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Coordinates: 52°46′09″N 2°51′48″W / 52.7691°N 2.8632°W / 52.7691; -2.8632
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Adcote School for Girls
Address
Map
Little Ness

Shrewsbury
,
Shropshire
,
SY4 2JY

 England
Information
TypeIndependent Day and Boarding for Girls
MottoLatin: Nisi Dominus Frustra "Without the Lord, everything is in vain"
Religious affiliation(s)Christian
Established1907
FounderMrs Amy Gough
Chairman of GovernorsMr. T.Morris
HeadmasterMr Gary Wright
Staff58
GenderGirls
Age5 to 18
Enrollment160 (and 70 in the nursery)
HousesGlenmore
Haughton
Innage
ChaplainReverend L Foster
AffiliationIndependent Schools Association
Old PupilsAdcotians
Websitehttp://www.adcoteschool.co.uk

Adcote School is an independent non-selective day and boarding school for girls, located in the village of Little Ness, five miles northwest of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. The school was founded in 1907,[1] and is set in a Grade I listed country house built in 1879 for Rebecca Darby, the widow of Alfred Darby I (1807-52) and a great niece of Abraham Darby. The Darbys were the iron-master family who built Ironbridge. The school has a nursery that takes children aged 2 to 5, a Junior Department that takes girls aged 5 to 11, and the Senior School for girls aged 11 to 18.

History

Adcote's Founder Mrs. Amy Gough

The school was founded on 18 January 1907 by Mrs Amy Gough, with two day pupils and five boarders in Glenmore House in the village of Doseley near Wellington. The school grew quickly and the roll was thirty-one after two years. In 1915 the school moved into the larger Innage House in Shifnal. The numbers of boarders doubled and two years later a second boarding house was needed.

In 1919 the school moved again to a Georgian mansion in Shifnal called Haughton Hall,[2] with room for 45 boarders and staff.

In 1926 the Old Girls Association was established. In 1927 a private company was formed for the purchase of Adcote in Little Ness. The school was filled to capacity with 72 boarders. During the depression the school maintained its numbers with never fewer than 50 boarders.

By 1937 the numbers had risen again and the following year plans were drawn up to convert the stables and other outbuildings into classrooms, music rooms and laboratories. The Second World War halted the plans but another building, "The Mount", was taken up in Baschurch to accommodate another 16 children. By 1947 both schools were filled to capacity and waiting lists were in place until 1951. In 1954 the junior school moved to Aston Hall[3] near Oswestry, which then returned to Adcote in 1968. The school continued to grow and the Adcote Educational Trust[4] was established in 1964. Since then the school has been administered by a board of governors.

In 2007 the school celebrated its centenary, and it continues to flourish to the present day.[5]

Adcote House

Adcote School. The building was constructed in 1879 and is Grade I listed.

The medieval 'vill' or settlement of Addecote has had a written history since Saxon times. The original name is probably 'Addancot', the cottage of 'Adda'. At the time of the Norman Conquest, the 'vill' formed part of the manor of Little Ness, which was given by William the Conquerer to his kinsman, Roger de Montgomery. In 1603 King James I, by letter patent, granted the manor of Little Ness, including Adcote, to the protestant branch of the Howard family, Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, who in turn sold it to the Cravens. Adcote was divided up during the early part of the eighteenth century and was reunited by the Shropshire hero - Clive of India. From Clive's will we learn that he had purchased the lands stretching from Baschurch to Little Ness. In 1850 Robert Clive's great grandson, sold his land to Henry Dickenson, of Coalbrookdale, who was married to Deborah Darby. In 1868 the property was conveyed to Rebecca Darby, the widow of Alfred Darby.[6]

The house was designed by the famous architect Norman Shaw RA to a Tudor design and stands in 27 acres of landscaped gardens. Some local sources of inspiration for Adcote are thought to be Benthall Hall in Broseley and Madeley Court, the former home of the Darby family. It is thought that "Shaw himself regarded Adcote as his best house"[7] It is also considered that the house is "perhaps the best example of the country houses built (by Shaw) between 1870 and 1880".[8] Adcote House "has become famous mainly due to Shaw's autograph drawing [9] A masterpiece of Archetectonic drawing, it now adorns the Diploma Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, London." [10] Shaw designed Adcote in Tudor style and used the local building traditions to give the house a sense of continuity with the past[11] The house is built of local sandstone with tall chimneys, pointed gables and mullioned and transomed windows. Its features include a Great Hall with a Minstrels' gallery, William De Morgan tiled fireplaces and stained glass windows by Morris & Co., after cartoons by Walter Crane.[12].The use was built for Rebecca Darby, the widow of Alfred Darby I (1807-52). Mrs Darby lived in the house until her death in 1909. Mrs Darby enjoyed entertaining guests and Queen Mary was known to be a regular visitor. Alfred Darby II inherited the house from his mother. Alfred (1850-1925) was the final family link to Coalbrookdale: he was chairman of the company from 1886 until his death, and thus the Darby's long and illustrious history in the regional and national industrial revolution ended. Upon his death the house was sold to the Adcote School Trust. The Darby family - as Quaker educationalists, were pleased to see the house converted into a school;otherwise it could well have been demolished - as happened to some of Shaw's other mansions. Adcote was converted to a boarding school in 1927. Now the spacious upstairs bedrooms are dormitories for boarders, with views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. The original stable and coach houses have been converted into classrooms, science laboratories and the Junior School.

Gardens

The landscaped gardens surrounding the school feature a variety of trees including Beeches, Tulip trees, Oaks (American and evergreen), Atlas Cedars and Wellingtonia. The grounds include a walled garden and borders filled with rhododendrons and azaleas. As part of the National Gardens Scheme, the school and its grounds are regularly open to the public.[13]

School Curriculum

There is a Reception Class which covers the EYFS statutory framework.

The Junior School is for Girls aged 5 to 11. In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 the girls follow Years 1 to 6 of the National Curriculum. English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Religious Education, Music, Art, PE, Design Technology (which includes Textiles and Food Technology), French, Information & Communications Technology (ICT). SATs tests are taken in Year 6.

The Senior School is for Girls aged 11 to 18. Years 7 to 9 follow Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum for girls aged 11–14 years. English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, RE, Languages, ICT, Art, Music, Food Technology, Textiles, PE, PSHCE and Careers. For girls whose first language is not English a full programme of English as an Acquired Language (EAL) is available. SATs tests are taken in Year 9 when girls receive help and advice before choosing their GCSE options.

Years 10 and 11 follow Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum for girls aged 14–16 years. The core curriculum comprises English, English Literature, Mathematics (including Statistics) and Science. All three Sciences can be studied individually, leading to Dual Award Science at GCSE. Provision is also made for students wishing to take the sciences as three separate subjects at A Level. In addition girls are encouraged to choose three or four of the following optional subjects : History, Geography, Business Studies, French, ICT, Religious Education, Art, Textiles, Music, Drama, Food Technology, Child Development and PE. Accelerated classes for AS level Critical Thinking and Psychology are also offered.

The Sixth Form follows the National Curriculum for girls aged 16–18 years. A-Levels can be chosen from the following options : English, Religious Education, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Accounting, Business Studies, French, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, ICT, Art, Music, Food Technology, PE, Textiles, Drama and Theatre Studies. A BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts is also offered.[14]

Academic Results

In the academic year 2007–08 three-quarters of pupils scored at least five A* - C GCSE passes or better. At A level 43 per cent of all exam entries scored A at A-level.[15]

In the academic year 2008–09 at GSCE 40 per cent of grades were either A* or A, 60 per cent were grade B or better, and 84 per cent of all grades were A* - C. Seventy-five per cent of the candidates gained a minimum of five higher-grade GCSEs, and nearly every pupil in the year attained at least five GCSE passes. Half of all AS grades were at A, B or C, and 84 per cent were grade E or better. At A level 30 per cent of all grades were grades A and B, and only one candidate failed to achieve a pass in just one subject.

In the academic year 2009-2010 at GCSE 80% of pupils attained at least 5 GCSE passes A*-C. Forty seven per cent of all grades at A2 were grades A and B. Only one candidate failed to achieve a pass in just one subject. In the Lower Sixth form there was a ninety three percent pass rate. Forty four percent of all AS grades were A or B.

According to the 2009 Sunday Times Parent Power Survey, Adcote is one of the top fifty small independent schools in the country. The school was ranked 37th nationally, by performance at GCSE examinations in the summer of 2009.

Extended Curriculum

A wide range of activities are offered by the school. These include: Judo, Horse Riding, Dance, Ballet, Trampolining, Circus Skills, Rowing, Tennis, Badminton, Golf, Design Technology and Art, Food Technology, Textiles and the Duke of Edinburgh award.[16]

The Gardening Club has been very successful in recent years, winning a gold award and the Best In Show trophy at the Malvern Show working with celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw. They have also won two gold medals at the Shrewsbury flower show.[17][18]

The school organises regular drama productions and a significant number of pupils achieve LAMDA awards.

Houses

Each girl is allocated to one of three houses - Glenmore, Haughton and Innage - which are the basis for competition within the school. Sporting trophies, music events and points gained throughout the year all go towards deciding on the top-performing house each year.

Boarding

Boarding is available for girls aged 7 to 18. Boarding arrangements are very flexible: occasional, weekly or full boarding is possible. Every girl has a tutor to offer support. In addition to tutors, responsibility for the care, personal development, welfare and general happiness of boarders rests with the resident Pastoral Deputy, who is assisted by three resident matrons and is supported by the school doctor.

Many extra curricular activities are arranged both in the week and on the weekends. There are trips to local venues for shopping, swimming and bowling, visits to concert halls and theatres in the region, and weekend trips to places such as The Eden Project, Bath, and Hadrian's Wall.

Social events are arranged on a regular basis for the girls in conjunction with the local independent schools such as Prestfelde and Shrewsbury School.

Sport

Sport is regarded as very important by the school and girls have the opportunity to enjoy netball, athletics, archery, golf, badminton, rowing[19] and judo with tuition available for horse riding, tennis and swimming.[20]

The girls at Adcote play a variety of sports, in both PE lessons and through activities. In the Autumn term the girls, usually Years 7, 8 and 9, play Netball and Lacrosse competitively. The Netball is part of the Shropshire Schools League and Lacrosse is played against local independent schools.

In the Summer term, Rounders is the main sport that is played competitively in the Shropshire School League, however the school has just recently received a small grant from the Shropshire LTA and is in the process of increasing the profile of tennis.

In PE lessons girls also have the opportunity to play rugby and participate in gymnastics and athletics.

Adcote is now recognised as one of the leading schools for gymnastics in the region.[21][22][23].[24] In 2010 the Over 11 gymnast team are the Midlands Independent Schools Champions and the Shropshire School Champions, with the U11 2nd overall. The Under 11 team also came 2nd in the Independent School Nationals at Fenton Manor.

The former England Netball Captain Tracey Neville was the Guest Speaker at the 2010 Speech Day.

Nursery

The "Happy Faces" Nursery is located within the grounds of Adcote School providing a Montessori pre-school education for boys and girls from 3 months to 5 years old.[25]

  • The front view of Adcote School
    The front view of Adcote School
  • Adcote School and surrounding gardens. The school stands in 27 acres of landscaped parkland.
    Adcote School and surrounding gardens. The school stands in 27 acres of landscaped parkland.
  • Adcote House
    Adcote House
  • Adcote West Lodge
    Adcote West Lodge
  • West entrance to the school grounds
    West entrance to the school grounds
  • Another view of the main school building
    Another view of the main school building
  • The east wing of the school
    The east wing of the school

Previous Headmasters and Headmistresses of Adcote

Years
 Headmasters / Headmistresses
(1907-1946) Amy Gough
(1946-1972) Doris Gough
(1972-1978) Mary Norman
(1978-1997) Susan Cecchet
(1997-1999) Angela Read
(2000-2002) Robin Case
(2002-2007) Deborah Hammond
(2007-2009) Ryan Jervis
(2009 - ) Gary Wright

In 2008 the Headmaster Ryan Jervis was awarded the OBE for his services to Education.[26]

Old Girl's Association

After less formal arrangements had been made for many years, the Old Girl's Association was formed in 1926. All past students of the school can become members of the Old Girl's Association (OGA), which coordinates reunions, alumni sporting teams and other activities for alumni.

All members of the Association receive an annual newsletter, usually at the beginning of September. This includes a bulletin with up to date news of events, etc.[27] .

In 2008 the Old Girls Association established a new scholarship. The scholarship, for entry to Year 7, is for up to 100% of fees, subject to means testing. Applications for this major award are invited from exceptional young ladies belonging to families living within the old Adcote Estate, which includes Baschurch, Great Ness, Nesscliffe and Montford Bridge.

The Association is very active and has over 1000 members.[28]

Notable alumni

  • Marit Allen Fashion editor and film costume designer (1941-2007)
  • Polly Stockton Polly is a member of the British World Class event riding performance squad and has represented her country at both young and senior level.[29]
  • Jane Dillon Internationally recognised interior designer [30][31]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.independentschools.com/england/adcote-school-for-girls_1350.html#full
  2. ^ 'A gentry estate over seven centuries, by Sylvia Watts : Haughton, Shifnal'. Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society, 73 (1998), p 44-51. ISSN 01435175
  3. ^ http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/204135
  4. ^ http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/SHOWCHARITY/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=528407&SubsidiaryNumber=0< Charity Commission Entry
  5. ^ [The history of Adcote School by Rachel Lowe; ISBN 0951241400 Published by the Adcote Old Girls' Association, 1987.]
  6. ^ [The history of Adcote School by Rachel Lowe; ISBN 0951241400 Published by the Adcote Old Girls' Association, 1987.]
  7. ^ Journal of the Royal Society of Arts. p166. Published for the Society by George Bell and Sons, 1981
  8. ^ http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/SHA_SIV/SHAW_RICHARD_NORMAN_1831_.html
  9. ^ http://www.search.secretshropshire.org.uk/engine/resource/default.asp?theme=2051&originator=%2Fengine%2Ftheme%2Fdefault%2Easp&page=&records=&direction=&pointer=9705&text=0&resource=15767
  10. ^ The English House By Hermann Muthesius, Dennis Sharp. p128. Translated by Janet Seligman, Stewart Spencer Published by Frances Lincoln ltd, 2007 ISBN 0711226881
  11. ^ http://www.touruk.co.uk/houses/houses_shropshire_adcote_school.htm.
  12. ^ The Buildings of England Shropshire by John Newman, p97. Published by Yale University Press, 2006 ISBN 0300120834
  13. ^ http://www.ngs.org.uk National Gardens Scheme
  14. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/subjects.htm
  15. ^ http://www.spectator.co.uk/the-magazine/guide-to-independent-schools/3581841/part_3/independent-schools-listings-mz.thtml/ Spectator Guide to Independent Schools 2009
  16. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/activities.htm
  17. ^ http://www.shropshirestar.com/2007/05/11/pupils-dig-deep-to-win-award/
  18. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/news/news_malvern08.htm
  19. ^ http://www.ara-rowing.org/clubs/adcote-school-boat-club Adcote Boat Club
  20. ^ http://www.isc.co.uk/school_AdcoteSchoolforGirls_Shrewsbury.htm
  21. ^ http://www.wycombeabbey.com/sportresults/Gymnastics_322.php
  22. ^ ISC Report
  23. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/news/news_gym5.htm
  24. ^ http://www.gisgagymnastics.org/downloads/2008_Results.pdf
  25. ^ http://www.daynurseries.co.uk/daynursery.cfm/searchazref/50002515ADCA
  26. ^ http://www.shropshirestar.com/2008/03/06/obe-award-delight-for-county-teacher/ Shropshire Star article
  27. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/downloads/Bulletin2008.pdf
  28. ^ http://www.adcoteschool.co.uk/OldGirls.htm
  29. ^ http://www.pollystockton.com/ Polly Stockton website
  30. ^ http://www.nest.co.uk/browse/designer/charles___jane_dillon/
  31. ^ http://www.churchart.co.uk/findanartist/viewArtist.php?artistID=14&searchMode=

Further reading

  • The History of Adcote School, Rachel Lowe, 1987; ISBN 0-9512-4140-0

52°46′09″N 2°51′48″W / 52.7691°N 2.8632°W / 52.7691; -2.8632

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