LVS Ascot
London Road, Ascot, SL5 8DR
Pupils
839
Ages
4 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Christine Cunniffe
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£3,880 to £6,995
ISC Associations
The Society of Heads, ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About LVS Ascot
LVS Ascot is a proudly non-selective, all-through co-educational school that offers a unique educational experience. Situated in Ascot, the school caters to students from the age of four to 18, providing a seamless transition from primary to secondary education. The school does not require entrance exams but instead relies on school reports and interviews, allowing for a more holistic view of each child’s potential. This approach is complemented by the school’s willingness to accommodate students entering at non-traditional times, provided parents are transparent about their child’s needs.
The school structure is designed to accommodate growth, with most junior school children joining in reception, year 3, or year 5. A significant number of these students continue into year 7 without the need to reapply, joined by newcomers to form a robust cohort. By year 10, the student body expands further, reflecting the school’s capacity to support a diverse range of learners.
Academically, LVS Ascot offers a broad curriculum with a variety of GCSEs and A-levels, including subjects like Photography, Media Studies, and Business Studies. The school also provides BTEC options, catering for students with different academic interests and career aspirations. The teaching approach is individualised, with setting in core subjects like Maths and English, while other subjects are taught in mixed-ability groups. Class sizes are generally small, allowing for personalised attention and support.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its extensive learning support and special educational needs (SEN) provision. The neurodiversity centre, staffed by eight full-time professionals, plays a central role in supporting students with diverse learning needs. The school also stretches highly able students through differentiated work and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that all students are challenged and supported appropriately.
Extra-curricular activities are given equal importance, with a wide range of options available to students. The performing arts are a particular strength, with music, dance, and drama integrated into the curriculum from an early age. The school boasts a 300-seat theatre for its major productions, and students have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Arts Award.
Sport is another key component of life at LVS Ascot, with a comprehensive programme that includes football, rugby, hockey, and netball. The school has invested in innovative sports like teqball and hosts annual tournaments, reflecting its commitment to providing diverse sporting opportunities. Facilities are extensive, with a 25-metre indoor pool, sports hall, Astro pitch, and fitness centre, ensuring students have access to top-notch resources.
Boarding at LVS Ascot begins from year 6, with options for day, weekly, and full boarding. The boarding houses are well-maintained, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for students. The school makes an effort to mix nationalities within the boarding community, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
The school’s ethos is rooted in its unique heritage, having been founded by the Society of Licensed Victuallers in 1803. This history is reflected in the school’s commitment to providing an egalitarian education, free from snobbery and elitism. The campus design, with its late-eighties supermarket aesthetic, is both practical and modern, offering a high-quality learning environment.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity. The school offers a range of support services, including a wellbeing centre and traditional sanatorium, ensuring students have access to the care they need. The school’s semi-religious ethos is inclusive, with a focus on creating a safe and happy environment for all students.
In conclusion, LVS Ascot offers a modern, inclusive education that caters to a wide range of students. Its commitment to non-selectivity, individualised learning, and a broad curriculum makes it an attractive option for families seeking a supportive and diverse educational environment. 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.
ISI Review
LVS Ascot is an independent day and boarding school located in Ascot, Berkshire, catering for boys and girls aged 4 to 18 years. Founded in 1803, the school moved to its current location in 1985 and is governed by trustees of the founding charity. The school comprises an infant and junior school for pupils aged 4 to 10 and a senior school for those aged 11 to 18, with boarders accommodated in four boarding houses. The school has undergone significant refurbishments, including updates to science laboratories and the dining hall, as well as the installation of an all-weather pitch.
The school's mission is to inspire independence in its pupils, ensuring they are happy, healthy, and prepared for future challenges. LVS Ascot aims to encourage pupils to achieve their potential while fostering resilience, creativity, and empathy. The student body is diverse, with day pupils coming from various backgrounds within a 30-mile radius and boarders from further afield, including overseas. The school identifies a significant number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing them with additional support. English is an additional language for many pupils, and the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able students and those with special talents in sports.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate assesses the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection revealed that LVS Ascot meets almost all required standards but identified areas needing improvement. The school has a robust framework for assessing pupil performance, and teaching enables good progress across various subjects. However, the school must address deficiencies in recruitment checks and ensure timely completion of necessary background checks for staff.
The quality of education provided at LVS Ascot is commendable, with pupils achieving above-average results in GCSEs and A-levels compared to national averages. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, allowing pupils to make good progress. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, encouraging pupils to become responsible citizens. Good behavior is emphasized, and measures are in place to prevent bullying and ensure health and safety.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with appropriate supervision and first aid provisions in place. However, the school must improve its recruitment processes to ensure compliance with child protection standards. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for both day and boarding pupils, and the school has a comprehensive approach to risk assessment.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the good academic achievements of pupils, with well-developed communication skills and participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Pupils demonstrate initiative and independence in their learning, particularly in the junior school, although this is less evident in the senior school. The school is encouraged to strengthen the development of ICT skills across the curriculum and enhance opportunities for older pupils to demonstrate independence.
Pupils' personal development is excellent, with high levels of self-confidence and resilience fostered through a supportive community. The school encourages decision-making from an early age, allowing pupils to understand the impact of their choices on their future well-being. The inclusive environment promotes respect and empathy among pupils, who engage in various community service and charity work.
Overall, LVS Ascot provides a nurturing and challenging environment for its pupils, promoting academic success and personal growth. The school is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The leadership and management of the school are generally effective, although there are areas where further development is needed to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The school community is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of each pupil, preparing them for success in a diverse and changing world.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024