SIDCOT SCHOOL HEADMASTER SET TO VISIT ELITE AMERICAN SCHOOL CHOSEN BY PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR HIS DAUGHTERS

THE Headmaster of Sidcot School in Winscombe is set to visit the prestigious American Quaker school which teaches President Obama's daughters.

Iain Kilpatrick, who took up his role at the 17th Century Quaker school in Somerset in August, aims to establish links with Sidwell Friends School in Maryland, Washington.

Iain Kilpatrick said: "I plan to visit next year because, as Quaker schools, our values are the same. There is so much synergy between the schools; it will be great to exchange ideas." 

As well as Barack and Michelle Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha, pupils have included the children of Bill Clinton, former Vice-President Al Gore and President Roosevelt as well as the present Vice-President Joe Biden's grandchildren.

For a school built on modest Quaker values, Sidwell Friends School has probably the most powerful parent body on the planet. It was also the model for the school attended by Nicholas Brody's children in the award-winning series 'Homeland'.

Mr Kilpatrick said: "Sidwell and Sidcot schools believe that diverse perspectives and meaningful enquiry fuel academic excellence and promote personal growth.

"We share the Quaker belief in nurturing the "inner light" in every child and both offer a broad, balanced curriculum that challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and see uncertainty as a source of excitement and promise."

Mr Kilpatrick aims to open up his independent day and boarding school to a wider range of pupils, in line with its inclusive Quaker ethos. Students do not have to be Quakers to come to Sidcot – he believes the school's philosophy has meaning and relevance to anyone who wants an enlightened, values-based education for their child.

The successful scholarship programme continues for entry in September 2013 in both the Junior and Senior schools to broaden access for outstandingly gifted day pupils. Scholarship applications need to be submitted by 25 January 2013.

Mr Kilpatrick added: "Like Sidwell, Sidcot fosters a sense of community, equality and friendship: children are encouraged to strive, but to value most their relations with each other and their place in the school family."

For more information on Sidcot school go to www.sidcot.org.uk or telephone 01934 843 102