School LifeOur philosophy & approach

Our academic philosophy

At Barrow Hills, our philosophy is to provide the structure and care that enables all groups of learners to achieve exceptional academic progress. We believe that fostering quiet confidence and self-motivation equips our children to “achieve greater things.” Above all, we aim to develop a warm emotional intelligence.

How do we achieve this?

We balance the rigour of broad academic outcomes with a consistent and supportive system of pastoral care. Every child is not only known but deeply understood. From hobbies to cognitive development to friendships, our Form Tutors serve as a cornerstone of knowledge and guidance, supported by senior pastoral staff in each section of the school. Further stability is provided by our celebratory House system, where enthusiastic and caring Year 7 and Year 8 pupils act as exemplary role models for our youngest students.

Character development complements the balance between academics and pastoral care:

Our key principles – being connected, active, compassionate, scholarly, and curious—are woven consistently throughout our academic planning, reward systems, and form times, much like the lettering in a stick of rock. Soft skills are as integral to a forward-looking curriculum as knowledge and concepts. Parents can witness this philosophy in action during our weekly celebration assemblies, where every detail reflects our commitment to holistic development.

We foster strong character development through integrating values-based education into classroom activities, mentorship programs, and community initiatives and so encourage students to develop resilience, empathy, and integrity.

A scholarly mindset

We excel in 11+ and 13+ exams and scholarships, and much of this success stems from the children’s genuine love of learning. Whether a child’s passion lies in hockey, choir, 3D printing, or the National Science Quiz, we know how to discover it—and how to nurture it. We believe that quiet self-confidence arises from a deep connection with an area of personal interest.

To maximise this, we introduce specialised teaching from two years old, ensuring that passions are discovered and developed from a young age. Our specialist sports, foreign language, computing and arts teachers work with children from the Early Years classes upwards. Additionally, we offer a robust co-curricular program early in a child’s journey, giving them the agency to explore and deepen their interests.

Barrow Hills School feels like a family: one with high expectations and a lot of love.

Our children

We are proud to say that they are our greatest ambassadors. Consistent feedback from visitors—whether parents, academics, governors, or inspectors—highlights the palpable warmth and kindness in our children. Whether serving as Eco-Prefects or School Captains, our pupils are proactive in building and sustaining a positive school culture.

The feeling of Barrow Hills is a vital part of our identity. Just as we use the latest assessment technologies to carefully track and act on our pupils’ academic progress in subjects like mathematics, science, and English, we also track indicators of well-being. We know just how positively they feel about school, their self-regard, work ethic, preparedness for learning, self-confidence, and more.

These indicators of happiness are as important – if not more so – than excellent exam results year after year. Barrow Hills children feel happy and safe, and that’s why they thrive.

Our children embody curiosity, compassion, and confidence. They are encouraged to think critically, embrace challenges, and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Our children are not just learners – they are leaders in the making, prepared to shine in every aspect of life.

On independence

We encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning within a supportive environment. Interactive, well-planned lessons and homework tasks which begin from Pre-Prep, combined with purposeful use of technology, provide a strong scaffold for success. Our older children learn to effectively use their own laptops, adding layers of research and depth to their studies. Opportunities for self-directed exploration, leadership roles, and real-world application of skills, help students build confidence and resilience.

Within lessons, we create opportunities for peer group study, as well as paired and individual pathways, enabling children to explore topics in greater depth and develop higher-order thinking skills. Older pupils also participate in timetabled ‘thinking skills’ lessons. Across subjects—from maths to geography to Forest School—problem-solving and investigative study are central to curriculum delivery.

Our approach to assessment and marking across subjects provides ample opportunities for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of their learning journey. A wide and inclusive approach to competition—whether it’s the Primary Maths Challenge, National Science Quiz, or the Townsend Warner Essay Writing Competition—allows pupils to build independence while honing their study skills.

Our children also have the agency to choose from a broad range of co-curricular clubs during lunchtimes and after school, enabling them to deepen or broaden their individual interests and passions.

Leadership & captaincy opportunities

In Upper Prep, children are encouraged to apply for captaincy roles in areas that interest them, such as leading a ‘house’, sports, art, drama, or even gardening. The children set their own targets and goals during regular meetings with their form tutors, deciding how they will achieve these goals and make a meaningful difference at Barrow Hills. Such a go-to approach enabled the children to gain a distinction in the national Green Awards in 2024.

Teachers encourage pupils to be curious about their metacognition – understanding how they learn best and identifying where they find things more challenging. We take a ‘growth mindset’ approach where any failure is seen as an opportunity to learn.