Curriculum overview

Breadth, depth and a love of learning at every stage

A broad, ambitious curriculum that develops knowledge, skills and character from Nursery to Year 6.

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Curriculum overview

Our curriculum is designed to provide a rich, well-rounded education that provides extensive opportunities for children to learn, explore and problem solve. From the seven areas of learning in the EYFS through to specialist subject teaching which begins in nursery and builds every year, each stage is carefully structured to inspire a genuine love of learning.

At St. Aubyn’s Academic excellence is not narrowly focused. It is about equipping children with the breadth of understanding, the depth of thinking and the creative confidence they need to thrive – at senior school and in the world beyond.

What sets our academic approach apart

We offer specialist-led teaching in small classes, featuring academic stretch programmes, inclusive extracurriculars, and expert SEND support from the very start.

Structured progression from EYFS to Year 6

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure smooth academic progression at every transition point:

In Early Years, learning is rooted in play, exploration and the seven EYFS areas: communication and language, physical
development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world, and
expressive arts and design.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure smooth academic progression at every transition point:

In Early Years, learning is rooted in play, exploration and the seven EYFS areas: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world, and expressive arts and design.

In Pre-Prep, children build core skills through an increasingly structured curriculum that keeps curiosity and
enjoyment at its heart. Pupils learn in an environment where they feel safe to take risks. We foster a deep
understanding that goes beyond rote knowledge, helping children truly master the concepts they encounter.

By Year 3, pupils experience advancements in specialist teaching with dedicated subject teachers, deepening
knowledge and developing the independent study skills required for 11+ entrance. Each pupil is challenged to be the
best that they can be.

In Pre-Prep, children build core skills through an increasingly structured curriculum that keeps curiosity and enjoyment at its heart. Pupils learn in an environment where they feel safe to take risks. We foster a deep understanding that goes beyond rote knowledge, helping children truly master the concepts they encounter.

By Year 3, pupils experience advancements in specialist teaching with dedicated subject teachers, deepening knowledge and developing the independent study skills required for 11+ entrance. Each pupil is challenged to be the best that they can be.

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subjects in the Prep curriculum

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freelance instrumental instructors

Subjects that inspire and challenge

Our curriculum is deliberately broad, spanning 14+ academic subjects from English and mathematics to science, history, the arts, and modern languages. This breadth ensures that every child builds a robust foundation in core disciplines while discovering unique passions.

Specialist teaching begins from Nursery, fostering the depth of understanding and academic rigour needed for future success. Complementing this are 15 freelance instrumental instructors and a performing arts programme led by Ms Penny Manser in our purpose-built PAC, alongside a competitive sport programme led by Mr Garry Bayntun across our eight acres, including pitches and sporting facilities.

Beyond the classroom, our extensive co-curricular opportunities foster the broad, joined-up thinking that distinguishes confident learners. We believe that well-rounded children are the most successful learners and the most compelling candidates for selective senior schools.

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subjects in the Prep curriculum

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freelance instrumental instructors

The curriculum at St. Aubyn’s is deliberately broad because we believe that well-rounded children make the most successful learners – and the most compelling candidates for selective senior schools.

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acres of campus

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weekly co-curricular activities (most included in fees)

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acres of campus

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weekly co-curricular activities (most included in fees)

Beyond the classroom

Learning at St. Aubyn’s extends beyond the timetable. More than 40 weekly co-curricular activities, residential trips, curriculum enrichment days, visiting speakers and educational outings ensure that children experience learning in its richest, most engaging forms.

Our eight-acre campus provides the setting for a curriculum that is as practical and experiential as it is academic.

Facilities include:

  • Performing Arts Centre (PAC), a Drama and Dance Studio and music practice rooms
  • Indoor sports hall, three all-weather pitches, a hard court and a large sports field for competitive and recreational sport
  • Science laboratories and dedicated art and DT studios
  • Two computer suites
  • Wellbeing and sustainability gardens for outdoor learning and reflection
  • An extensive and vibrant library
  • Amphitheatre for outdoor performances and lessons

Most clubs and enrichment activities are included within the fees, ensuring every child has access to the full breadth of provision.

Explore how our curriculum prepares pupils for success

We invite families to visit, explore our school and experience this balance for themselves.

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions,
answered

Have questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs for quick answers!

What are the academic outcomes of St. Aubyn’s pupils

Yes. A 97% five-year 11+ success rate demonstrates our academic strength, delivered without compromising wellbeing.

Will my child be happy?

Our wellbeing provision, pastoral systems and inclusive culture ensure children feel supported, not pressured.

How do you compare to Forest, Bancroft’s or Chigwell?

As well as academic rigour families choose us for our facilities, personal attention, warm community that many clubs are included in the fees.

What if my child needs extra support?

Our specialist SEND team and tailored teaching ensure every child receives what they need to thrive.

Will my child be prepared for senior school?

Absolutely. Our academic outcomes and character development, according to each child’s needs, prepare children exceptionally well for their next stage.

Results that speak for themselves

Results that speak
for themselves

The breadth and quality of our curriculum is reflected in our pupils’ outcomes. Children leave St. Aubyn’s with strong academic foundations, a broad range of skills and interests, and the confidence to succeed in the more specialised environment of senior school.

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11+ success rate

(2025)

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pupils gain a place at a selective independent school, three-year average

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scholarships across academic, music, sport, drama & art (2025)

Our curriculum is independently validated: the ISI recognised the quality of pupils’ academic and personal development, noting that our approach “fosters curiosity and allows pupils to build on previous learning, consolidate their understanding, and apply what they know, resulting in good progress.

See our school in action with a personal guided tour

We warmly invite you to a personal guided tour with Admissions Registrar, Mrs Helen Madden. During your visit, you’ll explore classrooms, creative spaces, and sports facilities to see how children grow in confidence and curiosity while building firm foundations for a lifetime of learning.

Most importantly, you’ll be in amongst a typical school day, allowing you to gain genuine insight into our nurturing community. Your visit concludes with a relaxed meeting with the Head to answer your questions.

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