A very warm welcome to St Ives, and thank you for taking the time to find out more about our school.
I have been teaching at St Ives since 2011 and have been Head Teacher since 2014. During that time, I have remained committed to ensuring that the education we provide offers the very best combination of academic achievement, pastoral care, sporting opportunity and creative enrichment, enabling every child to thrive and fulfil their potential.
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 children happy to try something new, take risks, embrace challenges and give their all with confidence is how we measure our success.
We are proud to have been recognised nationally for the exceptional education we provide. Having been named Small Independent School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards in both 2019 and 2022, the judges praised the energy, warmth and sense of community that make St Ives such a special place to learn and grow.
More recently, we were delighted to receive an exceptional outcome in our latest ISI Inspection in March 2026. Alongside meeting all statutory standards, inspectors identified a Significant Strength in our approach to curriculum development and enrichment, the highest accolade available under the current inspection framework. The report highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to pupils, the quality of teaching, the positive attitudes to learning demonstrated by our children and our unwavering commitment to supporting every pupil as an individual.
This recognition reflects something we have always believed: that children flourish when they are known, valued and inspired. Our size allows us to provide outstanding pastoral care and a truly personalised educational experience, ensuring every child is supported to become the very best version of themselves.
By the time St Ives pupils leave us, they are fully prepared for the next important step in their educational journey. In recent years, 100% of our Year 6 pupils have secured places at their first-choice senior schools, with many receiving scholarships and awards to some of the country's most respected independent schools.
We offer an outstanding education within a fun, supportive and ambitious community where individual progress is celebrated. From stimulating lessons taught by specialist teachers to Forest School adventures, sporting fixtures, performances and enrichment activities, working hard and having fun go hand in hand at St Ives.
The best way to truly experience St Ives is to visit us in person, whether at one of our Open Mornings or on a personal tour. We would be delighted to show you around and give you a genuine insight into life at our wonderful school.
I look forward to welcoming you here soon.
Kay Goldsworthy
Head Teacher