I became Head of Pitsford School in September 2018, coming to Northamptonshire from a big HMC independent school in Leicestershire, where I had held various senior positions over 18 years.
Pitsford School was, and is, very different from that school, and from most other schools, and it is its uniqueness which made it, and makes it, compelling.
This rareness does not detract from the fact that the school covers all the ground that any leading school would: Pitsford has outstanding academic teaching, delivered by subject specialists (many with higher degrees) who are passionate about their subjects, and who support students to reach and exceed their ambitious academic targets.
Exemplary pastoral care is predicated on the principle that it is best to proactively support students, and have open and robust discussions about wellbeing, rather than to wait for problems to present (indeed in providing things like wellbeing spaces, and communal areas for all students, Pitsford has been ahead of the curve in terms of trends in education). In addition, a lavish extra-curricular programme delivers breadth of opportunity, depth of experience and intensity of experience to every student.
The distinctiveness of Pitsford School is that integral to the vision of the school, from the Governors through to every adult on site and every student who comes through our gates, is that we find the individual in every individual, and empower the students to be the best version of themselves.
Whilst many schools, for obvious and understandable reasons, create ‘gingerbread’ men and women, smoothing off edges and delivering a ‘product’ that is recognisably from that school, at Pitsford we are dedicated to serving the students to find their better and best selves, to become what they most want to be, and to follow their passions and dreams.
In my previous school, every student, at the end of their journey, looked like the Head Boy; at Pitsford, I have 300 different graduates, all different and yet still recognisably Pitsfordian. My students leave Pitsford gifted and equipped with the confidence and skills that they need to make them world-ready citizens of the 21st (and for some 22nd!) Century and imbued with a drive to fully engage with every opportunity with which they are presented.
What this looks like in practice is a dynamic, immersive curriculum which is built around the extraordinary inheritance from which the school draws. Although a relatively young school (founded in 1989), Pitsford is fortunate to be situated in 32 acres of gorgeous parkland, with a combination of old and new facilities, all maintained to an exemplary level, and a pedagogy that is committed to the inherent value of education-in-action, seeing the benefit of having students in the fresh air, learning-by-doing and building relationships and friendships through activity.
A Pitsford education is a lifestyle choice as, included in the fee, we see the activity programme which runs every evening as integral to the education of every student, as much of the learning, and the most impactful socialisation, takes place in this space, and it is here that the students put into practice the lessons learned in the study hall. Drawing lessons from the best that boarding offers, Pitsford is resolutely a day school, but affords all our students the chance to supplement their learning outside the classroom with experiences and opportunities that normally can only be found in boarding. A long day (ending at 5.30pm) ensures students are cared for, stretched and supported.
Running like a red thread through all of this is an excitement that Pitsford, informed by its youth relative to many other independent schools, is not hidebound by the dead hand of long-outlived customs and practices which often cling to august old institutions. Having spent most of my career in a school founded in the 15th century and graduated from the University of Glasgow (founded in 1451) and Balliol College in Oxford (founded in 1263) I have seen up close how tradition can, if you are not careful, inhibit the present!
Pitsford embraces the rare chance to make its own traditions afresh every year. The school is built on the belief that just as one never steps in the same river twice, no school class is ever the same and that insight informs a commitment to making each learning journey fresh every year, adapting the curriculum as the world around it adapts. In line with the famous and anonymous Latin phrase, ‘Tempora mutantur, nos et mutantur in illis’ (times are changed; we too, are changed within them), Pitsford recognises that everything in this world is dynamic, and our boys and girls need the skills and confidences to play their part and to soar while others might sink.
This dynamic and exciting world view is demonstrated every year. Most recently, and extraordinarily, Pitsford focussed on impacting space within school, and with the support of friends of the school and parents, constructed a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre; common rooms for all year groups in the senior school, providing an essential base for belonging for every student; and a lavish outdoor classroom in our Junior School to make real our commitment to learning in the great outdoors.
A unique environment, Pitsford is a beguiling school and is best experienced with a visit!
By Craig Walker, Head of Pitsford School
To find out more about Pitsford School and to book a visit, call 01604 880306 or go to their website.
