Greenhayes School for Boys is located in the commuter suburb of West Wickham, half an hour away from London by train, and on main bus routes serving Bromley, Croydon, Orpington and Beckenham. However, it is also on the edge of the countryside; the tree-lined grounds reflect the Village School that the locally listed building was once. All sports facilities are within easy reach.
Greenhayes is a long-established (1931) traditional boys' school preparing pupils for entrance to all local Independent Schools, including St Dunstan's College, Dulwich College, Whitgift and Trinity, at the age of 11 only. There is a high level of success; in most years every boy who is entered for the major local Independent Schools has been successful, and valuable Scholarships are won. Several places are also offered each year at the local Grammar Schools such as St. Olave's (Orpington) and Wilson's (Sutton). The emphasis is on building solid foundations in 'the 3 Rs', while covering all the National Curriculum subjects, with a reasonable amount of time spent on sport (football, cricket, swimming - boys in all classes swim once a week, all through the year, athletics and cross country running). Music - recorders are taught from age 7 - and art also take their place in the curriculum, with some French and Information Technology.
Greenhayes boys are expected to be obedient, polite and considerate of the needs of others, while developing their own individuality. The atmosphere is similar to that of the old village school; with about 100 boys there is a strong sense of community and a tradition of older boys caring for the younger ones.
Entry at about four and a half years is by application and parental interview, but at age seven or older, boys are assessed. Class numbers average about 14, giving the opportunity for much individual attention, and a part-time remedial teacher helps the slower learners. Boys who are more able are also encouraged to expand their expectations.
In the same grounds is the co-educational Greenhayes Pre-School, separately administered. The house next door was added as an annexe in September 1995, and provides separate science and computer rooms.
