The Old School Henstead

Additional Information

We believe strongly in developing independence—both in learning and in life. From the earliest years, we encourage our pupils to think for themselves, take initiative, and reflect on how they learn. These early steps in independence help children grow into capable, self-assured individuals who are ready to face the wider world with confidence and integrity.

At Henstead, every child is known and celebrated for who they are. We listen to our pupils and encourage them to express their ideas and be actively involved in school life. Children are free to be themselves in a warm, inclusive and respectful environment where every voice matters and every child feels they truly belong.

We also place great emphasis on building resilience and empathy — qualities that help our pupils become not only successful learners but kind, adaptable individuals. Through Outdoor Education adventures, group projects, clubs and everyday interactions, children learn to manage setbacks, support each other and care deeply about the world around them.

Henstead is a place where innocence is protected, play is purposeful and learning is joyful. Our small size means we know each child well, provide close support and celebrate their journey every step of the way.

We are a small school with big ambitions and a big heart. We would love to welcome your family into our community and support your child as they begin this exciting chapter of their education. 

We are committed to ensuring that every child thrives, whatever their individual needs. Our approach to Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is personalised and flexible, with the aim of enabling all pupils to access the full curriculum and make excellent progress. Where needed, we provide targeted in-class support or one-to-one sessions, tailored to each child’s specific learning profile. This ensures that pupils receive the right balance of challenge and support, helping them grow in confidence and independence.

We work in close partnership with parents to identify and address any barriers to learning. If we feel a child may benefit from further investigation, we guide families through the process for screening and assessments for specific learning differences such as dyslexia. We can also signpost to, and liaise with, external professionals to ensure that support strategies are informed by expert advice and best practice. Our aim is to make the process clear and manageable for parents while ensuring the child’s needs are at the centre of every decision.

The Old School Henstead: a school where your child can truly be themselves, and a place where they will be given a confident start