ethos
Head Angela Barr has been at the school since it was founded in 2010, previously serving as head of the lower school at Pembridge Hall. She greets pupils at the door each morning, takes assemblies, and does regular lunch duty. Her stated aim is 'a one stop shop from nursery to Year 6 with no assessment'. Classes are named after birds — robins and sparrows in early years, owls and eagles in upper school. The head describes the school as 'a fantastic, child-oriented school where family, community, education and happiness matter — we are a school which does what it says it will do with joy and humour'.
teaching
Classes hover at around 20 pupils and are mixed each year to promote cross-year friendships. French is taught by specialists from reception upwards; maths is streamed from Year 2. Cursive handwriting is taught and exercise books remain central, alongside excellent IT provision: school-provided iPads and Surface Pros from reception, with pupils managing their own devices from Year 1. Cypher Coding is embedded in the IT curriculum. The science lab (used from Year 3) features a school tortoise, reflecting a practical teaching ethos. Mrs Barr places great emphasis on reading and comprehension — some Year 6 pupils reportedly have the reading age of a 17-year-old. Classroom libraries, a 'book swap…
pastoral
The school operates buddy systems, buddy breaktimes, and friendship fun days. All classrooms use a 'zone of regulation' where pupils select colour-coded lollipop sticks to identify and discuss their feelings. Partnerships with 'Empathy Lab' (reading books about empathy) and 'Tooled Up' (practical resources on sleep, anxiety, etc.) support wellbeing. 'Language ambassadors' encourage pupils to be proud of their native languages. British values and celebrating differences are emphasised. The weekly 'book look' on Fridays gives parents a window into classroom activity.