Rockport School
Key Information
Our highly experienced and qualified staff encourage pupils to use their strengths to overcome their difficulties. Our aim is to discover and develop each child's Pupils identified with SpLD or needing learning support through to GCSE study skills can have 1-to-1 tuition with specialist teachers. Pupils are withdrawn from classes during the day with minimum disruption to the normal school timetable, avoiding core subjects and ensuring pupils catch up with any work missed.Communication between SENCO, specialists, parents and teaching staff is extremely important and vital to the well-being of our pupils.We understand that every child's story is different so we offer a confidential chat about the support a child may need.
History of the School
Rockport was founded by Geoffrey Bing, in 1906, as a boys’ preparatory school and pupils were made ready for the Common Entrance examination to public schools throughout the United Kingdom. Originally with just four boys, one assistant master and a matron, the school expanded considerably during Bing’s Headship, and concerts, plays, sporting fixtures and Lough swims flourished.It is important to note that during the two world wars, 23 Rockportians bravely made the ultimate sacrifice. This rate of attrition for such a small school is remembered with pride in our McBride Room the schools dedicated memorial room. The school became fully co-educational in 1967 and began taking pupils to the age of 16 in 1998 and to the age of 18 in 2015. New buildings and facilities have continued to be added to the Rockport estate, but the school remains very identifiable with the one established by Bing over a century ago.
Pre-16 qualifications
Rockport School offers a wide range of pre-16 qualifications, including GCSEs and IGCSEs. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and provides students with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Post 16 qualifications
Rockport School offers a range of post-16 qualifications, including A-levels and the International Baccalaureate. The school has a strong track record of success in these qualifications, with many students going on to attend top universities in the UK and around the world.
Academic performance
Boarding accommodation
Boarding is at the heart of Rockport School. Our students reside in the main building and we offer full-time and flexi-boarding to both boys and girls. We are committed to our students having the highest levels of pastoral care and ensuring that their time in boarding is a happy and fulfilling one.We encourage all our students to respect and care for each other, whatever age, and to be a proud contributor and member of the boarding community. Every year we 'refresh' our House ethos: as the needs and concerns of our students change, so does our Boarding Service. Our boarding prefects take a leading role in the House and all students are encouraged to consider a project that may allow them to gain the BSA Boarding Skills Award.Above all, we believe that boarding fosters independence and the spirit of tolerance. The children in our boarding family welcome responsibility and grow in confidence as they move through the school.
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is vitally important to the life and culture of our school. Class sizes promote a family atmosphere which underpins the structure and ethos of Rockport. Our school community aims for cohesion and inclusion for every child where the well-being of everyone is the prime concern of each member.Form tutors provide the key link between school and home, and are responsible for the academic, spiritual, moral and social wellbeing of their tutees. They communicate regularly with parents and are the first point of call for any concerns. The Principal and Deputy Principal are always on hand if a parent has concerns which the Tutor is unable to help with. The Deputy Principal is the Child Protection Officer and liaises closely with all staff and external agencies.The Head of Boarding acts as Boarding Tutor and should a child have a problem in the boarding house, works closely with our highly experienced and dedicated Houseparents and boarding staff.
Extra-curricular activities
Rockport School has an extensive extra-curricular program, which includes a wide range of activities such as music, drama, sport, and outdoor pursuits. The school encourages students to get involved in as many activities as possible, as it believes that this helps to develop well-rounded individuals.
General school facilities
A Day in the Life of