Keble School in Winchmore Hill passes with FLYING COLOURS
Keble School is not alone in facing some extraordinary challenges this year but the resilience of the school community in adversity has made headmaster, Perran Gill, justifiably proud.
I’m proud that the School has continued to earn that trust in challenging circumstances and live up to our values of hard work, honesty and consideration for others.
The boys’ prep school in Winchmore Hill is already well into the new school year and the focus is firmly on providing a Covid-secure, safe and happy environment for learning and a sense of stability.
Boys are back in the classrooms, science lab, music rooms, art studio and on the astro courts. The clubs and activities programme is in full swing so boys can pursue their interests and develop new ones as part of their own bubble, from Lego modelling to debating, karate to chess. Hot lunches are served each school day to maintain energy levels and special events such as Harvest Festival, World Mental Health Day and Egyptian Day enable boys to learn about the world around them.
“I think the real test of any organisation is how it responds in adversity,” says Perran. “I already knew Keble was a nurturing and happy environment but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see staff, pupils and their parents working together and supporting each other through this difficult time. This isn’t over but we have shown we have the collective strength and positivity to overcome any obstacles, from remote learning to virtual parents’ evenings!”
Perran himself embodies this cando attitude, being appointed to take charge at Keble at the start of lockdown. He was undaunted by the responsibility of leading the school, despite the exceptional situation: “Whether as the captain of a rugby team or in my teaching career, I have always liked solving problems and inspiring the people around me. These are skills that every headmaster should have but of course they are especially important during this extraordinary situation.”
As Deputy Head at Keble for six years, Perran is already a familiar face to parents and boys and has a strong sense of what makes the School special. “Since Keble was founded more than 90 years ago, we have been a traditional prep school for boys aged 4-13 but at the same time, we have a modern approach to learning and development. “We are non-selective but challenge pupils academically with a broad curriculum which includes ICT. In fact, technology is one of our strengths. We have long provided supervised opportunities for younger pupils to engage safely with online learning, while each senior school boy is given their own iPad to help enhance independent learning. The goal is to develop essential IT skills for the future but it certainly helped to put us on the front foot when lockdown began.
“We pride ourselves on our warm, family community and I think this friendly atmosphere is something you feel from the moment you walk into the school grounds. Pastoral care underlines everything we do and we really feel this approach helps the boys develop life skills, confidence and selfrespect so they can be the best version of themselves.” From their first days in Reception, Keble’s dedicated early years team encourages boys to share, be independent and develop their curiosity for learning. As they move through the junior school, they receive specialist teaching in French, Music, Art and have a chance to compete in team sports, including football, rugby and cricket. At senior level, teaching staff prepare the boys for the next stage of their education, including sitting the Common Entrance exam. It is testament to the inspirational teaching, small class sizes and pupils’ commitment to learning that Keble boys are routinely offered places at the top Independent and Grammar Schools locally and nationally.
“Everyone at Keble recognises the huge trust that parents place in us to provide the best all round education we possibly can for their sons,” concludes Perran. “I’m proud that the School has continued to earn that trust in challenging circumstances and live up to our values of hard work, honesty and consideration for others.”
To discover more about Keble, visit kebleprep.co.uk, or call 020 8360 3359 or email [email protected]
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