Welcome

To Priory School, a National School of Creativity where the children really do come first and EXCELLENCE and ENJOYMENT are a reality.

 

“We feel lucky that our little boy is in such a fantastic school” This is reflected in the views of the vast majority of parents. The visionary leadership of the headteacher inspires all staff, pupils and parents to live up to their motto of The Children Come First".

- Ofsted January 2007

Priory School is a very special place. I joined the school in 1989 and became Headteacher in January 2002. I believe that we make a difference to every child’s life every day. We aim to provide the best education that a child can receive. All children and adults are regarded and valued as individuals with varying talents, potential, needs, problems and aspirations who can make a distinct contribution to the life of the school. We provide a stimulating and exciting environment in which children can learn, create, experience and display their achievements. Children’s years at Priory are the most formative of their lives. They will discover themselves, their individuality, their abilities, their interests and their strengths. Their talents will be varied and display themselves in many ways. We provide the vehicle for these talents to be nurture encouraged, developed and celebrated.

Our mission statement is:

“To enable children to become innovative and creative learners who achieve the highest possible academic, artistic and technical standards throughout all areas of the curriculum.”

As a National School of Creativity we offer a unique Curriculum. Our Creative Learning Curriculum enables us to make our mission statement a reality. We promote opportunities to explore the best contemporary culture and to express individual creativity, both of which are vital components of any education policy committed to developing the full potential of its pupils. Academic ability alone can no longer guarantee success or personal achievement. High standards in creative achievement require just as much rigour as traditional academic work. Our work with Creative Partnerships is fundamental to all that we do. Our school is a centre of excellence and it is a privilege to be part of it.

 

Jacqueline Laver, Priory School Headteacher

The amalgamation of Priory First School and Middle School took place in September 1986. At that time there were approximately 200 pupils on roll. The school has grown and developed over time and now there are approximately 760 pupils.

The school has a 30 place morning and afternoon nursery and children are admitted in the September after their third birthday. Children are admitted into school in the September after their fourth birthday. Children stay with us until the end of Year 6. Our standard admissions number for each year group is 90.

The Foundation Stage covers Nursery and Reception. Key Stage 1 covers Year 1 and Year 2. Key Stage 2 covers Years 3,4,5 and 6. The classes are of mixed ability and sets are organised according to the children’s needs thus ensuring all children cover programmes of study at an appropriate level in core subjects. In Year 2 and Year 6 the children take SATs (Standard Attainment Tests). Our results are consistently above the local and National average at all levels and in all subjects. www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables . The National Curriculum curriculum.qca.org.uk is embedded within our own unique Creative Learning Curriculum . Children in Year 6 also have the option of taking the 11+ exam to gain a place at a Grammar School.

The school has two resource units. We have a 38 place unit for children with Physical, Medical and Sensory difficulties. We also have a twelve place unit for children with Social, Emotional and Behavioural difficulties called the Treehouse. The school became Grant Maintained in 1992 and then a Foundation School in 1992. www.fasna.org.uk. The school has a National Profile and has achieved many awards.

The school is set in attractive grounds with large playing fields. We have a pond and an organic garden and a recently developed activity area for the children. We also have an outdoor classroom.

  

Our school logo was first designed in 1953 with the help of the College of Heralds. The three diamonds in the top are taken from the arms of the Abbey in Huntercombe Lane South and the tree represents our proximity to Burnham Beeches. “The Children Come First” was added in 1991.

You will find a wealth of information about our school as you navigate around the web site.