Angela visited Prior’s Field School to see some of the fantastic work that the school does in expressive arts. She looked into art, textiles and drama lessons and saw girls who were engaged and expressing themselves in new and interesting ways.
Angela had a very useful discussion about the pressures facing the independent education sector with headteacher Tracy Kirnig and chair of governors Hazel Morris. They raised many points that will be taken back to government.
In common with many independent schools, Prior's Field does a huge amount of work with other schools in the state sector. It actively forges relationships that benefit both schools; for example while a school may get the benefit of playing sport at the Prior's Field sports fields, older Prior's Field girls get the benefit of honing their leadership and communications skills by leading a training session.
It is easy for the community to be unaware of the benefits that having a school like Prior's Field - as well as many other independent schools in Guildford - can bring. While independent education is something only a minority can access, it brings benefits to the wider community and other schools, as well as providing extra capacity away from the state system.