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Moor Park School is a preparatory co-educational school for children aged from three months to thirteen years. Set in one of several beautiful country houses in the area linked to the seventeenth-century republican Richard Salwey, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London for his politics, first-class cricketers Hugh Watts and Derek Henderson founded the school in 1964.
Set in eighty-five acres of picturesque countryside, Moor Park embraces its natural surroundings through an outdoor curriculum and offers a varied range of sports, including horse riding, cricket, and cross-country.
James Duffield, a former pupil, was appointed headmaster last year. Like the school’s founder Hugh Watts, he is also an old boy of Downside and thoroughly steeped in Catholic education. In the year following the school’s sixtieth anniversary, The Herald decided to sit down with Mr Duffield to find out why so many Catholic parents from Shropshire and further afield choose to send their children to Moor Park.
How long have you been in the role at Moor Park?
I have been a member of staff at Moor Park for 23 years. During this time, I have served as a Year 4 form teacher, Head of Geography and RS, Head of the Middle School, Staff Sacristan, boys’ games coach, and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Prior to this, I was also a gap student – and before that, a pupil here! So it’s fair to say there aren’t many aspects of the school I haven’t experienced firsthand.
What is your subject – and do you still teach?
My subject is Geography, and yes, I still teach it. As headmaster, I believe it’s important to remain involved in the classroom. Teaching helps me stay connected to both staff and pupils, and it keeps me grounded in the day-to-day life of the school.
What attracted you to the school?
It’s a tricky one to answer, as I first came down the Moor Park drive aged just three! However, when I was looking for my first teaching role and saw a Year 4 position available here, I had little hesitation in applying. The school’s ethos, its beautiful setting, and its rich history made it an obvious and natural choice for me.
What achievement are you proudest of since becoming headmaster?
The expansion of our Nursery by 40 per cent to over 60 children for the next academic year is a great achievement. I would also add that getting through my first year as headmaster, with a stable and happy staff, a supportive parent body, and contented pupils, feels like a significant accomplishment in itself.
What are the school’s key values, ethos and vision?
I think the words of Derek Henderson, one of our founders, sum this up nicely. He famously encouraged pupils to: “Look for the best in others, never be rude, refuse to hate, not bear a grudge, learn to apologise gracefully, never create unhappiness for others, make the most of all that life has to offer – and say your prayers every day.”
This powerful set of principles captures the founding ethos of Moor Park and remains beautifully relevant today.
How do you incorporate the Catholic faith into school life?
The school’s Catholic faith underpins everything we do, but it is neither overt nor overbearing. The chapel is a central point for the school, providing a safe space for quiet reflection and individual thought. Old boys and girls visiting Moor Park often comment on the spiritual strength they unknowingly gained during their time here, and how valuable it has been to them.
What makes Moor Park different?
Quite simply, it’s the people. A school is only ever as good as those within it. At Moor Park, we are fortunate to have a dedicated staff, a supportive parent body, and a community of truly wonderful pupils. The kindness, love and compassion with which everyone conducts themselves is palpable and frequently remarked upon by visitors, be they former pupils, school inspectors or prospective parents.
What enrichment opportunities are there for students?
At Moor Park, we are proud of our vibrant drama department, which stages regular performances at performing arts festivals and school showcases. These events provide opportunities for pupils to share their talents, whether in music or drama, with parents and the wider school community.
We also produce a variety of productions and offer a wide range of clubs and ensembles. Our pupils are actively involved in charitable initiatives that foster a strong sense of community, such as our annual fundraising efforts and Christmas carol singing in Ludlow. Trips are an important part of school life, with highlights including leavers’ camps and the popular French trips.
In their final year, our Year 8 pupils are recognised for their contributions to school life through senior leadership roles with meaningful responsibilities, such as mentoring younger pupils and representing the school at public events. Appointments are based not only on academic achievement but also on character, empathy, and resilience – qualities we actively nurture.
What is the school’s extracurricular provision?
We offer a diverse and engaging programme of extracurricular activities, with over 30 options available each week. These range from creative pursuits and academically enriching activities to our “Hot Hub” – a dynamic learning space where children enhance their classroom knowledge through interactive online platforms. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy cricket sessions with our bowling machine, swimming in the indoor heated pool, or playing squash. Students can even try their hand at journalism on the school’s very own news desk. Every day is a chance to discover new passions and develop new skills.
What is the admissions procedure?
Moor Park is a non-selective school, and bursaries can be applied for through our Founders’ Fund. These are for children whose circumstances may not otherwise enable them to access a Moor Park education. We believe that independent schools have a moral, social and civic responsibility to help bridge the societal divide for the benefit of all.
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