In general each class contains a balance of boys and girls of mixed ability.
There is no formal entrance test although prospective pupils will be invited to spend a trial day at Spring Grove, joining the class of the appropriate year group. Spring Grove School offers admission to any child who, in the opinion of the Head, (advised by a number of other staff), will have a happy and fulfilling time at the school and hence will benefit from the type of education offered. The School admits pupils with a broad range of academic ability.
Education Policy:
We aim to encourage each individual pupil to achieve his or her maximum potential and prepare them for their Secondary Education. In other words, our teaching is inspirational and whets the child's appetite for learning.
The curriculum includes material to meet the National Curriculum requirements for the Foundation stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
This is used as a basis to prepare children for the Kent Selection process for Grammar schools based on the 11+ examination in which we have about a fine success rate. We take seriously our role in preparing children for these important tests and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that every child has the best opportunity to achieve a grammar school place.
Click here to read our Academic Curriculum and 11+ Policy.
Some of our pupils go on to local Independent Schools, such as Ashford School, Kent College, St Edmunds, The King's School, Canterbury, Dover College and Sutton Valence, often with a Scholarship or Bursary. These schools usually have their own entrance exam based on the KS2 syllabus. In the last two years, Spring Grove pupils have been awarded 8 scholarship awards.
Supporting our teaching, our active Learning Support department (which supports and trains all staff) is committed to identifying the individual needs of each pupil.
Structure of the classes:
'Teddy Bears': Ages 2 years to 3 years
Foundation years:
Nursery: Ages 3 years to 4 years
Reception: Ages 4 years to 5 years
Key Stage 1:
Form 1 Tigers: Ages 5 years to 6 years
Form 2 Leopards: Ages 6 years to 7 years
Key Stage 2:
Prep 3J and 3G: Ages 7 years to 8 years
Prep 4C and 4W: Ages 8 years to 9 years
Prep 5D and 5M: Ages 9 years to 10 years
Prep 6: Ages 10 years to 11 years
In forms 1 and 2 the class teachers teach most of the subjects. Computing, music and PE are taught by specialist teachers.
At the end of Form 2, when the pupils are about 7 years old, they will take the Key Stage 1 SATS assessment tests during the Summer Term.
In Form 3 the children have a little more responsibility and start to have homework. From year 3 onwards the first earnest steps towards the 11+ preparation begin from which every child, whether they will take the exam or not, will benefit.
In Prep 4, Prep 5 and Prep 6 there is a more formal atmosphere to give the pupils the best opportunity to do well at 11+ or entry into a senior independent school.
The added responsibility is also to help the children cope better when they move on to the increased freedom at their next school.
Throughout Years 5 and 6 the children are engaged in the Spring Grove Challenge Award Scheme which is designed to give breadth to the educational experience and also encourages the children to focus on achievement and success.
At all levels our overriding concern is with the development of your children as people. To identify and nurture talent and at the same time keep the sense of a family atmosphere that prevails in the school.