Independent Schools Awards 2019
Some top independent schools in Essex won prestigious Independent Schools Awards this November. Find out which schools took home the awards...
Nov 12, 2019
The Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards occur annually to celebrate success in their member schools. The event celebrates the fantastic quality and provision of independent education in the schools across the UK.
Essex offers a superb selection of highly-acclaimed independent schools in Essex, several of which were nominated for awards at the event. Categories cover an array of aspects of independent education from academic excellence and innovation in provision to extra-curricular activities and learning support.
Three Essex independent schools were recognised for their excellence and took home ISA Awards. Scroll down to find out which independent schools in Essex won a prestigious award.
ISA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing
The judges of this award were looking for schools with innovative and effective approaches that help to ensure pupil and staff wellbeing. They reviewed projects and initiatives that focused on resilience and mindfulness, boosting self-esteem and inclusion within the school.
Thorpe Hall School in Southend-on-Sea proudly picked up the award. Headteacher Andrew Hampton said, "This award recognises the contribution of every single staff member to this extremely important aspect of school life. Whether through leading on specific and highly effective programmes and projects or simply through the mindful, caring and respectful conduct which is embedded in everything they do, I have long seen the incredible impact our staff make to our pupils’ wellbeing and am delighted to now see these efforts recognised so prestigiously. School years are crucial in developing life-long good mental health and positive life outcomes, and we will continue to move forward with mental health and wellbeing at the heart of what we do here at Thorpe Hall School."
More Information: Thorpe Hall School
Tel: 01702 662499
ISA Award for Outstanding Sport (Small School)
This category was open to schools with only one class intake per year. The judges were looking for high levels of participation in sport across the school, plus evidence of opportunities offered to pupils such as partnerships with other schools and the wider community.
Woodlands Prep School in Great Warley is set in amazing grounds which span nine acres. Sporting facilities include acres of sports pitches along with its own cycle area and cross-country track. Astro-turf pitches support games of 4G football, netball and tennis. The school's indoor swimming pool is heated, yet it has a retractable roof for warmer months. The expansive outdoor space encourages a wide range of activities including a nature trail and trim trails for climbing and play. The indoor gymnasium is used for a wide range of physical activities too.
More Information: Woodlands School
Tel: 01277 245595
ISA Award for Outstanding Sport (Large School)
This category was open to schools with multiple classes per year. As with the award won by Woodlands School, the judges were looking for outstanding sports provision and high levels of participation amongst the students as well as innovative partnerships.
Colchester High School makes the most of its location in the city centre and pupils are able to enjoy the array of sporting facilities in the local area. For example, students can swim and play water polo at The Garrison swimming pool, use Shrub End Sports Ground for rugby, hockey, cricket and football and Abbey Fields for cross-country. The PE Department has created a robust and engaging sports programme through partnerships with the local sporting community, aimed at engaging all pupils to stay active whilst also providing the opportunity for our most talented children to succeed in local, county and national sporting competitions.
The independent school is thrilled to win this award, announcing: "This is testimony to the passion and innovation of our PE Department in ensuring that there are sporting opportunities offered to all our pupils through partnership with the community. We would also like to thank all our pupils who embrace all the sports that are offered and proudly represent the School at fixtures up and down the country. Well done everyone!"
Colchester High School was also delighted to have been shortlisted for the Early Years Award for Excellence and Innovation In Provision.
More Information: Colchester High School
Tel: 01206 573 389
Featured Article Includes
Colchester High School (4-11)
Colchester
As the only independent school for girls and boys from two and a half to 18 in Colchester, the primary school in Colchester pride themselves on their teaching of traditional education from Nursery to Senior School.
The Lower School curriculum promotes strategies for ensuring inclusion for all pupils. It provides a balance between academic subjects and the wider spectrum of skills offered via activities such as sports and performing arts. Within the Senior School, the traditional values, foresight and expectations place great importance on developing independence.
Ever since 1910, the school has pursued its independent course and was bought by Cognita in 20015 - the largest independent schools business in the UK.
Within easy access of the A12, the school also provides an efficient bus service from Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon and Frinton on Sea and is just a four-minute drive from Colchester Town station.
Woodlands - Great Warley (4-11)
Great Warley
Woodlands School Great Warley, close to the popular commuter towns of Brentwood and Upminster, is a co-educational day school for children aged three to 11.
The school is enriched by a creative arts suite, large gymnasium, pupil-managed vegetable garden and a nature trail, creating a wonderful balance between academic and leisure pursuits. The school also boasts an indoor pool and a dining hall.
Within the school is Little Acorns, a separate day nursery for children aged between three months to five years, from 7.30am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year. The nursery is within a purpose-made building neighbouring the Foundation Stage classrooms with adjoining playgrounds, so the nursery is very much part of the school.
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