In today’s rapidly evolving world, education must do more than prepare children to pass exams — it must equip them to face life with curiosity, creativity and courage. At Swanbourne House, this is at the very heart of what we do.
Our 105-year heritage is a source of strength, but our eyes are fixed firmly on the future – a future that will no doubt demand adaptability, creativity, resilience and imagination.
With this in mind, we build a toolkit for our pupils which helps prepare them not just for a life of tests, but the tests of life.
Through challenge, encouragement and opportunity, we help our pupils discover what they love, who they are and how they can contribute. The breadth and depth of our co-curricular programme is designed to excite curiosity, build independence and ignite lifelong passions. The offer is ambitious and inclusive, with opportunities that develop four key areas: Academic, Sporting, Creative and Life-Skills. Whether a child is exploring augmented reality in a digital club, learning fencing footwork, baking bread from scratch, or belting out ballads at Saturday Song Club, there is purpose and progression in every experience.
This culture of exploration is about trying new things as well as recognising potential and giving it room to grow. Every club, activity and project is intentionally designed to stretch pupils beyond the classroom and support them in developing key skills – such as resilience, collaboration, adaptability – that they’ll carry with them for life. As they move through the school, pupils begin to connect the dots between what they enjoy and what it could lead to, building both self-awareness and ambition.
Children are incredibly motivated when they see their learning applied to the real world. That’s why enterprise and entrepreneurship are threaded throughout the curriculum. Financial literacy, critical thinking and teamwork are also woven into projects that simulate real-life dynamics.
In Maths, pupils learn about stock market trends and run investment simulations, learning to interpret risk and reward. In DT, they’ve created their own chocolate brands – using digital design tools to shape moulds, build packaging and develop recipes, blending creativity with commercial thinking. It’s problem solving with purpose — and pupils thrive when they see how their ideas can make an impact. In our Outdoor Learning classroom it’s about rolling up sleeves and thinking through doing. They’re building dens, solving physical challenges and working as a team to create something from scratch, learning on the move and seeing the results of their efforts take shape in the real world.
New appointment
Swanbourne House has announced the appointment of Jonny Cater as its new Director of Sport. With over a decade of teaching experience and a strong track record as Head of Boys’ Sport, he brings energy, expertise and a clear vision to the role. A highly accomplished sportsman, Jonny has just stepped down as captain of Oxfordshire County Cricket Club, a position he held for eight seasons, leading the side to two national titles. He continues to play Premier League cricket and has represented South of England U13, British Universities, and in earlier years, played for Oxford United Academy, East Anglia Boys, and the National Badminton Centre Talent Development Programme.
Swanbourne House is an independent school for children aged 3 to 13 years, located just outside Milton Keynes near Winslow.
Membership of The Stowe Group, gives Swanbourne pupils access to a combined site of over 800 acres with exceptional educational and co-curricular facilities. Swanbourne House families receive a 10% discount on Boarding fees or a 5% discount on Day fees at Stowe.
To find out more about Swanbourne House email admissions@swanbourne.org or visit their website.
Written by Nick Holloway, Head of Swanbourne House.
