HEADMASTER'S WELCOME
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family makes. At Pattison, we understand that this choice is about far more than exam results or facilities, it is about finding a place where your child will be known, supported and able to flourish as an individual.
Pattison is a small, independent school with a long and proud heritage in the performing arts, now developed into a broader, creativity-led education with strong academic foundations. We believe that creativity is not an add-on, but a way of thinking; one that builds confidence, communication skills, resilience and independence across all areas of learning.
What sets Pattison apart is our scale and our culture. Small class sizes allow our staff to know every pupil well, to recognise their strengths, support their challenges and help them grow in confidence and ambition. Our pupils are encouraged to perform, not only on stage, but in the classroom, in their thinking, and in the way they present themselves to the world.
Alongside our creative strengths in dance, drama, music and emerging digital media, we place real value on academic rigour, pastoral care and personal development. We are proud to be a school where pupils feel safe to take risks, where individuality is celebrated, and where success is defined as progress, confidence and character as well as grades.
Most importantly, Pattison is a close-knit, welcoming community. Families often tell us that their child is happier, more confident and more engaged in learning once they join us and that sense of belonging is something we work hard to protect as we grow.
I warmly invite you to visit Pattison, meet our pupils and staff, and see for yourself what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
If you would like to see more, please contact Mrs Teresa Hanks at office@pattisons.co.uk or phone her on 024 7645 5031. We all look forward to welcoming you here.
Mr Charles Stafford-Northcote
Head
We welcome children from the age of 3 into our school, and we are participating in the government 15 and 30-hour scheme. Children receive an excellent start to their educational journey.
A Seamless Journey from Prep to Senior School
At Pattison, education is a journey that develops over time. From the Prep School through to the Senior School, pupils are supported by a consistent ethos, strong relationships and a curriculum designed to build confidence, creativity and academic success.
This is our dance school section, with courses in all styles of dance offered, after school or on Saturdays. This is run by professionally trained dance teachers.
In History this week, Year 5 & 6 pupils have been using AI as a learning tool to interview historical figures as part of their current unit of study. They have been learning how to set up effective prompts to ensure the information they receive is accurate and relevant, while also developing their critical thinking skills by evaluating which responses are most useful for their learning.
Working in pairs, pupils are investigating the history of different countries across Asia and have enjoyed ‘speaking’ to historical figures from a range of cultures and time periods. This innovative approach has encouraged thoughtful questioning, careful analysis and deeper engagement with historical enquiry.
Feb 6
Year 8 pupils have been carrying out practical experiments to demonstrate the difference between chemical reactions and physical changes as part of their chemistry unit on the periodic table.
Throughout the lesson, pupils carefully recorded their predictions and observations, before identifying whether each experiment showed a chemical reaction or a physical change. This hands-on approach helped to deepen their understanding of how substances behave and change, while reinforcing key scientific skills such as observation, recording and evaluation.
Feb 5
Year 7 pupils have been developing their drama skills through improvisation with Miss Sarah. Through spontaneous scenes and creative scenarios, pupils explored character, movement and reaction, learning how to think on their feet and respond confidently to others.
There was plenty of energy, imagination and teamwork on display as pupils experimented with ideas and brought moments to life — a fantastic example of creativity and confidence growing in the drama studio.
Feb 5
This week, Year 5 and 6 pupils have been learning about the structure of newspaper reports, with a particular focus on writing introductions that grab the reader’s attention.
To bring this learning to life, pupils watched the short film The Lighthouse and then retold the story from the perspective of news reporters. This creative approach helped them to think carefully about headline hooks, key facts and engaging openings, while applying their understanding of journalistic style.
A fantastic example of creative writing combined with strong structural awareness — well done Year 5 and 6.
Feb 4
Year 3 and 4 pupils enjoyed an energetic PE session with Mrs Rees, focusing on strength, flexibility and control through carefully practised floor work. The children showed excellent concentration and determination as they worked on their positions, developing both physical skills and body awareness.
A fantastic session that combined focus, fitness and fun — well done Year 3 and 4!
Feb 4
Members of the Eco Team got creative by making their own bird feeders and hanging them in the garden trees. This hands-on activity is all part of our preparations for Bird Watch Week, helping to attract a variety of birds and encourage close observation of local wildlife.
It was lovely to see pupils working together, caring for the environment and taking practical steps to support biodiversity in our school grounds.
Feb 3
Year 7 pupils have been investigating the properties of solids, liquids and gases through hands-on experiments and careful observation. They explored how each state behaves, discussing particle movement and comparing characteristics such as shape, volume and flow. A great example of curious minds at work and science learning brought to life.
Feb 3
We’re pleased to share this week’s lunch menu, offering a mix of comforting classics and well-balanced meals for pupils to enjoy.
Monday
Lasagne or Vegetarian Lasagne with vegetables
Dessert: Treacle Sponge with Custard.
Tuesday
Chicken or Vegetable Enchilada with potato wedges and sweetcorn.
Dessert: Yoghurt and cherries
Wednesday
Roast Pork or Vegetable Slice with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
Dessert: Chocolate sponge and custard.
Thursday
Pizza and beans
Dessert: Cookie.
Friday
A classic end-of-week treat — fish & chips or chicken nuggets & chips, served with beans or peas.
Dessert: Lemon Drizzle cake.
Feb 2