Academic

Twyford School can lay claim to being the oldest preparatory school in the country, but don’t be misled by the traditional outlook of the physical settings. At play in all aspects of school life is a successful blend of tradition and modernity.   A pupil at Twyford is part of an extended family where an emphasis is placed on nurturing and engaging our children to become creative and independent learners who thrive on curiosity and imagination. We encourage our children to enjoy their learning opportunities and have the confidence to embrace change and challenges.

Every teacher at Twyford shares a deep passion for the education and happiness of our children. We understand that children develop areas of their learning at different stages and won’t all respond to the same approach and therefore we ensure that each child’s education is shaped to meet their needs and nurture their talents. We support every individual child’s learning journey throughout their time here by building confidence, nurturing creative thinking, keeping children engaged and enthusiastic about learning. We encourage children to feel proud of who they are and confident in what they do; our academic record demonstrates that we have achieved this balance.   Every year, children win scholarships in a wide range of fields including academic, sports, music, art and drama. Importantly, we have an impressive record of getting children into their school of choice.

The curriculum challenges and excites, encouraging and enticing children to be active participants.   There is never a dull moment and something for everyone at Twyford: in creative learning, on the sports fields, in the outdoors through Twyford Explorers, in drama, music and art, in swimming, languages or through our everyday dynamic timetable. Our popular school Apprenticeships scheme gives children the opportunity to explore things that might tickle their interest. Apprenticeships are timetabled on Thursday for Years 6,7 and 8 and on Saturdays for Year 4 and 5. Each child chooses a different activity every term which can include Eco Warriors, bird watching, poetry, girls football and rugby, navigation, colouring for mindfulness, yoga, ancient Greek, debating, fencing, mountain biking, Mandarin, music theory, philosophy, gardening, cookery, photography to name but a few.  Our Eco Warriors group received their bronze award which is the first step to becoming accredited as a ‘green school’ (we hope to receive ‘green’ status next year).

The School has an excellent Learning Enhancement Department, with specialist teachers in Prep and Pre-Prep who work very closely with families to determine the most appropriate academic support for children. This department bases itself around ‘The Hub’, which is a unique, central space available to all children. Open during break and lunchtime all children are welcomed into this informal, lively environment where they can further explore learning through play, independent self-checking learning activities and other resources. A weekly timetable of topics covered each day at breaks and lunchtime are published to children and parents via the Twyford Link, our weekly e newsletter. Because every child can come to The Hub, it is very much thought of as part of the whole school and a natural place to spend time.

We focus on the little things that make each child’s learning journey rewarding, balanced and challenging within a caring school. A Twyford education is a happy and engaging one. With so many opportunities to enjoy and explore, this is a wonderful place to embark upon life’s great adventure.