I have been teaching at St Ives since 2011, and have been Head Teacher since 2014. During that time, I have been committed to ensuring that the education we provide is the best possible combination of academic, pastoral, sporting and creative, to bring out the best in each and every child.
The amazing thing about St Ives is its uniquely warm and encouraging atmosphere, which has been inspiring pupils since we first opened our doors in 1911. Seeing the children happy to try something new, take risks and give it their all with confidence is how we judge our success.
We are thrilled to have been crowned the winner of the Small Independent School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022. The judges praised us for our 'engaging entry' which highlighted 'the energy and buzz of the school' as well as the evidence that we put the wellbeing of our pupils at the heart of every decision we make. We also won this award in 2019, were a finalist in 2022 and shortlisted in 2021, which undoubtedly reflects the hard work and dedication of both our staff and the children and our commitment to ensuring we provide our pupils with the very best educational experience there is to offer. We have always believed that our size means we have the best pastoral care in the country and it’s wonderful to see this being recognised.
We were also delighted to receive the highest possible grading in our recent ISI Inspection of ‘double excellent’ in January 2023. The ISI inspects schools in two areas – the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements and the quality of the pupils’ personal development. We were measured as excellent in both areas! This is the highest level of feedback you can receive and is testament to the high standards and committed team we have here at St Ives. We are also fully compliant in all areas of our Regulatory Compliance Inspection.
By the time St Ives pupils leave us, they are fully prepared for that next important step – indeed, every single one of our Year 6s received an offer for their first-choice senior school last year, with many being awarded scholarships from the country’s most prestigious schools.
We offer an outstanding education within a fun, supportive community, where the individual progress of each pupil is celebrated. From stimulating lessons taught by specialist subject teachers to Forest School teambuilding activities, working hard and having fun go hand-in-hand at St Ives.
The best way to really get to know St Ives is to see it for yourself, either at one of our open mornings or on a personal tour.
I look forward to welcoming you here soon.
Kay Goldsworthy
Head Teacher