The office will send out a prospectus on request.  This gives a much fuller picture of the school and contains a CD ROM with further details.  The page 'Contact the school' on this site has an on-line prospectus request form. 

Parents may telephone the school to make an appointment to look around and to meet the Headmaster of Sandroyd, Martin Harris, or the Head Teacher at The Walled Garden, Pippa Shon.  Again, see the 'Contact the school' page for contact information.

What is the entry procedure for Sandroyd?

All children are invited to an assessment morning or afternoon in the year before they are due to start.  For entry into Years 4 and above, this is in the Autumn Term while for Year 3 entries it is in the Spring Term.  Parents who are unable to bring their children on the appointed days can be accommodated at other times to suit both parties.

What does this assessment involve?

The children will do a verbal reasoning test, be asked to write a story and also do some reading.  This is by no means a high-pressure academic exercise but it gives us a chance to identify the stronger and possibly weaker areas for each child.  The Headmaster will follow up the assessments with a letter to parents giving them information on how their child has coped.

What does Sandroyd offer in the way of Bursaries or Scholarships?

Scholarships are awarded each year in the categories of Academic, Choral and All-rounder.  In the past we have held a scholarship day in the Spring Term.  The Scholarship Day this year will be held on Saturday 19th January. 

What is the best way to pay the fees?

We do not recommend any particular insurance or savings scheme.  Parents are advised to consult an Independent Financial Advisor.  There is a scheme in place, however, for paying the fees monthly and this has proved quite popular.  More information on this is available from the Bursar at Sandroyd.
 
How can I buy official school uniform?

All the details regarding uniform are sent out to parents well in advance.  Generally, however, the boys' uniform can be purchased anywhere.  At present the uniform for the girls is only available at Squires in Shaftesbury.
The school has its own second-hand shop where virtually all items of uniform can be purchased (though not for girls as yet).  There are some new items there too - hoodies, waterproofs, swimming trunks and sports bags.  To make an appointment to visit the second-hand shop, please contact the school office.

What happens if my child is unwell at school?

Once again, full details of medical arrangements are sent to parents before the children arrive at Sandroyd.  Briefly, there is 24 hour medical cover throughout the week.  Boarders are put on the school doctor's list and sign up with their local GP as a temporary resident for the holidays.  Day children stay with their local GP. 

Sister will inform parents or guardians whenever there is a medical problem.  Parents of Day children may be asked to take their child home early if that is an option.  Boarders will usually remain at school although parents may take them home in certain cases.  Flexibility is the key and the needs of the children are, of course, always the primary consideration.

What happens if my child is away from school for a long period of time due to illness?

The school has an insurance built into the fees to cover prolonged absence.  Parents may opt out of this scheme if they so wish.

How will I know how my child is getting on in class?

Parents are informed of the children's academic progress in a number of ways.
Every week all the children receive an effort assessment in the main academic subjects.  These are sent home to parents in the weekly letter.
Every month the other subjects (Art, music, P.E. etc) are assessed for effort and the results sent home.
Every half term there are further assessments.  These not only include an effort grade but also one for attainment.
All the children have a full report at the end of each term.
There are regular parent/teacher meetings throughout the year - at present one such meeting is held annually for each year group.
Parents may request a meeting with an individual teacher or tutor at any time.  Teachers are also available at the beginning and the end of school exeats.

When is the best time to contact the school?

The Sandroyd office is 'manned' between 08.00 and 17.30 from Monday to Friday and between 09.00 and 13.00 on a Saturday.  Outside those times there will always be someone who will answer the telephone and either help you directly or pass a message on for you.  Other contact details are on the 'Contact the school' or 'Contact the staff' pages on this site.