PACT: Parents, Children & Teachers in Partnership.

Welcome from the Chair of the Board.

PACT schools have rapidly established themselves as a place where boys and girls can become the best version of themselves.

Starting with a nursery and primary school (Oakwood School) back in 1993, we wanted to operate an independent school that would assist the parents in their task as primary educators of their children. Back then we pioneered the personalised tutorial system in the UK. Aiming to develop the student’s character alongside academic excellence, parents soon witnessed the impact of this holistic approach on their children. Our education is underpinned by the Catholic faith and the educational vision of Saint Josemaria.

In 2013 we started our single-sex senior schools (The Cedars School for boys and The Laurels School for girls) that became rapidly successful. So much so that we had to look for new locations with adequate and larger facilities. This search came to fruition in 2020, and we have committed ourselves to an ambitious investment plan in the estate to support the growth of our schools.

As a result of this our schools have moved to new locations in September 2021, after extensive refurbishment and addition of these new facilities. Oakwood School will be on the same site from September 2023,  allowing families to consider a complete education for their sons and daughters from 4 to 18.

We are extremely grateful for the commitment of the founders, the dedication of our Heads, the professionalism of our teachers, the support of our staff, and first and foremost the trust of our parents.

It is a great honour to serve this community. It is a profound joy to witness the transformation in the hearts and spirits of many talented students who become young men and women of virtue and integrity.  

May we serve in Joy!

Best wishes,

Maria Kemp

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Our Philosophy

Our aim is that every child in a PACT school grows into a fine young person, fulfilling his or her academic potential and also acquiring those qualities that will help them in later life.

We aim to help each student become the best young person that they can. We do this by working in close partnership with parents to promote personal growth in every aspect of a child’s life.

In the academic sphere we encourage a deep love of learning and a spirit of intellectual adventure while providing a solid and supportive foundation for success in public examinations.

Through our tutorial programme we help each child to acquire good habits – virtues such as generosity and self-discipline – that will stand them in good stead throughout their life. We seek to appoint teachers who will be excellent role models for pupils and will lead by example.

Through the Enrichment Programme we seek to ensure that all pupils are culturally literate so that they are able to participate fluently in society.

We aim to provide excellent pastoral care in a safe and supportive environment and encourage pupils to develop a sense of responsibility, physical and emotional wellbeing and a spirit of generous service.

We aim to prepare boys and girls well so that they are able to make a positive contribution to society.

Three Pillars

Parents are the primary educators of their children

At PACT schools the educational rights of the family come first. PACT schools have the dual role of providing for the overall development of the students as well as assisting parents to be more effective educators of their children.

Heads and teachers in our schools are vital partners with parents in each child’s education. The basis of this partnership is loyal, mutual understanding of each other’s complementary roles.

Personalised attention to each child

Our schools are characterised by a unique personalised tutorial system, which was pioneered in the UK by PACT. The tutorial system seeks to integrate the pursuit of academic excellence, the acquisition of skills and the development of the student’s character.

Character education

Although the word virtue took on a rather narrow meaning in Victorian Britain the Latin roots of the word suggest moral excellence and power. Virtues are empowering and are the key to fulfilling potential which is why we believe an education in virtue is an essential part of a first class education.

Virtues are essentially good habits that help us to become better people. To acquire them, we need guidance and practice. These virtues are taught within the context of a Catholic ethos by following closely the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Many of these virtues are seen in academic and sporting life, they underpin the desire we have for our pupils to become the best young people they can be.

To Serve Joyfully

In “The Forge”, Saint Josemaria reminds us that “every activity – be it of great human importance or not – must become for you a means to serve our Lord and your fellow men. That is the true measure of its importance.”

He also writes in “Christ is passing by”: “There is no better leadership than wanting to give yourself freely, to be useful to others. When we feel pride swell up within us, making us think we are supermen, the time has come to say “no". Our only triumph will be the triumph of humility. In this way we will identify ourselves with Christ on the cross — not unwillingly or restlessly or sullenly, but joyfully. For the joy which comes from forgetting ourselves is the best proof of love.”