Independent excellence

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St Swithun's
Junior School
If you were to ask a St Swithun's parent why they chose the school for their child, they would probably tell you that it's because they believe a child's education should be about discovery, a sense of adventure and a spirit of excitement and fun; that good academic success and a great deal more is achieved as a result of this ethos.
St Swithun's are a non-selective school and, as such, their academic success is achieved through good teaching in small groups, excellent resources and facilities, supportive parents and motivated children who enjoy coming to school.
Pim Grimes, headmistress at St Swithun's Junior School says: "When I was searching for a school for my children, I looked for a number of qualities - confident and engaging pupils; staff who were dedicated to ensuring that the pupils were successful and happy; an understanding that every child is different and exceptional facilities. You will find these at St Swithun's."

St Swithun's School (senior)
St Swithun's School in Winchester is set on an impressive and attractive campus of 45 acres overlooking open countryside, and offers girls exceptional teaching, sporting and recreational facilities. The school offers day, weekly boarding and full boarding options for girls aged
11 to 18.
Already benefiting from a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre with a 600 seat auditorium built in 2003, a new library, careers and IT facility has opened this September to compliment the extensive playing fields, spacious sports hall and 25-metre swimming pool.
St Swithun's has a well deserved reputation for academic excellence and achievement but, as Headmistress Dr Helen Harvey explains, there is more to it than that: "We are firmly committed to the view that there is more to education than academic qualifications, important though these are.
"The girls are given every opportunity and encouragement to explore and develop their interests and potential in an extensive range of co-curricular activities including music, sport, the arts, engineering and technology, plus involvement in the local community. These things are all considered to be an integral part of what is on offer here, not simply add on extras."

King Edward VI School
King Edward VI School is a vibrant community aiming to stretch young people's horizons not only academically, but also through a wide range of different opportunities, whether it is through science, sports, the creative arts, community service or travel.
The recent ISI inspection findings commented on the school's 'high quality of educational experience' and 'the excellence of the extra-curricular provision'. It described the pupils' personal development as 'outstanding'.
Major investment has ensured modern facilities in all areas of school life, from up-to-date science laboratories to a state-of-the-art dance and drama studio.

West Hill Park
West Hill Park is an independent day and boarding school offering continuity of education for girls and boys from 2½ to 13 years of age. The fine 18th century building is set amidst the beautiful Hampshire countryside, close to the River Hamble and with easy access to air, motorway and rail inks. The school offers flexible boarding from seven years of age with excellent pastoral care in a happy, family atmosphere. Pupils are taught traditional values and encouraged to think independently. There are also excellent academic, sporting and extra-curricular facilities. West Hill Park is holding an Open Morning on Saturday, October 3.

Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS)
PGS is a family school for girls and boys of all ages with a reputation as one of the leading co-educational schools in the country.
It has three parts: Nursery (2½- 4), Junior School (4-11) and Senior School (11-18) and enjoys state-of-the-art facilities in a unique location in the heart of Old Portsmouth.
In a happy, caring and supportive environment, pupils achieve outstanding GCSE and A level results with well over 90 per cent of pupils going on to their first choice of university. Both the International Baccalaureate and A levels are on offer in the Sixth Form.
As well as offering the IB and A-level, the Sixth Form is further enriched with an innovative General Studies programme offering over 30 different courses in preparation for life, university and careers.
You can find out more by visiting www.pgs.org.uk and by arranging a tour of the school. There's also an Open Morning on Saturday, September 26.
For further information, contact Admissions Secretary, Gill Williams, on 023 9236 4269.

Canford School
Canford School in Wimborne has an Open Day on Saturday, October 10, from 9.30am to 1pm, giving visitors the chance to meet pupils and teachers, explore the grounds and find out more about Canford.
Guided tours by pupils are available to show visitors around the school, including the day and boarding houses. At noon there will be a presentation in the Layard Theatre about Sixth Form life with the opportunity for a question and answer session with current Sixth Formers.
Lunch is available for those who wish to stay. With so much to see and take in at the school it is advisable to allow about two hours for the visit.
All are welcome with no appointment needed.

St Nicholas' School
St Nicholas' School in Church Crookham, Fleet, is a leading independent day school, for girls 3-16 years and boys 3-7 years. The school offers an extended day from 8am to 6pm and buses from Fleet, Farnham, Odiham and Basingstoke.
Facilities include a full-size Sports Hall, large Art and Textiles Centre, four dedicated science laboratories and specialist facilities for music, ICT, food technology and drama. The school's new Performing Arts Centre will be opening in September 2009.
Nursery and infants are based in Branksomewood, a purpose-designed building providing a safe, happy and stimulating environment. The spacious, light classrooms open on to a large wooded play area where children have the freedom to explore and play. A happy, confident child will learn effectively and self-esteem is paramount.
The next Open Day is Saturday, November 21. For more information tel. 01252 850121 or email registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Rookwood School
Andover's Rookwood School starts the new school year in September with two exciting developments.
A £2million sports hall is currently under construction and will be completed by spring 2010. It will provide both a full-sized sports facility and also much-needed additional senior classroom space to accommodate the growing pupil numbers at Rookwood as the school continues to go from strength to strength.
The youngest children join the Rookery Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools to be welcomed by a new Head. Miss Victoria Meinel has been a Year 1 form teacher in the Rookery for 8 years and takes on the role following the retirement of Mrs Ibbotson in the summer.
Rookwood is the only independent school in the North Hampshire area to offer co-education from nursery at age 3, through to GCSE at age 16. There are waiting lists in many year groups so early entry is encouraged. Prep School pupils are guaranteed a place in the Senior School.
The next Open Morning will be held on Thursday, September 24, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Alton Convent School
Alton Convent School is a leading independent Catholic day school, open to all, which nurtures, extends and challenges its pupils. There is a strong tradition of academic excellence and strong commitment to extra-curricular activities, including sport and the arts.
The needs, potential and aspirations of pupils develop within an outward looking, dynamic and responsive school community which cares for, values and supports individuals.
The selective senior school provides a broadly based education for girls from 11 to 18 years, while the prep and newly incorporated Garden House Day Nursery school develop the potential of boys and girls up to 11 years.
There is a commitment to a wider access policy with generous scholarships available at 7+, 11+
and 16+ .

The Gregg School
Audiences at The Gregg School in Southampton were treated to not one play but four on each night of the Senior Drama Club's end of
term production.
Pupils displayed a wide range of dramatic skills in the plays by Alan Ayckbourn and Tom Stoppard which ranged from Ayckbourn's farce Gosforth's Fête, the dark humour of Between Mouthfuls the issues of separation, obsession and isolation dealt with in A Talk in The Park, and the parody and satire in Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound.
The Gregg School has always prided itself on the high quality of its drama provision, and this year's production was no exception.

Hampshire Collegiate
Hampshire Collegiate School (HCS) is a warm and welcoming independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from 3 to 18 years. Experts at bringing out 'the best in everyone', the school helps its pupils to become self-disciplined, responsible, well-motivated and excited learners.
HGS is a community that values the special sparkle in each child and provides the perfect environment in which to flourish. Their very strong pastoral tradition ensures they maintain a record of academic success for a wide range of abilities. The school is located in a safe and superb rural location, in which children can play, learn and prosper.

Open days:
September 24, 10am - 3pm
October 14, 10am - 3pm
May 12, 2010, 6pm - 9pm
Open Morning and Entrance Exam:
January 16, 2010, 9am - noon

Sherfield School
GEMS Sherfield is an independent co-educational day school for children from 3 months to 18 years, based in Sherfield-on-Loddon.
Modern foreign languages are taught from three months onwards and are incorporated into the whole curriculum
A range of qualifications are available including GCSE, IGCSE and International Baccalaureate.
The unique Extended Learning Programme offers over 70 subjects covering sporting and leisure pursuits as well as academic subjects, giving pupils the chance to try something new outside core school hours.
Scholarships are offered for excellence in academic study, sports or the arts - music, drama, dance or art.
The focus is on the whole child - giving a length and breadth of experience and skills, and producing rounded individuals prepared for lifelong learning.
Community liaison through charity work, Young Enterprise, sporting challenges and drama productions provides pupils with different opportunities and life skills.

Open days:
Tuesday, September 15
Wednesday, October 7
Wednesday, November 18
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday May 11, 2010
Ballard School
Situated in the New Forest,
Ballard School offers a unique environment for your child to learn. Ballard not only provides a fulfilled education but also develops each pupil as an individual with good manners, courtesy and thoughtfulness, and like any parent, Ballard celebrates the success of every child.
Children from two to 16 years can benefit from the tremendous experience offered at Ballard School.
The Arts Council of England has awarded the school an Artsmark Award in recognition of its commitment to, and excellence in, arts education. The award recognises Ballard School's passion for the arts and belief in the power
of creativity.
The next Open Morning takes place on Tuesday, October 13, from 9.30am.
If you would prefer an individual appointment please contact the Headmaster's PA, Janet Grasham. Email: headmaster@ballard school.co.uk. Tel. 01425 611153.

Open days:
Nursery & Kindergarten:
Wednesday, September 2, 10am - noon
Open evening: Monday, September 28, 6.15pm.

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