LVS Ascot proves ace education decision for golf club manager
As the manager of the Lavender Park golf club in Ascot, Paul Johnson has had lots of interaction with the school “across the road”, LVS Ascot. Paul had always been impressed with the exceptionally behaved pupils and the good interaction they had with their teachers, whenever they visited for golf lessons or to use the driving range.
When Paul’s son was born, it was another few years before he and wife began to think about schools, but at the back of their minds there was always LVS Ascot – the impressive, purpose-built independent day and boarding school.
“We went to visit the school and we were so impressed by the fantastic facilities, and so we thought that maybe we would send him there for secondary schooling. We knew it was a good school and it was an aspirational thing for us,” said Paul, who has run the Lavender Park Golf Centre – complete with driving range, golf shop and a snooker/pool facility – for 20 years and is the personal licence holder for the bar.
Licensed Victuallers Schools (LVS) are owned and operated by the Licensed Trade Charity, established 230 years ago, to assist children of, at that time, poor publicans. Founded in 1803, LVS Ascot is now a thriving and successful educator of pupils from varied and diverse backgrounds, aged from four years old to 18, with sports, science, drama and art facilities that are second to none.
Discounts are available for people who have been employed in the licensed drinks trade for more than five years, along with bursaries for children needing additional financial support. There are also scholarships available for those pupils excelling in specific areas, from music and art, to sport and academia. These bursaries, scholarships and discounts can provide between 20% to 100% off the annual school fees.
Working in the licensed trade and knowing a bit about the Licensed Trade Charity, Paul thought he might be entitled to a bursary or discount, and he applied – ticking the box that showed he was a personal licence holder.
It was only a matter of a few weeks before he received notification that their application to join the primary school had been accepted – along with offering him a 20% discount off the school fees.
“Since joining, our son is loving the school,” says Paul, who describes LVS Ascot as a wholesome environment, where teachers encourage an interest in and love for learning. “He comes home excited about what he’s discovered that day. The teachers focus on a particular topic for a term or half-term, for instance, transport, which they link to maths, English and other subjects. He has been really excited to tell me all about the Wright Brothers and Amy Johnson – it’s like all this information is being absorbed without him being aware that he is being taught.”
Paul continues: “At other schools there can be a big emphasis on getting things right and learning almost parrot fashion. This isn’t right for him; he likes to be challenged and encouraged to have a go at something. LVS Ascot’s philosophy is always to give it a try, it doesn’t matter if you get it wrong. Teacher encourage the children to push themselves and attempt something new.”
For parents, there is plenty of parent-teacher interaction. “There are no rules about when you can ask a teacher a question, or let them know about something happening at home. We just email his teacher and no matter how daft we might worry our question is, the teacher is always understanding and keen to help.
“LVS Ascot really cares about creating a happy well-rounded child. The education is important, but it’s also about developing them into the best person they can be.”
In addition to the amazing facilities, which includes an all-weather sports pitch, swimming pool and theatre, Paul says the school provides lots of extra-curricular activities, from school
trips to playing inter-school sporting fixtures. “They do interesting and quirky things with the kids too, such as taking them to the local recycling centre – which our son literally did not stop talking about.”
With working parents, Paul is also appreciative of the wrap-around school care that’s available, from breakfast to after school clubs. “When you’re a busy parent, in full-time employment, it’s not always easy working around school hours. The school understands this and is geared up to support the busy parents. We are so happy and grateful to be part of the school.”
If you would like to find out more about LVS Ascot, have a look online at: https://www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk/admissions/scholarships/ or call 01344 882770.
