The Pointer School

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees £16,161 - 20,982

Ages 3 - 11 years

Pupil numbers 350

Type Co-educational

Opened 1950

Bus Service No

Availability Not shared by this school

Academic offering

Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum

Taught languages French, Spanish

Typical class size 16

Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service

Stages Early Years, Primary School

Introduction

The Pointer School is a co-educational independent primary in Blackheath, London, for ages 3 to 11. It operates within a Christian framework and offers a blended curriculum of EYFS, the British Curriculum and a Singaporean Maths approach. In the early years, Maths follows the Singapore model; Years 4–6 develop mastery for 11‑plus exams with added non‑verbal and verbal reasoning. English is taught to National Curriculum standards with cross‑curricular links, a well‑stocked library and World Book Day activities. Science follows a KS1 topic program and a deeper KS2 curriculum with field trips, while Humanities are taught in three phases to ease the secondary transition. RE, Art & Design and Computing are core, with Visual and Creative Arts contributing to creativity and literacy through project work. The school provides front and rear playgrounds, a pavilion, wraparound care (Breakfast Club and Late Class) and a school chef serving organic, responsibly sourced meals including Rhug Estate meat. There are up to 55 after‑school clubs, Chess Club and residential trips for Years 3–6; in 2022 it joined the Dukes Education family.

The Pointer School, 19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7TH

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

Location

19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7TH. The Pointer School is located in Blackheath, London. The school serves pupils aged 3–11.

Stages

Nursery through Year 6 (ages 3–11).

Type

Co-educational independent school

Additional learning support

An inclusive school. The school provides support as needed for pupils with disabilities or additional needs. The SEND policy is inclusive and uses guidance from the SEN Code of Practice (2014). External experts may be engaged for unconscious bias awareness and related areas.

Religious affiliation

Christian

Diving Deeper

The school has not added this information

Fees

Application fees

- Application fee: GBP 150. The application fee is not refundable.
- Registration (security) deposit to secure a place: GBP 1,000, payable within 28 days of an offer.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)

- Preschool (Nursery / Pre‑school): GBP 5,387 per term.
- Annual total (three terms): GBP 16,161 (GBP 5,387 x 3).

- Reception to Year 6: GBP 6,994 per term. (Includes VAT at 20% where indicated.)
- Annual total (three terms): GBP 20,982 (GBP 6,994 x 3).

Meals and catering charges

- School lunches (Reception–Year 6): GBP 37 per week (includes VAT at 20% where indicated).
- Preschool lunches: GBP 27 per week.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency options:
- Termly: a single lump‑sum payment due on or before the first day of each term.
- Monthly: twelve equal monthly payments covering the full year's fees.
- All fees must be paid by direct debit; parents sign up using the school's payment portal.
- The school operates on a three‑term academic year (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Term dates are published for the school year.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school is a day school for children aged 3–11.

Other regular costs and charges

- Breakfast Club: GBP 8.30 per session.
- Late Class (after‑school care): GBP 8.30 per hour or part‑hour.
- Extracurricular clubs: from GBP 65 per term (charges vary by activity).
- Uniform: uniform is supplied exclusively through Stevensons; parents purchase uniform items directly from that supplier (prices vary by item and are set by the supplier).

Refund information

- The application fee (GBP 150) is explicitly stated as non‑refundable.
- No separate, detailed public statement describing refund rules for the registration deposit (GBP 1,000) or routine term‑fee refunds on withdrawal is published in the accessible admissions and policy pages. The registration deposit is described as the sum required to secure a place.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The school requires payment by direct debit via its payment portal. No alternative payment methods (for example, direct credit card payment or bank transfer instructions) are specified in the published fee information.

Summary of key figures (for quick reference)

- Preschool: GBP 5,387 per term (GBP 16,161 per year).
- Reception–Year 6: GBP 6,994 per term (GBP 20,982 per year). Includes VAT where indicated.
- Application fee: GBP 150 (non‑refundable). Registration deposit: GBP 1,000. Payments by termly lump sum or 12 monthly direct‑debit instalments.

Note: The school publishes term dates showing a three‑term year; the per‑year totals above are calculated using three terms. Where a specific policy detail (for example, explicit refund rules for the registration deposit or detailed accepted payment methods beyond direct debit) is not publicly posted within the admissions, fees and policy pages, that specific detail is not included here.

Academics

Curriculum

The Pointer School educates 3-11-year-olds in a co-educational setting within a Christian framework. Education extends beyond the National Curriculum to cover the full range of academic subjects plus physical and creative experiences and a strong emphasis on initiative, teamwork and social awareness. Maths uses a bespoke approach: the first three years after Reception follow the Singapore Maths model to build a firm numerical foundation; Years 4-6 consolidate mastery for entrance exams to 11-plus and top independent schools and include non-verbal and verbal reasoning. English is taught as a core subject with a National Curriculum base enhanced by cross-curricular links, a well-stocked library, and World Book Day activities. Science follows a topic-based KS1 program and a deeper KS2 program with field trips; Humanities are taught in three phases (Nursery–Year 2 topic-based, Years 3–4 Geography/History, Years 5–6 standalone) to prepare for secondary transition. Religious Education, Art & DT, and Computing form part of a broad curriculum, with creative arts and computing emphasizing literacy, design and digital skills.

Wellbeing

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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Admissions

1. Admission to The Pointer School is by a family meeting with the Head or a member of the Senior Team. Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis and there are no deadlines for applications. Your child can start in the Nursery in the term after their third birthday. If you are applying for a Reception place, your child can start in the September after their fourth birthday. 2. For spaces in Years 1 to 6, applicants are asked to submit their current school report, take an assessment and attend a taster day at The Pointer School. This helps assess progress and suitability for year placement. Applications are taken throughout the year. 3. Start by completing the online form; a member of the admissions team will call back to help start the application and answer any questions. Complete the online Application Form and pay the £150 application fee. You will then be able to book a family meeting. 4. Attend a family meeting with the Head or a member of the Senior Team. The meeting typically lasts 30-45 minutes; in-person attendance is preferred, though virtual attendance is possible. You will also be given a tour of the school. 5. Pupils offered a place need to complete the Registration Form and pay the deposit within 28 days to secure the place. This secures the place and a welcome pack is provided in the term before start. The Pointer School may contact the child's previous school to discuss progress and confirm financial matters; parents must disclose to the Head any features of the child that might affect fitness for education, including any special educational needs. 6. When to apply: Applications are taken throughout the year. Most pupils join in the Nursery with limited places in Reception. The school recommends applying at least 10 months in advance for a place. Places outside Nursery/Reception are considered with school reports, an assessment and a taster day at the school.

Scholarships

1. The Pointer School offers a wide range of scholarships in the fields of academic, creative (music, drama or art), sports, chess, and languages. Scholarships are usually assessed in Year 2 and awarded to pupils in Year 3 and above, and scholarships for current pupils are typically by teacher nomination. Nominations are reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team, and the Head's decision is final. 2. The Higgins Scholarship is the most prestigious award, covering up to 100% of fees and lasting from enrolment to graduation in Year 6. Selection is via an academic test followed by an interview with the Head, usually in the Spring term in the weeks leading up to Easter. Applications to be considered for The Higgins Scholarship should be made to the admission team.

School Events

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FAQs

Where is The Pointer School located and what ages does it serve?

The Pointer School is at 19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath, London SE3 7TH. It serves pupils aged 3–11 in a co-educational setting with a Christian framework.

How many pupils does The Pointer School educate, and when did it open?

The school has around 350 pupils and opened in 1950. It has been part of the Dukes Education family since 2022.

What is the overall approach to curriculum at The Pointer School?

The Pointer School combines the National Curriculum with a broad range of academic, physical and creative experiences in a Christian setting. Maths follows a Singapore Maths model in the first three years after Reception to build a firm numerical foundation, and Years 4–6 prepare pupils for 11-plus and top independent schools with non-verbal and verbal reasoning. English is a core subject with a National Curriculum base and cross-curricular links.

What is the application process and is there an application fee?

Admission starts with a family meeting with the Head or a Senior Team member. For Years 1–6, applicants complete an assessment and attend a taster day after submitting current school reports. The application fee is GBP 150 and is non-refundable.

What is the registration deposit to secure a place?

To secure a place, a registration deposit of GBP 1,000 is payable within 28 days of an offer. This deposit secures the place.

What other regular costs should families expect?

Reception–Year 6 meals cost GBP 37 per week, and Preschool meals are GBP 27 per week. Breakfast Club costs GBP 8.30 per session, Late Class is GBP 8.30 per hour, and extracurricular clubs start from GBP 65 per term.

What is unique about the school's maths and English provision?

Maths uses a Singapore Maths model for the first three years after Reception to build a firm numerical foundation, and Years 4–6 focus on mastery for entrance exams to 11-plus and top independent schools, including non-verbal and verbal reasoning. English is taught as a core subject with a National Curriculum base, enhanced by cross-curricular links.

How does The Pointer School prepare students for secondary education?

Humanities are taught in three phases to prepare for secondary transition. The school places emphasis on readiness for the 11-plus and top independent schools during Years 4–6, including reasoning components.

What outdoor and campus facilities does the school offer?

There are front and rear playgrounds and a pavilion at Hervey Road used for activities and pickup. Wraparound care includes Breakfast Club before school and Late Class after school. The school also provides meals and hosts up to 55 after-school clubs, including Sailing, Horseriding, Robotics and Taekwondo.

What about meals and dining at The Pointer School?

Meals are organic and responsibly sourced, with meat supplied from the Rhug Estate in North Wales and plant-based options available. A variety of fresh salads and desserts are provided as part of the meals.

How extensive is the after-school clubs program?

There are up to 55 clubs offered in Autumn 2026, spanning sports, sailing, robotics, horseriding and more. Clubs are booked per place and can be paid by direct debit or other approved methods, with policies for cancellations and refunds.

Are there trips and leadership opportunities beyond the classroom?

Residential trips are offered in the summer term for Years 3–6. The School Council and House Captains lead charity events and other leadership initiatives, and The Pointer School Way promotes discussion and civic topics.

What wellbeing and safeguarding support does the school provide?

A dedicated pastoral team trained in Mental Health First Aid offers group and one-to-one wellbeing support, including anxiety support and social skills groups. The school uses CYRM-R termly to identify resilience needs and has a therapy dog named Mia and worry boxes as confidential channels for concerns.

How does the school support pupils with SEND and EAL?

The Pointer School is inclusive and follows the SEN Code of Practice (2014), with learning or pastoral plans created and shared with parents. The school works to reduce barriers to learning and supports pupils with disabilities or additional needs.

Is The Pointer School a boarding or day school?

The Pointer School is a day school and boarding is not applicable.

What is the uniform policy?

Full uniform is compulsory for Rec-Y6, including blazer, white shirt, tie, purple cardigan or pullover, and a pinafore or kilt, plus green tights or grey socks and black shoes. The uniform is exclusively supplied by Stevensons.

What is the school's approach to community and charity?

The Pointer School supports Greenwich Foodbank, Lewisham Met Police Christmas Appeal, and the Tanzanian Breakfast Fund, with the School Council organizing charity events. The school maintains close community ties and encourages involvement in local initiatives.

What languages and multilingual environment does The Pointer School have?

The school has a diverse international community with pupils from over 50 nationalities, and over a quarter of pupils are bilingual with many tri-lingual. English is a core subject taught within a broad language-aware environment.

What is the school's history and governance structure?

The Pointer School was founded in 1950 by Muriel and Dela Pointer and joined Dukes Education in 2022. Governors oversee strategic direction, safety, and teaching quality, while the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team manage daily operations.

What is the role of the Parents' Group (PFG) and what community events do they run?

The PFG runs fundraising and community events to support local causes and encourage parent involvement. Events include Harvest Festival and the Christmas Teddy Raffle, strengthening ties with the local community.

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