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 was noted in our most recent ISI 'outstanding in all areas' inspection, where the parental feedback ‘praised the school’s preparation of former pupils who had successfully and easily transitioned into their new senior school’. You can read the full report in full here.

We live by the School Promise, which asks us all to be Good Friends, Good Learners and Good Citizens in all we do. Our philosophy applies equally 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

Congratulations to all our Year 6 pupils who, back in March, had their secondary school places confirmed. Once again pupils will be moving on to a range of outstanding local independent and state schools. 

Nine of the 23-strong class will be moving to the Foundation’s senior school, Princethorpe College, while five children have chosen the local grammar schools. We also have pupils going to a number of other independent schools. We are especially delighted that 12 of our Year 6 pupils have been awarded scholarships this year, including all-rounder, academic, art, sports, music and drama awards.

Sarah Webb, Assistant Head and Year 6 Teacher, said, “It’s lovely to see the children enjoying such success. Our aim is always to do our best to help our pupils reach the destination secondary school of their choice and we are particularly pleased with the range of scholarship offers this group has received. It’s an excellent outcome and everyone here is thrilled for them.”

Congratulations to all the children on their achievements – Crescent School is really proud of them all.

Cresent School has appointed Becky Witcomb as its new Registrar.  She has taken over the reins from Helen Morley, who has retired after more than 25 years of dedicated service, and she is enjoying being the key contact for parents interested in Crescent School.

Becky lives locally and holds a degree in Business Administration. She has a strong background in customer facing roles and has joined the Crescent from Rugby School, where for the last five years she has worked as an Admissions Officer. 

Joe Thackway, Headmaster, comments, “Becky brings a wealth of admissions knowledge and experience and a warm and friendly manner that will ensure that new parents and pupils have a seamless and smooth start to life at Crescent School.”

Comments Becky, “I am very much enjoying my new role and I am looking forward to supporting Crescent School parents and pupils through the admissions process and on into school.”

Crescent School is hosting its next Open Evening on Tuesday 14 May when Becky will be welcoming prospective parents and children to the school. For more information and to book your place please visit: https://www.crescentschool.co.uk/visit-crescent

Year 2 delivered a swashbuckling performance on Wednesday 20 March for their Lent Term production, Pirates Versus Mermaids.

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 wonderful sea-faring adventure it proved to be.

It told the story of trainee pirate, Captain Scarypants, and his crew, and the teensy-weensy problem that none of them could swim. Of course, the answer lay with the mermaids, but the pirates do not like the mermaids and the mermaids do not like the pirates. What unfolded provided lots of laughter as they all learnt to get along.

The production was fabulous and showcasing the talents, confidence and stage presence of Crescent School's young pupils. Everyone agreed it was a fabulous show.

Year 3 visited Oxford University Museum of Natural History in February to take part in a Rock Stars Geology Workshop. The children discovered the difference between rocks and minerals and how essential they are in our everyday lives. They took a hands-on journey through the rock cycle to explore the three types of rock that make up our planet and became geologists as they sorted and identified rocks. After their interactive workshop, they also had time for a tour of the museum. It was fabulous enrichment for their learning in school.

Crescent School's Spring Concert took place on Monday 18 March, with the school hall packed with parents eager to be entertained by an afternoon of fine music and song.

The orchestra opened the concert, performing two pieces confidently, Yesterday and In The Mood, the impact of their recent orchestra workshop clear to see. They were followed by a mix of instrumental solos and music group performances, all showcasing their talent, hard work and dedication.

Brass Group belted out two well known pieces fearlessly, Can You Feel The Love and Bare Necessities. Wacky Music then had great fun performing Wimoweh. While Flute Group performed a piece written specially for them, Spanish Vista.

Performing solos in the concert, many of them exam pieces, were Zac on piano, Edward on baritone, Thomas on trumpet and Charlotte on vocals.

The concert concluded with a powerful performance by the Choir. Pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 sang four pieces enthusiastically, London’s Burning, River Song, Love In My Heart and There’s A Power In The Music.

Our enormous thanks and congratulations go to all Crescent School's accomplished performers who took to the stage in front of their proud parents, and of course to all their teachers and Director of Music, Julie Barnes who have helped them achieve so much.

All 60 Crescent pupils who took the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations in December passed with the overwhelming majority achieving a distinction.

At Crescent School, children from Years 3-6 study for the examinations in their Drama lessons as part of the school’s curriculum. After excellent results last year, Drama teacher, Lizzie Bowdige, challenged Years 3 and 4 by entering them for Introductory level, Stages 2 and 3 examinations respectively, one step up from the exams sat by the year groups last year.

In their examinations, the pupils were judged on interpretation, technique and knowledge. They had to consider their diction, expression and movement and be able to discuss the mood and meaning of the poems they performed. The results were received at the end of last week and they were outstanding.

Lizzie Bowdige, comments, “I am delighted with the results. Congratulations to them all. What’s so great about the LAMDA exams is that they equip the children with communication skills which will serve them throughout life. They also promote an appreciation of literature and poetry and help unlock imagination and creative thinking. I am very proud of everyone."

Crescent School warmly welcomed former pupil and teacher, Felicity Furber, and former governor, Mark Furber, back to school in January to help celebrate Founder’s Day. The school was marking its 76th birthday and also the publication of its updated A History Of Crescent School.

Mr and Mrs Furber took part in a Founder’s Day Assembly, then answered questions posed by the School Council before enjoying a tour of the school.

During the assembly, six Year 6 pupils shared extracts from the school’s early history. Dressed in original school uniform, they spoke about the experiences of the early pupils when the school was situated in Rugby town centre, on Horton Crescent adjacent to Rugby School.

Mrs Furber is the daughter of the school’s first headmistress, Mrs Eve Mortimer, and has a long and close association with Crescent School. Mr and Mrs Furber were delighted to be able to share new information and anecdotes about the school’s early years, bringing the Founder’s Day celebrations vividly to life for pupils.

During the visit, Crescent School discovered that Mr Furber has his own strong connection to the school’s current Bawnmore Road site. Mr Furber was one of the first pupils to attend the former, St Mark’s School when it opened on the Bilton site back in 1950, prior to its acquisition in 1988 by Crescent School.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr and Mrs Furber into school. The children had so many questions for them, and it really helped them understand what the school was like in its early years and to appreciate that while many aspects of the school have changed, there is much that remains the same.”

Mrs Furber commented, "It meant a lot to me to see how the school is thriving in every way.”

Copies of the second edition of A History of Crescent School have been shared with parents and contributors and a digital version is available to download for free on the school website here: https://www.theprincethorpefoundation.co.uk/publications-crescent. Printed copies are also freely available for all Old Crescentians and local residents. They can be requested here: https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/shop (there is a small £2 charge to cover UK postage).

The U11 Hockey Team travelled down to the Olympic Park in London to play at the iconic Lee Valley Hockey Centre in the National ISA Hockey Tournament in early February. There, they faced teams from across the country and battled determinedly to eventually bring home the Trophy.

Crescent’s team faced three schools in the pool round. The games were frantic, furious and frustrating with only 10 minutes of play in each game but their resilient play in their pool games put Crescent into the Trophy competition.

In the knockout round, Crescent faced Thorpe Hall School. Crescent had all of the play, consistently applying pressure but they just couldn't find the target. The final whistle left a 0-0 draw and the prospect of penalty shuffles. Excellent goal keeping from Timi and accuracy from the players helped Crescent make it into the Trophy final and on to the stadium pitch.

With emotions running high the team collected themselves well to take on Oakfield Prep. Again, holding possession well and really pushing and holding play, Crescent scored with a few minutes to spare with a fantastically worked goal. 

It was a fantastic day out for everyone, full of highs and lows and the extreme emotions of sport. It was a well-deserved final victory after a wonderful day of quality hockey from all involved. 

This year, Crescent has had a new co-curricular activity for pupils in Years 1, 2 and 3. Edith Huang has been leading a Mandarin club that provides pupils with the opportunity to learn the Chinese language and explore Chinese culture. The club takes place on Thursdays after school.

Pupils have enjoyed activities such as learning how to count, practising how to say and write the symbols for the numbers. They have also played simple games with dominoes for example to help them memorise the new sounds.

It has been fabulous to see their confidence growing as they take part in the club each week.

Thomas, Zac and Sophie swam superbly at the National ISA Swimming Finals at the London Aquatics Centre on Friday 1 December.

Year 4, Thomas went all out and came home with a Gold medal after helping his team finish in first place in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay. Year 5, Zac did nearly as well with his team finishing in second place for a Silver medal in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay. Zac also finished 4th in the individual 50m Backstroke. Then Year 5 Sophie gave her best to finish in 5th place in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay and 6th in the individual 50m Freestyle.

Together the swimmers’ super performances helped the Midlands team finish in third place overall at the national event.

Head of PE and Games, Rachel McCollin, was delighted and said, "Our swimmers have traditionally done well in the ISA Swimming Championships, and they have had another successful outing this year. Well done to everyone who competed in both the Nationals and in the qualifying regional competitions."

Many congratulations to Alice, who is now in Year 3, who was recognised in the Independent Schools Association’s (ISA) National Art Competition.

Alice was awarded 2nd place in the KS1 Art 2D Individual Class for her striking wax resist Fun In The Sea.

Every year pupils across the school produce incredible artwork, and to celebrate their talent, this year, Art Teacher, Mrs Thackway submitted some of the children’s artwork into the ISA Art Competition. Alice and Leela, now in Year 6, received first prize and highly commended respectively for their entries in the Midlands competition. Then as the winner of her class, Alice’s art went forward to the National competition and went on show at the National Art Final Exhibition.

The judging took place in November and the school was delighted to hear that Alice had been awarded 2nd place in her age group nationally. It’s fantastic recognition for such a talented young artist, a very well done to Alice!

In the Michaelmas Term, Crescent School took part in Princethorpe College’s Year 5 Maths Challenge. The event was run by Douglas Buchanan of DCBEAGLE Challenges, who specialises in organising exciting and innovative maths activities for primary school aged children.

Crescent took three teams of two to compete alongside 52 pairs of enthusiastic and very talented mathematicians from 25 local schools, the pupils took part in a series of puzzles against the clock. In five eight-minute rounds the children tackled Tangram Triangles, Broken Calculators, Domino Jigsaws, Make 24, Card Order and Curly’s Cycling Circuits.

Ably supported and marked by a team of Princethorpe’s Year 10 pupils, the competition stretched and challenged the children with mathematical activities that required both reasoning skills and mathematical knowledge.

The event was huge fun for all who took part and everyone who participated received a certificate and a special Princethorpe cookie.

Crescent School’s teams were amazing finishing 2nd, 6th and 16th scoring 125 points, 107 points and 88 points respectively.

Mrs Dowling, who accompanied the children, said, “The children had a great time and really enjoyed putting their maths skills to the test. Well done to them all, there were some very talented mathematicians taking part and they made Crescent School proud.”

The year's edition of The Circular, Crescent School’s annual review for pupils, parents and staff, was published in November.

The magazine includes stories and photos from across the 2022-2023 school year, giving a wonderful insight into the life of the school and the learning that takes place, day in day out, here at the Crescent. 

Printed copies were distributed to our existing families and an electronic copy of the magazine is also available on the school website. If you would like to have a read you can find it here:

https://www.theprincethorpefoundation.co.uk/publications-crescent

The latest issue of The Minnacle has just been published, showcasing our pupils' super work. The Minnacle celebrates our pupils at their best and this edition includes plenty more amazing examples, from fabulous literacy and super biographies, through to incredible Design Technology and even a little bit of Junior da Vinci language skills too. Why not have a read yourself - you can download a copy from our school website here.

Take a look at The Pinnacle too, it celebrates the work of pupils at our Foundation's senior school, Princethorpe College, you can find a copy on their website here. 

Tuesday 14 May - 5.00pm to 7.00pm

You and your family are warmly invited to Crescent School's Open Evening on Tuesday 14 May 2024 - 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Come and find out why Crescent School has been judged 'Excellent' in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. It's a great opportunity for prospective families considering Crescent School for 2025 entry or beyond to come and have a look around and get a feel for the school. There will also be opportunities to speak to pupils, key members of staff and to meet Mr Thackway, Headmaster.

To book your place please click here. 

We still have a few places available in Year 3 and 4 for entry in September 2024 and are now accepting registrations for Reception and Year 3 2025. Please speak to our Registrar, Mrs Becky Witcomb, on 01788 523851 or by email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk for availability throughout the school. 

If you can't make the Open Event and would like to visit the school, please also call our Registrar, Mrs Becky Witcomb on 01788 521595 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk and come for an individual tour on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information visit http://www.crescentschool.co.uk/.

Wednesday 5 June 2024 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm 

Our Foundation senior school, Princethorpe College's, Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 5 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity for those looking to join the College in 2025 and beyond to visit the school. There will be activities in each department for children to participate in and our Headmaster, Grove du Toit, will also address visitors during the evening.

Light refreshments will be available.

Please do spread the word amongst friends and family, as all are welcome.  

To book your place please click here.

For further information on admissions to Princethorpe College please contact the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk. 

Wednesday 26 June 2024

Crescent’s Induction/Moving Up Morning will take place on Wednesday 26 June. During the morning, your child will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher and see their new classroom. They will also get to meet the other children in their class.  

This year the Induction Morning will run from 8.40am to 1.00pm for children joining Reception in 2024 followed by a Teddy Bears' Picnic where parents can join from 12.45pm. The Induction Morning for children starting in other years is from 8.40am to 1.45pm.

If you have any questions about the Induction Morning please contact the School on 01788 521595. 

Thursday 27 June 2024 - 7.00pm - 8.30pm 

Our New Parents' Welcome Evening takes place on Thursday 27 June at 7.00pm. It's an excellent opportunity to get up to speed with valuable information about the school and offers parents the chance to meet key staff and each other.  

More details will be provided to parents closer to the date

Thursday 27 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 30 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of the College pupils' GCSE and A-level Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 27 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 30 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

A range of design and technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, will be showcased alongside the stunning art and photography work the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our pupils' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."

All are welcome. On Thursday evening admission is free, on the Sunday admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fête and Motoring Festival. Light refreshments will be available.

Sunday 30 June 2024 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The Princethorpe College PTA Summer Fête and 27th Annual Motoring Festival is back this year! Entry to the event is just £2 per car and all are welcome.

The Fête takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. There is lots of entertainment for both children and adults alike, which usually includes a large inflatable slide for the kids, BBQ, refreshments, bar, pupils’ stalls, over 30 external stalls, a raffle and many, many more exciting things for all the family to enjoy.  

One of the highlights of the School Calendar is the Annual Motoring Festival, now in its twenty-seventh year.

The Motoring Festival coincides with the College Summer Fête, and is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There are rally plaques for all vehicles pre-booked by Tuesday 21 May 2024 and there are awards for self-judged competitions.

For more information and for entry forms for the Motoring Festival please visit the Princethorpe College website. 

So save the date and we look forward to seeing you at this fun, family event.

Reception and Year 3 – 2024

We had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2024 entry at the Early Bird Application deadline stage. As a result, we have already allocated all of the available places in Reception for September 2024 and have limited places in Year 3 for September 2024. We are now operating a waiting group in Reception for families who are still interested in a place, should a suitable one become available. If you have not yet registered but are interested in joining the waiting group, you are still very welcome to apply.

Reception and Year 3 – 2025

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting September 2025. The Early Bird deadline for September 2025 entry is Friday 18 October 2024. 

Current Reception to Year 6

We are currently operating waiting groups in most other years apart from our current Year 2 and 3 class (Year 3 and 4 for September 2024 entry) where we do have limited places available.

Applications for places will be treated on an individual basis. Please contact Becky Witcomb, our Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk for further information and the latest situation regarding availability and 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.

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 and Year 3 Open Evening, which prospective parents and pupils are most welcome to attend. Please note that Open Events are by appointment only.

Our Registrar, Mrs Becky Witcomb, 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. 

Current Reception to Year 6

Applications for places in the current Reception to Year 6 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 Becky Witcomb, 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 £75 (non-returnable), after which time your child will be invited in for a taster day.  

During the taster day children will be assessed both formally and informally. Children in Year 3 to 6 take a short online assessment to help us gauge their current levels of understanding. Younger children may have a reading age assessment and of course will produce written language and number work as part of their day in school.

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 £400 within 14 days of the date of the offer being made.

The final deadline for applications and completed registration forms for entry in September 2024 is Friday 24 May 2024. All incoming pupils need to have completed the admissions process by Friday 14 June 2024 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.

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 Becky Witcomb, 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. 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. 

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. We go to great lengths to ensure 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: We care very much that all our pupils should be happy and achieving with us, and that means that we make it our business to understand how each one of them learns.

Our learning support hub, led by our teacher SENDCo with support from teaching assistants across the school can provide 1:1 teaching for those children who require additional support.

Our pupils benefit from staff who are quick to recognise and refer pupils who need specialist assessment and/or help. Each year we screen for dyslexia at the start of Year 3.

Our goal is to ensure that all children at Crescent School are happy and fulfilled; and providing the right support at the right time is all part of that mission.

There is a charge for the 1:1 sessions.

Q: What extra-curricular clubs do you offer?

A: We offer around 50 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 postcode 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, 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.  

For all other year groups the application process is handled individually but they need to be registered by Friday 24 May 2024 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: 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, and organise a Taster Day we will advise whether we will offer a place.  

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

A: Being one of the Foundation's preparatory schools gives children a real head start in the admissions process. Crescent's pupils are familiar with the College as we use the grounds and facilities for Sports Days and performances. They are also thoroughly prepared for the entrance examination and have enjoyed a near 100% success rate for entry in recent years, but there is no guaranteed entry.

Q: How successful is 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 60% 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. 

Whilst the main financial criteria are household income and net assets, each application is considered on its own merits. Costs associated with dependant sick or disabled children will be taken into account and an allowance is made where there are other children already in the Foundation.

Our general guidance is that currently bursaries are not normally granted where gross household income exceeds £60,000 per annum and/or total net assets exceed £250,000.

Applications are made through an online system and are normally reviewed by external consultants. Click here for more information on our website.

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 50 different clubs, there is always something for everyone. 

Examples of the clubs Crescent offers include: Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby, Gymnastics, Fencing, Cricket, Taekwondo, 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.

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

2024-25

Michaelmas Term 2024 
 
Tuesday 3 September to Wednesday 18 December 
 
Half Term

Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November
 
Lent Term 2025  
 
Tuesday 7 January to Thursday 3 April
 
Half Term

Saturday 15 February to Sunday 23 February 

Trinity Term 2025 
 
Monday 28 April to Thursday 3 July
 
Half Term

Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June

2025-26

Michaelmas Term 2025 
 
Tuesday 2 September to Wednesday 17 December 
 
Half Term

Saturday 18 October to Sunday 2 November
 
Lent Term 2026  
 
Tuesday 6 January to Thursday 26 March
 
Half Term

Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February 

Trinity Term 2026 
 
Monday 20 April to Thursday 2 July
 
Half Term

Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May