News

Most recently, Jody Wells was Headmaster of Forres Sandle Manor Prep School in Hampshire, where he was previously Deputy Head. He is also an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspector. He was previously Head of Boys’ Games and Head of Boarding at All Hallows School. But he began his career at Wells Cathedral School - as a Houseparent and Class Teacher - and is delighted to be coming back to where it all began. He recounts his own journey into teaching:...

Dear Parents, Welcome back to School and an especially warm welcome to all of the new families who now form part of our vibrant community. I think that Monday of this week was possibly one of my favourite days to date at Rossall. The sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable, as we embarked on an academic year that feels as though we have just emerged from a lengthy hibernation. Alas, we know that is not the case, with pupils, parents and...

The idea for this blog arose from a debate about the National Anthem. Last Saturday evening, as the sun faded over the Irish Sea, Joey argued the case for ‘Jerusalem’. I have to admit that I have always been a little perplexed by those references to ‘dark Satanic Mills’ and ‘arrows of burning desire’. Indeed, Blake’s words would not count for so much without Parry’s stirringly majestic tune. I lobbied hard for ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ before Gemma took us...

Alan Parkinson, who is Head of Geography at King’s Ely Junior, was Vice President of the GA last year, and became 2021-22 President on September 1st. Alan, who lives in Norfolk and who has been teaching at King’s Ely for eight years, previously worked for the GA as Secondary Curriculum Development Leader for three years, and also served on the Secondary Phase Committee for fourteen years. He has contributed the Webwatch column to the GA Magazine for a similar amount...

Vice-Captain of School, Charlie, started his rugby journey at just 4½ years old as a micro at Ashby Rugby club. Once Charlie moved into contact rugby he became known as “The Tank”.  At 13, Charlie was delighted to win a place in the Leicester Tiger’s junior academy pathway training at Nottingham University Sports Centre.  After moving to Denstone College he was selected for Leicester Tiger’s Academy rugby at age 16  and started his training as a hooker. He was registered...

Within 18 months the College has achieved almost the unachievable, and converted and developed a fabulous building on site to become an exceptional Prep School facility. This development represents’ £1.8 m of investment.  The school has invested £127k in the playground areas, which were carefully designed to aid the physical development of the children and to include an element of adventure and independence. In addition to our dedicated prep teaching staff for the core subjects of English, maths and Science...

The average child stops swimming lessons at seven-and-a-half years old, with more than nine out of 10 children in England not able to swim 100 metres or tread water for half a minute, placing themselves at severe risk of drowning, campaigners have warned. The figure has risen during the pandemic with more than two million children missing out on swimming lessons between March 2020 and April 2021, directly contradicting the statutory guidance for schools as part of the National PE...

Pocklington School student Kai Swanborough has recently completed the design of a logo, website and branding for the recently established Pocklington District Heritage Trust (PDHT).  The logo is based on the bronze Iron Age shield, found in Pocklington in 2018, and hailed as the most important British Celtic art object of the millennium. Kai took inspiration from the shape and decoration on the shield and incorporated it into a distinctive and striking design for PDHT.  Kai has also designed and...

This week Mike Stanley takes up the reins as the new Headmaster at Forres Sandle Manor School in Fordingbridge. Mike joins the school from his position as the Deputy Head of Walhampton Prep School near Lymington.  On his appointment, the board of Directors said: In a very strong field, Mike’s passion for education, commitment to individualised learning and determination to unlock the potential in every child shone through. Whether enabling children to re-enact the Battle of Hastings on horseback or the...

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award At Pangbourne, all Year 9 pupils undertake the Bronze award, and many choose to go on to Silver in Year 11 and Gold in Year 12. The combination of volunteering, physical activities, skill-based challenges and expeditions give an all-round experience which is fun, rewarding and recognises a young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development. Combined Cadet Force Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a vital element of our challenge curriculum which is taken up in...