 An outstanding school in an exceptional location
Established in 1900, Fairholme Preparatory School boasts a long-standing tradition of providing exceptional learning opportunities for girls and boys aged 2 1/2 to 11 years.
Through a caring, friendly atmosphere, high standards and an enviable reputation for academic success, our small classes and broadly-based curriculum help ensure that all are given the very best chance to excel.
Conveniently situated on the North Wales border, in the Cathedral town of St. Asaph, Fairholme provides the perfect environment for learning.
With competitive fees - and a school bus service - a Fairholme education is much closer than you might think.
Principals
M. M. Cashman, Cert. Ed. (Dist.)
A. J. Cashman, M.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.), P.G.C.E., F.I.P.D., F.S.S.
History
Founded in Denbigh in 1900, by Miss Evadne Foulkes, Fairholme began life with just four pupils, but soon built-up a reputation for high standards of teaching.
In 1945, Mrs Gillian Jones took over the running of the school and, as the reputation of Fairholme steadily grew, was forced to find larger premises in the 1960's.
In 1964, Fairholme moved to 'The Mount', its present site and one of the older mansions of St. Asaph. The former home of the late Miss E Pilkington, a member of the famous glass-making family, 'The Mount' offers the ideal environment from which to provide a well-balanced education.
The current headmistress, Mrs M.M. Cashman, has run Fairholme with husband, Mr A.J. Cashman, since 1989.
Our Approach
At Fairholme we believe that each child will develop best as an individual when placed in an atmosphere of respect and trust; where parents, teachers and pupils have an effective, healthy influence on attitudes and actions.
In a caring, Christian, and totally dedicated teaching atmosphere, our very ethos is to provide pupils with the best possible educational start in life.
Achieving high academic standards and good discipline, and with a focus upon maintaining traditional teaching methods, we are renowned as providing the perfect grounding for entrance into highly selective senior schools.
With small class sizes, and a 100% selective senior school pass rate for our eleven-year-olds, the Fairholme approach is well proven.
Curriculum
Through a well-balanced curriculum, Fairholme carefully prepares pupils for examinations at highly selective regional schools. Examinations are held twice yearly and reports are frank and uncomplicated. An extensive range of recreational activities is also provided throughout the school year. Pupils also actively take part in lunchtime clubs to further develop their creative skills. SubjectsEnglish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Design & Technology, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education.
Additional learning
French, Classical Studies.
Lunchtime clubs
A choice of activities that changes each term.
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten is equipped to a high standard and provides a stimulating
environment for 2 1/2 to 4 year olds, which gives the children a head start.
Our fully qualified nursery teacher gives each child lots of loving care
and attention, and guides them through a structured range of imaginative
activities designed to help with number concepts and letters at the pre-reading,
pre-writing stage.
There are opportunities for art and craft, music, sand and water play,
dressing up, imaginative play and outdoor play. The children quickly
make friends and grow in self-confidence, learning skills which will ease
their transition into the main school.
Sport and Recreation
Sporting activities are not simply the key to healthy development. Through participation in football, netball and other games and activities, pupils are given the opportunity to develop new skills and also learn the importance of teamwork.
Key dates in the school calendar are annual sporting events where parents and pupils alike are encouraged to take part.
Lessons in ballet, singing, piano, speech and drama (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations) are also provided.
The children of Fairholme look forward to singing in St. Asaph Cathedral (the smallest ancient Cathedral in Britain at just 182' long x 68' wide) twice a year, once at Christmas for a Carol Service and an End of Term Service in the summer.
Academic Success
With quality teaching applied across the entire curriculum, a 100% pass rate is achieved for all children who are entered into examinations for Senior Independent Schools.
More significantly, however, Fairholme consistently secures scholarships and also entrance into the highly selective King's and Queen's schools of nearby Chester.
In 2004, no less than eleven places have been awarded at King's and Queen's. Fairholme was also successful in achieving one of a limited number of Queen's scholarships awarded for outstanding academic distinction. Ten scholarships were also awarded by other leading schools in the region.
Completely independent of all senior schools, Fairholme is able to provide an outstanding range of choices when it is time to consider 11-plus education.
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