The Paragon School

Our View

Fortunes of this attractive little prep, tucked away up Bath's most beautiful vale, have been restored by becoming junior school of nearby Prior Park College. Seven and a half acre grounds include natural springs and beautiful woodland, now being exploited as part of the 'outdoor classroom' with expert help from 'Swainswick Explorers'. Original Lyncombe House School was a convent whilst The Paragon started as an educational gymnasium in the Bath street of that name. Schools amalgamated in 1983, a charitable trust was formed and the facilities were improved. Conservation area restrictions still an issue but serious improvements to the facilities are envisaged.

A new school crest, bright red striped shirts and a fleet of liveried minibuses signal changes here. Lots of new teachers, visually attractive prospectus, lively wall displays, smart boards and enhanced decor take this a step further. School reception is now much better located and head 'pops up everywhere' to meet parents and sort out any difficulties on the spot. We didn't witness the arrival or collection of children by parents but a staggered end to the day and a one-way system through the grounds apparently prevent gridlock.

Nursery on ground floor of main building is hugely popular and will soon benefit from upgrading. Pre-prep continues in linked reception classes, located in converted stables at the bottom of the sloping site. Safe and happy feel to the place with bright eyed and friendly faces everywhere. Phonic approach to word building much in evidence as well as Oxford Reading Tree and other schemes; emphasis on practical number work (new Abacus scheme popular) with lots of games and outside activity to keep learning as practical as possible. Lively, busy classrooms throughout pre-prep with some lovely thematic displays. Lots of new play equipment for tinies and a 'buddy bus stop' where anyone feeling lonely will soon find a friend comes along to cheer them up.

Preparatory classes are spread between various buildings with specialist areas for ICT (20+ new computers) and music (with separate rooms for individual practice). New director of studies has helped revamp the curriculum balancing attention to core skills with a more exciting use of topic work. We saw an encouraging improvement in motivation, participation and standard of written work since our last visit. New internal awards scheme which emphasises good work and behaviour is having a huge impact. Staff much more geared up to new teaching methods and resources through in-house training and more focused curriculum management.

Given school's small size, sports achievements are disproportionately impressive – girls were recent runners-up in national schools' U11 hockey finals. Good range of sports and four hours' games per week for older children. Nice blend of inclusion and representative teams. Lots of inter-school matches including Saturday fixtures. Pupils benefit from excellent facilities at Prior Park (including indoor swimming pool) and travel to and fro by minibus; extensive use of external coaches as well as full-time PE specialist who drives things along with gusto. Music is particularly strong with a senior orchestra which includes parents and former pupils. There is also a training orchestra and lots of other choirs and instrumental groups including a samba band. 'Something for everybody,' claimed the ebullient HOD. Lots of concerts and drama performances throughout year. Lively school magazine.

Small library area is well resourced and inviting; children we met enthused about their favourite authors (one of whom was visiting on the same day as us) and parents are amazed at how quickly school has managed to 'turn reluctant readers into avid bookworms'. New junior librarian software allows readers to write reviews on their favourite books. Art room feels creative and is appropriately housed in a second floor garret but there is little space for large scale DT work. Science resources are kept in a year 6 classroom. Head is keen to teach science through practical means and to utilise their 'outside classroom' wherever possible. Parents rate skill and enthusiasm of teachers and even we understood the way that fractions were being explained to a year 6 class (with expert use of the smart board it has to be said). Assembly hall at heart of school ideal for performances as well as providing ample space for apparatus work and a pleasant dining area.

Food gets thumbs up from children and parents and TP now has 'healthy school' status. Good, level outside play area used alternately by different age groups plus attractive area of grass in front of Lyncombe House now being put to greater use. A new hide for junior twitchers includes equipment provided through the fund-raising efforts of an especially keen year 6 pupil. Lovely walk through 'dingly dell' is a favourite with pupils as is the conservation area in the woods. All year six pupils are prefects and share responsibilities. Parents thrilled by range of extra-curricular activities (from film making to speech and drama) and appreciate way head has listened to their requests to reduce homework for younger ones so that family time is safeguarded and enjoyed more.

Open, friendly staff combine wise heads and new brooms. Part-timers, peripatetics and sports coaches give breadth. All pupils get an hour of ICT per week in computer suite using PCs for creative writing, digital video editing, web site design etc. Plenty of visits including stay in France; popular theme days when children dress up as part of their studies. Contributors to assemblies include local postman as well as regular visits from RC chaplain from Prior Park.

School has strengthened its learning support provision and now has three dedicated specialists including the SENCo and a qualified SpLD teacher; cosy, well-resourced base conducive for bringing on slow starters. Careful assessment leads to appropriate levels of support.

Shuttle bus before school links with Prior Park coaches which serve a wide catchment area. Head keen to be on good terms with neighbours and to reach out to wider community including local primaries. Charity giving has become a buzz phrase and is taking up worthy causes locally and internationally. As one mum said, 'This is a prep that is beginning to fly.'

Head

Since 2006, Mr Titus Mills BA PGCE (late thirties) educated at The Pilgrims' School, Winchester then Eton before reading history of art at UEA and PGCE at Westminster College, Oxford. Gap year experience with Tibetan community in Himalayas dramatically rearranged his world view. Overseas dimension broadened further by two years' teaching in Kampala, Uganda (sandwiched between six years in state sector including four in Lambeth) prior to five years at St George's International School, Rome. Convincing head who looks the part though still a relative novice: high octane energy meets sophisticated unconventionality. 'Fantastic', 'lots of brilliant ideas', 'has moved school up a gear' – the accolades from parents pour in thick and fast. High levels of commitment and sensitivity soon become apparent. We were left wondering whether The Paragon is a stepping stone or whether his love affair with Bath might mean he's in for the long haul? However the cookie crumbles, Titus Mills is just what TP needs right now to hold its own in a fiercely competitive marketplace. He and lovely wife, Jemima have 'much in common' with other Paragon parents. Cassius, youngest of three sons (Malachi, 6 and Raffi, 4 already at TP) had just been born when we visited and Jemima 'sees herself as a mum' first and foremost. Head is an infectious enthusiast whose own, positive prep school experience and sincerely held Christian faith help to explain why he is 'on a mission' here. Loves football (plays in a dads' 5-a-side team), art and drama (which he teaches). Doesn't want school to be 'wishy washy' – not much fear of that we thought – and has already shown parents and staff that he's not afraid to take tough decisions for the good of the school. On a personal level, enjoys meeting war veterans (whose stories he finds profoundly moving) and worshipping at nearby Anglican church. He is clearly raising profile of TP locally but above all is succeeding in making it a fun place in which to learn.

Entrance

Applicants invited for trial morning (nursery) or day (pre-prep upwards) plus interview with head. Entrance is possible in any year, space permitting. Strict quota operates for those needing learning support. No longer perceived as a 'cheap and cheerful' option in Bath though continues to undercut competitors.

Exit

Three-quarters proceed to Prior Park via normal admission test at 11+; remainder to local state schools and a few to other independents.