Schools Independent & Preparatory in Pontefract, West Yorkshire

Young people flourish in the supportive environment of Pocklington School, where specialist and innovative teaching from the ages of 3-18 helps each pupil achieve their full potential.  We are renowned for our emphasis on pastoral care as part of an excellent all-round education, with a focus on the individual, which produces confident, resourceful and capable young adults. Pocklington School lies 12 miles east of York in a safe, rural setting on the edge of a small, friendly market town, on a 50-acre campus with good public transport links and its own minibus pick-up service. The day and boarding school's extensive facilities include a 300-seat theatre, an indoor sports hall, conditioning room and swimming pool, plus 21 acres of grass sports pitches and two full-sized synthetic pitches. Numerous co-curricular activities take place every day until 5pm, and each pupil is encouraged to pursue their own interests to help develop the depth of character and self-awareness to tackle life's challenges on their own terms. Pocklington School was founded in 1514 and has remained true to its strong tradition of encouraging pupils to have the courage to take chances with learning and always remain true to themselves. Our motto Virtute et Veritate: With Courage and With Truth, reflects this. Right through from Prep School, with its emphasis on nurturing children's natural curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm for learning, to the Sixth Form where independent thought is prized, our pupils are encouraged to be resilient, resourceful learners. Lessons are planned around giving pupils the opportunity to evaluate and apply a solid foundation of learning, rather than simply acquiring and retaining facts. We employ the best educational tools and appropriate new technology facilities to ensure youngsters are enthused and inspired by the world of knowledge available to them. The flexibility of learning platforms and the individual approach allows each pupil to progress at his or her pace, boosting their confidence and self-esteem so they often exceed their expectations. Our new £3m Art and Design Technology Centre, which opened in Autumn 2017, has every facility to encourage the pursuit of traditional arts and crafts, as well as provide cutting-edge equipment for digital and computer design, and manufacturing technology. The innovation and cross fertilisation of ideas the Centre promotes are increasingly valued in society today. Sixth Form facilities include spacious communal areas, a study centre, and comprehensive library. Students are encouraged to work both collaboratively and independently as they begin to make the transition to university study and/or workplace success. Full, flexible and casual boarding options are available, in boarding houses which create a home from home for both domestic and international students. A flexible range of opportunities allows students to create a balanced programme which not only fulfils their academic objectives, but also leaves time to explore new sporting, cultural and vocational activities to develop individual skills and strengths. Recent former pupils who retain links with the school include Davis Cup winner Kyle Edmund, England rugby star Rob Webber and world-renowned concert pianist Alexandra Dariescu.  We aim to inspire our pupils for life, helping develop an inquiring mind and the self-respect they need to emerge as capable, adaptable and resilient young people ready to make a real contribution to society.