We are thrilled to announce that St Bernard’s Prep has successfully retained the SATIPS National Handwriting Shield for the third consecutive year!

This year’s competition marked our most successful performance to date, with our pupils securing an incredible 17 individual awards across various age categories.

Why Handwriting Matters in a Digital World

In today’s rapidly evolving, tech-driven landscape, we place immense value on maintaining a healthy balance between modern digital learning and traditional life skills. Handwriting has long been a cornerstone of St Bernard’s ethos. Mastering fine motor control, legibility, and artistic presentation fosters discipline, pride, and cognitive development.

Mrs Weait, Head of Handwriting, reflects on what makes our handwriting programme so uniquely successful:

“Our children work incredibly hard to develop their fine motor skills, pencil grip, and letter formation from the moment they join us in Early Years. This foundation continues throughout their time at St Bernard’s as they build exceptionally high standards of cursive handwriting, before transitioning to a prestigious italic script in Year 5.

Our pupils have a true passion for writing and take enormous pride in the work they produce across the entire curriculum. It is wonderful to see their dedication, care, and attention to detail recognised through these national awards.”

A Culture of Pride and Excellence

From early pencil control to advanced italic scripts, the journey our children take is one of patience, practice, and pride. Retaining the SATIPS National Shield for three years running is a powerful testament to the hard work of our pupils and the dedicated guidance of our teaching staff.

Congratulations to all our award winners and participants—you have done St Bernard’s proud!