Friday 18th September 2026

News from Upper Prep

It has, as ever, been a busy week in Upper Prep and the children in Year 7 and Year 8 have thrown themselves into all lessons and activities with their usual enthusiasm.

All the children from Pre-Prep to Year 8 have been writing poems for our House Poetry Competition this week in their English lessons and all the teachers have been so impressed with the children’s imagination and creativity. Our theme this year is Wonder, in line with National Poetry Day – and I know our judge will have a very difficult job choosing a winner!

We also elected our School Council Representatives this week and I am delighted to announce that Emily, Lydia, Riley and Charlie will represent Year 7 in our meetings this year. Thank you to Hermione and Elliott for chairing these. I look forward to finding out what the School Council have planned! It was wonderful to see Year 8 receive their Captaincy Badges today too!

Finally, a big well done to the boys who participated in the Parkside Surrey Cup this week and the girls who took part in the Westbourne House U13 Tournament. We are very proud of you all!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Mrs Mason, Head of Upper Prep & the Upper Prep Staff

News from Prep

This week, I have noticed that the children are fully back in “School Mode”. Homework is becoming a regular feature and I have been impressed with the quality of work being produced. Whilst no child relishes the idea of getting in from a long day at school to be faced with further tasks, this more independent learning really does help to cement knowledge and build confidence.

We had our first House Meetings of the year yesterday. The Houses form a sort of “family” within the school. Every child will tell you that their House (Kean, McCormack or Murtogh) is the best, and we hope with a range of House Events covering sport, art, music and academia, everyone will get a taste of success!

Thank you to everyone who attended last week’s Welcome Back BBQ – it was good to have a chance to catch up informally and to see the children enjoy some late summer sun with their friends before the autumn chill appears.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend.
Miss Tyrrell, Head of Prep

News from Pre-Prep

It has been lovely to see their enthusiasm, curiosity and excitement across the curriculum throughout the week. As part of their RE lessons, Year 2 have been learning about religious leaders. This week, they were delighted to welcome Reverend Radcliffe to school to find out more about his role as a religious leader. The children enjoyed asking Reverend Radcliffe lots of thoughtful questions about his work, how he helps people and what it means to be a religious leader. He was particularly impressed with the children’s questions and their curiosity. A special mention goes to Annabelle, who asked the wonderful question: “How do you help people’s hearts?” What a thoughtful and insightful question! It was fantastic to see the children making connections between their learning and the ways in which religious leaders support and care for others. It was a lovely opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of religious leadership.

Congratulations to Ethan in Year 1 and Valo in Year 2, who received their Work of the Week certificates in Awards Assembly this morning. Well done to both children.

Well done to all of the children for looking so smart in their school photographs this morning.

Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep