The historic Shrubbery School – Sutton’s longest-established independent school can look forward to an exciting new future – with plans for ‘significant investment’ to enhance the unique environment it provides for pupils, as well as continuing its reputation for academic excellence.
The Shrubbery, in Walmley Ash Road, is set for a new era after new owners took over the 91-year-old school, which caters for children aged 3-11.
And the new owners, who live in Sutton, are promising to carry on its long history of providing a first-class education while helping its pupils become well-rounded, caring and responsible young people.
“Ever since the school was founded in 1930, The Shrubbery has provided a caring and supportive environment for youngsters to learn and grow, and we want everyone to know that nothing has changed at all in that respect,”
– headteacher amanda lees
Headteacher Amanda Lees said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the Shrubbery – we really are entering a new era. Ever since the school was founded in 1930, The Shrubbery has provided a caring and supportive environment for youngsters to learn and grow, and we want everyone to know that nothing has changed at all in that respect.
“That’s what has always made the Shrubbery such a special place, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
“However, we are really excited by the significant investment which is being lined up which will update our facilities to enable us to carry on getting the brilliant results that have always been associated with the school.”
The historic Shrubbery School – tradition continues
And Mrs Lees said the Shrubbery’s proud tradition of helping its pupils win coveted places at the region’s brilliant grammar schools would continue.
She said: “Compared to other independent schools, the Shrubbery only educates children up to the age of 11, so we have no vested interest in keeping them here beyond that age.
“That means we can really focus on ensuring they move onto the secondary school that is right for them, and we are really proud of the 11+ success rate we enjoy.”
The Shrubbery’s new Chief Executive Officer, Craig Johnson, said investment had already begun – with input from parents and pupils.
He said: “The Shrubbery is the longest-established independent school in the Sutton, and we’re planning significant investment that means it can look forward to a bright future with updated facilities and the best resources available to the children.
“We have spoken to the School Council, which is made up of pupils, about the improvements they would like to see made, as well as communicating with parents about our plans.
“We have already bought two minibuses to help get the students out and about on field strips and to sports tournaments, we’ve purchased new MacBooks for staff, a complete new IT system and infrastructure together with major improvements to the school’s buildings and the play areas too.
“And we are investing in the teaching staff, who are at the heart of the Shrubbery’s success.”
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“Compared to other independent schools, the Shrubbery only educates children up to the age of 11, so we have no vested interest in keeping them here beyond that age. That means we can really focus on ensuring they move onto the secondary school that is right for them, and we are really proud of the 11+ success rate we enjoy.”