Fairseat Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a school of this size?

Size matters. The advantage of a small school is that everyone, both staff and pupils, knows you by name. Caring for others is a priority and the friendly, nurturing environment at Fairseat ensures that girls work and play here, confident in the knowledge that they are an important part of a special community.

How are the classes arranged?

Girls are taught in classes of a maximum of 24 and the form teacher takes the class for most of the lessons. In the first three years, teachers are supported in this by several Teaching assistants. The staff ratio for our youngest pupils, aged 4, is 1 : 8.

Do you have any specialist teaching in the Junior School?

Every class is taught PE, Music and Drama by specialist teachers and once girls begin French in Year 3, aged 7, this is also taught by foreign language specialists.  

How much homework is set?

We like to encourage good habits from an early age; the homework routine is one!  From the start girls are used to taking reading activities, including spellings, home to complete. The work increases gradually each year until in Year 5 & 6 girls are expected to complete various homework tasks in 40 mins per night and an hour at the weekend. Importantly for us, this gives the girls plenty of time to follow their own interests out of school.

How do parents contact a teacher?

Every member of the Junior Staff has a weekly period of availability when parents know that they can make contact. Collection time provides another opportunity for parents and staff to have an informal chat.  Reading record books and homework diaries are another source. We have an open door policy and parents are invited to make appointments to see the Head whenever necessary.

What happens when a girl is not making the progress she should?

There are ongoing assessments throughout the school year that monitor pupils? progress. Any concerns that arise from these are discussed with the Head, the parents and the form tutor and an appropriate course of action planned.

How are we informed of our daughter's progress?

There are two Parents' Evenings a year and a full report on each girl goes home two weeks before the end of the school year. In addition, parents are invited to a Curriculum Evening at the beginning of the academic year. This is an opportunity to meet the new form teacher, receive a curriculum newsletter and hear what the girls will be studying. In the Autumn and Spring term, girls in Year 4 & 6 bring home grade sheets that outline progress made and targets for the following term.

Do all the girls transfer to the Senior School?

Each year the majority of girls in the Junior School transfer successfully to the Senior School. Girls in Year 6 may try for an academic or music award to Senior School.

How old do you have to be to learn a musical instrument?

From age 5, girls are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn the violin or cello in a small group.  In Year 2 they may have piano lessons and the following year have the chance to learn a variety of orchestral instruments.

We place a lot of importance on playing together and every girl is given the opportunity to perform in groups or solo to an audience, particularly proud parents, at least twice or three times a year.

What extra activities does the school offer?

There are a growing number of clubs on offer at lunch time. These include musical, sporting and recreational activities and are run by staff or parents.

Do the girls go out on visits?

Every form goes out at least once each term to a venue that supports the curriculum.  We also have countless events at school. These include: Shakespeare workshops, visiting artists, Maypole dancing, Puzzle Challenges.  The list is endless!

Year 5 & 6 enjoy residential visits in the Summer term to Sayers Croft Field Centre and Osmington Bay in Dorset, respectively.

When are your Open Days?

Prospective parents and those who have already registered their daughter, are invited to one of several Open Afternoons that take place throughout the school year.