Somerhill Prospectus and Additional Information

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

A LEADING INDEPENDENT PREP SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND BOYS

Welcome to Somerhill

We are delighted that you are interested in Somerhill for your child(ren). We have a very special school here with a unique offering: the ‘best of both worlds’, the ‘ideal mix’ and the ‘place I always dreamt of finding’ are the comments we often hear from parents or visitors. With co-educational learning from 2-7 years, Somerhill then offers single-sex classroom lessons until children leave us for senior schools, allowing uninhibited learning and bespoke strategies for the older girls and boys with all the benefits of a co-educational setting. Our philosophy for the children at Somerhill is straightforward: happy children want to learn.

Children are happy if they can play, participate widely and start to master skills of whatever kind, and our stunning setting and outstanding facilities offer endless opportunities for children to find something that makes them smile. We believe this brochure offers you the perfect glimpse into our school life. However, to fully appreciate the extraordinary education that we offer and see our vision of confident, curious, and resilient children realised, we invite you to visit us at Somerhill. You will see that this really is some

school, an exceptional learning environment where we grow amazing people!

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

Once a family home, now a family school

“ What a great school with amazing facilities, after-school clubs and hands-on caring staff who bring out the best in each child. Our grandson cannot wait to get there each morning, and his comment at the end of the day when asked what kind of day he has had is ‘I’ve had a great day!’ I think that says it all.”

Grandparent

“ First-class teaching, wonderful staff, outstanding facilities… Somerhill has it all… and the outdoor spaces will take your breath away.”

Parent

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Housed in a 400-year-old Jacobean mansion, surrounded by 150 acres of glorious parkland, Somerhill is one of the most beautiful school settings you will find. From our picturesque lake to our woodland treehouse, our stunning surroundings enrich the children’s educational experience.

Every inch of our diverse and expansive site is exploited during break times, activities, and lessons as we blend indoor and outdoor learning throughout the school day.

One way of living but two ways of learning

Between the ages of 2 and 7, girls and boys are together in the classroom. This environment promotes uninhibited development at an age when playing and learning are often synonymous. From ages 7 to 13, children benefit from a single-sex classroom

environment, where girls and boys learn in different and bespoke ways. The moment classes finish, everyone is together – at break and lunch as well as for sports, music, clubs and activities. This really is the best of both worlds for our children.

“ The children pretty much mix in every aspect except for actual academic lessons. Could it be we have stumbled across the perfect school model?”

Muddy Stilettos

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Academically excellent, pastorally focused

“ Broad and well-designed curriculum… regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of all the pupils.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate — February 2024

“ Positive mental health is given high priority’ and ‘the welfare of pupils is given prime importance.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate — February 2024

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With more grammar school places than any other school in the local area, we challenge children to think and work ambitiously. Children flourish in our innovative learning environment, following our creative curriculum from age 2, before progressing to the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate programme at age 7. Teachers really invest in the children

and know them well, with lessons carefully planned to cater to all abilities. We approach the welfare of our pupils in a positive way, and all our staff reinforce the Somerhill philosophy and ethos. Our children feel happy and secure, and look forward to coming to school each day.

Outdoor learning at its best

Making the most of our extensive grounds, indoor and outdoor learning blend naturally at Somerhill. From collecting and counting logs in the woods for maths, to fun French day activities on the formal lawns, children are immersed in our beautiful surroundings every day. For those in Nursery and Kindergarten, we offer a bespoke outdoor learning provision, Saplings. Based on the

principles of Forest School, children experience and explore our dedicated outdoor woodland area, fostering a sense of curiosity and imagination. Inspired by the changing seasons, activities are designed to take advantage of our beautiful and natural environment. Every day is an adventure; not even the wettest and muddiest conditions will keep Somerhill pupils from exploring!

“ When they come inside and sit at their desks, I want to see their muddy knees from playing in the parkland.”

Teacher

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‘This really is a get stuck into everything

kind of place’

Our classroom learning is further enhanced by our extensive range of extra-curricular activities and after-school clubs. Somerhill’s setting creates endless opportunities…

WATER POLO

ORCHESTRA, ENSEMBLES AND CHOIRS

DRAMA AND LAMDA

SCIENCE INVESTIGATIONS

ENGINEERING

BEEKEEPING

ATOM LEARNING

CHORISTERS

BALLET

TAEKWONDO

TENNIS

BOOK CLUB

CYCLOCROSS

GOLF

EQUESTRIAN

CROSS COUNTRY

CODE BREAKERS

FOOTBALL

HOCKEY

LIFE GUARDING

CHESS

GARDENING

RUGBY

WARHAMMER

CRICKET

STEM

SAPLINGS

BATIK AND ART

DEN BUILDING AND NIGHT HIKES

YOGA AND MINDFULNESS

NATURE EXPLORERS

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE AND ROBOTICS

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

Somerhill Tonbridge Kent TN11 0NJ

somerhill.org

01732 375951

admissions@somerhill.org

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

Additional Information

A LEADING INDEPENDENT PREP SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND BOYS

Our vision and values

At Somerhill, we help each pupil achieve their best possible all-round development. Children discover themselves and develop their talents here, with the wholehearted support of our caring community. Taking a holistic approach to education, we nurture academic, personal, spiritual, social and moral growth, enabling our pupils to

become confident, curious and resilient individuals as they go out into the world. We encourage our pupils to work hard and take pride in their achievements, to think independently, to face up to challenges, to accept responsibility, to develop a broad range of skills and interests, and to show concern for others and the environment.

Somerhill 2030 strategic vision

Our Somerhill 2030 strategic vision is an ambitious plan to shape the next phase of our school direction. Having passed our 30th anniversary at the Somerhill site in 2020, we are now looking to the future. Conscious of being sensitive and respectful of the past, we are equally visionary in providing an exceptional education in this unique setting, where the best of co-education and single-sex schooling meet in perfect harmony. Our vision of growing amazing people has, at its heart, the fundamental priority of delivering an outstanding educational experience for our pupils. Devised with the purpose of keeping abreast of the very best educational practices and providing cutting-edge facilities, this makes Somerhill the prep school of choice. We stand today as a thriving school of over 550 pupils from 2.5-13 years, yet we are not complacent

about our future. To be dynamic and provide the modern education Somerhill children need to succeed in the future, we ensure that they are as confident in the digital domain as in the natural world. We grow independent thinkers in whom we foster resilience, to become socially responsible people with a strong moral compass; individuals that are driven by strong values and a deep care for each other. We give them the confidence and skills to manage in an ever-changing world. Somerhill will continue to be, above all, a warm, happy and safe place for children to explore and learn. Our pupils pastoral care and well-being are our priorities along with a broad and balanced education. This approach builds robust foundations, ensuring they leave Somerhill with a growth mindset and a strong attitude to learning, ready to embrace future challenges as amazing people.

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Destinations, scholarships and results

We have very bright and capable pupils and send more pupils to grammar schools each year than any other local school. Destinations include Tonbridge Grammar School, The Judd School and The Skinners’ School. Some pupils are awarded scholarships at independent schools

such as Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School, Walthamstow Hall and Sutton Valence School at 11+/13+. We also cater to children who find aspects of their learning more challenging and currently approximately 40 pupils receive additional support.

Scholarship school places awarded to pupils

Types of scholarships awarded

Beechwood School: 1 Radnor House School: 1

Academic: 8 Art: 2 Drama: 3 Sport: 8 Music: 2 Football: 1

Mayfield School: 2 Caterham School: 3 Bethany School: 3 Kent College Pembury School: 6 Sutton Valence School: 8

Year 6 and 8 leavers 2023-2024

Battle Abbey School: 1 Bede’s Senior School: 1 Bennett Memorial Diocesan School: 3

Sevenoaks School: 3 Sutton Valence School: 7 The Judd School: 7 The King’s School, Canterbury: 2 The Skinners’ School: 8 Tonbridge School: 7

Bethany School: 4 Caterham School: 2 Kent College Pembury: 6

Knole Academy: 1 Mayfield School: 1

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School: 4 Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys: 7 Walthamstow Hall: 5 Weald of Kent Grammar School: 9

Minerva Virtual Academy: 1 Rochester Grammar School: 1

Our broad and balanced curriculum

The Somerhill curriculum is about developing a curious, confident attitude through skills- based learning. Our diverse curriculum is a programme of study that prepares pupils for the challenges of life, personally, socially, culturally, and spiritually. All pupils are encouraged, recognised, and celebrated for their achievements.

We are continually seeking ways to broaden our pupils’ education with relevant and engaging activities that develop a range of skills to prepare them for the future. Our younger children learn through our creative curriculum from Nursery to Year 2, and from Year 3 to 8 we follow the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB).

GRAPHICS for results, scholarships and destinations?

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Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB): A 21st century education

We are proud to be a flagship school for the PSB programme. The PSB is about challenging perceptions of school and developing a love of learning. This is best achieved by children developing a clear understanding of their skills and their areas for development. The PSB assessment framework focuses on six key areas: leadership, collaboration, independence, thinking and learning, reviewing and improving, and communication. By focusing on these core skills, children are best equipped

to deal with the challenges and opportunities of senior school life and beyond. The PSB, with its focus on building a full range of skills, reflects our vision for how children are educated at Somerhill. ‘Non-cognitive skills and attributes such as teamwork, emotional maturity and empathy are as important as proficiency in English and mathematics in ensuring young people’s employment prospects.’ – The Pearson Report

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Pastoral care at Somerhill

We approach the welfare of our pupils in a positive way, and all our staff reinforce the Somerhill philosophy and ethos. Somerhill children are happy, secure and look forward to coming to school each day. Our children feel able to talk freely and openly to any staff member if they have any worries or problems of any kind. Staff respond appropriately to children, offering advice, support, guidance and reassurance.

Somerhill shapes a pastoral support programme for individual children, where necessary, to manage their particular needs. We also have a trained school counsellor available to work with pupils during the school day. All staff, from our Headmaster and senior leaders to class teachers, SENCOs, and non-teaching staff, are invested in the outstanding pastoral care at Somerhill.

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Admissions process

Once you have registered, your child joins our waiting list. They will be offered a place when it becomes available (Nursery and Kindergarten) or invited to a taster session (Reception to Year 8). From Reception to Year 8, children are asked to participate in a taster session before an offer of a place is made. Your child will be teamed up with a ‘buddy’ who has similar interests and will attend lessons and activities during a typical school day. Taster sessions allow your child to understand and engage with school life and encourage a smooth transition when moving schools.

Our three most common entry points at Somerhill are Nursery, Reception and Year 3. Children can join us anytime during the school year, subject to availability. Our youngest pupils can join us for our Nursery provision when they are two and a half years old. Children may also join in September after their third birthday when they can join our Kindergarten for the school year before Reception. Children are also welcome to join Somerhill directly at Reception. Once you decide you would like your child to join Somerhill, we ask that you complete our registration form and pay a £150 fee per child. This is a non-refundable registration fee.

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

Admissions process

Supplementary information

The taster session experience is as much for your child as it is for us here at Somerhill; it is a chance to assess whether we are a suitable fit for your child and can offer a happy school life and all the support they need. Following a successful taster session, an offer of a place will be made. Our offer will include information on fees, term dates, and our terms and conditions. If your child is currently attending a school that is a member of IAPS, we will need to contact them (with your permission) to confirm they are aware that your child is moving schools. Acceptance of an offer involves you paying a deposit of £500 and committing to pay the termly fees, with a notice period of one term. Depending on your child’s age, we run various induction programmes to help ensure a smooth transition to Somerhill. These will include meet-and-greet sessions with new teachers, organising ‘buddies’, invitations to holiday courses (age-dependent), linking new families with class representatives, and invitations to school social events.

For the most up-to-date information on any of the following areas, please visit our website: Fees and assisted places Food and nutrition Inspection reports and reviews Our history and heritage Our school day Safeguarding

School bus service Wraparound care

SOMERHILL SOME SCHOOL

Somerhill Tonbridge Kent TN11 0NJ

somerhill.org

01732 375951

admissions@somerhill.org