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General Information
AdmissionA Pupil can be considered for entry to Rishworth at any age from 3 upwards. Children who have reached the age of 3 by the September of the year of entry may be accepted into Heathfield’s Nursery. Entry into other year groups, when places are available, is subject to satisfactory assessment. All pupils entering Heathfield as juniors sit a written test. The main points of entry into the Senior School are at 11, 13 or 16 years, but pupils are accepted at any age, provided there are places and the entry requirements are met. A pupil then has the opportunity of a continuous education through to "A" levels at 18 years. Admission is subject to interview and/or a satisfactory report from the child's previous school. A written test may also be required. There is an Entrance Assessment for pupils at 11 years old. This is held in November, December or the early Spring of each academic year. In the case of pupils seeking entry at other times, applications are dealt with individually and on merit. Special consideration is given to pupils with a brother or sister already at the School. Transfer from Heathfield to the Senior School is expected, but is subject to a satisfactory report from the Head of Heathfield. Students from other schools are accepted each year into the Sixth Form. Admission is dependent upon a good report from the previous school, an interview, and satisfactory G.C.S.E. results. ScholarshipsEntrance scholarships may be available for candidates who demonstrate excellence in academic work, sport, music, drama or any other recognised field. Bursaries may also be available to help with fees. Details of these awards are available from the Registrar or Bursar. HolidaysHolidays are arranged so that pupils spend about 36 weeks per year at school, divided into three terms, (Michaelmas, Lent and Trinity). Half-term holidays are approximately mid-way through each term. On designated absit weekends, boarders spend the weekend away from school. Provided that sufficient notice has been given to House Staff, the School also tries to be flexible over boarders’ requests for spending time away on other occasions. A calendar of School events and important dates is issued to pupils and parents for the beginning of each term. Permission for pupils to miss school time for ‘extended’ holidays is generally not given.
In addition to regular, formal communication, the School values close contact with parents at all times. The Tutors, Heads of School Section and House Staff are always glad to call or meet parents in order to discuss pupils' academic and social development. The Director of Studies is available for more difficult, work-related issues and the Deputy Headmaster for more serious pastoral and disciplinary concerns. Appointments to see the Headmaster for particularly serious or sensitive matters can be made through the Headmaster's Secretary. For obvious reasons, it is vital that parents keep the School fully updated on any changes to their contact details. In the belief that a close working partnership between school and home is the best way to secure and sustain a child’s good progress, the School expects from parents/guardians a high level of support for, and monitoring of, academic work undertaken at home. Guidance on this is available to parents, as required. The School Magazine, The Rishworthian, is published annually and provides a useful summary of the previous year's events, as well as giving examples of pupils' literary work and social activities. A Newsletter appears twice per term. DisciplineThe School tries to instil a sense of self-discipline and pride in achievement. Partly in the interests of safety and security, there are a few basic School Rules. By accepting a place for their son or daughter, parents undertake that the pupil will be subject to these. The Headmaster has the right to require parents to remove a pupil from the School if the pupil's conduct or general attitude makes this desirable in the best interests of either the School or the pupil. HealthTutors and House staff in particular, and staff generally, keep a general eye on the day to day health of each boy and girl but, if any serious ailments arise, a resident School Matron is on hand. She maintains separate sanatoria for boys and girls. The School Medical Officer visits regularly and is available on call at any time. Every new pupil is given a full medical examination during the first part of the school year. It is vital that parents keep the School fully informed of any known, new and suspected medical matters and particular needs relating to their child. Details of the School's cover for private medical treatment are available from the Bursar. Parents subscribing to B.U.P.A. or P.P.P. or other similar schemes might find that their son or daughter is already covered. Personal accident insurance is included in the school fees. CateringAll pupils are required to eat together in the School Dining Hall which is served from a central kitchen operating on a cafeteria system. A varied, balanced, appetising menu is provided. Heathfield has its own dining room and both kitchens have been awarded National Heartbeat Awards for healthy eating. There are also facilities in the Boarding House areas for pupils to prepare their own coffee, tea and snacks, and Tuck Shops sell sweets and soft drinks. UniformUniform requirements are indicated on the School Clothing Lists. The School Shop stocks and sells new and second-hand uniform items. Sixth Formers do not wear a uniform; instead, they have a dress code, which, simple and smart, is based on a jacket and tie (or suit) for gentlemen and an appropriate equivalent for ladies. The exact details are set out in the Pupils’ and Parents’ Handbook. Boarders may wear their own clothes after lessons and games and once all other school commitments are over. Adherence to the uniform regulations and compliance with the requirement that pupils look smart, decent and serve generally in their appearance (which includes hair-style) as good ambassadors for the School is considered very important. School FeesClick here for current fees. The School operates a composition fee scheme for lump-sum payment in advance. Details of this and of the School Fees Remission Scheme are available from the Bursar. Leaving SchoolA term's notice is required, in writing, before a pupil is withdrawn from the School and should be received by the Headmaster by the first day of a pupil's last term. In default of such notice the next term's fees will be charged. Overseas ParentsSome pupils at Rishworth have parents who live overseas. The School is experienced in providing for their particular requirements. Parents who live abroad must, however, appoint a guardian in the United Kingdom who has various responsibilities which are set out in an information sheet (available on request). This person must be authorised by parents to make decisions on behalf of the ward if an emergency arises, and make holiday, absit and travel arrangements. Sometimes an agreement is reached that pupils will stay with friends who live locally. Arrangements are made to transport pupils to Manchester Airport or rail termini, and to meet them at these points on their return. Every effort is made to assist with end-of-term travel arrangements. Vaccinations and inoculations are arranged, and provision can be made for storing possessions at School for those who fly home for the holidays.  
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