ethos
Head Susan Brooks joined in September 2023, having previously been founding head of Northwood Senior School and deputy head (academic) at Broomwood Hall. She works alongside group principal Suzie Longstaff. Brooks advocates forward-thinking, experiential education that 'prepares kids for life' rather than purely exam-focused teaching, using integrated learning across subjects to allow deeper engagement and real-world connections.
teaching
Curriculum has the same breadth as larger independents, with a STEM focus and integrative learning across subjects (e.g. studying Dickens alongside the Industrial Revolution in English and drama; applying science equations in maths). Separate sciences taught throughout, plus a dedicated 'How Science Works' lesson for experiments in state-of-the-art labs. Pupils take 8–10 GCSEs depending on extracurricular commitments and aspirations. Subjects include business studies, PE and psychology alongside traditional options. A language is not compulsory; French and Spanish taught in Years 7–8, with pupils choosing one to continue in Year 9. First GCSE cohort (2024) included pupils gaining scholarship…
pastoral
Wellbeing is described as central to the school. Each pupil has termly one-to-one sessions with the school counsellor. From Year 7, pupils are taught mindfulness, grounding techniques and the science of how emotions affect the body and mind, with the stated aim of making pupils 'mentally fit'. Vertical tutor groups meet twice daily and have shared tutor-group lunches, fostering cross-year friendships and older-pupil mentoring. The school dog, Hendrix, is also part of the community.