Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where-nbsp"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6095-4.jpg" alt="Gosfield School " class="wp-image-16121" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6095-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6095-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6095-4-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gosfield School is spread across a 110-acre site in beautiful countryside close to Halstead, and takes children (currently around 333) from two through to 18 years. You can’t help but be impressed as you sweep up the long drive to the main building, formerly a private Georgian manor house, and take in the surrounding lawns, sports pitches and woodland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Step inside, however, and it soon becomes apparent that, despite the exterior grandeur, this isn’t a school fixated on the past. Gosfield School might be nearly 100 years old, but the impressive modern buildings and facilities it has added in recent years bring it thoroughly into the 21st Century.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/GSOFIELD_SCHOOL_NOEDIT_097.jpg" alt="kids at Gosfield school " class="wp-image-16142" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/GSOFIELD_SCHOOL_NOEDIT_097.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/GSOFIELD_SCHOOL_NOEDIT_097-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/GSOFIELD_SCHOOL_NOEDIT_097-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Numerous. Let’s start with the all dancing (literally) new £1.75 million red brick JW Turner Performing Arts Centre, which opened in 2022 and feels more like a smart university building than a school, that’s how slick the 220-seat theatre, music rooms and dance studio are. Then there’s the full-sized sports hall, numerous outside rugby, cricket, football grass and astro turf pitches, a spacious machine- and tech-packed design and technology room and a pocket of private woodland housing an impressive Forest School, which children up to Year 9 attend (though the whole school, including Sixth Formers, can use it on an ad hoc basis).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nursery and Prep school are tucked away in their own modern building, which is bright as a button and bursting with colour thanks to art-lined walls, while Year 6, Senior School and Sixth Form are housed in the main mansion, a labyrinth of high-ceilinged classrooms, social spaces, dining hall and library.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport-nbsp"><strong>SPORT&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="710" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-16.33.13.png" alt="Gosfield School cricketer " class="wp-image-16127" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-16.33.13.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-16.33.13-800x568.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-16.33.13-768x545.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A Cricket Academy is the show-stopper, and very much at the sporting heart of the school. Everyone gets involved from three years upwards and there’s a dedicated pavilion and pitch plus outdoor and indoor nets. Unsurprisingly, with such a great set up, the school has form competitively, bagging a number of trophies recently including the Under 15s national Independent Schools Association cup (under 13s were runners up), while Under 13s, 14s and 15s all reached the finals of the Essex Schools’ Cup. If your child’s a keen cricketer, it’s worth bearing in mind that the school offers yearly scholarships. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Aside from cricket, there’s a wide range of other sports on offer, including athletics, cross-country, hockey, netball, football, tennis and rugby, alongside some more unusual activities like fencing and horse riding. It’s safe to say even the most un-sporty child is going to be able to find a new pursuit here.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-drama-and-the-arts"><strong>MUSIC, DRAMA AND THE ARTS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6426.jpg" alt="Performers at Gosfield School " class="wp-image-16112" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6426.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6426-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/03/thumbnail_IMG_6426-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Jazz hands at the ready because the JW Turner Performing Arts Centre, which was officially opened by TV and West End star Denise Van Outen, is really rather special. The dedicated building’s decked out with a theatre, music rooms, rehearsal space and professional lighting and sound systems, which children who don’t want to take centre stage can learn to master.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s clear the whole school is proud of their new facility and everyone gets to use it, from Nursery and Prep all the way through to the Sixth Form, which recently introduced a Performing and Production Arts Level 3 Diploma as a more vocational option for pupils keen to tread the boards post-school. No surprise that LAMDA training is a popular extra curricular activity (around 30 pupils recently took exams), and there are performing arts scholarships available for a talented few.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Art is another area in which the school shines. I toured the light, spacious art department, which lies on the upper floor of the main house and enjoyed chatting to some of the pupils and seeing their on-going GCSE work, including a fabulous red dress expertly put together on a mannequin and Marvel comic-inspired drawings &#8211; it&#8217;s plain to see creativity is being nurtured and encouraged.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics-nbsp"><strong>ACADEMICS&nbsp;</strong> </h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies-nbsp"><strong>LITTLIES&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Nursery and Prep sit side-by-side in a purpose-built site away from the main school. It’s the perfect place to get used to being part of Gosfield, without being thrown in at the deep end. Nursery has its own (very tidy) entrance, fresh bright decor (think lady bird rugs and wooden play kitchens), and lots of activities on offer for its 20 lucky pupils, including a super outside play area, complete with mud kitchen and tiny trikes. Academically, they get a taster of the curriculum to come through Spanish, PE, dance and music lessons. </p>



<p>I particularly liked a visual timeline, strung across the Reception classroom ceiling, with images of what pupils have done in the past, what they&#8217;re up to now and future events &#8211; it&#8217;s a simple, clever way of making everyone feel involved and a part of things. A fabulous Forest School on the doorstep is a big advantage, with all pupils encouraged to get involved (and muddy) weekly. It’s worth noting Gosfield School recently scooped an ISA award for Excellence and Innovation for its Early Years Program. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prep-nbsp"><strong>PREP&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="634" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.06.16.png" alt="Prep school pupils at Gosfield School in Essex " class="wp-image-15330" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.06.16.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.06.16-800x507.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.06.16-768x487.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.06.16-828x525.png 828w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In Prep School, pupils from Reception onwards study traditional subjects plus Spanish, music, drama and PE taught by specialist teachers, while Years 3-6 also have lessons in food and nutrition, and design and technology in specialist labs. I enjoyed my visit to the vibrant Prep School building, overseen by energetic Head of Prep Heather Bougeard, who pupils kept approaching to show her their latest triumphs. </p>



<p>It has its own entrance and inspiring classrooms which teachers have encouraged to make their mark on (one calming classroom even had a tipi and diffuser!). Class sizes are never more than 20 pupils (22 in Year 6), the main corridors are lined with(high standard) work by children of all abilities and I really like the playground set up, split into different age groups, but with everyone visible to each other for a communal feel. </p>



<p>Prep&#8217;s also when children are put in houses &#8211; Tudor, Nevill and Woodstock &#8211; and there&#8217;s friendly competition between all three, particularly on sports day. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seniors-nbsp"><strong>SENIORS&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>A large proportion of school pupils are seniors (around 243 pupils). Senior School is a strong all-round performer and scores well across the results board each year, with a five-year average for GCSEs showing that more than 90 per cent of pupils achieve grades 9-4, as opposed to the national average of 74 per cent, with a quarter attaining grades 9-7.</p>



<p>I saw that Senior School is very much more than simply getting decent grades though. The depth of care, attention and confidence-boosting activities children receive at Gosfield is remarkable, whether that&#8217;s cooking sausages on a camp fire at Forest School, taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh&#8217;s Award expedition, captaining a sports team or performing in a top quality play. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sixth-form-nbsp"><strong>SIXTH FORM&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="586" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.04.16.png" alt="Sixth Formers at Gosfield School " class="wp-image-15326" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.04.16.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.04.16-800x469.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.04.16-768x450.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-19-at-10.04.16-896x525.png 896w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Small and friendly with a family vibe, the school’s Sixth Form Centre is tucked away on the top floor of the main house, and includes a comfy communal lounge with sofas, a small kitchen and table football. It’s very much aimed at young adults, their art work adorns the walls, and feels like a relaxed, safe space to tackle A-Levels and recently introduced vocational qualifications, including sports coaching and performing and production arts. Most sixth formers go on to some form of higher education, last year’s leavers headed to a variety of places including the London School of Fashion and Bristol University. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care-nbsp"><strong>PASTORAL CARE&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>It extends throughout the school including Sixth Form, where there’s a dedicated team for those tricky teen years.&nbsp;A pastoral hub in the main school building has someone on hand all the time, so children can have face-to-face chats, suggestion boxes have also been introduced and Place to Be sessions at Prep and Senior school are a chance for pupils to chat to a member of staff and engage in some calming activities at break time. I got the impression it’s very much about individual needs of children, rather than a cookie-cutter approach to wellbeing and mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-principal-nbsp"><strong>PRINCIPAL&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Rod Jackson is not your average independent school headmaster. I detected a slight Ozzie accent when we met and it transpired he was born and raised in Australia and qualified as a teacher before a stint travelling overseas, including working for a children&#8217;s charity, saw him arrive in the UK 26 years ago. Having previously been head at International Community School in London, which children from all over the world attended, it’s little wonder he arrived at Gosfield School with a fresh outlook and some innovative ideas. </p>



<p>I found him a breath of fresh air and really relate (as a mum of two very different boys) to his decision to introduce more vocational qualifications in Sixth Form, such as forensic science and performing arts, alongside more traditional subjects. Times are changing and it’s good to chat to a head who’s aware of that and willing to adapt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks-nbsp"><strong>QUIRKS&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/375279582_719709613314793_6123548383745020108_n.jpg" alt="Cockerel outside performing arts centre at Gosfield School, Essex" class="wp-image-15322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/375279582_719709613314793_6123548383745020108_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/375279582_719709613314793_6123548383745020108_n-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/375279582_719709613314793_6123548383745020108_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/12/375279582_719709613314793_6123548383745020108_n-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gosfield School is dotty about animals. If you go for a tour of the school, don’t be surprised to bump into Kevin the cockerel during your walk about. There&#8217;s also a bunny called Sox and you might cross paths with Paddington, the school&#8217;s cute Cockapoodle. Pupils adore him and good behaviour is sometimes rewarded with a session with Paddington (some even read to him!). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report-nbsp"><strong>ISI REPORT&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The latest report is very good and confirms that ‘knowing each child as an individual and nurturing potential is at the centre of the school’s ethos’. Read more <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care-nbsp"><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>After hours care includes a breakfast club (£8 per session, from 7.30am) and after school Late Club, with supervised play and homework with a light tea (£10 per session, runs until 6pm).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees"><strong>FEES</strong></h2>



<p>Rates per term are reasonable for the area: nursery £70 all day session; Reception £3170; Y1 &amp; Y2, £3440; Y3 &amp; Y4, £4195 and Y5 &amp; 6, £4695. Senior School Y7 £5795; Y8 &amp; Y9, £6215; Y10 &amp; Y11, £6455 and Lower &amp; Upper 6th, £6620.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground-nbsp"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>This is a hands-on, community-based school with many pupils coming from the surrounding area and an active PTA. Some former students love it so much they actually return to work there, including marketing officer Ethan Gilbert who showed me around and told me the school is as much about the friends you make and values it instils as the academics. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict-nbsp"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Good for: Educating your child from Nursery to Sixth Form while also cultivating independence, resilience and compassion. Outdoor lovers will adore the focus on Forest School all the way up to Y9, sporty types will appreciate the top end sports facilities while the impressive performing arts centre will no doubt help to bring introverts out of their shell as well as giving a spotlight to natural performers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not for: While the grounds are extensive, the school is actually pretty small, hence the family vibe. If your child wants to hang out with lots of other kids and be a bit more part of a crowd in their teens, Gosfield School’s intimate Sixth Form might not be right for them.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dare-to-disagree-nbsp"><strong>DARE TO DISAGREE?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Be my guest! Check things out for yourself at the next Open Morning on Saturday, 16 March (9.45am and 11.15am). The morning includes a Principal&#8217;s Presentation, school tour and meeting the teachers. Book via the <a href="https://www.gosfieldschool.org.uk/admissions/visit-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">school website</a>, email <strong>gosfieldschool.org.uk</strong> or call <strong>01787 474040</strong>. </p>


Gosfield School, Halstead

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