Elstree School Prospectus 2025

Elstree School Day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-13

P R O S P E C T U S

W E LCO M E

I

t is a pleasure and a privilege

Olivia and I, and our dedicated

to be Headmaster of this very

team of staff, would be delighted to

special co-educational school.

welcome you to Elstree to give you

Elstree provides a happy, secure

the opportunity to see it for yourself.

and purposeful environment in which children can be nurtured and inspired.

Strong academic results, a thriving

I look forward to meeting you.

Sid Inglis

extra-curricular programme, a beautiful setting and exceptional pastoral care make it an idyllic environment for pupils to spend their childhood.

At Elstree, we are academically ambitious and provide a first class, all-round education. Our pupils go on to the leading Senior Schools and we are immensely proud of the excellent results they routinely achieve in Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations. Our firm belief that happiness breeds success, places the emphasis on positive thinking, building self-confidence and developing each child’s academic potential and interests to the full.

Coupled with academic ambition comes the importance of giving children a proper childhood. Creativity, teamwork and tolerance go hand in hand with a hunger and curiosity to learn and a strong will to succeed.

Christian values underpin everything we do and our aim is always to embed the important values of kindness to others, hard work and making the most of opportunities.

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Headmaster

“ Elstree has managed to bottle everything there is to celebrate about a prepschool education: traditional values, impeccable manners, muddy knees, flexi boarding, academic aspiration, a strong Christian ethos – and it’s filled with blissfully normal, well-rounded children…”

Talk Education www.elstreeschool.org.uk

ELSTREE - WELCOME

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W E LCO M E TO THE PRE-PREP

T

he Elstree Pre-Prep

I hope that this prospectus

and Nursery, founded

successfully conveys the ethos of the

in 1993, is set

school. Our pupils are happy and

alongside the main

caring children who are enthusiastic

school in 150 acres of parkland and

learners. I would be delighted to

playing fields. It caters for over

show you around the school and am

eighty girls and boys aged two to

confident that you will discover for

seven years.

yourself the special atmosphere at Elstree Pre-Prep.

The Pre-Prep is often the first experience of school life. We

Alice Bond

understand how important these initial steps are and that parents

Head of Pre-Prep

want their children to feel happy and secure. Our aim is to provide stimulating learning experiences for your children so that we can foster in them a love for learning which lasts a lifetime. Our energetic, enthusiastic and well-qualified staff work hard to ensure that all children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to explore and develop their talents to the full. We pride ourselves on our very special and homely environment, influenced largely by the family principles of Elstree. The offer of home visits and taster days prior to a child starting in the Early Years eases the transition between home and school.

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WELCOME TO THE PRE-PREP

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E A R LY Y E A R S F O U N DAT I O N S TAG E

N

ursery and

specialist French, Music, Drama and

Reception

PE lessons. We ensure that there is

classes follow the

a balance between all of the areas of

Foundation Stage

learning providing ideal preparation

Framework, learning through play

for the transition to Year 1.

and practical activities both in the classroom and outside. There is a

We pride ourselves on the close links

careful balance between adult and

that we establish with the parents

child-led activities, thus allowing

and the ethos of partnership in the

the children time to develop their

children’s development.

communication and language, social, emotional and physical skills.

Full use is made of the extensive Elstree grounds, in addition to the dedicated Early Years garden and woodland areas where the children learn about the environment and have access to a range of creative resources. All of the children love their time in the woods, which involves plenty of exploring and collaborative work, a picnic lunch and hot chocolate around the fire in the colder months.

As the children move through the Early Years, the teaching of Literacy and Mathematics increases, and all the Early Years children also benefit from 6

“ We have experienced at first hand the welcoming, accommodating and unassuming family feel to the school, which encouraged us to choose Elstree in the first place. We felt instinctively

visit and that feeling has only increased now he is there. We can’t ask for more and feel confident that he is in very good hands.”

Elstree Pre-Prep Parent

that it was the right school for our son during our initial www.elstreeschool.org.uk

PRE-PREP EARLY YEARS

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K E Y S TAG E 1

A

s the children move into Year 1, the

“ From the EYFS

curriculum becomes

onwards, pupils’

more formal and

achievement is

there is a stronger emphasis on English and Mathematics. We follow

excellent and

a creative, topic-based curriculum

they reach high

with much of our English,

standards across

Geography, History and Science

the school, making

interweaving and following a theme appealing to the children’s interests.

excellent progress

There is still much emphasis on

in all areas of

creativity, where engaging learning

development.”

experiences are planned for the children. Just because the pupils are

Independent Schools Inspection Report

older, it does not mean that learning needs to be any less inspiring!

Specialist teachers deliver hands on French, Music, Drama and PE lessons for the children each week.

Learning in Key Stage 1 builds on the skills developed within the Early Years and the pupils are encouraged to become independent learners.

Children begin to make more decisions and start to take increased ownership of their learning. We celebrate ‘Marvellous Mistakes’ helping children to realise that, without getting things wrong, we would not be learning. We help our learners to see challenges as exciting and thrilling experiences, rather than being daunted by them.

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PRE-PREP KEY STAGE 1

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PRE-PREP SPORT

T

he physical

tennis. Swimming is taught to Years

development of a child

1 and 2 in the Summer Term. Once

is of great importance.

in Year 2, the children enjoy fixtures

At the Pre-Prep the

against other schools, including a

pupils are fortunate to benefit from

London Schools Tournament and

excellent facilities and specialist

our Junior Football Festival.

teaching from the very earliest stage of their school career.

Key skills and attributes of team games are taught to the pupils.

These are transferable to a range of sports. The lessons cover a broad range of skills to develop children’s control and coordination. They go on to incorporate elements of athletics, cricket, dance, football, gymnastics, netball, tag rugby and

“We love that Elstree Pre-Prep clearly wants to challenge the children but is incredibly nurturing. We like the huge sport opportunities and how very active the children are.

Healthy body and healthy mind!”

Elstree Pre-Prep Parent 10

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PRE-PREP SPORT

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PR E- PR EP CR E ATIVE ARTS

M

usic, Art and Drama help children to develop skills,

attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other subject areas. These include listening skills, the ability to concentrate, as well as developing creativity and sensitivity towards others. Music and Drama are taught by specialist staff from Nursery onwards.

By engaging in making and responding to music, children develop their understanding and appreciation of a wide range of different types of music. Listening to different sounds also supports their early phonics work. From Years 1 & 2, the children can join the Pre-Prep Choir, and in Year 2 all children learn the recorder.

Pupils can start individual music lessons from Year 1, and these are taught by the peripatetic teachers from the Prep School.

Children have specialist Drama lessons from Nursery and everyone in the Pre-Prep performs in concerts as well as the Christmas Play. Art is taught as part of the curriculum, and there is an arts and crafts club for those in Years 1 and 2.

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PRE-PREP CREATIVE ARTS

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PRE-PREP E X TR A CURRICUL AR AND OUTDOOR LE ARNING

W

e take a holistic

A huge emphasis is placed on the

approach

outdoors and all the Pre-Prep enjoy

towards the

an outdoor learning day every term.

children’s

Learning is centred around a relevant

education and provide a range of

topic and is cross-curricular. Recent

extra curricular activities to help

themes have included ‘Badgers’

support their emotional, social, moral

and ‘Autumn Colours’. As well as

and cultural development. We also

our timetabled outdoor learning

want to provide opportunities for

day, the teachers regularly look for

children’s learning experiences to

opportunities to take the children

extend beyond the classroom.

outside. Learning from real life often provides the most memorable

We offer a range of after school clubs

learning experiences and the 150

to children in the Pre-Prep. Pupils in

acres on our doorstep certainly

Reception can start dance or athletics

provides a wealth of possibility for

in the Summer Term whilst those

this to happen. We also have our

in Years 1 and 2 can choose from

own garden within the Pre-Prep with

French, arts and crafts, netball, tennis,

gardening beds so that each year

judo, football and athletics.

group can grow a range of vegetables

To enhance their learning further, we

and flowers.

take children out on trips connected

We encourage parents to be actively

to their topics. Recent visits have

involved in their children’s learning,

included Bucklebury Farm Park,

holding termly events to which they

Marwell Zoo, Rushall Farm, Windsor

are invited.

Castle and The Steam Museum. We have visits from authors, the Police, the

We also regularly support national

Royal Mail, and theatre and educational

and international charities, for

groups such as ‘History off the Page’.

example The West Berkshire

The children also join with other

Food Bank, Samaritan’s Purse and

schools for various sporting events.

Sport Relief.

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“ The school has 150 acres of countryside where learning experiences can ignite young pupils brains.

Their Early Years children visit the Woodland every Wednesday.”

Independent School Parent Magazine, Autumn 2020. www.elstreeschool.org.uk

PRE-PREP EXTRA CURRICULAR AND OUTDOOR LEARNING

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ELSTREE PREP SCHOOL LIFE

E

lstree Prep School is

Pupils are encouraged to respect one

a day and boarding

another and to gain a strong sense of

school for children

personal worth. We pride ourselves

aged 7 to 13. Set in

on their openness and positive spirit,

idyllic grounds of 150 acres, only an

their good manners and, above all,

hour by car from West London, the

their ability to contribute fully to the

school offers a secure and stimulating

school and make lifelong friends.

environment for children to be nurtured and inspired. From Year 4 onwards, pupils can choose to board in this happy, secure and purposeful environment whether as a flexi or weekly boarder.

Whilst it is vital to embrace the challenges of the 21st Century, we must never lose sight of the importance of giving children a proper childhood. Academic achievement coupled with the opportunity to be involved in Sport, Music, Art and Drama, ensure that Elstree remains a preparatory school in the broadest sense of the word.

We are proud of our rich history and our reputation as a school with high academic, creative and sporting achievements. While we know that success is something to celebrate, we recognise that being open, compassionate and tolerant of

“ There is a very strong set of values that underpins everything that happens at Elstree.

Impeccable manners, humility, intellectual curiosity, a sense of purpose, the importance of community, the value of hard work and an appreciation of the sheer fun and adventure that life has to offer permeates the school.”

Elstree School Parent

others, is equally important.

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PREP SCHOOL LIFE

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AC ADEMIC LIFE

E

lstree offers a first-class,

Scholarship Awards to leading Senior

progressive education,

Schools, maximising academic potential

which prepares pupils

and building self-confidence.

for Common Entrance

or Scholarship to their first choice Senior School.

Our whole school Curriculum Policy offers a wide choice of experiences, skills and subjects from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), through Key Stages 1 & 2, to Common Entrance and Scholarship level. It aims to realise the highest academic expectations for all pupils within a framework of proven learning techniques and innovative, exciting teaching methods.

Children develop at different rates, both academically and emotionally, and our small classes (average class size of 12 pupils) enable us to stretch the most academically able and to support those who need extra care and attention.

The timetable includes English, Mathematics, French, Science, Geography, History, TPR, ICT, Art, Design Technology, Music, Physical Education and PSHE. Latin and Spanish are introduced to all children in Year 5, and the Scholarship class operates in parallel with the last two years of Common Entrance preparation.

Elstree is proud of its academic record

“ We chose Elstree as a school for our children because we were so taken with the values and educational philosophy of the Headmaster and his Wife. We really liked the fact that they weren’t afraid to be ambitious for the pupils – whilst always maintaining a warm, secure and encouraging environment.”

Elstree School Parent

“Pupils of all abilities make excellent progress through the school.”

Independent Schools Inspection Report

which includes an impressive array of 18

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PREP ACADEMIC LIFE

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PA S TO R A L C A R E A N D CO M M U N I T Y L I F E

A

t Elstree, the

pupils to become helpful and

sense of ‘family’

caring members of the community.

and ‘community’

Everyone is actively encouraged to

is at the heart of

participate in projects for the benefit

school life and Elstree prides itself on the individual care that each child receives. Our dedicated staff play an essential role in supporting the pastoral programme which is a

of others and to raise money to help support charities. These have recently included The Charlie Waller Trust, Glad’s House, The Brain Tumour Charity and Place 2 Be.

fundamental part of school life in and out of the classroom.

The Headmaster, his wife, Form Tutors and the Director of Studies monitor each child’s academic and personal progress, confirming our belief that personal growth and academic development derive from a happy, caring environment where children are encouraged and feel valued. For the boarders, the Houseparents and their team of House Staff provide an extra layer of care and attention, enhancing the family atmosphere that pervades the school. A School Counsellor visits the school one morning a week.

An important feature of an Elstree education is to foster an awareness of those less fortunate and to encourage 20

“ Pupils’ confident and friendly manner is a result of the excellent pastoral support that they receive.”

Independent Schools Inspection Report

“ Elstree is an incredibly special school. Looking at Senior Schools has been quite a challenge, because nowhere else is Elstree.”

Elstree School Parent www.elstreeschool.org.uk

PREP PASTORAL CARE AND COMMUNITY LIFE

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B OA R D I N G

A

t Elstree, the

After a family service supper, there

lovely welcoming

is a wide range of boarders’ clubs

atmosphere

to enjoy: torchlight games in the

pulses through the

woods, kayaking on the lake, board-

boarding house. Our family friendly,

games, table tennis, cricket nets,

flexible and weekly boarding model

swimming, golf or mountain biking

enables children to learn to live as

- all within the 150 acres of school

part of a community and to build

grounds. This boarding community

up their self-confidence,

is enhanced by our termly events for

independence and organisational

boarders AND their families, such

skills. The Houseparents live in

as our legendary Murder Mystery

the heart of the house, supported

evening and family quiz.

by a strong team of Assistant Housemasters/mistresses, matrons

Big Weekends offer the chance

and nurse; we see the children

for an entire year group to board

under our care as an extension of

over a weekend. A Saturday night

our own families. At least once

event, such as a Social with another

a week a dorm is invited into the

school or bush craft, is followed by

Houseparents’ Flat for a ‘Brew’

another activity on Sunday morning

to share hot chocolate and

such as Laser Tag or Zorb football

home-made cakes in this cosy

in the school grounds. These

home-from-home atmosphere.

Big Weekends provide a great opportunity for a whole year group

Our flexible approach means that

to socialise together and for day

children can board anything from

pupils to experience boarding.

one to five nights a week.

They can gradually build up the

As part of this community, our older

number of nights that they board,

boarders are encouraged to look

and families are able to find the

out for the younger boarders. At

right balance between school

the weekends there are trips to the

and home life. Boarding at

cinema, bowling, mountain biking

Elstree also prepares children for

and local water parks, but we also

boarding at their Senior Schools

try to replicate what our day pupils

and beyond.

will be experiencing.

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PREP BOARDING

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EXTR A CURRICUL AR

I

n addition to a full and varied curriculum, Elstree pupils are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities, from golf

to art, chess and a selection of choirs, orchestra and music ensembles. The

“ Pupils of all ages achieve highly, both in academic and extra-curricular

diverse choice of activities for all ages,

activities. The

interests and abilities form an integral

contribution of

part of a child’s all-round education.

curricular and extra

The wealth of well-organised, exciting options available, both indoor and outdoor, ensure all children are busy and engaged.

curricular provision is excellent.”

Independent Schools Inspection Report

Trips also form an essential part of the balanced curriculum and are eagerly anticipated. They are thoroughly researched and planned for all year groups, designed to complement and stimulate interest in the arts, culture and sport. Residential trips are organised by various academic departments. They make an excellent contribution to the breadth of the curriculum and include an educational trip to France in Year 8.

Pupils also often go out to represent Elstree at music and sports festivals as well as inter-schools competitions for general knowledge, debating, chess, maths challenges and all manner of other events.

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PREP EXTRA CURRICULAR

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S P O RT

S

port is an integral part of life at Elstree with pupils playing sport daily. Our sporting ethos is all-

inclusive and the importance of good sportsmanship is taught together with the acquisition of skills across all sports.

With around 200 fixtures a term, all children have the opportunity to represent Elstree in a number of sports. Every child is timetabled at least five one hour sessions a week.

Football, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics are the major sports throughout the year.

Also on offer are swimming, squash, judo, kayaking, fencing, basketball, badminton, table tennis, trampolining and gymnastics. In Years 3-6 the children are grouped in age groups for games. In Years 7 and 8, the children are grouped together and split into groups, dependent on their ability.

Facilities include a modern wellequipped sports hall, an outdoor heated swimming pool and 2 all-weather pitches, one of which is full-sized and includes 12 tennis courts.

We also have numerous sports pitches for major sports, indoor and outdoor cricket net facilities, a fitness trail, a low ropes course, a 9 hole golf

“Pupils’ sporting prowess is very strong. They enjoy being active and participating in the many opportunities available to them, from football, rugby, hockey and cricket to judo and shooting.”

Independent Schools Inspection Report

course and a shooting range.

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PREP SPORT

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C R E AT I V E A R T S

T

he Creative Arts are

an extensive range of music from

thriving at Elstree

classical arias to the latest pop songs.

with the Music,

Diversity and enjoyment is the key.

Drama, Art and

Design Technology Departments

The Art Department offers an

regularly earning scholarships to

integrated programme to inspire

leading Senior Schools.

the children and stimulate creative thinking. A wide variety of creative

Alongside the pursuit of academic

techniques and media all form part

excellence, rooted in the School’s

of the carefully structured syllabus

ethos is the importance of giving

which includes everything from

children a proper childhood;

fine art, charcoal work, ink painting

participating in group and individual

to screen printing, clay work and

activities that develop their own

constructing sculptures from

characters and their relationship

recycled objects, wire, willow and

with others. Academic achievement

papier-mâché.

coupled with this opportunity to be involved in Music, Art and Drama

In Design and Technology children

as well as sport ensures that Elstree

experience designing and making a

remains a preparatory school in the

range of project work, not only in

broadest sense of the word.

traditional hard resistant materials of wood, metal, and plastic, but also

Music is not only part of the

softer materials such as, textiles, card

curriculum throughout the school,

and paper.

but is also an important part of an Elstree education. In the recently

In Drama, at least three productions

developed Music School, many

a year ensure that all pupils at

pupils learn at least one musical

Elstree get involved in Drama,

instrument. Pupils may join a variety

whether taking a role on stage, as

of instrumental groups to further

a musician or as part of the back

their skills and enjoyment, such as

stage team engaged in lighting, stage

orchestra, brass band, string group,

management and design. Pupils

bassoon and guitar ensemble.

learn how to communicate through

Music Technology is also offered.

drama, assemblies, debating, poetry

Both Junior and Senior choirs

performance and various public

regularly perform in public, singing

speaking competitions.

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PREP CREATIVE ARTS

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PER SONAL DE VELOPMENT AT EL STR EE AND B E YOND

A

s the children move

and artistic as well as cultivating

them to mature and understand the

through the Pre-Prep,

personal development and a sense of

importance of helping others.

the links with the Prep

responsibility to others.

School strengthen to

ensure a smooth transition and include assemblies and additional lessons with Elstree staff. The Headmaster visits the Pre-Prep regularly to read stories.

All of the children are very familiar with the environment of the whole school as they use the facilities on a daily basis.

In the Pre-Prep, the staff create an environment in which the children’s social skills, their ability to get on with others, their self-reliance and academic progress are carefully nurtured. By the time the children are ready to move into the Prep School, they are well prepared for the next stage of their education, on their paths to happy and successful school lives as independent and confident individuals.

Our Saturday morning ‘Learning for

We encourage children to take

Life’ academic enrichment programme

on responsibility as they progress

provides valuable preparation for the

through the school and give them

Senior School pre-assessments. This

opportunities to develop both

includes enrichment talks, interview

teamwork and leadership.

workshops, debating and practice at

These activities are overarched by

online tests.

a bespoke leadership programme

Pupils leave Elstree to attend the

called the ‘Elstree Award’. This

country’s leading Senior Schools. The

begins in Year 6 and aims to develop

formal process of consultation on

leadership and teamwork skills

Senior Schools usually starts in Year 5

required for life beyond Elstree.

and the Headmaster is always available

The Elstree Award sets a framework for each pupil to develop these skills, to take on challenges and to serve the

to advise parents, based on his extensive experience and relationships with many Senior Schools.

community. The children learn bush

We regularly send pupils to the

craft skills such as navigation and den

following schools: Abingdon, Bradfield,

building. Experiences such as hiking and coasteering challenge their physical

Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne, St Edward’s Oxford, St Mary’s Calne,

The all-round education that Elstree

endurance. Fundraising, community

provides encompasses a balance

service and assisting younger pupils

Wellington and Winchester.

between the academic, sporting

with their reading and sport help

ADMISSIONS

“ Parents of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage were particularly appreciative of the strong transition procedures and the willingness of staff to talk about any concerns or achievements.”

Independent Schools Inspection Report

Prospective pupils and their families are always welcome at Elstree.

If you would like to visit, please contact the Registrar, Alexandra Harrison on 0118 971 3302 or email registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk. www.elstreeschool.org.uk

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PREP PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT ELSTREE AND BEYOND

“ Mr Inglis is considered extremely skillful when it comes to secondary school applications: ‘I’ve had amazing support as a parent and he is very tactful at guiding you gently in the right direction.’ ” Good Schools Guide www.elstreeschool.org.uk

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Elstree School

Woolhampton | Reading | Berkshire | RG7 5TD | www.elstreeschool.org.uk Tel 0118 971 3302 | Fax 0118 971 4280 | Email office@elstreeschool.org.uk