Day Student Scholarships available for GCSE and A level courses starting in September 2012
Padworth College welcomes day students from the surrounding area as full members of the school community and encourages them to participate in every aspect of school life. We are located just off the A4 in between Newbury and Reading and offer daily transport from Aldermaston station (Great Bedwyn - Reading line).
Padworth’s distinctive approach is characterised by small, tutorial-style classes (typically 12), qualified and experienced teaching staff and excellent pastoral care. There is no uniform, all members of the school community are known by their first names, and rules are kept to the necessary minimum.
As a relatively small school with a maximum of 120 students, we believe that Padworth offers a unique alternative for students to benefit from individual attention, a supportive atmosphere and the strong expectation that students are here to work and to achieve their potential. We do not select students on the basis of ability but prefer to meet with the student and their parents or guardians to discuss how Padworth can help them to meet their educational needs. Students are accepted from the age of 14 onto GCSE courses and we are particularly experienced in helping students who are, for one reason or another, changing schools midway through their course.
The focus at Padworth is on enabling each student to fulfil his or her academic potential through following a programme designed to match their individual circumstances, needs and academic goals.
A typical day
The School day starts at 8.40am and continues until 4.45pm. Day students are provided with lockers in which to store their personal property.
Student support
All day students come under the care of a staff member of the Residential House team or the Deputy Principal, who is available throughout the school day to help students with any matters which may arise. The College Nurse is in the Surgery on weekday mornings to deal with medical issues. Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor with whom they have daily tutor time. Their Tutor will help with any areas of concern and will give both academic and pastoral guidance.
Communications with parents
We believe that a successful education is based on a trusting partnership between teachers, parents and students. Termly reports are sent to parents and guardians to review progress and the Principal, academic and house staff are always happy to discuss any concerns as soon as they arise. Padworth welcomes parents to visit the college at any time, giving reasonable notice if they wish to meet with specific teachers or the Principal. There is also an annual Parents’ Evening to provide an informal opportunity to talk to the subject teachers. Parents are also invited to a number of social events which are held at the College throughout the academic year.
Tutor Groups
Every student is a member of a small tutor group, typically 10 students, which meets each morning. The tutor plays an essential role in providing students with a regular opportunity to raise and discuss any issues and to ensure that each student is happy and focused.
Student Council
The students have their own representative body, the Student Council, which is elected by the student community at the beginning of the academic year and which provides a forum for all students to have their say on any aspect of school life. The Council meets regularly with the Principal to promote the views of the students. The Council also organises a number of College events including charity events and discos.
In addition, a number of students are appointed to special positions as Head Boy, Head Girl and the Student Leaders Team including a Day Student Leader. The aim of these roles is to offer leadership opportunities for students within the College and to create an additional channel of communication for the staff and student community.
Padworth gave me more than just academic support – it put me confidently on the path to life. Victoria Webb, Former Padworth student