Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/15-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/15-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/15-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/15-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/15.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where-nbsp">WHAT? WHERE?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Located in a 160-acre rural setting, 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Chichester, Oakwood School is a non-selective co-ed Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School with over 300 pupils aged 2-11. Both the Pre-Prep and Prep is two-form entry, with class sizes of 19-20 per form.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Reached up the notably long driveway and surrounded by woodlands, the main building, Oakwood House, is a grand heritage house constructed in 1811, with a beautiful lawn and reception rooms that still have sumptuous period features and an ‘upstairs-downstairs’ feel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Founded in 1912 as an all-boy’s school in Chichester by Captain and Mrs Fenn, the school moved to Cornwall during World War II. Oakwood relocated to its current location after the war, becoming co-ed in 1975.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most Oakwood pupils live within five miles of the school which helps create a community-oriented feel, added to by the presence of the nearby city nursery who use the woodland classroom. There are also lots of events that help engage members of the community, such as the popular end-of-term Tea served up by the outgoing Year 6s to over 100 elderly guests.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities-nbsp">FACILITIES&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69742" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Oakwood uses its outdoor space to the fullest, from the sweeping lawns at the front of the grand house to the story hut in the woodland, fire pit in the converted well and the beautifully tended kitchen garden that’s strategically fenced off to avoid being decimated by after-school deer.</p>



<p>Year 6 pupils have the run of the house and lawns. The rest of the school is spread out across a range of modern extensions or taught inside the converted stable block. Cleverly, many previously under-utilised spaces have been converted too, like the old maintenance room turned Food and Nutrition Tech room.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/11-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69743" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/11-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/11-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/11-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Along with sports pitches, Oakwood has three netball/tennis courts, a gym and a covered and heated swimming pool. Handily for the many busy working parents, there are timetabled weekly swimming classes for all pupils, starting in the nursery, as well as swimming gala events.</p>



<p>Oakwood’s teaching cohort includes specialist sports teachers who teach across all year groups, including Pre-School. Many older pupils relish the opportunity to get involved in team sports and occasionally bring home silverware: In 2023, the U11 Netball Team made it to the IAPS finals, while in 2024, the Head Boy proudly represented the school at the IAPS swimming finals at the London Aquatics Centre. The school also gives pupils the opportunity to try new activities, with after-school clubs in mountain biking, tennis, climbing and dodgeball, as well as the usual team sports.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drama">DRAMA</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/1-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69744" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/1-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/1-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/1-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/1-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s no vast theatre but Oakwood does have dedicated spaces for the arts – and plenty of enthusiasm, too. They include the performing arts hall with tiered seating, a studio used for ballet and drama lessons and several individual music teaching rooms, with a decent number (around 45%) of pupils from Year 1 upwards taking individual lessons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Performing Arts Department at Oakwood is very popular. Currently, around 65% of Prep School pupils take small group Speech &amp; Drama lessons. Many work towards LAMDA exams, with a high distinction rate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The school’s Michaelmas Term pantomime club is a big draw for Years 5 and 6 (oh, yes it is!) and all Year 6 pupils take part in an end-of-year production. Oakwood pupils also take part annually in the Chichester Festival of Music, Dance and Speech. There are also a few individual superstars here too: in 2024, one Year 5 was chosen for a role in the Chichester Festival Theatre production of <em>Oliver</em>, directed by Matthew Bourne.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies-nbsp-nbsp">LITTLIES&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/6-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69745" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/6-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Numbering around 24, Oakwood’s ‘Little Oaks’ pupils (aged 2-3) have their own dedicated nursery building beside the woodland, with a free-flow outdoor play space, friendly, attentive staff and specialist teachers from the main school for PE, swimming and French lessons. There are also plenty of activities such as Rugby Tots, Forest School and Diddidance, with homemade snacks and fresh, hot lunches brought down from the school canteen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When I visited, children all seemed very relaxed and at home. Parents who want to can come inside in the morning and help any that don’t immediately skip merrily through the door to settle in for the day. During school holidays, nursery provision continues with Camp Little Oaks and more recently a school holiday club for older children of 5-11.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics-nbsp">ACADEMICS&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/9-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69746" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Oakwood pupils are taught together but split into sets for Maths and English based on standardised testing, with dedicated small groups for those with SEN. Around 20% of pupils go on to state secondary schools, with the remaining 80% securing places at a range of Hampshire and West Sussex independents. Most commonly: Seaford College, Portsmouth Grammar School, Churcher’s College, Portsmouth High School for Girls, Great Ballard and Ditcham Park.</p>



<p>Older children are carefully timetabled for lessons and trusted early to make their own way to lessons, preparing them well for seniors. Budding scholars are given lots of support. And while scholarship numbers vary from year-to-year at anywhere from 15-30, pupils achieve a broad mix from Academics to Sport. In recent years, the number of Performing Arts and Creative Arts scholarships awarded to Oakwood pupils has gone up significantly, reflecting the popularity here.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/14-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69747" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/14-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/14-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/14-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/14.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Oakwood has a dedicated Head of Pastoral Care and Head of Wellbeing. For those who want or need it there are sessions with Emotional Literacy Support Assistants and art or music therapy sessions. Oakwood also has a ‘hub’ where older pupils can spend breaktime and have quiet time with friends and a teacher and there’s also a drop-in Harmony Hut they can head to. Oakwood also subscribes to the NHS-backed <a href="https://myhappymind.org/programmes/school-programme/">myHappymind</a> schools programme.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/10-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Headteacher Clare Bradbury joined Oakwood from nearby Westbourne House in 2015, where she was deputy head. She has a Level 7 qualification in Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors by the Institute of Leadership and Management and coaches new Headteachers through IAPS.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s clear as we chat that it’s Clare Bradbury’s own ‘go-for-it’ mentality that’s filtered down to the staff and kids here. It’s also borne out in areas such as drama, where strategic staff promotion has helped create a strong performing arts department the children love. </p>



<p>Under her stewardship, Oakwood has grown in numbers and achieved the sense of stability, direction and ambition that it previously lacked. As well as introducing sets in Maths and English, something she felt was crucial to help pupils work to their full potential, she has also worked to improve the site and make multipurpose indoor and outdoor spaces. Next on the agenda is redevelopment of the Pre-Prep building.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond the physical infrastructure, Clare Bradbury is also conscious to give the hardworking parents of pupils here as much value for money as she is able in other ways too, such as well-planned after-school and holiday provision and extracurricular activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks-nbsp">QUIRKS&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/3-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/3-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/3-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/3-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/3-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fireworks, swimming galas, teas and a big sleep out to raise funds for the city’s homeless are just some of the many parent and community events the school hosts. There are also some pretty quirky events and history lessons too. For the Queen’s Jubilee, the head surprised the children by pulling up in a vintage car dressed as the Queen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Marking historical events, one member of staff recreated a WWII parachute landing.&nbsp; Children tested out Roman shields while being pelted with beanbags on the lawn behind the Main House. And on another occasion, they had a go at ballroom dancing after a five-course meal dressed as passengers on the Titanic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Special mention too for Alvin the Tortoise, the school’s longest standing resident, who lives alongside Year 1 pupils in the converted stables. He is celebrated each year with a special birthday party before meandering over to the stationery cupboard to hibernate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wraparound-care">WRAPAROUND CARE</h3>



<p>Breakfast club starts at 7.45am (£3.50 per day) and there are a range of clubs which take place before school, at lunchtime and after school, as well as the Acorns Tea Club for younger pupils and Prep Club for older pupils until 6pm every day. Clubs are billed termly and cost between £50 and £90.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report-nbsp">ISI REPORT&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/8-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/8-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/8-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/8-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/8-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The latest routine ISI inspection was in 2024. The last full <a href="https://www.isi.net/institutions/school/oakwood-school-6756">ISI report</a> was in 2017. It rated the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements as excellent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy-nbsp">MOBILE PHONE POLICY&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Children are not permitted to bring in or use mobile phones.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport-nbsp">TRANSPORT&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Most parents choose to drive kids to school and pick them up each day, with just one school bus due to lack of demand. Despite this, queues are short at drop off with varied pick-up times also reducing congestion.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees-nbsp">FEES&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Good value. Fees at Oakwood for 2024-5 are £3,980 per term for the Pre-School (five full days),&nbsp;£3,830 per term for reception rising to £4,120 in Years 1-2, £5,735 for Years 3-4 and £6,170 per term in Years 5-6.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground-nbsp">WORD ON THE GROUND&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/2-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Oakwood School" class="wp-image-69751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/2-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/2-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Oakwood’s popularity has soared in recent years with many more pupils starting at nursery and Reception age than ever before and waiting lists in some year groups. Mostly dual-income parents trust the school to keep children safe and happy and are rewarded. Pupils I speak with are enthusiastic and rave about performing arts, fun and creative science experiments and swimming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h3>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Happy, confident kids are well looked after as individuals by enthusiastic teachers. The community-spirited head is conscious to deliver value-for-money for hard working parents and give as much flexibility as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>As a non-selective, Oakwood children of all abilities are supported as individuals but the focus here is on delivering a good all-round education, rather than intense academics. Those seeking an all-through school will want to look elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? Be my guest! </strong>Individual tours with the head are available by appointment. To arrange, call 01243 575209 or visit <a href="http://oakwoodschool.co.uk/admissions/visit-us">oakwoodschool.co.uk</a>. The next Open Morning takes place on 27 September.</p>



<p><a href="https://oakwoodschool.co.uk/"><em>Oakwood Preparatory School</em></a><em>, Funtington Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9AN</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp">&nbsp;</h3>


Oakwood School, Chichester

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