Our approach emphasises a well-rounded education, integrating academic study, music, sports, artistic creativity, performing arts, and wider life-enhancing co-curricular experiences.
Uppingham’s educational philosophy is rooted in its heritage, whereby Edward Thring, (Headmaster 1853-87) pioneered the concept of a holistic education.
The Lower School years at Uppingham will embrace the same philosophy, offering a sporting and co-curricular programme that mirrors the values of the wider school.
Running alongside our challenging and inspiring academic curriculum, Lower School pupils will also experience a wide range of activities and opportunities, making use of the state-of-the-art facilities that set Uppingham apart.
There will be a competitive programme of sport on a Wednesday afternoon. Either side of this point in the week, will be an opportunity for another sport training session and an additional PE lesson. We hope the sports programme will include both single-sex and co-ed sports.
Although our new lower school offer will run from Monday to Friday, we will explore what opportunities there are for participating in U13/U12 fixtures and tournaments on Saturday mornings.
We are fortunate to have three music schools and our own theatre with a separate drama studio, and a host of creative staff working within them. The music and drama departments will ensure the lower school pupils can enjoy performing arts. There will be opportunities for all children to participate, with the ambition being that the pupils will work towards performances.
An age-appropriate outdoor education programme will form part of the co-curricular activities. We are fortunate to have an arboretum, where we will create a hub for outdoor learning. The staff who will lead on this aspect of the curriculum will build on the expertise they have from initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities.
The Lower School will have full access to Uppingham’s facilities, including the Science Centre, Leonardo Centre, Sports Centre, School Theatre, and Music Schools. They will also benefit from the school’s co-curricular programme, which will provide opportunities for the pupils to explore various interests and develop new skills.
Within the timetable, we will ensure that the pupils come together in Chapel during the week. The pupils will not join the senior school Chapel but have a specially curated service or assembly, led by the School Chaplain, The Reverend Matt Phillips, supported by other members of the wider school community.