Prospectus

Ours is an enriching and inclusive community, founded on living our Christian values. St Peter, our patron, urged: “Prepare your minds for action”. We want our pupils to live thoughtfully and actively, seizing life’s opportunities and always seeking to give of their best.

Our pupils are rarely seen standing still: we keep them busy. We encourage them to think, listen and speak for themselves; to care for others and take a genuine interest in the world around them.

Adolescence can be an uncertain, choppy sea and, however intrepid our youngsters are, they need islands of certainty: our caring teaching and pastoral staff support and guide our pupils along the way.

Together, we aim to deliver a dynamic, all-round education that develops the abilities and enthusiasms of each and every pupil. We believe in providing an education that lasts a lifetime. Of course, this means getting good exam results and going on to the right universities or into the world of work. But, above all, we want our pupils to work hard and enjoy learning for learning’s sake.

No prospectus could ever capture the inspiring atmosphere of our school, and I hope you will choose to visit us and experience St Peter’s for yourself. We look forward to meeting you.

A good school should offer a happy but challenging environment in which its pupils can develop as people, and work out where they want to go in life.

School should be serious fun 

Leo Winkley

HEAD MASTERSt Peter’s School, 3–18

“The best thing about St Peter’s is the teachers – you really get a sense that they want to see you do your best, and will go above and beyond to help you achieve that. ”

Born in Guildford, Leo was raised as a teacher’s son at Cranleigh School in Surrey where he was a boarder. His father was Headmaster of Uppingham and later Rossall School. When Leo was appointed to St Peter’s in 2010, they became the only co-serving headmasters in independent school history.

Leo studied Theology at the University of Oxford, where he enjoyed acting and playing hockey. After two years living in France, Leo started his teaching career at Ardingly College as Head of Religious Studies where he looked after a Lower Sixth boarding house and was in charge of tennis. He moved on to be Head of Department at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College before becoming Deputy Head, and later Managing Head, of Bedales School

Leo is married to Jules, a medical oncologist, now specialising in paediatric palliative care. Jules is a lay Canon and member of the Chapter of York Minster. They live on the school campus with their three children, two of whom attend Clifton School, with the eldest at St Olave’s.

Leo runs marathons, loves watching sport and is a keen reader of literary fiction. He is passionate about ant-eaters.

Andy Falconer is a Scotsman by birth and has been Master of St Olave’s since 2005. A qualified teacher, he has spent his career working in Prep schools in Scotland, Yorkshire and Wiltshire. Andy is married to Lesley, who is one of our school nurses, and has three daughters who all attend the school. Being Head of a school allows him to combine two of his passions: learning and leadership. In 2010/11 Andy was Chairman of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) representing 500 of the leading prep schools from around the world. He is keen to learn from all walks of life and has an MBA as well as being a Trustee of the York Museums Trust. Training for marathons allows Andy space to think creatively and he has run six marathons in the last twelve months to raise money for the school charities. He would like to run all the Olympic city marathons at some point in his life, with London, Berlin, Paris and Helsinki already completed. For the past two years Andy has also been learning to play the drums, believing that the best teachers are often still active learners themselves.

Phil Hardy, Head of Clifton School and Nursery, was born and grew up in Darlington. From a very early age, sport was a significant part of his life, playing football, rugby, tennis and golf to name a few. Hockey, however, became his greatest love, and he played for his county, district and for England. Since hanging up his boots, Phil enjoys the odd game of golf or 5–a-side football. Phil qualified from Northumbria University as a Sports Psychologist and worked in Newcastle and the University of Alberta in Canada, before settling in Education. He is passionate about how children learn and thoroughly enjoys leading a school that is nurturing, exciting and – most of all – great fun. Phil is married to Christa, a Management Consultant, and has a son who attends Clifton School. His other interests include playing the guitar (badly), family time, theatre, reading, watching Newcastle United and travelling.

A wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience

“All the teachers encourage a real freedom to create.”

ST PETER’S SCHOOL 3 –18

“The level of education is brilliant… the system allows you to improve instead of drifting along without understanding anything. ”

“Prepare your minds for action”

We are three schools in one: three schools on one campus, each with its own special atmosphere. Our pupils experience a variety of environments and approaches, and benefit from a continuity that helps them to thrive.

Younger pupils have access to all the facilities of a senior school, while senior pupils act as role models and take on leadership and pastoral responsibilities. Although many of our pupils will make the full journey from Nursery to the Sixth Form, there are several natural entry points along the way. New pupils are warmly welcomed and settle very quickly. The staff and pupils of all three schools share the St Peter’s vision. Together, we try to live our seven values: friendship, trust, wisdom, compassion, endurance, humility and hope.

St Peter

ST PETER’S SCHOOL 3 – 18

As an integral part of Clifton School, our Nursery provides the best possible foundation for progression to Reception and beyond.

Our focus for our youngest pupils is on nurturing individual confidence and the enjoyment of working in groups. A clear structure with defined rules, combined with an emphasis on praise, creates an atmosphere where children thrive. Everything that we do – from outdoor learning to philosophical thinking – is designed to capture the imagination and foster a genuine love of learning.

“They’re all happy, they all thrive and they’re all challenged, and as a parent you can’t ask for anything more than that.”

An outstanding foundation

FOUNDATION STAGE 3 – 8

“Everyone is really friendly and they support each other.”

Children learn through exploration. Subjects are given a clear context, making them lively and engaging for pupils, and developing a love of discovery and creativity.

Every child plays an active part in our school, and in return feels valued. By caring for our pupils, challenging them and respecting their contribution to school life, we ensure that they leave us as confident individuals, ready to take the next steps in their education.

A warm and happy environment

CLIFTON 3 – 8

“Everyone’s always happy to talk to everyone else and be friends.”

St Olave’s is a vibrant and extremely well resourced junior school. Here pupils are allowed the time and space to develop confidence and self-esteem. They also learn the value of organisation and self-discipline within a clear structure. Specialist teaching and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities challenge and inspire all individuals.

As they grow, we want our pupils to get involved, enjoy their successes but also to take on life’s disappointments and use them constructively.

Remaining at St Olave’s until the age of 13 allows our youngsters time to grow emotionally and socially, so that they have the opportunity to experience life at the top of the School, and are fully prepared for the move to Senior School.

A place where children can flourish

ST OLAVE’S 8 – 13

“St Peter’s focuses on what is best for students rather than what looks best on league tables.”

The journey from 13 to 18 is as exciting as it is challenging. Along the way, our pupils are encouraged, listened to, cared for and stimulated in all that they do.

They leave equipped not just with the results and knowledge they need to take their next steps at university or in a career, but with the confidence, flexibility and determination to take control of their own future.

Developing confidence as children grow

ST PETER’S 13 – 18

“At every turn there is a chance to put a stamp on the interests that you love the most.”

Our Sixth Formers are expected to embrace learning through their choice of A Level subjects and through a positive commitment to the co-curricular programme. We help them to take on leadership roles and develop their enthusiasms wherever they lie.

Expert and dedicated careers and higher education advice helps them plan for life after St Peter’s. Our pupils leave us with a clear sense of direction and the skills and aptitudes that make them attractive to employers and universities alike.

A passion for learning

SIXTH FORM

“There is so much knowledge and experience here for the taking.”

Excellent academic results don’t just happen. They come from a carefully structured curriculum, inspirational teaching and a school culture that values effort and hard work as much as it does creativity and enjoyment.

With a focus on IGCSE in the core subjects and a wide-ranging A-Level programme, we offer academic rigour and intellectual challenge. Our results at A-Level place us among the UK’s top fifty independent co-educational schools. Our own non-examined courses in Reading, Library and Research (Third Form), Horizons (Fourth Form) and Global Perspectives (Upper Sixth) encourage pupils to think for themselves and discuss important issues.

Preparation for life after school

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Our varied co-curriculum of sport, drama, music, activities, clubs and societies helps pupils to discover and explore new interests, skills and talents. It gives them the opportunity to interact with the wider community, and nurtures healthy lifestyles and attitudes.

We want each child to develop their own unique character and natural curiosity, and to enjoy all that life has to offer. There is something for everyone. Enthusiastic participation is the only requirement.

Skills and attitudes learned outside the classroom, such as how to work as a team, play fair, win and lose gracefully, and seek out new experiences, are the qualities that lie at the heart of our school.

Discovering life-long interests

“I feel like I have made new friends and uncovered new things I didn’t know about myself.”

CO-CURRICULUM

Developing skills as well as friendshipsOur outstanding boarding provides the heartbeat of the school: our pastoral and house systems are built on the holistic ethos of a boarding community and the full six day programme benefits day pupils and boarders alike.

Boarders learn independence, vital social skills and good time-management habits. They learn to listen to other viewpoints and handle the lumps and bumps of communal living.

“The best thing about our school is the House Spirit; my House is like a tightly knit family.”

BOARDING

“People here don’t care if you’re new or if they’ve known you for ages, they’ll help you.”

PASTORAL CARE

Every child is an individual who needs individual care. Our dedicated pastoral teams work proactively, and in partnership with parents, to allow individual personalities to flourish within the warmth of a supportive community. We expect our pupils to look after one another and to take care of themselves. Above all, we want our pupils to be themselves.

Independence and focus

Each of our three schools has a dedicated member of staff to look after prospective families. This ensures you are in direct contact with someone highly knowledgeable about the year group your child will be joining, and who can get to know your family and give you all the help and advice you might need in ensuring that you are selecting the right school for your child.

Many of our year groups are oversubscribed, so it is important to contact us as early as possible. We welcome enquiries at any stage, and applications should ideally be submitted a year in advance.

Assessments take place in January, February and March, depending on the age of the child, and you will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

HOW TO APPLY FIND OUT MORE

Help and advice every step of the way

To arrange a visit, you can contact each of the schools as follows:

ST PETER’S SCHOOLGillian Daniells, Admissions OfficerT 01904 527305E g.daniells@stpetersyork.org.uk

ST OLAVE’S SCHOOLClare Murgatroyd, Master’s SecretaryT 01904 527391E c.murgatroyd@stolavesyork.org.uk

Judith Williams, School SecretaryT 01904 527416 E j.williams@stolavesyork.org.uk

CLIFTON SCHOOL AND NURSERYJudy Sunderland, Head’s SecretaryT 01904 527361E j.sunderland@cliftonyork.org.uk

Claire Hulmes, School SecretaryT 01904 527361E c.hulmes@cliftonyork.org.uk

We are proud that we are able to support a small number of children who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend our schools. Bursaries are means-tested awards that can help to pay some or all of the school fees for children who demonstrate potential. They are usually available at J4 (Year 7) at St Olave’s, or at Third Form (Year 9) or Lower Sixth (Year 12) at St Peter’s.

A Bursary differs from a Scholarship because it is means tested. St Peter’s also awards scholarships in recognition of academic achievement, but these are purely honorary and do not include any reduction in school fees.

To find out more, please contact Gillian Daniells at St Peter’s. All Bursary enquiries are kept confidential.

BURSARIES

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

“The teachers are really supportive and they always want you to do your best, to be your best”

Ancient buildings, reflecting the city’s Viking and Roman heritage, sit alongside a plethora of child-friendly attractions, from the National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, to the York Chocolate Factory and York Dungeons.

The city walls, parts of which date back almost 2,000 years to the days when York was the Roman capital of Europe, encircle a maze of cobbled streets, close-leaning rows of shops, museums and green parks, all within sight of the magisterial, medieval Minster. St Peter’s shares a 1400-year history, and a founder, with this great church.

Our historic city lies in the Vale of York, a valley bounded by heathery moors and the patchwork of the Dales, with stunning sandy coastlines within reach. Our 47 acres of grounds and playing fields, crisscrossed with mature hedges and trees, stretch down to the river Ouse; yet our campus is just a ten minute walk from the heart of York and all that it has to offer. This combination of a safe, secure site, with the inspiring attractions of a cultural capital, provides the ideal environment in which a child can flourish.

York is a compact, safe and welcoming city with plenty of things to do and see within the historic walled centre.

A city of inspirationYORK

DesignUnited by Design

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St Peter’s School, York, YO30 6AB

Registered Charity Number: 1141329