198 Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2LP
t: 01702 478719
e: kipps@stmichaelsschool.co.uk
St Aubyn’s is a co-educational, independent school for 530 children aged 3 to 13 situated in the beautiful surroundings of Woodford Green and Epping Forest and easily accessible from London, the A12 and the M11.
It has excellent facilities to support the curriculum and numerous co-curricular activities; the Performing Arts Centre, Sports Hall and dining facilities are first class and add value to the overall experience at the School where emphasis is placed on development of the whole child and not just the examination candidate.
The Nursery pupils enjoy a new, purpose-built, world-class facility with state of the art equipment and furniture to complement this excellent setting.
Throughout the School academic attainment is paramount and they are proud of their success in this area. Last year 94% of pupils gained entry into selective HMC schools at 11+. This is a proud achievement when you consider that they are non-selective at source.
The most recent ISI inspection adjudged the children’s achievement to be “excellent”. Their strong focus on pastoral care and the individual management of pupils combines with an extraordinarily rich, varied and successful range of co–curricular activities to make this school a vibrant, outward looking and dynamic community. They invite you to contact the Admissions Registrar to arrange a visit to see the School in action, or come to the next Open Morning on Thursday, 14 March 2019, 10am – 12pm.
Bunces Lane, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 9DU | 020 8504 1577 | registrar@staubyns.com
At St Mary’s the emphasis is on encouraging pupils to be happy and to make the most of all the opportunities school life brings. When they feel secure and supported, pupils are able to do their best academically and also to develop as individuals, finding confidence, talents and interests that will bring them pleasure and fulfilment throughout their lives.
Lessons at St Mary’s are lively and designed to encourage a real enthusiasm for learning among girls aged 3 to 16 (and boys aged 3 to 4 in the Kindergarten). Art, drama, music, sport and all manner of other activities are also entered into with great energy and our pupils’ achievements across the board never cease to amaze us.
St Mary’s has a happy and caring atmosphere. In this very positive culture, pupils are keen to achieve, and this leads to success. St Mary’s pupils’ GCSE results are consistently among the best in the area – in 2017, 92% of all GCSE entries at St Mary’s were graded A* to C or grade four and above and SATs results are well above the national expectations, with many pupils achieving grammar school places and Senior School scholarships. All this despite the fact that St Mary’s is not an academically selective school.
To reserve your place at the next Open Day or to arrange an individual visit to the school, please contact the Registrar on 01206 216420, or email registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk. For more information see the website linked above.
91 Lexden Rd, Colchester, CO3 3RB
t: 01206 216420 e: registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.
6) Soaring High Montessori Primary School
Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside, Soaring High Montessori Primary School is an established independent co-educational primary school for children aged 4-11 years. Pupils are taught upholding the Montessori philosophy and ethos whilst ensuring that all National Curriculum requirements are met.
Learning is tailored to each child, as an individual, within the broad-based curriculum allowing children to advance at their own pace. With a wide variety of extracurricular activities on offer, including cross-country running, school choir, individual music and LAMDA lessons, yoga, and science club, children are able to follow and celebrate their own unique talents.
With staff to pupil ratios of 1:10, the highly qualified and dedicated staff body at Soaring High will ensure the best possible start for your child. It is the school’s aim for the children to transition to their secondary school of choice as motivated, enthusiastic learners that have a thirst for knowledge, a deep respect for themselves, their community and the environment.
Assessed by Ofsted (January 2017) to be outstanding in pupil development, behaviour and welfare, thry would love you to see what Soaring High can offer your child.
t: 01376 564 392 e: soaringhigh@coggeshallmontessori.co.uk
Facebook: Soaring High Montessori Primary School
7) St Margaret’s Preparatory School
Choosing a ‘big’ school for your child can be a daunting time. But at St. Margaret’s they’re here to hold their hand – and yours!
Reception classrooms are beautiful, bright and spacious, equipped with everything little learners needs to make every day special! A separate outdoor area, specifically for EYFS children, allows for exploring and building new friendships within seven acres of peaceful listed parkland.
Class sizes are small, with dedicated, enthusiastic, well qualified class teachers and teaching assistants. French, Music, Music & Movement and PE are taught by specialists, taking advantage of wonderful music and sports facilities.
They strive to make every child a confident, enthusiastic reader using the ‘Jolly Phonics’ and ‘Letters & Sounds’ programmes. Maths is taught daily to build solid foundations for their mathematical journey through school. Science, topic work, computer science, creative play and art add extra fizz to the week.
Extracurricular activities such as Forest School, exciting school trips and visitors and taking part in school productions allows the children to build confidence and instils a lifelong love of learning.
St. Margaret’s can provide your child with the best possible start to their educational journey - visit them soon!
Set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the Stour Estuary, the Royal Hospital School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds providing a full and broad education fit for the modern world. They inspire their pupils to have the courage to be ambitious for their futures.
Whichever path they choose, they encourage them to do so with commitment, integrity and belief in themselves. Everyone has the potential to achieve the most exceptional things but we are all different. That is why they focus on the individual looking for their strengths and nurturing their motivations.
Their role is to help navigate young people through their critical and formative years, ensuring that their education becomes the foundation for lifelong happiness and success.
To find out more come to their next Open Morning on Saturday 11 May 2019. Arrive at 9am for breakfast followed by a tour of the school with a pupil and a presentation by the Headmaster. There is an opportunity to meet staff and find out more about admissions before departures at around 12.30pm.
To book or to arrange a private visit please contact Kate Evers, Registrar on 01473 326 136 or admissions@royalhospitalschool.org or click here
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