for our young adults at 11-16
Our secondary programme
Our young adults aged 11-16 are cared for by our dedicated team, who help them to grow assertive, empathic and intellectually bold. Our approach remains pupil-centred, with debates, performances, experiments and a focus on global issues. At 14- 16, our young adults are prepared for the UK-government official exams, but always in a stress-free, caring environment, allowing them to flourish and continue to love learning. Our GCSE exam results at 16 are exceptional.
- Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 pupils, making for strong bonds and personalised learning.
- We are holistic: intellectual development is balanced with the arts (drama, music, and art) and a wide range of sports.
- There is a robust mentoring programme, giving every child close dialogue with a trusted adult.
- Pupils follow the English National Curriculum as established by the British government and take the General Certificate of Education (GCSE) exams at age 16.
- Our pupils are guided to aim high, which is reflected in our excellent exam results.
What is special about The Olive Tree Secondary?
Academics
We have a strong academic record; our 16-year olds’ final exam (GCSE) results are well above the UK national average. This is because we create an environment of deep thinking and an excitement for learning in all its forms. We balance academics with daily sport, creativity in music, drama and art, and social commitment.
One-to-one welfare
A young adult needs warm, positive support from a trusted adult in order to grow socially and emotionally. Each pupil has regular meetings with the same trusted mentor, every two weeks as a minimum, or more often if the pupil chooses.
Community
Our pupils develop their voice and social commitment: they do charity work, they debate at the Model United Nations conference in Madrid, they write and publish their ideas, and they debate and explore issues of global importance.
Deeper thinking
High order thinking is part of every lesson: analysis, evaluation, justification and hypothesis are part of the creative thinking process in every hour. We also awaken curiosity in the world with our calendar of Inspiring Speakers who visit the school.
NABSS Inspection Report 2024
“Pupils taking GCSE examinations (at 16) achieve excellent results, thus indicating that they make good progress and demonstrate the school’s high standards of teaching and learning’’
“Behaviour is exemplary.”
