The Manor Preparatory School
Faringdon Road, Shippon, Abingdon, OX13 6LN
Pupils
373
Ages
2 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Alastair Thomas
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£910 to £6,630
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About The Manor Preparatory School
The Manor Preparatory School, located in the picturesque outskirts of Abingdon, offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 2 to 11. Established in 1907, the school has evolved into a fully co-educational day school, welcoming both boys and girls to its vibrant community. The school prides itself on its non-selective admissions policy, ensuring that each child is considered on their own merit. This approach fosters a diverse and dynamic student body, with a healthy mix of boys and girls, particularly in the lower years.
The school is set in a charming Georgian manor house, surrounded by nine acres of well-maintained grounds. The facilities are a blend of historic charm and modern functionality, with purpose-built classrooms and a state-of-the-art sports block. The school’s compact and unpretentious layout creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where children can thrive both academically and socially.
Academically, the school has received ‘excellent’ ratings in all categories of its latest ISI report. The teaching staff are highly regarded for their ability to make learning engaging and enjoyable, while also being attentive and caring towards each pupil. The school’s commitment to individualised learning ensures that all children, regardless of ability, are supported to reach their full potential. This is reflected in the impressive number of scholarships awarded to pupils across various disciplines.
The Manor Preparatory School places a strong emphasis on creativity and the arts. The art room is a hub of inspiration, where pupils can explore their artistic talents. Drama is another key feature, with democratic allocation of roles ensuring that every child has their moment to shine. Music is celebrated throughout the school, with over 140 pupils participating in individual lessons and various ensembles. The school’s commitment to the arts is further demonstrated by its silver Artsmark Award from Arts Council England.
Sport is an integral part of life at the school, with a wide range of activities on offer. The new sports hall complements the outdoor facilities, which include tennis courts, rugby and football pitches, and an athletics track. The school’s co-educational approach to sport has been a success, with boys and girls enjoying mixed cricket and football, and achieving commendable results in IAPS competitions.
The school’s extra-curricular programme is extensive, with over 100 clubs available to pupils. These activities, included in the school fees, provide opportunities for children to explore new interests and develop skills outside the classroom. The popular Manor Fun holiday club and the wraparound care options are particularly appreciated by working parents, offering flexibility and convenience.
The school’s commitment to wellbeing is evident in its holistic approach to education. Mindfulness is integrated into the curriculum, and the school council actively involves pupils in decision-making. The forest school and the culturally diverse food tech programme further enrich the children’s learning experiences.
The Manor Preparatory School is dedicated to preparing its pupils for the next stage of their education. While there are no formal links to senior schools, the school provides excellent advice on the next steps, with many pupils moving on to prestigious day schools. The school’s reputation is well-regarded by destination schools, which appreciate the well-rounded and confident individuals it produces.
In summary, The Manor Preparatory School offers a happy, creative, and varied learning experience where every child is encouraged to reach their potential. The school’s focus on individualised learning, creativity, and wellbeing ensures that pupils leave with a strong foundation for future success. 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
The Manor Preparatory School is an independent day school located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, catering for boys aged 2 to 7 and girls aged 2 to 11. Established in 1907, the school has a rich history, originally serving as a preparatory institution for a local girls' senior school. It became independent in 1970 and is now administered by a charitable trust governed by a board of governors. The school aims to foster a love of learning among its pupils, encouraging them to maximize their abilities in a nurturing and challenging environment. The ethos of the school is rooted in Christian values, promoting self-worth, responsibility, and a positive contribution to the school community.
The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various backgrounds, including business, professional, and rural families. The school has a strong academic profile, with national standardized tests indicating that pupils enter with above-average abilities. The school supports 57 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance. Additionally, 80 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, with some receiving extra support. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of more able pupils and those with special talents in areas such as sports, music, drama, and art.
The inspection findings highlight the excellent quality of pupils' academic and other achievements. Pupils demonstrate exceptional attitudes towards learning, approaching tasks with enthusiasm and perseverance. They collaborate effectively, supporting one another in their educational journey. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, with teachers providing constructive feedback that encourages pupils to strive for excellence. The pupils' communication skills are outstanding, allowing them to articulate their ideas clearly and engage in meaningful discussions.
Pupils achieve highly across a wide range of activities, both academically and in extracurricular pursuits. They excel in sports, with notable achievements at local and national levels. The school's commitment to providing a diverse range of opportunities is evident, as pupils successfully transition to the next stage of their education, gaining places at competitive preparatory schools and receiving scholarships for academic and artistic achievements.
The personal development of pupils is equally impressive. They exhibit exceptional social awareness and a strong understanding of behavioral expectations. The school environment promotes kindness, inclusivity, and respect, fostering a sense of community among pupils. They take pride in their responsibilities and work collaboratively to achieve common goals. The moral framework of the school encourages pupils to make thoughtful decisions and understand the importance of rules and laws in society.
Pupils embrace diversity and cultural traditions, engaging in discussions about various faiths and celebrating cultural events. The curriculum, along with external visits and a comprehensive personal, social, health, and economic education program, enriches their understanding of the world. The school promotes values of respect, tolerance, and democracy, ensuring that pupils develop a mature approach to different cultures and beliefs.
Spiritual awareness is another key aspect of pupils' personal development. They appreciate the significance of relationships and care for the wider world, engaging in reflective discussions about deeper life issues. Opportunities for self-expression through art and music enhance their spiritual understanding, allowing them to connect with non-material aspects of life. The school's Christian foundation is evident in collective worship and other activities that promote spiritual growth.
Confidence and self-esteem are nurtured within a supportive environment. Pupils learn the value of hard work and are encouraged to assess their own development. By the time they reach Year 6, they are well-prepared for the challenges of senior education. The school provides guidance on evaluating their learning and improving, fostering self-confidence and independence.
Pupils are aware of their social responsibilities and actively participate in community service, organizing charity events and engaging with local organizations. They understand the importance of sharing their talents and contributing positively to the lives of others. The school encourages pupils to make informed decisions about their well-being, emphasizing the significance of a balanced lifestyle and personal safety.
Overall, the Manor Preparatory School excels in providing a holistic education that prioritizes academic achievement and personal development. The outstanding leadership and management ensure that the school's aims are met, creating an environment where every pupil is valued and supported. The positive feedback from parents and the high levels of pupil satisfaction reflect the school's commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching educational experience.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024