Joyful, purposeful learning that builds the foundations for everything that follows – Early Years Foundation Stages recognised by ISI as a Significant Strength.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded our EYFS their highest accolade, recognising it as a Significant Strength – a reflection of the care, expertise and ambition we bring to the very beginning of every child’s journey.
Children have a natural desire to explore, communicate, create and learn. Our Early Years provision is designed to honour and channel that curiosity into lasting foundations.
Across two purpose-built Nursery classrooms and three carefully structured Reception classrooms, children are immersed in an environment where play is both joyful and purposeful. Our approach follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework across all seven areas of learning, whilst nurturing social, emotional, physical and intellectual development at each child’s own pace.
We are ambitious for your child to have the widest possible educational experience. From playing and learning outside, to taking part in sports, drama, art, music and everything in between.
We offer specialist-led teaching in small classes, featuring academic stretch programmes, inclusive extracurriculars, and expert SEND support from the very start.
“The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.”
Our Early Years was recognised as a Significant Strength by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – the highest accolade available – reflecting the quality of teaching, the warmth of pastoral care and the progress children make during their earliest years at St. Aubyn’s.
11+ success rate (2025)
three-year 11+ average
places offered across the top three local selective school (2026)
scholarships & awards (2026)
ISI EYFS
Significant Strength
Learning in our Early Years is hands-on, exploratory and carefully guided. Purpose-built classrooms and outdoor spaces are designed for young, enquiring minds – encouraging creativity, problem-solving, cooperation and the confidence to take risks in a safe, supportive setting.
Children learn at their own pace without undue pressure, building a genuine love of learning and strong foundations in communication, literacy and numeracy that prepare them for the structured curriculum ahead.
The seven areas of EYFS learning, communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world, and expressive arts and design, are woven through every activity, ensuring breadth and balance from the very start.
ISI EYFS
Significant Strength
qualified
nurses
qualified
nurses
Wellbeing is the foundation for learning. From their very first days at St. Aubyn’s, children are supported to recognise and express their emotions with increasing confidence, developing the social skills that will serve them throughout their education.
Strong, trusting relationships between pupils and staff establish belonging and security. To support independent thinking and positive relationships our dedicated Early Year’s team ensures every child is known individually. We actively promote children’s personal qualities, skills, attitudes and values. These foundations prepare pupils for their educational development and for being active citizens within their school community and beyond.
A qualified nurse is on site throughout the school day, alongside 53 members of staff who are first aid trained, providing an additional layer of care and reassurance for families.
Non-selective
Nursery entry.
From their first day as an Early Years pupil to the end of each academic year, you will notice significant progress. Children are supported and challenged to become confident, independent, and curious learners. We firmly believe that engaging, challenging, and enjoyable learning experiences equip pupils perfectly for the structured learning that lies ahead.
The transition from Nursery to Reception and Reception to Year 1 is made effortless as the environment continues to reflect the character and ethos of our St. Aubyn’s philosophy. We work closely with families to understand each child and support them through every milestone.
Non-selective
Nursery entry.
The best way to understand how we build academic confidence from age 3 to 11 is to see it for yourself. Visit St. Aubyn’s, meet our specialist teachers and experience the purposeful, ambitious learning environment that delivers outstanding results.
Have questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs for quick answers!
Yes. A 97% five-year 11+ success rate demonstrates our academic strength, delivered without compromising wellbeing.
Our wellbeing provision, pastoral systems and inclusive culture ensure children feel supported, not pressured.
As well as academic rigour families choose us for our facilities, personal attention, warm community that many clubs are included in the fees.
Our specialist SEND team and tailored teaching ensure every child receives what they need to thrive.
Absolutely. Our academic outcomes and character development, according to each child’s needs, prepare children exceptionally well for their next stage.
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.
