Academic – Prep

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We also follow our pupils’ passion for learning and their eagerness to explore a breadth of subjects

Our broad curriculum aligns closely with the National Curriculum, but we also follow our pupils’ passion for learning and their eagerness to explore a breadth of subjects. This prepares them well for Senior School.

Learning in the classroom is also enriched by a wide range of co-curricular activities that are part of Kimbolton life.

Specialist teaching and small classes

Our highly qualified, specialist teachers, experts in their fields, often work across both our Prep and Senior School. Learning in small classes pupils enjoy a broad, balanced curriculum, including specialist teaching in Music, Physical Education, Modern Foreign Languages and Computing.

Exceptional learning facilities

Our outstanding facilities include a Digital Learning Suite, sports hall, performance space, and forest school area. Additionally, pupils benefit from access to Senior School amenities, such as the swimming pool and science laboratories.

Stretch and challenge

Pupils perform at their developmental, rather than chronological age and from an early age, we identify pupils who would benefit from academic extension activities.

We also understand that children develop at different rates, so individual progress is regularly reviewed. 

Our hidden curriculum

Alongside our core curriculum, our ‘hidden curriculum‘ develops vital softer skills. Pupils learn from the way they engage and our behavourial expectations.

We teach children how to grow into positive, responsible people, who work and co-operate with others while developing knowledge and skills, so they can achieve their potential.

Extension activities

Academic enrichment opportunities include chess club, STEM club, Coding Club and Explorer’s Club (strategic games and problem-solving, higher level thinking skills). 

Academic support

Our Academic Support (AS) staff are expert in equipping pupils with skills and tools that enable them to achieve their full potential, as independent, confident learners.

Support is offered to all pupils – not just those with specific difficulties in general learning, subject knowledge or skills acquisition. 

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Learning in Lower Prep

Small single age group classes give our 4- to 7-year-olds a calm, happy and purposeful start to their school life, with plenty of individual time and attention.

Teaching is creative and fun, with a rich curriculum of classroom and outdoor forest school activities. As children progress, we introduce specialist teaching in many areas including Languages, ICT, Sport, Music and Swimming.

Learning in Upper Prep

There’s a real buzz here, with high expectations of teachers and pupils alike. Children have a busy timetable and are encouraged to be independent and develop their unique strengths and skills: academic, creative, sporting and leadership opportunities abound.

Pupils are proud of what they achieve, be it an award in a national maths challenge, victory in an inter-schools hockey tournament, a saxophone concert performance or a role in a drama production.

““This is the age at which lasting foundations are laid; a wide range of early experiences stimulates enthusiasm, curiosity and a passion for learning – and gives our youngest pupils a head start in their education.”

Claire Petrie
Head of Prep

Digital in Prep

Academic support in Prep

Beyond the classroom in Prep