Welcome to Crescent School's Admissions Update e-newsletter.

This latest issue is packed with news to give you a feel for school life, details of forthcoming events which are open to prospective pupils and their families and helpful advice about the admissions process for Crescent School.

We hope you find the newsletter of interest, the next edition will be out in the Autumn, in the meantime if you have any feedback, comments or queries please feel free to email the team at admissions@crescentschool.co.uk or call our Registrar, Helen Morley, on 01788 523851.

Preview

News

Headmaster's Welcome

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

 

 

Crescent School Offers Additional Reception Class In Response To Demand

In response to high demand for Reception school places in the local area, the Crescent School is adding a second Reception class for September 2021.

Applications for places in Reception started early and the school was quickly oversubscribed. The school normally limits places in the Reception class to just 20 children each year but with applications already well over that number, the school has decided to offer a second Reception class. 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, “We are seeing an enormous amount of new house building in Bilton and the surrounding area and 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."

Prospective parents who would be interested in a Reception place for their child in September 2021 are urged to contact Mrs Helen Morley, the Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk to register their interest as soon as possible.

Part of the Princethorpe Foundation, the Crescent is a co-educational independent day school for around 160 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.

Pathfinders Nursery To Close In April

The owners of Pathfinders Day Nursery, which occupies a stand-alone building on the Crescent School site, announced on Monday 8 February their decision to close the nursery with effect from Friday 2 April 2021. The business has been under sustained pressure during the pandemic and owners, Steve and Alison Dyke, who have leased the site since 2015, had reluctantly concluded that they needed to close the nursery and are winding it down over the next few weeks.

In the light of the fact that the Dykes have decided to terminate their lease on the nursery premises, the senior team and trustees of the Crescent School, have examined the options open to them and decided that the building currently occupied by Pathfinders would be best returned for use by the school, which has grown in pupil numbers since joining the Princethorpe Foundation in 2016.

Comments Joe Thackway, Headmaster, “We are saddened that the nursery has been so badly impacted by the challenges of the past year and understand the difficulties the closure will have caused families and the nursery staff. We have excellent relationships with many outstanding local nurseries and fortunately have been able to assist families with finding alternative nursery provision.”

“By accepting the building back, we will have the opportunity to develop our campus further, particularly in terms of accommodation for Music, the Performing Arts and our Before and After School Wrap-Around Care.”

The building will be handed back to the Foundation at the end of June which will allow the school time to prepare properly for the start of the new academic year in September. Further information about the plans for the former nursery building will be revealed in due course.

Crescent's School Film Reveals What Makes The Crescent School So Special

The Crescent School film features our School Promise and is a celebration of our ethos and values.

The film cleverly combines live action with animated Crescent Promise characters to uniquely bring the different elements of the promise to life. The film 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 gives a wonderful insight into the school so why not sit back and enjoy the film.

Click here to view the film.

 

 

 

 

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Crescent Pupils Are Reading Millionaires

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.

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 both boys and girls to read, many of our pupils in Year 6 have the reading age of a 16-year-old. There are just so many good books out there to read these days.”

Last year, Year 6 pupil, Daniel Ovens Gibbs, read an impressive nine million words and pupils across the school read an absolutely amazing 3,000 books and 89 million words.

Sarah, continues, “Pupils from Year 3 onwards take part in the reading challenge and can quiz daily on the computers before school. We find the children respond really well to the competitive nature of the challenge. We like to get parents involved too and hold a week every term when parents can come in and quiz with their children. It is wonderful that our pupils are so enthusiastic about their reading.”

Reading is so important for children, supporting the development of their language and literacy skills as well as enabling their imaginations and helping to enrich their lives. Our lovely class libraries allow the children plenty of choice of material, we have class readers for all classes through the year and our English lessons are always based around books.

Pupils reading achievements are celebrated weekly. So far this school year there are 30 pupils who are word millionaires and two pupils who have already topped the two million mark. The race is already on to see if anyone catch match Daniel’s incredible achievement.

 

Crescent Musicians Join The National Children’s Brass Band

Two talented young musicians from the Crescent School are celebrating after successfully auditioning for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain.

Alyssa Barnett plays the cornet while Charlotte Corbin the trombone, both have been taking lessons at school since they were seven-years-old and are stalwarts of the school orchestra and brass group. Both also play for the local Bilton Silver Training Band.

The girls auditioned for the prestigious National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain last October. With the restrictions of the pandemic, they had to pre-record their audition pieces but play their scales and take the sight-reading test on a Zoom call. It was a nerve-wracking experience so they were especially delighted when they received the exciting news that they had been selected.

Crescent School’s Director of Music, Julie Barnes, said “This is a huge achievement for Alyssa and Charlotte and we are delighted and very proud of them. Both girls have worked very hard in preparation for this and thoroughly deserve their places in the band.”

As part of National Children’s Brass Band, the girls will attend an intensive residential course in the summer holidays where they will get to play with the very best brass players in the country.

Crescent Takes Second Place In School Games County Final

Over the course of the Michaelmas Term, Crescent’s pupils took part in a number of virtual sports competitions organised by the Warwickshire Think Active team. They included football, athletics and agility challenges as part of the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) School Games.

Crescent’s Year 6 pupils won the Rugby and District football competition and were entered into the next round to represent Rugby in the final of the CSW School Games. In the competition they had to carry out a number of different challenges including a dribbling relay, a number of passes in a minute, target shooting and even an exhilarating hot feet timed task.  Crescent’s students put on a fantastic performance and in the final placed 2nd overall in the County, a really super achievement.

Crescent’s younger pupils did nearly as well placing third in the district Year 3/4 Pentathlon Challenge. Their event included shuttle runs, standing long jumps, vertical jumps, speed bounces and a chest push. A very well done to them too.

It was great to see them all representing their school and participating so enthusiastically in these virtual sports competitions.

Mr Thackway's Bird Drawing Competition

A huge well done to all the children that took part in the Headmaster’s drawing competition. We have really enjoyed seeing all the paintings and drawings coming in.

The pictures featured all sorts of different birds, from Kingfishers to Buzzards to Blue Tits. The children’s attention to detail was remarkable with great observational skills and creativity on show. It was wonderful to see so many of them having a go, believing in themselves and doing their best. They have been an inspiration for us all.

It was a difficult decision choosing the winners but after considering all the entries carefully, the prize for the best bird pictures went to:

Pre-Prep - Nora 
Years 3&4 - Zahra 
Years 5&6 - Hattie 

Congratulations to Nora, Zahra and Hattie and also to everyone who took part in the competition, your pictures really impressed us all.

You can see all the children’s amazing artwork introduced by Mr Thackway in a short video here: https://vimeo.com/505626608/c8df546a40

The Circular Charts The Crescent School Year

The Circular, is the Crescent School’s review of the previous school year. The magazine includes stories and photos from across the school and gives a wonderful insight into the life of the school and the learning that takes place, day in day out, at the Crescent.

It is an inspiring read and we hope you all enjoy leafing through its pages. 

An electronic copy of the magazine is available here but if you would like to receive a hard copy of The Circular then please just email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk

Amazing Egyptian History Projects

Back in the Michaelmas Term Class 5F studied the Egyptians in History and for their History homework the children were set an open learning project. The results were just amazing with a wide range of topics and approaches, from death masks to hieroglyphics, sarcophagi to pyramids and make up to mummification; the standard of work produced really impressed us all.
 
Open learning activities really allow the children to be creative. They let them explore aspects of the topic they are particularly interested in. It's engaging learning that really helps the children develop passion for a topic.
 
And of course Class 5F’s work made a simply super display in school, check out the gallery to see their fantastic work!
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Awesome Artwork Produced In Lockdown

Crescent's Art teacher, Miss Plenderleith has been delighted with the children’s responses to their virtual Art lessons over the latest lockdown. 

Year 6 have been exploring ‘distance’ in landscape paintings and for home learning Josh produced a beautiful painting demonstrating fantastic skills. 

Then Year 5 have enjoyed investigating Patterns in Nature and creating their own Land Art sculptures inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy.

While Year 4 considered traditional African Masks and practised their observational skills to create wonderful drawings.

Year 3 created artwork based on where they live and, inspired by the work of Paul Klee, they turned their own homes into colourful works of art.

Such awesome artwork from them all!

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Filming Our Nativities Was Fantastic Fun

What fun we had filming our nativity plays! Of course it was a socailly distanced Christmas for us all this year but we weren't going to let that stop the fun and planning started early for the nativity productions.
 
This year Reception performed ‘A Bundle of Joy’, a story about Grumble, a very grumpy donkey. The children really enjoyed learning all of the songs and dances that help tell the story of the birth of Jesus and Grumble’s realisation that life isn’t so bad after all.
 
Pre-Prep’s nativity was ‘The Angel Who Nearly Missed It All’ and the children also put on an excellent show. Their singing was magnificent and they even coped with a small technical hitch brilliantly - they are so clever!
 
All the filming took place in the school hall, with the children staying safe within their bubbles. We couldn’t resist sharing a few photos of their wonderful productions.
 
A huge well done to them all!
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Second Virtual Concert A Superb Success

Crescent’s talented young musicians have showcased their wonderful skills in a superb second Virtual Concert.

The children were all preparing for music examinations at the end of the November so the concert was a great opportunity for them to polish and perfect their examination pieces. The special performance featured 24 musicians from Year 3 up to Year 6, on nine different instruments, including singing, at levels from the Prep Test up to Grade 5.

Music is such an important part of life at the school, so although the country was back in lockdown, Director of Music, Julie Barnes, was determined that Crescent’s musicians weren’t going to miss out on the opportunity to perform their examination pieces to everyone.

Each of the children pre-recorded their performance either at home or in school and sent the video through to Mrs Barnes. The individual clips were then put together into a programme of traditional and contemporary pieces, the range of which was inspiring for us all.

Comments Mrs Barnes “The pandemic was not going to stop our pupils from performing! The children were all incredible, they really rose to the occasion and played their very best.  I am very proud of all of our talented young musicians.”

A huge well done to all of the participants, it was wonderful entertainment just perfect for a lockdown evening at home!

Super Lockdown Projects For Design Technology

Design Technology is a popular subject at the Crescent School much loved by the children who enjoying getting hands on with their learning.

During the latest lockdown pupils in the Upper School have been exploring a wide variety of topics. Year 4 pupils have studied cars, Year 5 houses and Year 6 bridges. Pupils researched their topic then planned their own designs, drawing and labelling detailed diagrams. Over two lessons they then set out to construct their design and then finally evaluated and tested them.

Lower down the school the children have been designing schools for the future. Pupils had many wonderful and creative ideas including hovering chairs and desks, rainbow classrooms and even a rollercoaster in the playground!

Subject specialist, Design Technology teacher, Jo Byrne has been amazed and thrilled by the results and the time and effort the children have spent working on their designs and projects at home.

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Enjoy Reading The Pinnacle And Minnacle

The latest editions of the Pinnacle and Minnacle have just been published. They showcase exceptional work by pupils from across the Foundation and are an inspiring read.

They are a testament to the dedication of pupils and staff continuing with their studies in the face of the ongoing pandemic restrictions. Including Oxbridge and Arkwright success, stunning sketchbooks and musical collaborations, Maths and Physics awards and creative writing challenges, the magazines showcase flair and ingenuity across a wide range of subjects and year groups.

The Pinnacle focuses on the work of pupils at the Foundation's senior school, Princethorpe College, while the Minnacle includes equally impressive work by the Foundation junior schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School. 

Why not enjoy our celebration of their studies in The Pinnacle and The Minnacle.

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Events

Crescent School Open Events

Crescent School Open Morning

Saturday 13 March 2021 - 10.30am to 11.30am

On Saturday 13 March Crescent School will be holding a Virtual Open Morning.

Hosted by Joe Thackway, Headmaster, the event will comprise some short pre-recorded videos, including a tour of the school. There will be the opportunity to listen to presentations by senior members of staff that will give an insight into different aspects of the education the school provides, how Crescent supports its pupils to achieve great things and the admissions process. There will also be the opportunity for parents to ask questions during the live event.

The school has availability in Reception and Year 1 for September 2021 entry, there is limited availability in other years and where year groups are full we are operating waiting groups. For details please speak to our Registrar, Helen Morley. The final deadline for applications for 2021 entry is Friday 21 May 2021. Registrations are being taken for Reception 2022.

For more information and to register for the event please contact the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Crescent School Open Evening

May 2021 - Date to be confirmed

The school is hoping to hold an Open Evening in May within government guidelines and by appointment, when parents will be able to tour the school and speak to the Headmaster.

The event will be confirmed in due course depending on the lockdown resrtictions. If you would like to attend please contact our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Crescent School Induction/Moving Up Morning

Wednesday 30 June 2021

Crescent’s Induction/Moving Up Morning will take place on Wednesday 30 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 2021 and from 8.40am to 1.45pm for children starting in other years.

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

 

New Parents Welcome Evening

Thursday 1 July 2021 - 7.00pm 

Our New Parents Welcome Evening takes place on Thursday 1 July 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.  

More details will be provided to parents closer to the date.

 

Foundation Senior School Open Event

Wednesday 9 June 2021 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm 

Princethorpe College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 9 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

This will be a carefully managed opportunity for prospective pupils and their families to visit the College and for the Headmaster to address visitors. The evening will operate on an appointment only basis.

Light refreshments will be available.

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

For further information on admissions to Princethorpe College please contact the Registrar on 01926 634201/262/297 or email the team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk

The senior school entrance examinations for Princethorpe College, for entry in September 2022, will take place this year on Saturday 6 November 2021 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

 

 

Old Princethorpians' Events Calendar 2020-21

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

This year some events are being run virtually, but we hope the popular Pub Meet and Summer Reunion 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 events and join our online alumni community.

Admissions

Availability At Crescent School

We’re now accepting registrations for places in Reception for September 2021.

As a result of us having two Reception classes this year, we do have space in the current Reception for Year 1 in September 2021.

Limited places are 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 and once full we operate waiting groups.

 

Admissions To Crescent School

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. 

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

Reception 2021

External applicants interested in a place in Reception need to register as soon as possible. Once we have received your completed Registration Form and accompanying fee of £50 (non-returnable). Normally pre-school children are visited in their nursery setting by one of our Early Years Team, prior to an offer being made. Currently due to the ongoing Covid restrictions a member of our Early Years Team would have a conversation with a member of staff or key worker at their current setting. If an offer is made you will be asked to complete and return a Confirmation of Acceptance Form with a deposit of £300 by the acceptance deadline.

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 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.

 

Princethorpe Admissions Cycle For September 2022 Begins

The Foundation's senior school Princethorpe College is now accepting registrations for September 2022 entry.

The Entrance Exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 6 November 2021 and Princethorpe College is hoping to welcome prospective pupils and their parents to an Open Evening on Wednesday 9 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This will be a carefully managed opportunity for prospective pupils and their families to vist the College and for the Headmaster to address visitors. The evening will operate on a appointment only basis.

If you have any questions about the College's admissions process or are interested in coming to visit the school, please contact the Registrars on 01926 634201 or 01926 634262 or by email at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

 

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - Crescent School

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. You and your child will then be invited to spend some time with our SENCo which can be organised by school via a 'Teams Meeting'.

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, 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.

Applications for September 2021 should be made as soon as possible.

Early bird applications for September 2022 should be made by Monday 22 November 2021. Otherwise the deadline for applications for Reception 2022 entry is Monday 31 January 2022. 

For all other year groups the application process is handled individually, places are limited so we encourage you to register as soon as possible. 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. 

 

Bursaries At Crescent School

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

Applications are made via an online system, please contact feessupport@princethorpe.co.uk to be sent a link to the system.

Applications for bursaries are normally reviewed by external consultants.

 

 

 

Sports At Crescent School

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.

In normal times 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.

 

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Extra-Curricular Clubs At Crescent School

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 normally 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 and Dress Code

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.

Foundation Term Dates 2021-22

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

2021-22

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