What do you think makes Leighton Park different from other schools?

The school has such a strong ethos of creating a community for the pupils to be part of. Each person is seen as an individual and treated with respect and dignity.
A parent (Years 8, 9 & 11)

The emphasis on the individual. At LP there is no expectation on pupils to be 'the same': their individuality is valued and seen as a strength. There is a real focus on meeting the needs of children and putting them first rather than seeing them as a group who should conform, or be treated identically.
A parent (Years 9 & 11)

The staff - both the teaching and support staff - are an inspiration to both pupils and parents. My daughters have been to four schools and this is the only school where I have felt that the staff understand who my daughter is, working with her to develop her strengths and overcome her weaknesses. This approach gives the school a warm and magical atmosphere that encourages the pupils to feel they can achieve anything.
A parent (Year 7)

I think LP is different because of the respect and trust between pupils and teachers. Also, the space and environment in which the school is set make it a great place to be.
A pupil (Year 9)

It was not until our children began attending LP that I came to realise the calm but purposeful atmosphere we had noticed in our early visits to the school are a direct result of the inclusive Quaker ethos. It is rare to find a community anywhere in life where there is mutual respect across all age ranges and backgrounds but at LP you will find Sixth Formers talking to eleven year olds and friendships between pupils from all corners of the world.
A parent (Years 7 & 10)

What makes LP different from other schools is the way that as well as educating us in academic matters a lot of time is also invested into our social education. Although we might not realise it we are being taught how to interact, communicate and get on with both people of our own age and adults.
A pupil (Year 11)

I think the most different thing between LP and other schools is probably the student-teacher relationship. It's about mutual respect and I think that makes it better than other schools: there's no barrier - you know you can always talk to your teachers and they'll always make time for you.
A Sixth Form student

Having visited many independent schools there is a different 'feel' about LP. You see more interaction between pupils from different forms than in many schools and a more obvious co-operation between boys and girls, and between boarders and day pupils.
Roger Aylward, Head of Fryer House

The Quaker values that shape the ethos of the school, the trust and responsibility that underpin the teacher/pupil relationship, and the emphasis on pupils' self-discipline, create an environment where pupils are able to develop as individuals to their maximum.
A parent (Year 7)

Even shy or less confident children tend to 'blossom' and grow in confidence as a direct result of the LP approach.
A parent (Years 9 & Sixth Form)

LP is a boarding school which means that pastoral care is an essential and inherent component of the school. This means that staff have the opportunity to understand every pupil's whole personality, not just that they project in lessons, or only the personalities of those who actively seek teachers out. This is invaluable in helping each pupil develop as a whole person: strengthening self-esteem as they are valued for being themselves.
A parent (Year 8)

LP values everyone, not just high achievers.
A parent (Year 9)

There is a more inclusive approach towards the pupils. This takes away the fear of 'doing something or saying something wrong' and therefore allows a child to express him or herself more freely.
A parent (Years 7 & 9)

Emphasis is put on developing the personality of the pupils as well as helping them to reach their academic potential.
A parent (Year 11)

The uniqueness of the school is captured in the idea that a group of diverse individuals interact out of choice and in a very positive way.
A Sixth Form student

It allows more space and time for you to develop as a person and there's an individually close relationship between students and teachers.
A Sixth Form student

The friendly atmosphere seeps into every corner of the school: coupled with the calming stillness of the surrounding parkland this creates an atmosphere that is perfect for learning all the skills that you need in life.
A pupil (Year 10)

Pupils, teachers and parents all address one another solely on a first-name basis. I don't think that this reduces the respect between pupils and teachers in any way; in fact, I think it strengthens it. I feel it improves learning and the whole atmosphere that is unique to LP.
A Sixth Form student

LP is different because of the atmosphere of the place: people really want to be here and seem to have a genuine interest in what they're doing.
A pupil (Year 11)

A desire for all to be well and a genuine interest amongst staff and pupils for each others' welfare.
Karen Gracie-Langrick, Assistant Director of Sixth Form and Head of History

The relationships that are formed between the teachers and pupils: you feel like an equal therefore you respect them more and passing your exams becomes not just about your achievements, but not wanting to let them down.
An Old Leightonian