The Good Schools Guide Review of Yarlet School

Head

Since 2009, Mr Ian Raybould BEd Hons ALCM NPQH (early forties), studied music and education (4-12 years) at University College, Winchester, and London College of Music, taught at King's College, Madrid, where he was head of music and boarding; head of first IAPS prep school in Spain; as ISI inspector visited prep, senior and international schools in Europe. Teaches music at school (and plays organ for chapel services) - keen to develop it and performing arts in general; also particularly interested in SEN provision and technology – has worked creatively on school's website and is introducing electronic management, tracking and registration systems (a lot of work to do here as school has lagged behind on the ICT front); also raising standards of teaching and learning.

Thoughtful, fair minded and unassuming, someone who listens rather than dominates – takes account of parental views and appreciates school's traditions whilst modernising. Well liked by children and parents - 'The children respect and are eager to please him. He is very focused on them, knows them very well and speaks to them in a gentle, kindly way'. Financially shrewd – solid plans to achieve security - but doesn't want to increase numbers to a point where the school's family atmosphere is lost. Wife, Zoe, enthusiastic, very involved (PR, domestic services); two boys, 6 and 8, one at school.


Our View

Good recent ISI report on academics; homework from age seven; twice yearly exams till year 7, then termly; no achievement gender divide; fine to be ambitious and work hard, according to our guide. Small classes – 14 average, but fewer from year 7. Specialist teachers for all subjects by year 5; children see teachers as 'helpful and understanding'. A parent said: 'The staff are amazing – they work very long hours, know the children very well and bring out the best in them.' She also liked the frequent use of the outdoors for lessons – 'They're not penned in the classroom'. New maths head to raise standards; very experienced, enthusiastic French and Latin teacher really stretches children and takes all of years 7 and 8 to Normandy for five days to practise their oral skills plus visit historical sites – 'Languages tuition second to none,' praised a parent with experience of the Swedish school system. Moving to Latin for all in last three years.

Some classrooms darkish with small windows and in need of decoration (rolling programme for this, says head) but lovely large maths room (loft conversion) and light, purpose built art room. Only one computer per classroom and three interactive whiteboards, in a well resourced IT suite used for all subjects; library has four computers; more networking planned.

Very good SENCo – can cope with mild physical disabilities, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD/autism/Asperger's: 'Would take each case on its merits'. IEPs; lots of discussion with all teachers about strategies. All year 2s and late entries screened by Dyslexia Action for minimal fee; parents can pay for DA one to one support or opt for free individual/small group outside or inside classroom support. Also annual standardised testing of all, years 1-6, and above if required, for English, spelling and maths. Detailed G and T policy – keeps a register.

EYFS – ISI report not glowing but praised relationships, personal development and care; well staffed, small classes, attractive, spacious, well equipped classrooms and pleasant outdoor play area. Five/six year olds learn Spanish.

Daily traditional sports (including dance once a week for girls); very successful record – head wants to maintain this and introduce a more inclusive approach to teams; outside professional coaches; some children at county and national levels. Rugby, football (girls compete too) and cricket pitches, Astroturf, netball and tennis courts, sports hall, outdoor swimming pool.

Strong music and getting stronger ('fantastic head of music') – good choice of instruments; head is developing (popular) chapel choir, which performs outside school and is acquiring a reputation locally. Orchestra, string and woodwind groups, eg 'Champagne Flutes'; annual Young Musician of the Year competition. Ambitious drama productions ('Macbeth', 'Guys and Dolls', 'West Side Story') in central hall with seating arranged on three sides of stage; theatre trips, eg Stratford on Avon, and visiting companies, eg a Spanish performing arts school; poetry reciting competition. Ballet/dance exams and performances. Yarlet Academy of Performing Arts run by Stagecoach available to three year olds upwards, taken up by a quarter of the school (can replace sport once a week).

Good range of art options – printing, ceramics, 3D, photography, textiles – and record for art scholarships, but we didn't see anything special on display. Other options include chess, model making, computer club (digital projects). Fund raising for various charities; several trips, local and national, for science, geography, history, ICT; outward bound week (plus community work) for year 8.

Between Stafford and Stone, originally a late eighteenth century residence – turreted façade, ivy clad walls, welcoming entrance hall with sofas, open fire and, on one wall, framed black and white photographs of old heads and sports teams, whilst on another enlarged colour photos of current children engaged in various activities, suggesting the school's combination of the traditional with the modern. Of the two, the former rather prevails, through the lovely views of tranquil, open countryside (the grounds amount to 33 acres), the secure atmosphere of this small community and the very attractive, smart uniform – boys in open collar gingham shirts with sleeveless jumpers and dark trousers or shorts, girls in red and green tartan skirts and red jumpers; the very littlies wear blue or red gingham smocks over their home clothes. Founded in 1873 as a prep school for boys, it went fully co educational in 1994, though some classes have a preponderance of boys. Grand staircase and black and white chequered flagstones in main hall with another open fire, but some drab areas elsewhere.

A day school with flexi-boarding for main school children on Thursday and Friday nights; Saturday morning school - flexible for years 3-4, following parental feedback. Comfortable, well decorated accommodation. The head has introduced more activities for children who board, eg camping evening, bowling, karaoke, which they appreciate. After school care available till 6pm in pre-prep (for a cost). Flexible finishing times between 4.30 and 7pm in main school (no additional cost). Prep periods so most can be done during school day – very popular with parents. Happy, family feeling – cross age friendships, lots of siblings, children help each other; ethos of mutual respect.

Pleasant dining room - staff eat with children, who have table clearing, floor sweeping and washing up duties. Healthy, filling food (spaghetti bolognese, garlic bread and trad pudding the day we visited, with salad, fruit/yoghurt options). Intriguing small chapel in the style of those built by Victorians for use in the then British Empire - green corrugated iron on the outside, with wooden pews, small organ and attractive green stained glass windows within. Traditional daily service with 'upbeat' content, says head, who has introduced more staff and child participation. Small garden outside for quiet reflection. Wildlife venture – pool with two islands and observation hide - open to other local schools, maintained under the auspices of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Clear anti bullying policy – head says not a problem (as do parents) but is realistic about possibility. Head boy and girl plus prefects from year 8 chosen by staff (this year all are prefects) who keep tabs on younger children and enter issues in a book for head to handle. Children told us (approvingly) discipline better now with new head. ISI report praised effective handling of any problems and good behaviour. PSHE programme, including citizenship, from year 3. Parents happy with support for emotional needs and preparation for transition to senior school. Three houses – points for excellence of any kind, including 'kind spirit', leading to certificates (pre prep) or badges (prep) and end of year cups.

Parents from Stafford, Stone and surrounding rural communities. Wide variety of backgrounds – professional, farming, business – but very few ethnic minority (school aiming to develop multi cultural exposure). Confident, happy, polite children who enjoy energetic activities (running cross country even in snow!). Good links with parents, who are widely consulted and feel they can approach school at any time with concerns that are dealt with effectively – focus groups, regular information meetings (eg on e-safety), newsletters ('Y, Sir?' - say it aloud), detailed information booklets; questionnaire responses (warts and all) published on very good website, with a restricted area bearing delightful photos of children taken by parents at matches etc; grandparents' tea the day we visited.

An appealing, cosy school affording a very protected environment. On the up with energetic, talented, new head.


Entrance

Not selective – takes average/above average children; mild LDD/SEN accepted. Most move up from pre prep. Takes children at any age after interview with head; taster day to assess ability.

Two bursaries (RS Plant awards) at 11+ for children who show at interview 'a real aptitude and enthusiasm for independent education' - up to 50 per cent fees. Sibling discounts in main school. General bursary fund for parents needing assistance.

Offers a combined scholarship for up to two local primary school children from 11, with a secured place at a senior school. At the time of visiting, two combined scholars were bound for Repton and Rugby respectively. Aimed at children with an 'aptitude for independent education and boarding whose progress is impeded by home or school circumstances'. Interview at 10 - need ability to pass CE into senior school and a particular strength in at least one arts, music, sports or academic subject; means-tested. School keen to extend range of primary and public schools involved.


Exit

Most at 13, though some girls at 11. All pass CE and a third to a half win academic, music and art scholarships. Most to independent schools – Denstone, Shrewsbury, Stafford Grammar, Repton, Abbotsholme, the odd one to Rugby.