sheldon school
Wiltshire,
Expectations and aspirations are high here and we are committed to developing
the young people in our care, whatever their talents. Children of all abilities
succeed at this school and are encouraged to develop academically, physically
and spiritually, fulfilling their potential in a happy, caring environment. When
Ofsted last visited, it commented: “The all-pervading caring ethos ensures that
pupils are happy and able to thrive from the moment they arrive at school.
Pupils are very keen to share their pleasure of being at school and went out of
their way to let inspectors know.” That is every bit as true today as it was
then. Examination performance is very strong. At A level, students reach
exceptional levels in a thriving Sixth Form of 350 students. Students routinely
progress to Russell Group universities, including year-on-year to Oxford and
Cambridge. In 2022, two students progressed to Oxford and Cambridge to read
medicine, with a further moving to Oxford to study mathematics; in addition, one
student is embarking on a degree in veterinary science. We are proud of the
numbers of students who move on to university education, typically around 75%
each year, and even more delighted in the variety of subjects that are chosen,
following a rich A level experience here. Increasing numbers are also
progressing to some prestigious higher-level apprenticeships, including one this
year in software engineering with Lockheed Martin. At GCSE, students also
perform well, both in value-added terms and in raw attainment. As a consequence,
we have large numbers moving in to our Sixth Form, complemented every year with
a number of students from other schools who choose to join us for their A level
programme. Ofsted confirmed the strength in pastoral care alongside provision
for purposeful learning by adding that we “have established a school that holds
the academic success and emotional well-being of each pupil at its heart.” As a
parent of four children myself, I am acutely aware of the increasing importance
of education in today’s world and the role that we, as teachers, have to play in
developing our children so that they are fully equipped to make positive
contributions to society. The staff at Sheldon School are extremely committed
and dedicated to ensure that this is the case and I am personally determined to
see all children flourish here. I also value enormously the links between school
and home, success being built on strong partnerships with parents and ourselves.
My door is always open and prospective or existing parents are very welcome to
visit the school; I look forward to meeting you.
