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- Belmont's Good Schools Guide 2025
Belmont's Good Schools Guide 2025
Highlights:
Overall
“Traditional values – manners, responsibility, kindness – embedded within an increasingly ambitious academic curriculum and a plethora of exciting co-curricular activities"
"Holistic education in enviable grounds, where children can be children for longer – cartwheels are encouraged, but the ‘cool to be
clever’ mindset is gaining traction. "
"They identify what a child loves and is good at, and then max it,"
says parent. ‘
"Everyone will love this school," says 13-year-old, backed up by his friend who adds,"Yes,school is pretty perfect really."
Pastoral
The Good Schools Guide highlights how “form tutors, the first port of call for pupils and parents, get to know the children very well and really care”. “Whatever the issue, they offer thought-through help” says parent.
Our Heads of Years were recognised for doing an amazing job and commended for their responsiveness, with parents stating they “can’t fault them.”
The report draws attention to innovative initiatives such as the Whisper programme, which enables pupils to report wellbeing concerns anonymously, and creative approaches like group baking sessions to ease friendship tensions. Belmont’s values “Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You”, are described as “lived every single day,” evident in kindness challenges, assemblies promoting resilience, and an inclusive culture where individuality is celebrated.
SEND and pastoral care are singled out as “super-helpful” and “supportive,” with staff working collaboratively to meet diverse needs.
Academic
The Report reflects how “Dr Abbott is in favour of ‘more academic scholarship’ to stretch every child. She talks of ‘a new mindset’ for a more seriously academic push, including the addition of chess to the curriculum.”
It recognises how “the ‘cool to be clever’ mindset is gaining traction” and that “end of year exams have been cranked up a notch, and reporting to parents is now more detailed.”
In addition “awards are being earned for Awards are earned for being kind, or being oneself. Conversely, flags are dished out for minor misdemeanours: low-level disruption, lateness, untidy uniform."
Co-Curricular
The report highlights the breadth of opportunities Belmont offers beyond the classroom, reflecting Dr Abbott’s belief that “it’s possible to do more than one thing really well.” It recognises how sport remains central to school life, supported by extensive grounds and a strong ethos of participation. As one former international sports teacher notes, “it’s not just about winning… it is as much fun coaching the under-13 D team as it is to nurture elite sporting talent.”
Music and the arts are thriving, with over 200 pupils learning instruments and ensembles ranging from orchestras to steel pans and rock groups. More than 100 clubs cater to diverse interests, from coding and gardening to entrepreneurial ventures through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Outdoor learning and career-focused modules embed essential soft skills, while creative opportunities such as drama workshops and videography projects allow pupils to explore passions beyond the classroom.
Belmont’s 35-acre setting, just 10 miles from central London, provides space for exploration and play, ensuring pupils benefit from a balanced education that combines academic ambition with personal growth.
