Welcome to The Bridges Federation
We learn and succeed together
About us
Welcome to The Bridges Federation, where we are proud to say all of our pupils are “I can” children.
Our federation comprises three schools: Snowsfields, Tower Bridge and Robert Browning. At each one, our pupils are happy, polite, well behaved and love their school. Every child is seen as an individual, and they are encouraged to take risks, be challenged and be the best they can be.
Our pupils enjoy the range of activities we provide, both within the curriculum and after school. We want them to enjoy learning, developing enquiring minds as well as the personal qualities they need to be good citizens of the world and a sense of their own nationality and culture.
At the same time we want pupils to develop a profound respect for the nationalities and cultures of others. Most of all, we want to equip them with the skills, knowledge and experiences they will need in order to be successful members of their communities, now and in the future.
We expect all our children to succeed and it is our job to build on each child’s strengths and support them in areas they find more difficult. We believe every child is good at something and can improve at everything.
Our aim is simple; every child should leave primary school being able to read, write and use a range of mathematical strategies to the highest standard, ready for the next stage in their learning journey. We provide an exciting and creative curriculum that builds on the interests of the children and involves them in shaping their own learning. We use the arts as a way of making the learning fun and engaging and have excellent ICT opportunities to support and extend learning at school and at home.
The Bridges Federation is also committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. We are fortunate to have a strong and proactive pastoral team who offer support to children and their families, removing barriers to learning and improving life opportunities.
Who are we?
The Bridges Federation is made up of three schools: Snowsfields and Tower Bridge (which joined forces in February 2014 and became a permanent partnership in September 2015), and Robert Browning, (which joined us in September 2018 and became a permanent partnership in November 2019). More recently Friars entered into a soft federation with us from January 2022 to December 2022.
All schools work closely together to ensure we provide the same high quality education for all our children, however each school has its own identity and feel.
Where are we?
The Federation schools are situated in fascinating parts of central London: Snowsfields is close to The Shard and bustling Bermondsey Street; Tower Bridge is near the Thames and the Tower of London; and Robert Browning next to the historic East Street Market area; The schools and the children reflect the diversity and excitement of the area. We are extremely lucky to be sited so close to the City and the Thames, and nearby attractions such as Tate Modern, London Eye and many more.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our federation of schools.
Kate Wooder MBE
Executive Headteacher
What Can We Offer You?
- A healthy, safe and friendly environment for all pupils to contribute, take risks, learn and achieve their full potential and develop skills for adulthood.
- Encouragement to be life-long learners, respectful, well rounded, able to achieve, aspirational, positive, polite, kind, enthusiastic and happy.
- High expectations for all our pupils, where effort and excellence are encouraged.
- An inclusive approach to learning where pupils are seen as individuals and have their individual needs met; where pupils with Special Educational Needs work alongside their peers and learn and play together; where all children are valued.
- Opportunities to develop, nurture and celebrate individual talents and abilities.
- An exciting and creative curriculum based on children’s interests. A curriculum that develops creativity through the arts and Philosophy for Children.
- Opportunities for pupils to be involved in shaping their own learning.
- Opportunities for pupils to take part in many special events such as International week and World Book Day.
- Regular opportunities for pupils to learn outside the classroom through curriculum visits and Garden School and to take part in a variety of community activities in and out of school hours.
- Partnerships with local businesses and other outside agencies that enable us to provide additional support and experiences for all our pupils.
- Excellent ICT provision that includes the use of a wide range of computers and technology to support and enhance learning.
- A strong pupil voice where children are encouraged to be active participants in the life of the school and to suggest ways we can improve through the School Council and have the opportunity to experience leadership as STEM Leaders, Sports Leaders and Creative Arts Leaders
- A Pupil Development Centre where Learning Mentors support pupil’s emotional health and well-being, where pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and where pupil’s confidence and belief in themselves is developed.
- A strong PSHE (personal, social and health education) and PE (physical education) curriculum that promotes a healthy life style, being active, participation and team work. Whole school daily running that improves children’s fitness and develops resilience.
- A commitment to the development of SMSC and British values which are embedded in our ethos and curriculum, and where opportunities are given throughout the week for children to explore, question and discuss. School staff promote independence and actively encourage pupils to make good choices and look at how these choices influence and affect others.
Our Achievements
Executive Headteacher Kate Wooder MBE
We are delighted to announce our Executive Headteacher Kate Wooder has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023 for services to education. Kate has worked in Southwark since 1992 and has been a headteacher since 2007, starting at Snowsfields and then growing our federation of schools. “I am so honoured to find out that I have received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. I still can’t believe it. Excited doesn’t come close. I am humbled to think I deserve this for doing the job I love and truly grateful for all my colleagues past and present.”
Schools for Success
In 2018 both Snowsfields and Tower Bridge were recognised by the Mayor of London for their Exceptional Achievements
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’d like to congratulate Snowsfields and Tower Bridge for the fantastic work of their staff and pupils in the last year. Our Schools for Success programme shows the significant difference that a supportive and inclusive teaching environment can make for all pupils. London has some of the best schools in the country in the capital and by working together we can make sure that every young Londoner is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Top 1% of primary schools in England
Tower Bridge Primary school is in the top 1% of primary schools in England for their reading results at Key Stage 2 in 2018. We received a letter from Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP and Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP congratulating all the staff and pupils for this very high standard of achievement. Click on this link to read the full letter: https://thebridgesfederation.org.uk/2019/02/06/a-letter-from-rt-hon-damian-hinds-mp-and-rt-hon-nick-gibb-mp/
