Student Stories
Ella
Head Girl
Since joining The Crypt School in Year 9, I have come to understand that it is so much more than a school; it is a community defined by its integral values. A strong, shared sense of unity is evident in students’ conduct, their respect for staff and the wide range of opportunities available. The diversity of cultures, experiences and backgrounds further strengthens this inclusive environment, of which I am incredibly proud to be part of.
My love of Crypt was initially shaped by its outstanding sporting reputation. I was particularly drawn to the competitive nature of netball, an interest that has continued to develop through the school’s support and opportunities. These experiences have not only enhanced my abilities but also contributed significantly to my character. Most notably, representing the school in Cape Town, South Africa broadened my perspective and challenged me in new and rewarding ways beyond the court.
However, Crypt is not defined by sporting excellence alone. Its core values promote individuality and encourage engagement across both academic and extracurricular fields. My interest in the political environment and history of the world has been thoroughly supported, enabling me to participate in the European Youth Parliament and establish my own debating society.
Beyond my own interests, I am committed to contributing positively to the wider school community. Whether through leadership roles, collaboration with peers, or supporting younger students, I strive to embody the values that define Crypt. I believe leadership is rooted in service, and I aim to ensure that every student feels supported, represented and encouraged to succeed.
I am incredibly passionate and thankful to be able to build upon the enriching ethos of Crypt. As Head Girl, I am really looking forward to continuing the commitment that has already flourishes here, and I will do so with immense pride.
Ollie
Head Boy
Since starting at The Crypt School as an excitable but quiet Year 7 I have massively benefitted from the academic and extracurricular opportunities the school provides. It has allowed me to develop my confidence, giving me the best chance at future success.
The support I've received throughout my time at school from our committed and encouraging teachers has enabled me to achieve strong academic results whilst always being committed to pushing myself further knowing that the school provides all the support that I could need as a student to flourish.
What the school has offered in terms of extracurriculars over the past 7 years has been exceptional. Since year 7 I have participated in football and rugby, the sense of community felt through involvement in sport has positively shaped my journey through school. Although the opportunities extend far beyond sport with endless clubs and societies being available that can spark or strengthen interests, surpassing what you cover in the classroom.
I feel privileged to be able to represent the school as Head Boy, and alongside Ella and the rest of the student executive we will strive to embody the school values as role models to students right through the year groups. As a group, we wish to focus on being approachable and ready to listen to our fellow students in order to achieve a comfortable environment for all.
Mia
During my first year at Crypt I have had lots of opportunities and made many strong friendships. All my lessons are great and teach you new things every day. Some lessons involve practicals, like science, whilst others involve more focused reading, thinking critically or debating. All lessons are interesting and the teachers are so knowledgeable and welcome questions about their subject. I really enjoy Spanish because I explore other cultures and I am enjoying learning how to speak in a different language, which will help me communicate with different people in the future. We have a variety of clubs and societies you can join where everyone will find something they like. The clubs and societies I’ve tried include: netball, football, Young Voices acapella group, Maths Challenges, crochet. There are so many options for different interests. I really enjoyed the Year 7 residential to Abernant Lake because there were lots of fun and challenging activities, I tried new things and overcame my fear of heights.
Overall, my time at The Crypt School has been great so far and I can’t wait for year 8!
Andrew
What do I like about Crypt? Well of course there’s the enormous assortment of school Activities, ranging from music groups, to chess and even through to pretty much every sport imaginable. These clubs provide new skills, a chance to socialise with new people and also improve mental and physical health. Although, for me, the most important aspect of this is sport. Perhaps my greatest highlight of the year is when we take athletes from each year to participate in an inter-school competition of track and field events. Personally, I love basketball and play with friends every break and lunchtime, and I recently played in a tournament in Barcelona with some other Cryptians. However, sport isn’t everything; of course, we also have the academic side of school. I’m more of a humanities person. Geography, Religious Studies, History (especially history) are definitely the most enjoyable lessons for me. So in all, Crypt provides not only a fantastic education but also wonderful friends, exceptional teachers and most importantly, an experience I doubt you could have anywhere else.
Elvin
My favourite thing about Crypt is all the sport - I love rugby, basketball and all the different ways to be active. The PE teachers are the best, they are super helpful. When I first started secondary school I was worried about fitting in and making new friends but I soon realised that we were all in the same boat and everyone was really kind. Drama is really enjoyable for me because it's really creative and practical and I get to collaborate with my friends. I also really love science; Biology especially has been fascinating and I’ve gained a greater depth of knowledge about the human body. The best part of the day is lunchtime because I have a whole hour to play with my friends!
Noah
Hi, I am Noah and I am proud to be a year 7 student at The Crypt School. After leaving year 6, I thought I wasn’t going to make many new friends as I was going with five other people who went to my primary school. I was wrong. If you are the only one who comes from your school, I would recommend the sports camp that the Crypt PE staff put on the penultimate week of summer. This is where I made my first few friends.
After summer, the whole of year 7 goes to an introduction day and it is only them. This is a good chance to get to know the campus and make new friends. The Crypt School does this, so it makes day 1 easier.
Once you finish your first day, you will realise that a lot of the teachers are really kind and you can always talk to all of them. This really helps if you want to talk about specific subject / homework. For the first term, year 7 students get homework for only English, Maths and Science.
My opinion on The Crypt School is that it is a good school for intelligent people who want to learn. Our headmaster, Mr Dyer, often uses the phrase “flourish and thrive” which is a good way to describe school life.
Crypt offers a wide range of clubs. At lunch or after school. They spread from writing to Japanese to Lego robotics. I attend the creative writing club. I do enjoy being creative with writing different genres and using my imagination. I use the library a lot which helps me with being creative.
We also use this program called bromcom; which every student is encouraged to install on their iPad the school gives you.
Finally, I would like to talk about subjects (modern foreign languages). Crypt offers three languages: French, Spanish and German. In the first term, year 7 students do 6 taster lessons for each language (three lessons a week). The timetable is split into two weeks: week 1 and week 2. The first week at school will always be week 1 with the first full week being week 2.
Sherlin
Hello all!
My experience at The Crypt has been amazing! Everyone in the school is so welcoming and if you’re confused, they can always help you. There are so many opportunities at The Crypt at some point you forget the amount or privileges you’ve been given!
The lessons are amazing and you learn so much: the teachers are so enthusiastic about their subjects that you get the most incredible of knowledge.
One of the main advantages is the Crypt’s diverse culture, and its infrastructure is stupendous! There is every club imaginable and the things to do are endless.
Our music department has explored the ocean of music deeper than any secondary school: the school has all the clubs for your every interest.
The Crypt is a once in a lifetime opportunity: a school that invests and dedicates its soul into the wellbeing of each and every student. The teachers give their all for student to nourish, giving them opportunities they didn’t have as a child and smiling as they see us grow to enjoy it. The Crypt provides the shelter and sunlight to grow into our best versions and support us on whichever path we choose to take in life. When I first visited The Crypt, as soon as I entered it gave me the sense of a second home. Those walls that have watched children bustle past, those doors that lead to a world of learning, those chairs that proudly carried each person made me feel like The Crypt would be my second home in my next stages of life. And it is! I hope and believe that you will feel the same as I did on my first day!
"Pupils, of all ages, make a significant contribution to the life of the school."