Our maximum class size is 22. In Pre- Prep we have a teacher and a TA present at all times in the room, and in the Prep School this becomes a teacher and a TA 50% between each class.
Our entrance criteria is academically non-selective and as such, does not use a formal entry test. Places for Reception are offered following a meeting with the Headmaster and on receipt of a satisfactory Nursery report. It is our overriding priority that we offer places to boys who will thrive at Donhead and who are well placed to play an active and positive part in the life of this community. Places in other years are offered after a taster morning which involves some simple screening assessments, again supported by a satisfactory report from the current educational establishment.
Donhead can cater for a wide range of abilities and can provide limited support for boys with SEND or EAL needs. However, parents should recognise that the school day and the demands placed on each boy are notable. It is important for a boy’s sense of confidence and achievement that he can contribute fully to the life of the school. The School together with parents makes every effort to ensure that this environment is right for each boy.
Donhead is a Roman Catholic Jesuit school. The School positively welcome boys of all religious beliefs but it is important that parents who choose Donhead do so in the knowledge that their sons will be educated in a Roman Catholic environment and their attendance at morning assembly and other religious services that occur throughout the year is compulsory. The boys are introduced to all major religions as part of our Religious Education, PHSEE and morning assembly programme. In short, we practice Catholicism, and teach Religion.
Please visit our Wrap Around Care page for further details of this provision. The School is open for boys from 7.30am – 6. 00pm Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30am - 3.00pm on Friday.
Wraparound Care
The school runs a very large number of extra-curricular activities – all planned with boys in mind. For some boys, their personal strength may often lie outside of the academic curriculum and it is important that these are recognised to the greatest extent possible within the structure of the school.
Sport is an integral part of life at Donhead but not to the detriment of other important aspects including music, art and drama.
From Nursery boys will take part in PE & Games lessons each week. Boys enjoy a wide range of sporting opportunities including rugby, cricket, football, swimming, athletics, and gymnastics. All boys from will represent the school in a rugby, cricket and football team throughout their time at Donhead.
Music, Art and Drama are very strong at Donhead, both in the number of boys who pursue these subjects and the standard that they achieve in each. More importantly though is the importance that is attached to each of these disciplines. Boys who excel or enjoy these subjects are recognised equally throughout the school and their achievements valued highly. Every boy participates in each of these disciplines as part of his routine, and those wishing to excel can further their experience through clubs or private tuition with our peripatetic staff.
