Fresh thinking about independent education

Keep up-to-date with the latest school news and fresh thinking about independent education in the UK – subscribe to Attain, follow us on Twitter or connect via LinkedIn.

Bishop's Stortford College students jumping in celebration (Photo: Bishop's Stortford College)

Bishop's Stortford College celebrate A Level results

18/08: Bishop’s Stortford College has announced that 85% of its 2022 A Level results have been graded A*-B with 30% graded at A* and 49 students gaining three grade As or better.

Students at LEH School in Hampton celebrate on A level Results Day (Photo: Lady Eleanor Holles)

LEH celebrates A level results

18/08/22: LEH's class of 2022 achieved standout collective results and some exceptional individual successes, with many being awarded the highest grades and winning places at their first-choice university.

A Level stars are shining at St Mary's Calne

18/08/22: St Mary's Calne students have achieved impressive A Level results, despite the disruption of the last two years, with over a quarter of all grades awarded being A*s.

A Level Joy at The Oratory

18/08/22: After a return to the reality of public exams The Oratory has once again celebrated the success of its A Level pupils who have attained highly in spite of the challenges faced during their two year courses.

Downe House School (Photo: Downe House School)

Downe House partners with SpringBoard to transform futures

04/08/22: Downe House has announced a partnership with Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF) which will enable the school to widen its reach to others who would not usually be able to access a Downe House education.

Path Building Team (Photo: Churcher's College)

Churcher's pupils help with new nature reserve

04/08/22: Churcher's College pupils have been working with the local community to create a path for walkers at a new nature reserve in Petersfield.

Cranleigh School at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Photo: Cranleigh School)

Cranleigh's year of equestrian success

04/08/22: Over the past academic year, Cranleigh School has scooped three national equestrian titles, two national Silvers, three national Bronzes, six Surrey titles, numerous regional wins, and scored a clear round at the Royal Windsor Show.

Features

When communication becomes unhealthy

Nina Kingsmill Moore · 5 min read

It was vital for parents to email teachers far more than usual during the pandemic. But the volume of messages has not stopped, as Nina Kingsmill Moore, Headmistress of Glendower Preparatory School, explains.

The magic 10 per cent

4 min read: If 90% of what schools do appears to be the same, asks David Griffiths, Headmaster of Old Buckenham Hall, what is the other 10%? For prospective parents, it's the 'magic' they should focus on when choosing a school for their child.

Enjoying the moment

4 min read: As a result of the pandemic, many people feel unable to look ahead and plan with confidence. But we need to refocus on the present, explains Fionnuala Kennedy, Head of Wimbledon High School GDST, and find the joy in the here and now.

Demystifying finance in the classroom

4 min read: Financial illiteracy is a problem for many adults. Ensuring pupils leave school confident in managing a budget, investments and pensions is crucial for the years ahead as Fionnuala Kennedy, Head of Wimbledon High School GDST, explains.

The reform of assessment

3 min read: HMC asked 800 educators for their views on both the current curriculum and models of assessment. Dr Simon Hyde, General Secretary of HMC, looks at the findings of this survey and why the majority of respondents want to see reform happen urgently.

Where does it all go wrong?

4 min read: Are schools doing enough to promote diversity, tolerance and equality? Jason Whiskerd, Headmaster of Brentwood Preparatory School, explores what is being done to make sure the lessons learnt in school last a lifetime.

Trust and you will find

4 min read: The past year has seen the rise of The Three Marketeers: Covid, Consultancies and Conundrums. Tim Hands, Headmaster of Winchester, reflects on choosing schools in the new normal.