Pre-prep (Ages 5-7)

Confidence, curiosity and the joy of learning

A stimulating environment where children build confidence and resilience across a broadening curriculum, fostering a love of learning that solidifies foundations for the future.

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Pre-Prep (Ages 5-7)

In Years 1 and 2, children build on the foundations established in Early Years, moving into a broader and more structured curriculum without losing the warmth, encouragement and sense of wonder that defines learning at St. Aubyn’s.

We nurture determined, resilient learners who embrace challenge, celebrate each other’s successes, and develop the social and emotional skills that underpin academic progress. Happy children learn best – and in Pre-Prep, we create the conditions for that to happen every day.

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.

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average class size for Pre-Prep

Building strong academic foundations

The Pre-Prep curriculum is broad, balanced, and designed to inspire enjoyment of learning both inside and outside the classroom. Children develop core skills in literacy, numeracy, and understanding of the world through engaging, curiosity-led teaching that builds confidence and intellectual independence.

We strive to provide a stimulating and challenging environment where individual needs are met. Every child is supported to persevere, see opportunities for growth, and develop resilience, taking pride in their expanding capabilities.

Small class sizes allow teachers to know each child’s strengths, pace, and development areas. We foster a growth mindset where staff observe performance to apply NACE challenge techniques and self-scaffolding support, ensuring every pupil is appropriately stretched.

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average class size for Pre-Prep

Social and emotional growth

Fostering children’s social and emotional development alongside their academic progress is essential to our approach. We create an environment where children feel valued and secure, where successes – big and small – are celebrated, and where positive self-esteem is nurtured as a foundation for learning.

Our core commitments: Bravely, Faithfully, Happily, are woven into the fabric of every school day. The Jigsaw PSHE programme provides the essential framework for exploring these values, but it is the daily interactions across the school that truly embed them, empowering pupils to take ownership of their learning and pride in their community.

Pupils are encouraged to identify and pursue their interests, which nurtures their curiosity

Becoming part of the wider school

Pre-Prep children are actively involved in all aspects of school life. They participate in charity events, curriculum enrichment days such as the annual spelling bee, whole-school assemblies, and enjoy extensive co-curricular activities – building independence, responsibility, and a sense of what it means to contribute.

With academic foundations firmly in place, social connections established across the school, and a welcoming community of pupils and staff, the transition to St. Aubyn’s Prep School happens with confidence and enthusiasm.

This sets the stage for Years 3–6: a vibrant period where pupils enjoy more in-depth specialist teaching, increased independence, and a broader co-curricular programme.

” Pupils are encouraged to identify and pursue their interests, which nurtures their curiosity. “

Proof & reassurance

Results that speak for themselves

Creative subjects are central to the curriculum, with skills developed in clubs and applied across other subjects. Pupils are encouraged to identify and pursue their interests, which nurtures their curiosity, in alignment with part of the school’s motto for academic boldness.

ISI, May 2025

Discover the
Pre-prep experience

Discover the Pre-prep experience

In Years 1 and 2, children build on the foundations established in Early Years, moving into a broader and more structured curriculum without losing the warmth, encouragement and sense of wonder that defines learning at St. Aubyn’s.

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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.

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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