We are a non-selective school at Reception entry that prides itself on providing children with a rich and varied curriculum. We have a reputation for being a very warm, nurturing, and inclusive school, and yet there is a very real academic rigor here, driven by hugely talented teaching staff and no better illustrated than by our record-breaking 11+ results this year. We now have 430 children enjoying an excellent Hornsby education, on a fantastic site between Balham and Wandsworth Common.
Visitors to Hornsby House often notice the confidence, good manners, and exemplary behavior of our children, but even more, they comment upon the wonderful feel of the school. Our Core Values, produced by the children, are at the heart of all that we do
- Helpful
- Offer friendship
- Respectful and Polite
- Neighborly
- Supportive
- Be kind
- Yourself, your school
Hornsby House is a welcoming and friendly place. It is a happy environment to work in for children and staff alike because of the excellent relationships we build with one another. We have a positive discipline system whereby we aim to reward good behavior. Children strive to earn House Points every day as individuals and work together to win the Class Shield or fly their House flag each week. For many children, being part of the winning House at the end of term is the greatest honor.
Our children are encouraged to work together and look after each other. Year 6 children enjoy taking on increased responsibility. Our Head Boy, Head Girl, and House Captains in Year 6 set an example to their peers. Older children read with younger ones regularly and on House Day each term children are taught in Houses rather than classes. When working individually, in pairs or groups, or teams, our pupils support one another and enjoy each other’s company. It is this aspect of the school, even more than our outstanding academic and extra-curricular reputation, of which we are most proud.
At Hornsby House, we are very proud of our academic record. Entry at Reception is non-selective and we work to achieve the best progress for each individual by adapting our approach to challenge them or give support as needed. Thus our pupils achieve excellent results in senior school entrance exams and many win scholarships and awards.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to take a child from Reception through to senior school. The demands made upon the children increase slightly each year. We believe that a balanced timetable is important in nurturing well-rounded children and so, whilst English and mathematics are taught daily, a full range of subjects are taught each week. We plan that every pupil will enjoy the feeling of success every day.
laces for the Reception Classes are offered one year in advance of entry. Registered siblings and the children of staff have priority for entry to the Reception Classes and places will be offered in order of "age of the child at registration", that is, the time elapsed between the date of birth and the date of registration in years, months and days. Please note that confirmation of registration is not a guarantee of a place at the school.
Our Reception teachers and assistants form a strong, dedicated team to make sure your child gets the best possible start to school life. Reading and writing are just part of the early school experience at Hornsby House. This is reflected in our Foundation Stage curriculum which places equal emphasis on academic learning and personal development. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, which incorporates seven different areas of learning: Communication and Language Development Physical Development Personal, Social and Emotional Development Literacy Development Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design.
We offer specialist PE, French, ICT, music, dance, and drama teaching from the very start. Bright classrooms, extensive resources, and outdoor space are designed to encourage children to take a hands-on approach to learn. Play is central to the experience, and children are given every opportunity to learn through role-play and collaboration.
A few occasional places may become available for entry into Years 1 to 6. Children wishing to enter the school in these year groups must be registered by November of the previous year and will then be invited to attend an assessment in January for entry the following September.
Our outstanding co-curricular program is one of the strengths of Hornsby House. Our school journeys and wide range of after-school clubs are designed to expand the children’s experience beyond the normal school curriculum. Children have the opportunity to extend their skills, knowledge, and enjoyment of activities with which they are already familiar as well as experiencing new ones.
