Extra Curricular

What happens if my child does not like football or ballet? There are many students at Moorland School who don’t enjoy football or ballet as their interests lay elsewhere. These students may enjoy creative arts, reading, chess or indeed other sports and hobbies, and therefore it is extremely important for both parents and students to realise that the school fully supports and nurtures all students and their interests. The school offers a varied and comprehensive range of lunch time clubs to ensure that students socially interact with one another, and that they look forward to and enjoy their break.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The school has successfully managed the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme for many years at both Bronze and Silver Award Level.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a fantastic leadership programme which is recognised by both employers and further academic institutions across the world, and as such this prestigious award will support children’s applications into sixth forms and universities, as well as providing a discussion topic during job related interviews.

Students gain many transferable life skills, such as compass and map reading, camping and survival skills, leadership and management, as well as completing charitable voluntary work, and personal sports and interest’s units of study. Mrs. Croxton manages and leads on our DofE programme, supported by Mr. Marshall, who has just completed his higher level Mountain Leadership Instructors Award. Our hope for 2019 is to have a committed group of students who are mature enough to handle the advanced challenges of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Debating Society & Competitions

Moorland School under the guidance of Ms. Suzanne Nolan have competed regionally in a number of debating competitions. The Moorland debating team recently beat a number of large state schools within our region, before being placed in second place behind a far older more experienced team within the final.

The school has previously progressed into national finals are winning their regional debating battles. Debating and public speaking skills are high on our agenda at Moorland School, as these skills build upon social and emotional confidences, which will undoubtedly separate our students during further education, and job related interviews. Watch out for our team in 2018/19 as we will undoubtedly once again win a regional competition, which will hopefully provide the children with another opportunity to compete at a national level. Moorland School is a very unusual school as we strive to compete, whilst always aiming to win. The culture within our society is to be ashamed of wanting to win, with a significant emphasis being placed on not having a 1st, 2nd and 3rd placement.

Unfortunately, life is all about competing, striving and winning, we win everyday that we strive to accomplish our own personal goals in whatever that maybe. A good illustration of this would be a lower ability Mathematics Student, who is predicted a grade score of 3, (D grade at GCSE), who works tirelessly hard and achieves a grade score of 5, (C grade at GCSE). Surely this should be celebrated with far more vigor than an academic gifted student who was predicted and achieved a grade score of 8, (A grade at GCSE)? Moorland School compete within many regional and national based competitions throughout the year such as Rotary and other locally based debating competitions; Johnson Matthey Science Competition ‘CATALYST’; Regional Mathematics and Art Challenges and within drama and singing based competitions held at the local Grand and elsewhere. Naturally the school also competes within a varied range of sporting competitions, please check under the relevant sections to learn more.

Ballet Academy

The Moorland School Ballet programme is truly now on an international scale with our students competing globally in ballet competitions, and securing employment within prestigious international ballet academies. Indeed, one of our students was recently placed 12^th in the world when competing in New York, with others winning prestigious scholarships.

Lynsey and Simon Kidd deliver the highest standards of ballet and pastoral care, and their courses fully prepare and educate their young ballet students up to A and Degree Level, as well as giving them professional dance instructor teaching status.

Lynsey and Simon Kidd have been invited every year to Japan to support the development of their ballet academies, including providing CPD to their dance instructors.

Lynsey and Simon have students joining us in September 2018, from Japan, as well as two students who have left the Royal Ballet School and another who has left Tring Ballet School, because they believe in the smaller class sizes and in the expert tuition credentials and successes of both Lynsey and Simon Kidd. Please familiarise yourself with the ballet section of our website to learn more about our unique and dynamic ballet programme.

Football & Rugby Academy

Mr. Charlie Jackson, is the school’s full-time Academy Manager, and he is also employed by Manchester City as their Technical Development Coach.

Mr. Jackson has again this year led the school team to become Regional and English Champions. Indeed, the U14 Squad had an emphatic win at the Madejski Stadium in Reading winning 5 – 0 during the U14 Boys English Schools’ FA (ESFA) Playstation Schools’ Cup.

The ESFA is the largest youth cup school’s competition within the UK, and it is unimaginable that a small school like ours could even reach the semi-finals, let alone win the competition. Please view the match here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdQbV8bSWY4

In this academic year we have seen numerous players sign professional academy football contracts with Accrington Stanley, Burnley and Blackburn Rovers Football Clubs, along with numerous trials at clubs such as Manchester City FC.

In addition, Mr. Martin Jones and his colleague Mr. Danny Finch run the Level 3 BTEC Award, which is a full-time post 16 course, which is made up of 21 units covering topics such as Sports Science. The BTEC Level 3 course is designed to follow a football related pathway, as equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

This is the first year of graduation and the majority of our students completed the award to Distinction Level, which has seen some students progressing onto Loughborough, London and American universities.

Skiing - Trips & Visits

Mr. Marshal leads our annual skiing holiday’s to France every year, and the children thoroughly love the experience as the children build upon life experiences, friendships, skills and happy childhood memories that will last them for a life time.

The teachers at Moorland School organise a vast range of field trips particularly to support the interests within their subject areas of RE, Geography, History and the Sciences, and termly trips to theme parks, museums and zoos are also scheduled throughout the year.

Staff have also arranged residential trips to France, Barcelona as well as outward bound camps, and camping expeditions in the support of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The school has also organised Military Days, paintballing, Lazer Quest and charitable events such as sponsored walks, Bon Fire Nights, Christmas and Summer Fairs etc.……

Sports & Interests

Moorland School is extremely well known for both academic and sporting excellence, and past students have been supported and celebrated as being some of the very best within their sporting fields with our nation.

These sports have been at the diverse ends of the spectrum, from motor sports to horse jumping, indeed the school has also supported many quality golfers over the years.

Will Bower, past Moorland School Student, Will was registered on the under 18 national squad.

In 2014 he qualified and competed in the Eventing Grass Roots Championships for BE100 at Badminton where he secured a top 20 finish in what was a strongly contested adult championship competition with over 60 competitors all of whom had been placed 1st or 2nd at their qualifying events. He was also selected in 2014 to represent Great Britain on their under 18 squad at an international 3-day event in Camphire in Southern Ireland.
Harry Hartley, past Moorland School Student, and the youngest rider to start at an MCE British Superbike Championship.

Netball Mrs. Karen Orr manages our school’s netball team, arranging fixtures and giving of her time after school for squad technical development and training. Moorland School also competes regionally within the sport of Netball, comprehensively beating many larger schools within competitive matches.

Additional Sporting Opportunities Please ask our Admissions Manager, Mr. Carl Lightbown for more information regarding these sports, including track and field, swimming, racket sports, cricket, golf and basketball.

Life at Moorland International Boarding School

Moorland School, founded over 100 years ago, has long since been an educational jewel in the United Kingdom, attracting students from all across the Ribble Valley, Lancashire and the wider world! Moorland School remains dedicated to providing bespoke educational opportunities for all children, from nursery age, right through to 6th Form. We make sure that all of our pupils, whether they are local or from far overseas, are safe, happy and making excellent progress. To be part of Moorland School is to be part of the Moorland Family.
Life at Moorland School
At Moorland School we take our responsibility to create a home from home atmosphere very seriously. Every member of staff go above and beyond to make sure that every student is well looked after and afforded the necessary pastoral care, help and support. Our staff team are well-versed in making sure our pupils receive the relevant nurture and support, this can cover every aspect of life at Moorland from laundry matters, medical appointments, career guidance to choosing the right footwear for a weekend walk or trip!
A Home from Home
Moorland School is housed within one campus, which is nestled amidst beautiful rural grounds in the small market town of Clitheroe, Lancashire. This safe haven provides safety, security, modern facilities, spacious learning areas as well as a genuinely homely feel. Our scholars are all able to focus on their studies and their development, free of the distractions of urban noise and other disturbances. Clitheroe itself is home to its own castle, coffee shops, fine dining restaurants, unique shops and a train station that serves Manchester directly on a daily basis (hourly services).
A Safe Haven
Moorland School selects students based upon their behaviour and attitude to learning (ATL). This policy allows the School to create a warm family learning environment, where ALL students can achieve their true academic and social potentials in a safe, secure, happy and confident learning setting. Moorland School adopts and enforces a zero-tolerance to all forms of bullying.
The Right Attitude to Succeed
At Moorland School, we celebrate ALL student’s strengths and work tirelessly to build confidence in areas where students need to develop. The School uses a whole host of CAT, SATS and GL guided assessments to ascertain IEPs and flight path information for every student. We make sure that students have targeted intervention as early as possible, to ensure that academic attainment and confidence is achievable for every pupil. Small class sizes (much lower than other independent schools) and the efforts of a dedicated teaching team, mean that nothing is ever missed in this respect.
Inclusive and Supportive
The Moorland Football Academy is a truly inspirational programme that combines first-class football skills development with educational excellence and opportunities. The programmes offered are the culmination of years of carefully developed coaching methods which focus upon intense delivery, mentoring and social development techniques to produce the best all-round football talent.
Moorland Football Academy
The Moorland Ballet Academy have developed a dedicated Classical Ballet programme, which is responsibly supported through an intense educational structure, to ensure ballet development does not have to affect academic performance. The technique of Classical Ballet is learned and perfected in a highly structured daily routine and delivered by Royal Ballet rained professionals in a bespoke new facility.
Moorland Ballet Academy
Life at Moorland School is about fun, happiness, security, warmth, progress, development, opportunities and being able to celebrate being yourself. Through this journey, friendships are formed that may last a life time.
Developing Friendships to Last a Life Time

Moving Daniel from the local comprehensive school during the Easter of Year 8 was the best decision we have ever made. Prior to Moorland, Daniel felt sick every morning and made himself ill, making every excuse not to go to school as he didn’t feel like he fitted in and he always said he didn’t feel safe. Dan was quiet and withdrawn, walking stooped with his head looking at the floor. Since coming to Moorland, Dan is a confident young man who loves going to school and walks tall. Now when Dan is unwell we have to force him to stay at home! As a family we cannot thank all the staff enough for the opportunites Dan gets and the way he loves learning now. Dan also completed his first ever voluntary school trip abroad skiing with Moorland in Year 9. This for us as a family was hugely significant, as he is such a home bird and we were so happy that he loved the experience. We chose Moorland as it is small and our experience is that the staff know Dan intimately so that they are able to encourage, support and motivate him to get him to achieve his best potential. On the Moorland School buses it says ensuring every child comes home happy. Dan definitely comes home happy.

The Fletcher Family Year 9 Parent

Both our daughters attended Moorland Private School from year 7 and have thoroughly enjoyed their school life here. Initially contacting the school as our eldest daughter was experiencing a lack of confidence at her previous primary school, she has developed into a resilient, mature, self-aware young woman, becoming Head Girl at Moorland in Year 11. The Moorland teaching staff are very friendly, approachable and passionate about their subject. It is clear to see a feeling of mutual respect between staff and pupil around the school. Due to smaller class sizes, teachers are able to provide individual support in class and are also available outside of class for extra support in person and through the online learning system, Edmodo. The timetable was developed to take account of their individual preferences, subject combinations and higher levels of study. It has been very pleasing to see our girls enjoying their academic studies and taking ownership of their own learning, completing independent study and wider reading to pursue their academic interest and career aims. As a College Lecturer myself, I realise the importance of these skills to maximise their potential through Sixth Form and University life.

The Spence Family Year 10 & 11 Parents

Right from the start, Moorland School was the right choice for our children. My daughter and my son joined Moorland in 2007. They are happy when they go to school and they are happy when they come home, therefore they are achieving great results and we are very proud of them. Pastoral care is embedded within the School and all the pupils’ needs are carefully accounted for. Communication is way beyond what we would normally expect, we have direct email addresses to all teaching and admin staff, giving us 24/7 access to the School. We feel an important part of the Moorland Family and they are an important part of ours, and as a consequence we are very proud to be raising outstanding children with good hearts.

The Burby Family Year 10 Parents

Our children started their Moorland journey 7 years ago, and it has proved to be the best move we could have made. Both Dominic and Gabrielle were made to feel right at home from day one. We have seen the School go from strength to strength, whilst not losing the ‘family’ feel and their core values. Dominic achieved 11 GCSEs at Grade C and above, way above what previous schools were telling us he was capable of. Gabrielle still attends Moorland, and we continue to see her flourish with the support of the caring teaching team and school staff. Gabrielle is encouraged by her teachers, and afforded their complete time, support and energy. The latter helps her confidences in the social and academic sense. As a family, it is paramount to know that your children are safe, happy and reaching their true potential. At Moorland, we know that this is truly the case for our children.

The Cheetham Family Year 10 Parents

Moorland News

On Thursday Moorland Junior School took the opportunity to take a ‘learning walk’ around our local town of Clitheroe.During the circular walk the students learned about the local history of Clitheroe. Touching upon Clitheroe Castle, the three wells, influential historic buildings and many other facts they previously wouldn't have known about our town. The students were also able to enjoy a socially distant visit to Clitheroe Market.
Read more Our Juniors & Infants Explored on Learning Walks
During the break we have carried out several refurbishments in our Junior School and Boarding houses, along with the provision of new desks, chairs and displays for our Senior School. Significant time and effort has gone into the refurbishment of our Junior School, Boarding Houses and Nursery.
Read more Significant Projects across the entire School
As a boarding school we will be following the Boarding School’s Association newly announced COVID-SAFE Charter. All member schools who have adopted the BSA Covid-Safe Charter confirm that they will comply with all government rules and guidance and will meet all necessary safety requirements to create the safest environment possible for all of their students.
Read more COVID-19 Precautions - BSA Covid-Safe Charter
As part of our ongoing plan of constant improvement, we’re taking the necessary steps to improve clear and stable communication between parents, the school and staff members.
Read more Improved Communications across the Board for all Parents & Carers
During the summer we have increased the size of our team with new additions to our Junior School, Senior School, Football Academy and Marketing Department. We are eager to introduce our new staff members and have collated a few notes to help you get to know them before you get a chance to meet.
Read more New Staff Additions for the 2020 School Year
*Operating Safe Distancing as Standard due to Limited & Small Class NumbersNestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley and celebrating 100 years of education, Moorland is Clitheroe’s only private day and boarding school with a rich and long history in educating children of all ages from Reception to Sixth Form.In contrast to other private schools, our fees include no hidden costs and we accept admissions throughout the year, not solely in September. We are now welcoming applications into ALL year groups for September 2020. Book a Tour Today If you would like the opportunity to explore our beautiful school grounds and facilities, we invite you to...
Read more Moorland Private School Welcoming September Enrolment & Admissions – Social Distancing Tours Now Available
Dear Parents and CarersRe: Headteacher’s CommunicationI feel that it is important at the close of every academic year to discuss the whole school’s developments, successes and improvements, whilst at the same time taking the opportunity to share with you some of our planned strategic developments and targets for the forthcoming 2018/19 academic year.Headlines from the academic year 2017/181.0 Nursery - EYFS UpdatesThe nursery has received a £165,000 refurbishment, which has seen a total transformation of the facility, which now provides a far more enriched learning environment for the children.Ms Christina Barnes has settled in extremely well as the settings Nursery Manager, and has ensured that all staff have received the latest training, guidance and expertise in order to continue to strive to improve the outcomes for our children.Ms Barnes alongside Mrs Lou Harrison have some fantastic plans for the nursery, and they have been developing and scheduling these plans...
Read more CEA School Admissions – Accepting Military Families’ Children All Year Round