When I arrive at School in the morning, the dark winter mornings are brightened by the soft glow of lights from our new purpose-built EYFS building, Children are arriving, clutching weekend projects they’ve made with pride, or swinging tennis rackets on their way to one-to-one lessons.
I love pausing to welcome them and hear their “Good morning in response”. The start of the day is brightened by hearing their laughter echo through the corridors, and feeling the warmth that comes from being part of a school where everyone truly belongs. This is the Clock House family – a small, close-knit community where each child is seen, valued, and encouraged to shine in their own way.
One of the things that makes Clock House special to me is that while we are a family, we also fly under the wing of Bradford Grammar School. That wing offers children protection and confidence, while opening doors to opportunities they might never have imagined. The support and expertise from the Senior School, whether in music, design technology, PE, or specialist care from nurses and SEND staff, enhances everything we do at Clock House without ever diminishing the homely feel of our classrooms. Here, children are known for who they are – their talents, their passions, even their quirks – and are guided to grow with joy and confidence.
Even the small moments reflect this blend of warmth and opportunity. Lunchtimes are a favourite, where children delight in the wide variety of meals from the dining hall. They share stories, play and discover new interests at clubs together – another daily reminder that life at Clock House is both comforting and full of possibility. Small class sizes allow us to nurture curiosity and skill, adapt lessons to children’s interests – the vets in reception class or tadpoles in Year 1 all brought their interests to life.
The balance between nurturing and the opportunities of a larger setting is perhaps demonstrated most clearly in the transition from Clock House to Year 7. There’s no pressure of an external entrance exam; instead, pupils gradually get to know the Senior School, visiting for lessons and becoming familiar with the site and staff. By the time they officially move up, it feels like a natural step, full of confidence and excitement rather than anxiety.
More recently, I have been thrilled to see former ‘Clockies’ return, confident and kind, to support younger children – like the students who help with reading as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. The bond of the Clock House family stretches well beyond the junior years.
Flying under the wing of Bradford Grammar allows our children to grow safely, confidently, and happily. At Clock House, we combine the nurturing intimacy of a small family with the aspiration and opportunities of a larger school. Here, children feel known, encouraged, and ready to explore, and every day is a chance to experience learning that is joyful, challenging, and full of possibility – the very essence of our shared values.
To learn more about life in Clock House and the opportunities it provides our pupils, click here.
“Flying under the wing of Bradford Grammar allows our children to grow safely, confidently, and happily. At Clock House, we combine the nurturing intimacy of a small family with the aspiration and opportunities of a larger school”.