School Life
Welcome
Welcome to the Acorn School where the child is at the centre of every decision. It is a great pleasure to see the happiness of each pupil as they navigate their way through school life. Our relatively small class sizes, strong parent-teacher relationships and specialised staff ensure that each pupil’s individual needs are nurtured, enabling them to develop to their fullest potential. We have high expectations for all pupils, and our exciting curriculum inspires them to follow their dreams. It is wonderful to see them develop into self-assured young people who have everything they need to go out into the world and make creative contributions to society.
We would love to welcome you to come and see what makes The Acorn School so special, so please do contact us to arrange a visit, where you will have the opportunity to see our unique school in action.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Rebecca Mitchell - Headteacher
THE ACORN STORY
Located in the Cotswolds, The Acorn School was founded by Graeme and Sarah Whiting in 1991 and moved to its current location on Church Street in Nailsworth in 1993. Drawing on experienced teaching from a variety of different educational systems, Acorn was created to provide its students with a forward-thinking, holistic education enabling them to realise their true potential in a supportive environment.
Today, we pride ourselves on offering an exciting and fulfilling educational experience that, through our unique curriculum and excellent teaching, sees our young people become confident and conscientious achievers.
Everyday learning at The Acorn School is an adventure and our students are able to explore the array of subjects. Our progressive upper school programme offers alternative internationally recognised GCSE/A‘Levels equivalent qualifications, the New Zealand Certificate of Steiner Education (NZCSE). All our students who have wished to apply to university have been offered places, and those who have opted to pursue a vocational route have thrived.
MEET THE TEAM
WHO WE INSPIRE
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 6-18
Lower School
Where developing literacy and numeracy is balanced with the cultivation of the imagination and practical skills, using a child-centred and experiential educational approach.
Middle School
Students explore exciting topics, from science and mathematics, to art and drama, together with a progressive outdoor education curriculum.
Upper School
An expansive and academically thorough programme, supported by a multitude of experiential educational activities from European culture trips to rock climbing.
Life at The Acorn School
Every school day is carefully planned to offer a wide range of subjects and a rich variety of life experiences. Our unique curriculum is designed to engage the ability and interest of every child at each stage of his or her development.
Each week begins with a whole school assembly; coming together as a community is an important feature of school life, and is as valuable to the parents as to the students.
A TYPICAL DAY AT THE ACORN
- 8.30 am Students arrive, registration takes place and morning movement commences.
- 8.45 am Main lesson where a single subject is studied daily in 3-4 week blocks.
- 10.30 am Break time
- 11.00 am Subject lessons where the focus is on academic subjects such as mathematics, English, sciences, languages etc.
- 1.00 pm Break time
- 1.30 pm Subject lessons where the focus is art, craft and physical education.
- 3:00 pm School end for Lower/Middle school
- 3:30 pm School end for Upper school
- 3.00 pm After school clubs (optional)
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Pupils behave well, their attitudes to learning are very strong and they are highly motivated. Learning is not disrupted by poor behaviour. The school is a very calm and orderly place.
OUR EDUCATION
THE ACORN CURRICULUM
Throughout the school, our inspiring and adaptable curriculum has been developed to provide our students with the opportunity to explore a broad range of subjects and partake in regular educational experiences that are carefully implemented to help shape them to be confident, academically-prepared, creative-thinkers who are ready to take their place in tomorrow’s world.
English and French
Sciences
Drama & Film
Arts & Crafts
History & Geography
Sports and Outdoor Ed
Prospective Parents
The Acorn School attracts progressive parents who are highly invested in their children’s schooling and who believe there is more to education than working towards narrow results. Our unique style of education doesn’t include SATs, GCSEs and A ’Levels. We provide an enriching ambitious curriculum for children aged 6 to 18 years, which is balanced with a strong personal development program, in addition, we offer alternative internationally recognised GCSE/A ‘Levels equivalent qualifications. Click for a summary of our qualification results. More information and University offers received are available on request and at our Upper School Information Evenings for parents.
Thank you for your interest in our School. The first step in the admissions process is for parents to attend an Open Tour, giving you the chance to learn more about our school environment and ask any questions you might have.
Email contact@theacornschool.com to book a tour
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025 - 2026
- Term Starts ➔ Monday 8th September
- Half Term ➔ Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
- End of Term ➔ Friday 12th December
SPRING TERM 2026
- Term Starts ➔ Monday 5th January
- Half Term ➔ Saturday 14th February – Sunday 22nd February
- End of Term ➔ Friday 27th March
SUMMER TERM 2026
- Term Starts ➔ Monday 20th April
- Half Term ➔ Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 31st May
- End of Term ➔ Friday 10th July
Download Term Dates
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My Acorn
Ex-Parents – Julie (Gilded Frame Restorer) and Simon (Master Picture Framer)
“The Acorn School has inspired our son to care enormously about the quality and content of his learning and work. His artistic abilities have been nurtured throughout and he has developed a great interest in outdoor pursuits and sports.
The early years at school have supported his imagination and the broad ranging upper school curriculum has produced a ‘well-rounded’ individual, comfortable and at ease with everyone he meets.”
