Set in 46 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland, just south of the historic abbey town of Sherborne, it shares its campus with Leweston senior school. It has good modern facilities, many of which it shares with the senior school, including the extensive sports facilities and the boarding accommodation. It is a Catholic school which emphasises the integration of Christian principles into daily life. There is a wide social mix and spread of talents and the school's aim is to encourage all pupils a to fulfill their potential in a stimulating environment. Traditional values of work and behaviour are held in high esteem and emphasis is placed on pastoral care. There is considerable activity in the performing arts and there is a good range of extra-curricular and weekend activities. Founded as a girls' school, day boys are being phased in, through to the age of 11 from 2013. Almost all girls go on to Lewston senior school.
Pupils: Age range 2½–11, 96 pupils; 80 girls (73 day, 5 boarding, 2 weekly boarding), 16 day boys - co-education being phased in throughout the school by 2013. Entrance: All ages. Entrance is non- selective: own entry assessments conducted during a taster day at the school. 1 class (of about 12) throughout the school. No special skills or religious requirements; school is Catholic but welcomes pupils of all denominations and faiths.
3-5 pa scholarships, awarded at age 6-11, value 5%–25% of fees; usually academic and sport. Also means-tested bursaries (including to supplement a scholarship if necessary). Average extras £1000 pa.
A wide mix of backgrounds; 15+% of parents in industry/commerce. Over 60% live within 30 miles, under 10% abroad.
Headteacher: Mrs Mary Allen, in post since 2005. Educated at Northumbria University (environmental studies). Previously Deputy Head at Taunton Prep and Assistant Boarding Housemistress at Weirfield School. Also ISI inspector. Teaching staff: 11 full-time, 17 part-time. Average age 40.
Pupils take entrance exam for own senior school and Key Stage 2 assessments; pupils prepared for Common Entrance at 11 and scholarship exams on request. Over 50% of pupils achieve Level 5 in maths, 75% in English and science. Some 40% of pupils gain entrance scholarships to their secondary school.
90% of pupils go on to Leweston senior school; entrance by its own exam.
All National Curriculum subjects taught, plus performing arts. Specialist subject teachers introduced at age 7. PSHE taught discretely and includes citizenship; also a cross curricular approach and embedded into school life. Special provision: SEN co-ordinator gives individual lessons and individual education plans adopted as necessary; good links with outside agencies. EAL teacher. Languages: French taught from age 3. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (from age 3 in dedicated ICT suite) and across the curriculum.
Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choirs, recorder group. All pupils involved in school drama productions. Annual performing arts events: Christmas production (prep and pre-prep), termly musical concerts and large summer production (Annie recently). Specialist art and design centre has facitities for wood and metal work, textiles, cookery and pottery. Music, drama, dance and art all offered as extra-curricular activities.
Compulsory sports: hockey, tennis, swimming, netball, rounders, cross-country, gym, athletics. Optional: golf, ballet, cheerleading, modern dance. On site facilities shared with senior school: all-weather pitch, sports hall (with fitness and weights room), indoor and outdoor netball and tennis courts, outdoor heated swimming pool, grass track and synthetic long jump. Cross-country team 4th in prep schools championships. Activities: Some 30 clubs and activities eg art, circus skills, green team, herbal therapy, keyboard skills, kick boxing, Chinese, deportment and modelling, drama, DT, ballet, choir, communion, sailing.
Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses: Competitive houses. Head girl, deputy heads and prefects in Year 6, appointed by staff and pupils; form captains appointed by form tutor. Religion: Catholic. Attendance at Mass compulsory once a week, twice for boarders. Social: Pupils allowed to bring own bike/scooter to school. Meals formal and compulsory; pupils not expected to bring their own food to school. School shop. Most pupils travel to school by car; school bus service, including after some matches, after-school clubs etc. Some supervision available before and after school (8am to 6pm).
Pupils in dormitories of approximately 6. All in junior house, of 20+ pupils, shared with senior school pupils aged 11–13. Health centre, with qualified nurse during the day. Accompanied trips to local town at weekend. 2 exeats a term. Flexi-boarding offered.
Run by Margo Liddle, Leweston Society Manager, c/o the school
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