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Dorset / Independent preparatory and junior

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Castle Court School, Wimborne

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Castle Court School details

Address:
Castle Court School
Knoll Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3RF
Telephone:
01202 694438
Fax:
01202 659063
Email:
admissions@castlecourt.com
Website:
www.castlecourt.com
Authority:
Dorset
Gender of entry:
Mixed
Age range:
3-13
Number of students:
337
Affiliation:
IAPS
Last inspection:
May 2004. Read the full inspection report.

Find a school:

ISC accredited

General information

Headteacher: Richard Nicholl, appointed in September 1989.

Staff: 58 (men 22, women 36).

Background: Founded in Parkstone in 1948; moved in 1968 to current site, set in rhododendron gardens on 35-acre estate less than 10 miles from Poole and Bournemouth; six acres of recreational woodland, adventure playground and three large playing field areas, including all-weather hockey and tennis pitch completed in 2001. Accommodated in Georgian building with modern blocks, offering facilities for music, science and art. New computer suite; all pupils introduced to computers at age of three; new specialist classrooms for English and French. Strong record of academic success; many children win scholarships to senior independent schools; about 12 win places at local grammar schools each year. Latin, religious education, speech and drama, ICT, technology, art, pottery, woodwork and instrumental music taught as part of curriculum. Sporting tradition, especially in soccer, netball, athletics, swimming and rugby; also hockey, gymnastics, cross-country, cricket, rounders, dance, squash, tennis, real tennis, short tennis, volleyball, basketball, golf and sailing. Music 'a great strength'; school runs own orchestral course for local schools; 70 per cent of year five pupils receive individual instrumental tuition. Children raise substantial funds for number of chosen charities each year. Not selective; short entry assessment test taken by new pupils aged seven and older. Average class size (year five): 18. The school aims to provide a Christian education of high academic standards, in a happy, caring and busy, supportive, successful and purposeful environment.

Approach to discipline: The school makes it plain from an early age what is acceptable and what is not. The school show the children where the ?fences? are and let them play within those boundaries. At heart, a respect for others and a respect for others' property.

Uniform: School colours are red, black and white. Older boys wear a distinctive blazer. 'Regulations are adhered to.'

Special needs: A purpose-built suite of rooms in a quiet part of the school provides a welcoming environment for children with special needs. The department is well-equipped, including computer software designed for pupils with specific learning difficulties. Three suitably qualified staff is able to deliver teaching programmes, generally on a one-to-one basis, tailored to meet the needs of the individual child.

Inspection: May 2004: 'Castle Court is a school with many strengths. The pupils achieve good standards in relation to their abilities both in their academic work and in their personal development. The pupils are very competent learners and their behaviour is very good. They work hard. The commitment of the staff is impressive; they make very good use of a beautiful setting and the extensive playing fields and grounds. The leadership of the headmaster is good.'

Secondary schools: Canford School (20 pupils); Talbot Heath (2 pupils); Bryanston School (4 pupils); Clayesmore School (4 pupils); Monkton Combe School (1 pupils).

Boys' age range: 3 to 13.

Girls' age range: 3 to 13.

Selection procedures: Informal interview and assessment. (one hour).

Day pupils: 337.

Average class size (Year 5): 18.

Subjects taught at seven: 12.

Subjects taught at 11: 14.

All teachers hold teaching qualifications?: Y.

Teachers with degrees: 95%.

Specialist teachers used: Yes. All subjects from age nine.

Subjects taught in addition to national curriculum: Latin, religious education, speech and drama, ICT, technology, art, pottery, woodwork and instrumental music.

Sports offered: Soccer, netball, athletics, swimming and rugby, hockey, gymnastics, cross-country, cricket, rounders, squash, tennis, real tennis, short tennis, volleyball, basketball, golf and sailing.

On-site sports facilities: Grass playing fields, Astroturf hockey/tennis, hard netball, athletics jumps etc, covered playground, hall.

Off-site sports facilities: Squash courts, real tennis, golf (Canford), sailing (Poole).

Percentage receiving instrumental tuition (Year 5): 70%.

Daily act of collective worship?: Y.

Pupils sit SATs?: Y.

SATs results provided by QCA-approved body?: Y.

Common entrance?: Y.

Percentage admitted to senior schools on reduced fees: 30%.

Major scholarships won: Sport, art, academic to Canford and Bryanston.

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