Lichfield Cathedral School

There has been a very positive reaction from parents of both schools to the announcement that Lichfield Cathedral School is to purchase St. John's Preparatory School in Longdon Green.

 

As a result of this recent announcement, Lichfield's two independent schools are to amalgamate at the end of this academic year. The combined schools will total almost 400 pupils aged 3 to 13, rising to age 18 over the coming years.

Mr. Peter Allwood, Headmaster of the Cathedral School, said, "St John's is a delightful school where the staff have shown tremendous commitment to the development of their pupils' individual strengths. They have a six acre site at Longdon, with beautifully maintained, purpose-built classrooms and high quality educational facilities and resources. Combined with the Cathedral School's extensive and inspirational setting in the city, we have a golden opportunity to develop a modern, progressive school for children of all ages, whilst continuing to enjoy all the benefits of a rich tradition and heritage."

 

The amalgamation of the two schools, and the consolidation of the use of their classrooms, resources and sports pitches, enables the Cathedral School to take a considerable step forward in the creation of a co-educational independent school for Lichfield and the West Midlands. Peter Allwood said, "It is our firm commitment that the Cathedral School will provide children from Nursery through to GCSE, and eventually to A-Level, with the highest standard of education and the best preparation for life. We have made a good start this year with a new Year 7 group who will be taking their GCSEs with us in the Summer of 2010, and we look forward to growing year by year."

 

Ann Watson, Head of St. John's Preparatory School, said, "In one respect I am sad, because the St. John's that we have known is to come to an end. At the same time, I am full of admiration for the Cathedral School, and I believe that this is the right future for our children. The combined schools will be able to provide the children with a much greater range of subject choice and a wealth of sports and other activities as they grow older.

 

When the schools amalgamate this September, it is planned that the Longdon site will be the base for the younger children, aged 3 to 7, and this will eventually extend to age 9.  From age 9, the children begin subject based learning, with specialist teachers in every discipline. These classes will be taught in the centre of Lichfield. The historic buildings are ideal for adaptation into academic faculties and departments with the dedicated resources required for specialist learning across all subjects.

 

Peter Allwood added, "Though this change involves the development of two sites, it is our full intention and commitment that the new Cathedral School will remain one school.  The children based at Longdon will enjoy a regular involvement with the Cathedral and will join the older children for many significant occasions and events in Lichfield.  Many of the specialist teachers based in Lichfield will also teach the younger children at Longdon. I believe that we have a very exciting future ahead of us."