Top five questions
1. Is Summer Fields too academic for my son?
The School has a long-established academic reputation for scholarship. However, what we do for our brightest boys, we also do for those of average or less ability. Every boy is equally important, and we strive to bring out the best in each of them, not only academically, but also in other important areas such as Music, Art, Drama, Design and Technology, Sport and ICT.
2. Why do parents want their sons to board at the age of 8+?
It is a difficult decision for some parents to make, but once done so, it is rarely regretted.
Parents like to see their children regularly during the term, but they also like to know that their child will be happy and busy during the weekends at school. Apart from two closed weekends each term, boys in their first year may go home any weekend after their Saturday commitments.
There is something very special about the Summer Fields community and the many friendships made that often last well into adult life. For those parents who live in London or any other city, they take the decision to board because Summer Fields has so much to offer compared with a city school.
The Summer Fields boys can grow up at their own pace, whilst at the same time becoming more confident and independent.
3. Is there enough for the boys to do at weekends?
Most of the full-time teaching staff live on the premises and are on hand to undertake duties, to oversee activities and societies, and simply to 'be around' when off duty.
On Saturdays, lunch, games and matches follow six lessons. After tea activities (and free time) take place until supper, followed by a film, a talk or a debate. The evening is spent relaxing in the boys' Lodge. The seven Lodges are all cosy ‘homes’, run by husband and wife teams.
On Sundays there is free time, organised activities, excursions and Chapel.
4. Is there any bullying at the school?
We pride ourselves in the School's happy family atmosphere; it was highly praised in our recent ISI and Ofsted Inspections. Each boy is supported by a strong pastoral support system, with his Tutor, Form Master/Mistress and Lodge Parents playing major roles.
If a boy encounters any difficulty or problem, he is encouraged to share it with his Tutor or any other member of staff. The issue will be addressed quickly, sympathetically and fairly. Above all, the boys are taught how to understand and look after each other.
5. Will my son pass the Entry Assessment?
We do not operate a fiercely competitive Entry Test. We assess the boys' reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, and also give a Non-Verbal IQ Test. The aim is to ensure that the boys will be able to cope with our academic programme.
The Assessment provides us with useful information on boys before they start with us. This, in conjunction with the all-important report from the Pre-Prep School, plays a major role in the entry process. If the Pre Prep’s HM has any concerns, he/she is encouraged to contact us beforehand.
Awards exist for bright boys and for those whose parents may have difficulty in paying the fees. For more information about Scholarships and Bursaries, please click here.