Heywood Prep
The Priory, Priory Street, Corsham, SN13 0AP
Pupils
254
Ages
2 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Tim O'Connell
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£400 to £3,785
ISC Associations
ISA, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Heywood Prep
Heywood Prep, located in the charming town of Corsham, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 to 11. The school is set in a picturesque Georgian house surrounded by two acres of grounds, providing an idyllic setting for young learners. The nursery, housed in what was once the town’s fire station, is a lively and engaging space where children are prepared for school life through activities that promote sitting quietly, taking turns, and basic phonics and numeracy skills.
One of the standout features of Heywood Prep is its non-selective admissions policy. The school welcomes children who are likely to thrive in its educational environment, without the need for rigorous entrance exams. This inclusive approach extends to all stages, including the common entry points of reception and year 3. While the school does review reports from previous schools if applicable, it maintains a welcoming stance for all prospective students.
Upon leaving Heywood Prep at 11+, students transition to a wide range of local secondary schools, with two-thirds moving on to independent schools. A significant number of students continue their education at Westonbirt, the senior school within the Wishford Schools group. Other popular destinations include Kingswood, Hardenhuish, The Royal High School in Bath, Dauntsey’s, Malmesbury, Prior Park College, Redhill High in Pembrokeshire, Sheldon School, St Lawrence School, and Stroud High. The head takes great care in matching each child to the most suitable next school, holding individual meetings in year 5 to discuss future steps and tailor exam preparation accordingly. The school’s success in securing scholarships and ensuring students gain entry to their first-choice schools is a testament to this careful planning.
The school’s facilities are both modern and inviting. Classrooms are bright and airy, equipped with up-to-date IT resources like Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, yet traditional teaching methods remain at the core of the curriculum. Class sizes are kept small, with no more than 16 pupils per class, allowing for personalised attention and specialist teaching throughout the prep school years. Individualised learning sessions are a key feature, addressing each child’s unique needs, whether academic, social, or related to specific talents.
Heywood Prep places a strong emphasis on cross-curricular learning, with a weekly STEAM lesson that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The school’s IT suite, Lego robotics table, and 3D printer support this innovative approach. English is particularly well-regarded among students, who also enjoy hands-on projects like building hydraulic boxes.
Support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is comprehensive and compassionate. The Burrow, a dedicated space for SEND support, offers a welcoming environment where children can receive help with both academic and social challenges. The Head of Learning Support works closely with teachers and parents to ensure that each child’s needs are met, whether through specialist lessons for dyslexics, a calm corner for children with autism spectrum conditions, or individualised sessions to boost self-confidence and reduce anxiety.
Sport is another area where Heywood Prep excels. Despite its small site, the school makes extensive use of local facilities for cricket, rugby, football, and swimming. Up to 20% of the prep timetable is dedicated to games and PE, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports and fixtures. The school’s commitment to sport is evident in the success of its students, some of whom go on to compete at county level and in national championships.
Music is a vibrant part of school life, with a dedicated music room at the heart of the school. Pupils have the chance to try out multiple instruments and participate in choirs and a strings group. Music is integrated into the school’s community outreach, with performances at local schools, churches, and care homes. The dining hall doubles as a performance space, providing regular opportunities for students to showcase their musical and dramatic talents.
Educational trips are a highlight for students, ranging from visits to the Cotswold Wildlife Park for younger children to residential trips for older students. These experiences are highly valued by both children and parents, contributing to the school’s reputation for outstanding care and a supportive community. The school’s size and family feel are consistently praised, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a fair reward system.
Heywood Prep’s curriculum incorporates discussions on privilege and diversity, encouraging students to engage with current news stories and debates. The school community is diverse, with parents from various backgrounds, including first-time buyers and alumni. The school’s wrap-around childcare until 6pm is particularly appreciated by working parents.
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ISI Review
Heywood Prep School, located in Corsham, Wiltshire, is an independent co-educational day school that has been operational since 1940. The school is housed in a Georgian manor house on a two-acre site, with the Early Years Foundation Stage situated in a former fire station on the same grounds. Owned by the Wishford Schools Group, Heywood Prep aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can develop responsible behavior and a love for learning, ultimately helping them to reach their full potential. The school serves a diverse population of pupils, primarily from professional backgrounds, and has a total enrollment of 254 students, including 43 in nursery, 88 in pre-prep, and 123 in prep.
The school has a strong commitment to academic excellence, with pupils demonstrating above-average abilities compared to national standards. A significant number of students are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, and the school provides tailored support to ensure all pupils can thrive. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, allowing for good progress across all subjects. The school emphasizes the importance of relationships education and has established a written policy that aligns with statutory guidance.
In terms of regulatory compliance, the Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection, which confirmed that Heywood Prep meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection highlighted the school's effective measures for safeguarding, promoting good behavior, preventing bullying, and ensuring health and safety. The school maintains appropriate checks on staff suitability and keeps a register as required. Facilities are well-maintained, providing suitable accommodations for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education.
The quality of education provided at Heywood Prep is commendable, with teaching practices enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by effective planning and resources. Pupils receive a well-rounded education that includes relationships education, which is communicated to parents through a published policy. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, fostering responsible citizenship among pupils. The school’s leadership actively promotes the well-being of students, ensuring that the standards related to leadership and management are consistently met.
The educational quality inspection further affirmed the school's high standards, particularly in academic achievements and personal development. Pupils of all abilities make excellent progress, demonstrating outstanding speaking skills and confidence in their use of language from an early age. The teaching is fast-paced and effectively planned to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, encouraging excellent study skills that enhance learning across the curriculum. The school’s commitment to fostering a love of learning is evident in the pupils' enthusiasm and engagement in lessons.
Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent, with a strong family ethos permeating the school community. They exhibit kindness, empathy, and a mature understanding of right and wrong. The school encourages pupils to develop social skills and a sense of responsibility, with opportunities for leadership roles such as school council and house captains. The curriculum includes a focus on health and well-being, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its approach to diversity and respect for different cultures. Pupils engage with peers from various backgrounds and are encouraged to appreciate the richness of different cultures through the curriculum and school activities. The school promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about societal issues and the importance of community involvement.
Pupils feel safe and supported within the school environment, with a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being. The school provides resources for pupils to seek help when needed, fostering a culture of openness and support. The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of pupils, ensuring that they lead healthy, active lives filled with a variety of sporting and extracurricular activities.
Overall, Heywood Prep School exemplifies a commitment to high educational standards, personal development, and a supportive community. The school’s focus on academic excellence, combined with its nurturing environment, prepares pupils not only for their immediate educational needs but also for their future endeavors. The positive relationships among pupils, staff, and the wider community contribute to a vibrant school culture where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive. The school’s achievements in various academic and extracurricular pursuits further highlight its dedication to providing a well-rounded education that fosters both personal and academic growth.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024