Join us at one of our next Open Events to find out more about Hydesville Tower School.

Co-educational nursery
View websitePreparatory school
View websiteSchool Description
Join us at one of our next Open Events to find out more about Hydesville Tower School.
"New experiences enrich children’s lives and help them decide where their interests and passions lie."
For one lesson a week the timetable is collapsed and given over to pupil enrichment. The programme draws on the interests and talents of our teachers and is a chance for pupils to enjoy pastimes that are beyond the confines of the examination curriculum. The activities are carefully planned to ensure there is something to appeal to all pupils.
At Hydesville Tower School we are committed to inspiring our pupils every day, while ensuring our teachers are equipped with the very best learning tools and resources. To that end, we are delighted to have introduced CENTURY, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered learning platform, to our classrooms.
From April last year, pupils at 16 schools in the Cognita family have benefited from learning using CENTURY during lockdowns and further disruption caused by the global pandemic. Following this successful introduction, Cognita is now bringing the software to even more of its schools across Europe and Hydesville is delighted to be one of them.
Using the latest in AI, neuroscience and learning science, CENTURY personalises learning for every pupil – tailoring its library of teacher-created learning materials to their individual strengths, improvement areas and behaviours.
CENTURY also saves our teachers hours of administrative work every week, freeing them up to focus on teaching, and enabling them the possibility of creating different learning opportunities for students, depending on what the student is experiencing at that moment in time. The platform is becoming increasingly widespread in the core subjects across Hydesville, both in Prep and Senior School. GCSE Maths pupils have been reaping the benefits of CENTURY since the start of this term.
Mrs. Samra brings over 25 years of extensive experience in both state and independent education sectors, demonstrating a remarkable record of elevating academic standards. Her roles, including Senior Deputy Head in a coeducational boarding school and Head of educational excellence. Preparatory School, highlights her dedication to fostering a supportive learning atmosphere and nurturing pupil achievement across a wide range of ages.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
The influence of my Geography Teacher during my secondary school days, with his remarkable knack for guiding pupils with unwavering fairness and a strong sense of justice inspired me and propelled me toward a career in teaching. He instilled in us the unwavering belief that no dream was too big to achieve. Witnessing his dedication to nurturing every individual's potential, filled me with a deep desire to replicate such an impact in my own classroom.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
I am immensely proud of the collaboration demonstrated by both my pupils and staff. The fruits of our labours are evident in our outstanding academic outcomes, recognized in? our prestigious ranking as the 9th school in The Times paper Parent Power. This accomplishment stands as a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and teamwork, inspiring us to continue to reach new heights together.
What does a successful school look like to you?
For me, happy Children are the key to a successful school. A successful school embodies a vibrant community where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. It is one where we prioritise academic excellence with a tailored curriculum for diverse learners, fostering continuous improvement and intellectual curiosity. Holistic development encompasses social, emotional, physical spiritual and creative growth within a culture of mutual respect where strong relationships between pupils, parents and staff are built on trust and open communication creates a supportive learning environment.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
The most important quality I want every child to have is confidence. Confidence instils belief in their abilities, encouraging them to tackle challenges with determination. With confidence, children navigate setbacks, embrace growth, and develop resilience and self-esteem. Ultimately, confidence empowers them to excel academically, socially, and emotionally, fostering their potential for positive contributions to society.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Community, Ambitious, Pupil-centered, Respect-Inclusive, Opportunity
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.