About The Elms

"The school is most successful in achieving its aim to provide a friendly, caring environment where every pupil achieves their academic and physical potential. From the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards, pupils are very well educated and achieve high standards in both their learning and personal development." ISI 2011

The primary aim of The Elms, rather than simply the pursuit of academic ends, is far more to encourage children to develop their individual talents, in whatever sphere they might lie, and thereby to foster a genuine self confidence.

The school takes a delight in aiming to provide opportunities for children to pursue their particular strengths, whilst also enhancing their appreciation and respect for others and for their surroundings. Above all a positive approach and eagerness for life are the fundamentals which we believe lay the foundations for the excellent acdemic results achieved both here and later when Elms pupils transfer to many of the foremost Senior Schools. A signficant contributory factor is the system by which children are organised twice yearly in compatible academic groups rather than restricted by age, a method referred to within the school as the 'ladder system', which allows both consolidation or challenge depending upon the child's academic strengths.

The Elms believes that these aims are best realised by providing a wide range of activities with a strong emphasis on country life, rather than narrow adherence to the demands of the classroom or the current partiality towards achieving targets. Furthermore, varied opportunities are provided whereby children are able to challenge themselves without undue constraint due to concern for safety - an element of risk or danger we find can be beneficial both educationally and in the development of the child.

The Elms enjoys encompassing a wide range of talent and ability amongst the pupils, and by so doing encourages both an appreciation and understanding of others, and strengthens mutual support and tolerance. All in all the self confidence of the child is fostered whereby he or she develops an enthusiasm for life and a belief in the value of contributing to the well being of others.