insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 123

EDUCATION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

St Faith’s at Ash – Focusing on what matters
Walking around St Faith’s at Ash with Headmaster, Lawrence Groves, is a hugely enjoyable experience.
He knows every child in the school by name, and frequently pauses to ask after a piece of work, or to
comment on their performance in the school choir. You can tell by the eager way they respond, and how
they flock to him in break time, that he is popular and respected.

At first glance, St Faith’s doesn’t look like your
average independent prep school – there are no
grand buildings, no sweeping grounds. What
you are getting is an immediate sense of a happy
and encouraging environment in the lovely
Outstanding-rated Nursery, in the cheerful
classrooms, and around the extensive play areas.
As Lawrence says: "Our parents are not
paying to repair and maintain huge historic
buildings. It means we can keep the fees down,
and every penny is ploughed back into staffing
and educational resources. For example, our
specialist teachers in French, music, sport,
science and IT."
Lawrence arrived at St Faiths in 2012,
bringing with him 13 years of experience as a

head teacher. His ethos is to create a culture of
reward and praise – whether in recognition of an
academic achievement, or celebrating the best
Lego model of the week, the focus is on fostering
a sense of self worth wherever a child’s strengths
lie, combined with the willingness to have a go.
"Some people worry about children
competing, but if they don’t have that experience
in a safe environment at school, how will they be
able to compete in the outside world? The school
motto is 'I can and I will'. Our children are gutsy.
They go out to do their absolute best, and usually
they win."
Every year, 90% of pupils pass grammar
school entrance exams, although Lawrence takes
a broader view. "Our focus is on preparing children

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for their secondary education. They do very well
in the Kent Test, but others choose independent
senior schools, and their time here prepares them
well for that too.
"In fact, all nine children who applied to
independent senior schools this year received
major scholarships. Quite an achievement!"
Tellingly, though, it is not this that made
Lawrence most proud. What was? "Our girls’
football team won the McCarthy Cup against 16
other schools and got through to the Kent final.
Now that was wonderful!"
www.stfaithsatash.co.uk