Small School of the Year LATHALLAN
By embracing both its history and traditional values with a dynamic vision for the future, this school is one of opportunity where pupils can become the best they can be
On 17 January 1930, five young boys (Alexander, Duke, Grace, Harrison and Price) wearing short trousers, caps and red and grey striped ties, were handed over by their trusting parents to the care of Lathallan School and this is where its story began.
Lathallan today is an extraordinary co-educational nursery, junior and senior school for youngsters between the ages of six months and 18 years.
The school castle, boarding house and facilities are located within 60 acres of leafy grounds along the North Sea coastline, and this incredible setting provides unrivalled outdoor learning opportunities and a spacious environment for its pupils to explore and enjoy.
“We’re elated to have been awarded Small Independent School of the
Year, recognising the quality of the student experience we offer,” says Headmaster Richard Toley. “The process was valuable and allowed us time to think and reflect robustly on our school’s achievements. Charlotte Avery, Headmistress of St Mary’s
School Cambridge presented the award at the virtual event commending our ‘success in providing secure and successful education, maintaining long term commitment to environmental education which sparkles with innovation such as the School Farm, Therapet Programme and Youth and Philanthropy Initiative’. Lathallan was among some exceptionally worthy finalists and our school community was humbled that the panel selected us.”
By committing to teaching both inside and outside the classroom, Lathallians understand that learning occurs everywhere, at all times. For this school community, it’s about opening up opportunities to learners. All pupils thrive here. Lathallan has a remarkable teaching team, and with an average class size of 12, teaching staff are in a position to offer tailored support to meet the pastoral, vocational and academic needs of each child. Richard Toley continues: “we’re a small community and we really want to make sure that every pupil who comes here is happy. If you are happy in your learning, you will achieve your potential academically”.
A Lathallan parent notes: “the small school size encourages vertical friendships as well as horizontal. This in turn results in a more nurturing environment, with older children looking out for the younger children and younger pupils looking to the older pupils for inspiration and guidance. Lathallan feels very much like one big family”. Pupils here learn in the fresh air, immersed in nature, which helps them to connect with others, themselves and the environment.
Lathallan has an unwavering commitment to empower, inspire and motivate its pupils to be curious about their futures and this endures in the hearts of all Old Lathallians (the school’s alumni) for life. lathallan.org.uk
“WE’RE A SMALL COMMUNITY AND WE REALLY want to make sure that every pupil who comes here is happy. IF YOU’RE HAPPY IN YOUR LEARNING, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL ACADEMICALLY”