There is a huge sense of welcome and community at our small school, described by one parent as ‘a village school in the heart of the city’. Every child is a valued for their own unique set of gifts and talents. Students are known individually by staff, which enables positive interaction and rapport with each child, in order to support, guide and challenge them throughout their time with us. York Minster‘s clergy team also offer support to our pupils where appropriate in close partnership with school, parents and carers.

The school promotes the positive physical and mental wellbeing of all our pupils through the curriculum and after-school clubs and events. Our young people’s wellbeing is supported through our diverse sports programme, rigorous and supportive PSHE curriculum, and the therapeutic benefits of music making. Our pupils are taught to be good citizens of the world, learning practical life skills such as ‘re-start a heart’. A ‘spread the happiness’ campaign has had a positive effect throughout the school.

When they enter Prep, pupils are split into one of four houses – Alcuin, Paulinus, De Grey and Duncombe – so they get to know students across other years. Each young person is assigned an older mentor to welcome, guide and advise them. In their houses, pupils fundraise for charities, organise Harvest Festival donations for the Salvation Army plus shoebox collections and a Reverse Advent Calendar, where pupils donate rather than receive.

Any young person facing extra challenges is closely supported by staff with a bespoke plan, agreed with parents. We offer specialist support from our SENDCo (Specialist Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator) and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and work closely with parents and carers to access other relevant agencies.