by Admin | Oct 9, 2026 | Latest News
Science is essentially asking questions about the world. How does that work, why is it like that, what happens if…
In the first two years at Sands, our students learn about the essence of science. Through themed blocks like ‘how it all began’ they build up some general knowledge about the world and most importantly exercise their scientific curiosity by asking their own questions. Teaching personalised to the needs and interests of the group.
In their third year, they answer the questions using the scientific method – ask a question, develop a hypothesis, plan and carry out experiments to test the theory and analyse the results.
In the older years, students delve deeper by following the GCSE syllabus in the science subjects they are most curious about.
Creating sparks at Sands. Contact us to find out more.
by Admin | Aug 21, 2026 | Latest News
This week we’re thinking of everyone up and down the country that picked up their GCSE, A-Level and other results yesterday and last week. We really hope you’re pleased with your grades and are excited about your next adventure. For anyone that missed out on a grade they were hoping for, remember you are so much more than a score, you will have learnt a huge amount from your experience whatever number assigned to you yesterday and there are always other opportunities and paths to take.
We’re especially proud of all our students at Sands who achieved another year of fantastic results with a pass rate (grade 4 or above or equivalent) of 92% of all subjects taken by our leavers. This is a fantastic achievement and shows that doing education differently can lead to great academic outcomes. To put this into context, the national average pass rate across all schools and subjects this year was 67% and in all independent schools was 88%, Sands students surpassed both levels.
Its also important to recognise the journey that led to each and every result. The results table represents a huge amount of talent, hard work and resilience. Learning at Sands is a very individual journey. For some having a timetable with plenty of space in it so they can really focus on their passions and get the most out of the subjects that matter to them enabled success. For others persistence to get that all important Maths and English pass shows huge levels of determination and resilience. Deciding the right path for you isn’t easy, we hope that all students no matter the outcomes learnt a lot about themselves and what they want to get out of life through their journey at Sands. We couldn’t be prouder of you all.
by Admin | Jul 28, 2026 | Latest News
Do you have a passion for healthy vegetarian food? Would you like to work in a small student-centered school?
This is a unique opportunity to join our small friendly team on a temporary basis and help us plan how our kitchen should evolve in the future.
We’re seeking a Kitchen Manager for a temporary 6 week period, while we undergo a review of our lunch provision. See our Vacancies page for the full job description and application form.
by Admin | Jul 22, 2026 | Latest News
Fantastic way to end the year! Our Summer Festival 2026 was an extravaganza of creativity, self-expression and community and a wonderful way to celebrate all the hard work of the year.
We saw some spectacular performances, students who have grown in confidence and musicianship even since the Christmas Concert just a few months ago. There were self-penned songs, our first jazz ensemble and classical virtuosic displays and lots of great food! But what always makes me well up at a Sands concert isn’t the performances itself but the goodwill and peer support of the community, everyone hoping that each person will overcome their stage fright and be proud of their achievement.
Huge thanks as always to Georgia for supporting everyone and working so hard to put the gig together. And a massive thanks also to all the students, staff and parents that baked cakes, rolled out pizzas and generally pulled together to keep everyone happy and fed and raised lots of money for the music department.
by Admin | Jul 11, 2026 | Latest News
It’s official the first Sands album has landed!
Thank you so much to all the parents who bought food and drinks and gave donations at our concerts over the last few years. With your help we were able to purchase all the equipment we needed to set up a recording studio in the music room. The past term our students have been hard at work with Georgia recording their favourite songs from the past year and now it’s ready! With hugely diverse musical taste and talent including covers from Lilly Allen to The Gorillaz, original tracks and classical pieces, it’s a great slice of Sands. Well done everyone!
