Papplewick School
Windsor Road, Ascot, SL5 7LH
Pupils
225
Ages
6 - 11
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Tom Bunbury
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£6,225 to £8,645
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About Papplewick School
Papplewick School, located in Ascot, is a boys-only preparatory school that offers a unique blend of traditional values and modern educational practices. The school prides itself on its non-selective admission process, focusing on the character and kindness of its pupils rather than purely academic criteria. This approach fosters a nurturing environment where boys are encouraged to develop both personally and academically.
The school has a strong track record of preparing students for prestigious boarding schools such as Eton, Harrow, and Winchester. In 2023, the school celebrated the achievement of sixteen scholarships and exhibitions, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence. Despite the high number of scholars, the school maintains a balanced atmosphere where all students feel valued and supported.
The academic environment at Papplewick is dynamic and engaging. Lessons are lively, with teachers and students actively participating in discussions and exploring new ideas. The average class size of 13 allows for personalised attention and tailored instruction, ensuring that each boy can thrive. The school streams students from year 3, promoting healthy competition and encouraging boys to strive for their best.
The school places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, offering a wide range of options to cater to diverse interests. Thursday afternoons are dedicated to activities such as herpetology, bibliomania, and the Harry Potter club, providing boys with opportunities to explore their passions outside the classroom. The school also boasts a vibrant music programme, with nearly three-quarters of the students learning a musical instrument. The chapel choir is particularly noteworthy, and the school has seen growing success in music technology.
Art is another area where the school excels, with numerous art scholarships awarded each year. The art room is a creative hub, filled with student work that showcases the boys’ talent and imagination. The school’s commitment to fostering creativity is evident in the wide range of artistic opportunities available to students.
Sport is an integral part of life at Papplewick, with a plethora of fixtures and activities that teach boys the importance of respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The school offers football, rugby, and cricket, with seven teams competing on the day of our visit. The emphasis on sport helps to instil a sense of discipline and camaraderie among the boys.
Pastoral care at the school is thoughtful and supportive, with a focus on developing well-rounded individuals. Boys are assigned to a tutor in small groups from year 6 to year 8, providing continuity and a sense of belonging. The school also delivers PSHE throughout the curriculum, with a particular focus on consent and healthy relationships.
Boarding is a key aspect of the Papplewick experience, with compulsory boarding from the summer of year 6. The dormitories are bright and welcoming, reflecting the boys’ personalities and interests. Evening activities are compulsory during the winter and spring terms, offering a structured yet enjoyable environment for boarders.
The school’s facilities are described as the right side of too scruffy, adding to its charm and character. The relaxed atmosphere extends to the relationship with parents, who are encouraged to participate in school life through events such as football matches and campouts.
In conclusion, Papplewick School offers a well-rounded education that combines academic rigour with a rich array of extra-curricular activities. The school’s focus on character development and kindness creates a supportive environment where boys can flourish. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Papplewick School is an independent preparatory school located in Ascot, Berkshire, catering for boys aged six to thirteen. Established in 1947 and registered as a charitable trust since 1964, the school offers both day and boarding options, with boarding becoming compulsory from Year 6. The school is set in spacious grounds and boasts extensive facilities for sports, music, and art. The boarding accommodation is organized into several dormitories within the main school building, providing flexibility for boarders regarding their stay on weekends.
The school aims to create a secure and confident environment for its pupils, enabling them to achieve their potential through a dedicated staff committed to providing a broad range of academic and extracurricular experiences. Currently, the school has a total of 211 pupils, with 126 of them being boarders. Since the last inspection in 2008, the school has introduced a Year 2 class, restructured its boarding management, and improved its entrance facilities for parents.
Papplewick School is academically non-selective, with an overall ability profile above the national average. The school has identified 24 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, while 22 pupils are recognized as having English as an additional language. The school has a diverse student body, with approximately one in five pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds and one in seven from overseas. All pupils progress to selective independent schools at the age of thirteen.
The recent inspection highlighted the outstanding relationships at all levels within the school, with pupils and staff demonstrating strong loyalty. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, achieve excellent progress. Pupils exhibit secure knowledge and skills, applying English and mathematics at a high level. They engage in logical thinking and problem-solving, particularly as they advance through the school. The curriculum is rich and varied, supplemented by numerous extracurricular activities, and pupils achieve excellent results in examinations for independent schools, with a significant number securing scholarships.
The personal development of pupils is also excellent, with a strong sense of happiness and confidence evident throughout the school. Pupils display good social skills, a sense of right and wrong, and a willingness to take on responsibilities. The school promotes cultural awareness through its diverse population and various activities, fostering an appreciation for different cultures. The pastoral care system is robust, with a tutor system providing individual support and guidance, ensuring that pupils feel safe and valued.
The quality of teaching at Papplewick School is excellent, with a majority of lessons observed being of high quality. Teachers have high expectations and demonstrate a secure knowledge of their subjects. Lessons are well-planned, engaging, and often incorporate a variety of teaching methodologies to cater to different learning styles. The integration of information and communication technology is evident, particularly in subjects like music and art, where pupils utilize technology effectively.
The school’s arrangements for welfare, health, and safety are also commendable. A health and safety consultant advises on policies and practices, ensuring that safeguarding measures are in place. Regular fire drills and comprehensive health and safety training for staff contribute to a safe environment for pupils. The school maintains good links with local authorities and has a designated child protection officer who oversees safeguarding procedures.
Boarding at Papplewick School is characterized by excellent care and support. Boarders feel safe and well-supported, with strong relationships between staff and pupils. The boarding community fosters a sense of belonging, and boarders are encouraged to express their views and take on leadership roles. The school provides a nurturing environment that meets the individual needs of boarders, ensuring they develop into confident and well-rounded individuals.
Overall, Papplewick School is a thriving educational institution that successfully combines academic excellence with personal development, providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering strong relationships, promoting cultural awareness, and ensuring the well-being of its students is evident in all aspects of its operation. The recent inspection confirms that Papplewick School meets all regulatory requirements and continues to strive for further improvement in its educational offerings.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024