About Park School

Park School is now one of the longest established alternative primary schools in the UK, providing child-centred human-scale education; a school where education is designed around the person, at a scale which allows for the full flourishing of the individual as well as their relationships with their community and their environment.

Park School believes that children should be given the opportunity to be children and to enjoy childhood. We recognise that children develop in different ways and at their own pace. We believe that children learn best when learning is underpinned by positive relationships, active engagement, enjoyment and purpose. 

Children are at the heart of everything we do. Children learn to respect themselves, respect other people and respect the world around them. We offer an alternative education that aims to develop children who will be confident, caring and compassionate individuals. 

Play and creative, playful learning experiences are central to the way we teach children at Park School. We recognise that through play children learn to take risks, make mistakes, face challenges, explore new ideas and experience joy. 

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” 

Benjamin Franklin

Children have a voice in the school and options and choices are available from the start. We look to seek their views, ideas and thoughts on how they learn, how the school is organised and any other matter that might concern them. Our weekly school meetings provide an opportunity for any child to raise a matter for debate.

Teaching is enhanced wherever possible by providing opportunities for the children to engage with people and places beyond the school environment. Parents also share their skills with children, offering contributions as varied as singing workshops, computer skills or reading with children.

The community of parents and teachers working together for the benefit of the children is a vital part of the strength of Park School.