Prep
A Transformational Journey for Children Aged 7-13
The Prep School at Parkside offers children aged 7-13 an exciting, transformational experience. Starting in Year 3, pupils develop self-respect, confidence, and a love of learning. By Year 8, they leave as well-rounded, compassionate individuals, ready to thrive at senior school. With our transition to co-education, we are excited to guide both boys and girls through these pivotal years, helping them grow into confident, kind, and capable individuals.
A Curriculum that Inspires and Challenges
Our curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and develop transferable skills, as part of the Pre-Senior School Baccalaureate (PSB) framework. Rather than focusing solely on knowledge, it emphasises skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Pupils are encouraged to:
- Take risks and embrace new opportunities.
- Be curious and make connections in their learning.
- Approach unfamiliar challenges with confidence and determination.
By fostering independence and inquisitiveness, we prepare pupils to become lifelong learners with passion, inquisitiveness, independence and above all, confidence.
The Structure of Prep School Learning
The Prep School begins in Year 3 where the pupils are based in their Form room for the majority of their academic lessons. This helps with the transition from Pre Prep, whilst allowing the children to settle into the increased rigour and expectations of Prep School lessons.
From Years 4 to 8, the pupils remain in their Forms for the foundation subjects; thus, allowing strong relationships and friendships to develop with their peers. They are set for reasoning and core subjects, which enables specifically focussed classroom teaching where each pupil is closely tracked and progress is assessed and reviewed regularly.
With specialist teachers, small class sizes (capped at 18), and fluid sets, every child benefits from personalised attention and teaching designed to meet their specific needs.
Nurturing Talents and Passions
At Parkside, we believe every child has unique talents and strengths. A balanced and diverse curriculum ensures pupils have the opportunity to discover and develop these passions. Key elements include:
- Food Technology
- Forest School
- Enhanced computing and technology
These ‘extras’ are embedded into the curriculum, encouraging pupils to explore, experiment, and grow.
Preparing for the Future: Senior School Transition
Parkside's Pre Test Programme begins at the end of Year 4 and focuses on preparation for the transition to Senior School. Parkside pupils have achieved outstanding success with unconditional offers given to boys for Year 9 entry from Tonbridge, Charterhouse, Hampton, RGS and Epsom College just to name a few. Open communication with families ensures a smooth transition, with many pupils joining Scholarship programmes for their Senior School.
“I am always delighted to accept young men from Parkside as members of the RGS. I have been very impressed with the academic standards which are being achieved at the school but, more importantly, boys from Parkside are delightful additions to our community…”
Dr JM Cox, Headmaster, Royal Grammar School, Guildford – February 2021.
More Senior School Testimonials
A large number of pupils achieve scholarship awards to senior schools in many different subjects, including: Academic, Music, Art, Sport, All Round, D&T, Drama Scholarships. Additional support and lessons are offered from the beginning of Year 7 to those taking Scholarship exams in Year 8. All other pupils prepare for Common Entrance exams in English, Maths and Science, taken in the final term of Year 8.
Pre Test Programme
Following the success this year of the Year 6 Pre–test results, with boys’ numerous unconditional offers at a range of Senior Schools, interest has escalated for places in Year 5 for autumn term 2022. Parkside School’s Year 5 Pre-test Programme is a carefully planned and detailed programme for boys entering Year 5, to help prepare them for their Senior School Pre-test.
Parkside’s Pre-test Programme starts as early as the summer term of Year 4, where an individual learning profile is prepared. This ensures that, at the beginning of Year 5, assessments give crucial data analysis of each boys’ ability, their strengths, and weaknesses. The programme includes a Senior Schools fair, Pre-test information evening, one-to-one meetings with the Head, Nicole Janssen; who discusses your son’s progress and suggests senior schools choices. Extension and booster groups run throughout the year and into Year 6, running alongside exam preparation, culminating in mock interviews with members from a range of Senior Schools Leadership teams. Study skills workshops, techniques for memory retention and leadership days are all part of the programme, underpinning individually tailored and focussed prep for consolidation of key information and skills. Wellbeing workshops also run alongside the skills-based workshops to provide pastoral support for the boys and assist in managing stress levels.
This year, Parkside are celebrating outstanding success with unconditional offers given to boys for Year 9 entry from Tonbridge, Charterhouse, Hampton, RGS and Epsom College just to name a few. Ongoing communication with families is kept open, honest and regular with a high percentage joining a Scholarship programme for their Senior School.
“I am always delighted to accept young men from Parkside as members of the RGS. I have been very impressed with the academic standards which are being achieved at the school but, more importantly, boys from Parkside are delightful additions to our community…”
Dr JM Cox, Headmaster, Royal Grammar School, Guildford – February 2021.
A large number of pupils achieve scholarship awards to senior schools in many different subjects, including: Academic, Music, Art, Sport, All Round, D&T, Drama Scholarships. Additional support and lessons are offered from the beginning of Year 7 to those boys taking Scholarship exams in Year 8. All other pupils prepare for Common Entrance exams in English, maths and science, taken in the final term of Year 8.
The School Day
The Parkside School day is full and engaging. It allows flexibility for families who have commitments outside school hours.
Pre Prep and Prep
| 7.30am | Breakfast Club (Servery) |
| 8.00am | Early Drop Off (Salon) |
| 8.20am | School Day Starts: Form / Class Time |
| 10.35am | BREAK |
| 12.00pm | LUNCH (Pre Prep) |
| 1.05pm | LUNCH (Prep - 2 sittings) |
| 3.15pm | Pre Prep day ends |
| 3.15pm | Pre Prep After School Clubs |
| 4.00pm | Prep school day ends |
| 4.00pm | Prep school After School Clubs |
| 4.00pm | Pre Prep After-School Care |
| 4.10pm | Minibuses depart |
| 5.00pm | Prep After School Care |
| 6.00pm | School closes |
