About faith
Do we have to be a Christian family?
No. Some of our families are not, and their children are treated no differently. You do need to be comfortable with your child being taught within a Christian framework, because it is present in every subject and every part of the day.
Will you try to convert my child?
We teach the Christian faith as true, and we will not pretend otherwise. We do not pressure children into professions of faith, and no child is thought less of for not sharing what we believe.
What if we are from another faith?
You would be welcome, and we would want to talk it through properly first so that you know exactly what your child would be taught. Pupils study world religions from Year 7 and are taught them fairly, as their adherents would recognise them.
What do you teach about creation?
We hold to the biblical account and teach it as true. Pupils are also taught the scientific theories they will meet at GCSE, accurately and in full, because they need to understand them properly — not least in order to sit the examinations.
About the school
How big are the classes?
Small. Classes run between seven and fifteen pupils, and never more than fifteen.
Why are classes mixed-age?
Partly our size, but mostly because it works. A child can be stretched or given more time in a subject without moving year group, and older pupils learn by explaining things to younger ones.
Which GCSEs can my child take?
Courses are examined with AQA and Eduqas. Five subjects are taken by everybody — English Language, English Literature, mathematics, combined science and business studies — and pupils then choose from art, French, history, media studies, food preparation and nutrition, and physical education.
The full list is on the curriculum page.
What happens after Year 11?
We do not have a sixth form. Pupils move on to sixth form colleges, further education colleges or apprenticeships, and receive impartial careers guidance to help them choose.
Where do pupils do PE?
On the artificial grass area behind the school. For sports day and larger events we use Braunstone Park.
The school day
What time does the day start and finish?
The gate opens at 8.30am, the bell goes at 8.50am and registration closes at 9.00am. The school day ends at 3.15pm. Full timings are on the parents page.
Is there wraparound care?
Not at present. The gate opens at 8.30am and the school day ends at 3.15pm.
What about lunches?
All pupils bring a packed lunch from home. We are a nut-free school, so please do not send anything containing nuts.
How would my child get to school?
We do not run transport, and most families drive or walk. The nearest bus stop is on Cort Crescent, served by the First number 18.
Families come from right across Leicester, and some travel considerably further — we have had pupils from Coventry and Northampton. We are the only independent Christian school in Leicestershire, so for some families the journey is part of the choice.
Support and behaviour
My child has additional needs. Can you help?
Often, yes. Small classes mean needs are noticed early and adjustments happen without fuss. But we are not a specialist setting, and if we could not meet your child’s needs well we would tell you rather than accept them and hope. See SEND and support.
My child has struggled at their current school. Would you take them?
Very possibly. A difficult history is not a bar. We will want the full picture, from you and from the school, before anyone commits.
How do you handle behaviour?
Developmentally. A child who has behaved badly has something to learn and our job is to teach it. There are consequences, but they are aimed at what happens next rather than at settling a score.
Practical things
Is there a uniform?
Yes, and most of it comes from the supermarket. Details are on the uniform page.
Can we look round before applying?
Please do. That is the point. Book a visit.
Can my child join part way through the year?
Yes, where there is a place in the class.
Not answered here?
Ring the school on 0116 222 0792 or ask when you visit. We would rather answer a difficult question than have you guess.
