Admissions Update

A very warm welcome to our Admissions Update e-newsletter, designed to give you an insight into the Crescent and a feel for the richness of school life here. You will also find lots of practical information that will help you through the admissions process.

The first thing that strikes visitors to our school is the special sense of purpose that there is here, combined with a genuinely caring and nurturing atmosphere. Every child here is unique and everyone has their place in our shared community. 

Our wonderful teaching staff are determined to go the extra mile to help children achieve everything they are capable of. This has never been more true than during the challenges of recent months, where we have continued to offer excellent provision both academically and pastorally. Our philosophy applies inside the classroom, on the sports field and in all of our extra-curricular pursuits as well.

We look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful school in the near future.

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

It has been a fantastic first few weeks at the Crescent School for our two new Reception classes. Under the ever-present care of their teachers, Mrs Pullen and Mrs Emery, the 12 girls and 10 boys have settled in and have smiles on their faces.

They have been busy making friends, playing outside, sitting down for lunch together, hanging up their blazers on the right peg and of course – enjoying plenty of fabulous new lessons in their spacious and well-equipped classrooms. 

Their teaching team includes dedicated Teaching Assistants and subject specialists who lead lessons in MFL, PE and Music. Together the Early Years team deliver a tailored child-centred approach that provides an excellent start for youngsters at the very beginning of their education journey.

Already the bubbly, bright youngsters are becoming familiar with their new routines and what an exciting adventure they have ahead of them over the next few years.

Comments, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, “We have started the year with two small classes of 11 pupils each and the excellent staff to pupil ratio will provide our new Reception children with a welcome boost to their learning after the disruption we have all experienced this year.”

He continued, “Both classes have room to grow, as we know demand for Reception places locally is on the increase. Having two classes provides the flexibility to incorporate a few extra children easily, while still delivering the tailored education the Crescent is so well known for.”  

Prospective parents who would be interested in a place in Reception for their child are invited to contact Mrs Helen Morley, the Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk to register their interest. 

The Crescent School, has a new school film. It features our School Promise and is a celebration of our ethos and values.

The film cleverly combines live action with the school’s animated Crescent Promise characters to uniquely bring the different elements of the promise to life. Produced by the Foundation Marketing Team and award-winning Affixxius Films, the film was shot over the Lent Term 2020 and aims to communicate how the Crescent School Promise fosters and develops the qualities of kindness and tolerance in a safe and caring environment where staff and families work together to deliver an inspiring, challenging and varied education. ​

Comments, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, “The Crescent School Promise expresses our community’s shared values, it is a simple set of guidelines, developed and shared by all pupils and staff, that helps our pupils become Good Friends, Good Learners and Good Citizens."​

We think it is wonderful. Congratulations to Crescent School, Affixxius Films, Dam Design who created the Promise characters, and to all the pupils and staff who helped and took part in the film - what stars you are! ​

So roll out the red carpet, grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the film.

Click here to view the film.

All 83 Crescent pupils who took the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations passed with the overwhelming majority, 80 pupils, achieving a distinction.

Children from Year 3-6 study for the examinations in their Drama lessons as part of the school’s curriculum. Years 3-4 take the Introductory level, Stages 1 and 2 respectively, while Years 5-6 study the Communications - Speaking Verse and Prose, Entry and Grade 1 examinations.

The children prepare poems to perform. They are judged on interpretation, technique and knowledge. They have to consider their diction, expression and movement and be able to discuss their choices of poems with their examiner.

Drama teacher Kim Thompson explains, “What’s brilliant about the LAMDA exams is that they equip the children with communication skills which will serve them throughout life. They not only promote an appreciation of literature and poetry, but also help unlock their imagination and creative-thinking. This is a superb set of results, some of the best the school has ever seen, I am delighted.”

Congratulations to all of the children,  Crescent School is very proud of you. The results are a reflection of your hard work both in and out of school – clearly all your rehearsing paid off.

Netball is a popular sport at the Crescent School and a hungry Crescent U10 team started strongly displaying fantastic agility and strength on court, fabulous shooting and tight marking at this year's U10 ISA Netball Tournament.

The girls won the first four games comfortably, but needed to change tactics against a very tall Twycross team. Unfortunately this came too late and Twycross went on to win the game, and indeed the tournament.

The team still progressed to the knockout stages and the Semi Finals against Crackley Hall were end to end excitement, that sadly went in Crackley's favour this time.

The girls went through to the 3rd place play off against Stafford Prep, where the they showed the true meaning of the words grit and determination. After finishing the first half 4-0 down they kept their heads, stayed composed and came back for a 5-4 win to take overall 3rd place.

It was absolutely awesome work from all the girls.

The Pre-Prep children together with youngsters from Pathfinders Nursery performed their Open Morning production, The Selfish Ladybird, in front of a proper audience of the older school children and staff on Tuesday 17 March. 

A lot of hard work had gone into the rehearsals, learning the songs, memorising lines, sorting out costumes, scenery and planning the production, and what a lovely ladybird spectacle it proved to be. Telling the story of Lucinda and her search for advice about sharing and friendship, it showcased the wonderful talents, confidence and stage presence of Crescent School's youngest pupils.

After all the hard work, the school was delighted the FoC were able to film the performance, so the recording could be shared with parents.  It was a really fabulous story full of plenty of terrific songs, so we are sure you all enjoyed flitting and hovering along.

Well done Pre-Prep, you were all amazing and really rose to the occasion and you all looked lovely in your insect costumes.

Congratulations to Crescent pupils, George Crowfoot, Emme Edge and Izzy Slaytor, whose entries have been recognised in this year’s Rupert Brooke Literary competition.

Established in 1987 to commemorate the birth of poet Rupert Brooke, the award is an annual creative writing competition organised by Rugby School open to school pupils local to the Rugby area.

Sarah Webb, Assistant Head, commented, “Year 5 and Year 6 pupils enjoyed crafting creative stories on the subject of the Body for the Rupert Brooke Literary Award. They put a lot of time and effort in, to showcase their best English skills, and it is lovely to see that their hard work has been recognised.”

George Crowfoot has been awarded 3rd place.

Emme Edge and Izzy Slaytor have both had their entries awarded a Highly Commended.

Alix Scott-Martin from Rugby School said, “Thank you for submitting such strong entries for this year's Rupert Brooke Literary Prize. These students should feel particularly proud of themselves as we received over 200 entries.”

Crescent School congratulates them, well done, we are delighted with your literary success.

On Tuesday 3 March, Crescent School welcomed musicians from fellow Foundation junior school, Crackley Hall, for an orchestral workshop. It was a great opportunity for the young virtuosos to play together, as 16 members of Crackley Hall’s Orchestra joined 16 Crescent instrumentalists for a day designed to develop and stretch their music and performance skills.

Pupils from both schools worked under the guidance of Directors of Music, Julie Barnes and Susan Olden, to prepare and rehearse a mixture of pieces ready for an afternoon performance for parents.

The children enjoyed a busy morning and afternoon of rehearsals, they relished making music together, especially in such a big group. They worked hard to prepare three challenging pieces, including the instantly recognisable I Am Sailing by Rod Stewart, two complicated movements, Woody’s Round Up and When She Loves Me, from Toy Story 2 and the catchy big band number In The Mood by Glen Miller. All of the pieces tested the players’ technical and music-reading ability to the limit.

The afternoon concert was super, a sensational symphony of sound. As well as featuring the full 32-piece orchestra playing their now near perfect pieces, it included four solo performances, two from each school.  

Mrs Barnes, Director of Music at Crescent, commented, “It was another very successful day and the pupils enjoyed working and collaborating together. They achieved a very high standard of performance, and this was due in no small part to the preparation and practising that went on in the weeks beforehand”.

Mrs Olden, Director of Music at Crackley Hall, agreed commenting, "The children had a brilliant day, it was fantastic for them to play with different instruments and with so many other talented musicians."

It was a great to see the young musicians enjoying learning and working together!

Last year, Crescent School pupil, Daniel Ovens Gibbs, read an impressive six million words and 65 books. This year 11-year-old Daniel has gone one step better. As we approached the end of the summer term, Daniel broke through the nine million words mark after reading an astonishing 106 books this school year.

Daniel is modest about his achievement saying, “I love reading – it takes me into a world of adventure and stimulates my imagination. My favourite time to read is in the evening; it helps me wind down after the day.”

Some of Daniel’s favourite reads this year have included, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Earthsea Saga (series of books) and The Lantern Bearers – all great mystery and adventure stories full of drama and suspense to captivate their reader.

Outside of school, Daniel reads most days but, just like any other boy, he also plays sports such as hockey, tennis and sailing and finds time to practise the piano and flute.

Assistant Head, Sarah Webb, who leads on literacy at the Crescent School, explains, “We have a very positive reading culture here at Crescent, it is cool for boys to read, many of our boys in Year 6 have the reading age of a 16-year-old. There are just so many good books out there for boys to read these days.”

The Crescent’s approach to literacy is supported by Renaissance’s Accelerated Reader system. Children take a quiz after reading each book that tests their understanding. Its approach promotes reading for pleasure whilst ensuring the children read appropriately challenging books. It also totals up the books and words read.

Sarah, continues, “Pupils from Year 3 onwards take part in the reading challenge and can quiz daily. We find the boys respond really well to the competitive nature of the challenge. Daniel has been our top reader for several years, but it is an absolutely awe-inspiring achievement that he has read nine million words this year.”

Crescent School’s U11 boys’ hockey team qualified for the IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools) U11 Boys’ National Hockey Finals for the fourth year running.

The boys secured their place on Monday 20 January at Rugby School when they faced school hockey teams from across the Midlands area.

Matt Phillips, Head of PE and Games, commented, “ The boys had one goal in mind as they set out last Monday, there was a quiet, steely determination in their eyes and this translated into their play.  They sailed through the group stage with four wins and without conceding a goal!”

In the quarter finals, they faced local rivals Bilton Grange. Crescent concentrated on the game, snuffing out counter-attacks and being energetic on the restarts and finished the match with a good 3-0 win.

Solihull awaited them in the semi-final. It was a closely fought battle and goalkeeper, Josh, who had had little to do up until that point, showed good concentration levels to pull off some great saves when called upon. The match ended 0-0 and went to golden goal extra time. Halfway through, Crescent won a short corner and following a blocked strike at goal, the ball fell to Archie. He hit the ball goal-wards and the shot deflected into the roof of the net. Crescent had reached the final.

Against Moulsford, the boys were on the attack straight away but the teams were evenly matched. With the game heading for extra time again, Archie found space on the left by-line where there seemed to be none. He tiptoed around two sticks and laid it into George in the D. George coolly slotted the ball to the side of the keeper and into the goal. The hooter sounded straight afterwards and Crescent were the Regional Champions. 

Matt Phillips continued, "The boys were absolutely delighted but showed great respect towards their worthy opponents.  Their Regional Final win means that Crescent qualifies for the National Finals for the fourth year in a row. An amazing achievement for our small school, and a reflection of the commitment our boys have for their sport."

May marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe. There were plenty of celebrations to mark this important anniversary, but the Crescent School wanted to commemorate the day in our own special way. So, on Thursday 7 May, pupils spent the day off timetable, taking part in lessons for a themed VE History Day.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway kicked off proceedings with a VE Day Assembly. Mr Thackway talked to the children about the Second World War and VE Day and then he set them a writing challenge.

Throughout the day the children took part in a host of different themed activities they included delights such as: creating invitations to a VE party in 1945, designing, making and labelling in French a VE day picnic, designing and making flags and bunting, decoding and encoding Morse code and then undertaking a spot of code breaking, writing newspaper reports, making air raid shelters, putting together their own evacuee suitcases, performing wartime songs and dances, designing commemorative teacups and even creating war medals.

Across the school everyone participated enthusiastically, and it was wonderful to see all the photos of the super work the children produced. We are sure they all now know a lot more about the Second World War and VE Day.

It was an enjoyable History Day and alongside all in our country, we give thanks to all those who gave so much to secure the peace, freedom and prosperity our society enjoys today.

In February Crescent School held its first ever Maths Dash.  The competition was devised by Deputy Head, Ms Forth, and inspired by and built on the school’s success in last year’s Warwick University Primary Maths Challenge. 

The competition took place in the school hall and 24 children from Year 2 through to Year 5 completed a series of challenges, which tested their teamwork and communication skills in addition to their mathematical knowledge.

Overseen by the Year 6 House Captains and working in groups of four, they took it in turns, as pairs, to problem solve and answer before dashing to their Captain to check their answers and for the next question.

The children all worked exceptionally well, sharing ideas, demonstrating their impressive mathematical abilities and supporting each other.

Pupils really enjoyed the Maths Dash commenting, they were "up for a challenge", "loved it" and that "we should do it every year"! 

Well done to everyone who took part and a special congratulations to Blue House who finished in first place and were awarded a Diamond trophy in Assembly. 

A special commendation to the Alex and Shiv, the Year 2 Blue team, who contributed the most points to their team overall.

In the Lent Term, four firefighters came to meet Class 1 and 2 to talk about fire safety. It was a really interactive session where the children first considered the different parts of the firefighters uniform and discussed how it keeps them safe in a fire. They then learned the difference between a safe and unsafe fire and some good fire prevention tips focussing on the dangers of matches and the importance of checking your smoke alarm weekly.

The class finished with by learning about the Stop, Drop and Roll technique that you should use if your clothes catch fire and how to safely get yourself out of a house fire should one start.

Looking at the fire truck was a special highlight for the children. So much discussion and learning took place that will hopefully keep the children fire safe for life.

The latest editions of the Pinnacle and Minnacle were published in June.  Showcasing exceptional work by pupils from across the Foundation they are an inspiring read.

They celebrated the extraordinary 'home learning' that took place during the coronavirus lockdown and are a testament to the dedication of pupils and staff to continue with their studies in the face of the pandemic restrictions.

From the Spring Social Distance-Sing Concert and the Princethorpe At Home Recital to superb Art and DT, English competition winners, History projects, Bridging courses, EPQ and even an Online Bake Off, they showcased flair and ingenuity across a wide range of subjects and year groups.

The Minnacle included equally impressive work by the Foundation junior schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School. It was wonderful to showcase their pupils' talents too!!

Click here to read The Pinnacle and here if you would like to see The Minnacle.

The Crescent Circular is a wonderful celebration of the last school year.  It provides existing and prospective parents with a great insight into the wealth of activities and opportunities available at the school and makes a treasured keepsake.

The 2019/2020 edition will be published shortly but in the meantime do have a look at the previous year.

You can find the Circular on a school website here or please email admin@crescentschool.co.uk if you would like to be sent a hard copy of the magazine.  

Princethorpe College’s plans for a new Science Centre took a major step forward last year with planning permission granted and the unveiling of further campus wide benefits.

The state-of-the-art £8 million Science Centre, which will allow the College to redevelop and cluster several other departments, was granted planning permission in May.  The College then revealed further plans for a new suite of Art studios, additional space for Maths and Technology, increased dining capacity and sporting facilities.

Comments, Foundation Headmaster, Ed Hester, “Princethorpe is situated at the heart of the UK’s automotive industry, where science and engineering meet art and design. We know that our pupils need the finest facilities to give them the best opportunities for their future and widening the scope of our Science Campaign to encompass all STEAM subjects enables us to provide these.”

The Science Centre has entered the detailed ‘developed design’ stage with local RIBA members, AT Architects of Leamington, who designed The Limes 14-classroom wing in 2014. A cost plan will follow, and then a period of value engineering and technical design before a bill of quantities is prepared.

Mr Hester continues, “This is a large, complex and exciting project. The next six months will be critical as we prepare thoroughly for the tendering process in autumn 2020. If all goes to plan we should be appointing a main contractor this time next year.”

A fundraising campaign has been launched to work hand in hand with the delivery of the project. The Science Plus Campaign outlines a menu of giving including engraved pavers and bricks, sponsorship of elements on a giant periodic table and personal and corporate naming opportunities.

Our Director of Development comments, “We’re determined to make sure that this project is funded and built as soon as possible. We hope that the many Friends of Princethorpe will be moved to support this project, as they have previous initiatives in the College’s history. Their support is vital in making our vision for Science Plus a reality.”

Those interested in supporting the Science Plus Campaign are invited to email makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634265 for a Science Campaign Plus brochure.

Pictured here alongside Mr Hester and Mr Lee are Head of Science, Emma Cooper, and some of the pupils who will reap the benefits of the new facilities at the College.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.

Sunday 4 October - 10.00am to 3.00pm

Foundation senior school, Princethorpe College, is planning on holding an Open Day on Sunday 4 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm by appointment only.

The day will be split into three hour-long sessions and visitors will be asked to book a specific session, to help manage the numbers and adhere to government guidelines.

Places will be very limited and the event is aimed at families who have not had the chance to visit the College previously and have a prospective pupil for Years 7 to 10 specifically interested in September 2021 entry. A maximum of two family members will be able to attend with the prospective pupil.

Each session will open with a Welcome Address by our Headmaster, Ed Hester and then visitors will follow a tour route around key school locations.

At the moment, under the coronavirus restrictions, we are unable to welcome visitors into school on normal school days.

Depending on the developing situation we are planning a second Open Morning later in the Michaelmas Term. The Open Morning is scheduled for Thursday 26 November 2020 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and again will be by appointment only. 

For further information on admissions and entry to the College in 2021 visit our website or contact the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/634262 or by email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

The senior school entrance examinations for Princethorpe College, for Year 7 to 10 entry in September 2021, will take place this year on Saturday 23 January 2021 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Wednesday 7 October 2020 - 09.00am to 4.00pm

The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Wednesday 7 October from 09.00am - 4.00pm by appointment only. This is an opportunity to look around the school on a normal working day and to meet the school's Headmaster, Joe Thackway.  The school is now accepting registrations for admission to current Reception, where this year there are two classes and Reception, Year 1 and Year 3 in 2021. There are a very small number of places available in other years - where year groups are full, there are waiting groups.  

The Crescent is also planning to hold a Reception and Pathfinders Nursery Open Evening on Tuesday 17 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm, which will give parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. Pathfinders, the on-site partner nursery, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should parents wish to visit. Once again this will be an appointment only event.

For more information and to book an appointment for either event please contact the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or by email on admissions@crescentschool.co.uk or visit the school's website http://www.crescentschool.co.uk/.

Due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions this year's Princethorpe College Christmas Fair has unfortunately had to be cancelled.

The PTA are hoping to arrange a different event and details will be shared once they are confirmed.

The OPs' events calendar offers plenty of opportunities for past pupils, former parents, staff and friends of the College and the Foundation schools to catch up.

This year some events are being run virtually, but the popular Pub Meets and Summer Reunion, are booked and we very much hope they will be able to go ahead.

All alumni, former staff and parents of Princethorpe College, St Bede's, St Mary's Priory, St Joseph's School, Crackley Hall, Abbotsford and Crescent School are welcome to participate in any or all of the events.

Click here to download the calendar or visit Princethorpe Connect to sign up to our new online alumni community.

We’re now accepting registrations for places in Reception, Year 1 and Year 3 for 2021.

As a result of us having two Reception classes this year, we do have space in current Reception. Limited places are also available for admission in other years. Contact us to find out more.

Parents who are interested are urged to contact the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 or by email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Applications for places in the current Reception up are treated on an individual basis as places are limited. Once full we operate waiting groups.

Most of our pupils enter at Reception and at Year 3, though pupils are welcome at any age, dependent on a place being available.

Places in other years are limited and in years where there is no place available we operate waiting groups. A meeting with Joe Thackway, the Headmaster, is a key part of the admissions process. We encourage prospective parents and pupils to visit us both formally and informally to get a true flavour of the school. We hold various Open Events throughout the year, including a specific Reception Open Evening in November, which prospective parents and pupils are most welcome to attend.  Please note that due to the Covid-19 restriction this is likely to be by appointment only.

Our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, will be pleased to talk you through the admissions process and current availability. Please contact her on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

To request a prospectus please click here.

For a copy of our Registration Form click here.

To download our current Crescent Information Booklet click here. 

Early Bird Applicants

Siblings of Crescent pupils, those attending Pathfinders Nursery, and any external candidates with a strong interest in a place in Reception or Year 3, are able to apply early and take advantage of a priority application process. The deadline for taking advantage of this priority arrangement is Wednesday 9 December 2020. Please return your completed Registration Form with the accompanying fee of £50 (non-returnable) by this date. Normally your child would be visited in their nursery setting by one of the Early Years Team, or in the case of prospective Year 3 children invited in for a Taster Day. However, due to the current restrictions a member of our Pre-prep Department will contact your child’s nursery setting for an informal chat and Year 3 children will be invited in with their parents for a brief visit during which time they may be asked to take a short online assessment to help gauge their current levels of understanding.  This is at the discretion of the headmaster.  You will be required to bring in a copy of your child’s most recent school report too. Please also note that once you complete the registration form we will contact your child’s current school with a request to provide a confidential report.  Subject to availability and a satisfactory visit offer letters will be sent out first class on Tuesday 15 December 2020 with a Confirmation of Acceptance Form, which we ask you to complete and return to us together with a deposit of £300 by the acceptance deadline of Tuesday 5 January 2021.

On-time applicants

Applicants interested in a place in Reception or Year 3 following similar timescales to the state application process, need to register by the deadline of Monday 1 February 2021; once we have received your completed Registration Form and accompanying fee of £50 (non-returnable) a member of our Early Years team will contact their nursery setting for an informal chat and in the case of prospective Year 3 children invited in for a visit with their parents for a brief visit during which time they may be asked to take a short online assessment to help gauge their current levels of understanding. This is at the discretion of the headmaster.   You will be required to bring in a copy of your child’s most recent school report too.  Please also note that once you complete the registration form we will contact your child’s current school with a request to provide a confidential report.  Subject to availability and a satisfactory visit, offer letters to applicants will be sent out first class on Friday 5 March 2021 with a Confirmation of Acceptance Form, which we ask you to complete and return to us together with a deposit of £300 by the acceptance deadline of Monday 26 April 2021.

Current Reception to Year 6

Applications for places in the current Reception to Year 6 (excluding Year 3) will be treated on an individual basis as places are limited. In years where there is no place available we operate waiting groups. Please contact Helen Morley, our Registrar, to discuss current availability.

Should the possibility of a potential place become available you will be invited in to meet with Mr Thackway, the Headmaster, then if appropriate you should complete a Registration Form and return it with the accompanying fee of £50 (non-returnable), after which time your child will be invited in for a brief visit as outlined above.  

Before the offer of a place is made, we will seek a reference from your child’s current school.  Confirmation of a place being offered would be made in writing subject to a satisfactory reference being received.

To secure your place, please return your completed Confirmation of Acceptance Form with a deposit of £300 within 14 days of the date of the offer being made.

The final deadline for applications and completed registration forms for entry in September 2021 is Friday 21 May 2021. All incoming pupils need to have completed the admissions process by Friday 11 June 2021 to enable your child to attend our Induction Morning. (Although a place at Crescent School may become available after this date, and applications will be processed, we cannot guarantee availability of places.)

Note: Deposits are refunded after the end of the final term which the pupil spends at the school provided that the correct amount of notice has been given and the final account is settled in full.

Induction

New pupils are given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school, staff and fellow pupils when they are invited to our Induction Morning in the Trinity Term.

The Foundation's senior school Princethorpe College is accepting registrations for September 2021 entry.

The Entrance Exams for 2021 take place on Saturday 23 January 2021. The deadline for registrations is Friday 4 December 2020. There are still opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College, including an Open Day on Sunday 4 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm, by appointment only and Year 6 Taster Experiences on Saturday 7 and 14 November, once again by appointment only.

For more information click here to see the latest Princethorpe Admissions Update newsletter.

If you have any questions about the College's admissions process please contact the Registrar, Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Onsite Nursery provision is delivered by Pathfinders Day Nursery, formerly known as Nature Trails at Crescent, and they were judged 'outstanding' by Ofsted at their last inspection.

It is our hope that many of the children in the Nursery will follow through into our Reception class in the September after their 4th birthday. As such, the Nursery staff are conscious of the need to prepare the children for school and the children are made to feel an integral part of the school from the day they join.

For further information about Pathfinders please visit their website here or call Rachel Ward, Nursery Manager on 01788 813666.

We understand that prospective parents may have many questions that they would like to ask ahead of applying for a place for their child at Crescent School.  We have included those most frequently asked, but should you have a query that isn’t covered here, please call Helen Morley, our Registrar, pictured here, on 01788 523851 or contact her by email at admissions@crescentschool.co.uk and she will be happy to help.

Q: Will my child need to take an entrance exam for Crescent School?

A: Whilst we do not have a formal entrance examination for Crescent School, we wish to ensure that every child will fit into school life and engage with our stimulating and varied range of activities and our ethos. We ask prospective parents to meet with Mr Thackway, the Headmaster, and we normally invite the children* to join us on a taster day which can be arranged on a mutually convenient date.  However due to the Covid-19 situation we are recommending that parents bring their child with them when they meet Mr Thackway.  At this point they may be assessed both formally and informally, at the discretion of the headmaster. Children in Year 3-6 may be asked to take a short online assessment to help us gauge their current levels of understanding. Younger children may have a reading age assessment and be asked to produce written language and number work. 

*Pre-school children do not have a taster day but are normally visited in their nursery setting by one of our Early Years Team, prior to an offer of a place being made. Once again due to the Covid-19 restrictions a member of the Early Years Team would have a conversation with a member of staff or key worker at their current setting prior to the offer of a place being made.

Q: Are there set joining points within the school year?

A: No. Where places exist, we take children throughout the school year according to the preference of parents.

Q: What is the average class size at Crescent School?

A: The maximum class size in Pre-Prep is 20 children, whilst in Year 3 and above the class size continues to be smaller than the national average, at no more than 24 children. Every form throughout the school also benefits from their own teaching assistant.

Q: What makes Crescent School special?

A:  We talk a lot about the ethos of the Princethorpe Foundation and it is not just talk; it really is the basis of all that we do at Crescent School and parents often comment on the friendly atmosphere when they visit.  Our shared School Promise expresses the shared values of the school and inspires us all to be good friends, good learners and good citizens.  We encourage the children to be kind to each other and to show respect for their peers and teachers, which in turn creates an environment where they are free to try their best and to develop their talents. 

The school has grown in recent years, but the family feel where each child is known as an individual remains. This combines with the highest standards of teaching and tuition from specialist teachers in music, drama, languages, sports and art. 

Q: My child is a high achiever; how will Crescent School benefit him/her? 

A: Children who demonstrate a high standard academically will be supported to further develop their abilities. A structured Able, Gifted and Talented programme operates through the school, ensuring that we meet the needs of children not just academically but also in other areas such as sports and performing arts. Sometimes parents worry that because their child is quiet or falls in the middle ground, they will be overlooked.  At Crescent School this is not the case as we strive to develop the potential of all children and to develop their many talents.

Q: My child may need additional support – what can Crescent School offer?

A: Our learning support team works with children to provide extra help at whatever level they need. This ranges from 1:1 support to inclusion in small groups to hone their skills in specific areas, such as communication and language, numeracy and co-ordination.  

We are quick to recognise children who may need extra support and we try to 'catch' them before they begin to struggle. This means that class teachers refer children to our Learning Support Co-ordinator as soon as they are concerned and all children are screened. In this way we try not to miss anyone and to keep all children’s self-esteem high. We welcome input from parents and are very happy to discuss any concerns they may have.

When a child needs support that is additional to, or different from, that provided for other children of their age, then we follow the Special Needs Code of Practice fully. This includes the process of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan where required, so that parents are fully involved and children get the support they need.

Support for a child may entail 1:1 teaching for which there is a termly charge. Children who require this teaching will receive a structured, cumulative, multi-sensory learning programme tailored to their individual needs.

Should your child need any additional learning support, please indicate this on the registration form.  He/she will then spend some time with our SENCo during the taster day.

Q: What extra-curricular clubs do you offer?

A: We offer over 30 different lunch-time and after school clubs that cater for all interests.  See the section on extra-curricular clubs, sport and music within this update. 

Q: I am a working parent – do you offer wrap around care and holiday provision?

A:  During term time we offer 'early bird' supervision from 7.45am and after-care until 5.45pm for which we make an additional charge per session.

Q: If I have two or more children joining, will I get a discount?

A: Yes, families with more than one child at Foundation Schools receive a discount of 5% for a second or third child or 10% for a fourth or subsequent child. 

Q: Do you accept childcare vouchers?

A: Yes, we take vouchers from most of the major schemes, which may be used against before and after-school care. 

Q: Do you operate a bus service to Crescent School?

We do not currently operate a bus service, however should you accept a place we are happy, with your permission, to pass your details on to current parents in your post-code so that you can explore lift-share opportunities.

Q: When do I need to apply for a place in September?

A: The sooner, the better. For siblings of Crescent pupils, those attending Pathfinders Nursery, our on-site partner nursery, and any external candidates with a strong interest in a place in Reception, parents are able to apply early and take advantage of a priority early bird application process. The deadline for taking advantage of this priority arrangement is Monday 23 November 2020. Otherwise the deadline for applications for Reception 2021 entry is Monday 1 February 2021. 

For all other year groups the application process is handled individually but they need to be registered by Friday 21 May 2021 in order for their application to be progressed in time for our Induction Morning in June. Our prospectus pack includes a registration form and once you return it to us with the registration fee, we can start the admissions process.

Q: If I apply, when will I hear about a place?

A: During the Covid-19 restrictions, once you have completed and returned a registration form, we aim to provide feedback promptly and, once we have had time to source a reference from your child’s current school, we will advise whether we will offer a place. For applications made in advance for September entry, all applicants will be held in a waiting group until a taster can be arranged in the spring or summer term in the year of entry – this is assuming that we can offer taster days by that point.  

Q: Will joining Crescent School give my child priority for joining the Foundation's senior school Princethorpe College?

A:  Being part of one of the Foundation's primary schools gives children a real head start in the admissions process. Crescent's pupils are thoroughly prepared for the entrance examination and have enjoyed a 100% success rate for entry in recent years.

Q: How successful is the Crescent at getting its pupils into the local grammar schools?

A: Crescent pupils who take the 11+ examinations for entry into the local grammar schools have historically always done very well. Over the last three years at least 50% of those taking the 11+ have been offered grammar school places. 

Our success in competitive sports is testament to the importance of physical education and the promotion of an active lifestyle at Crescent School.  At Crescent, we pride ourselves on giving the children a lifelong love of physical activity and a large proportion of our children partake in physical activities after school.  In fact every child in Year 3 and above has played for the school in a Sports team.

Two dedicated Games Afternoons are timetabled on a Wednesday and Thursday for Years 5/6 and Years 3/4 respectively. These allow teachers more time to develop skills and facilitate competitive fixtures across a range of sports with other local schools.

Whether children want to take part in an individual pursuit such as athletics or swimming or a team game such as netball or football, they will be encouraged by our enthusiastic and committed team of sports staff, led by Rachel McCollin, Head of Sport, and our Teacher of Boys Games, Mark Adkins, to find an activity in which they can develop their skills and confidence.

Our curriculum and programme of clubs take in a wide range of activities.  We are lucky to have our own playing fields and we also make use of excellent local facilities such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Track in Rugby, and the sports facilities at the Foundation’s senior school Princethorpe College.

Fixtures and competitions are arranged in boys’ football, girls’ football, netball, boys’ hockey, girls’ hockey, rugby, swimming, basketball, boys’ cricket, girls’ cricket, tennis, rounders, athletics and cross-country.  We take part in ISA and IAPS competitions to help to extend our more able children and have B and sometimes C team fixtures to allow participation from the pupils.

Bursaries are available for pupils wishing to join Crescent School, these are normally awarded to children from Year 3 and above. 

Application forms are available from the Foundation Bursar’s office and from our website here.

Completed applications should be forwarded to the Foundation Bursar with supporting documentary evidence. 

Applications for bursaries are normally reviewed by external consultants.

Our extra-curricular programme is extremely popular.  We encourage all our children to find something that they will enjoy. From sports to singing to creative arts, and with more than 30 different clubs, there is always something for everyone. 

Examples of the clubs Crescent offers include: Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby, Gymnastics, Fencing, Cricket, Outdoor Learning, Ball Skills, Yoga, Games, Drama, Choir, Flute, Brass, Orchestra, Science, Cookery, Programming, Lego, First Aid, Movie, Construction, Board Games, Times Tables, Craft, Sewing, Art, DT, FROG Club (Fully Rely On God), Online Magazine Club, Library, Jewellery Club, Story Club and Philosophy.

Some of these clubs are run by teachers and are free of charge whilst some are delivered by external providers and incur a cost.

Uniform is compulsory for Crescent School pupils and helps to create a sense of shared identity, community spirit and a pride in oneself. 

Uniform can be purchased from the School Shop located at Princethorpe College. 

Normally the School Shop is open from 3.30pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday during term time. Additionally during the summer holidays the shop is open on selected dates on an appointment only basis.

If you need to contact the School shop please email in the first instance uniformshop@princthorpe.co.uk.

A uniform list is available in the Crescent Information Booklet that can be found on the Admissions page of the school's website here.

For those who like to plan ahead the Foundation Term Dates are:

2020-2021 

Michaelmas Term 2020

Tuesday 1 September to Tuesday 15 December

Half Term

Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November

Lent Term 2021 

Tuesday 5 January to Friday 26 March

Half Term

Saturday 13 February to Sunday 21 February

Trinity Term 2021

Monday 19 April to Tuesday 6 July 

Half Term

Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June

2021-2022 

Michaelmas Term 2021  
 
Monday 6 September to Tuesday 14 December 
 
Half Term

Saturday 16 October to Sunday 31 October  
 
Lent Term 2022  
 
Wednesday 5 January to Tuesday 5 April 
 
Half Term

Saturday 19 February to Sunday 27 February 

Trinity Term 2022 
 
Monday 25 April 2022 to Wednesday 6 July
 
Half Term

Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June 2022