Figure 1.--
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Figure 1.-- |
British prep schools vary greatly in size from a few private establishments caring for only 15-20 children to large institutions responsible for as many as 800 children. Some of the smaller schools are choir schools, but these schools are often associated with a senior college, church, and university which provide various forms of support. The average prepschool now probably has between 100 and 200 students, including the increasingly obligatory pre-prep departments. Many schools have puposely limited their size on purpose, This is based on the belief that expanding the size of the schools makes it difficult for the staff to know and work with each child and maintain the family atmposphere that is such a key factor of the modern prep school. The size of a school offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantages are not automatic, but may be more likely at the schools of different sizes. The sense of 'belonging' in a small community is quite apparent at most schools. The boys know each other well and are aware that they are well-known to every member of the staff. The economic realities of modern Britain make it increasingly difficult to operate extremely small schools. Small schools are unable to offer a full range of qualified staff members. Some Headmasters, however, are concerned about expanding their schools significantly beyond the 150 student range. To do so means that the headmaster and staff find it more difficult to get to know each child and give him the individual attention that is the reason that many parents have chose private education in the first place.
Brightlands is a boarding school for about 100 boys between the age of 8 1/ and 13 1/2 years. .... The school also has a pre-preatory deparment -- St. Christopher's -- for 40 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 8 1/2.
Brigtlands Preparatory School Prospectus
The total number of boys and girls is about 125 of whom about three quarters are boarders. Daily boardrs are integrated into the boarding routine, stay for prep., come on Saturdays and play a full part in all activities. It is possible to start as adaily boarder and later become a boarder, and arrangements can usually be made for daily boarders to board for short periods if their parents are going to be away. .... The ratio of teaching staff to pupils is 1:11.
Beeston Hall School Prospectus
