Admissions Enquiries: 01992 414109
General Enquiries: 01992 414100

Academic Success

Innovative staff, supportive parents and talented children

At Duncombe, we strive to foster an outstanding partnership of innovative staff, supportive parents, and talented children.

This is reflected in our consistently exceptional academic results. We encourage our children to approach the academic challenges we offer them with enthusiasm, knowing that we fully support them in their journey of educational discovery.

We place great emphasis on practical learning and problem solving, encouraging our children to be inquisitive, exploring topics to gain deeper understanding and to think for themselves. Our aim is to instil a life-long passion for learning.

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How we teach

We offer a stimulating and enriching curriculum in well-resourced classrooms.

A committed teaching team

Our passionate specialist subject teachers and the considered use of technology across all areas of the curriculum ensure our children are stimulated and engaged in a broad and balanced curriculum.

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We combine innovative teaching styles with personalised learning to underpin an approach that drives progress and success for all children. Our skilled and experienced specialists provide tailored teaching opportunities to fully explore all subjects with great depth and breadth.

Bringing lessons to life

Inspirational teaching brings topics to life, and our co-curricular programme with clubs such as chess, computing and horse riding further extends our wide academic ambition.

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Trips, workshops, themed weeks and immersive learning experiences further enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom. Our dedicated Heads of Department provide a multitude of opportunities to enrich the Duncombe learning journey.

Academic challenge

We believe children need to be challenged at their own level to realise their full potential. Every child is encouraged to find their skill or talent at Duncombe. We inspire our children to develop a love for learning which will extend beyond their school years. We want children to think and learn independently, to be curious both inside and outside of the classroom.

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We promote this by treating every child as an individual and tracking each child’s progress. This enables us to challenge and stretch them in subjects where they show aptitude and support them in areas of the curriculum they find more challenging.

Keeping children on track

We believe children need to be stretched to realise their full potential. We want our children to think and learn independently, to be curious and naturally seeking learning beyond the classroom. Our teachers are passionate about developing our children’s academic progress alongside their wellbeing and are committed to carefully monitoring their journey as they progress through the school.

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For any child with special educational needs, our Learning Support Team, in consultation with the child, teachers and parents, will assess and design a personal plan for them. This plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure the needs of the child are constantly in focus.

INDIVIDUALISED LEARNING

We have a flexible approach to learning that can be adapted to the needs of all pupils

We understand and appreciate that children develop at different speeds. We focus on the development of the individual which we measure, monitor and evaluate on a regular basis. The ethos here at Duncombe is to focus on understanding our children, their interests, and their needs to make sure that they have the support and encouragement required to help them shine.

NACE - National Association of Able Children in Education

Pushing the boundaries for those who can achieve more

Very able and talented children have needs of their own and need appropriate challenges if they are to be push at the boundaries. At Duncombe this does not mean more of the same but a personalised approach to provide exciting opportunities for them to excel.

In 2022, we gained a NACE (National Association of Able Children in Education) reaccreditation. This accolade recognised that we continue to ensure every child is challenged to the best of their ability.

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements are excellent.

 – ISI 2022

CURRICULUM

We see the curriculum as the total learning experience for our students.

The curriculum includes not only taught lessons but also routines, behaviours, events, activities, and other opportunities that our children experience on a daily basis. The dedicated teaching ensure that our children make the best possible progress academically which contributes to their overall development for future success in the wider world.

Our educational offer goes way beyond the confines of the classroom.

Through a holistic approach, we ensure the best possible progress academically. Learning is not just confined to the classroom. We inspire our children to use their natural curiosity to develop a love for learning in all areas of the curriculum, whether it be performing in the Music Studio, exploring the Dell during a dedicated Forest School session or honing their physical skills in the Duncombe Arena. Our pupils gain a wealth of experience through the daily Duncombe experience, immersing themselves in routines, enrichment opportunities and extra-curricular activities.

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Results that stand out

We are proud of our outstanding academic results. The academic achievement of both Duncombe and Treetops children, at every stage, is something we are very proud of.

We will always say that a child should never be judged by data alone, for their skills, talents, and strengths are far greater than what can be tested through assessments. But, this does not mean that our children are not achieving the most stunning results. Because they really are. They work hard. We work hard. We work hard together, to make sure that every single child aims high, and reaches places they may never have felt possible.

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EARLY YEARS

Maths & English

81%

of Duncombe Pupils obtained a Good Level of Development (GLD). The local average is 73% (latest figure from 2019)

92%

Duncombe pupils met GLD for Maths and Literacy.

KS1, Lower School

English

97%

of Duncombe pupils achieve average or above scores in English at the end of KS1. The national average is 77%.

Maths

90%

of Duncombe pupils achieve average or above scores in Maths at the end of KS1.The national average is 77%.

KS2, Upper School

English

92%

of Duncombe Pupils achieve average or above scores in Maths at the end of KS2. The national average is 77%.

Maths

92%

of Duncombe pupils achieve average or above scores in Maths at the end of KS2. The national average is 77%.

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Academic success

Duncombe School

Admissions Enquiries: 01992 414109

General Enquiries: 01992 414100