A very warm welcome to our Admissions Update e-newsletter, designed to give you an insight into Crescent School 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. The word that visitors use most frequently to describe the atmosphere is a simple one; happy. 

Once again this year we have celebrated outstanding success both in the classroom and out. Our sport and healthy living provision received a rare 'special feature' commendation in our recent fully compliant ISI report, and the music and drama in the school go from strength to strength. Our wonderful teaching staff are determined to go the extra mile to help our children achieve everything they are capable of. 

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

Crescent School is delighted to have passed an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Inspection with the school judged to have fully met the standards in every area following a visit in December 2024.

The report, which has just been published, follows a new framework which examines standards relating to five key areas:

• leadership and management and governance
• the quality of education, training and recreation
• pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional well being
• pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society
• safeguarding

As well as fully meeting all the standards, Crescent School has been judged as having ‘a significant strength’ regarding its ‘inclusive and highly effective focus and provision with regard to PE, sport and healthy living’, which the report details ‘impacts positively on pupils’ performance in class’ and ‘has a very positive impact on pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem'.  Fewer than ten per cent of schools inspected by the ISI across the UK achieve a coveted ‘significant strength’ recognition.

A team of three inspectors visited the school over three days; they observed lessons and scrutinised pupils’ work. During their rigorous inspection, they spoke with pupils, teachers, senior staff and the Chair of Trustees. Inspectors observed extra-curricular activities, attended assemblies and scrutinised the premises and documentation and records provided by the school. In addition, they reviewed all the responses of parents, pupils and staff to pre-inspection questionnaires.

Other key highlights recognised by the report include:

• Leaders and staff model the school’s core values of kindness, tolerance and respect so that pupils reflect these in their behaviour.
• The school provides a broad and engaging curriculum that covers all required areas and a wide range of subjects, including art, design technology, music, drama, Latin and modern foreign languages.
• Teaching staff create a purposeful and calm learning environment.
• Well planned teaching utilises a variety of strategies to develop pupils’ ability to think for themselves and enable them to make good progress.
• Pupils work collaboratively to support each other and treat each other with respect.
• The recreational activities on offer allow pupils to follow their interests and develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in areas such as sport, music, drama, cookery and chess.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway, comments “We are delighted to have achieved a full clean bill of health from the ISI. The report is a really positive endorsement of everything we do here at Crescent School and reflects a huge team effort. The report shows that we are delivering on our commitment to providing our pupils with an outstanding all-round education, instilling in our children life-long learning skills while fostering the qualities of kindness, tolerance and mutual respect.”

Mr Thackway continues, “It is particularly pleasing to have our PE, Sport and Healthy Living provision recognised as a significant strength of the school, as this undoubtedly has a long-term positive impact on our pupils lives both inside and outside the classroom. My thanks go to the outstanding staff here at Crescent, our wonderful pupils and hugely supportive parent body; all of whom have played a part in this successful inspection.”

Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, added, “As a Foundation we are committed to making our schools environments where every child can thrive, both academically and personally and it is affirming to have this recognised by the ISI. A huge well done to Joe and all the team at Crescent School.”  

A copy of the report is available to read here and is also available on the ISI’s website.

The ISI is the Government-approved body responsible for the inspection of independent schools. 

In response to high demand for Reception school places in the local area, the Crescent School on Bawnmore Road, Bilton is adding a second Reception class for September 2025.  

Applications for places in Reception in 2025 started early with interest in this year group exceptionally high and the school was quickly oversubscribed. The school normally limits places in Reception to just 20 children each year but with applications well over that number, and so many parents, both of current siblings in the school and those looking to join for the first time, applying to the school, the school has decided to offer two classes this year.

Parents who are considering the school are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible to ensure they secure a place in next year’s cohort.

Comments, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, “There has been an enormous amount of new house building in Bilton and the surrounding area so we hope that this extra provision will be well received. Having two classes of up to 20 pupils each will enable more pupils to benefit from our experienced Early Years team and specialist child-centred tailored approach.”

Crescent School has just been inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. As well as fully meeting all the standards the school was delighted to be recognised as having ‘a significant strength’ regarding its ‘inclusive and highly effective focus and provision with regard to PE, sport and healthy living’, which the report details ‘impacts positively on pupils’ performance in class’ and ‘has a very positive impact on pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem'. More information is available on the school’s website here.

Prospective parents who would be interested in a Reception place for their child in September 2025 are urged to contact Mrs Becky Witcomb, the Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk to register their interest. 

Part of the Princethorpe Foundation, the Crescent is a co-educational independent day school for around 190 children aged 4 to 11 years. Traditionally one form entry, class sizes range from up to 20 pupils for Reception to Year 2 to up to 24 for Years 3 to 6. 

Swimming is an important and valuable life skill which is why here at Crescent School we ensure that all pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 swim as part of their PE curriculum. With time spent developing and improving stroke technique and stamina but also a focus on water safety and water skills.

Recent Swim England research has found that 70% of children are taken out of swimming lessons before they are capable in the water but that is not the case here at Crescent School. Swim England identifies four key competencies children should meet: to be able to safely swim 100m, tread water for 60 seconds, float for 30 seconds and swim in clothing. Last year 100% of Crescent pupils were able to swim 100m or much more and all Year 6 pupils left having gained Swim England’s Water Safety Level 3 Award with some even achieving their Rookie Lifeguard Award.

As well as swimming lessons, Crescent pupils also have the chance to compete in galas with teams taking part in the Rugby Town Gala and ISA Midlands Gala every year with great success, as well as the much-anticipated and always enjoyed House Swimming Gala.

At Crescent School, parents have the reassurance that their children will master essential swimming skills as part of their everyday school life, providing peace of mind as they grow older and also providing them with a lifelong means of exercise and enjoyment.

There was nothing rubbish about Year 2’s Lent Term Production on Thursday 20 March. Our incredible pupils delivered a brilliant performance of The Litter Muncher.

A lot of hard work had gone into the rehearsals, learning the songs, memorising lines, sorting out costumes, producing the scenery and planning the production.

The Litter Muncher told the story of Lazy Daisy Village, that  is overrun with rubbish, but with a little help from the Mayor the villagers soon work out that if everyone works together they can help the Litter Muncher return it to the happy, beautiful place it use to be.

The children’s lively performance delivered a positive and important ecological message. Their energy was infectious and their enthusiasm, confidence and enjoyment in performing to their parents was magnificent to see.

It was a fabulous production that showcased the talents, confidence and stage presence of Crescent School's young pupils. We hope parents enjoyed the show!

Crescent School's Spring Concert took place on Monday 31 March, with the school hall packed with parents eager to be entertained by an afternoon of fine music and song. They were not disappointed!

Brass Group opened the concert, belting out two pieces confidently, the theme from James Bond and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The breadth of instruments and standard of play impressing all. They were followed by a mix of instrumental solos and music group performances, all showcasing their talent, hard work and dedication.

Wacky Music had great fun performing Drunken Sailor. Orchestra were amazing, they performed two pieces from their recent Foundation workshop, Fossils and Bright Eyes. While the two Flute Groups played a mix of pieces including two written especially for them, Flute Chat and Spring Is Here.

Years 3 and 4 enthusiastically sang their hearts performing three songs from the Heroes Of Troy.

Performing solos in the concert, many of them exam pieces, were Harry on Saxophone, Sophia on piano, Isabel on trumpet, Lilah on guitar, Lily on violin, Alice on flute and Matthew on recorder.

The concert concluded with a powerful performance by the Choir. Pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 sang four pieces enthusiastically, Sing Together, The Glory Of Love, Someone You Loved and Try Everything.

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.

The latest edition of the Circular, Crescent School’s annual review of the year was published back before Christmas.

The magazine includes stories and photos from across the 2023-2024 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. It is a fabulous memento and we hope you enjoy reading this latest edition.

You can find the magazine online here. 

The latest issue of The Minnacle has just been published, showcasing yet more of our pupils' excellent work. The Minnacle celebrates our pupils at their best and this edition includes plenty more examples of their outstanding efforts.

You can read a copy of The Minnacle  here.

Why not take a look at the latest copy of The Pinnacle too, which shares equally impressive work by Princethorpe College pupils. You can find it here.

Crescent School's U9 Netball team travelled to Stafford Prep on Tuesday 18 March for the ISA Midlands Tournament.  The girls were all absolute super stars giving 100% effort and commitment to every game. They played fantastically, building in confidence, skill and teamwork as the day went on. All the girls made excellent progress playing amazing netball and the team was unbeaten all day.

They finished as overall winners and are this year's ISA U9 Regional Midlands Champions.  

Head of PE and Games, Mrs McCollin commented, “The girls showed great team spirit and lots of determination and grit and were an absolute pleasure to be with all day.”

Well done girls we are incredibly proud of you all!

Although the weather turned out to be a mixed bag at the U9 Midlands ISA Tag Rugby, Crescent's performances on the pitch were far from it!

The tournament took place on Thursday 13 March at Stafford Prep. Flying straight out of the box, Crescent's team comfortably won all five of their group matches, finishing top and securing a semi-final spot.

Crescent then moved up the gears again, with a phenomenal defensive display, enough to overcome Crackley in the semi, before a fantastic 6-2 victory over OVS in the final!

The entire squad played superbly in both attack and defence, thoroughly earning the title of ISA Midlands champions! 

Crescent School officially opened its new Heritage Area at its Founder's Day service on Wednesday 15 January. The school also celebrated the life of former headmistress, Mrs Christine Barrett, who passed away recently, who began teaching at the school in 1965 and was headmistress from 1971 until her retirement in 1992.  

The school was pleased to welcome Mrs Barrett’s daughter, Isabel Barnes, a former pupil at the school, to the assembly, as well as Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, Clerk to the Trustees, and former Crescent School pupil, Eddie Tolcher, and Foundation Trustee, Sally Rosser.

During the assembly, Headmaster, Joe Thackway, reflected on the long history of the school, which marked its 77th birthday that week, the incredible contribution that Mrs Barrett made, including overseeing the school’s pivotal move from its original site on Horton Crescent in Rugby to its current Bawnmore Road location in Bilton.

Year 6 pupils shared extracts from Mrs Barrett’s memories of 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.

Current staff member, and former pupil, Sally Dowling, spoke of her memories of Mrs Barrett, commenting, “I remember her as firm but very fair. She was a lovely lady that everyone really respected.”  

After the assembly, Mrs Barnes was invited to officially open the new Heritage Area. The space includes a timeline of key milestones and the headteachers, as well as old photos, paintings and memorabilia which is all proving fascinating for the current generation of pupils at the school.

Copies of the second edition of A History of Crescent School  which was produced last year are available to download for free on the school website here. 

All 45 Year 5 and 6 Crescent pupils who took the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations in early February passed, with the overwhelming majority achieving a distinction. That completed another successful LAMDA examination season for the school, with all 38 of the Year 4s have earned themselves distinctions in the Solo Introductory Stage 3 examination in January and all 37 Year 3s being rewarded with distinctions in the Introductory Stage 2 examination in December.  

At Crescent School, children study for the LAMDA examinations in their Drama lessons as part of the school’s curriculum. This year, pupils in Year 5 took the Speaking Verse and Prose Entry Level qualification, while those in Year 6 took the Grade 1 or Grade 3 examination.

The children prepared poems to perform and were judged on interpretation, technique and knowledge. To help them get ready for their examinations they all enjoyed performing for their parents in a super LAMDA showcase.

Drama teacher, Lizzie Woolfenden, was extremely proud of them all. She said, “Everyone has done brilliantly, and I'm so pleased for them all. The LAMDA qualifications add value to the children’s learning in so many different ways. I really am delighted with their results.”

Many congratulations to them all.

Congratulations to Oore and Ayaan who were recognised in the ISA Midlands Art competition.

The ISA National Art Competition takes place annually, inviting participation from all pupils at ISA schools. The competition is held in two stages – the Area Art Competitions and the National Final. Mrs Thackway submitted some of the children’s artwork into the Midlands Area competition and Crescent School was delighted to discover that Ayaan and Oore had both won prizes. Aryaan won a second prize for his excellent Still-Life with Guitar while Oore went one better, winning first prize for her painting Scary Wolf. As the winner of her class, Oore’s work went forward to the National competition in November and went on show at the ISA National Art Exhibition.

Oore’s work featured a wolf going down a chimney and to get a better effect, when she was producing it, she turned her page around. When the judges were considering her painting they judged it upside down – and that is why the rosette is the wrong way round. Oore is keeping famous company because even famous artists such as Paul Gauguin have had their work hung or sold upside down!

Many congratulations to Oore and Aryaan, this is fantastic recognition for these talented young artists!

Tuesday 13 May - 5.00pm to 7.00pm

You and your family are warmly invited to Crescent School's Open Evening on Tuesday 13 May 2024 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Come and find out why Crescent School has been judged to have fully met the standards in every area following a visit by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in December 2024. It's a great opportunity for prospective families considering Crescent School for 2026 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 Reception for entry in September 2025 and are now accepting registrations for Reception and Year 3 2026. 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/.

Friday 16 May 2025 4.15pm to 6.00pm

If you'd love to give hockey a try, why not come along to the Foundation's Senior School, Princethorpe College, Year 4 and 5 'Say Hello To Hockey' taster event.

An after-school session of free hockey training on our astroturf, you'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun.  Aimed at girls and boys of all abilities, including those with no previous experience, the event will finish with a mini tournament.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.

Saturday 24 May and Sunday 25 May 2025

The National Schools And Riding Clubs Two Day Event is once again taking place on the magnificent Princethorpe estate.

This year’s event includes classes at 70cm, 80cm, 900cm and 100cm for school and riding club teams. The best performing school will be awarded the Winners Cup and ISA member school teams will also compete for ISA rosettes.

The two day event takes place across the weekend of 24 to 25 May at Princethorpe College, near Rugby.

Entry to the event is free and spectators are most welcome to come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of exciting equestrian sport.

To find out more or to enter the Two Day Event click here.

Wednesday 4 June 2024 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm 

Princethorpe College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 4 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity for those looking to join the College in 2026 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.

There are also Year 5 Taster Days in June for those looking for a secondary school place for September 2026. Click here to find out more.

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

Wednesday 25 June 2025

Crescent’s Induction/Moving Up Morning will take place on Wednesday 25 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 2025 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 26 June 2025 - 7.00pm - 8.30pm 

Our New Parents' Welcome Evening takes place on Thursday 26 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 26 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 29 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of the College pupils' GCSE and A-level Art, Photography Textile and Design work will take place in the Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 26 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 29 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 £5 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fest. Light refreshments will be available.

Sunday 29 June 2024 - 11.00am to 7.00pm

Princethorpe’s PTA are joining forces with the Foundation’s Commercial Enterprises Team to host a new exciting event – Princethorpe Summer Fest.

Building on the success of our established Summer Fête and Motoring Festival, the new event will take place on Sunday 29 June from 11.00am to 7.00pm and will include live music, a theatre show, a vintage car display, literary talks, art exhibition, activities, games and crafts and lots more, as well as lots of food, drink and artisan products for all to purchase and enjoy.

Get the date in your diary now, as everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy lots of summer fun in the glorious grounds of Princethorpe College.

Entry is £5 per car to be paid on the day. To get your tickets click here. 

Tuesday 30 September - 6.00pm to 7.00pm

The Crescent School is holding a dedicated evening for prospective families wishing to join Reception and Year 3 in September 2026 and beyond on Tuesday 30 September.

The evening will have a specific presentation regarding Reception, Year 3 and the admissions process. There will also be opportunities to look around the school, visit the Reception and Year 3 classrooms as well as speak to key members of staff. Joe Thackway, Headmaster, will also be available to answer any of your questions you may have about the school.   

The early bird deadline for registering for Reception and Year 3 2026 entry is Friday 17 October 2025.

To book your place please click here.

If you can't make the Open Evening but would like to visit the school, you can now book a personal tour here, or please call our Registrar, Mrs Becky Witcomb on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk and come on a day to suit you. The school is operating waiting groups in most year groups, speak to Mrs Witcomb for the latest availability.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

Reception and Year 3 – 2025

We had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2025 entry at the Early Bird Application deadline stage. As a result, we have decided to have two classes for Reception resulting in limited places still being available for September 2025, and all of the available places for Year 3 for September have now been allocated. 

We are now operating a waiting group in Year 3 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 welcome to register.

To register your child please click here.

Rare availability in older year groups for September 2025!

We currently have very limited spaces in Year 4 and Year 5 for September 2025. In all other year groups we are operating waiting groups. 

Our Open Evening on Tuesday 13 May, is the ideal opportunity to find out more. Taster Days whereby prospective pupils can spend the day at Crescent, experience lessons and get to know the class and our staff are available on request.

Please contact Becky Witcomb, our Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk  to talk through next steps. 

Reception and Year 3 – 2026

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting September 2026. The Early Bird deadline for September 2026 entry is Friday 17 October 2025. 

For more information about our admissions process and to register please click here. 

There is a dedicated Reception and Year 3 Open Evening on Tuesday 30 September 2025. Families are more than welcome to come and have a look around the school earlier at our Summer Open Evening on Tuesday 13 May 2025. To see all our upcoming events and opportunities to visit the school see our events section in our newsletter here.  

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 download your latest prospectus please 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 £90 including VAT (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 2025 is Friday 23 May 2025. All incoming pupils need to have completed the admissions process by Friday 13 June 2025 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: How have you responded to VAT on school fees? 

We have a long-term fee strategy to minimise the impact of VAT and other external pressures on our families whilst maintaining educational excellence.

In January 2025 the Foundation reduced its fees so that the increase passed on to parents was 5%, substantially less than the 20% VAT rate. 

A combination of parental donations to our Annual Fund, along with strong retention and recruitment of pupils and an ongoing focus on organisational efficiencies have all had a positive impact on our decision making when calculating the fees for 2025-26. However, we are also balancing the impact of government policies including of course, VAT, the increase in employer National Insurance contributions, the removal of business rate relief and other external inflationary pressures.

Taking all the above factors into account we have just announced (2 April) that we will be increasing our fees across all our schools by 5% in September for the academic year 2025-2026. To see the current fees, click here.

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: We have limited spaces available for our reception class in September 2025 so you should apply as soon as possible for this point of entry. 

For all other year groups the application process is handled individually but they need to be registered by Friday 23 May 2025 in order for their application to be progressed in time for our Induction Morning in June. 

For 2026 entry siblings of Crescent pupils, and any external candidates with a strong interest in a place in Reception or year 3, parents are able to apply early and take advantage of a priority early bird application process.  Our prospectus pack can be requested online and the registration process is completed using our online form. Once submitted, 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:  The Foundation has recently introduced an Early Offer Scheme for Year 5 Foundation pupils, which prioritises applications from Crackley Hall School and Crescent School pupils. 

The optional Scheme does not guarantee entry, however it allows for the sharing of academic assessment data between the Foundations schools in the summer term, this plus an online assessment, will provide the College with sufficient information for an offer to be made at the end of Year 5. 

Pupils with an early offer do not need to sit the Entrance Exams in November, unless they wish to apply for an Academic Scholarship.  They can also additionally apply for other Scholarships in the normal assessment timetable.

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. 

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

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

Normally the Uniform Shop is open from 3.30pm to 4.30pm Mondays and Wednesdays during term time. Additionally, during the summer holidays, the shop is open on selected dates on an appointment only basis.

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

Our success in competitive sports is testament to the importance of physical education and the promotion of an active lifestyle at Crescent School, a key strength that has been recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in their latest report. 

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.

Applications are means-tested and 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:

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