2022 — 2023
INFORMATIONCURRENT
Email: ppadmissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
FOR ALL GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Email: psadmissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
WELCOME TO STORTFORD COLLEGE
Telephone: 01279 838607
Telephone: 01279 838626
For pupils aged 13–18
Telephone: 01279 838604
Email: admissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
Telephone: 01279 838604
Head of Admissions – Ms Vickie Warburton
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS
Telephone: 01279 838575
Admissions Officer – Mrs Fiona Brett
Admissions Officer – Mrs Sally McGuiness
For pupils aged 4–7
SENIOR SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
For pupils aged 7–13
Email: international@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
BISHOP’S
Bishop’s Stortford College School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. CM23 2PQ www.BishopsStortfordCollege.org
CollegeStortfordBishop’s
CONTACT DETAILS
– https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/ , or contact the relevant Admissions Officer to arrange a visit. Further information on the examination subjects we offer can be found in the GCSE Guide and in our Sixth Form Subject Guide (please click to link) .
Please read this booklet alongside the Prospectus pack to provide you with more detailed information about life at the College. If you would like to discover more, do visit our website
PRE-PREP ADMISSIONS
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 2CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form, please also refer to our separate Sixth Form Guide . This provides further information about the benefits of our Sixth Form community and details of the 24 subjects we offer.
Email: general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
International Admissions Officer – Mrs Jenny McGuigan
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 3CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023 AboutCONTENTSBishop’sStortford College 4 Location 5 College Profile 6 The 4 Step Entry Procedure 8 Scholarships 12 School Fees - 2022 — 2023 13 Examination Results 15 Leavers’ Destinations 15 Pre-Prep 16 Prep School 20 Senior School and Sixth Form 25 Boarding 29 International Students 30 Meals and Healthy Eating 31 Medical Care 31 Governing Council 32
• The infectious enthusiasm, imagination and dedication of College staff, in partnership with parents, enables our pupils to grow into happy, well-rounded, independently minded, skilful and caring young people, equipped and ready for the adventures and opportunities life has to offer.
• As an all-through, day and boarding school, with a flexible approach to boarding, we can cater for boys and girls of different ages within a family and the individual needs of different families.
• The rapport between staff and pupils, and between pupils of different ages, cultivates a strong sense of belonging and nurtures timeless values such as responsibility, courtesy and consideration for others.
• We are blessed with a beautifully peaceful, spacious and safe setting, close to the countryside yet within walking distance of the town centre. There is easy access by air, road or rail and full advantage is taken of our close proximity to London and Cambridge.
• Breadth of experience is naturally woven into daily life. Our pupils can, and do, pursue high academic standards whilst enjoying, and succeeding in, many other interests.
• The use of pioneering technology in geography, our hugely successful Festival of Literature, numerous high quality musical and drama events and frequent high level sporting success are just a few examples of how we constantly strive for excellence in all we do.
• As three schools in one, we are large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, whilst each part is small enough for pupils to be known, valued and nurtured as individuals.
• Bishop’s Stortford College is a top performing independent co-educational school.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 4CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE?
• At the heart of the value we offer is the community of people. Pupils are surrounded by inspiring role models who enable them to develop the same confidence and ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Main road routes
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 5CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Nearest station
M25, M11 and A10/A120
a delightful market town situated on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex. Conveniently close to Stansted Airport and major road and rail links, the College lies on the northern edge of the town’s greenbelt. The town centre is a five minute walk from the main entrance.
Nearest cities
Bishop’s Stortford – 1 mile/1.6km away with frequent trains to London Liverpool Street (45 minutes), Cambridge (40 minutes) and Stansted Airport (10 minutes)
Nearest airports
London (approx 37 miles/60km to the centre, 1 hour) Cambridge (27 miles/44km, 40 minutes)
Bishop’sLOCATIONStortfordis
Stansted (7.5 miles/12km, 10 minutes) Gatwick (71 miles/115km, 1 hour 25 minutes) Heathrow (70 miles/112km, 1 hour 15 minutes) Luton (43 miles/69km, 1 hour)
COLLEGE
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 6CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
WHERE OUR PUPILS LIVE
626 pupils (243 in the Sixth Form)
• Co-educational
• Boarding from 7 years of age
Fourth Form Year 9 14–15 Lower Fifth Year 10 15–16 Upper Fifth Year 11 16–17 Lower Sixth Year 12 17–18 Upper Sixth Year 13
• Christian,non-denominational
The majority of our UK boarders come from Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London. Typically we have around 60 international boarders with us each year, the majority of whom are in the Senior School.
• 4 – 18 years of age
KEY FACTS
Large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities yet small enough for pupils to be known, valued and nurtured.
We also have a number who join our Prep School, usually from the age of 10 or 11. In the past few years, students have joined us from 18 different countries.
4–5 Reception Reception 5–6 Year 1 Year 1 6–7 Year 2 Year 2
BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE
YEAR GROUPSSectionofCollegeandtypicalnumbers Age Year EquivalentGroupYear CurriculumNational
Lower Shell Year 3 8–9 Upper Shell Year 4 9–10 Form 1 Year 5 10–11 Form 2 Year 6 11–12 Lower Third Year 7 12–13 Upper Third Year 8
Day pupils come from a relatively wide area, stretching towards Stevenage to the west, the coast to the east, Cambridge to the north and Epping to the south.
SENIOR SCHOOL (13–18 yrs)
• Founded 1868
533 pupils
PRE-PREP (4–7 yrs)
130 pupils
Full/Weekly and Flexi-boarders: 135 PROFILE
Full/Weekly and Flexi-boarders: 39
Day pupils: 494
Day pupils: 491
7–8
13–14
• Boarding and day school
PREP SCHOOL (7–13 yrs)
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2017
“Pupils of all ages have excellent attitudes to learning and demonstrate high levels of self-esteem and confidence in all the activities offered by the school. They have a thirst for knowledge and participate whole heartedly.”
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 7CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by the end of the September prior to entry.
ACCEPTANCE
ASSESSMENT MORNING – Meet and Greet
We welcome you to visit Bishop’s Stortford College as you consider our suitability for your child or children. You may wish to arrange an individual appointment by contacting the Admissions Officer and/or attend one of our Open Events (usually held in the Autumn
2.1.3. 4.
All children applying to join the Pre-Prep meet our Reception teachers during a morning of activities. When the children are playing in small groups, with others of a similar age, we are able to talk and play with them to check for their readiness for our school. Following acceptance of a place, additional information will also be requested, where relevant, from the playgroup/nursery.
Our Acceptance Forms will be sent via our online admissions portal. Please submit together with the acceptance fee by early November.
OFFER
PRE-PREP
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 8CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
THE STEP ENTRY PROCEDURE
Places are normally offered by end of the October prior to entry.
If places become available in Year 1 and Year 2 we invite those who have applied to come and spend time with the appropriate year group and year staff to assess how they would fit in academically and socially.
4
APPLICATIONTerm).
Main entry point: 4+ Reception
APPLICATION
ASSESSMENT – Entry tests are held in January prior to entry. Literacy skills, mathematics, verbal reasoning and reading.
ACCEPTANCE
Places are normally offered by mid-February prior to entry.
Admission to the Prep School is based upon academic merit which is assessed through entry tests and references and/or a report from the candidate’s previous school. Social skills and the behaviour of candidates is also part of the selection process.
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by the end of the November prior to entry.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 9CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
PREP SCHOOL
Main entry point: 7+, 10+ and 11+ (Years 3, 6 and 7)
OFFER
Our Acceptance Forms will be sent via our online admissions portal. Please submit together with the acceptance fee by early March.
Our selection process is designed to identify pupils who are able to benefit from our balanced and well-rounded education and to make a positive contribution towards the life of the school.
2.1.3. 4.
ASSESSMENT – Entry Tests are held in January prior to entry. English, Mathematics, Science and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Applicants will be considered after January if places are PRE-TESTavailable.-We also pre-test in January of Year 6 for 13+ entry. Guidance notes are available on the College website
2.1.3.
ACCEPTANCE
A school report or reference will be requested from your child’s current school and pupils will be expected to take nine or ten subjects. 4.
OFFER
Main entry point: 13+ (Year APPLICATION9)
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by the end of the November prior to entry, or for early entry testing, by November of Year 6.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Places are normally offered by mid-February prior to entry.
Our Acceptance Forms will be sent via our online admissions portal. Please submit together with the acceptance fee by early March.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 10CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Places are normally offered in early December prior to entry.
• A minimum of either 7 grade 6 GCSEs or 3 grade 7s and 3 grade 6 GCSEs.
APPLICATION12)
• At least a 6 grade in the subject for each A Level.
SIXTH FORM
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 11CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Main entry point: 16+ (Year
Our Acceptance Forms will be sent via our online admissions portal. Please submit together with the acceptance fee by mid-January.
OFFER
ASSESSMENT – Entry Tests are held in October prior to entry.
The College Application Form (completed by parents) and the Sixth Form Entry Form (completed by parents and students) need to be submitted by the beginning of the November prior to entry.
• A good disciplinary and attendance record.
ACCEPTANCE
Offers will normally be conditional on the achievement of:
2.1.3. 4.
10+/Yearavailable6entry
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
College Scholarship Programme, we aim to foster and celebrate excellence.
MusicAcademic
ENTRY PROCEDURE –ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Scholarships are awarded to candidates who show outstanding talent, based on ability and potential.
Bursaries are awarded according to need, based on means testing and awarded to talented and deserving young people whose families cannot otherwise afford our fees. For an approximate guide to the upper threshold for household income to qualify for an award, an indication of the information you will need to provide, or, if you have any other queries about Bursaries, please visit the College website.
Awards
SportMusicArtAcademic
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 12CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
ThroughSCHOLARSHIPStheBishop’sStortford
Please visit our website for specific entry procedure details for international pupils.
HELP WITH PAYING FEES (BURSARIES)
Art, Music and Sport are very strong at Bishop’s Stortford College. A special aptitude in any of these areas and/or Drama (for Senior School entry) will be taken into consideration, but will not replace the academic requirements for entry.
11+/Year 7 entry
13+/Year 9 entry
Sixth Form entry
SportMusicArtAcademic
Special aptitudes:
SportMusicArtAcademic
Early Stay from 7.45am – 8.20am £5.94
Shell (Years 3 and 4) Day £5,459
Overseas Boarding £12,656
Weekly Boarding £11,348
– Lower and Upper Sixth (years 12–13) Day £7,454
FLEXI BOARDING
Full Boarding £12,176
PER NIGHT
WRAPAROUND CARE IN THE PREP SCHOOL*PERDAY
SENIOR SCHOOL
*Fees correct at time of print. See website for update on 2023–2024 fees as the year progresses.
(with effect from 1 st September 2022)
Shell Late Stay (first session) up to 5.00 pm £9.54
Day £7,423
UK Full Boarding £9,080
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 13CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Weekly Boarding £8,813
Shell Late Stay (second session) up to 6.00 pm £6.36
PRE-PREP (RECEPTION – YEAR 2) Day £3,540
PREP SCHOOL
WRAPAROUND CARE IN THE PRE-PREP*PERDAY
Overseas Full Boarding £9,271
Late Stay (first session) up to 4.50pm £9.54
Late Stay (both sessions) £15.90
SCHOOL PER TERM
– 4th Form, Lower and Upper Fifth (Years 9 –11)
Shell Late Stay (both sessions) 15.90
MUSIC PER TERM
Lesson £235
LANGUAGES AND ADDITIONAL TUITIONPERTERM
SCHOOL FEES – 2022 — 2023*
Early Stay from 7.45am – 8.20am £5.94
Weekly Boarding £11,379
Form One – Upper Third (Years 5 to 8) Day £5,911
Full Boarding £12,207 Overseas Boarding £12,687
Late Stay (second session) up to 6.00pm £6.36
LAMDA Lessons (Group/Individual) £196/£265 English as an Additional Language (EAL)/ English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for Day pupils £477
SIXTH FORM
Flexi £79
Musical Instrument Hire £57
*LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE, BOOKING ESSENTIAL
PAYMENT OPTIONS
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 14CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
EXTRAS
Please note that due to the variety on offer, and their various charges, external examination fees are added on an individual basis to the fees for the term in which the examination is taken.
• boarding up to the end of the year in which the child is 15 (12 for TFC)
If CCVs or TFC are used we will adjust the amount paid by direct debit given sufficient notice to do so.
Senior School 2,500 N/A 1,500 1,000
Senior School –Pre-tested pupils 3,500 N/A 2,500 1,000
Pre-Prep 2,500 N/A 1,500 1,000
FeeAcceptance£
The College reserves the right to retain the Acceptance Fee should the pupil not take up his or her place, except in the event that the pupil fails to meet the conditions of offer or is unable to come to the College for medical reasons. A term’s written notice of withdrawal or payment of a term’s fees in lieu is required when withdrawing from an offer.
Payable Acceptance:at
Application Fee £100
• wraparound care and after school sports in the Prep School
• wraparound care and after school sports in the Pre-Prep
ACCEPTANCE FEES
Senior School –Overseas Boarders 2,500 11,000 12,500 1,000
Expeditions/overseas trips Charged at cost
ADVANCE FEE DEPOSITS
Prep School 2,500 N/A 1,500 1,000
• all of the fees in the year in which the child is 5 years old (CCVs only)
Of the Acceptance Fee, £1,000 will be retained against the final term’s extras and the remainder refunded on the first term’s account. We endeavour to keep extras to a minimum so that family budgeting is as straightforward as possible. For this reason, accommodation and laundry (for boarders), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (for international pupils), lunches, stationery and textbooks are all included in the fees, rather than charged as extras.
A financial advisor will be able to give you the best advice on the purchase of the vouchers.
Amount to be Credited in the First Term £ Amount to be Credited in the Final Term £
Prep School – Overseas Boarders 2,500 8,000 9,500 1,000
Fees are payable by direct debit unless advance payment is arranged through the College Finance Manager.
DepositBoardingAdditional£
External examination fees Charged at cost
The College will accept payment through Child Care Vouchers (CCVs) or the Government Tax Free Childcare (TFC) for allowable costs which most usually are:
• In 2022, over a third of all subjects achieved the top grade 9. 76% of subjects were awarded grades 9–7.
• In 2022, out of 115 pupils, 41 gained at least ten 9–7 grades, each receiving the College’s prestigious Ten Club Tie.
In 2022:
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 15CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
RESULTSEXAMINATIONA*A
• Typical A Level results are above 55% A*–A grades, with over 20% of all grades being A*, around 80% A*–B and 100% pass rate.
A LEVEL RESULTS 2022 GCSE RESULTS 2022
LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS *
• 60 (55% of those heading to university) secured a place at a top 20 university (as per The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023), including History at Durham, Chemistry at Bath, Anthropology at Exeter, Medicine at Imperial, Classics at Cambridge and Computer Science at King’s College, London.
• Bishop’s Stortford College is one of the top independent co-educational schools in the UK.
• 117 leavers headed to 42 different universities to study around 60 different courses, and with 5 going straight into employment on apprenticeships and 2 taking a gap year.
• With recent reforms in GCSEs and grades being awarded from 9–1, and the cancellation of public examinations in 2020 and 2021, it is not currently possible to make year-on-year comparisons.
A*– A A*–B A*–C Pass Rate % 30% 33% 62% 85% 97% 100% 9 8 7 9–7 9–5 9–4 33% 20% 22% 76% 98% 99%
2022 A Level and GCSE results summaries are also available on the College website.
A full list of 2022 leavers’ destinations will be available on the College website from October 2022.
TOPLINE SUMMARY
All students are encouraged to select the next step that is most appropriate for them and that will provide them with the strongest platform for pursuing their chosen career path.
In 2021, 94% of our Sixth Form leavers achieved a place to study a degree of their choice, with 5 taking deferred entry and 3 choosing to take a gap year with the intention to apply in 2022.
In the past 5 years, 16 students have gained places at Oxford or Cambridge to read subjects as diverse as History, Medicine, Engineering, Law with Spanish Law and Psychological and Behavioural Science.
We also routinely have students who gain places at their chosen Art or Music specialist universities, and those who choose to study outside the UK.
HEAD OF PRE-PREP: Belinda Callow BEd
CONTACT:
STAFF/PUPIL
8.20am ............ Children may come into the Pre-Prep Building
CLASS SIZE: Usually up to 22 RATIO 1:11
PRE-PREP
There is no Saturday school for Pre-Prep children.
12 noon .......... Lunch, in the College Dining Hall
1.10pm Lunch play ends 3.00pm Home time
Key Facts:
Before the beginning of the first term, a detailed joining information pack is sent out well in advance and an Induction Day is held towards the end of the Summer Term. There are curriculum meetings for parents early on in the Autumn Term to provide relevant information about the curriculum and learning journey.
A year before starting at the College, children aged 3 and over have the opportunity of experiencing the school on our Busy Time with Nursery Rhymes Day, prior to the Assessments in October. Parents with their children can book an appointment to tour the school throughout the year.
10.15am Reception break
FIRST POINT OF Class Teacher
DAILY ROUTINE
8.30am Registration
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 16CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
10.30am Morning break for Year 1 and Year 2
SETTLING IN
Starting school is a big step for children and we do all we can to ensure that it is as smooth as possible for both children and parents.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 17CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
WRAPAROUND CARE
Early Stay –
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
Late Stay (second session) –Up to 6.00pm
We view our Late Stay provision as extending opportunities, friendships and education for our children as they learn new skills, master an art and develop their self-esteem.
From 7.45am – 8.20am
Early Years Foundation Stage:
The seven strands; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design are studied and investigated through a topic-based theme. This enables the children to link ideas, embed their understanding and extend their knowledge.
We aim to give each child a happy, secure and purposeful start to their education by fostering enquiring minds through activities that promote an interest in, and responsibility for, the world around them. We provide a stimulating, nurturing learning environment and a balanced and relevant curriculum to:
HEAD OF PRE-PREP Belinda Callow BEd
We consider our outdoor areas as much of a learning environment as the classroom and take full advantage of the wonderfully spacious grounds and facilities to enrich the children’s development. Our Forest School promotes problem-solving, collaboration and safe risk-taking. It allows the children to have hands-on experience and interaction developing an appreciation of the seasons, weather and the natural environment, as well as incorporating Language, Mathematics and Science concepts, and developing Expressive Arts and Physical Development.
AIMS
Children also have weekly Swimming, PE and Games lessons. The curriculum is delivered within and outside the classroom, with a dedicated weekly session within the Forest School, our specific, nurtured wild area.
• give children the chance to achieve their highest potential
Late Stay (first session) –Up to 4.50pm
• enable every child to develop a love of learning
We now also offer an Early Stay service, subject to availability, to provide the opportunity for children to be booked into Early Stay from 7.45am – 8.20am, before the start of the Pre-Prep day, where children will enjoy a variety of activities.
Access to a rich and stimulating curriculum and learning environment takes into account the uniqueness of every child and their interests.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum encourages the children to explore and discover. It promotes the excellent strands of the National Curriculum but is not constrained by them, enabling children to be challenged and extended on their learning journey.
• help every child be a confident, adaptable member of the community
Breadth and balance lie at the heart of the education we offer.
To assist the transition further, Year 3 teachers spend time in the Summer Term, working alongside the Year 2 teachers.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS
Assessment is an on-going process throughout the year that informs teachers of the next stage of development and learning. Written reports are sent home at the end of the Autumn and Summer Terms. Parent consultations are held in the Autumn and Spring Terms.
Mrs Brooks, Head of Shell (Years 3 and 4), alongside Mr Toleman, Head of the Prep School, and Miss Callow hold a meeting in December for parents of our Year 2 children where the next phase of the children’s education is discussed. This aids the smooth transition into Shell.
Every encounter and interaction is a learning opportunity. Our children have an insatiable appetite to learn, participate, develop and apply their skills.
We regard our school as a team that works in partnership with the children and parents, to foster each child’s well-being.
All pupils benefit from specialist teaching for ICT, Swimming, PE, Games and Music.
PROGRESSION THROUGH PRE-PREP AND INTO THE PREP SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES, TRIPS AND VISITORS
The breadth of our curriculum ignites and inspires the imagination of every child and allows us to ‘tap’ into the interests of the children and scaffold their learning.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 18CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Every child receives individual attention to meet individual needs. Pupils are provided with work that can appropriately challenge their ability and stage of learning. There is a Learning Support Teaching Assistant who provides additional support to embed particular concepts and skills, as well as challenging those pupils who are ready to extend particular areas of understanding and knowledge.
AFTER SCHOOL PROVISION
At the beginning of each Autumn Term there is an opportunity to meet with your child’s new Class Teacher and Classroom Assistant.
PASTORAL CARE
The children enjoy regular trips to enhance their learning and provide ‘real’ experiences. Our trips are planned around the children’s learning experiences. We often welcome parents and visitors to Pre-Prep to talk about their jobs, cultures, faiths and experiences.
Further specific information on the various aspects of the curriculum and activities within the Pre-Prep can also be found on our website.
There will be many other opportunities for you to share your child’s achievements and progress throughout the school year, including plays, concerts, displays, trips and Sports Day.
See Wraparound Care
Our after school provision includes ‘Stay and Play’, as well as specific activities such as Ballet, Football, and Tennis.
SUBJECTS FROM YEAR 1: REGeographyHistoryScienceMathematicsEnglish PE.MusicDesignArtPSHE
Pupils from the Senior and Prep School work with the children on a regular basis. The Pre-Prep children really enjoy this opportunity to interact with the older pupils.
“Pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) make excellent progress from their starting points.”
ISI Inspection Report 2017
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 19CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
SETTLING IN
Maximum of 23
STAFF/PUPIL RATIO
An all-round education is offered with the aim of producing happy, confident children who have a positive attitude to work, to life and towards their community. Pupils are strongly encouraged to be self-aware and develop an awareness of the needs of others.
Starting in Shell is a new experience for all the children, whether they are moving up from the College Pre-Prep or, like around 20 children each year, joining from another school. Great emphasis is placed on helping all the children to settle in. An Induction Day is held towards the end of the Summer Term to begin this process.
AIMS
FIRST POINT OF CONTACT
SHELL: 7–9 YEAR OLDS (YEARS 3–4)
Form Teacher
Bill Toleman BA, MSc, FRGS, FRSA
PREP SCHOOL
We aim for good academic results and work naturally takes priority. However, plenty of time is devoted to sport, music, drama and many other activities with high standards achieved in all these areas.
1:10
HEAD OF THE PREP SCHOOL
CLASS SIZE
Key Facts:
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 20CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
In Shell there is an optional Late Stay Monday – Friday. On Saturday, Shell pupils finish at 12.25pm, so there is no Late Stay provision.
The following subjects are taught by the class teachers: Design & Technology, English (including at least one session in the library), Geography, History, Mathematics, Science and Personal, Social and Health Education.
DAILY ORGANISATION
Shell pupils enjoy the security of being taught for most of each day by their Form Tutor in their own classroom. They also benefit from the expertise of specialist teachers for several areas of the curriculum, which helps to develop a growing sense of independence. Pupils are allocated to a League: Canterbury, Durham, Worcester and York, which nurtures a sense of healthy competition each term.
10.50am ............................ Morning break 12.20pm............................ Lunch in the College Dining Hall 1.25pm .............................. Lunch break ends 3.20pm .............................. Home time for day pupils 3.20pm–6.00pm ............. Optional Late Stay Monday – Friday 5.00pm .............................. Boarders return to House 5.30pm .............................. Dinner for boarders
The broader curriculum of Art, Music, Drama, ICT, Sport and RE are taught by specialist teachers.
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUM
DAILY ROUTINE
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 21CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
The Shell curriculum is varied and encourages pupils to enjoy learning whilst discovering and developing their knowledge and understanding.
7.30am–8.00am .............. Early Stay
Lower Shell (Year 3) Upper Shell (Year 4) 3 Forms 3 Forms Unstreamed Unstreamed Sets for Mathematics (from January) Sets for Mathematics
HEAD OF THE PREP SCHOOL Bill Toleman BA, MSc, FRGS, FRSA
7.50am–8.10am .............. Boarders’ breakfast 8.00am .............................. Children may be dropped off from this time 8.20am Registration 8.30am Assembly 8.55am Lessons begin
Great emphasis is placed on helping new children to settle in: every new pupil is given a ‘shadow’ who ensures that the newcomer gets to the right place at the right time and is properly equipped! Our experience is that after two weeks, new children no longer need a ‘shadow’ and are moving confidently around the College.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: team games, with representative matches played against other schools on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
A wide range of measures is used to gain a full picture of each child’s progress in all aspects of their development.
SETTLING IN
The Form Teacher will be responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of your child. Additionally, each year group has a Teaching Assistant and a Head of Year.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 22CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Prep School (Shell continued)
ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
A full report is written once a year for every pupil. In the other terms a ‘statistical’ or Tutor report is compiled which provides information about a pupil’s progress in each subject, engagement grades and a comment by the Form Tutor.
DAILY ORGANISATION
9 TO 13 YEAR OLDS (YEARS 5–8)
A wide variety of trips are also organised during the year to reinforce the subjects taught and allow children first-hand experiences and interaction with specialists.
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: Activities sessions for Form One and Form Two. Thursday afternoon: Activity session for Lower and Upper Third.
On Wednesday afternoons, there is a series of activities which pupils can take part in. Some are school-based activities such as cooking and football; others are at a local outdoor centre and include archery, rock climbing and canoeing.
PASTORAL CARE
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS
The daily timetable is designed to give breadth and balance to the week. Following School Assembly, House Assemblies or Tutor Assemblies there are five teaching periods each morning (Monday to Saturday). After lunch, Period 6 involves priority time for some activities, opportunities for personal and social education, completion of outstanding work and discussion time.
All
Home time for day pupils* 4.00pm–6.00pm
DAILY ROUTINE
SUBJECTS:
12.30pm
Form 1 onwards,
From pupils have teachers subject.
7.30pm
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Supervised prep for boarders
for every
All pupils may be dropped off from this time
Lunch in the College Dining Hall
On FormSaturdays:Oneand Two finish at 2.30pm whilst Lower and Upper Third finish at 3.00pm.
Dinner for boarders 6.00pm
(YearGermanGeographyFrenchEnglishDramaTechnologyDesignChemistryBiologyArtand7and
7.30am–8.00am Early Stay
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUM
specialist
Our academic structure is designed to enable us to cater for the social and academic needs of each child. The following subjects are taught by the class teachers: Design & Technology, English (including at least one session in the library), Geography, History, Mathematics, Science and Personal, Social & Health Education. The broader curriculum of Art, Music, Drama, Sport and RE are taught by specialist teachers. ICT is taught by the Lower Shell teachers; in Upper Shell it is taught as a specialist subject.
Form One (Year 5) 3 FormFormsTwo (Year 6) 4 LowerFormsThird (Year 7) and Upper Third (Year 8) 6 Forms in Lower Third 6 Forms in Upper Third
Optional Late Stay (Monday – Friday only)
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 23CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
streamed on general ability with sets for Mathematics
Lunch break ends 3.20pm
*On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: Form One and Two finish at 4.30pm, whilst Lower and Upper Third pupils finish at 5pm.
1.25pm
5.30pm
8), (YearSpanishREPhysicsPEMusicMathematicsLatinICTHistory7and8)
7.50am–8.10am Boarders’ breakfast 8.00am
On FormFridays:Oneand Two finish at 4.00pm whilst Lower and Upper Third finish at 4.30pm
8.20am Registration 8.35am Assembly 8.55am Lessons begin 10.50am Morning break
End of prep time
On FormWednesdays:OneandTwo finish at 4.00pm whilst Lower and Upper Third pupils finish at 4.30pm, if not involved in a representative match after games.
Afternoon break 5.00pm
The Form Teacher will be responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of your child. Additionally each year group has a Head of Year. As a House member, your child will have a Housemaster or Housemistress and this provides an additional level of pastoral care.
Prep School (9–13 year olds continued)
There are around 16 junior and 20 senior activity options. The Programme operates on an eight week cycle and the activity options include both academic and non-academic subjects, and several sporting options, all of which can serve to enhance the core curriculum.
Given satisfactory academic progress and good behaviour, pupils move to the Senior School automatically. End of Year examinations for the Upper Third (Year 8) provide information for Senior School colleagues to assist with allocating pupils to the appropriate sets.
BOARDING
Pupils in Form One and above are allocated to one of four Houses for competitions: Monk-Jones, Westfield, Newbury and Grimwade. All full and weekly boarders are in Grimwade. The winning House enjoy a celebratory House Supper at the end of term.
The Prep School has a strong Activities Programme operating twice a week for pupils in Form One and Form Two and once a week for Lower and Upper Third. The programme enables pupils, through active participation, to experience a wide variety of differing extra-curricular activities aimed at broadening their experience and developing new interests.
There is a blend of full boarders, weekly boarders, pupils who board a few nights a week (flexiboarders) and day pupils in the Prep School. For an overview of boarding at the College see page 29.
A full report is written once a year for every pupil. In the other terms a ‘statistical’ or Tutor report is compiled which provides information about a pupil’s progress in each subject, engagement grades and a comment by the Form Tutor.
Academicdevelopment.progress
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 24CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
HOUSE SYSTEM
Each term, there is a lecture, or visit by a company of actors or musicians. Skiing, Adventure, French and History trips and expeditions organised by staff during the school holidays are always popular.
PASTORAL CARE
A wide range of measures are used to gain a full picture of each child’s progress in all aspects of their
In addition, a wide variety of trips are organised during the term to places of interest, together with evening visits to London and Cambridge theatres.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS
ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
is monitored on a day-to-day basis by subject specialist teachers. The skills displayed by the pupil in a subject are tracked to help analyse progress over time and ensure that expected progress is made. Standardised test scores, core assessment data and examinations are used to monitor the progress of an individual within a year group and the cohort as a whole. This is overseen by the Deputy Head (Academic) in conjunction with subject teachers, Heads of Department, Form Tutors and Heads of Year.
PROGRESSION INTO SENIOR SCHOOL
A merit system recognises a pupil’s contribution to the community over and above what is expected in terms of manners and helpfulness. Contributions through music, outstanding performances in sport and academic work are recognised also.
GENERAL DAILY ROUTINE
2.15pm Each year group will have a combination of lessons, games, PDP, PSHE and/or tutorials
Our aim is to develop confident, well-rounded and interesting young people who take with them the qualifications, skills, adaptability and respect for others to thrive in the world beyond school.
7.55am7.40am– Boarders’ breakfast
8.20am Registration
SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM
AIMS
STAFF/PUPIL RATIO 1: 8.5
Key Facts: HEAD Kathy Crewe-Read
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 25CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
5.00pm ......... Optional PDP, including Drama and Music 6.00pm Dinner for boarders 8.45pm7.00pm– Boarders’ Prep
Academically we aim to ensure that each child achieves their potential. Supported by their House Parents, Tutors and teachers we work with the pupils to focus on their all-round skills within a caring and nurturing environment.
CLASS SIZE
1.10pm Lunch in the College Dining Hall
For day pupils the school day finishes at 5.00pm, unless they are involved in the optional Personal Development Programme (PDP) (see page 28 for further details).
FIRST POINT OF CONTACT: Housemaster/Housemistress
8.55am Lessons begin 10.50am Morning break
Usually up to 24 Sixth Form: Average of 10
8.35am Assembly or House Meeting
Pupils begin their GCSE courses which consist of a range of core subjects with the addition of three optional subjects.
Fourth Form (Year 9)
Lower and Upper Fifth (Years 10 and 11)
Core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish). Setting and streaming for Maths, English and Science, follows the same approach as described for the Forth Form. Option subjects are thought in mixed Optionalability groups.subjects: Art and Design, Design and Technology, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music, Ethics Philosophy and Theology, Additionally,and Spanish.
modern foreign languages chosen from French, German and Spanish. In addition, pupils choose two subjects from the following options; Latin, DT, Drama or Music.
“The school is highly successful in creating an ethic of hard work and enthusiastic participation.”
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUM
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2017
all pupils pursue a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education, consisting of a mixture of lectures, seminars and conventional lessons. A detailed GCSE subject guide is available on our website or from the Admissions Officer.
13 TO 16 YEAR OLDS
In English, Science and the Humanities, there are six classes streamed in three parallel groups by ability. Mathematics has six sets, again organised by ability. All pupils follow a common curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Geography, History, ICT, and Ethics Philosophy and PupilsTheology.taketwo
COLLEGE HEAD Kathy Crewe-Read
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 26CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2017
“Their intellectual curiosity and appetite for knowledge are stimulated by their teachers’ passion for their subject and high expectations of pupils.”
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 27CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Pastoral care is a major strength of the College, with the House system at its heart. It is the Housemaster or Housemistress who is chiefly responsible for a child’s general welfare and who, in consultation with parents, will oversee the major decisions relating to the individual pupil’s school life and career development; they are each pupil’s main point of contact.
PERSONAL PROGRAMME (PDP)DEVELOPMENT
The Personal Development Programme is designed so that pupils can enjoy a range of extra-curricular opportunities aimed at supporting their inter-personal development; it is essential to their well-being within the College and beyond. The majority of initiatives offered are linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; however any pupils across all year groups are encouraged to participate so they can take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities offered by the College. In doing so, we hope our pupils can and will develop a range of skills and qualities essential for Thefuture success.initiativesoffered
come under three broad categories: creative, active and service. Creative opportunities for pupils might include, amongst many others, participation in: the Rotary Club Young Chef Competition, Computer Coding and Programming, Film Making, Miniatures Club from the World of Warhammer or Cake Decorating. Active opportunities can include: Dance, Squash, Scuba-diving, Beekeeping or Hockey Academy. Service opportunities include Police Cadets and various forms of Community Service.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS
The Senior School has ten Houses. Each of the six single sex day houses is in the care of a Housemaster/Housemistress and each of the four boarding houses is under the care of resident Houseparents, a Resident Assistant and other resident staff. The Houses are named after prominent people in the history of the College.
The Personal Development Programme also allows pupils to build upon their academic progress and passion, transferring their academic learning to more practical scenarios. For example, Model United Nations allows pupils to apply their political intelligence to real-life, diplomatic scenarios. Other opportunities include Student Investors, reading Greek Tragedy and taking part in the Rotary Club Youth Speaks Competition.
Every pupil has a Tutor (in the first year of the Senior School this is their Housemaster/Housemistress) and is part of a House-based group of pupils of the same age who meet once a week. The Tutor is concerned primarily with the academic life of their tutees.
SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSES
PASTORAL CARE
At all stages progress is carefully monitored by Housemasters, Housemistresses, Tutors, Heads of Department and in Staff Meetings. Two Parents’ Meetings are held in the Fourth Form, Lower Fifth and one in the Upper Fifth year. Each pupil’s progress is assessed regularly and grades are communicated to parents, who also receive two full written reports on each subject in the Fourth Form, Lower Fifth and one in the Upper Fifth during the year.
For an overview of boarding at College, see page 29.
SIXTH FORM
Throughout the year a host of competitions, events, games and activities between Houses take place and every pupil is encouraged to get involved. There is something for everyone (sports, art, debating, chess, general knowledge, music etc.) and they allow pupils to become more involved in their House community, develop their skills, forge new friendships and have fun.
The Personal Development Programme is compulsory for Fourth and Lower Fifth Form pupils and is actively encouraged for those in the upper reaches of the College. We believe the learning that takes place at Bishop’s Stortford College is not restricted to the classroom and increasingly augments the quality of students’ CVs when applying for universities and exploring potential career choices. Moreover, we want Stortfordians to leave the College equipped with the vital personal attributes that will drive them towards future success.
For details of the 24 A Level courses offered, the activities programme, pastoral care and all aspects of life in the Sixth Form, please see the separate Sixth Form Prospectus and Subject Guide and visit the Sixth Form section of the College website.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 28CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
FLEXI-BOARDING
BOARDING HOUSES
4 boarding houses – 2 boys’ and 2 girls’ houses.
Boarding Options:
Five nights a week (Monday – Friday)
Senior School (13–18 years)
Between two and three nights a week
FULL BOARDING
Seven nights a week during Leaveterm-timeWeekend approximately every third weekend
There are five boarding houses in total, all of which are named after people who have played significant roles in the history of the College:
BOARDING
A resident Housemaster or Housemistress runs each boarding house, and the family atmosphere is, quite deliberately, a strong one. Just as every family is different, each of the College Houses has its own particular identity and character whilst sharing common rules and values.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 29CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
1 boarding house for boys and girls
The friendly, welcoming atmosphere in our boarding houses means that new boarders quickly settle in and feel they belong. Our boarders show a real sense of pride, ownership and responsibility in the happy running of their houses and a genuine care for each other, qualities that were highly commended in our recent Boarding Inspection Report and Educational Quality Inspection Report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
WEEKLY BOARDING
Prep School (7–13 years)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In the Senior School some pupils prefer to have a quiet Sunday catching up on work and reading. Others opt for the more energetic activity programme.
All full boarders come together on Sunday evening for Chapel. This is an important time for reflection, refreshment and preparation for the coming week and many regard it as a very special part of our community life.
LEAVE WEEKENDS
There are two Leave (Exeat) Weekends per term when school finishes on Friday afternoon at 5pm (4.30pm in the Prep School) rather than on Saturday afternoon. Boarders may wish to stay at the College during Leave Weekends.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 30CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Bishop’s Stortford College has welcomed students from around the world for many years. As with all our pupils, our aim is to ensure that our international pupils are well-integrated and have a real sense of belonging.
GUARDIANS
HALF TERM AND END OF TERM HOLIDAYS
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Department plays an important supportive role in the pastoral care of our international students, liaising with academic and boarding staff and parents to ensure their well-being, in the first few weeks and throughout their time at College.
INTEGRATION
WEEKENDS
International pupils are integrated into all aspects of life at the College. The ESOL Department helps issues of cultural interest and encourages them to take part in extracurricular activities. Special boarding community and House events help our international pupils to further integrate and international boarders are expected to use English as their primary language in their Houses as well as around the campus.
ESOL SUPPORT
We offer English language support, with each international pupil being provided with ESOL support according to their needs, with our dedicated ESOL support staff. The ESOL Department runs courses which are as closely tailored to the individual needs of each pupil as possible. Depending on their age and level, a student will be prepared for one of the Cambridge Assessment English examinations (PETfs, FCEfs or CAE), the Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Second Language or IELTS.
Bishop’s Stortford College requires the parents of international pupils to have a responsible adult living in the UK as a guardian. Details of the various responsibilities that a guardian may need to undertake are available from our Admissions Offices. We do not make guardianship arrangements for families. However, if parents need help with appointing a guardian, we provide a list of AEGIS accredited guardianship organisations that have been used by our pupils in recent years.
Saturday school finishes around 3pm, or at such time as the Games programme finishes. Our full boarders who stay throughout the weekend are well-cared for and enjoy being part of a smaller group of friends with time to relax, use the school facilities and join in the organised activities and trips out.
We are unable to provide temporary accommodation. Therefore, parents and guardians must make provision for students who are not able to return to the family home.
MEALS AND HEALTHY EATING
Working in partnership, Chartwells Independent and Bishop’s Stortford College are fully committed to a varied programme of healthy eating, one where all meals are prepared, on the premises, from fresh ingredients. Menus for each day include a wide range of produce, ingredients, cuisines and culinary styles to encourage pupils to try new things and enjoy a balanced diet.
Bishop’s Stortford College is committed to providing excellent nutrition for pupils. We know that a healthy, balanced and nutritionally robust diet supports outstanding teaching and learning. We have therefore engaged Chartwells Independent, experts in the provision of food in the independent schools market.
MEDICAL CARE
Further details about our healthy eating policy, together with sample menus can be viewed on the College website .
“Younger pupils also appreciate the example and informal advice of senior pupils, in academic and personal terms. This peer support is facilitated by the vertical organisation of the house system and the school’s mentoring programme.”
The College medical team are based in a well-equipped and quietly situated Medical Centre. The resident full time Nurse, part time Nurses and full time Health Care Assistant provide a high standard of medical care with 24-hour emergency cover.
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 31CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
ISI Inspection Report 2017
Pupils views are listened to through a committee of pupils and staff who meet regularly with the catering team to discuss ideas feedback.
ELECTED GOVERNORS
Mr C P Solway , BSc, MRICS (Baptist Union Representative) +
We will always take great care of your personal information. We use it as part of our everyday operations and in accordance with current Data Protection legislation. Submitting your confidential information indicates your consent for us to use the data as described. It will be shared with staff on a need to know basis if it is deemed a medical or educational learning needs necessity. Please read our Privacy Notices on the College website for important information about your data rights, including how to limit its use and withdraw your consent where given. information in this booklet is correct at the time of publication. Changes may be made for educational or BISHOP’Sother reasons.STORTFORD
GOVERNING COUNCIL
Mr. P. M. Stanley MBA, MA, Bishop’s Stortford College, School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s TelephoneCM23Hertfordshire,Stortford,2PQ01279838671
# Member of the Education Committee
Dr S Nurbhai , MB ChB, MRCP(UK) #
Mr A J W Conti , BEng, FCA (Parent Representative) *
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNORS APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL
Mr R C V Harrison , BCom, ACA (United Reformed Church Representative) * •
Mr P Dodd , BSc #
Professor G Barker , CBW, FBA, FSA, FRGS #
* Member of the Finance and General Purpose Committe
The Governing Council is responsible for all three sections of the College; the Senior School, the Prep School and Thethe Pre-Prep.electedGovernors are appointed at a meeting of the Governing Council on the basis of nominations put forward by the Nominations Committee, or any existing Member of the Governing Council, after due consideration of their eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and local availability.
Mrs I M Pearman , MA, MRICS (Vice-Chairman)* + •
Mr D Alexander +*
Mr G E Baker , BSc, MRICS (Chairman)* # + •
Dr P J Hargrave , BSc, PhD, FREng * + #
Mrs P Mullender , MA # *
Mr D F Thomson , BAcc, CA * + • Mrs J Gammage*
Mr I Silk #
BishopsStortfordCollege.org 32CURRENT INFORMATION 2022—2023
Mr S R Lehec #
+ Member of the Estates Committee
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Bishop’s Stortford College, School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PQ
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