A values-led education

Find out why we're the only school in England to have our values-led education recognised as a Significant Strength by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
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Values-Led Education
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135 years ago Leighton Park was founded on Quaker principles that today are considered best educational practice for any school; respect, integrity, simplicity, equality, peace, truth, and sustainability. Quakers believe in the immense potential of each individual.

We give our Quaker values currency and purpose, believing in the powerful potential of each individual and nurturing a community of kindness. At Leighton Park you won’t just succeed – you’ll succeed as your authentic self. With a sense of responsibility, a commitment to helping others and a determination to make a difference.

We’ll support you to develop a strong sense of self, with the strength to lead with empathy and conviction.

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Quaker roots

Although only a small number of students and staff are Quakers, it is our Quaker roots to which we owe our forward-thinking approach to education. These values provide the foundation for some of the long-standing, distinctive aspects of Leighton Park life, such as our holistic curriculum, the value placed on individuality, our strong sense of community and the collective moments of silence that punctuate the school day, offering students a much-needed opportunity for reflection.

 

Notable Quakers

The Obama family sent their daughters to a Quaker school and some better known Quakers include the actress Judi Dench and the confectioner John Cadbury, whose family helped establish the School in 1890. The inimitable James Dean was raised in a Quaker family. The Quakers won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947.

Our community of kindness

Leighton Park is a place where we value everyone’s potential and celebrate their differences. 

As a school built on Quaker values, we place great emphasis on kindness, compassion and inclusivity. In fact we’re recognised as leaders in student wellbeing and pastoral care

You’ll thrive in a family-feel environment, where you’ll feel secure and empowered to support yourself and those around you.

 

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An inclusive learning environment

We are committed to offering a supportive, inclusive learning environment, where you can explore your talents and interests – including in our 90+ co-curricular activities.

Our ‘music for all’ approach brings people together by celebrating musical talent, however they choose to express it. Join the 60% of students who are learning to play instruments as they enjoy the perks of our partnership with Yamaha. Or try your hand at mixing and producing in one of our editing suites. 

You can also choose from over 30 sports as part of our inclusive sport and wellness programme. Our focus sports of football, hockey and netball benefit from investment in top coaches and partnerships with elite clubs like Chelsea FC and organisations like #HerGameToo.

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The power of partnership
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Leighton Park leads the UK for its commitment to outreach and partnership work, winning the prestigious national Independent Schools Association (ISA) Award for Outstanding Community Involvement two years running.

Developing kind and compassionate leaders for the future is an important part of how we give our Quaker values currency and purpose. Our mutually beneficial partnerships with community and educational organisations give us insight, strength and courage to look within and strive for a fairer, better society. Our students gain skills, a broader perspective on the world and the proven wellbeing boost of helping other people.

Examples of projects include our Maths Mentoring partnership with the Royal Institution, our Sports Leaders programme and our Literacy Changemakers programme.

Find out more about our partnerships +
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Partners in your education

Small class sizes and frequent contact help you develop a close relationship with your tutor. 

You’ll have dedicated time with your tutor every day, when they’ll offer you both academic and pastoral support, and pick up on details that can be missed in schools without this individual approach.

In lessons you’ll call your subject specialist teachers by their first names, breaking down some of the traditional barriers between students and teachers and fostering strong, supportive relationships. 

It’s a partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared stake in your personal and academic success.

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"It remains a Quaker-run school as the majority of governors are Quakers and, although no member of the Friends remains on the staff and only penny numbers of pupils are Quakers, the school lives by and exudes those gentle, civilised and socially responsible values. Few who leave here take nothing of those with them, and many see them as a guide for a healthy life."

Good Schools Guide

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