St Andrew’s School, located at the heart of the Berkshire countryside, offers a co-educational environment for children aged three to 13. With a strong Christian affiliation, the school prides itself on its academic achievements and outstanding pastoral care. It operates from a stunning Gothic revival building designed by Alfred Waterhouse, set amidst over 50 acres of idyllic grounds. The school’s philosophy of stretching rather than stressing students is evident in its approach to education, fostering a love for learning and producing well-rounded individuals.
Under the leadership of Headmaster Ed Graham since 2021, St Andrew’s has seen a renewed focus on community and academic excellence. Mr Graham’s background in teaching and his passion for education have been instrumental in shaping the school’s vision. His dynamic leadership style and commitment to nurturing each child’s potential have been well-received by both staff and parents.
The school offers day and weekly/flexible boarding options, providing families with the flexibility they need. Although boarding was temporarily paused during the pandemic, it has since been revitalised under Mr Graham’s guidance. The boarding facilities are particularly appealing to those seeking a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.
St Andrew’s academic programme is comprehensive, with French introduced from pre-prep, Latin from Year 5, and German from Year 7. The curriculum also includes English, History, Maths, and Public Speaking, which are highly praised by parents and students alike. The school employs gentle setting and streaming in subjects like Maths, English, French, and Science to ensure that each child is challenged appropriately. A scholarship set is available for Years 7 and 8, providing additional opportunities for academic growth.
The school’s commitment to extra-curricular activities is evident in its diverse offerings. Performing arts play a significant role at St Andrew’s, with music lessons every Tuesday morning and around 40% of pupils learning an instrument or singing. The school boasts five choirs, an orchestra, a string quartet, jazz band, guitar group, big band, flute ensemble, and various other ensembles. Drama lessons are held weekly, with numerous productions throughout the year. A new performing arts centre is set to open in 2024, further enhancing these opportunities.
Art is another area where St Andrew’s excels. Students participate in weekly art lessons, with art scholars receiving additional instruction. An annual art exhibit showcases the creative talents of all students. While Design Technology (DT) has not been a traditional strength of the school, efforts are being made to introduce more DT opportunities through collaborations with Bradfield College.
Sports are an integral part of life at St Andrew’s. The school features a £5 million sports hall opened in 2018 by Olympic gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold. This facility supports a wide range of activities including PE, badminton, basketball, indoor netball, table tennis, rock climbing, and more. A 25m swimming pool provides ample opportunities for swimming lessons and training sessions. With an hour of games every day plus matches for prep children, sport is highly valued at St Andrew’s.
Pastoral care at St Andrew’s is exceptional. The school places great emphasis on anti-bullying initiatives and creating an inclusive environment where all students feel supported. Chapel services are held twice a week as part of the school’s commitment to spiritual development.
The pre-prep section is particularly noteworthy for its forest school programme. Children engage in outdoor activities such as kite-making and leaf printing while developing their phonics skills indoors. This unique approach fosters a deep connection with nature from an early age.
St Andrew’s has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1934 when it opened with just eight boys on its roll. Girls were first admitted in 1971; today there is an even split between boys and girls across most year groups.
The school’s merger with Bradfield College in December 2021 has sparked mixed reactions among parents but presents exciting opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.
Alumni include notable figures such as author David Cornwell (aka John le Carré), broadcaster Adam Hart Davis; artist Sir Howard Hodgkin; wine writer Will Lyons; actress Emily Bevan; James Middleton; Pippa Middleton; Catherine Middleton (now Princess of Wales). It was during her time at St Andrew’s that Prince William first saw his future wife while attending Ludgrove School nearby.
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