Runnymede St Edward's School

Runnymede St Edward's is an Independent Catholic Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 3-11 years, welcoming children of all faiths.

The school is built on the tradition of our founders. Based on their vision, Runnymede is a place in which individuals can develop fully, contributing as happy and caring members of a school community. Children’s unique talents are valued, and they learn to live as well-mannered, self-disciplined and confident individuals.

Located in Sandfield Park, West Derby, Liverpool, Runnymede has a long tradition of providing an outstanding all-round education. The school holds and excellent academic record and we are proud of our musical and sporting tradition.

At Runnymede we pride ourselves on taking in children of all abilities and supporting them to reach their full potential. We prepare children thoroughly for secondary school entrance exams enabling them to enter the secondary phase of their education with confidence.

Runnymede is a family-orientated school situated in a beautiful building which creates a wonderful working environment for our children to thrive in. We are a Choir School for Liverpool Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral and take choristers from Year 4 to Year 6. Their voices can be heard every morning echoing throughout the school and playground.

Our Mission Statement: "Inspire, Challenge, Support through Faith".

The Runnymede curriculum is tailored to the needs of the pupils and their future aspirations. We seek to challenge, inspire and support children to perform in accordance with their abilities. While the National Curriculum is a useful starting point, our highly qualified class and subject teachers adapt and enhance their programmes of study to support all children to achieve their potential. Classes are small and therefore a very individual approach can be offered to every child.

In addition to the core subjects of English and Mathematics, the Runnymede syllabus includes French and Spanish, Science, Geography, Music, Religious Education, ICT, Art, Design and Technology, PE and Games, which includes swimming, rugby, football, netball, hockey and tennis.

In Year 5 and 6 the children are often placed in sets for English and Maths. In these years we also start working with children whose choice of Secondary school is dependent on an entrance exam. Being independent from any Secondary school means we can work with both children and parents to choose the secondary school that is best for the child’s ability and ongoing education.

A structured reading scheme is also in operation in each class offering a variety of reading materials. Our reading programme is delivered by the class teacher, supported by the child’s parents and volunteer parents who come into our school and listen to the children read on a weekly basis.

From Reception onwards, children are given homework daily. Homework is very important as it supports and enhances the curriculum and develops a good work ethic. We have very strong home-school links as the school and home are in partnership, ensuring the very best for each child. We are proud that our children achieve high levels in the National Curriculum tests at the end of each key stage.

At Runnymede we believe learning goes beyond the classroom and during the course of the year all classes will be involved in school trips. Our trips are educational and help the children get a better insight into aspects of their learning. Each year group has 3 trips a year, enriching the curriculum. For example, Stockley Farm Christmas Experience, a Victorian themed days at Styal Mill and Norton Priory, a Roman Experience at Chester, coastal field study of Llandudno, orchestral concerts at the Philharmonic Hall for Early Years and Upper Juniors. In addition to these trips, Year 5 has a 3 day residential trip to Dobroyd Castle, Todmorden and Year 6 has a 5 day residential trip to Patterdale, Lake District.

Religious Education (R.E.) at Runnymede is based on the national scheme ‘Come and See.’ Religious Education recognises and enables a dialogue at many levels. There are three main questions that are to be answered by all the children from Nursery to Year 6.

At Runnymede St Edward’s School, we’re very proud of our history, which stretches back to 1852 when a Catholic Institute was founded. His statue is sited in St John’s Gardens, Liverpool, alongside St George’s Hall.