Mr. John Shackleton

I am often asked by parents to describe the school’s ‘ethos’, but encapsulating something so intangible in words remains a constant challenge. Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to speak from the heart about what it is that we hope to achieve and trust that in so doing the ‘ethos’ will shine through.

Like many schools with a strong track record for securing places at very selective schools, Hallfield has an unfounded reputation for being a bit of a ‘hot-house’. Whilst there is no denying our academic rigour and high standards, the excellence and vibrancy is not limited to the classroom. At Hallfield, we only have one school rule, “To act with courtesy and commonsense at all times and to strive for excellence in all that we do”.

We do indeed strive to develop the many facets of each child by allowing them to experience opportunities in music, sport and drama, for example. It is our aim that your child, like every other pupil at Hallfield, develops a genuine, investigative liking for learning and knowledge, be that of lighting systems for the school play or the off-side rule in hockey.

As the school rule suggests, we also place great emphasis on traditional values at Hallfield. Manners matter to us. Your child will be part of a community where uniform is worn correctly, where children stand up when adults enter the room and where everyone sits down to a home-cooked meal together every day.  Yet amidst this, there is much laughter. Hallfield is a happy and nurturing place which fosters independence.