A brilliant step forward for children aged
5 to 11

The sheer breadth of the Prep School curriculum may be its most immediately obvious feature, encompassing the academic, the artistic and the sporting, but its real distinction lies in its forward-thinking approach to teaching.

Traditional methods are valued but where they have been superseded by better practice, we embrace innovation in our quest to provide children with the finest and most innovative foundations for lifelong learning.

Creativity is nurtured throughout, and special attention is paid to the STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – so vital to our 21st-century citizens and the higher studies and careers they are likely to pursue. Our well-qualified staff include specialist teachers and classrooms for Spanish, Art, Science, Music and Design Technology. Our class sizes are small.

The thriving Prep school sports programme provides a foundation for a through-College of sporting excellence and encourages a lasting love of sport for a healthy and happier life. Fun and enjoyment are prioritised and sport is used as a vehicle to instil important life skills, from adaptability and resilience to cooperation and mental agility. 

With first class facilities and exceptionally qualified staff coming from the worlds of both education and professional sport, pupils have an unsurpassed opportunity to develop their physical skills and sporting passions.

We are proud of our reputation as a centre of sporting excellence and of our grass and artificial pitches, courts, sports halls and changing facilities. Our pupils love to use them for Games and PE lessons, for clubs and in their free time.

Our confident pupils explore the arts with chalks and tissue paper, drums and violins, bare feet and silver crowns. Just try to stop them! Our arts teaching aims to be magical.

With choirs, ensembles and clubs, our musicians rehearse for performances under the guidance of a music specialist teacher. The Prep School is accredited to deliver Arts Award Discover and Explore qualifications, designed to inspire learners to grow their arts and leadership talents. From Taiko drumming to performing in a production there are so many experiences that our children can use as evidence for their award. Peripatetic tuition is also available on a large range of instruments.

Our Infant and EYFS departments create a wonderful Christmas nativity and annual drama. Older children take part in an all-bells-and-whistles summer production, as a performer or as crew members. Not everyone can play the lead, but every role is valued.

Art, Drama, Dance and Music all feature in the curriculum and the standard is consistently high. The children’s artwork, inspired by the world’s great artists, cultural studies and the natural world, is spectacular.

Time to step up and discover those hidden strengths… Extra-curricular activities broaden experience, build confidence, deepen knowledge and heighten enthusiasm for every subject we teach and activity we offer. They encourage children to take on new challenges and exciting adventures.

After-school activities include eco-club, netball, tennis, computing, STEM, karate, theatre, hockey, rugby, orchestra, football, and athletics – to name just a few. The schedule is constantly evolving but always tries to offer something for everyone.

Our residential trips typically taken in Years 4, 5 and Year 6 really do provide memories to last a lifetime. We simply don’t believe that learning should be confined to classrooms.

Education comes through active participation in character-building and spirit-enhancing challenges. We celebrate extra-curricular successes at our weekly parents’ sharing assembly, when Brownie badges, karate belts, musical accomplishments and charitable efforts are recognised, and the children who have earned their moment in the spotlight glow with pride.