Nestled amidst the picturesque Somerset countryside, All Hallows School offers an unparalleled British boarding school experience for children aged 8-13. With a rich history as a boarding school with international links, All Hallows has evolved into a vibrant co-educational preparatory school, renowned for its nurturing environment, academic excellence, and diverse co-curricular offerings. While always welcoming both short-stay and longer-term pupils, the increasing popularity of the school allows more children to immerse themselves in the unique All Hallows way of life.
Our Unique Approach
All Hallows stands out for its extensive experience in welcoming short-stay, year-long and full-time boarding pupils, ensuring both children and parents feel settled and supported from day one. Their individualised approach is at the heart of their philosophy. The established English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programme is a cornerstone, with specialist teachers expertly differentiating their teaching to cater to every child’s needs, whether that means providing additional support or stretching advanced learners.
Beyond language development, All Hallows is dedicated to nurturing each child’s individual passions. Whether a child is keen on Maths, Art, Tennis, or being in the great outdoors, the curriculum and activities adapt to foster these interests. This could involve joining scholarship preparation groups, participating in weekend Art Masterclasses, or training with the Bath Tennis Academy, ensuring each child has the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields.
The core academic offering includes a comprehensive EFL programme, seamlessly integrated into the daily curriculum to enhance language proficiency. Beyond lessons, the popular Saturday Enrichment Programme offers a diverse range of optional co-curricular activities, with approximately 95% of pupils choosing to participate. These activities change each term, providing fresh and exciting experiences such as tennis coaching, paddleboarding, ceramics, bouldering, photography and even axe throwing!
Activities, Sports and Excursions
All Hallows boasts a rich array of activities, sports and excursions, all included within the curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience.
Weekly Sport
Pupils engage in core sports like Rugby, Netball, Hockey and Cricket at least three times a week, including tournaments and fixtures against leading UK prep schools. As a member of IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools), All Hallows also completes in sports such as cross country, athletics and tennis. A variety of after-school sports clubs further develop interests and skills.
Saturday Enrichment Programme
Our established yet ever-changing Saturday Enrichment Programme sees pupils develop hobbies and interests, try new things, and enjoy childhood. With much to offer including paddleboarding, bouldering, photography, baking, horrible science, coding, archery, and axe throwing, there really is something for everyone!
Sunday Activities
Every Sunday, boarders embark on a vibrant activity programme, often off-site and within the community. These enriching experiences might include visits to the historic city of Bath, Safari Parks, activity centres, paddleboarding and sailing. The diverse weekend programme strengthens the boarding community and provides an authentic taste of British life.
Curriculum Trips
Throughout the school year, pupils enjoy curriculum-enhancing trips tailored to their year group.
Residential Week
During the summer term, all pupils in Year 4 and above participate in an off-site “Residential” week. These tailored adventures could involve sailing at the UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) on the Isle of Wight, or engaging in adventure and survival skills in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons in Wales.
A Typical Day at All Hallows
While no two days are exactly alike, with a dynamic schedule of house events, seminars, guest workshops, and community celebrations, a general overview of a typical day at All Hallows includes:
– Morning: Wake-up, dorm-tidying, and morning prep are followed by a varied breakfast offering continental and cooked options.
– School Day: Lessons are designed for high engagement, with teachers fostering excitement and curiosity. They follow the “All Hallows Learner” model, cultivating skills like resilience, problem-solving, and existential thinking.
– Afternoon: After school, a diverse and ever-changing array of co-curricular activities are on offer, including coding club, creative design, art, enhanced sports, scholarship preparation (open to all interested), and Forest School.
– Dinner: Served family style in groups in one central dining room, with a choice of hot, cold, salad, vegetarian, and vegan options, always followed by a classic British pudding.
– Evening: Evenings feature a rotating choice of activities such as yoga, swimming, “Zen Time”, additional prep and homework club, baking, and team games.
– Wind-down: Girls head to the “Girls’ landing” and boys to the “Boys’ landing”, where experienced and caring residential staff help them unwind, settle, and prepare for the next day, fostering strong relationships within the small residential team.
Accommodation
All Hallows provides shared dormitories, varying in size from 4 to 12 pupils per room. This communal living fosters a strong sense of community and friendship. Each boarder has their own bed, storage, and pinboard, and are encouraged to personalise their space with photos and keepsakes to make it feel like home. Boarders have access to a dedicated kitchen, lounge, and common room for use during evenings and weekends, along with full access to all on-site facilities, including the creative centre, tennis courts, swimming pool, astro-turf pitch, and 6-acre Forest School.
Facilities
Beyond our comfortable boarding house, All Hallows offers an impressive array of facilities designed to inspire and engage every pupil. Our six acre Forest School provides an immersive outdoor environment, complete with cozy cabins, inviting fire pits, and even a pizza oven for unique culinary experiences. For sports enthusiasts, we boast well-maintained tennis courts with an on-site program, a brand-new all-weather astro turf pitch, multiple sports pitches, an indoor gym, and a swimming pool. Our state-of-the-art Creative Centre sparks imagination with traditional art and ceramics classrooms, alongside a cutting-edge creative design studio equipped with the latest technology. All these exceptional amenities are set against the stunning backdrop of the Somerset countryside.
Free Time and Well-being
While the All Hallows day is robust and engaging, well-being and balance are prioritised. Evenings are busy with after-school clubs and activities, designed as a break from academics and focusing on hobbies, social life, relaxation, and personal development.
Participation is encouraged, but children can choose their level of involvement. The staff are adept at “reading the room” and understand when downtime is needed. Reading and quiet time are scheduled before lights out, and boarders can always choose to relax with a book, watch a movie, or unwind on the Library Lawn.
The goal is for each child to fully embrace the experience and maximize their time, ensuring it’s both enriching and enjoyable.
