Sancton Wood: Instilling our pupils with a passion for lifelong learning
Sancton Wood is a small, independent, co-educational school in the heart of Cambridge. The school’s firm belief is that a happy child is a learning child. The cheerful pupils aged nine months to 16 years are testament to this.
The school is non-selective and yet its nurturing approach delivers academic excellence with students’ progress at GCSEs excelling expectations. The innovative and creative approach to the curriculum combined with the exceptional pastoral care allows each child to thrive.
Class sizes throughout the years offer an excellent teacher to pupil ratio. By spending individual time with each child, teachers can understand how the child is motivated, what pace is best for their learning and which approach suits the child’s talents and personality. By identifying children’s strengths and helping them to overcome challenges the school delivers its philosophy of offering a tailored educational journey.
With the world changing at an ever-increasing rate, Sancton Wood prides itself on instilling in its pupils a passion for lifelong learning. A love of intellectual curiosity is key to the continuous educational development as students forge long-lasting, successful careers. Despite the success at the end result of national GCSEs, the school does not just ‘teach to the test’. The school has a visionary approach to learning, equipping students with essential life skills such as creativity, communication, critical thinking, leadership, kindness and empathy.
Clever timetabling allows for an enrichment programme to be delivered within the school day. The diversity of the programme gives students access to a whole host of experiences, helping them to develop new interests and skills. Students can explore and discover a wide range of activities across STEM, sport, the arts, humanities, culture, and debate and discussion. There are also wider advanced qualification opportunities on offer, a successful careers programme and high regard is placed on developing pupil leadership. These opportunities build confidence in each child which supports them in the classroom and beyond.
Learning is brought to life with school trips and visitor programmes. There are plenty of rich learning resources right on the doorstep in Cambridge as well as international trips to places such as New York, Iceland, Spain, Greece, Italy and skiing destinations. Sancton Wood has specialist facilities from an early age and truly inspirational teaching. In sport, it takes advantage of the best professional amenities the city has to offer. Talented students are given the chance to thrive through their affiliation to a selection of outstanding local and national sports organisations, and every student has the opportunity to participate in team or individual events. Sancton Wood’s November 2022 inspection was awarded the highest ratings in every category: early years, outstanding (Ofsted); Reception to Y11, excellent (ISI). To view the full report, visit isi.net/reports.
“Staff’s excellent knowledge of how children learn and develop ensures that the content, sequencing and progression in the areas of learning are secured” – ISI
Richard Settle, principal, says: “I remain adamant in my belief that a happy child, who feels safe and secure will achieve their full potential. In choosing to send your child to us, they will experience school days driven by kindness and a joy of learning. Each school is large enough to offer a wealth of opportunity yet small enough to ensure your child receives a personal experience that will carry them forward with confidence.”
Open Mornings
We would love to welcome you to visit our school, meet our teachers and to discover what truly makes us special.
Saturday, 28 September: Whole School Open Morning, 9am-12.40pm
Thursday, 14 November: Prep School Open Morning, 9-11am
Tuesday, 19 November: Senior School Open Morning, 9-11am
Thursday, 27 February, 2025: Prep School Open Morning, 9-11am
Thursday, 6 March: Senior School Open Morning, 9-11am
Thursday, 22 May: Prep School Open Morning 9-11am
Book your visit today at sanctonwood.co.uk.
