Boys join the Reception forms, which commence full time in the September after the boy's fourth birthday. Vacancies that occur in the other age groups will be filled as and when they arise; please check with the Secretary as to the current situation for boy's aged five and over.
It is expected that boys who enter Elmhurst will remain to the age of eleven unless exceptional circumstances intervene. Parents who wish their sons to move on prior to this should seek a suitable pre-prep. as we do not have the facilities at Elmhurst to accommodate short stay pupils who would be taking up places valued by others wishing to complete the full course.
The school is divided into four Houses for athletic and competitive purposes. A system of House marks is operated in all work and games as an incentive to the development of team spirit.
Homework is kept to a reasonable minimum, which increases as boys go through the school. Parents are asked to co-operate in seeing that the work is completed.
For boys aged 7 - 11 a report card is issued fortnightly. Tests are held at the end of the Autumn Term and full examinations in the second half of the Summer Term, both of which are followed by written reports. Open Evenings are held in the first two terms to discuss the progress of individual boys.
There is a supervised Breakfast Club available for parents who would like to make use of it, opening at 7:45 a.m. and running until 8:15 a.m. Pre-booking is not necessary and entry is via the Reception front door. The morning menu will typically include cereal, toast or bread, jams/spreads, fruit, yoghurt and milk/fruit juice. An additional charge of £2 per day is made for this service, which is payable by a separate weekly invoice. Some parents have asked that boys attend the 'Breakfast Club' but not to have breakfast as they prefer to have this at home. We have therefore decided to run an 'Early Birds' club as well, where you can drop your son at school from 7.45 am, and he will be supervised at a daily charge of £1. There will be games and activities available for the boys to enjoy during this time.
I hope that these are services that you will be able to make use of should needs be. All boys taking part in the above should report to the School Office. This will be the only door open until 8.15 am.
Should you decide not take part in either of these Clubs, as this is an area of concern, we would be grateful for your support in dropping your son off from 8.15 am. Boys, otherwise arrive at school at any time after 8:15 a.m. and are supervised in the playgrounds until 8:45 a.m.
To ease congestion and ensure the smooth flow of traffic at pick up time, we have adopted a staggered system with year groups leaving at the following times:
Reception: 3.15pm
Years 1 and 2: 3.20pm
Year 3: 3.30pm
Year 4: 3.40pm
Year 5 and 6: 3.50pm
Uniform
Our official outfit can only be obtained at the Whitgift School Shop. Uniform lists are obtainable from the school secretary. White shirts, grey trousers, plain grey v necked long sleeved pullovers, sensible black shoes, plain white plimsolls for indoor gym up to and including Year 3, navy shorts (for football), football boots, school approved swimming trunks (Forms 1-6), plain navy anorak or raincoat or plain navy duffle coat - can all be brought from the Whitgift Shop.
White based trainers may replace plimsolls for boys in the Senior part of the School (i.e. from Year 4). Long grey trousers may be worn by all boys if you or they prefer it. But grey shorts might still be your choice except in extreme cold weather.
We believe that if a boy can see his parents and the school actively working together, he will gain a sense of security, which can only be beneficial to him in every aspect. Your interest will affect his progress.
The Elmhurst Friends Association was formed in September 1984 and all parents are automatically members of this Association, whose aim is specifically to organise social events and fund raising activities. Parents made a significant contribution to the establishment of the Computer Room and numerous other projects over the years, whilst enjoying a variety of social functions in the process.
Parents receive regular newsletters from the school and the E.F.A.
It is only by visiting a school and seeing it in action that parents can feel the atmosphere and judge for themselves whether the environment would suit their own boys. The Headmaster will be pleased to arrange a visit upon request.
Lunch
A balanced school lunch is cooked on the premises, providing a choice of menu. Vegetarians are catered for and Halal meat is available for Muslim boys. Should there be any other dietary or religious reasons (not fads please!) as to why a boy should not eat certain foods please let us know. Boys may ask for larger or smaller portions but will then be expected to try to eat at least half of what is on their plate. If there are any specific health or dietary reasons why a boy has to bring packed lunch they may be allowed to do so, although it is unfortunately not possible to make any adjustment to the all inclusive termly fee.
Staff List
Names and Qualifications
Matthew J Apsley, Headmaster
BA (Hons) PGCE
Claudia D Lazell, Head of Upper School
BA (Hons)
Sandra Buckland, Head of Lower School
Cert Ed
Janet Gascoine, Head of Music
Cert Ed
Ruth Arnold, Literacy Co Ordinator
Cert Ed
Eduard Svarovsky, Head of PE
BA (Hons) Ed
Joanne Russell
B Ed (Hons)
Tanya Mawanda, Head of Reception
BA (Hons)
Terry Field
B. Prim Ed
Donna Allen, Head of Maths
B Ed (Hons)
Eirian Robson
MA in Education
Matthew Forrest
BA Applied Science & Physical Education
Janie Hargreaves
BA PGCE
Susan Twyford
BSc (Hons) PGCE
Justin Ryan, Director of Studies
BA (Hons) Dip. TEFL
Yasmin Ahmed
LLB (Hons) Law PGCE
Kate Hanlon
BA (Hons) PGCE Primary
Sarah Cole
BA PGCE LTCL (Music Ed) Advanced Diploma in Special Needs in Education 2000
