Peter Clare-Hunt tells us about Cumnor House in South Croydon Tell us about the history of the school
Cumnor House, founded in 1931, is a leading IAPS Preparatory School. We accept boys aged two to 13, with principal entry years at two (nursery), four (reception), seven (Year 3) and 11 (Year 7). We provide an all-round education both within and outside the classroom, while preparing boys for a wide range of senior schools, including the local grammar and independent schools (Wilson's, Wallington, Sutton, St Olave's, Whitgift, Trinity, Caterham and Royal Russell) and other HMC schools which include Charterhouse, Tonbridge, Eton, Harrow, Epsom, Westminster, Dulwich and King's College School. Describe the school's ethos
We value the way in which all children are unique and our curriculum promotes respect for the views of each individual child as well as for people of all cultures. We value a working partnership with parents to care for the particular needs and strengths of each boy. We value the spiritual and moral development of each person, as well as their intellectual and physical growth. We value our environment, and we aim to teach respect for our world and how we should care for it for future generations, as well as our own. What are the school's greatest recent achievements?
Cumnor House School offers wonderful opportunities for its boys and these are reflected in our recent achievements. In June 2012 our choristers sang in the Salzburg Cathedral and will be singing with the BBC Singers next term. The junior choir won the Barnardo's National Choir Competition last year and were given the opportunity to perform at the Barnardo's Young Supporters' Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Elsewhere on the music front, around 250 boys play at least one instrument and there are a variety of ensemble groups; string, brass, woodwind, jazz and percussion as well as a large main school orchestra. Our under 11 swimming team not only won the National IAPS title, but went on to become the English Schools' Swimming Association National Champions 2012. Two weeks ago, the boys were awarded the Best Boys' Trophy at the Croydon Schools' Year 3-6 Swimming Finals for the sixth year running. They are training hard and will be competing again in the nationals later this year. Team sport plays an integral part in the education of the boys and teams at all levels take to the field of play in football, rugby and cricket. Up to 150 fixtures and tournaments (including national events) across the year groups take place in any one term. Drama also plays a major role with regular pre-prep concerts and a junior drama production preparing the boys for the annual main school musical production, which this year is Aladdin. The 11+ and 13+ entrance exams have once again brought about another successful year with 21 of our boys achieving scholarships to their senior schools and 14 boys achieving places at grammar schools. Over the past five years alone, 110 boys have been awarded scholarships. Why should parents send their child to your school?
Because parents want the best for their child and we aim to provide the best. From a child's very first day at our school, in a happy, warm and nurturing environment, we lay the foundation for a love of learning that will remain with them throughout the course of their school life, providing the bedrock for future success. The mark of a Cumnor House boy, therefore, is one who is enthusiastic and willing with a zest for learning and who adheres to those timeless values of good manners, courtesy, kindness and respect for others. Our next open mornings are on April 26 and June 7, from 9.15 and 11am.
School name: Cumnor House Boys School
Address: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, CR2 6DA
Head teacher: Peter Clare-Hunt
Number of pupils: 440
