It does not need to be said that 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone – with many parents worrying about their children’s wellbeing, as well as staying on track with academics so they don’t fall behind long-term.

Forres Sandle Manor (FSM) is a small independent school in Fordingbridge which, at its very core, has always been child wellbeing alongside excellent academics. Pupils are taught to use life skills and recognise when they are using them in their daily lives. This is mixed with a strong ethos to be kind and listen to others always. Throughout their daily schooling, the children are taught that they may need to adapt to changes and be resilient.

The school was ‘ready’ (as much as any of us were!) to launch Remote Learning in March, and they delivered the whole Summer Term in this new method. In September, Headmaster Jody Wells was confident children would return with no catching-up required. Pupils returned with huge excitement to begin school life again and were also prepared and ready for what those changes would mean around school.

They truly have kept their motto of ‘happy children succeed’ and continue to support each child individually through their on-going lockdown journey. Sometimes small really shines through!