The Roche School

The Roche School is a family-owned and run co-educational nursery and primary school for children aged 2 – 11 years, distinguished by a warm, industrious and co-operative atmosphere. The school is values-based, focusing on respect for oneself and others, as well as on effort and initiative. The principles of growth mindsets are embedded and there is a wide range of creative and sporting opportunities alongside strong teaching in the core subjects. Maths are English are taught in smaller groups and are attentive to matters of challenge, pace and consolidation.

The school is aspirational for all its pupils and is culturally diverse, reflecting the local community. They believe in intellectual challenge but not stress and there is a strong programme for optimising personal development so that individuality is able to flower. It is their view that success in all matters is reliant on the fulfillment of unique potential and a confident personality as well as a thorough academic grounding.

The school is highly attentive to placement at secondary level with the majority of pupils moving on to local independent senior schools as a result of the 11+ examinations. Booster classes are offered free of charge in Years 5 and 6 so that parents do not feel under pressure to cave to the current trend to tutor. The Head and Director of Studies personally oversee application lists giving thorough, up-to-date advice. Strong encouragement is given towards interview skills and Philosophy 4 Children is taught as a discrete subject so that children do not fear to engage with complex issues nor give their opinions.

Parents favour local schools: King’s College, Wimbledon; Wimbledon High; Dulwich College; Emanuel; Ibstock Place School and Whitgift feature prominently.

A new Year 6 Centre from September 2022 will ensure that pupils make the move to senior school in a position of academic, social and emotional strength.

The Roche School is also delighted to be offering an additional Spanish Bilingual Stream in Reception from September 2022, alongside the respected provision of their traditional Reception classes. Mornings in the Spanish Stream will consist of the same high quality curriculum in English as the English Reception, and afternoons will involve National Curriculum-based lessons in Spanish, all delivered by a fully qualified teacher with in-depth Spanish fluency. The current host of specialist teachers in music and sport will still provide further enrichment to the children’s learning.

A recent initiative is Room at the Roche - a drop-in centre, where all pupils can access appropriately qualified staff in order to talk through any concerns or anxieties they may have. The openness and warmth of the atmosphere, alongside the ease with which pupils may find support ensures that pupils are happy and that any problem or anxiety, no matter how small, is attended to before it develops.

Remote teaching at the school was particularly successful with teachers providing innovative and engaging content online. This led to a strong engagement with the media and the development of online programmes and content – including Roche School TV. Prospective parents may also speak to the Headteacher, EYFS lead, Director of Sport and potential class teachers with ease by using Zoom or a similar digital platform.