b'EAST OF ENGLANDpopular further up the school. Good to see boysold building, lots of rooms available for quiet do textiles as well. Mention must go to the dronespractice. Many have individual singing and that are now being used in the grounds. instrumental lessons. Loads of choirs, ensembles, Excellent facilities including shared new sci- orchestras and productions. Pupils are made to ence block, fabulous new 2.2 million libraryfeel important whatever their role in the play, and refurbished art and DT blocks; alumni havesaid one parent. There are no divas; everyones proved generous benefactors. Sixth form centrecontribution is treated equally. Loads of clubs and with kitchen, used by groups quietly working. Thepractices during lunchtime and after school.new library is more popular for quiet study. PrepNew arts centre unveiled in 2019a glass-school has its own excellent library, well usedfronted, modern and dynamic space for lessons with plenty of workshops and visiting authors.and exhibitions. Both here and throughout the All seniors bring their own laptops. rest of the school are excellent works of art. A school full of energy. Happy children,Plenty of options, including art, textiles and relaxed teachers, all keeping busy and enjoyingceramics separately available at A level. Plus a life, but dont be fooled, they are working hard.new digital media course. All pupils welcomed Saturday morning lessons for all in senior school.us with open arms, happy to chat and proud to Senior school nishes at 5.30pm after clubs andshow work.sports practices, or prep for non-participants.DofE and CCF well supported. Children are Extended day runs to 9pm at no extra cost.brought out of themselves and encouraged to try Supervised prep and supper provided. Popularthings, said one parent. The children are encour-with many hard-working parents as no dreadedaged to take ownership of the opportunities they homework to be done at home. are offered. Plenty of school trips for all including a freshers week for lower sixth with a trip to the Peak District for team building. Sixth form life seems to be very sociable, lots of dinners in the Good to see there are teams formagnicent main house, the Highland Ball and all, its not just about the elite.numerous other occasions. We get through lots of dresses, said our guide.Sports participation encouraged in the prep school; the unwilling areSport: Sport is king at this school, particularly tennis. Rated the best co-educational school in gently, but firmly encouraged the country for tennis by the LTA, Culford attracts pupils from all over the world because of it. Elite Small classes mean theres nowhere to hide,athlete programmes on offer for tennis, golf, and teachers know pupils well. Parents appreciateswimming and now football; these pupils have this and most said it was one of the main reasonsextra coaching and strength and conditioning for choosing the school. You can see the rapportclasses, but never miss academic lessons. This on parents evenings and its good to hear thelot are up with the lark and in the gym. Some banter between teachers and your child; this reas- 120 pupils play tennis all year round using the sures us that all is well.We can vouch for thisexcellent facilities, including a four-court cham-from our tour of the school.Average class size inpionship standard indoor tennis centre. There are prep is 17, 20 in senior and 10-12 in sixth form.six grass, six hard and six Astro courts as well UCAS preparation exemplary with one-to-oneas numerous other pitches. Mention must go to help for all. Amazing advice offered includinggolf as well, a new indoor studio with simula-what to look for on open days, said one parent.tor and radar technology attracting golf scholars. More regular sports such as rugby, hockey and Learning support and SEN: No pupils with an EHCPcricket (girls too) also extremely successful. Good but 55 on the list for extra help. Learning supportto see there are teams for all, its not just about is excellent, staff are supportive and reassuring.the elite. Sports participation encouraged in the They know what is needed. My child was sup- prep school; the unwilling are gently, but rmly ported throughout the school to A levels and gotencouraged, says the head. This attitude prevails excellent results. Lots of one-to-one teaching ifthroughout the school. Large sports complex, lots needed, or two-to-one where suitable. Plenty ofof pitches and pavilions, excellent swimming feedback for parents. EAL pupils also well sup- pool, gym, studiosyou name it, theyve got it.ported. Mainly group lessons, but individual if needed. Lots of long-serving staff. Boarding: Boys boarding full, girls growing rap-idly. Flexi-boarding popular throughout. Pupils The arts and extracurricular: Music and dramastaying three nights a week always have the are both popular. Music centre in the beautifulsame bed. Offers 10 nights a term, part boarding 887'