A letter from our Head

Amesbury Head, Jon Whybrow has a plethora of experience in the independent sector and has seen many children through their prep school journey. He shares his views with us why he believes staying for the final two years at Amesbury can reap great rewards:

“When you look at it historically, preparatory schools have traditionally catered for children until the age of 13 to prepare them fully for their transition to senior schools. It benefits them not only academically but also socially. We believe it is important for their development as young adults to be in a familiar and nurturing environment. Amesbury is fortunate that majority of senior schools in the area are wholly supportive of our families joining at 13 and they happily collaborate with us to make this transition as smooth as possible.

With an intimate cohort compared to many senior schools, our pupils have tailored education in their final years. Consequently, the Year 7s and 8s are well known throughout the school by teachers and pupils alike. We recognise and value their maturity through various opportunities within the faculties including leadership roles, lead performance roles, as well as our Head Boy and Head Girl positions.

We invest greatly in our oldest years, particularly in experiences they cannot get inside our school grounds. Our Year 8s recently returned from Snowdonia with a great sense of accomplishment and many stories to tell and this is complemented by ‘The Amesbury Award’. This is a Duke of Edinburgh style challenge which continually through the final two years.

We are proud to offer multiple opportunities for proactive learning through the Amesbury Award and Pre-Senior Baccalaureate. Our awards promote fundamental skills of collaboration, research and creativity, where our pupils are in control of their own learning. This enables them to foster a natural love for learning and curiosity to take with them wherever they may go in life.”

Mr J Whybrow Head

“ For many of our pupils Years 7 and 8 are the most wonderful time in their educational lives. Our Amesbury pupils leave us as mature, confident and compassionate young adults, who are prepared for their future endeavours and have the skills to tackle such opportunities with great courage.”