‘We learn to respect each other’s different strengths and to find our own’

During their four years in the Main Prep pupils’ learning is enriched by an extensive timetable delivered by subject specialists. The pace is rapid but with excellent staff/pupil ratios and specialist classroom support, we endeavour to meet each pupil’s needs. Great emphasis continues to be placed on the three core subjects of English, mathematics and science. ICT is used extensively in teaching and to extend pupils’ skills in independent enquiry. French is taught in Forms 3 and 4 and Spanish in Forms 5 and 6. A broad and balanced curriculum is offered for the foundation subjects. The school is divided into three houses, Beeches, Cedars and Oaks to foster the positive values of teamwork and personal and corporate responsibility as lessons for later life.

Specialist support for a child diagnosed with dyslexia is available through our link with Dyslexia Action, which has its unit for the Uttoxeter schools at Smallwood. Children who are academically gifted or who have a talent in sport, music, art or drama are given many opportunities to excel through a busy calendar of school events and are prepared for scholarships to senior schools, most noticeably Denstone College. The honour boards in the school dining room testify to our excellent scholarship record.

The school day begins at 8.30 a.m. although pupils may arrive at 8.00 a.m. There is a flexible finish to the day with a range of after school clubs and prep sessions available from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. This is designed to help busy working parents and to respect pupils’ different interests, needs and energies.