The Prep School is where the foundations are laid for an education for life. It is a place where a love of learning is nurtured.
Most importantly, it provides an environment where children are happy.
I do not judge the Abbotsholme Prepatory School by SATs results, nor by Common Entrance results, but by how happy our pupils are. I accept that this is a subjective measure of achievement, but it is real. Come and visit us to experience for yourselves what I mean.
As Headmaster, I measure what we value, and happiness is the ultimate measure, since happy pupils work hard and will achieve success. At Abbotsholme prep school, we value what others - who do not understand or appreciate the value of a balanced prepatory school education - don’t even measure.
The aim of the prep school is to develop well-balanced boys and girls who understand the importance of honesty, courage, humility, respect and integrity. It is an aim that we achieve through excellent teaching and a huge variety of opportunities.
Our teaching staff, who are highly professional, experienced and caring, put the pupils’ welfare at the heart of all that they do. A typical young Abbotsholmian’s balanced diet consists of the staples of Numeracy, Literacy and Science, but these subjects are then seasoned with Art, Sport, French, Spanish, German, as well as farm and equestrian activities, all of which are taught by Senior School teachers in bespoke areas. In this respect, the Prep School is the biggest and most well-equipped that you could imagine, and Prep School pupils become well-rounded and strong, thanks to this educational feast.
Our Outdoor Education programme is designed to keep our youngsters fit, sharp and healthy. Weekly timetabled lessons in the outdoors - perhaps on the farm, or riding a horse, or in the hills, on lakes or rivers, or even down pot-holes - are all part of this happy childhood. The annual hikes in the autumn and the camps in the summer give all the pupils the chance to sleep in youth hostels or under canvas. These are experiences from which tired pupils return to their anxious parents who are equally tired from missing a couple of nights’ sleep. Of course parents worry, but there is no need. Their children may be muddy and tired but they are also extremely happy and safe, which is all that matters.
The Preparatory School is a wonderful place in which to live and grow, and it is good to begin this process of growing early in life so that the journey – through the Prep School and into the Senior School - is as long and enriching as possible.
The range and quality of the opportunities on offer have to be seen to be believed. Please come and visit the Prep School. I extend a very warm welcome to you all.