| Comments about the School |
Our God will supply all our needs
| It only took an hour in 1998 in the company of Beryl Hope and Sally Stokes to know that we'd found the right school! It was a relief to know that we weren't foolish idealists! Here were people with the same heart and mind as ourselves - a relief to know that school and home were going to be working towards the same goals! So, we decided to enrol Jessica (and two years later) Lydia in ECS - and work out how on earth we were going to pay for it all later! You see, our bank balance did not allow for private education. And, for the eight years we have been part of this school, it never has! So - we have proved a fact - that God pays for His ideas! God wanted our children here - and on the strength of that we made the commitment and have seen his provision term by term. At times it's been a close call - like the time when Paul (a self employed builder) fell off a ladder and couldn't work for several weeks. We had no income at all - until a cheque for £4000 dropped through the letterbox! Another wobbly time was when Pam tore a ligament in her calf (whilst leading magnificently in the ECS 2004 Parents race!!) and was immobile for several weeks - again, reducing Paul's ability to earn. Miraculous provision again. Then only this last term, Paul was made redundant with only two months notice. A very scary time - and yet again, we have been able to pay our fees. So, over £25,000 later, we leave ECS not only with a good education but a lifelong lesson learnt that God's funds are unlimited - and available to those who ask. Sure, we have missed out on a few foreign holidays and extra-curricular activities, but we consider that what has been gained has eternal consequences. And, after all, we still got to enjoy a beach holiday in this country with the unexpected bonus of spotting Miss Dandy by the sand dunes! Not many people can boast that! Pam Granger May 2007 |
Other comments from ex pupils and parents of past & present pupils
| I'd just like to say that I firmly believe that ECS is the best preparation for secondary school. Initial concerns that *****, being somewhat shy, might be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle and inevitable behaviour problems found in a large comprehensive school have been completely dispelled. He spent a year in a large primary school (Year 3) where I hoped he would get used to some of the behaviour patterns he would encounter in secondary school. He found it very hard and didn't settle. However, having then returned to ECS for Years 4, 5 & 6, he gained confidence, academic achievement (straight 5s in all his SATs) organisational skills and independence as well as the foundation to build on his faith. He has made good friends in his large secondary school and has impressed his teachers with his academic work. Also, compared to his peers, he is organised in both his classwork and homework. Thank you ECS! I am one of the first pupils to start at ECS. I started way back when ECS was in Woodstock Road Baptist Church and stayed on until I finished my GCSEs (1995?) at the old ECS building in Middle Way. I have since grown up of course and I am now in an IT career in Bristol of testing computer software and websites. The reason I mention this is because I would like to congratulate you on how well you present the information on your site. I found it most informative and it even brought a tear to my eye because I knew of some of the people mentioned. PS You might also like to know that before ECS officially started I sat on Mrs Stokes' lap and cried about the fact that the uniform was green and not red! We were so excited and full of enthusiasm when we found your school website on the Internet. How fantastic to find a school in this day and age with your vision statement and then to find Ephesians 6 v4 on your introduction page. We need to know that when we release ******* to Nursery and then to school, that we are releasing her to teachers who will support us in bringing her up rooted in the truth. It is clear that the environment you provide is one of direction, clarity and example. I would like to give many thanks to God because my family have had a very precious time for 6 months in Oxford and ECS, and met many sincere Christians and teachers in ECS, and seen their sacrificial efforts for the children. Especially my two boys, ***** and ***** have had a great experiences in ECS, studying, playing many sports, Christmas presence, activities, visiting places, etc. All the love from you, other teachers and all children that they have experienced will remain in their heart as their beautiful and valuable memories, which will have influence on their future and life for the glory of God. My family feel a great pity to have to leave ECS & Oxford now and will miss ECS and Oxford so much. My family would like to give a big bow to express our sincere appreciation to you, all staff and all parents for love, faith and all efforts. I would like you to send my best thanks, regard and wishes to all. |
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