The Pre-Prep

The co-educational Pre-Prep was founded in 1929 and is now located at the heart of the prep schools in purpose-designed accommodation.

The aims of the school are to give children a happy start to school life, the opportunity to work and play together in an ordered and happy atmosphere, and to foster kindness, good manners and consideration for others according to the aims of the EYFS at the nursery stage. We also believe that a thorough grounding in literacy and numeracy lays the foundation of a confident and successful school career.

However, this is not at the expense of fun and creative activity and from their earliest days our children's introduction to school life is a gradual and sympathetic process designed to encourage their development as individuals. Children can choose from a range of practical learning experiences to aid their progress through the early learning goals. The outside garden has an adventure playground, school garden, nature trail and sandpits for exploratory learning.

Entry to the pre-prep is from the term of their third birthday. Many children join the nursery class for mornings only whilst others will be full time straightaway. In the pre-prep school, the nursery class finishes at mid-day and afternoon lessons finish at 3.30 pm. Boys transfer to Marlston House aged 6 years (Year 2).

There is an 'After School Club' available which can look after pre-prep school children until 6.00pm if desired.

It is via the nursery and pre-prep department that the majority of pupils join the main schools. The pre-prep has been designed specifically for the age group and lies adjacent to the main prep school within its own garden and play area.

Children are able to join the nursery class at the term of their third birthday and most are introduced to the school day by attending the swimming and gym sessions each Wednesday morning for “Toddlers and Parents”. These are free sessions for those registered for the nursery class.

The curriculum is designed to include the requirements of the EYFS, at the Foundation Stage, whilst extending each pupil according to their own pace of learning and individual development as they progress through the school. Much attention is given to social skills and boosting confidence.

The pre-prep children use all the facilities of the senior schools and therefore the transition from pre-prep to main school is smooth and automatic.