The Paragon School Junior School of Prior Park College
Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, BA2 4LT
Pupils
259
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mrs Rosie Allen
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£495 to £4,105
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA, HMC
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About The Paragon School Junior School of Prior Park College
The Paragon School Junior School of Prior Park College, located in Bath, offers a unique educational experience for children aged three to eleven. With a focus on pre-school, reception, and year 3, the school also welcomes children at any stage, with year 5 becoming increasingly popular. Entry is through a taster day for pre-prep or an assessment day for prep, ensuring that prospective students align with the school’s values and expectations.
The head of the school plays an active role in the admissions process, meeting all families and assessing their fit with the school’s ethos. This approach ensures that the school community is cohesive and that students are ready to thrive in a busy environment with high expectations of conduct. The school is not hesitant to turn down applicants who do not align with its values or those with behavioural challenges.
The school operates on an every day is an open day policy, allowing prospective families to visit at their convenience. This flexibility is particularly appealing to families relocating from London or overseas, who are increasingly choosing this school for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
Upon leaving, approximately half of the students transition to the nearby Prior Park College, part of the same foundation. The remainder move on to other prestigious independent schools in Bath, such as King Edward’s School, Kingswood, and the Royal High School. The school hosts future school events for parents from year 4 and offers meetings for those with children in year 6, although it does not specifically prepare students for other schools’ test requirements. In 2023, the school awarded nineteen scholarships, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence.
The school environment is both captivating and homely, with a reception area adorned with pupil-created artwork, including flamboyantly decorated lampshades and tree-inspired canvases. The presence of a school sausage dog, Dave, adds to the charm and warmth of the setting. The school hall, which opens onto the playground, is a hub of excitement, particularly during events like the fun run.
The Paragon occupies a large Georgian house with colourful, cosy classrooms and a vibrant library. The younger years are housed in a cottage-like building with outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and play. The eight-acre wooded site, less than a mile from the city centre, provides ample opportunities for outdoor learning, including a running track and a Dingley Dell full of wild garlic and bug hotels.
The curriculum is imaginative, focusing on depth and challenge without pressure. Philosophy classes pose intriguing questions, while English lessons encourage creativity through activities like interviewing mythical beasts. The school has implemented a guided reading programme to enhance reading and writing skills, and cross-curricular work is prevalent, with projects like studying the Nutcracker in class and creating clay models in art.
Specialist teaching is available in subjects such as Art, Music, Sport, and French, with Philosophy introduced in year 2, Design Technology and outdoor learning from year 3, and Mandarin from year 5, which is replaced by Spanish in year 6. Learning support is available for the 20% of children on the SEN register, with a range of booster groups and one-to-one sessions.
The art room is a highlight, filled with creative projects like papier-mâché owls and hand-stitched dolls. Music is an integral part of the curriculum, with over half of the pupils learning an instrument and participating in various clubs and choirs. Drama is also emphasised, with year 4s and 6s putting on school plays.
Sport is encouraged from nursery, with fixtures starting in year 3. The school offers a range of sports, including rugby, hockey, and cricket, with a focus on being active rather than competitive. The facilities include a gym, hard play area, and playing field, with access to the senior school’s sports centre and pitches.
The school community is diverse, with families from various backgrounds, including some from overseas. While ethnic diversity is improving, the school welcomes all faiths and none, creating an inclusive environment.
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ISI Review
The Paragon School is an independent, co-educational day school located in Bath, England, catering for children aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1911 as a Christian school, it has evolved into a nurturing environment that emphasizes moral and spiritual values while delivering a broad and balanced education. The school is organized into three departments: Nursery for children aged 3 and 4, Pre-prep for ages 4 to 7, and Prep for ages 7 to 11. The school is governed by the Prior Park Education Trust and has seen significant developments in its facilities, including a new music block and enhanced ICT and art resources since its last inspection.
The Paragon School aims to cultivate a love of learning among its pupils, fostering confidence, capability, compassion, and independence. The student body primarily consists of children from professional and business backgrounds, predominantly from White British families. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure all students can thrive. The school's ability profile is above average, and it has a strong commitment to inclusivity, modifying the curriculum for more able pupils and those with special talents in various fields.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate revealed that the school meets almost all required standards set by the Department for Education. However, it was noted that the school must improve its recruitment processes to ensure that all checks are completed in accordance with statutory guidance. The inspection covered various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
The quality of education at The Paragon School is characterized by a well-documented curriculum that supports good progress among pupils. The teaching is effective, with a strong emphasis on behavior management and suitable resources. The school has established a framework for assessing pupil performance, ensuring that standards related to educational quality are met. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens.
Welfare, health, and safety arrangements are robust, with measures in place to safeguard pupils and promote good behavior. The school maintains proper supervision and adheres to health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. However, improvements are needed in the timing of recruitment checks to align with statutory guidance.
The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and the school maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The school effectively communicates a range of information to parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and academic performance.
Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to meet the required standards consistently.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who make significant progress and are successful in gaining entry to their chosen senior schools, often with scholarships and awards. Pupils excel in a variety of extracurricular activities, showcasing outstanding art and sports skills. They are confident communicators, demonstrating exemplary attitudes toward learning.
The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent, with strong self-understanding and social maturity. Pupils actively contribute to their communities and engage in charitable initiatives, reflecting their understanding of social responsibility. The school promotes a strong moral understanding, encouraging pupils to distinguish between right and wrong and to take responsibility for their actions.
Pupils develop resilience and self-confidence through various academic and extracurricular opportunities, supported by a positive school culture that emphasizes mutual respect. The school fosters an appreciation of different cultures and faiths, enhancing pupils' understanding of the world around them.
Overall, The Paragon School provides a nurturing environment that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils, preparing them well for their future endeavors. The school’s commitment to high standards in education, welfare, and personal development is evident in its practices and the positive outcomes for its students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024