As landmarks go, it doesn’t get much quirkier than the lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf. This iconic tower will be a familiar site to visitors to the O2 and to anyone in need of a traditional burger (there is an original American Diner at the foot of the structure). But less obvious may be one of London’s most original independent schools – Faraday Prep – which is situated just a stone’s throw from the lighthouse on The Wharf.
In fact, Faraday pupils have a clear sight of the lighthouse, as well as far-reaching views across the Thames, from their rooftop playground.
The school is a small but growing independent primary school, tucked away in East London, near the new destination developments of Good Luck Hope and London City Island (soon to be home to the English National Ballet and the London School of Film). The riverside location provides a magical environment and access to a stimulating, creative community that offers exciting learning opportunities for the pupils and staff
Faraday is committed to giving every child a first-class education, with small classes, quality teaching and a personal approach. In these formative years, the school hopes to inspire a love of learning and that this desire to explore, grow and create will stay with its pupils for life.
Their teachers place a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with a targeted approach that enables each child to progress at their own level. Faraday’s lessons stretch, challenge and engage pupils of all abilities and interests. Children are presented with vast literature, music and works of art to help them acquire an increased understanding of the world in which they live and to build a thorough understanding of knowledge in each subject.
As such, Faraday’s curriculum is broad and stimulating and includes specialist teaching in French, Music, Drama and PE.
The School also provides a huge range of after-school clubs and, to help working parents, a private school bus runs before and after school from 22 different locations!
Some of thier children have even travelled to school on the ‘secret’ ferry – the small boat service run by Thames Clippers from North Greenwich Pier to Trinity Buoy Wharf. This school run is so unusual that a number of years ago TFL were encouraged to introduce a new ‘boat’ category to their school travel planning tool.
Faraday was founded in 2009 and maintains strong links with its sister school, Maple Walk, in North West London. The school is fortunate enough to be surrounded by creative industries, and this has resulted in many collaborative projects with a diverse range of local artists. This creativity is a theme that underpins Faraday’s ethos and is evident throughout their school.
Pupils also make the best of all that London has to offer, with regular trips to museums, historical attractions and galleries.
The June 2014 ISI Inspection found Faraday School pupil attainment to be “well-above national age-rated expectations.”
However, it is the school’s parents that best describe the school: “Absolutely love Faraday – it has lived up to my expectations and more!”
Faraday is genuinely a magical school in a magical location. So if you’re looking for an Independent Primary School, then we encourage you to go visit and take a tour Full details and booking here.