Independent Schools

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Newbury Weekly News

Rookwood School

ROOKWOOD is a co-educa- tional school offering day and boarding for three -16 year olds in the heart of Andover. The school prides itself on its warm, friendly and nurturing atmosphere and its commitment to treating each child as an indi- vidual. While it is non-selective, Rook- wood still achieves excellent academic success; high quality teaching coupled with motivated, positive pupils ensures pupils really do fulfil their potential. In 2016, 100 per cent of pupils achieved five or more GCSE grades A*– C. However, Rookwood school is so much more than exam results; pupils have many opportunities to experience a broader educa- tion than is simply presented on the timetable. School life is rich in experiences and ensures that students have a varied and balanced education that not only focuses on academic achievement, but also on personal development. Across the school, pupils benefit from high quality teaching, excellent facilities and small classes. The favourable teacher-pupil ratio ensures that pupils receive individual attention and that teaching can be tailored to meet the needs of all children. The staff ’s commitment to high quality pastoral care, excellent teaching and superb opportuni- ties ensures that all pupils leave Rookwood School as confident, resilient and principled young adults, ready for the next stage of their education.

St Joseph’s College ST Joseph’s College is an independent day school for boys and girls aged three to 18,

With this in mind, St Joseph’ s has created its mission and aims around four key attributes: commitment, collaboration, confidence and communication. Each one is a thread that runs through each child’s spiritual, academic, pastoral and extra- curricular education, aiming to nurture skills that will serve them throughout their lives. There is a strong focus on lifelong learning, rather than just provid- ing pupils with the skills to get into university. Pupils love going to school at St Joseph’s, and a regular parent and pupil satisfaction survey reflects this. This is what makes St Joseph’ s a unique place. It is a school where each pupil is known as an individual, and will be prepared for adult life, with the academic results and life skills that will allow them to shine. This is the true measure of St Joseph’s success.

situated in central Reading. It has recently won an award for outstanding progress, and has been named Independent School of the Year, with judges comment- ing on its‘trailblazing approach’ to developing the school. Receiving such an award is a huge honour for any school, but especially St Joseph’ s College, which has been on an amazing journey over the last few years. The award recognises the trans- formation of St Joseph’s from a girls school with just over 300 pupils in 2010 to a co-educational school of more than 500 pupils today, with an equal number of boys and girls. During this period the school has cut senior fees by 17 per cent– fees are now significantly lower than other local independent schools. St Joseph’s is delighted to be able to make independent education

more affordable and available to a greater number of children. The college has also implemented a campus-wide investment programme, and this is ongoing as all aspects of the buildings and grounds have been updated, including the dining hall, swim- ming pool, classrooms, new astro- turf pitches and common areas. It offers a holiday club for pupils from age three, and a school minibus from a number of areas, including Thatcham. However, more important than the award and developments is the desire to create a school where each pupil is happy.

The school is proud of its ISI- rated ‘excellent’ boarding house, which provides boarding for pupils from Year 4 upwards. The boarding house is led by experienced house parents who provide the highest quality of care to pupils around the clock. The school has a Christian ethos, though children of all or no faiths are welcome. Rookwood is underpinned by the core human values common to so many faiths; these are rein- forced through assemblies and

through the day-to-day life of the school. Pupils are taught to value and respect each other, to act with integrity and strive for excel- lence in all that they do. They are encouraged to think of others and to be part of a mutu- ally dependent community. These values provide the back- drop against which school life is experienced. For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Mrs Ball on (01264) 325910.

ROOKWOOD SCHOOL Co-educational | Day & Boarding | 3-16 Years Celebrating 100% of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs grades A* to C

Independent School of the Year TES Independent School Awards 2015/16

Open Days Wednesday 21 September, 10.30am - 12.00pm Thursday 6 October, 6.30pm - 9.00pm To reserve your place at our Open Morning or Open Evening please call Admissions on 0118 984 6910 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk. Alternatively you can book via our website. www.sjcr.org.uk

OPEN MORNING Thursday 22nd September 2016 9.30am-12.30pm To reserve a place call 01264 325910 Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AL www.rookwood.hants.sch.uk