One of the area's finest independant schools!
I know from experience that choosing a school for your child is a pretty subjective and often confusing process and I can't hope to answer all your questions in this article. That said, I'd like to think that in the case of Durlston Court which I had the great pleasure of visiting the other day, I can substantiate much of what is reputed and confirm that it is in my opinion one of the finest independent prep schools in this area and if it isn't already on your list then encourage you to put it at or near the top. Fortunately for me the school website is comprehensive and better than most but to further justify why it should be in any shortlist I have attempted to encapsulate my positive thoughts as a fellow parent who understands what you may be going through.
Founded in 1903 Durlston Court boasts 270 mixed day pupils in its private and stunning Barton on Sea surroundings and a governance which was recently complimented as follows by the Independent Schools Inspectorate:
"Durlston Court School provides very good care for its pupils so that they develop well as happy, confident and considerate individuals. Pupils make full use of the opportunities that the school has to offer. Good teaching and an excellent range of activities enable them to increase their range of interests and to achieve good, and sometimes high standards, both in and out of the classroom. Pupils’ learning is good and their behaviour in school is excellent.... The very good leadership of the present headmaster, who is supported by an able and committed senior management team, has enabled the school to cope very well with a period of significant change and to make good progress in its development. The school benefits from the active support of its parents." (You can download a copy of the full report here!)
Prior to my thoroughly enjoyable meeting with the very charming and charismatic David Wansey the Headmaster and his wife Tessa Wansey (who makes him look even better) as well as their highly effective Marketing Manager John Teather, I had heard numerous reports from friends with their children at the school and I can genuinely say that all were of the highest possible order and were provided with no inclination that I myself was fishing for information for this particular article. The overriding feeling I got was that this school was run like a proper business and I don't mean that in a commercial sense necessarily; rather that underpinning the sensitivity of strong pastoral care and the 'extended family' atmosphere which is also very apparent, Durlston Court simply 'delivers' on its
promises. People have said to me things like; 'if you ask a question, you'll get an answer', or 'if your child is having problems, just speak to David or Tessa and they'll go out of their way to resolve them!', to name but just a few of many examples on a similar theme.
On the delicate finanancial subject; given that independent education, (if you are lucky enough to be able to afford it), is an investment in your children's future then for my part; I don't mind admitting that putting my money into an establishment that not only makes sense emotionally, but from an ROI perspective delivers as well, more than satisfied my ('credit crunch intensified') concerns. Alongside all the other benefits, it sold me completely on this school. I'm sure for those of you that may balk at the fact that I've highlighted this as one of the main reasons I was bowled over by the place, there are hopefully just as many (with a consumate eye on the long-term financial responsibilities) who resonate with my own appreciation of the abscence of what I call 'fluffiness' which so many other schools use to disguise inefficiency at a commercial level. (If David ever fancies a career change, maybe he could apply his skills to sorting out our banking industry!)
Not forsaking the above, I am also delighted to report that during my tour of the truly marvellous facilities I was introduced to many children whose smiles and enthusiasm equally demonstrated that this is not only an exceptionally well run school, but is a very happy place too. As we wandered from classroom to classroom, varying ages of eager faces glanced over as we peered through the doorways but then soon returned towards the latest whiteboard screens and in the case of a music class, even welcomed me for a brief chat....(thank you to them and apologies to their teacher for the interruption!). I should say that David was by then also teaching a class...one of his other legendary talents it seems...and had the children sufficiently enthralled, that they were oblivious to my presence at all!
The pre-prep is separate from the main school buildings and provides children from two years old within the purpose built Kindergaten, with those perfect 'first gentle steps' into full-time education. To quote none other than Ofsted themselves, '...on the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection; the quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding'. I think that speaks for itself and all that I would add is that if you are at the point of choosing an education path for the first time, then within the schools catchment area of say Poole to the west, salisbury to the north and Southampton to the east, it doesn't come much better than this! (Download the Ofsted Report HERE!)
Continuing into the prep school at Durlston, the academic focus is very clear and their track record of academic success certainly bears this out. However, the school is pleased not to be academically selective; quite simply, they have high expectations for every pupil – whatever his or her ability – and are proud of each child’s successes. Children are taught in mixed-ability groups up to the age of eight. In Year 4, however, “setting” in core subjects is introduced, ensuring that the pace of teaching is appropriate for each individual. Furthermore, specialist teaching is introduced from the age of seven (Year 3), in order that the pupils are increasingly taught by subject specialists who really love their subject! Feedback to parents is ongoing and as mentioned above, the school actively welcomes any opportunity to discuss your children’s progress.
In addition to the 'traditional academic' subjects, the school offers a host of other opportunites designed to broaden horizons and introduce pupils to other challenging and exciting opportunities. These include various clubs, drama, holiday activities etc. Similarly the art, music and sports facilities are also exceptional and encourage any child to discover and nurture their own hidden talents.
Inherent in any school is an opportunity for parents new to an area or already established, to make new friendships and create their own support groups to help with the burden of parenthood. At Durlston the Parents Association turns this into a fun filled and welcoming environment where you can quickly benefit from new relationships and a welcoming and supportive atmosphere via a host of social engagements to suit all tastes.
I'd like to summarise with a totally coincedental conversation I had this week with a local colleague who is both an old Durlstonian and represents the second generation in one of the areas best known and most successful property companies. Not only did he praise both the merits of the school and David and Tessa individually with a sense of affection and appreciation, he is living proof that Durlston works. (I know where his 18 month old will go!) I mentioned that one of the things I never had as a child which I have been adamant about for my son, is continuity in one location and the nurturing of lifetime friendships which can only be achieved by staying where possible at one school for as many years as possible and growing with your friends accordingly. Hearing how that is born out in practice as we chatted away was tangible affirmation of my own ambitions as a parent and I admit to being quite jealous that even having been away to boarding school at 13 and then to University, my colleague could still turn up for Thursday racing at the Royal Lym, or go for a pint at The Chequers and put his arm around mates that he'd known since he was two years old. Circumstances don't always allow for long-term planning, especially in today's climate, but even if only as an ambition when you go to visit the pre-prep for the first time it's worth considering. I still have friends I've known since I was very young, but they are scattered around the globe and we are not all bound by a place we can call home. Now I have lived in this area for nine years, call it my home, and have been to meet David and Tessa, I would have also liked to have been able to say 'I'm an Old Durlstonian' and be fortunate enough to feel like one of their extended family instead of just recommending that you seize that opportunity for your children! JS
The school's website is typically well organised, professional and informative and I hope my ramblings encourage you to CLICK HERE and find out all the facts for yourself or if I've properly conveyed my enthusiasm then perhaps you'll already be calling the number below to arrange a visit:
Durlston Court
Becton Lane
Barton-on-Sea
Hampshire
BH25 7AQ
United Kingdom
Main: 01425 610010
Fax: 01425 622731
Mr David & Tessa Wansey - headmaster@durlstoncourt.co.uk
Website - www.durlstoncourt.co.uk
For information about the next OPEN MORNINGS - Please CLICK HERE!
