Nicky Adams takes a look at Thorpe Hall School’s school report
Overall Impressions
Thorpe Hall School is a non-selective, independent day school with exceptional facilities, competitive fees and outstanding results. Students enjoy a happy and positive school life, rich in variety and with a wealth of opportunity for them to be challenged, supported and successful. At Thorpe Hall there is a great emphasis on teaching pupils how to learn and how to develop the skills they need to become life-long learners, so that, wherever life takes them, they can be the best they can be.
World of Discovery
Thorpe Hall’s 10-acre site is surrounded by woodland, with the beaches of the Thames Estuary just a short walk away. As well as being an established Forest School, Thorpe Hall is also one of only a handful of Beach Schools in the country. Younger pupils regularly build dens, explore the seasons and discover the shoreline as part of their outdoor activities.
Dedication to Learning
A broad curriculum balances active, practical and stimulating areas of learning with outstanding academic results achieved. In Lower School, there is a long and distinguished record of preparing successful candidates for the 11+ exam. Many pupils choose to stay at Thorpe Hall and progress to the Upper School, one of the leading settings in the county for success at GCSE.
Achievement
At the heart of the school is the understanding that, to build self-esteem and self-confidence, a wide range of activities must be provided so that every child can achieve. These activities are not limited to academic study, but include sporting, social and cultural opportunities.
Technology
The Senior Leadership Team at Thorpe Hall embraces new ideas and has been recognised for innovative use of technology by the Independent Schools Association. A virtual learning environment is used to set and assess homework, store resources and provide lesson support. ICT resources are state-of-the-art and iPads feature throughout the school. The introduction of a WOW Room (which stands for Writing on the Wall) has brought a dynamic new concept to the classroom with large projection areas, integrated wireless technology and wipe-clean walls making lessons more visual and interactive.
Clear Vision
Ultimately, clear vision drives the best schools and Thorpe Hall has strong leadership in its headteacher, Andrew Hampton, and excellent senior management. This vision is shared not only by teachers and governors, but also by pupils and parents, translating into a strong school ethos with high expectations and a genuine spirit of working together.
Final comments
‘In response to the school’s promotion of its values, pupils create the family atmosphere in which they flourish and develop. Their self-esteem builds and they move on with confidence and maturity to achieve their potential.’ Independent Schools Inspectorate
Things to try at Thorpe Hall
•BE@T – Young business minds are challenged by the school’s BE@T initiative (Business and Enterprise at Thorpe Hall). The scheme invites commercially viable ideas from pupils with the best being awarded a fully trading franchise.
•Choice programme – Time set aside each week gives pupils the chance to try out new activities aimed at building competencies such as social skills, communication, perseverance and creativity. An impressive array of activities is offered, from horticulture and croquet to archery and rock climbing.
Get in touch
Thorpe Hall School
Wakering Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 3RD. 01702 582340. www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk
Thorpe Hall School featured in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 Independent Prep Schools and is in the top 25% of all schools in England for ‘Value Added’ scores.
