The Old Palace School was once the home of the Archbishops of Canterbury and still retains the charm and character of a stately building. In recent months the school has been entirely refurbished. It has a new music room, science laboratory and art/technology workshop, and a computer network.
Girls can come to the school at the age of 4+ and enjoy an excellent education. Reading, writing and mathematical skills are given great emphasis and taught to a very high standard in parallel with vocational subjects such as Information Technology and Craft, Design and Technology. The teachers adhere to the requirements of the National Curriculum and lessons are taught with its importance in mind. The teaching of many subjects is in the hands of specialist teachers which is greatly to the girls' benefit.
Wider experience of learning is given with Field Trips to the Flatford Mill area, home of John Constable, for the girls in year six. Ski-ing trips abroad take place annually and numerous day trips are arranged to fit into the curriculum. Considerable emphasis is placed on music, drama and spoken English.
Entrance to the Main School is not automatic but excellent grounding in Mathematics, English and Verbal Reasoning ensure that the girls have the best possible chance of reaching the level needed for entering the Main School and there are the scholarships available for those who show a high level of academic achievement.
The School is a member of the Whitgift Foundation which also includes Whitgift School and Trinity School of John Whitgift.
