Real World Ready: a Berkshire Prep School reimagines learning

Even before the pandemic, the world was changing in so many ways that will have a huge and exciting impact on the next generation. A shift in the way we live and work will see businesses become global, enabling people to transcend cultural and geographic borders; global movements have set in motion a long overdue shift in our view of the world and the last two years have highlighted the…

All you need to know about Pre-Prep schooling

What is a Pre-Prep School? How and when do I apply? Choosing the right school for your child Academic Assessment Fees School Life SEN for Pre-PrepWhat is a Pre-Prep School? Pre-prep schools are private schools for children aged three or four. They prepare children to move to a prep school at age seven or eight (usually school Year 3 or Year 4). Many pre-preps are seamlessly linked…

St Dunstan’s College film celebrates sports and exercise science

St Dunstan’s College in Catford, south London, has launched a new film celebrating sport and exercise scienceSt Dunstan’s College has released a new film celebrating sport and exercise science at the school. The feature ‘Discover Sport’ showcases the sport offering and includes both junior and senior school pupils. ‘Through sport, we have a unique opportunity to influence and inspire the…

Frensham Heights on progressive values in education

Andrew Fisher, Head at Frensham Heights School in Surrey, on what makes a progressive education so relevant to today’s worldWhen Frensham Heights was established in 1925, as one of the first Progressive Schools, it was setting new standards by being co-educational, with no religious affiliation and with an emphasis on student involvement (today’s 'student voice'). In addition, it was pacifist…

Kew Green Prep on wellbeing in action

Kew Green Prep's Head of Data, 11+ and DSL Amy Kinross on the importance of keeping curriculum breadth during 11+ preparation to support wellbeing, creativity and joyFor many, the 11+ has become a symbol of the burial of childhood: the beginning of hothousing and the end of curriculum breadth. The mouse-clicks of silent pupils navigating various online platforms are like church bells, tolling…

Perrott Hill School on the benefits of a smaller prep school

Alex McCullough, the Headmaster of Perrott Hill Prep, explains why he thinks the school’s size is one of the key secrets of its successOur Somerset school has won multiple awards over the past few years, including Pre-Prep of the Year in 2019 and the BSA Supporting Junior Boarders Award in 2020. There’s no denying that the last 24 months have been tough on the whole independent sector, with…

Seven reasons outdoor learning is so important for school children

We all know that getting outside, running around, breathing fresh air, and getting dirty is good for children. But research tells us that discovering the natural world has benefits way beyond physical well-being. Taking learning outside the classroom can have a huge impact on children's mental health, as well as boosting their social skills, and academic success. Outdoor learning also provides…

All about the Dragon School’s QUEST programme

Director of the Dragon QUEST programme, Tim Knapp, explains how it has already captured the imagination of the communityThis is my 13th year at the Dragon and during my time here I have seen the school develop and grow. As Director of Dragon QUEST, the School’s new Saturday morning enrichment curriculum, I am very excited to help steer the Dragon in this new and adventurous direction.…

Writers’ room – two competitions for creatives

Two competitions taking place this spring give budding young writers, poets and lyricists an opportunity to make their literary markYoung creatives are being offered to opportunity to have their talents celebrated in two writing competitions taking place this spring. This is a good opportunity for individuals or class groups to have some creative fun while writing to a tight brief. Both…

Tips for finding the right tutor for your child from Cognita Tutoring

Olivia Wareham, Educational Lead for Cognita Tutoring, gives her advice on choosing the right tutor for your childA new year is the perfect time to reflect and set new goals and, as we enter a new academic term, it’s the ideal time to reset and look at what support your child needs for the year ahead. The last two years have been extremely challenging for children, says Olivia Wareham,…