Address: Woolhampton, Berkshire RG7 5TD
Website: elstreeschool.org.uk
Founded: 1848
Number of Pupils: 300
Ages: 3-13 years
Fees: £3,405 – £8,300
Head Teacher: Sid Inglis
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Entrance Procedure: Non-selective until Year 5
Contact: Alexandra Harrison, Registrar, 0118 971 3302
Email: [email protected]
School Visits: Open Mornings in September, March and May. Individual visits by appointment with the registrar.
The Curriculum
Academically ambitious, we proudly encourage pupils to stretch themselves and fulfil their potential to the best of their individual ability. Our broad curriculum is supported by small class sizes and specialist, inspirational teaching that will encourage a love of learning.
Games & The Arts
With 150 acres of space, Elstree’s sporting facilities are second to none and the grounds are home to a world of adventure that fosters creativity, resilience and life-long, happy childhood memories. Music, drama and art are taught throughout every level of the School and the unique talents of each child is celebrated, so that they all have a sense of their own worth.
Pastoral Care
Elstree recognises the privilege and responsibility that comes with ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of pupils. Exceptional teaching staff meet daily to collaborate on how to build the character and confidence of each pupil. We take great pride in our all-encompassing atmosphere of encouragement and kindness, believing in nurturing children who are prepared for an ever-changing world.
Recent Scholarships
Over 30% of last year’s leavers were awarded a Scholarship or Exhibition. Winchester – Academic Scholarship & Sports Exhibition; Radley – Sports Scholarship & Drama Exhibition; Downe House – Creative Arts Exhibition; Harrow – Music Scholarship; Sherborne – 2 Drama Exhibition; Pangbourne – DT; Lord Wandsworth – Sport.
Head Teacher’s Philosophy
We believe in a proper childhood and a first-class education. There is a rigour and ambition to learning at Elstree that is complimented by a sense of opportunity, adventure and happy friendship. We support each of our pupils on an individual basis, nurture their unique character and strengths so they will confidently contribute to the world around them with confidence, kindness and humility.
Outstanding Characteristics
A reputation for academic excellence with links to top UK Senior Schools including Eton, Downe House, Marlborough, Radley, Bradfield and Wellington. Incredible grounds including 2 Lakes, 15 tennis courts, full size Astroturf, cricket nets, swimming pool and woodlands galore. The best of boarding is offered on a weekly and flexi basis by term.
ELSTREE TAKES ITS NEXT STEPS FOR EARLY YEARS WITH ARC PATHWAY
Head of Elstree Pre-Prep Alice Holifield had been looking for a more efficient and inclusive way of profiling early years’ development. When Arc Pathway was recommended by a Nursery Head friend last year, Alice approached Arc Pathway founders Helen Garnett and Jackie Harland to formulate the best solution for Elstree.
The Arc Pathway story began six years ago when teacher and early years author Helen and specialist speech and language therapist Jackie, discovered they shared a mutual interest in early intervention. Together with a trusted team of experienced educational experts, they tirelessly created an interactive digital platform that gives parents and teachers a deeper understanding of a child’s development and provides an effective learning pathway.
Alice Holifield, who contributed to the development of the Arc Pathway software for Elstree
explains: “I had been looking into how staff could spend less time collecting evidence, how our
provisions could be tailored more to the needs of each individual and how our data could be used more accurately for planning.”
Elstree Pre-Prep in Berkshire started using the Arc Pathway software in September 2020. Profiles for each child were set up for teachers to update, and parent/s to securely access.
The software prompts staff to answer can-do statements relating to the seven learning areas of the early years’ statutory framework, and the results appear in seven colourful arcs.
Alice Holifield explains: “A child’s profile shows us their areas of strengths and confidence in relation to their age, and also highlights areas of learning that each child has not yet developed. It helps us with our child-centred planning, as the software automatically generates priority next steps for each child.”
Since the new platform has been introduced to Elstree Pre-Prep, staff have found less time is spent on admin and more time invested in teaching.
Arc Pathway’s Managing Director Jackie Harland was pleased to hear how well the platform has been received by staff: “Alice told me the teachers love using Arc Pathway, which for us is so vital. Genuine enthusiasm for profiling, observing and next steps is one of the keys to a healthy early years’ practice. We are delighted this is the case with Elstree.”
Alice Holifield strongly believes the software has helped bridge the gap between home and school: “Parents can see their children’s progress and we love seeing observations that parents have made at home. This is particularly rewarding when parents are doing activities with their children to support them to achieve one of their next steps.”
One Elstree parent said: “The new Arc Pathway software is fantastic. It is easy to understand and gives you a great insight into how your child is progressing and developing in a wide range of different areas. It really helps you feel engaged with their learning journey and is a great way of understanding what they are doing at school every day – I love it!”
Another great advantage of adopting the Arc Pathway software is that even throughout lockdown three, teachers can continue to set children personalised learning pathways to work on from home. Once back at ‘physical’ school, teachers can then easily identify the progress children have made during remote learning and next steps can instantly be put in place.
