EDUCATION
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can visit the areas of the school that particularly interest them (with staff strategically placed at every stage of the route) and spend as much time as they need getting to understand the school’s approach in depth. It’s especially useful for the increasing number of parents who are short of time and very clear on what matters to them, explains Hannah. “They may be under some time pressure or have a very particular interest [and] can really focus the tour themselves rather than being guided by the pupils.” Felsted School (named the UK’s top boarding school earlier this year) has also moved to a more parent-specific approach, with in-person events built around years 7, 9 and 12 – all main entry points. It’s a way of ensuring parents can get exactly the information they need, and is part of a joined-up admissions programme that has also seen the introduction of Felsted Unwrapped – online, bite-size snapshots of the school that delve into key areas including sixth form academic programmes (the school offers both the IB and A-levels), the school’s house system, as well as an interactive tour, with more to be added in the near future. Online offerings have evolved to a point where it’s possible to gain a real sense of what pupils will experience. If possible, however, nothing beats seeing the school in the flesh – particularly when there’s a chance to speak to current pupils. “We welcome visits,” confirms Gemma Kilby at Felsted. ‘They are valuable because you can see how happy the pupils are and how they get on with staff.” Spending time with teaching staff can be hugely valuable, says Tom Caston at MPW Cambridge. “Look closely at the classroom dynamic between staff and students – is it one which shows a real connection and energy? Are the
FOCUSED GROUPS Both St Mary’s School (left) and Felsted (above) have separate open events for different age categories
life in the pre-prep, such as staffing and wraparound care, but insights into the breadth of the curriculum and fantastic facilities offered in the school as a whole. This includes the library and sports hall, which pre-prep pupils also have the opportunity to experience. Open events at St Mary’s School have also evolved, following a similarly well- thought-out format. So effective were the online events introduced in the pandemic that the school has retained a hybrid approach. “We have three in-person events – junior school, senior school and sixth form – and then three online events: one for the senior school, one for the sixth form and one for international students outside the UK,” explains Hannah Helliar, director of admissions at St Mary’s. It’s ideal for busy parents who can’t always attend an in-person event. Instead, they can join an online session (or watch a recording later) and then visit the school at a later point. St Mary’s School has also introduced a highly innovative self-guided tour in which prospective senior school parents
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CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK OCTOBER 2023 59
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