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CHOOSING the right school for your child is an important decision and not one to be made lightly.

There are great opportunities and life experiences offered by both state and independent schooling, with the best schools from both sectors providing an outstanding education to their pupils.

However, the truth is there are not enough outstanding state schools in the region to offer these opportunities.

Recent research by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University demonstrated that attending an independent school in England is associated with the equivalent of two additional years of schooling by the age of 16.

With this in mind it’s easy to understand why more parents are choosing an independent education for their children.

Choosing an independent school can help give your child an advantage for future success. Numerous reports prove pupils from independent schools lead the UK’s top professions in their field. Whether that be in law, healthcare, sports, politics, media, music or banking, there is a clear domination by alumni of independent schools.

Academic excellence is the foundation to an exceptional education – and Red House School has academic excellence in abundance.

The school’s 2015 GCSE results were amongst the highest in the region, it was ranked No.1 independent school in the area in the Department for Education Performance Tables, and its Early Years Foundation Stage achieved the highest rating of ‘outstanding’ in every category by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Red House School is proud to offer an education that not only results in academic excellence, but prepares pupils with life skills and confidence to excel, ensuring they shine at every opportunity.

Darlington and Stockton Times:
Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the balanced education on offer at Red House School

The school firmly believes in a well-rounded and balanced education and, whilst academic results are certainly important, an essential part of the education the children receive is formed through the sporting, co-curricular activities, school trips and excursions they experience. The wider opportunity available to pupils to be part of sports tours, ski trips, choirs, pubic speaking and musical performances is an education in its own right.

The school’s fees remain lower than any other independent school in the area for children aged three to 16, ensuring that pupils receive the best education whilst their parents receive value for money throughout all aspects of school life.

There is often a misconception that only the very wealthy can afford independent schooling, but this isn’t the case. A diverse range of families attend Red House, many of whom make lifestyle sacrifices to fund their child’s education. A monthly payment plan, in association with the finance provider ‘School Fee Plan’, ensures Red House is accessible and affordable. There is also a means tested bursary scheme available.

What makes Red House truly unique is the renowned ethos and spirit of the school. This nurturing environment allows the school to capture and develop the intrinsic curiosity and love of learning of each child. A positive and supportive environment creates a unique family atmosphere, which is apparent from the moment you are welcomed into the school. As Red House is not restricted by the National Curriculum, it can provide pupils with the broad and dynamic bespoke education that is vital in developing children’s interests and talents, whilst ultimately preparing them for their GCSEs. This also allows the school to build a personalised curriculum that truly targets each child’s strength and potential weakness.

Red House School has a rich and fascinating history with the distinctive red brick building of the Prep & Senior School being a familiar and much-loved landmark of Norton Green since the late 19th Century. The school has developed and expanded over the years to include additional classroom and laboratories, ICT and sports facilities. A commitment to invest and develop the school on its current site in Norton was recently announced. This commitment, to advance and evolve the school, ensures Red House will continue to offer a first-class education today and well into the future. There are also commitments to develop a Sixth Form as part of the school’s long-term strategy. The appointment of Mr Ken James as Headmaster of Red house School from September 2016 forms an integral part in the future direction of the school. Mr James is a great believer in the benefits of an holistic education and fully intends to support and enhance the co-curricular provision, whilst ensuring academic standards remain high. Red House School will be welcoming visitors to an Open Morning on Saturday, May 7, from 10am-1pm where they can appreciate the friendly ethos of the school by experiencing it first-hand.

Visitors will be offered a guided tour of the facilities and will have the chance to meet pupils and chat to the wonderful staff. For those unable to attend the Open Morning, visits on an individual basis can be arranged. Admissions to the school are considered at any stage of your child’s education.

For more details on the next Open Morning or to arrange an individual school visit, please contact Claire Bellerby, Head of Admissions on 01642 558119 or email Claire.bellerby@ redhouseschool.co.uk.