Colfe's School

Our View

A school that is going somewhere. A happy, uncomplicated atmosphere where the needs of the pupils come first.

Head

Since 2005, Mr Richard Russell (forties). Attended Methodist College in Belfast and went on to read classics at Cambridge. Teaches Latin; lives in nearby Blackheath with his wife, who is in energy markets in the City. Spent his first year surveying his new demesne before appointing new head for the prep and taking on an academic deputy head (previously head of classics at St Paul's). Frankly admits that he became a teacher because of the long summer holidays which were used to indulge his passion for archaeology, 'looking for bits of pots' in central Greece. Was at Sevenoaks for fifteen years. Co-ordinator of the IB there which 'was a fantastic challenge'. Needed to sell it to parents and universities, which he did with such success A levels were dropped and numbers doubled. Not planning IB at Colfe's as it 'only makes sense in a multi-national school'. He is, in fact, a fan of A levels -- 'Very British. They suit British kids and are a tremendous preparation for university'. Diversity/alternative pursuits can be created in a school in other ways, he avers. Mr Russell is quietly ambitious and clearly intends to raise the profile of his school by the example of his own high standards, undoubted courtesy and clear vision for the future.

Academic Matters

Good variety of subjects offered and all pupils study for a total of nine or ten subjects at GCSE. At least one option must be a modern language (French, German or Spanish) and another has to be history or geography. English, maths and science also compulsory. All pupils study Latin for their first two years. Good results and improving.

The sixth form aims to offer a competitive but social environment with a wide range of subjects including psychology, medieval history, economics, further mathematics, Latin. Media studies has a strong department and is a popular choice. Most pupils take four subjects to AS and then three or four to A level. The two years of sixth form are designed to act as a bridge between school and the more independent style of learning expected at university. 80 per cent A/B grades in 2008 – the highest yet – and the head has assumed personal responsibility for raising Oxbridge offers above single figures.

Games, Options, the Arts

Sport is big here – all pupils have an afternoon of games every week. At the heart of the school lies an enormous games pitch, and a huge indoor facility has recently opened with a 25 metre swimming pool, fully equipped gym, cricket nets, goal posts, basketball and netball courts. The junior school, parents and local community make good use of it too. New Astroturf busy with tennis or football. Minutes away by minibus is the Leathersellers' – a dedicated sports field with five rugby pitches, athletics track and cross-country course. Interhouse matches throughout the year and matches in all sports organised against other schools. Netball very strong at present.

A wide range of interhouse competitions – quizzes, chess, drama, concerts. Fantastic new centre for musical and dramatic productions with state of the art equipment, a computerised music room and individual soundproofed practice studios. Swing bands, orchestras, choirs. For the visual arts a dark room for photographers, an amazing art room displaying students' work, a kiln for ceramics. On top of this there are expeditions, cultural visits, sporting tours and clubs after school or during lunch. Something to suit everyone.

Background and Atmosphere

Abraham Colfe, Vicar of Lewisham, founded the school in 1652, 'To educate the poor boys of Blackheath'. The school was then left in trust to the Leathersellers' Company whose livery members make up the governing board. Colfe's will runs to several volumes and is extremely detailed, even to the point of dictating the length of the Colfe sermon to be delivered on the second Sunday in June! When the Lewisham site was bombed the school was evacuated to Tunbridge Wells and then Somerset. It came to its present site in the 1970s as a state grammar school. Opted to go independent rather than comprehensive in the late 1970s. The rather dull brick buildings give a false impression – inside it is much less sprawling suburbia and rather more 'rus in urbe'. There's an abundance of greenery with trees and shrubs and plants dotted amongst the classrooms. Atmosphere is one of calm and order and quiet purpose.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

Pupils are relaxed and self disciplined. Pastoral care is excellent. Head views it as important that all staff are prepared to go the extra mile. Has been fully co-ed since 1999 and is the better for it. No bullying – 'It's just not what we do here,' says a pupil. School counsellor is very active and is the first port of call if pupils have a problem. Excellent links between home and school: email addresses of each head of year available to parents and regular correspondence takes place via homework diaries. School rules are strict – dress and appearance regulations are upheld. Pupils remain on site throughout the day except for sixth formers who may leave during the lunch hour only. Chewing gum, mobile phones and ipods are banned.

Pupils and Parents

Mostly middle class professionals from Blackheath and Lewisham, which are both a mile either side of Lee. Lee itself is a leafy suburb twenty minutes by train from Charing Cross. Social variety is lacking since the abolition of the assisted places scheme, but the head is keen to address this problem and is actively recruiting pupils from local state primaries – he doesn't want to operate in a middle class monoculture, and sees it as a significant part of his job to raise awareness of the school in places like Kidbrooke and Peckham; he is currently setting up a working relationship with the Damilola Taylor Trust. Emphasises that bursaries are not handed out just for being poor – you also have to be very good indeed.

Majority of the families have two working parents so school opens at 7.00 in the morning and the library is supervised till 6.00. The library is also available to pupils during study leave – not an option offered by every school.

Entrance

11+ entry by interview and school reference followed by January entrance exam in maths and English. Moderately oversubscribed. Places in the sixth form are offered on the basis of interview and reference and predicted results at GCSE.

Exit

Incredibly varied, from film studies at Canterbury to English at Oxford.

Money Matters

Very good value. The less than attractive buildings have a hidden advantage for parents - they are cheap to maintain so overheads are kept low. Scholarships and bursaries: academic, sport and music.