Forces Families
Giggleswick is a popular choice among Forces families with 20% of our pupils from military families. They are drawn to our strong boarding ethos offering a stable, healthy, supportive and friendly environment for children from Year 4 to Year 13.
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Headmaster, Mr Sam Hart, is ex-military
Our Headmaster and Bursar are both ex-military and have a deep understanding of the extra challenges Forces families face.
Mr Hart was a Forces child himself, and attended boarding school while his father served. After school, he secured a First in Mechanical Engineering with Management Techniques at the University of Edinburgh, whilst serving as an Army cadetship officer. He served as an Army Air Corps officer and pilot before moving to teaching at Winchester College in 2008. He taught Physics, was Head of Sport, Contingent Commander of the CCF, Housemaster and lead numerous international expeditions working with a local charity.
Since joining Giggleswick as the Headmaster in January 2022 he has developed an approach to education that combines excellent academic achievement, ambition and strong self-belief, creating well-rounded individuals with a lifelong desire to learn. His belief that learning does not stop at the classroom door has seen the implementation of a broad, timetabled co-curriculum and enrichment programme, which includes over 80 clubs, clinics and societies every week.
Mr Hart describes the ethos for Catteral House:
“Catteral House creates a safe, secure and stable home from home environment all the way from Year 4 through to Year 8. It provides our youngest boarders with continuity that really supports them through the time when they transition from the Prep School at Year 6 to the Senior School in Year 7, and beyond. They are already familiar with their surroundings, routines, expectations and the key people in their lives, helping to make this adjustment naturally seamless and smooth. We work really hard to build a wonderful family-friendly feeling here at Giggleswick, and we love to see our boarders and day pupils develop through their school years here, leaving us as well-equipped, resilient, assured and happy young people.”
Best of British boarding from Year 4 to Year 13
Not just a school, but a real community. Giggleswick is renowned for its happy and supportive environment and family friendly boarding. Our Prep and Senior Schools are on the same campus and Catteral House is a dedicated boarding house for our pupils from Year 4 to Year 8. In Year 9, pupils move into one of five boarding houses.
Boarders make up 65% of our pupils, increasing to 80% in Sixth Form. Everyone attends school on Saturday, with lessons in the morning and team sports and clubs in the afternoon. On Sundays there are a range of trips and activities to enjoy, as well as time for some important rest and relaxation. Here, children make lifelong friendships as well as learn the importance of tolerance, compassion, and respect for others.
Stability and Continuity
This important sense of continuity that our youngest boarders gain from progressing seamlessly through from prep to senior school and ultimately sixth form is key to their wellbeing and personal development. This is true for all boarders but particularly for those from forces backgrounds that might otherwise experience considerable change in their lives. Some children of forces parents may otherwise attend more than six different schools during these formative years. It also helps our international boarders, many of whom are a long way from home.
Nicole McGoldrick, Housemistress of Catteral House adds:
“We focus here at Catteral House on building really good relationships with all the children and supporting them in every aspect of their lives as part of one big extended family. This creates a very solid foundation and helps them make and keep friends through sharing experiences together. It really gives them the very best start as they progress towards our senior boarding houses, Sixth Form and eventually life beyond Giggleswick.”
Safe rural location
Giggleswick is perfectly located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, home to some of Yorkshire’s most iconic scenery and attractions. Fresh air, unspoiled landscapes, and a safe and secure environment, are all within a 3 ½ hour train journey from London. Manchester, Leeds and York are all just an hour away.
Catterick and Northallerton are just over an hour's drive away. With spectacular limestone valleys, picture postcard villages and historic castles on our doorstep, it is a place that stirs the emotions and stimulates the senses. Pupils enjoy growing up surrounded by fresh air and stunning scenery, inspiring them to leave their phones behind and ‘throw themselves in’ to school life. We take full advantage of our idyllic setting, giving life at Giggleswick a real sense of adventure and discovery, where children have the time, space and freedom to grow as individuals.
"There can be no other school in the UK, if not the world, with such immediate access to caves, rivers, crags, trails, an indoor pool, climbing wall and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition directly from the school grounds."Pete Keron, Head of Outdoor Education
The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) & no VAT
The MoD's CEA is offered to assist Service families in maintaining continuity of education for their children which would otherwise be denied due to the movement of their family because of their assignments and posts.
Some parents believe that boarding schools offer the most stable approach to their child’s education, and in most cases, they will be entitled to the allowance, also known as the Children’s Education Allowance, which covers up to 90% of school fees.
Giggleswick School has also made a commitment to all current and future families, that we will continue to absorb the 20% VAT, while maintaining the high quality and breadth of our educational and pastoral offering.
Contact our friendly Admissions Team who will be happy to answer all your questions and arrange a personal visit: admissions@giggleswick.org.uk, or call 01729 879009.
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