Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the admissions process?

Submit an application form from the website and we will get back to you with further information, including an invoice with payment details. 

• When should I apply?

You can apply at any point, we start to offer places from March for the following academic year.  Short term places (less than 6 months) will only be offered from June.

• Will my child need to take any assessments when applying for admission?

If your child does not have English as a first language they will be required to take an English assessment before being offered a place. 

• My child does not speak very much English. Can they attend your school?  If so, what support do you offer?

All students who have English as a second language will be required to take an English assessment prior to being offered a place.  If they are offered a place they may receive additional support with their English by qualified EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers, either within the classroom or in separate, smaller groups. 

• I see from your website that you offer Spanish in Secondary school.  My child has already started learning another language, can they continue this instead of Spanish?

We encourage all students to study Spanish as this is the second language we have chosen to offer at River House. However, occasionally we have allowed students to study their own second language independently.

•  How do you assess student progress?

Assessment is usually formative and ongoing, with regular feedback shared between the teacher and student. The only summative assessment given is in Years 10 and 11 when sitting IGCSE exams.

• Will my child have to sit exams?

In Year 11 students sit externally assessed, international exams accredited by Cambridge.  Further down the school however students do not sit tests or exams.

• Will my child have homework?

Homework is introduced in our Secondary school, from age 11.  No homework is given to our primary age students, other than encouraging them to read!

• What subjects will my child study?

All children study core subjects of Maths, English, Science and Humanities.  From Year 7 children start to learn Spanish. In addition students have classes in PSHE, sport and a range of creative classes.

• Which creative activities do you offer?

We offer many creative activities, including art, craft, gardening, cooking, dance and music.

• Do you run after school clubs?

We do not generally run after school clubs, however there are many clubs in the community for children to attend.

• Will my child have the same teacher for every subject?

Primary students will have the same teacher for all of their core subjects.  In Secondary school we have subject specialist teachers.

• Who should my child speak to if they need help with something?

Each class in school has a designated class teacher and children should speak to their class teacher if they need help with something.  

• Will my child need to bring a laptop to school?

Laptops are compulsory for secondary school because secondary school teachers set up a lot of their work on google classrooms. Laptops will be used in class for accessing material on Google classrooms, carrying out research, using online resources to support learning, carrying out online studies during Personal Project lessons etc.  This means that every Year 7/8/9/10 and 11 will need to bring a laptop or tablet (not their phone) into school every day. We will have a secure cupboard where they can be stored during the day when not in use. 

• Can my child carry their phone with them?

Phones are not allowed in school.

• Do you provide lunch?

Yes. We do provide lunch everyday in the school. The lunch has been specially designed to provide fully balanced, nutritional meals  to children and teachers with a view to encouraging everyone to try new dishes, expand their taste buds and develop a love for good food. It is a two week rolling menu. We all eat lunch together in the dining hall and this is an important part of our community building at River House. Most of all meals are vegetarian except for one day when we have fish However, vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

• Should my child bring snacks to school?

There should be no need for children to bring any of their own food and drinks with them. However, if they should choose to do so, please ensure that they don’t bring sweets, crisps, biscuits, sugary drinks etc.

• Do you provide drinking water?

Yes, we ensure that filtered drinking water is always available. Reusable cups are also kept near the water filter. However, students are advised to bring in a reusable water bottle to school so that they don’t have to share the cups.

• Do you have a school bus?

No, transportation is to be arranged by the parents.

• Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

It would be great if you can plan your holidays around the school holidays but in case travel on school days is inevitable, please inform the school of any planned leave.  

• What should I do if my child is sick?

Please keep the child away from school when they are sick as this will help us prevent the sickness from spreading. Also, please inform our administration staff about the leave as soon as you can.