Thoughts from the Study
I strongly believe that the key to learning is actively seeking feedback. Ultimately, whether you fail or succeed, there is always something positive to take away. That golden nugget of a suggestion, an idea from a passionate colleague, a supportive parent, a community-focused neighbour, or of course from the mighty pupil voice, all deserve time and attention. All ideas are to be respected and understood. At a very early age, we learn to find that balance between agreement and understanding, which more often than not, comes by active listening and finding common ground. The building of relationships and mutual respect is therefore pertinent and a key skill that we instil in the children at Broomfield.
Learning to disagree and accept different points of view can be difficult. In school, it is often the playground that presents opportunities for children to harness their diplomacy and self-leadership. I was on the bottom patch earlier this week and stepped foot on the pitch during break time with Year 3 football. Firstly, I am sure I used to be much better at football and secondly, I was rather impressed that when one boy accidentally fouled another, those who were playing were able to very sensibly discuss what had happened, hear from all sides, and then make a combined, agreed decision on whether to award a penalty or not. I am not sure why a foul in the very far end of the pitch constitutes a penalty on the other side, but prep school football has a flexible and evolving set of rules.
In my twenty years of working in education, I can think of numerous Education Secretaries who have rolled out policies and ideologies that I have completely disagreed with. I can, however, fully respect the purpose and aim of all who have had the privilege of holding this role (however briefly!), with the purpose being to improve the quality of education within the UK. If we take a moment to step back and consider the bigger picture and the long-termism, the decision-making involved has at some stage allowed the UK to rise up the global PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings, to 11th in maths and 13th for both reading and science. If Broomfield were a country, I am confident that given our own school academic averages are significantly above the national averages, we would be world-leading with our data.
Finland, once considered a world leader in education, has seen a significant decline in the academic performance of 15-year-olds in science, reading, and maths, with a 23-point drop in mathematical literacy since 2018. I was listening to an audiobook about this very point on the train to work earlier in the week, and although the data shows a drop, with other countries overtaking Finland in the rankings, part of the performance deficit has been attributed to the fact that other countries have adapted their own educational policies based on what worked so well in Finland. This, to me, is a case in point, recognising the value in listening to others, reflecting on what works well before adapting our own stance or mindset so we can all benefit from a positive way forward.
A further example of this came from my daughter’s nursery this week. Indigo was playing in the sandpit with her toddler friends, holding the coveted blue plastic spade. Now, this spade is quite possibly the spade of all spades, the one tool that allows a toddler to build the greatest of sandcastles… or so I imagine. One of her peers, who wanted the spade of destiny, reached out to take the spade for themselves. Being a toddler, I am sure Indigo boldly refused, and in retaliation, the other toddler bit her on her arm.
In that moment, the nursery staff stepped in, gently guiding both children to express their feelings and understand each other’s perspective. They encouraged Indigo and her friend to listen to one another, to share the spade, and to recognise that sometimes we must compromise to play harmoniously. This simple yet profound interaction mirrors the larger lesson we all must all continue to learn: the importance of listening, understanding, and finding common ground.
Just as in the playground or nursery, in our adult lives and professional environments, it is through these small acts of empathy and negotiation that we build stronger, more respectful communities. Whether on the football pitch, in the classroom, or within the broader educational landscape, the ability to listen and appreciate different viewpoints is what ultimately drives progress and harmony. It is a lesson that begins in childhood but remains essential throughout our lives.
Wishing you all a fantastic half term.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster
We are proud of our Year 6 children who noticed an alarming amount of rubbish on the beach in Spain and decided to take action. The children were able to gather a significant amount of rubbish. It was great to see Broomfield’s eco credentials extending beyond the school grounds – even on holiday! #litterpick #environmentalawareness #prepschooltrip #spainschooltrip
We are proud of our Year 6 children who noticed an alarming amount of rubbish on the beach in Spain and decided to take action. The children were able to gather a significant amount of rubbish. It was great to see Broomfield’s eco credentials extending beyond the school grounds – even on holiday! #litterpick #environmentalawareness #prepschooltrip #spainschooltrip ...
Exciting news – we are launching Broomfield Community Videos! 🎥 Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing heartfelt videos from our parents, staff introductions, and of course, some special moments with our pupils. Stay tuned for an inside look at what makes Broomfield such a unique and supportive community! #prepschoolinrichmond #prepschoolinkew #broomfieldfamily #broomfieldcommunity #prepschoolcommunity #prepschooltestimonial #parenttestimonials #prepschoollife
Exciting news – we are launching Broomfield Community Videos! 🎥 Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing heartfelt videos from our parents, staff introductions, and of course, some special moments with our pupils. Stay tuned for an inside look at what makes Broomfield such a unique and supportive community! #prepschoolinrichmond #prepschoolinkew #broomfieldfamily #broomfieldcommunity #prepschoolcommunity #prepschooltestimonial #parenttestimonials #prepschoollife ...
Broomfield House School has once again been included in the Spear’s Magazine Schools Indices this year. The indices have been compiled by Spear’s in collaboration with their expert partners at Thuso and a panel of independent educationalists from around the world.
For the second consecutive year, our outstanding educational provision has been recognised in this prestigious guide, featured alongside St Paul’s Juniors, Dulwich Prep London, and Westminster Under School.
Broomfield House School has once again been included in the Spear’s Magazine Schools Indices this year. The indices have been compiled by Spear’s in collaboration with their expert partners at Thuso and a panel of independent educationalists from around the world.
For the second consecutive year, our outstanding educational provision has been recognised in this prestigious guide, featured alongside St Paul’s Juniors, Dulwich Prep London, and Westminster Under School. ...
Outstanding 11+ results once again! We celebrate another year of exceptional senior school offers and scholarships this week. With our renowned, carefully tailored approach, we provide families with expert guidance. Our highly effective process achieved an incredible 97% accuracy in predicting Year 6 offers, a testament to our deep understanding of each pupil’s potential and aspirations. Well done Year 6, we could not be more proud! #11plussuccess #celebratingyear6 #11plusprep #11plusresults #leaversdestinations #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinrichmond
Outstanding 11+ results once again! We celebrate another year of exceptional senior school offers and scholarships this week. With our renowned, carefully tailored approach, we provide families with expert guidance. Our highly effective process achieved an incredible 97% accuracy in predicting Year 6 offers, a testament to our deep understanding of each pupil’s potential and aspirations. Well done Year 6, we could not be more proud! #11plussuccess #celebratingyear6 #11plusprep #11plusresults #leaversdestinations #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinrichmond ...
We are celebrating World Book Day with a truly special treat this year! Following the success of yesterday’s incredible Dukes Great British Bake Off, we are launching our first-ever Dukes Great British Bake-Off Recipe Book with families this week.
Finalists from across the Dukes family showcased their delicious, book-inspired bakes to a panel of judges at Dukes House, and their creations were simply too yummy to resist! From magical cakes to literary-themed pastries, the creativity of all the finalists was nothing short of extraordinary.
We were delighted to be joined by Aatif Hassan, Chairman and Founder of Dukes Education, and Tim Fish, UK CEO, who celebrated the children’s fantastic creations alongside us.
A huge thank you also to all the English departments who took part, celebrating not just baking, but the love of books and storytelling through food. And last but not least, a special thank you to Lauren Carver Williams, Head of KS1 at Broomfield House School, for her incredible work in organising this event!
@dukes_education @bassetthouseschool @broomwood_preprep @copperfieldverbier @dhsprep @eatonhouseschools.themanor @knightsbridge_school @radnorhouseprepschool @pointerschool
We are celebrating World Book Day with a truly special treat this year! Following the success of yesterday’s incredible Dukes Great British Bake Off, we are launching our first-ever Dukes Great British Bake-Off Recipe Book with families this week.
Finalists from across the Dukes family showcased their delicious, book-inspired bakes to a panel of judges at Dukes House, and their creations were simply too yummy to resist! From magical cakes to literary-themed pastries, the creativity of all the finalists was nothing short of extraordinary.
We were delighted to be joined by Aatif Hassan, Chairman and Founder of Dukes Education, and Tim Fish, UK CEO, who celebrated the children’s fantastic creations alongside us.
A huge thank you also to all the English departments who took part, celebrating not just baking, but the love of books and storytelling through food. And last but not least, a special thank you to Lauren Carver Williams, Head of KS1 at Broomfield House School, for her incredible work in organising this event!
@dukes_education @bassetthouseschool @broomwood_preprep @copperfieldverbier @dhsprep @eatonhouseschools.themanor @knightsbridge_school @radnorhouseprepschool @pointerschool ...
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday ...
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay ...
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters ...
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow.
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow. ...
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟 ...
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟 ...
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term.
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term. ...