Eversfield Preparatory School
Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AT
Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AT
Pupils
312
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Robert Yates
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,048 to £4,244
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
Eversfield Preparatory School, located in the heart of Solihull, offers a unique blend of traditional values and modern educational practices. The school is housed in a charming Victorian redbrick building, which opens up to a sprawling five-acre campus. This space is thoughtfully designed with clusters of classrooms, vibrant playgrounds, and well-maintained lawns leading to extensive sports pitches. However, the central location does mean that drop-off is via a residential side road, as there is no school bus system.
The school prides itself on its inclusive approach to education, welcoming children from the age of two on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry into reception is preceded by an informal meeting with staff, while from year one, prospective students experience a taster day with assessments in phonics and numeracy. As students progress, maths and English tests are introduced from year three. The school is understanding of potential learning gaps and rarely turns down students based on attainment, offering spaces in higher years when available.
Upon leaving at 11+, students transition to over 25 different schools, with 80% moving to independent schools and 20% to state schools, including grammar schools. The school boasts a 90% success rate for grammar school entry, with popular choices being the Warwick Foundation, Solihull, and Bromsgrove. Parents of year five students engage in candid discussions with the head about realistic secondary school options, ensuring a well-informed decision-making process.
The school’s educational philosophy is centred around value-added learning, guiding children to discover and develop their talents. From reception, classes are small, with teaching assistants supporting up to year three. Specialist teaching begins in year one for subjects like French, Spanish, Music, Games, and PE, expanding to Science, Latin, and Art from year three. A scholarship programme for academic extension is available from year three, and homework becomes more formal from this stage. The school’s approach to grouping students in subjects like Maths and English is flexible, based on the academic mix of the year group rather than strict ability.
The lower school features a cosy environment with a small outdoor play area and climbing apparatus. The kindergarten and nursery offer a blend of independent learning experiences and structured activities, with an emphasis on fun and creativity. Active participation is encouraged in reception, where children engage enthusiastically with lessons.
In the middle and upper school, lessons are lively and inspiring. The science lab, for instance, offers hands-on experiments that engage students in practical learning. The ICT facilities are modern, with individual stations and iPads available in every classroom. Language lessons are interactive, encouraging students to participate and build confidence.
The school’s commitment to pastoral care is evident, with peer mentoring and anti-bullying ambassadors in place. Wellbeing Wednesdays provide students with opportunities to discuss any concerns, and the school council actively involves students in decision-making.
The arts are well-represented, with a vibrant art studio and a strong music tradition. Drama is integrated into the curriculum, culminating in a year six production that is highly praised. Sports are inclusive, with all students competing for the school at some point. Facilities include a spacious sports hall, a swimming pool, and outdoor pitches.
Extra-curricular activities are abundant, with clubs ranging from science to sports, and enrichment workshops that include engineering projects and cultural days. The school’s two-house system fosters a sense of competition and camaraderie among students.
Parents appreciate the school’s community spirit, with opportunities to engage in social and fundraising activities. The school chef is praised for catering for diverse tastes, and the dining hall is a place of polite and friendly interaction.
Overall, Eversfield Preparatory School offers a warm and bustling environment where students are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
Eversfield Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school located in Solihull, West Midlands, catering for children aged 3 to 11. Established in 1931 as a Christian school for boys, it transitioned to a co-educational institution in the late 1990s. The school operates under an educational trust managed by a board of governors and comprises three sections: Lower School for Kindergarten, Nursery, and Reception; Middle School for Years 1 to 3; and Upper School for Years 4 to 6. Recent developments include the addition of a sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, and a woodland nature area, enhancing the school's facilities.
The school aims to foster high moral standards and provide a diverse range of experiences to help children develop their individual talents. It strives to cultivate self-confidence, leadership skills, and a supportive environment where pupils feel safe to make mistakes. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional and ethnic backgrounds within a four-mile radius of the school. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are above average compared to their peers. The school supports 13 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and 66 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance and educational quality inspection in January 2022. The inspection confirmed that Eversfield Preparatory School meets the standards set by the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The school was found to have effective measures in place for safeguarding, promoting good behavior, preventing bullying, and ensuring health and safety. The leadership and management demonstrated good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
The quality of education provided at Eversfield is commendable, with teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering a breadth of material. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents to publish a written policy in line with statutory guidance. The standards relating to the quality of education are met, and the school promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, facilitating their growth as responsible citizens.
Pupils' welfare, health, and safety are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school maintains proper supervision, keeps accurate attendance records, and has a strategic approach to risk assessment. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The school effectively checks the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing appropriate facilities for pupils. A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety. The complaints procedure is well-structured, allowing for effective handling of parental concerns.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who are articulate communicators and demonstrate high levels of competence in writing, reading, and listening. They exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, taking ownership of their education and developing independence from an early age. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, enabling pupils to achieve above their age-related expectations across various subjects.
Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with a strong understanding and appreciation of diversity. They demonstrate moral understanding and responsibility for their behavior, reflecting the school's values. The school promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, with pupils actively engaging in discussions about their values and the importance of treating others fairly.
Pupils are encouraged to develop their social skills, working collaboratively to solve problems and achieve common goals. They exhibit strong decision-making abilities and are capable of organizing themselves effectively in various tasks. The school provides opportunities for pupils to engage in community activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and contribution to the wider community.
Overall, Eversfield Preparatory School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school's commitment to high standards in education, personal development, and community engagement is evident in the positive outcomes for its pupils. The leadership and management play a crucial role in maintaining these standards, ensuring that the school continues to meet the needs of its diverse student body while promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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