Hopelands is a small, non-selective school that prides itself on its high academic achievements, its moral well being of the children and its high expectations of behaviour. Our aim at Hopelands is to prepare children to enter secondary school having developed pride in their work, self-confidence and a strong desire to succeed in their chosen aspirations while maintaining a firm, moral grounding. We have a strong desire to show the pupils the joys and rewards of their learning, and our members of staff are prominent advocates of developing each child’s potential. 

Each child is nurtured to build confidence and a love of learning helping them reach their full potential and prepare them for the future. The curriculum is exciting and varied with traditional teaching of core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science successfully combined with a modern approach to others. Art, Music, Drama and Dance are very well represented and taught by specialist, dedicated teachers.

Independent thinking is encouraged and a healthy mutual respect exists between staff and pupils. Communication with parents is paramount. Results of testing are shown at parents’ evenings and meetings are regularly held to discuss options for those pupils leaving Year 6.

Our success at gaining grammar school entrance is excellent. Over the past three years, 90% of our year 6 pupils either obtained places at grammar school or received a scholarship to an independent school. We believe this says a great deal about the quality of our teaching staff and school ethos, especially as the school is non selective.

While a strong academic attainment is our main focus, broad and varied curriculum activities enable us to develop our children’s all round skills. Last year, our older pupils joined with the Shrubberies, a special educational needs school, in preparing a dance piece for Stroud Dance Festival. Contemporary Dance is a popular curriculum subject. Our specialist P.E. teacher has led the children through a variety of sporting activities. Last year, we won the small schools cross-country championship. In Drama, Years 3-6 pupils performed at Cheltenham Festival event. This year, our Year 6 Drama piece ‘Lead the Way’ won the Steward’s Cup. In addition, we have been awarded the Arts Mark Gold in recognition of our work in Music, Art and Dance – an award we prize highly!  In our new school hall, we hold musical concerts enabling all our children to display their fine musical talents.

Now that phase one of our school development plan is complete, with the addition of a new school hall and classroom, plans have been approved for further development to the school which will increase classroom size and refurbish the existing main school building. 

Hopelands Preparatory School’s small size and warm, welcoming family atmosphere make it one of the few remaining uniquely placed schools in the county. I hope you enjoy learning about our schooI. I look forward to welcoming you in the near future.