Welcome to The Dixie Grammar School The key features of life at the Dixie that I highlight to prospective parents when I first meet them are our child-centred approach, our high standards, and the fantastic range of activities, clubs and societies that are available outside the classroom, which do so much to prepare our students for real life. Small Size We are small by design and this is fundamental to our outstanding pastoral care. All schools advertise a knowledge of each individual child but at the Dixie it really is the case that all are known by all. Friendships blossom within and across year groups and crucially, our impressive Sixth Form know and are known by our youngest – their influence and example makes them the most impressive role models. Academic Excellence and Challenge Academic excellence is at the heart of what we offer, but we want our students to become well-rounded people as well as achieving highly in academic studies. Happy students learn most effectively – and we strive for all students at the Dixie to be happy. One criticism of education from employers is that with a curriculum based strongly on an exam system, school children are too often given answers to remember, rather than problems to solve. The difference between school and life is that in school you are taught a lesson and then given a test; in life you are given a test that teaches you a lesson. The Dixie gives children challenges so that they may learn from them. These challenges are within a caring, supporting and guiding environment, where personal and group success is hugely celebrated and where the ratio of adults to children is ideally suited to support individual need. We strive for the highest standards in all we do - our latest ISI inspection report – far more rigorous than Ofsted - gave us the highest possible grade for every single aspect of school life – including teaching – a rare accolade and a rating not enjoyed by many schools. Richard Lynn Headmaster