We hosted a large number of families for our Open Day earlier this term. There was a hugely positive feel about the day, and this was driven in large part by two factors: first, our outstanding Year 6, 7 and 8 guides who love the opportunity to talk to prospective parents and are clearly so proud of their School; second, the many current Moulsford parents who so kindly joined us for the day to share their experiences with our guests. Affirmation from those with first-hand experience is very powerful.

For this Open Day we had very strong interest for girls’ places, particularly in Years 3 and 4, and this will be as a result of the excellent experience that our current Year 3 girls and boys are having. In the theatre we listened to two lovely pieces from the String ensemble, followed by a super singing performance from Year 3. I then gave a talk to families and, amongst other areas, focussed on Moulsford’s governance and independence which gives the School stability and clear direction, in a fast moving, dynamic and uncertain sector. This message appeared to resonate strongly with our audience.

Moulsford has eleven Governors, all of whom are either current parents, past parents or educationalists – all are ‘volunteers’. They are all passionate about the School and see themselves as stewards of Moulsford. Their collective decisions are all taken for the long term benefit of the School, and our annual surplus is reinvested into Moulsford - we have no shareholders. 

Moulsford’s independence also allows us to give parents impartial advice on the next stage of your children’s education, and we have a pool of roughly 25 schools which our pupils graduate to in Year 9, and this number will grow as girls climb up the School. This crucial area is overseen by me and I meet with every Year 5 parent to advise on the next stage. I then guide families through the senior schools’ process over the next 3 years.

Of course, this all comes full circle. Last month I visited Eton to meet with Simon Henderson, the Head, to talk about an Eton education and the changing sector. Whilst there, I was given a tour of the School by Harry T, an Old Mole now in the Upper 6th. Harry could not have been more charming, engaged and he also appeared delighted to see me – either that or he was a very good actor! It was also great to see Harry M (also Upper 6th) who spotted us mid-tour and went out of his way to say hello. Both boys came through the Moulsford Pre-Prep and seeing them as they approach the end of their educational journey is so rewarding… I can remember meeting to discuss senior school choices with their parents in Year 5. 

Ben Beardmore-Gray