St Andrew's is a town school close to the market square in historic Wantage and is within easy reach of surrounding villages.
The school is situated in a delightful Queen Anne house. Additional buildings surrounding a large playground, within which is a netball court and short tennis/football area. There is a separate play corner for the younger children with climbing frames, a quiet area for reading in the warmer weather and a sand pit. A small nature garden and pond is totally maintained by the children.
The school links with St Mary's School, Wantage, to use their facilities. The school has a Learning Support Centre which caters not only for children needing extra lessons but also for those with Specific Learning Difficulties. A limited number of dyslexic children are admitted for whom we feel the school is beneficial. The Principal, a qualified SLD teacher, encourages a sympathetic approach from the teaching staff.
The timetable fully complies with the National curriculum and includes French which is taught from 3 years of age. The top Junior forms work in Tutor Groups for Mathematics, English and Science, the children being prepared for entrance examinations to senior school with a very high success rate.
Both boys and girls participate in football, netball, cricket, athletics, rounders and short tennis. Matches, home and away, are regularly played against other schools.
Music is a strong feature of the school. Children learn brass instruments, recorders, flute and guitar and there is a flourishing orchestra. There are also concerts and drama presentations, many of which are written by the children. Lunch, which is included in the term's fees, is cooked on the premises with an emphasis on healthy, additive-free food. Provision can be made for children with special dietary needs.
The school supports a variety of charities and fund raising often has an educational theme. Over the years sums of money collected have enabled us to buy hospital equipment, been given to famine relief and disaster funds and support child and animal welfare.
St Andrew's has a friendly, caring atmosphere with high academic standards. Its aim is to develop individuals to their full potential so they may move on to their next school with a good academic grounding and a confidence within themselves.
