EDUCATION
Proud – Yarm Prep School head Bill Sawyer says award win was a welcome recognition of the many local partnerships the school has built .
COMMUNITY COHESION
Head thanks staff , pupils , parents and partners amid prestigious award win
Yarm Prep School is celebrating a significant achievement after being named Independent Prep School of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards .
Head of Yarm Prep Bill Sawyer attributed the accolade to the collective dedication , collaboration and hard work of the entire school community , including staff , pupils , parents , local businesses , partner schools and the wider community .
Mr Sawyer emphasised that the award is a validation of Yarm Prep ’ s commitment to building strong partnerships and fostering a values-driven , collaborative environment where every pupil thrives academically and personally .
The Tes Schools Awards , often referred to as the “ Oscars of education ”, honour the achievements of schools and educators across both the state and independent sectors .
A distinguished panel of judges , including school leaders and education experts , commended Yarm Prep for its holistic approach to education and its meaningful impact on the wider community .
“ We are absolutely thrilled to win this award ,” Mr Sawyer said . “ It ’ s a testament to the collaborative efforts of our pupils , parents and staff , and our shared commitment to ensuring that every child flourishes both in school and beyond .
“ This recognition reflects the strength of our partnerships with the wider community , which benefit everyone involved .”
Yarm Prep School distinguished itself from eight other prestigious finalists in the independent prep school category .
The judges were particularly impressed with Yarm Prep ’ s thriving partnerships programme , which has positively impacted more than 3,500 young people across the North-East this academic year .
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Judge Simon Larter-Evans praised the school ’ s community-centred approach , remarking : “ Yarm Prep ’ s understanding of its broader community role is exceptional . They are truly making a difference within their sector .”
Mr Sawyer expressed immense pride in the school ’ s growth and development during his tenure as head of the prep school , highlighting the core values , dynamic curriculum and wide range of opportunities Yarm offers every pupil .
“ Our focus on the values of ambition , resourcefulness , compassion , respect , responsibility and safety ensures that our pupils not only achieve personal success but also positively contribute to the lives of those around them ,” Mr Sawyer said .
Parents comment that there is a strong sense of community where pupils feel they belong .
Academically , Yarm Prep ’ s curriculum is designed to offer breadth and challenge for all pupils , underpinned by evidencebased teaching methods and enriched by specialist teaching in outstanding facilities , alongside numerous co-curricular opportunities .
Professional learning and continuous improvement are key aspects of Yarm Prep ’ s ethos .
“ We are always striving to improve , and we embrace feedback , even when it challenges us ,” said Mr Sawyer .
“ This is the mindset we instil in our pupils as well – the belief that growth never stops – and that feedback helps us all improve as mathematicians , performers , artists , linguists , designers , sports players and learners in general .”
Beyond academics , Yarm Prep is known for its impressive array of 80 activity lessons and extracurricular clubs , ranging from fencing and robotics to chess and ceramics .
WORDS : SARAH WALKER PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH
Pupils also have opportunities to collaborate with local business leaders , develop debating skills and participate in a variety of other enriching activities throughout the school week .
Mr Sawyer explained : “ Our commitment to clubs and activities ensures that our pupils learn to be agile problem-solvers who can work effectively with a diverse range of people .”
Yarm Prep also ensures that every pupil has the chance to represent the school in sports , take part in drama productions and participate in musical performances , further building confidence and developing life skills .
“ Regular opportunities to collaborate and compete are fundamental to our pupils ’ personal development , and we believe every child should benefit from these experiences ,” Mr Sawyer added .
Looking ahead , Yarm Prep has ambitious plans to continue its mission to serve not only its students but the entire community . Mr Sawyer underscored the school ’ s forward-thinking approach : “ We are always evolving , always seeking new ways to offer even more to our pupils and the broader community .”
To find out more about the Independent Prep School of the Year 2024 , where parents describe feeling “ very lucky to have found such a wonderful school ”, why not visit ?
Personal tours are available all year round via yarmschool . org , and there is a dedicated Open Morning on Saturday January 18 .
Scan the QR code to read more details about Yarm Prep School ’ s open morning .