(AD Disclaimer: This blog post was written in paid partnership with Long Close School. Views are those of Berkshire Mummies following a tour of the school in Autumn 2024).
Overview of the School
Long Close School is part of the Cognita Group, which is made up of over 100 schools globally. Cognita Group have one common purpose: to enable students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Long Close School sits discreetly next to Upton Court Park in Slough. It’s a low-key campus with charm and a sense of calm, as well as children who seem very happy to be at their school. The size of the school site was larger than I anticipated and I just loved that much of the site was surrounded by established trees.
The co-ed school offers education for children aged 2 – 16, with dedicated areas of the school for Early Years, Prep and Senior.
A New Head
New Headmaster, Dr Richard Robson arrived at Long Close School for the start of academic year 2024/2025. Dr Robson has multiple year’s experience as Head at high performing private schools and joined Congita Schools in September 2024 with enthusiasm and hunger to take Long Close School into the next chapter of the school’s history. Dr Robson was an ISI Inspector from 2009 – 2024 bringing a wealth of insight and knowledge into the school.
From meeting with Dr Robson, he is a hands-on head, keen to being in the classroom teaching and engaging with the pupils whilst having a clear approach about how he will lead his staff to deliver a holistic education for the pupils.
School Life and The Curriculum
For me three things really stood out during my tour – happy self-assured children, inquisitive learners and staff who had a passion and compassion for what they were teaching and the pupils.
During my tour I was invited to stay for lunch and I met with the catering team, the Head Chef was extremely passionate about the food the catering team were producing for the school community and there was a wide selection for both hot food and also the salad bar – the children could eat from both and then there was a selection of hot and cold desserts too, with plenty of fruit on offer. I also liked the fact the children could pick if they would like to eat inside or outside during the warmer times of year.
There was a clear system in place at lunchtime for children with allergies and dietary requirements, as the children wore different coloured lanyards, which aligned with a colour co-ordinated menu, so it was easy for the staff to ensure each of the children were eating suitable food for their requirements.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Long Close School offer a varied extra-curricular programme to enhance each child’s education beyond the typical school day. Helping them to meet new people, step out of their comfort zone and develop new and wider interest.
A whole host of extra-curricular activities are on offer including;
Football, Dance, Drama, Cricket, Film-Club, Story Box Club, Study Club, STEM Club, Traditional Games, Football, Art Club, Musical Theatre, Chess Club, Sewing Club, Journalism and Pupil Voice Newspaper, Water Sports, Spanish Magazine, Dungeons and Dragons.
The school embraces celebrations and special occasions with events such as Diwali, the school nativity and Remembrance Day all playing a part in the children’s education. Outdoor learning is also embraced in a range of subjects from art to maths.
The children also enhance their learning through their awareness of supporting local and national charities such as Slough Food Bank, Children in Need and Comic Relief.
After School Provision
At Long Close Primary School, the school offers an after-school care program from 15:30 to 18:00 daily.
The dedicated staff supervise a range of activities which include homework support, arts and crafts, sports and games in a safe environment.
The after-school provision is seen as an extension of the school day, where children are encouraged to continue their personal growth and exploration of interests and gives them the chance to develop friendships with peers from the school.
Facilities
The school is made up of a series of buildings with outdoor space and sports pitches including cricket nets and astro turf pitches. It is also situated next to the local playing fields which has ample open space.
The Early Years foundation stage have the most wonderful outdoor play space complete with reading area, play area and play equipment and raised beds for their homegrown produce – it’s a truly inviting space for children learning through play.
The buildings are a mixture of older buildings with period features and more modern facilities. The school has dedicated rooms for science, music, art plus a performing arts space and library – all which support the children’s learning and development.
The classrooms are a good size, bright and equipped for modern day learning.
Early Years Facilities
The Early Years facility including nursery have a dedicated building and outdoor space, separate to the rest of the school. It is modern, light and the classrooms spacious with toys and learning resources appropriate to the age group. There is an experienced team dedicated to supporting the children during their informative years. During my visit the children were smiley and seemed very relaxed and confident in their environment.
Destination School
Destination Schools include St Bernard’s, Burnham Grammar, Ufton Court Grammar, Langley Grammar, The Abbey, Wellington College, Millfield and Hampton.
Whilst some children go on to new schools at 11+, many continue their education at the school, with more pupils joining Long Close School at 11+.
Fees and Scholarships
Click here to view the Long Close School Fees.
The school offer scholarships in academics, sport, art and music. Click here to find out more.
School Inspection
Click here to read the Long Close School latest Inspection Report which was produced in February 2023. The Inspection Report achieved Good in all areas.
How to Visit
There are three different ways to visit Long Close School. All of the options are a great way for you to get to see the school and gain a feel and understanding of the environment.
You can either attend a playgroup session – parents and grandparents are both very welcome. This is for Early Years settings and aimed at those with babies and toddlers. There is no need to sign-up to these, you can just drop in.
The school host Whole School Open Mornings and there is also an option for a personal tour.
To find out more please click here.
Conclusion
Long Close School is at an exciting point in it’s 80 plus year history, with children striving to ‘Aim Higher’. The arrival Dr Richard Robson and his experience, drive and enthusiasm at the helm will, alongside his established team of staff, I am sure, bring fantastic opportunities for the school and its community during this next chapter.
Dr Robson cares about a holistic education – the children’s happiness and what they can achieve above and beyond this. Emphasis is on the development of the whole child to be equipped for this 21st century world, with a skills-first academic excellence putting equal importance on academia, sport and creativity, both inside and outside the classroom. The school offers a small and nurturing education but is on a mission to add value above and beyond the school fees.
During Berkshire Mummies visit the children were polite, self-assured and engaged with their learning and so keen to demonstrate their knowledge. There was a sense of content around the school with children and staff feeling very much a part of the community.
This is a school which is well worth a visit.
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Disclaimer
Click here to view the Berkshire Mummies disclaimer. This post was written in paid partnership with Long Close School. Berkshire Mummies was invited for a tour at Long Close School, this review is written based on what Berkshire Mummies saw and have learnt about the school doing the visit.
