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What the parents said...
Jessamy Wyes-Robinson, whose son Chris sat his GCSEs at Manor House School in 2008, said: "As soon as I saw Manor House School, I liked the small classes and the extra attention that teachers were able to give to individual students.
My son did extremely well in his GCSEs - I believe he achieved much more than he would have done, if he had remained at a state school. I think every parent should take a look at Manor House School because it is one of the smaller schools, and that is its greatest strength."
Chris is now studying for his A levels at Ashby School.
Melanie Hall's daughter, Jasmine, was the highest-scoring girl at GCSE in 2008.
She said: "Jasmine would have stayed at Manor House School after her GCSEs if she could - she really loved it.
At Manor House School, we were struck by the friendly, homely atmosphere, as well as the small class sizes. We felt that it was a secure and happy place - the perfect place for Jasmine to get a good, all-round education.
Pupils at Manor House School get lots of one-to-one attention. Teachers cater for each child's individual needs, which is extremely important. If Jasmine needed help with anything, they would always spend time with her."
Ann-Marie Holt was equally impressed - especially when her son, Matt, picked up two A*s, four As and two Bs in his GCSEs in 2008.
Mrs Holt said: "We liked the fact that all the teachers knew every child by name and that children were encouraged to work to their own capabilities.
We liked the friendliness of the teachers and that they were very approachable. As parents, we felt that we could raise any issues and that the teachers would listen.
My son's GCSE grades were good. I attribute this largely to the fact that he was working in small classes and there was no disruptive behaviour - something that could not be guaranteed in a state school."
Helen Marchini, whose daughter Gabriella left Manor House School in 2007, said: "At Manor House, each child's strengths are recognised and developed.
Our daughter left Manor House with not only an excellent set of GCSE results but the confidence and skills for a smooth transition to Sixth Form.
The school creates a good working ethos and engenders mutual respect between teacher and pupil. The children also show respect for their peers and celebrate each other's achievements.
The school provides plenty of opportunities to excel outside the curriculum."
Gabriella, who lives in Repton, Derbyshire, has since moved on to Derby High School.
Joy Godwin, whose daughter Katie is now in the Sixth Form at Rawlins Community College, Quorn, said: "It is very friendly at Manor House. The staff treat the children as individuals.
Katie fitted in really quickly. At her previous school, she tended to fade into the background and wasn't encouraged enough. Because of the smaller classes, this didn't happen at Manor House. It really brought Katie out of herself and gave her a good grounding for life in the Sixth Form.
She loved coming to Manor House. When we were looking for a school, we wanted to find a place where we knew Katie would be looked after. We chose Manor House - even though it was further away than some other schools - because we felt happy that she would be properly taken care of."
Jane Hall, whose son John did his GCSEs at Manor House, said: "At Manor House School, the teachers met John's needs to make sure he reached his full potential. They tailored their teaching to my son.
The pastoral side was second to none. Staff showed a caring nature which I am sure John would never have experienced in any other school.
Some people think that school is all about doing well academically but, to produce a well-rounded person, you need more than that. At Manor House, people cared about my son's personal development. That will stand him in very good stead for the rest of his life.
My son learnt things like courtesy and respect. To me, that was just as important as his exam grades."
John is now studying for a BTEC in Art, Design and Media Studies at Stephenson College.
Cathy Springthorpe, whose daughter Charlotte left Manor House after her GCSEs, said: "Charlotte enjoyed school. Manor House is a lovely environment and the setting is superb. The whole ethos of the school is to promote a family atmosphere in which everyone plays an important part.
There is a certain aura of discipline that I think some schools are lacking. I like the conduct and behaviour of the children.
I would encourage any parent who was considering Manor House to have a look around and speak to the teachers and look at the results."
Charlotte is now studying for five A levels in the Sixth Form at Ashby School.
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