Hollygirt School
Elm Avenue, Nottingham, NG3 4GF
Pupils
211
Ages
3 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Dr Helen Barsham
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,428 to £4,509
ISC Associations
ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Hollygirt School
Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, Hollygirt School offers a unique educational experience for children aged three to 16. As a co-educational day school, it embraces a non-denominational ethos, welcoming students from all faiths and backgrounds. This inclusive approach is reflected in the school’s diverse community, fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
The school provides a broad curriculum that caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science are complemented by a variety of options in the arts, humanities, and languages. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for future academic pursuits and careers. The emphasis on personalised learning allows teachers to tailor their approach to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
One of the standout features of Hollygirt is its commitment to small class sizes. This allows for more personalised attention from teachers and fosters a supportive learning environment. Students benefit from first-hand interaction with their teachers, which enhances their understanding and engagement with the material. The school’s dedicated staff, including the Head of Learning Support, work tirelessly to ensure that all students, including those with additional needs, receive the support they require to succeed.
Beyond the classroom, the school offers a rich array of extra-curricular activities. These activities provide students with the opportunity to explore new interests, develop skills, and build friendships. From sports teams to music ensembles and drama clubs, there is something for everyone. Participation in these activities not only enriches the students’ school experience but also helps to develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
The school’s facilities are designed to support both academic and extra-curricular pursuits. Modern classrooms, well-equipped science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces provide students with the resources they need to excel. The outdoor spaces, including sports fields and play areas, offer students the chance to engage in physical activity and enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning.
Wellbeing is a key focus at Hollygirt, with a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing and supportive environment. The school recognises the importance of mental health and wellbeing, providing students with access to counselling services and wellbeing programmes. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient and ready to face the challenges of the future.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to be actively involved in the school community. Regular communication between the school and home ensures that parents are kept informed of their child’s progress and any developments within the school. This partnership between school and home is vital in supporting students’ learning and development.
In summary, Hollygirt School in Nottingham offers a comprehensive and inclusive education for children aged three to 16. With its focus on personalised learning, small class sizes, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, the school provides a supportive and enriching environment for all students. The commitment to wellbeing and the involvement of parents further enhance the educational experience, making it a great choice for families seeking a nurturing and dynamic school community.
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ISI Review
Hollygirt School, an independent co-educational day school established in 1877, is located in Nottingham and serves pupils aged 3 to 16. Originally a girls' school, it became fully co-educational in 2014. The school is governed by the Rhoda Jessup Educational Charitable Trust and aims to provide a nurturing educational environment that fosters academic potential and social responsibility among its pupils. The school emphasizes kindness, honesty, resilience, and hard work, promoting fundamental British values to instill respect for oneself and the wider community.
The school has a diverse pupil population, with students coming from various backgrounds, including professional and academic families. The overall ability of pupils is assessed as broadly average, with a notable number of students identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school provides additional support for these pupils, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources to thrive academically.
In April 2022, Hollygirt School underwent a focused compliance and educational quality inspection. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted the inspection, which assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the quality of education provided. The inspection took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, including government-imposed restrictions.
The key findings from the inspection indicated that Hollygirt School meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The school was found to provide a good quality of education, with pupils making strong progress from diverse starting points. The curriculum is well-structured, covering a broad range of subjects and enabling pupils to develop essential skills. The teaching staff effectively manage behavior and utilize suitable resources to support learning.
The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its pupils. The school actively promotes principles and values that encourage responsible citizenship, tolerance, and respect for others. Pupils are provided with opportunities to engage in various activities that foster personal development, including participation in assemblies, school councils, and community service initiatives.
In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established robust arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, adheres to health and safety regulations, and has a strategic approach to risk assessment. The facilities are well-maintained, providing suitable accommodation for pupils' medical and therapy needs.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, confirming that the school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the safety of those working with pupils. The premises are equipped with adequate facilities, including suitable toilet and changing areas, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The provision of information to parents and the handling of complaints were also evaluated. The school publishes a range of information regarding its ethos, curriculum, and policies, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents. Complaints are managed effectively through a structured process, allowing for clear communication and resolution.
Leadership and management at Hollygirt School were found to be effective, with the proprietor ensuring that the leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge. The school actively promotes the well-being of its pupils and consistently meets the required standards.
The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils' academic achievements is good. Pupils develop strong communication skills and exhibit excellent attitudes toward learning. They acquire secure learning skills across various subjects, although more able pupils may not always be sufficiently challenged to reach their full potential. The school is encouraged to enhance the provision for numeracy skills in the junior school and ensure that more able pupils in the senior school receive consistent levels of challenge.
Pupils' personal development is rated as excellent, with strong self-confidence, respect for others, and a healthy approach to life. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel safe and valued, allowing them to thrive both academically and socially. The emphasis on kindness and community engagement is evident in the various initiatives undertaken by pupils, including fundraising for local and national charities.
Overall, Hollygirt School successfully achieves its aims of providing a nurturing educational environment that enables pupils to thrive and fulfill their academic potential. The school’s commitment to quality education, personal development, and community values is reflected in the positive outcomes observed during the inspection. The findings underscore the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for all its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024