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PrepWelcome to Prep

An extraordinary stage in your child’s educational journey.

These pivotal years are when children begin to truly embrace the excitement of learning, developing independence, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our vision for the Prep years is rooted in creating an environment where curiosity is celebrated, challenges are embraced, and every child feels empowered to achieve their very best. We offer a broad, stimulating curriculum designed to ignite imaginations and build confidence. From unraveling the wonders of science and mathematics to exploring literature, history, and the arts, we aim to inspire a passion for discovery that lasts a lifetime.

We support each child to develop confidence in exploring and shaping their personal identity, and put every child at the centre of a network of care and support, underpinned by a deep commitment to their individual needs and enthusiasms and where they feel cared for in both academic and personal endeavours.

Combining academic ambition with a wealth of socially and emotionally enriching opportunities

My greatest privilege working with the children at Barrow Hills is witnessing the moments of discovery and growth that define their journeys. Whether it’s seeing a child light up with pride after solving a tricky problem, hearing their laughter echo through the playground, or watching them support a friend who’s having a tough day, every interaction reminds me of the incredible potential within them.

It’s deeply fulfilling to be part of a team that nurtures not only their academic abilities but also their character, empathy, and confidence. Knowing I can play a role in shaping the foundations of their future is an honour I never take for granted.

Amber Tyrrell, Head of Prep (Years 3 to 6)

In Prep, children in Years 3 and 4 begin to discover their talents and it is important, therefore, that we recognise this and nurture their development. Beyond the classroom, music, drama, art, DT, games and Forest School feature in a broad and inspiring curriculum, stimulating young minds to think deeply, be curious and grow.

In Year 3 we have a significant intake of children from local primary schools. New children are warmly welcomed by their peers and quickly settle into the broad and varied school day. We are expert in helping children adapt to the changes they face and build resilience to do so.

English and mathematics are streamed by ability at this stage, and we monitor the children’s progress closely, looking to support and extend each individual child. The children are involved in their own target setting, regularly reviewing their progress and looking to challenge themselves.

Years 5 and 6

Building on solid foundations, Years 5 and 6 in Prep provides further specialist teachers who guide the children on their journey through school, equipping them with a toolkit of skills and an understanding of how to learn, not just what to learn.

This is the time when children begin to move around the school, travelling to specialist subject rooms throughout their school day. This is important preparation for navigating big and busy senior school environments with the confidence, independence and the organisational skills required of them.

Over these two years children are encouraged to take even more responsibility for their learning and to have both diverse interests and great manners. They continue to grow into successful young people who are honest, confident, caring towards others, courageous, kind, resilient and with a profound sense of integrity and responsibility which they can then take through their school career.

Our children are not just learners

They are leaders in the making…
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“Pupils are very successful within the formal curriculum and beyond. They achieve considerable success in entrance examinations to schools with high standards of entry. A good number of students are awarded academic and competitive scholarships. Pupils participate successfully in a wide range of academic, sporting and cultural activities.” Schools Inspectorate 2022
Explore Academic Excellence in Prep
Explore Co-curricular in Prep

A very warm welcome awaits…

We hope you enjoy learning more about Prep and school life at Barrow Hills more generally and naturally we are at your service to assist with any questions you may have. The best way to experience what life is like at Barrow Hills is to book a personal tour or join us at an Open Morning where you will have the chance to talk to our children and teachers about what makes the academic and personal journeys so special here, and to ask any questions you have about our life at our school.

Join us to explore and experience Prep school life here at Barrow Hill’s

Personal visits usually last around 90-minutes including a meeting with our Head, John Barrows, of Prep, Amber Tyrrell, and opportunities to meet with pupils and tour the school.
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Year 3 friendship recipe

Put fun, kindness and love together with care, company and laughter. Once they are mixed add helpfulness, playfulness and a slice of friendship. This would make my perfect friend.
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