17th June 19
The Reigate-based school has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Progress – Independent School’ award, which is presented to the UK Independent school that has made outstanding progress in the management of its facilities, finances and human resources, and can demonstrate an increase in the educational performance of the school.
Now in their 12th year, the Education Business Awards recognise schools across the UK for improving the standard of education and the life chances of their students, highlighting the vital work of educational professionals up and down the country.
Dunottar, which faced near closure in 2014 as a girls’ only school, is now a successful over-subscribed co-educational school.
In just four years, pupil numbers have more than tripled, from 118 in 2014 to 366 today.
This incredible turn-around in the school’s development has come from United Learning, who have invested £2.2 million in a state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and a further £4.5 million in the construction of a 500-seater assembly hall for September 2020.
Appointed in 2017, Mark Tottman, the first male Head in the history of the school, has combined his 15 years of business experience with his passion for education to launch exciting ventures. These have enabled Dunottar to develop its facilities in innovative ways that deliver educational opportunities back to the pupils.
In 2018, Dunottar partnered with Surrey County Cricket, who installed a county standard 4-lane cricket net system in the sports hall. These top-class facilities allow both boys and girls to take advantage of specialist training programmes.
Supported by The Savoy Trust, Dunottar’s Food Tech facilities will be refurbished this year to create a professional standard facility for use by both pupils and the community.
As part of the digital strategy, every pupil receives an iPad, which is deployed in and out of lessons and in conjunction with online homework assignments.
Headmaster, Mark Tottman, said: “Everyone at Dunottar is really pleased that we have been unexpectedly shortlisted for this award, which recognises our rapid and exciting progress. It is a tribute to the collaboration between our excellent staff, supportive parents and engaged Governors, together with strong backing from United Learning.”
Other shortlisted schools for the ‘Outstanding Progress – Independent School’ award include Seaton House School, Sutton, Claremont School, East Sussex, Putney High School GDST, London, and Babington House School, Kent.
The Awards will be held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s (formerly Grange Hotel) on Thursday July 4.