News

Welcome Back!

Term has started well and all the new pupils have settled into their new surroundings; we are delighted to be joined by so many new members of the 'Long Close family'!

Firstly, I must congratulate our Year 11 from last year for some excellent GCSE results. The percentage of pupils gaining 5A* - C GCSEs including English, Maths, Two Sciences and a Modern Foreign Language is 85%, This figure compares extremely well with other schools in the Windsor, Maidenhead and Slough areas. As you are aware our curriculum has a firm academic base and the figures are not flattered by trendy or academically valueless subjects!

This small group of pupils reflected an extremely broad ability range (from an IQ of 99 - 125, the National Average being 100) and all pupils out-performed the grade predictions based on IQ that the CAT tests had generated. It is perhaps important to remember that most of these pupils did not pass the 11+ and have come a long way since that set back.   Well done and we wish them all the best at their next schools or colleges. I would also like to congratulate their teachers who worked so hard with them throughout the last two years.

It has been a busy summer at Long Close with the conversion of the old staff room to two Year 3 classrooms, a modernisation and expansion of the senior girl's changing rooms and air conditioning installed in the Year 5 classroom and, I'm delighted to say, in the ICT suite! Interactive white boards (IWB) and projectors have also been installed in the Year 4 and Year 2 classrooms - do ask Mrs Battersby for a demonstration of her new IWB, she has been asking for one for two years and has even been on several training courses! This coming year even more IWB's will be installed. Although, this new technology does not replace an inspiring, imaginative and emotionally articulate teacher, it is a powerful tool that can make teaching interactive and exciting!

We start the year with a new Head Boy and Girl. These are important roles that we hope to develop this year. I know that Daniel Dawett and Manvir Hullait will fulfil these positions with distinction and dignity.

I am also pleased to announce that David McCarthy's title now changes to Deputy Head. David is an outstanding and inspirational teacher who leads by example; he also has a great love and energy for Long Close School and the pupils in his care. He teaches RS, Games and ICT. I am sure that he will be a great success in this new role. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and will deputise in my absence. He is directly responsible for the Senior School (Years 7-11), but will continue to keep a careful eye, with me, on the academic and educational progress and planning throughout the school.  Sarah Sheridan continues to manage the Middle School (as well as being Health & Safety Officer) and her title is now Head of Middle School (Years 3-6) and Deborah Battersby remains as Head of the Pre-Prep, a position she took over last year and made an excellent start with. They are a very strong team.

If you experience a difficulty with your child's education your first point of contact is the Class Form teacher. They should know your child best and their door is always open to you. With younger children - Nursery to Year 6 - most teachers are available for a brief chat each morning, where they are able to clarify points of information and settle any minor difficulties. If a more serious matter arises please book a dedicated appointment with the Form Teacher - this will usually before or after school - where more significant matters can be discussed. Generally, in my experience, most matters can be settled at these meetings.

All members of staff are keen to serve the needs of the pupils in their care. However, occasionally such a meeting does not end in a conclusive manner, in which case please contact the appropriate member of the Senior Leadership Team who has jurisdiction over the area of the school where your child resides. An appointment can be made through the Main School Office.

In exceptional circumstances when an issue can not be solved at SLT level, or because of confidentiality, you may require a meeting with me, as Headmaster. I also operate an open door policy and I am available most mornings, so you are most welcome to pop in and see me. However, if you require a longer meeting then please make an appointment with my PA, Miss Welsh.

One of the unique features of Long Close is its family atmosphere - a space where the individual is valued and respected; where staff members are allowed the freedom to teach in an exciting and inspirational manner. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of the school, your child's education or how you have been treated, then I am keen to hear about it - all feedback is useful and valuable for us to continue to improve the school and develop further.

David Brazier, Head Teacher