Welcome to
St. Bede’s Prep
St Bede’s College Prep is a co-educational school for children aged 3 to 11. Our school provides a safe and caring environment in which to grow and learn.
Welcome to Prep
Mrs Claire Hunt
Head of Prep
Prospectus
Human and academic excellence
Co-curricular
Discover your talent, spark new interest
Open Events
Start your journey to a school for life
From the Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception Class) through to the end of a child’s primary journey in Prep 6, our curriculum is bright, pacy, engaging and varied. Highly qualified and specialist teachers, together with small class sizes provide the best possible education for each and every child in the Prep.
Our approach to education stems from our deep Catholic roots and is a combination of high academic standards and a commitment to the moral and spiritual development of each child. Happy children are those who feel valued, whose strengths and individual achievements are celebrated. The Prep is an ideal place to develop a life-long love of learning where curiosity thrives in our vibrant and forward thinking environment in which to grow and learn.
Children may enter our Nursery and Reception Class from their third birthday, which should fall on or before 31 August in their year of entry.
Entry into Preps 1-6 is also possible, depending on availability. Registration will enable an invitation for assessment in these year groups.
We believe passionately in the importance of traditional family values and encouraging every pupil to develop genuine friendships. Each child in the Prep is known and valued in a community where there are no barriers to learning.
I encourage you to visit us soon to find out what makes our Prep unique and such a wonderful place, enabling every child to be the best they can be.
Mrs Claire Hunt
Head of Prep
Nurturing
Academic
Highly qualified, dedicated staff, together with small class sizes, provide the best possible education for each child in the Prep. A broad and varied curriculum allows pupils to develop their own individual talents and interests.
Our academic excellence is balanced with a varied, engaging and diverse co-curricular programme that means pupils are able to follow and develop their interests in a wide range of activities beyond the classroom enabling them to develop skills for future life. A carefully considered, broad, exciting and varied curriculum gives our pupils the opportunity to develop their confidence and skills, allowing them to develop their own individual talents and interests. Special emphasis is placed on the subjects of English, Maths, Science and Technology.
Pupils also have the opportunity to develop and explore further skills through Humanities, Art and Design and have subject specialist teachers in Sport, Music, Spanish and Computing. In Preps 5 and 6, the curriculum develops to include transition to our Senior College and pupils undertake Design Technology in the College technology labs, Musical Theatre with our Director of Performing Arts and Science in the College science labs. Opportunities to compete in a range of external competitions and sports fixtures enable us to develop a sense of challenge and resilience beyond the classroom.
St. Bede is our patron saint and his dedication to the pursuit of learning and his eagerness for the knowledge of the Lord are also qualities that inspire and enrich our work. Our conviction is that everything we do must begin, continue and end in dependence on God.
Spiritual
We welcome all Catholic and non-Catholic children to our warm, friendly, family environment. Our commitment to the Gospel values permeates all that we do within our vibrant College and active chaplaincy. Kindness and humility are the attributes of a Bedian.
Pastoral
Pupils are in small class sizes or groups. This enables every child to develop confidence and build strong relationships with their peers and teachers. Parents receive regular communication from their child’s class teacher and can contact them via email at any point during the year.
Creative
We believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to enjoy sport and the creative and performing arts at whatever level suits them. Our specialist teachers ensure that as much time and attention is devoted to the less confident as the naturally talented. Music, Dance and Drama are central to the life of the Prep.
Each year we stage a range of musical, dramatic and dance productions, from informal concerts to our major Prep 6 production. Visitors to the Prep never fail to remark on the breathtaking array of pupils’ artwork on display throughout the school. Sport is a major part of a child’s self development and we reserve time for this to allow your child to develop and reach their potential as they journey upwards through the College. Our focus is to ensure that every child can discover their individual creativity.
What to do next
Our Annual Open Morning takes place in October with other opportunities to visit the Prep throughout the academic year. These are the best opportunities to meet the staff, the pupils and see our school in action.