Admissions FAQs
How can I see what a normal day in school is like?
Parents are welcome to have a tour of the school with the Principal. Lessons are taught as normal and you are welcome to speak to staff as you are shown around the school.
Can my son or daughter visit the school?
Prospective pupils may come and spend a Taster Day (more for Senior pupils) with the class of the appropriate age group. This gives teachers the opportunity to get to know the pupil and assess them. It also enables pupils to get a feel for the school and get to know some of the children in their class.
Is there an entrance exam?
There is no formal entrance examination for 3 to 16-year olds, but Post-16 applicants must audition for the Musical Theatre course.
What communication links are there between school and home?
Parents of Pre-School and Junior School pupils can talk on a daily basis to the class teacher. There is a Junior School Parents’ Evening each term and a full written report at the end of the Summer Term. In the Senior School there are two Parents Evenings and two reports. The Principal is readily available to see parents whenever the occasion demands.
How do you guarantee academic progress and smooth transition for children aged 3 to 16?
We understand the educational needs of children throughout the school and ensure the progression from one stage to the next is smooth and supported. We are one school on one site, with small class sizes and excellent pupil teacher ratios. Teachers differentiate the levels of work to maximise pupil potential. Progress is assessed and monitored against national norms.
What learning support do you offer children?
With our small class sizes, there is plenty of opportunity for staff to differentiate academic levels and work with each individual child. We also have SENCOs, in both the Junior and Senior Schools, for children with mild learning difficulties.
How do you do PE with restricted on-site facilities?
Dancing is our primary physical activity which takes place in the school’s dance studios and hall. The school has a basketball and 5-a-side football court on site. We run sports clubs for our Senior pupils, who are also coached in squash and use the gym facilities at Coventry & North Warwickshire Cricket Club. Junior School pupils use the nearby Alan Higgs Centre and the AT7 Centre for swimming.
Do you offer extra-curricular activities?
Numerous classes take place after-school and at lunchtimes e.g. Drama, Choir, Production, Disco, Commercial, Street Dance, etc.
Are the extra-curricular classes included in the school fees?
There is no charge for the vast majority of extra-curricular activities. However, private music lessons and off-campus sports activities are charged on top of the Fees.
Is there an additional charge for school outings?
All outings for Senior and Junior School children are included in the Fees, with the exception of residential visits at home or abroad. Payment for residential outings is always staggered to make payment as manageable as possible.
Can parents become involved in the life of the school?
We have an excellent Parent Teacher Association, with a large committee of supportive parents and staff, who organise regular events for both pupils and families. We actively encourage parents to involve themselves.
Does Pattison College provide lunch?
Daily meals are provided at lunchtimes. We have a healthy eating policy at Pattison College with meals prepared on the premises using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Before-school care is available from 8.00 am each morning and after-school care runs until 6.00 pm, or 5.00 pm for children under 8-years old
What do Post-16 pupils choose to do?
Pattison College encourages Post-16 pupils to follow the prestigious 3-year IDTA Diploma in Dance Teaching, together with IDTA, LAMDA and LCM performance qualifications in Dance, Drama and Singing. Additionally, our pupils are well-prepared to go on to top independent schools, performing arts colleges and universities.
