We believe that all students can be successful in an environment which is caring, optimistic and encouraging. ERV is a happy school which provides an atmosphere where students are supported; are enabled to succeed and their character and well-being developed. Our students know that they are valued as individuals with unique needs, strengths and potential.

Our supportive approach and environment ensures that when students leave our school they model the IB profile – they are intellectually curious and emotionally intelligent thinkers, eager to engage with the world around them. They are sensitive to the needs and beliefs of others but with the courage of their own convictions.

The promotion of well-being, care for each other and resilience are at our core. Students know they have a voice that is listened to by teachers and fellow students. Initiatives such as School Representative Council and proactive pastoral discussion groups enable students to find their voice and develop leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Our four Houses provide a framework for friendships across age groups and for internal competitions. Each term House activities promote participation in a range of activities including House Debating to House Music, Drama and Sport. 

Well-being

ERV’s unique approach to learning and teaching augments strong pastoral care. Students are coached and mentored throughout their time at school and encouraged to adopt a positive approach to every aspect of life. They know that their school is a safe and supportive place where they can try their best and make mistakes as a healthy and important part of learning and developing their skills. Mindfulness is also promoted to both students and staff.

Form Tutors know their students well. The Form Tutor is the first and main point of contact for parents and is supported by the Head of School and School Counsellor. It is important to us that students feel settled and happy at school.  
There are many opportunities for them to get to know the school, make friends amongst and beyond their tutor group and attend the Clubs and Activities fair (ECAs) in their first few days so that they make the most of the wealth of opportunity on offer to them.

At the end of Primary, students progress to the Secondary School. We try to ensure continuity of pastoral care and academic support. For all Primary pupils, the move into the Secondary School is a progression and we place a great deal of importance on settling the pupils in, ensuring that they are happy and are making the most of the academic, co-curricular and sporting opportunities at ERV.

Pupils continue to study a broad range of subjects, with an element of selection, before deciding on the GCSE courses on which they will embark fully at the beginning of the Fourth Year. Our Carrers Department offers increasing support as pupils progress through the School, offering advice on Universities, courses and all aspects of a successful transition to a successful career post-school.

Our Sixth Form pupils leave school well equipped to engage positively with a rapidly changing world as accomplished problem solvers and innovators. They are confident in their ability to lead and with a clear appreciation of and respect for the views and potential of others. Our young people are accustomed to thinking well beyond the boundaries of academic subject areas and are practised in working within and leading multi-disciplinary teams to drive successful outcomes.

Pupils continue to benefit from the rich co-curricular and sporting offer at ERV throughout the Sixth Form with increasing opportunity for leadership roles across many aspects of the School.
We are proud that most pupils continue their education through to the Sixth form, in line with our family supportive aims and ethos. The Sixth Form is a time for looking to the future and developing independence, but also for supporting those younger in the School. Having benefitted themselves from in their younger years, our senior pupils take active leadership roles in the award winning Study Buddy scheme, in the School’s House system and in volunteering work.

Sixth Form pupils are part of a global community of young people whose shared root is the School and who remain actively connected to ERV. They benefit from a rich network spanning a broad range of professions and sectors and who represent a living library of advice, counsel and opportunity.

We are proud that there is no typical ‘ERV’ pupil. We encourage individuality and diversity in our community and this is evidenced by the vast range of performances, clubs, activities and trips on offer.

Our extensive co-curricular provision allows pupils to learn new skills, helps our young people find what makes them tick and what brings them joy beyond academic study in line with the IB CAS programme of Creativity, Activity and Service. We expect all pupils to involve themselves in at least one co-curricular activity from each section each week – ie 3 afternoons. Most activities take place after lessons but those such as Junior Achievement take place on Saturday mornings.