Dame Bradbury's School

Our View

Dame Johane Bradbury is named after its founder – the sister of an early 16th century rector of Saffron Walden. Today the school is situated in a quiet suburban street not far from the town centre. Slightly dour late Victorian edifice, plus new-builds tucked round the back, contrasts with the cosy, welcoming interior. A few tired bits (including the library) and a couple of rooms doubling as through routes – but on the whole the place is well maintained and improvements are ongoing. Look out for the inviting adventure equipment – a big draw in the playground.

Although not considered to be overly pushy on the academic front pupils are streamed and the most able stretched. Parents like the formal approach to learning and are impressed by the level of support from teachers (predominantly female) who 'don't see children as part of a herd' – 'They're tuned to the needs of each individual'. Good rapport between staff and pupils with plenty of questioning and encouragement at all levels. ICT (unusual but inspired choice of Mac instead of PCs – 'Fosters creativity,' said a member of staff) and French (native speaker for the older ones) right from the start. Classrooms lower down the school bulge with bright, visual stimuli and work is readily celebrated through display. Dedicated art and DT rooms with plenty of technically proficient work on show.

SEN department, three teachers all with SpLD qualifications, caters for a range of needs – Asperger's, dyslexia, dyspraxia, speech and language development. 'Tracks' literacy scheme – 'It really works,' enthused one of the specialists – and sensible help for those who could do with the occasional boost – up to 10 per cent at any one time. 'They didn't let my son sit at the back but encouraged him to do his best – lots of extra help with English and writing twice a week before school,' said one grateful parent. Basic fees cover additional help (including motor skills sessions) of up to an hour a week – any more is charged.

Usual clutch of games on offer with girls getting a chance to opt for some traditional boys' sports. Large, purpose-built sports hall is a huge asset and parents are pleased the head has boosted boys' sport with the recent appointment of a boys' sport co-ordinator.

Number of yearly awards on offer. Note: packed lunches aren't an option. School lunches compulsory – no bad thing – but costs aren't included in the fees.

Children are well behaved but not subdued – they're keen to explain and confidently venture opinions. One parent commented, 'They're studious in a relaxed atmosphere' – spot on. Manners and consideration towards others are high on the agenda – all have to shake hands with their teacher on leaving at the end of the day – and enlightened schemes encourage self confidence coupled with a caring approach. Year 6s help in the nursery – 'I love it. They're soooo sweet,' said one girl – whilst all in year 5 are trained as play leaders and assigned to a pupil in year 3. They listen to them read once a week. Music is on the timetable, just under half the juniors have instrumental tuition, and there are two big productions a year which bring a tear to parental eyes – 'It's quite amazing what what they achieve – the standard is so high'.

Mixed bunch of parents – goodly proportion of professionals and 'lots of resourceful businesswomen'. Healthy PTA, with two parent reps in every form, organises socials and promotes improvements – lunches are now wholesome and a morning 'walking bus' run by a rota of parents helps alleviate some of the chronic parking problems.

A flourishing place providing a safe, traditional education with plenty of emphasis on the skills needed to cope with life.

Head

Since 2004, Mrs Jane Crouch MA NPQH (forties). Previously deputy head at Ashford School and Great Walstead. Has a strong sense of duty to all in her charge but not in the least bit stuffy and seems younger than her 'early forties'. Well liked by pupils and parents – professional, caring and approachable are common epithets – she's brought the school forward without denting its ethos. A believer in being 'out and about', she spends time in classroom taking PSHE lessons or listening to early readers and (following pleas from pupils) runs an after school warhammer club – assistance from a toy shop and two sixth formers at the local comp are welcome lifelines to someone with limited knowledge of the genre. In her spare time she's involved with church youth work and for pure relaxation loves walking coastal paths or watching films with her husband – the in-house Father Christmas.

Entrance

Waiting list with sibling preference. For the nursery/reception informal 'chat' with Mrs Crouch. Later entrants, depending on age: chat/observation in the classroom/tests in reading and writing. School purports to be non selective but head says children are accepted on the basis that it 'can cater for their needs without detrimental effects to others' – pragmatic get-out clause.

Exit

Ready help from the head – if parents are particularly keen on a school that's new to her she makes it her business to visit. Healthy mix of destinations with The Leys, Perse Girls and Saffron Walden County High heading the list.