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 are now accepting registrations for entry to the school in September 2023. Following very high levels of interest, particularly from siblings, our Reception Class for September 2022 is now full and we are operating a waiting group. We do have a few places available in other year groups.

If you have any feedback, comments or queries or need further information, please do 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 years, 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

 

 

ISI Inspection Finds Excellent Pupil Achievement And Personal Development At Crescent School

The Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby, received the highest possible ratings across all criteria from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following an inspection in September 2021. The report, which has just been published, consists of two elements, a focused compliance inspection, encompassing statutory standards, and an educational quality inspection evaluating the achievement of pupils, including their academic and personal development.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway, comments “We are thrilled with the report, it is a real vote of confidence for everything we do here at Crescent School and reflects a huge team effort. Every single member of staff shares the same care and devotion to the education and wellbeing of the wonderful children entrusted to our care and I believe this sentiment shines through every word of the report.”

Mr Thackway continues, “Academic achievement and personal development are two key benchmarks for any successful school and being graded as excellent in both of these broad areas demonstrates the incredible talent, commitment and professionalism of our staff, the outstanding attitude and approach of our pupils and the support of our parents.”

During the inspection, the ISI inspectors observed that, ‘Pupils have excellent and positive attitudes to learning’, that ‘They are highly curious, resilient learners’, and that ‘Pupils’ excellent knowledge, skills and understanding are reflected in their achievements across the curriculum’. The report also says, ‘Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage attain well above national age-related expectations’, ‘Older pupils consistently exceed expectations for their age and abilities’, ‘Pupils are consistently successful in entrance examinations to their first-choice school’, and that ‘Many pupils win scholarships for music, drama, art, sport and academic achievement’.

Pupils’ personal development was also judged as ‘excellent’ with inspectors recognising that ‘behaviour is excellent’, that pupils ‘behave with empathy and care towards one another’ and that ‘the open and embedded culture of kindness underpinned by deep mutual respect ensures successful outcomes for all’.

The ISI Inspectors also noted that, parental feedback ‘praised the school’s preparation of former pupils who had successfully and easily transitioned into their new senior school’.

Mr Thackway concludes, “At Crescent School we are committed 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. I am very pleased that ISI Inspectors have so comprehensively recognised what we do.”

The ISI is the Government-approved body responsible for the inspection of independent schools and they consider every aspect of the provision. A copy of the full report is available from the Crescent School website here.

Year 6 Secondary Destinations And Scholarship Success

Congratulations to all of our Year 6 pupils who have had their secondary school places confirmed. This year’s pupils will be moving on to a wide range of outstanding local independent and state schools including the Foundation senior school, Princethorpe College.

Over 50% of children who took the 11+ assessments gained the qualifying score and six pupils have chosen the local grammar schools, Lawrence Sherriff and Rugby High School, as their future destinations. 14 of the 24-strong class will be moving on to Princethorpe.

We also have pupils going on to a selection of other schools including; Kingsley, Bablake and King Henry's and Rugby Free. We are especially delighted that a number of Year 6 pupils have also been awarded scholarships, including all-rounder, academic, music and sports scholarships.

Sarah Webb, Assistant Head and Year 6 Teacher, said, “Our aim is always to do our best to help our pupils reach the destination secondary school of their choice. Despite the challenges of the last two years the children have enjoyed great success. We are particularly pleased with the range of scholarships offers they have received. It’s an excellent outcome and everyone here is really delighted for them.”

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

Super Spring Concert Showcases The Talent Of Crescent's Musicians

Crescent School's much anticipated Spring Concert took place on Monday 4 April with the school hall packed with parents eager to be entertained by an afternoon of fine music and song. They were not disappointed!

The school orchestra opened the concert performing two pieces confidently, Can You Feel The Love from The Lion King and Fidgety Feet by Larocca and Shields, the impact of their recent orchestra workshop was clear to see.  Then came the first of the instrumental solos with Katherine on treble recorder, her Largo by Vivaldi was finger perfect. 

Wacky Music were up next with the toe-tapping piece Easter Samba arranged by peripatetic teacher, Di Fisher. Hot on their heels was Alex Barnett who skilfully played Trumpet Tune by Clarke. The audience were impressed by Brass Group’s lively Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious by Rogers and Hammerstein and the Sherman brothers respectively.

Another solo followed with Rory enthusiastically playing Hedwig’s Theme by Williams on cornet. Then Flute Group played the traditional Country Gardens delightfully and Stephanie stayed on stage to perform Dance of the Mirlitons by Tchaikovsky beautifully.

Year 3 enchanted all with their Dotty Waltz by Watts on recorder before Alice and Charlie performed Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself in a super duet on guitar. The talented Faris rounded off the instrumental solos superbly playing Opening Night Jazz by Mier on piano.

The concert concluded with a super performance by the Choir.  Pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 sang four pieces. They belted out the challenging The Call by Spektor, the uplifting What A Wonderful World by Weiss and Thiele, the lovely Touch The Sky by Mandel and as a finale A Little Can Change Our World by Lawrence.

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. 

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Year 6 Pupils Plant Trees For The Platinum Jubilee

Year 6 pupils at Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby were excited to play their part in marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting 30 trees in the school grounds on Wednesday 9 March. The planting was part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project that is both celebrating her jubilee and helping to build a greener future.

The trees, that included crab apples, willow, beech, rowan and field maples, were planted in the school’s forest school area as part of the area’s expansion project that will enable more children to benefit from forest school activities. The children have named the new area ‘Jubilee Woods’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

Beckee Humphreys, Forest School Leader at Crescent School said, “We invited the Year 6 children to plant the trees as a way to leave their legacy for the children who will come after them. The trees will provide shade and nature to explore in the years to come. The children really enjoyed planting the trees, commenting on the impact it will have on future generations and on the wildlife in the area.”

Beckee joined the school this year and is excited to be expanding the forest school programme at Crescent School and helping the children explore and connect with nature. Research has found that engaging in regular forest school sessions develops children’s resilience, wellbeing, confidence and physical development.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway, added, “The children were thrilled to be part of this national celebration. Planting trees for the Platinum Jubilee has been a great way for them to engage with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s celebrations, while also learning about the importance of trees to the environment. We shall all enjoy watching the trees grow over the years to come.”

What A Wonderful Penguin Production

Pre-Prep performed their spring production, Eddie The Penguin Saves The World, to a delighted audience of parents at the end of March.

A lot of hard work had gone into the rehearsals, learning the songs, memorising lines, sorting out costumes, scenery and planning the production, and what a wonderful waddle of penguins it proved to be. Telling the story of Eddie the penguin, the changing world he lives in and his mission to save the planet, it showcased the talents, confidence and stage presence of Crescent School's youngest pupils.

After all the hard work, it was really fabulous to hear the children performing all those terrific songs, and all while learning about protecting the environment.

It was our biggest production yet and we hope everyone enjoyed the show!

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

Junior Schools Cross Country Challenge

Crescent School’s Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in a Junior Schools Cross Country Challenge held at Crackley Hall School. They were joined by pupils from Priors Field Primary School and Balsall Common Primary School.

It was a freezing cold and wet day, and the children were all keen to compete and to get warm running the winding course around the school field. They set off with plenty of energy and enthusiasm and demonstrated great determination and perseverance to complete the race.

The Year 5 girls race was the first to get going and it was a closely matched affair. Grace ran well to finish in 3rd place followed over the line by Ellie in 5th. Lara and Bella both finished in the top 10 with Chloe, Poppy and Annalise all running good races. 

The Year 5 boys were next, with pupils giving their all and showing a fabulous work ethic and team spirit. Strong competition from Balsall Common and Priors Field meant that Crescent’s first finisher was Sam in 5th place, Charlie and Fin also ran well.

The Year 6 girls showed grit, determination, and maturity. Fantastic running from Evie and Katherine saw them stick with the leaders to come home in 4th and 5th places respectively. Stephanie finished in 10th with Eva 11th and Sophia and Liana following on.

The final race was the Year 6 boys and Crescent’s runners faced a strong Crackley team. They set a fast pace but Kai, Caspar, Faris and Aryan stayed strong and all ran solid races.

The individual races were followed by relays, with teams of four competitors running a shorter course. Crescent’s Year 6 girls, Harriet, Sophie, Katherine and Evie, ran brilliantly to claim a well-deserved 1st place.

There were fantastic performances by all of Crescent's pupils, of which we are very proud, not only whilst running but also for their support of one another cheering and encouraging all the runners along. Well done to all and we hope you have warmed up now!

 

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service

Year 5 were very pleased to welcome members of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to school for a Junior Fire Safety talk.

The firefighters led an hour’s informative and fun fire safety session that explored the different fire hazards within the home, looking at the ways the children could ensure both they, and their families, remained safe in the event of a fire.

Then the Fire and Rescue Service returned to visit Year 1. In an interactive session, the children considered how the firefighters uniform keeps them safe, then learned the difference between safe and unsafe fires and finally the Stop, Drop and Roll technique that you should use if your clothes catch fire.

So much discussion and learning took place that will hopefully keep the children fire safe for life. Many thanks to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue for all they do to keep us all safe!

WW2 History Day

A flurry of evacuees arrived in school on Monday 14 February, all set for a morning of activities to bring to life the Second World War.

The children looked every inch the part with their gas mask boxes and name labels.

We were joined virtually by George the WW2 ARP warden. He regaled us with details of life on the home front during the war and was able to show the children the different types of gas masks that were used. He went into detail about the types of bombs used and even had some fragments to show us. We discussed rationing and the children had great fun making their own WW2 carrot cookies which would have been made from the weekly rations. They tasted delicious! 

The children really enjoyed being evacuees but were very glad to be returning to their own homes at the end of the day.

Thank you to all of the parents for their excellent costumes and super support for our WW2 day.

Year 6 Design Technology Boats

On Wednesday 9 February, Year 6 visited the lake at Princethorpe College to test the boats they had designed in their Design Technology lessons.

The children had been working hard on their projects for several weeks with Science and DT Teacher Mrs Johnson. They had been challenged to design and make a vessel to travel on water. It’s been a super project, that has allowed them to investigate real problems from today’s world.

With the expert help of Mr Knowles, the boats were all launched on the lake for a test run. There was great excitement as most of the boats travelled across the lake. There was only one which made a spectacular nose-dive down into the depths, but when later retrieved its motor was still in operation!

Working in groups, the pupils had created very unique designs, powered in different ways, including wind turbines, motors and solar panels. Two of the boats, the 'CRC' and 'Ebony Dragon' have been selected to be entered into this year's Independent Schools Association’s STEAM Competition.

Mrs Johnson, commented, “I was extremely pleased with the skills, creativity and resilience shown throughout this DT project by Year 6.”

We will all be keeping our fingers crossed, well done everyone and go team Crescent!

Crescent Takes Part In The Big Schools' Bird Watch

Pupils from Years 1 up to Year 6 enjoyed taking part in the RSPB's Big Schools' Bird Watch. The school's new Ornithology club had pre-prepared bird feeders and bird spotter sheets and a special camouflage net had been erected for the children to hide behind down by the Forest School area.

Sciene teacher, Mrs Johnson took the classes outside in turn to carry out the observations. Everyone started by getting to grips with binoculars, learning how to use them safely and focus them. The children then took turns spotting and recording the birds they could see in the unseasonably warm sunshine. Plenty of different birds were seen ranging from robins to rooks and even common gulls. The children were all fascinated and excited, although at times they struggled to stay quiet! Everyone enjoyed taking part and even Mr Thackway popped out when he could to join in.

Mrs Johnson, explained, "The Birdwatch has given the children a wonderful opportunity to get outside, and experience and learn about the wildlife local to them. They recorded genuine scientific data that will contribute to a national citizen science project. It has been a fantastic educational activity.” 

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Year 6 Visit St Mark’s Church To Explore Victorian Times

Year 6 enjoyed a trip out in the sunshine to St Mark’s Church in Bilton. The children were studying the Victorians in History, exploring what life was like locally in Victorian times.

They discovered that there was much to be learnt from the gravestones in the churchyard as they gathered information in their survey. They tallied up the names, ages and dates of death, and tried to work out some of the stories behind the details. Interesting observations were made about the size of families, the common surnames, the young age of deaths and the number of children who died.

The churchyard was an oasis of calm, full of wildlife, on a cold winter’s afternoon and the children behaved beautifully. They took all the data they collected back to the classroom to discuss and review.

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Reception’s Interactive Arctic Adventure

Reception enjoyed an amazing, interactive, arctic adventure on Friday 21 January, exploring the polar regions, with a little help from the Freshwater Theatre Company. 

The class has been studying the topic ‘Hot and Cold’ working with the text Lost And Found and learning about the polar regions. Workshop facilitator, Debra Meftah, used drama, role play and storytelling to help bring their polar ‘world around them’ studies to life.

The children took a memorable and engaging trip to the Arctic and Antarctic and back, meeting penguins, seals and polar bears along the way. They collected story clues and, with the help of Big Bird, created a delightful polar story together at the end.

Reception teachers, Mrs Emery and Mrs Pullen, said, “The children were captivated, they clearly all enjoyed the session, and it was great reinforcement for their learning in class. They enjoyed the hunt for the story clues and creating their own story. It was an excellent and engaging session.”

Well done to Reception, you were all amazing arctic explorers!

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Charlotte Awarded Grade 7 In Trombone

Year 6 pupil, Charlotte, who has attended Crescent School since she started in Reception, was awarded a Merit in her ABRSM Grade 7 trombone exam. 

Charlotte first started learning trombone in Year 2, when she joined the school’s Mini Brass club, an initiative that encourages 6 and 7-year-olds to play a brass instrument. She picked up a tiny trombone and has never looked back.

Charlotte takes lessons at school and regularly performs with the school’s music groups in Spring and Summer Concerts each year. She also plays for the local Bilton Silver Training Band, the Bilton Silver Evolution Band and her prodigious talent has been recognised by the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain which she successfully auditioned for last school year. 

Charlotte said, "I was so happy to hear that I had merited my Grade 7. My ambition was to hopefully achieve my Grade 6 by the end of Year 6 so I’m thrilled that I’ve managed to get my Grade 7 in this time. Thank you to Mrs Fisher and Mrs Barnes for all your help and support in helping me to achieve this."

Director of Music, Julie Barnes, explains, "Charlotte is a superb example of the musical talent at Crescent School. Her musical abilities were fostered at an early age by Di Fisher's Mini Brass group and nurtured over the following years in Brass Group and Orchestra. She has worked incredibly hard to reach such an amazingly high standard, the highest grade ever reached by a pupil at Crescent School, and we are so proud of everything she has achieved at such a young age." 

Charlotte is a promising young musician, only just taller than her instrument, and we are all blown away by her latest examination success.

Explore The Minnacle And The Pinnacle!

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

The Minnacle focuses on work from pupils at the Crescent School while the Pinnacle focuses on the work of pupils at Princethorpe College.

Why not sit down and have a read of our latest celebration of their superb work. Click here to read online editions of the magazine: The Minnacle and The Pinnacle.

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Crescent Circular Gives A Great Insight Into The School

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

The 2020/2021 edition is available now and you can find it on the school website here or please email the school at admin@crescentschool.co.uk if you would like to be sent a hard copy of the magazine.  

Events

Crescent School Open Evening

Tuesday 10 May - 5.00pm to 7.00pm

You and your family are warmly invited to Crescent School's Open Evening on Tuesday 10 May 2022 - 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 2023 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 Years 1 and 2 for entry in September 2022 and are now accepting registrations for Reception and Year 3 in 2023. Please speak to our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley, 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 Helen Morley 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/.

Foundation Senior School Open Event

Wednesday 8 June 2022 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm 

Princethorpe College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 8 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity for those looking to join the College in 2023 and beyond to visit the school. There will be activities in each department for children to participate in and the Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening.

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 634201/262/297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk

 

 

 

Princethorpe College Summer Art, Photography, Design and Textiles Show

Thursday 23 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 26 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils' GCSE and A-level Art, Photography, Design and Textiles work will take place in the Chapel and cloister corridor on Thursday 23 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 26 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 served in the Quad.

Princethorpe College PTA Summer Fête And Motoring Festival

Sunday 26 June 2022 from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

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

The Fête takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. There is lots of entertainment both for 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-fifth year.

The Motoring Festival coincides with the 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 Wednesday 1 June 2022 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.

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Crescent School Induction/Moving Up Morning

Wednesday 29 June 2022

Crescent’s Induction/Moving Up Morning will take place on Wednesday 29 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 2022 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. 

 

New Parents Welcome Evening

Thursday 30 June 2022 - 7.00pm 

Our New Parents Welcome Evening takes place on Thursday 30 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.  

More details will be provided to parents closer to the date

 

Admissions

Availability At Crescent School

Reception and Year 3 – 2022

We have had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2022 entry at the Early Bird Application deadline stage. As a result, we have already allocated all of the available places in these year groups for September 2022. We are now operating waiting groups in these year groups 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 – 2023

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting September 2023. The Early Bird deadline for September 2023 entry will be Friday 14 October 2022. The Reception Class will be limited to 20 places again and we will have four places available in Year 3.

Current Reception to Year 6

We are currently operating waiting groups in most other years apart from our current Reception and Year 1 classes (Year 1 and 2 for September 2022 entry) where we do have some places available as these year groups each have two classes.

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

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Admission 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.

We are currently operating waiting groups in most years apart from our current Reception and Year 1 classes (Year 1 and 2 for September 2022 entry) where we do have some places available as these year groups each have two classes.

Applications for places will be treated on an individual basis. Please contact Helen Morley, our Registrar, on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk for further information and the latest situation regarding availability and 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, which prospective parents and pupils are most welcome to attend.  Please note that Open Events are by appointment only.

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

To request a prospectus please click here.

For a copy of our Registration Form click here.

To download our current Crescent Information Booklet click here

Current Reception to Year 6

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

Should the possibility of a potential place become available you will be invited in to meet with Mr Thackway, the Headmaster, then if appropriate you should complete a Registration Form and return it with the accompanying fee of £50 (non-returnable), after which time your child will be invited in for a 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 £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 2022 is Friday 20 May 2022. All incoming pupils need to have completed the admissions process by Friday 10 June 2022 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.

 

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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. 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: 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 have any concerns. In addition to this, all children are screened for a range of learning needs at different points along their journey through the school. In this way we try not to miss anyone and to keep all children’s self-esteem high. We welcome input from parents and are very happy to discuss any concerns they may have.

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

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

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

Q: What extra-curricular clubs do you offer?

A: We offer 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 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. Reception applications for 2022 are now closed. 

For all other year groups the application process is handled individually but they need to be registered by Friday 20 May 2022 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 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 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. 

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.

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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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. 

Whilst the main financial criteria are household income and net assets, each application is considered on its own merits. 

 

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

 

 

 

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 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.

 

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Foundation Term Dates 2022-23

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

2022-23

Michaelmas Term 2022  
 
Monday 5 September to Tuesday 16 December 
 
Half Term

Saturday 15 October to Sunday 30 October  
 
Lent Term 2023  
 
Wednesday 4 January to Friday 24 March 
 
Half Term

Saturday 18 February to Sunday 26 February 

Trinity Term 2023 
 
Monday 17 April to Wednesday 5 July
 
Half Term

Saturday 27 May to Sunday 4 June