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The Pointer School

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £16,161 - 20,982
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Opened 1950
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 16
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

The Pointer School is a co-educational independent primary in Blackheath, London, for ages 3 to 11. It operates within a Christian framework and offers a blended curriculum of EYFS, the British Curriculum and a Singaporean Maths approach. In the early years, Maths follows the Singapore model; Years 4–6 develop mastery for 11‑plus exams with added non‑verbal and verbal reasoning. English is taught to National Curriculum standards with cross‑curricular links, a well‑stocked library and World Book Day activities. Science follows a KS1 topic program and a deeper KS2 curriculum with field trips, while Humanities are taught in three phases to ease the secondary transition. RE, Art & Design and Computing are core, with Visual and Creative Arts contributing to creativity and literacy through project work. The school provides front and rear playgrounds, a pavilion, wraparound care (Breakfast Club and Late Class) and a school chef serving organic, responsibly sourced meals including Rhug Estate meat. There are up to 55 after‑school clubs, Chess Club and residential trips for Years 3–6; in 2022 it joined the Dukes Education family.

The Pointer School, 19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7TH

The Essentials

The Pointer School has 350 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7TH. The Pointer School is located in Blackheath, London. The school serves pupils aged 3–11.

Stages
Nursery through Year 6 (ages 3–11).

Type
Co-educational independent school

Additional learning support
An inclusive school. The school provides support as needed for pupils with disabilities or additional needs. The SEND policy is inclusive and uses guidance from the SEN Code of Practice (2014). External experts may be engaged for unconscious bias awareness and related areas.

Religious affiliation
Christian
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Full school uniform is compulsory for Reception to Year 6. The formal uniform includes a blazer, white shirt, tie, purple cardigan or pullover, and a pinafore (Rec-Y2) or kilt (Y3-6); with green tights or grey socks and black shoes. A purple waterproof jacket, cap or boater, and an optional scarf complete the look. The uniform is exclusively supplied by Stevensons.

Food Options
Organic, responsibly-sourced fresh meals are provided at every meal. Each meal includes a dish with organic meat or fish, a plant-based dish with vegetables, fresh salad and crudités, and dessert or fresh fruit. All meat is supplied directly from the Rhug Estate in North Wales, with soil-to-fork production and a Royal Warrant.

Governance and Ownership
The Pointer School is part of Dukes Education, a UK-based family of schools, and retains its independence while benefiting from the Dukes network. The Governors oversee strategic direction, safety, and teaching quality; operations are led by the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team. The Dukes Education primary office is at Dukes House, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ, and the Chair of Governors is Aatif Hassan, with Suzie Longstaff as Managing Director & Safeguarding Governor.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Pointer School ranges from GBP 16,161 to GBP 20,982 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee: GBP 150. The application fee is not refundable.
- Registration (security) deposit to secure a place: GBP 1,000, payable within 28 days of an offer.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)

- Preschool (Nursery / Pre‑school): GBP 5,387 per term.
- Annual total (three terms): GBP 16,161 (GBP 5,387 x 3).

- Reception to Year 6: GBP 6,994 per term. (Includes VAT at 20% where indicated.)
- Annual total (three terms): GBP 20,982 (GBP 6,994 x 3).

Meals and catering charges

- School lunches (Reception–Year 6): GBP 37 per week (includes VAT at 20% where indicated).
- Preschool lunches: GBP 27 per week.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency options:
- Termly: a single lump‑sum payment due on or before the first day of each term.
- Monthly: twelve equal monthly payments covering the full year's fees.
- All fees must be paid by direct debit; parents sign up using the school's payment portal.
- The school operates on a three‑term academic year (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Term dates are published for the school year.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school is a day school for children aged 3–11.

Other regular costs and charges

- Breakfast Club: GBP 8.30 per session.
- Late Class (after‑school care): GBP 8.30 per hour or part‑hour.
- Extracurricular clubs: from GBP 65 per term (charges vary by activity).
- Uniform: uniform is supplied exclusively through Stevensons; parents purchase uniform items directly from that supplier (prices vary by item and are set by the supplier).

Refund information

- The application fee (GBP 150) is explicitly stated as non‑refundable.
- No separate, detailed public statement describing refund rules for the registration deposit (GBP 1,000) or routine term‑fee refunds on withdrawal is published in the accessible admissions and policy pages. The registration deposit is described as the sum required to secure a place.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The school requires payment by direct debit via its payment portal. No alternative payment methods (for example, direct credit card payment or bank transfer instructions) are specified in the published fee information.

Summary of key figures (for quick reference)

- Preschool: GBP 5,387 per term (GBP 16,161 per year).
- Reception–Year 6: GBP 6,994 per term (GBP 20,982 per year). Includes VAT where indicated.
- Application fee: GBP 150 (non‑refundable). Registration deposit: GBP 1,000. Payments by termly lump sum or 12 monthly direct‑debit instalments.

Note: The school publishes term dates showing a three‑term year; the per‑year totals above are calculated using three terms. Where a specific policy detail (for example, explicit refund rules for the registration deposit or detailed accepted payment methods beyond direct debit) is not publicly posted within the admissions, fees and policy pages, that specific detail is not included here.
Academics

The Pointer School teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
The Pointer School educates 3-11-year-olds in a co-educational setting within a Christian framework. Education extends beyond the National Curriculum to cover the full range of academic subjects plus physical and creative experiences and a strong emphasis on initiative, teamwork and social awareness. Maths uses a bespoke approach: the first three years after Reception follow the Singapore Maths model to build a firm numerical foundation; Years 4-6 consolidate mastery for entrance exams to 11-plus and top independent schools and include non-verbal and verbal reasoning. English is taught as a core subject with a National Curriculum base enhanced by cross-curricular links, a well-stocked library, and World Book Day activities. Science follows a topic-based KS1 program and a deeper KS2 program with field trips; Humanities are taught in three phases (Nursery–Year 2 topic-based, Years 3–4 Geography/History, Years 5–6 standalone) to prepare for secondary transition. Religious Education, Art & DT, and Computing form part of a broad curriculum, with creative arts and computing emphasizing literacy, design and digital skills.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care is at the heart of The Pointer School. The Pointer School Way curriculum weaves PSHE and RSE into daily learning to nurture resilience, empathy, and responsible decision-making. A dedicated pastoral team includes staff trained in Mental Health First Aid and offers group and one-to-one wellbeing support. Initiatives include Pastoral Food Groups for children with eating difficulties, Lego and play-based therapy sessions, social skills groups, anxiety support, and workshops addressing friendship dynamics and emotional regulation. A therapy dog named Mia and a thriving peer mentor programme support pupils' wellbeing. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure - Revised (CYRM-R) is used each term to identify pupils who may need help building resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
An inclusive school recognises differences and ensures equal access to education for all pupils. Inclusive policies meet the needs of children with disabilities, learning difficulties, or other barriers to education. The Pointer School admits and retains pupils with special needs and ensures they are supported within the school community. New pupils are settled through pastoral provision and peer mentors. The SEND policy is inclusive and follows the SEN Code of Practice (2014) to reduce barriers to learning; learning or pastoral plans are created and shared with parents to encourage active partnership.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is central to The Pointer School's approach. A dedicated pastoral team includes staff trained in Mental Health First Aid and provides both group and one-to-one wellbeing support. The school runs a range of mental health initiatives, including anxiety support, social skills groups, and workshops addressing friendship dynamics and emotional regulation. A therapy dog named Mia and a peer mentor programme support pupils' wellbeing. The open-door policy and worry boxes give pupils places to express concerns, with CYRM-R used termly to identify those needing resilience support.

Safeguarding
The Pointer School has safeguarding policy in place and follows procedures to protect pupils. Concerns are treated with due diligence and dealt with in a sensitive and timely manner. There is an open-door policy allowing pupils to speak with a trusted adult, and worry boxes provide a confidential channel for concerns. The school collaborates with families, teachers and mental health professionals to support every child. The Pointer School participates in Operation Encompass, which notifies schools when a child has been exposed to domestic incidents. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life through the PFG and the school's safeguarding policy is accessible to stakeholders.
Parent Experience

History
First founded in 1950 by Muriel and Dela Pointer, The Pointer School has educated children in Blackheath for over 70 years. The Pointer Sisters ran The Pointer Dance School from the 1920s and founded The Pointer School in 1950 after purchasing a building on Stratheden Road. Newcombe Family took over the school in 1978, followed by the Higgins Family in 1994. In 2022 the school became part of the Dukes Education family.

Community
The Pointer School engages in the local and wider community through extensive charity work. Greenwich Foodbank is supported with over 350 bags of food donated annually, and the Lewisham Met Police Christmas Appeal provides Christmas presents for children in need. Through our close ties with St John's Church, we support the Tanzanian Breakfast Fund, providing breakfast for children at a school in Musoma. The School Council regularly proposes one-off charity events and House Charity Week, where pupils raise funds for their chosen charities. Older pupils visit Mycenae House and Morden College to celebrate holidays with residents, including carols at Christmas, while the Early Years department visits Morden College weekly to share stories and games.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parents participate in the life of The Pointer School through our PFG. The PFG runs fundraising and community events that bring families together and support local causes. Harvest Festival is one of the events supported by the PFG, and the PFG Christmas Teddy Raffle is another example of PFG activity. These events raise funds for charitable causes and strengthen ties with the local community. The school notes that parents are encouraged to participate through the PFG, and PFG activity is referenced in the Inclusion policy as a channel for parent involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Pointer School has front and rear playgrounds for pupils. A pavilion is located at Hervey Road, used for activities and for pickup. Wraparound care is offered, with Breakfast Club before school and Late Class after school. A school chef provides meals with organic, responsibly sourced options and plant‑based choices. All meat is supplied directly from the Rhug Estate in North Wales. There are up to 55 after‑school clubs available in Autumn 2026, including Sailing, Horseriding, Robotics and Taekwondo.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Clubs are offered, with up to 55 clubs for Autumn 2026, including Sailing, Horseriding, Robotics and Taekwondo. The Pointer Chess Club runs a weekly Community Chess Club for primary school children. Breakfast Club runs before school and Late Class provides after‑school homework time and activities. Residential trips are offered in the summer term for Years 3–6.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Pointer School extends beyond the National Curriculum with a broad programme of academic subjects and a wide variety of physical and creative experiences. The curriculum develops intellectual independence and a love of learning from Reception to Year 6, equipping pupils for the challenges of secondary education and beyond. It emphasizes initiative and teamwork and includes visits beyond the classroom as part of learning.

Arts & Creative
Art and Design and Technology are core parts of the curriculum. Pupils are offered opportunities to express themselves through drawing, painting, sculpture and other media, and to develop their creativity through varied media and design projects. The expressive arts are taught in a way that helps pupils connect ideas across subjects and appreciate artists and designers.

Cultural & Language
Geography and History are taught across Key Stages, with topics such as Oceans and Volcanoes and a focus on the local context. There is an annual Young Geographer of the Year prize to encourage geographical enquiry. Religious Education provides exploration of Christianity and other world religions to foster understanding and respect for diverse beliefs.

Social & Hobbies
The Pointer School offers a highly extensive after-school clubs programme, with 55 clubs available in Autumn 2026, running across an 11-week term. Activities include Sailing, Horseriding, Robotics and Taekwondo, among others. Clubs are booked per place and can be paid by direct debit or other approved methods, with policies in place for cancellations and refunds.

Community & Service
Outreach and charity are central to school life. The school supports Greenwich Foodbank, Lewisham Met Police Christmas Appeal, and the Tanzanian Breakfast Fund, and the School Council proposes charity events while House Captains oversee the annual House Charity Week. The school maintains close community ties with local organizations and residents.

Leadership & Professional
The School Council leads projects and regularly proposes charity events, with House Captains coordinating an annual House Charity Week. The Pointer School Way includes discussion and civic topics, with opportunities to engage in debates or philosophy as part of the Relationships and Health curriculum. These elements provide leadership development and opportunities to practice organisational and collaborative skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Pointer School places emphasis on wellbeing through The Pointer School Way, which includes Love God, Love People, and Because God Loves Us, with weekly reflection times to support resilience and mental wellbeing. The school promotes physical activity and wellness through its broad clubs programme, including many active options such as Sailing, Horseriding, Robotics and Taekwondo.
Languages

Language Provision
Over a quarter of pupils are bi-lingual and many are tri-lingual. The Pointer School has a diverse international community with pupils and parents from across the world, representing over 50 nationalities across six continents.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admission to The Pointer School is by a family meeting with the Head or a member of the Senior Team. Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis and there are no deadlines for applications. Your child can start in the Nursery in the term after their third birthday. If you are applying for a Reception place, your child can start in the September after their fourth birthday. 2. For spaces in Years 1 to 6, applicants are asked to submit their current school report, take an assessment and attend a taster day at The Pointer School. This helps assess progress and suitability for year placement. Applications are taken throughout the year. 3. Start by completing the online form; a member of the admissions team will call back to help start the application and answer any questions. Complete the online Application Form and pay the £150 application fee. You will then be able to book a family meeting. 4. Attend a family meeting with the Head or a member of the Senior Team. The meeting typically lasts 30-45 minutes; in-person attendance is preferred, though virtual attendance is possible. You will also be given a tour of the school. 5. Pupils offered a place need to complete the Registration Form and pay the deposit within 28 days to secure the place. This secures the place and a welcome pack is provided in the term before start. The Pointer School may contact the child's previous school to discuss progress and confirm financial matters; parents must disclose to the Head any features of the child that might affect fitness for education, including any special educational needs. 6. When to apply: Applications are taken throughout the year. Most pupils join in the Nursery with limited places in Reception. The school recommends applying at least 10 months in advance for a place. Places outside Nursery/Reception are considered with school reports, an assessment and a taster day at the school.

Scholarships
1. The Pointer School offers a wide range of scholarships in the fields of academic, creative (music, drama or art), sports, chess, and languages. Scholarships are usually assessed in Year 2 and awarded to pupils in Year 3 and above, and scholarships for current pupils are typically by teacher nomination. Nominations are reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team, and the Head's decision is final. 2. The Higgins Scholarship is the most prestigious award, covering up to 100% of fees and lasting from enrolment to graduation in Year 6. Selection is via an academic test followed by an interview with the Head, usually in the Spring term in the weeks leading up to Easter. Applications to be considered for The Higgins Scholarship should be made to the admission team.
School Events
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