Friday 25th September 2026

News from Upper Prep

The weather has remained sunny this week and the children from Upper Prep have really enjoyed spending time outside. The boys and girls have travelled to other schools to take part in several sports fixtures and tournaments and I know the sports department have been impressed with their focus, determination and resilience, as well as their team spirit.

Our Year 8 Captains continue to work hard. Eddie, our Music Captain, interviewed our new school organist, Josef Gaszka – watch out for this next week on our socials. Some of our Year 8  Peer Mentors have also begun to support our younger children as a ‘listening ear’ which is lovely to see.

Our Year 7 and Year 8 girls were thrilled to start to use the girls’ cloakroom on the middle floor as a new area to keep their books and bags and have already begun to make this space their own. Girls, I am pleased to see you are keeping this so organised and tidy – even adding some fresh flowers! Well done!

Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to an upcoming presentation by Matt Pinkett, renowned author of Boys Do Cry, Boys Don’t Try?, and Unmasking the Manosphere. The event will take place at King Edward’s Witley (KESW) on Wednesday, 30th September 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00 in the Selborne Room. You can book your spot here.

Matt is a locally based educator and acclaimed author specialising in mental health, academic performance, and the socio-cultural challenges facing young people today. Throughout the day, he will deliver age-appropriate talks to our Year 7&8 pupils regarding mental health, online cultures, and contemporary gender-based pressures.

News from Prep

The unexpected warm weather has allowed for some lovely outdoor playtime for all the children, and I was glad to have the chance to watch some of the football and hockey matches being played on Wednesday and Thursday. Sport is such an important part of life at Barrow Hills, and along with the obvious health benefits, it teaches fantastic life lessons about team work, resilience and tenacity.

Next Monday, we are holding a Future Schools meeting for parents of children from years 4, 5 and 6. This will cover the application process for senior schools, and hopefully answer some of your questions about interviews, assessments and the Bridewell Assured Place Scheme.

Following this weeks comms please can you remind your children that they will need headphones and a fully charged Chromebook in school every day.

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

News from Pre-Prep

We have had a truly special week of outdoor learning, with our children making the most of the wonderful opportunities that learning outside can bring. Our Kindy children had a particularly memorable morning at Forest School. As we explored the woods, we were incredibly lucky to have not one, but two deer appear in the woodland! The deer stayed nearby for quite some time, quietly watching the children as the children watched them in return. It was one of those magical Forest School moments that simply cannot be planned for. The children were fascinated, and it was lovely to see them becoming so absorbed in the experience. They were encouraged to be still and quiet, giving the deer the space they needed while taking the opportunity to observe their movements and behaviour. Experiences like this provide such rich learning for our youngest children, encouraging curiosity, patience, careful observation and a growing respect for the natural world. It was a morning that the children – and I – will remember for a long time!

Our Year 1 children have also been enjoying the benefits of learning outdoors. On Tuesday morning, they spent time in our Willow Dome, using this special outdoor space to inspire their ideas for creative writing. Being surrounded by nature gave the children a calm and imaginative environment in which to think, talk and develop their ideas. They gathered inspiration from what they could see, hear and feel around them. This helped to bring their ideas to life and gave them plenty to talk about and write about when they returned to their classroom.

Congratulations to Oliver (Year 1) and Indy (Year 2) who achieved Work of the Week certificates in assembly this morning. 

A reminder to Reception Parents that we have our Phonics Workshop next Thursday, starting at 8:45am. There will be refreshments served immediately after the usual drop off.

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