teaching
Early years embraces learning through play alongside adult-led phonics and numeracy. Reception desks are arranged for group activities and play zones; the timetable is topic-based and child-led, following a rhythm of practical tasks then book work, with stretch activities called 'Chilly Challenges'. Years 1 and 2 have more formal learning but teachers are trained in learning through play; there is a six-week topic programme acting as a waterfall for the curriculum. Specialist teachers cover French, PE, music and IT. Discussions about next-school options start early. KCS is popular but pupils must gain a place on merit; other destinations include Shrewsbury House, St Paul's, Westminster Under…
pastoral
Head Forbes teaches 'learning for life' (the school's PSHE equivalent) to Year 2s. A kindness tree celebrates small acts of kindness; each class has a 'mood pot' at the door using lolly sticks to reflect emotions (based on *The Colour Monster* by Anna Llenas). Instead of anti-bullying week the school holds an extra kindness week. Hot lunches are available daily and everyone eats together in the Orchard Hall. A traffic-light lanyard system for dietary and allergy needs has won the school an Allergen Aware Award. Staff wellbeing is prioritised with protected lunch breaks, and parents have a real voice—recently requesting two parents' evenings in the autumn term instead of a written report.
last word
This happy, fun, buzzing school may be selective but there is not a hint of hothousing to achieve results. The boys—and from September 2027, girls too—are treated as individuals, feelings and all, and in this atmosphere of caring they thrive academically as well as emotionally.