Every school has people, but our job is first and foremost about developing people. At Clifton, our philosophy is driven by putting people first and particularly being pupil-centred. Many prep schools will talk of providing a broad range of opportunities and whether they are academic or strong pastorally. At Clifton, the academic and pastoral are completely interdependent and thus we do not just provide a broad range of opportunities, but we mentor and support the pupils to make the most of these opportunities.
Whilst our pupils learn subjects through our rigorous core-knowledge curriculum, they are also using real-life skills to apply this knowledge. This is an active and engaged process which taps into different senses and styles of learning. We include all children in all aspects of their learning. This is easy to say but in practice means individualising the learning and empowering the children. They do not need to fit a mould, they do not have to be extroverts, they do not have to have great short-term memory, but they do need to learn how they tick and take ownership and responsibility.
Teaching can often focus upon developing IQ and ‘scores on the doors’ but educators must not neglect developing EQ (Emotional Intelligence). Not only will an emotionally intelligent child learn better, but they will also know how to learn better, they will be more secure in themselves (and know why) and be able to empathise with others. Being more secure means they will be better equipped to cope (and indeed thrive) with the life ahead of them, not just in senior school but beyond. At Clifton Lodge, our pupils’ ‘scores on the doors’ improve beyond expectations and are sustained far beyond the next test or exam.
So, at Clifton Lodge, it is not one size fits all. Each child, each member of staff and each family are respected for who they are and what they bring to the community. Such individualisation of learning is a challenge for all, but it is mighty rewarding. In teaching the children we also mentor them, so that each child knows how best they learn best. Our school virtues of Love, Integrity, Self-Control, Wisdom, Fortitude and Justice do not just happen. They drive all that we do and are cultural. We want to help our children to make their own decisions, learn from mistakes, be independent, use their initiative, be ambitious, collaborate, respect diversity, be safe, be happy, lead and thrive on challenge.
The school motto is “Optime” – Try always to do your best. The tricky part is that none of us knows where our best is until we test our comfort zones and find our zone of flow where the level of challenge, skill and knowledge lead to something really special. We make this process fun and it does develop a happy, confident, friendly environment for all, of which we are proud.
We are very experienced in the process of choosing suitable senior schools for each pupil and are aware that every child has specific abilities, individual talents and requirements. Our Head not only knows our pupils well but also has connections with each senior school, understanding their ethos and entrance conditions to assist parents with this sometimes daunting task.
As we have now moved to an 11+ only prep school, we prepare and support our pupils with entrance to their preferred 11+ senior schools. Historically the most popular schools for boys leaving Clifton Lodge have been Merchant Taylors’ School, City of London Boys’ School, Hampton, The John Lyon School and St Benedict’s.
Girls leaving us in Year 6 have gained places at Nottinghill & Ealing High School, St Augustine’s Priory, St Benedict’s, Latymer Upper School, Godolphin & Latymer & Putney High.
Our School Ethos
Our Aims
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Nurturing, family oriented school. The teaching is excellent. Small class sizes to give your child the attention he needs. could not be more satisfied.
By Devrim Ozcan (Nov, 2017) |
Amazing time,
my son is currently going there and it is amazing
By Devrim Ozcan (Jul, 2017) |
I am a current student at this school and i find it amazing, if i were a parent i would send my child to this school ,!
By Tropical Bro (Jul, 2017) |
My son arrived at Clifton Lodge from a not so good school. We wanted a mixed-gender, happy school, and Clifton Lodge provides just that. What we did not expect was the strength in depth of both teaching and support, tailored to the particular needs of each child. Parents who wish to are able to get involved with each other and the school - there is a strong sense of community at Clifton Lodge. We trust the headmaster (Dr Thamia) and his team to do their very best by our children. He has always made himself available to answer our queries we may have and has dealt with any occasional issues our son mat have faced. We cannot imagine a better environment for my son to start his education and development. We are only sorry he missed out on the original starting years. I recommend this school without any hesitation. The extra circular activities are excellent and the English lesson, like all the other subjects are taught with such passion. Its is lovely to watch our son grow with knowledge, maturity and confidence. Thank you. Clifton Lodge. Helpful? I have been a parent at Clifton Lodge School for a good few years, four years precisely to be exact. I found the school to be a quaint, friendly, caring full of laughter and study of exhilarating lessons. The school is full of inspirational subjects empowering all the children who attend. The teachers are all approachable and display an attitude of compassion to every child in any year. My son who currently attends arrived from a not so good school but quickly gained confidence and friends at Clifton Lodge. The Science, History and Geography plus the extra circular activities are excellent while English, which is a dominant subject for my son is taught with a sincere passion. This inspires my son to do better, and to achieve which he does and has! Thank you Clifton Lodge for all your hard input and support.
By Rayner Tapia (Jul, 2017) |
Our family's Special Recognition Award goes to Clifton Lodge's Admissions team and in particular to Mrs Elena Deer.
We have three children and over 14 years have dealt with a broad range of schools We have never seen anyone so wholeheartedly centred on the best interest of the child and the child's family as Mrs Deer.
Throughout the admissions process, whenever we needed support and guidance, Mrs Deer would always be our beacon of expertise and care.
We highly recommend Clifton Lodge to all parents who want the best for their child
By Devrim Ozcan (Jul, 2017) |
I was the Deputy Head Boy at this school last year. And the six years that I spent there were the best I could've asked for. No matter the trouble behind the scenes, they insured we had the best education possible.
By Xavier Hunter (Jun, 2017) |
My child was there for two whole years and yet described it as the most exhilarating experience in his whole life. He enjoyed every single moment there. The teachers were always there to help and were extremely kind. He described the teachers as hilarious at times and could never wait to go back the next day. It is appalling to see such negative reviews on this school from some people. Every aspect of Clifton Lodge is fantastic. The education they provide is outstanding and the teachers work to core to help all the children. My child was in the school play and when we got home described himself as heart-broken due to the fact it was last year. He was sad as he didn't feel he spent as much time with his friends as he would have liked to. However he then added, "if it wasn't for Clifton Lodge they wouldn't have been my friends in the first place." This was truly an example of how Clifton Lodge is one of the best schools the country can offer. He also described it as a big family and everyone always looked out for each other.
By Charlie Travers (Jun, 2017) |
what better way to say something about this school than to say i went here almost 27 years ago. they truly put me on the path to Academic success and for that i am truly grateful
By Sean Arya (Dec, 2016) |
It an excellent place to send your kids. The teachers are so friendly and as such the pupils have learnt it too. They teach well and help the kids to read well as such build their confidence. Almost all the pupils there I have spoken to are very confident and fluent .
Nov 21 2014
By Sean Arya (Nov, 2014) |
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A very amazing school with tenacious sports teams and excellent choirs
By Temitope Faleti (Nov, 2017) |