The Olive Tree School

The Olive Tree School was founded in 2010 in a small house to provide warm, personalised teaching and creative, high-quality learning. The school moved to its current premises in 2012 and now has around 200 pupils. The original aims are kept: small, family-feel classes of about 20 pupils and close, trusting bonds with adults. The education is pupil-centred, drawing on Montessori and Waldorf-inspired approaches that encourage thinking, exploration and learning in nature.

The Olive Tree School provides a framework of School Life that supports pupil welfare and enrichment, including a Pupil Welfare program and a Pupil Enrichment Programme. After-School Clubs, Inspiring Speakers, and a Calendar of events are part of school life, fostering a connected community. The school also emphasizes open communication with families through ongoing activities and opportunities to participate in learning through its calendar and events.

Family Learning Forums invite families to regular workshops and talks on practical ways to support your child's education. Last year, topics included helping your child become an independent learner; anxiety in adolescence and how to pre-empt it; your child's online life; fostering a love of reading; the child-centred approach between ages 3-6; and how to help your child with primary mathematics. Open Classrooms invite families into their child's classroom once a month to see their work. Twice a year, Open Forum events give families the chance to set the agenda for a round table with the headteachers and school owners. Parents can use the Open Door Policy to talk with a headteacher about any aspect of their child's learning or welfare. The Events Committee is a group of parent volunteers who plan a calendar of social events enjoyed by the school community, such as an International Food Fair, a Christmas Fair, a Spring Book Fair and a Summer Garden Party.