Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School
Barnardiston, Haverhill, CB9 7TG
Barnardiston, Haverhill, CB9 7TG
Pupils
217
Ages
1 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Gavin Sinnott
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£2,028 to £5,165
ISC Associations
IAPS
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School, located in a picturesque rural setting on the borders of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex, offers a unique educational experience for children aged 1 to 13. The school, which was once an old country house and farm buildings, provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore and develop their independence from an early age. The extensive grounds, open fields, and woodlands offer a sense of freedom that is cherished by the pupils.
The school accepts pupils at all stages, with a particular focus on early years, starting from nursery. It is non-selective, but the headteacher meets all prospective children and parents to ensure a good fit and to understand any learning needs. Reports from current schools are required to facilitate this process. The school prides itself on its ability to cater to most educational support needs, offering familiarisation days for Year 1 and above, as well as overnight stays for boarders.
Barnardiston Hall’s approach to education is characterised by small class sizes, averaging 14 pupils, which allows for a personalised learning experience. Specialist teaching is introduced early, with subjects such as Music, French, and Forest School being part of the curriculum from the beginning. This approach fosters resilience and confidence in pupils, encouraging them to take on new challenges.
The school is well-equipped with facilities that support a broad range of activities. The prep classrooms, housed in converted stables, are adorned with wooden animal sculptures and large potted plants, creating a welcoming learning environment. The Bridge, the learning support department, provides assistance for specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, autism, and sensory issues. Mental health support is also available through the school counsellor.
The pre-prep section is housed in a separate block, with bright, open spaces and direct access to outdoor play areas. The nursery classrooms and baby room cater to children from six months old, and the school is prepared to double its current intake if necessary. The hall/theatre accommodates the whole school, and plans are in place to extend the building. A heated marquee is used for whole-school events and wet play, while the music suite, art and design technology room, sports pitches, and courts provide ample opportunities for extra-curricular activities.
Barnardiston Hall offers a range of boarding options, including full and flexi boarding from age seven. The accommodation is located on the top floors of the main Edwardian villa, with separate floors for boys and girls. The boarding facilities are also used by visiting schools, adding an international dimension to the school’s community.
The school is committed to being flexible to pupils’ needs, allowing time off for those pursuing talents in sport, music, singing, and horse-riding. Online learning ensures that pupils do not miss out on teaching. The emphasis on outdoor activities is evident, with the school recently winning the British Schools Orienteering Championships and organising climbs of Ben Nevis and Snowdon for eight-year-olds.
Parents and pupils alike speak highly of the school’s supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The sense of community is strong, with older pupils looking out for younger ones and staff fostering a home-from-home environment. The school’s all faiths ethos ensures that children from diverse backgrounds feel accepted and comfortable.
In conclusion, Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School offers a distinctive and enriching educational experience, where children are encouraged to be independent, resilient, and confident. The school’s commitment to personalised learning, coupled with its extensive facilities and supportive community, makes it a special place for many families.
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Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School is an independent day and boarding institution located in Suffolk, catering for boys and girls aged between six months and thirteen years. Established in 1959, the school moved to its current site in 1970 and has been under the ownership of the current proprietor, Col. Keith Boulter, since 1990. The school provides a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and personally. It aims to create a secure and stimulating family atmosphere that encourages pupils to explore a wide range of educational, physical, and artistic opportunities, ultimately helping them to achieve their potential and develop into confident, caring individuals.
The school community is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional backgrounds, primarily within a 15-mile radius. The majority of students are from white British families, although the school embraces a multicultural environment. The academic profile of the school is above average, with 37 pupils identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including conditions such as autism and dyslexia. The school provides tailored support for these students, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive. Additionally, 17 pupils are classified as having English as an additional language (EAL), and they benefit from specialized teaching and classroom support.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Barnardiston Hall meets all the required standards set forth by the Department for Education. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety of pupils, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaint handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school provides a high standard of education, with a well-documented curriculum that supports effective teaching and learning. The school promotes good behavior and actively prevents bullying, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
The quality of education provided is commendable, with pupils making good progress in their learning. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing students to engage in a variety of subjects and activities. The teaching staff employs effective behavior management strategies and utilizes suitable resources to enhance the learning experience. Assessment frameworks are in place to monitor pupil performance, ensuring that individual needs are met.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes values that foster responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and participate in decision-making processes, contributing to a sense of community and belonging. The school has established a prefect system that empowers students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with comprehensive arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school adheres to statutory guidance and maintains high standards of health and safety, including fire safety measures and first aid provisions. Pupils are supervised appropriately, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment. The school also has a disability access plan to ensure inclusivity for all students.
Staff suitability is rigorously checked, with appropriate measures taken to ensure that all individuals working with pupils are suitable for their roles. The school maintains a register of staff checks and ensures that visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, medical accommodations, and outdoor spaces for physical activities.
The school effectively communicates with parents and stakeholders, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. The complaints procedure is well-structured, allowing for effective resolution of parental concerns through a clear three-stage process. Records of complaints are maintained appropriately, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Leadership and management at Barnardiston Hall are characterized by strong skills and knowledge, with the proprietor ensuring that standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and maintains effective monitoring of policies and practices. The school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, with regular evaluations of its practices and the implementation of feedback from staff, parents, and pupils.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision at the school is outstanding, with children making excellent progress in their learning. The environment is designed to support children's curiosity and exploration, with a focus on physical development and mathematical concepts. Staff provide high levels of support, ensuring that children feel secure and confident as they transition through different stages of learning. The leadership team in the EYFS demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of young children and continuously evaluates practices to enhance the learning experience.
Overall, the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment in the EYFS is exceptional, with practitioners effectively supporting children's development across various domains. The partnership between parents and staff is strong, with effective communication ensuring that parents are well-informed about their child's progress. Children are treated as unique individuals, and their diverse backgrounds are acknowledged and celebrated within the learning environment.
In conclusion, Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School provides a high-quality educational experience for its pupils, fostering their academic, personal, and social development. The school meets all regulatory standards and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that all children are supported in their learning journey. The nurturing environment, combined with effective leadership and management, contributes to the overall success of the school and the well-being of its pupils.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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