Aims & Ethos

Our Beliefs and Attitudes

Our beliefs and attitudes define our approach to achieving our mission. At their core is the idea that if we know each pupil individually and encourage them to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities in a culture which celebrates excellence but cherishes kindness, then they will have the confidence to find their niche where they can grow and develop.

We believe that pupils thrive in a harmonious atmosphere, so we value kindness, collaboration and joyfulness. We believe that each child is different and develops best when we know them individually, so we value small groups, long-term relationships and taking the time to get to know one another.
We believe that everyone should be able to try everything, enjoy many things and excel at something. Our job is to encourage each pupil to find those things and have the world-class resources necessary to support them as far as they can go.
We believe that excellence is an ongoing journey. We value the quiet confidence that comes from achievement, the self-knowledge to see where improvement lies, the innovation to take the next step forward and the humility that comes from knowing the journey isn’t over. We believe that those with inquisitive minds enjoy more fulfilling and engaged lives. Our culture of scholarship inspires and nurtures self-development, critical thinking, creativity and intellectual exploration.
We believe that our pupils will become tomorrow’s leaders; we want them to have the character and courage to lead with inspiration and integrity.
We believe that the school must be a positive presence in the community. We value open, honest and collaborative partnerships between parents, staff and pupils. We support the wider community through shared use of our facilities and open up opportunities through our bursary scheme.

Our values

Our values underpin everything we do: they are the character of the school. From the Head Master’s study to the classroom to the playing fields, these values are reinforced through praise and example

Innovation

We are innovative in solving problems and embrace change. We are interested and interesting. We foster a sense of curiosity. We try new things. We play and explore. We are constantly imagining ways to drive self-improvement. We express our creativity intellectually, artistically and in our outlook.

Courage

It takes courage to demand more of ourselves: to overcome the fear of looking foolish trying a new activity, and to find the grit to strive for excellence when we find we have potential for it. We conduct ourselves honourably and know that how you play the game is important. We stand up for what we know is right, whatever the odds. We live our values even if it would be easier not to.

Confidence

We face the world with self-knowledge and with the ground firmly secure under our feet. Our hallmark is quiet confidence. We disagree but argue our case and seek to influence with integrity. We take pride in our strengths and achievements, tempered by the humility of knowing our weaknesses.

Inspiration

We work well together and bring out the best in each other. Academic success is the product of collaboration between staff, parents and pupils. We inspire one another to achieve a common goal. We are open, share information and see ourselves as a happy community born of shared aspirations.

Excellence

We celebrate excellence. We enjoy finding our niche and developing our full potential. We recognise the hard work and ambition that drives scholarship. We appreciate the long hours of training, practice and teamwork which result in success outside of academic endeavours.

Joy

Joy uplifts and transports us, carrying us onwards and upwards. Contentment and happiness reassure and nurture and hold us. We treat one another with kindness, respect and civility. We are courteous. We do all we can to foster a collaborative, harmonious and successful community from which joy emerges.