Leighton Park School

The school was founded in 1880. Leighton Park is a boarding school and full-time co-educational school. It is a 30-minute drive from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as Paddington Station in London. Not far from the school is the city of Reading.

Young people and their parents always want to find a school different from others. Education that only prepares for exams is not enough. Based on Quaker values, Leighton Park offers a community that develops talents, helps children grow up and become tolerant, develops creative thinking and the ability to stand out from the crowd.

The religious community of friends, Quakers, are people who believe that everyone is from God. They do not recognize differences in skin colour, class or gender. Quakers respect honesty, directness, simplicity, equality and peace - all this is central to their behaviour.

Life at Leighton Park reflects the fundamentals of Quakers. The school has created a society of tolerance and understanding, where a balance is always maintained between discipline, especially self-discipline, freedom and learning.

Many parents completely unrelated to Quakerism chose Leighton Park because of an atmosphere of support and enthusiasm.

Every good school has a well-organized system of rewards and measures, and Leighton Park is no exception. The most important thing is an approach to discipline, which involves spending time listening and discussing. This method means that sometimes things can be resolved longer than usual, but decisions are therefore more balanced.

“Teachers support and follow the call of duty to be sure that each student is comfortable on his subject”

George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, convinces Friends to "walk the world briskly, realizing that God is in everyone." This is an excellent foundation for education and for humanity. This is at the very heart of everything that employees do here.

DIRECTOR (stand 2023)

Matthew Judd, education - University of Wales, specialization - geography; Cambridge University, teacher qualification. Matthew is the former principal of the Haberdashers ’Aske’s School, which under his leadership in 2017 won first place among UK private schools according to the Sunday Times.

Famous school graduates

• Tony Baldry, politician, MP
• Quentin Bell, writer
• Eliza Bennett, actress (films "Inkheart", "The Prince and Me")
• Stephen Tzui, Consulting Surgeon
• Michael Bignon, journalist
• Owen Bowkot, journalist
• Sir John Birch, former ambassador
• Jim Broadbent, actor, Oscar winner (films "Cloud Atlas", "Gangs of New York", "Moulin Rouge")
• Nathan Crowley, designer and art director, Oscar nominee in the category "Production Designer" for the film "The Dark Knight"
• Jason Darr, actor (films "Purely English Killings", "Numbers")
• Leonard Doncaster, geneticist
• Michael Fott, politician, former leader of the UK Labour Party
• David Lynn, director, twice Oscar winner: films "Lawrence of Arabia", "Bridge over the River Kwai"
• Laura Marling, singer
• Sir Roland Penros, poet, historian
• Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, composer and jazz pianist
• Julian Stallabrass, art historian, photographer
• Stuart Zender, musician
• John Rayman, politician, former member of Parliament

KEY FACTORS

• About 520 students’ study at Leighton Park.
• Children from 20 different nationalities study at the school.
• The ratio of teachers and students is 1: 8.
• High academic standards and a diverse curriculum allow students to achieve the maximum in realizing their potential and talents.
• Together with academic development, children develop as personalities adapted to the world.
• Thanks to the close interaction of teachers and students, mutual respect develops. An atmosphere is created in which students are encouraged, want to work hard and reach unexpected heights.
• School staff always tries to communicate with parents, is ready to listen and consider their views and suggestions.
• 20% of school students with various types of educational needs (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, increased activity syndrome and Asperger syndrome).

EQUIPMENT

Leighton Park is located on 60 acres of hospitable and extensive parkland. The campus is surrounded by beautiful buildings, the location is truly peaceful. The school has new and most modern computers. The school has a theatre and a theatre studio. Excellent conditions for serious music lessons: a recording studio and 10 rooms for music lessons, two huge concert halls. In 2014, the school bought 19 brand new Yamaha pianos. Sports facilities at Leighton Park: a heated indoor pool, soccer fields and fields for various sports, 16 tennis courts, a gym and a sports centre.

PROGRAM

7-8 years of study

The curriculum consists of compulsory subjects of the general education cycle. In addition to the core subjects, all students have elective courses in the CAS subject (Creativity, Activities, and Mutual Assistance), in which they participate in games and various events. To study mathematics, students are divided into groups depending on the level of knowledge and abilities. An important element of training are trips to nearby cities.

9 year of study

Students continue to study a wide range of subjects, including subjects according to the National Curriculum. An obligatory part of the educational process is educational trips. Almost all subjects that are studied at the 9th year of study can be chosen for passing the GCSE.

GCSE (10-11 years of study)

To get a high school diploma (GCSE), students choose 9 or 10 subjects from the list. Including key items and optional items.

Pre-sixth course

An intensive course designed to prepare international students for the Sixth Form in one year. Students take at least 5 GCSE exams. Other subjects are also available for study. Training in small classes. Limited number of seats. In addition, all students carry out an individual project as part of the CAS program.

A-level

Studying high school curriculum at an advanced level. The course is a preparation for entering the university. The course is designed for 2 years. In the first year of study, students choose 4 subjects, and in the second year they can reduce their number to 3.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Leighton Park is an International Baccalaureate Certified School. The program lasts 2 years. The diploma is recognized by universities around the world and is also highly regarded by employers. The course prepares students for the university, provides in-depth knowledge of languages, culture and invaluable life experience.

The program consists of 3 key components. Students are required to study the theory of knowledge (CTC), write an extended essay on the selected subject for 4000 words and complete projects on the CAS course ("Creativity, Activities and Mutual Assistance"). In addition, they choose additional items (one of 6 proposed groups). All subjects can be studied at both standard and difficult levels.

ESL - English as a Second Language

Especially for international students whose native language is not English, an ESL course has been created. It is designed to help children cope with learning difficulties and quickly integrate into school life and the learning process. Classes are taught by teachers with special training.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Accommodation in one of 5 spacious and bright houses: one for students aged 11-13, four for older students, 13-18 years old. Accommodation in double and triple rooms, and high school students in single rooms. The rooms have a bed, wardrobe, desk. Each house has mentors who are always ready to help and answer all questions.

The guesthouse has a friendly and warm atmosphere. There is everything you need for study and a comfortable stay: a kitchen, a computer room, a TV room, a laundry room, common rooms where the guys get together, chat, play games. Each house always has fresh newspapers and magazines, WI-FI is available.

The school cafeteria offers a large selection of healthy and tasty food, it offers stunning panoramic views of the meadows. This is the centrepiece of the entire community. Lively communication amid stunning surroundings - all this makes dinners a joyful part of the school day.

“The boarding school in Leighton Park is special, because people here treat you as if you were special. And here no one feels lonely”

SPORT

Sport in Layton Park is for everyone, whether the child participates in regional, national, international competitions or simply leads a healthy lifestyle. Through excellent training and engagement, the staff inspires even the most reluctant athletes, revealing the hidden potential, for example, a hockey novice who, as a result, plays in the national youth team.

All students have the opportunity to represent the school in various sports. In addition to team games, there is also aerobics, badminton, kayaking, gymnastics, orienteering, dancing, judo, swimming, rowing, gymnastics, tennis, yoga and much more. Sports tours are organized, students can travel around the world, for example, to South Africa, Ireland and Hong Kong.

“After visiting Leighton Park, all the other schools that we saw before did not have the“x-factor ”that exists in Leighton Park.”

Parent of an 8-year-old student

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Music is one of Leighton Park's long-standing strengths. A variety of music classes: choir, jazz groups and instrumental ensembles. Pupils enjoy the opportunity to perform not only at school, but also at the Royal Festival Hall in London and in Albert Hall, in the Birmingham Symphony Hall and on tours to different countries.

The school has many hobby clubs and clubs: from a book club to a chemistry and kayaking club, from dramaturgy to debate, from an orchestra to jazz, from chess to aerobics.

Some students have made an outstanding career on the national stage or in the cinema, initially revealing talent at school.

Leighton Park offers a wide range of opportunities for students to develop creatively: theatre, oratory, debate, painting. The exceptionally well-equipped art department offers students the opportunity to work in various fields, including ceramics, printing, textiles, sculpture, painting, painting and photography, computer technology.

“Drama is my favourite pastime, as it helps to express my passion for theatre.” Student

EXCURSIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

On Saturdays, the school organizes trips for cultural and recreational purposes: visiting London art galleries and museums, shopping in Reading, going to the movies and bowling. Pupils will be able to visit many cities in the UK. Sunday is traditionally dedicated to relaxing relaxation and learning.

COST, 2023-2024

£12,495 - £15,390 per semester (depending on age).

Included in cost

• Teaching
• Accommodation and meals

Extra paid

• Registration fee - £200
• Deposit - the cost of 1 semester
• Flights
• Transfers to / from the airport
• Visa
• Services of the company "Paradise"
• Guardianship (as required by British law)

SERVICES OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMPANY INCLUDE

• Selection of 5-6 schools that best meet the individual characteristics of the child, further goals, talents, with the desired environment. Help in the correct interpretation of school ratings, an explanation of why the school occupies one place or another. Help in obtaining reliable information about schools that are not included in the ratings, with an explanation of the reasons for non-participation in it.
• Admission to 1-3 schools, selected from the proposed. Which includes the preparation of the necessary documents, school reports, characteristics, recommendations. Selection and submission of tests to prepare the student for exam testing, assistance in preparing essays. Preparation for an interview with the teacher / principal, registration for the exam. The necessary list of recommendations when attending school for passing entrance examinations. Correspondence with the school (not all schools enter into correspondence with foreign parents, treat them with caution, trust only a trusted agent).
• Assistance in paying registration fees, deposits, bills. Clarification of school rules, including disciplinary and legal aspects.
• Filling out the required medical forms.
• Selection of guardians required by UK law.

Student supervision during the first month of training is provided as a gift: assistance in resolving issues related to resettlement, billing, informing parents about the child’s health status, assistance with understanding of academic programs, organization of ext. classes for the child in a particular subject, help in choosing the program most suitable for the child, transfer to another class, etc. etc.

Impressions from a school visit

Natasha Strein
Founder of ‘’Paradise’’

I'm back in Reading, 20 minutes by train from central London. At the private school of Leighton Park. I feel good here: the bright green grass of the school expanse happily beats in the eyes and calls to life! I'm here again to inspect the school. When working with demanding customers, it is very important for us that the highest quality standards are met.

The large bright dining room proudly calls itself a restaurant. Delicious aromas are a torture for my receptors, I begin to feel exhausted from hunger at the sight of the buffet: a real abundance, and even look delicious! And I'm very harmful and picky when it comes to food.

In summer, the same chefs cook at the school, rather than unskilled hired buffets hastily employed, as happens in many summer camps. But we do not work with such camps.

A professional theatre with a stage and a linen floor shines with weekly show talents. Last year, our children from all over Russia shocked Reading with their singing and dancing, but perhaps the most original was Albert from Krasnoyarsk, who committed the "death number": during the dance on skates, he jumped over the brave friend Vanya lying on the stage ...

Football and tennis are favourite sports, there are many courts, two with an all-weather cover. You can become a true Englishman and learn to play cricket.

I wander around the school and drop in on all the classes. Seeing a school in action is the only way to objectively evaluate it. Children listen carefully to teachers. I see a biology teacher, a man, sitting on his desk. The eyes of schoolchildren are fixed on him, they are on the same wavelength with him.

All the children I come across are friendly, they  laugh, they play, they jump. They open doors for me and are generally friendly. It is nice to be in such an environment. You yourself involuntarily become better. I have already learned to involuntarily smile at strangers. Even in Russia. After all, everyone should start with himself.

Watching a home economics lesson. Boys and girls in aprons listen to instructions. Using the refrigerator: how to store vegetables, pastes and other products. What is on which shelf, and how much time is permissible. And why is it important to put food in the refrigerator as soon as possible. In general, a food hygiene course. Important for life? Definitely. Only my husband, with his experience as a chef, dedicated me to these wisdom at the 36th year of life. You should have seen our refrigerator! There is order!

But we were distracted. I meet in the elegant school hall Aidana, the daughter of our customers from Kazakhstan. She studies a total of 3 subjects in the 12th grade: mathematics, technological design and visual arts. For the past two years, students have specialized in preparing for university, and discard all excess items. The English secondary education system is like a pyramid. Narrows to the top. Aidana began to study only in September, but she is already persuading dad to send his 12-year-old sister to study here. Now Aidana understands what the first year at school is all about: make friends, learn the language normally, try yourself in different clubs by interests and learn to LEARN in the new system. Unfortunately, many realize this too late.