FAQs
- What’s special or different about New Model Schools?
- New Model Schools are dedicated to high-quality education at a fraction of the fees charged by other independent schools. We are able to achieve this goal by taking a 'no-frills’ approach, without compromising our commitment to the highest educational standards. We believe in talented, dedicated teachers working to produce informed, socially responsible young men and women. The New Model School is so-called because we want to create a model which parents all over the country can imitate in their own communities.
- Are New Model Schools crammer schools?
- No, not at all. The New Model School system offers a stimulating and enjoyable curriculum and we are firmly committed to the total education of our pupils. In the first New Model School in Kensal Town, for example, children have regular access to a park and a swings-and-slides play-area. We also include activities from yoga to arts-and-crafts on the curriculum. The emotional and physical development of each pupil is as important to us as any intellectual pursuit.
- How much time do parents have to give to the school?
As much (or as little) as they can. Parents are more than welcome to visit the school and offer help—but we realise that this simply may not be possible for a lot of people. Really, it’s more important that parents be supportive and involved in their child’s education at home.
- Is the New Model School Company a religious group?
- The NMS Company is not a religious institution. Any parents, regardless of religious background, can send their children to a New Model School. At the Maple Walk NMS (as in most independent schools) the day will start with a short non-denominational Christian assembly. The school will not select on a religious basis and pupils will learn about various faiths as they progress through their studies so as better to understand how religion has shaped the pluralistic democracy they live in.
- What about national standards?
- Students will be prepared for 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams—well in line with national standards.
- Why did you open a New Model School in Kensal Town?
- We were encouraged to bring the New Model School concept to Kensal Town by interested parents. Kensal Town has a community of involved parents and a strong traditional commitment to education. The area contains a wonderful mix of people from many different backgrounds and cultures.
- What about special needs students or students with disabilities?
- All too often children are labelled as having special needs, when really they have simply been let down by ineffective teaching, and can’t read or spell. On the other hand, there are cases where children have a medical diagnosis of special needs. In either case, we would welcome an opportunity to meet parents and discuss the situation. We have involved various experts in our curriculum design and we are confident that we will be able to support children with mild learning difficulties. Each case must be judged on its merits, and we will do everything possible to accommodate children who are capable of benefiting from our programme.
- Who are the people behind this?
The idea for the New Model School was developed by Civitas, an independent social policy think-tank dedicated to the study of civil society (www.civitas.org.uk). Civitas has researched many aspects of education and decided to create a new option for parents frustrated by the lack of adequate choices in their children’s education.
- How can I start a NMS in my area?
- The intention behind the project is to create a model which can be replicated in different areas. Wherever groups of parents would welcome an NMS school opening in their area, we will provide every assistance with planning, regulations and curriculum. If you would like such a school started, please email Richard Williams.
- Where does the funding for this come from?
- The New Model School is a limited company with shareholders who have provided the start-up capital for the venture. Our shareholders are people who believe strongly in what we are doing, and are prepared to risk some of their money to help get the project off the ground. This method of funding is called philanthropy and five per cent, and is based on the idea that supporters of a worthy cause become shareholders on the understanding that dividends will be minimal and may take a few years to materialise. The running costs of the Maple Walk School, and of any other schools which are set up under our auspices, will be met from fees.
- How can I help?
There are two ways in which you can become part of the New Model School project.
We need more shareholders to provide us with the necessary operating capital to open not only Maple Walk School, but a chain of similar schools around the country. We are seeking investment in units of £1,100. Of this, £1,000 represents a loan which will be paid back as and when the directors deem it possible. The loan component will be interest free. The additional £100 will represent the value of the share, which will pay a dividend of five per cent when the company is trading at a profit. If you would like to become a shareholder, cheques should be made payable to the New Model School Company.
If you would like to help, but you do not want to become a shareholder, you can make a donation towards the funds of Civitas, which is hosting this project. Civitas is a registered charity, and can reclaim any tax paid on your donation under the Gift Aid scheme. This funding will be put towards bursaries to assist children who would benefit from the education which the New Model School is offering, but whose parents would not be able to afford the fees.