Hulme Grammar School Prep Prospectus

Hulme Prep School is a place characterised by joy and exploration.

From Pre-Prep through to Year 6, students learn through inquiry, discovery and with the support of expert teachers who encourage and challenge our youngest minds to begin the lifelong journey of learning. Students each have their class teacher who is there to teach and to offer pastoral care and support, nurturing them as they grow and develop in years and stature.

The Pre-Prep provision is housed in a bright, modern purpose-built suite of classrooms with learning environments which enable children to begin to lay the foundation stones of their future learning. As they progress to Reception through to Year 2, children are taught in the former stately home of an Oldham cotton mill owner. This former domestic residence provides a brilliant backdrop for the homely, nurturing ethos of early years education. It is an inspiring building in direct proximity to the ancient woodland which forms the main site of the Forest School. Years 3 and 4 move to Hulme Court where they continue their education, growth and development on a site near to our sports facilities and the swimming pool. The final steps on their Prep School journey are taken at Estcourt, a stone’s throw across the road from the Senior School building, fitting as they turn their sights towards their transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

As they move through the many buildings which make up our Prep School, one thing remains consistent: the unwavering commitment of staff to give our youngest pupils the very best, broad education and outstanding pastoral care.

Tony Oulton Principal

Our vision

“A vibrant, inclusive education that nurtures young people as individuals, empowering them to realise their potential.”

Full of energy and life, warm, colourful

Inclusive

Including everybody, nobody excluded

Nurturing

To care and protect while growing

Individual

A person who thinks and behaves in their own way

Empowering

To enable strength and confidence

To become the best you can be

At Hulme Prep School, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also character development. Our school is committed to providing a well-rounded education that empowers children to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that fosters creativity, independence, critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. We are dedicated to preparing our pupils to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who contribute positively to society.

Our staff ensure that your child receives the best education and pastoral support, from Pre-Prep to Year 6. With small class sizes, we provide personalised attention to each child, treating them as the individuals they are and fostering their growth in a supportive learning environment. We believe in the power of collaboration, encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s educational journey and listening attentively to the voice of the pupils.

Our carefully sequenced curriculum devised and delivered by expert teachers is designed to challenge and inspire students. From a strong foundation in the core subjects – Maths, English, Science and PSHE – the wide and varied curriculum aims to ignite intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. The themes of discovery and exploration run through our approach from Pre-Prep, through Early Years and into Key Stage 1 and 2 and finds its clearest distillation in our Forest School curriculum, from which every student benefits.

We nurture students into becoming inquisitive, compassionate and grounded individuals with a wide range of interests. They discover and develop those interests through play and the co-curricular programme that is so central a feature of a Hulme education.

At Hulme Prep School, everything we do is designed to set students up to be successful and happy during their time with us and to prepare them for their move to the Senior School.

PreZoey Ward Head of Prep School

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Spirit Spirit Spirit Spirit Spirit

Our values

Definition: ‘the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character, the soul.’

Spirit was the word that came up that defined the ‘feeling’ that we get when we enter the school.

The Hulme Spirit is Big-hearted and welcoming

• Be kind and considerate

• Care deeply

• Include everybody

Respectful and grounded

• Listen attentively

• Show appreciation

• Be true to yourself

Hard working and determined

• Strive to excel

• Go above and beyond

• Never give up!

Future focused since 1611

The Hulme Trust was given permission to support local educational projects, and the Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools were founded

Oldham Grammar School opened

Many of the school’s pupils, both boys and girls, volunteered their services to World War I. 71 students and 1 staff member were recorded to have lost their lives, with the majority being killed in action at the Somme

The first pupils entered the new school buildings on 1st May, with the official opening being done by Earl Spencer on 30th

Due to the rapid rise of industry in Oldham it was deemed the school was in an unsuitable part of town, and it eventually closed in 1867

The school was flourishing with numbers growing, so a large three storey extension was constructed and the Girls’ School was opened

In June, 10,000 evacuees from Guernsey arrived in England, with many being welcomed into the homes of Oldham, with a number continuing their education at Hulme. They became known as The Guernsey Boys, and would not return home for 5 years

The Centenary Library was opened, and was built to reflect the changing needs of pupils, complementing the advances made throughout the school to equip pupils for the challenges of higher education and employment and to prepare them to become adult citizens in the new millennium

A £500,000 Science Centre was opened by one of the world’s leading surgeons, and Hulme old boy, Dr David Nott

January – A new Principal, Tony Oulton, was appointed, with an exciting vision for the future of the school

September – OHGS becomes Hulme Grammar School HGS welcomes the first cohort of co-education Year 7s

School purchased Werneth Prep School which was the first co-ed part of the school and our Pre-Prep was born.

The school rapidly expanded: the Estcourt building was opened for use by the Girls’ Junior School; followed by a dedicated science building in 1959; and in 1969 Thornycroft building, a space for Sixth Form students and art departments

The Boys’ and Girls’ Schools were merged, bringing them under the leadership of one Principal, with Nursery and Sixth Form being co-educational

Why choose Hulme

Hulme stands in the North West of England as a beacon of high academic standards and exceptional pastoral care, offering a vibrant, inclusive education that nurtures young people as individuals, empowering them to realise their potential.

We inspire a passion for lifelong learning through a broad and balanced curriculum, designed and led by subject experts. As a Google Reference School, we embrace the advances of technology, acknowledging the opportunities that it presents for the school and our students.

We believe in the power of curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about igniting the spark within each student, encouraging them to question, explore, and develop a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

Hulme is a large school, spread over 10 buildings and facilities, meaning we are well equipped to offer a wide range of opportunities. However, we are small enough to offer personalised support to each and every student, ensuring they are known and treated as an individual.

As one of our top priorities, our pastoral care is aimed at nurturing each pupil to help them safely, happily and successfully navigate their way through life.

Pupils can join us through a range of entry points, from starting Pre-Prep at the age of 2 and staying with us right through to the age of 18, or joining at various other year groups within the Prep School.

A diverse, inclusive and multicultural community, including both staff and students, where nobody is excluded and everybody is celebrated.

Time spent in our Forest School, based at Thornycroft, is built into the timetable so that children have regular access. This outdoor, hands-on style of learning adds an extra dimension to the transitional curriculum.

Our House system is integral, with every child contributing individually to a communal aim. Pupils proudly represent their House in both their academic and sporting endeavours.

Co-curriculum Pastoral

Our dedicated staff members are deeply committed to providing a wealth of opportunities for our students, enabling them to thrive, learn and excel beyond the classroom, as demonstrated in the vast array of co-curricular activities available to our children. We wholeheartedly encourage our students not only to pursue their existing interests but also to cultivate and explore new talents by actively engaging in the diverse range of creative, physical and social activities that we offer.

Co-curriculum

Pastoral care

At Hulme Prep School, we understand that children who feel happy, supported and valued will thrive both in and out of school. We pride ourselves on building and maintaining secure, trusting relationships with each individual child, putting the wellbeing of each child at the forefront of everything we do because we know that children who feel safe and secure in school have the confidence to persist with challenges and flourish. Our pastoral approach is bolstered by our carefully tailored PSHE curriculum which creates opportunities for students to build their self-esteem and self-awareness, equipping them to safely and successfully navigate the world around them.

Academics

At Hulme Prep, we take pride in fostering a culture of high academic standards that prepare our students for a future filled with possibilities. Our commitment to providing a fulfilling educational experience sets the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.

Our staff are not just teachers and teaching assistants; they are mentors and passionate educators. With their guidance, pupils gain access to knowledge that extends beyond the classroom, and which encourages them to think critically and approach challenges with confidence and increasing independence.

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to challenge and inspire students at each stage. We empower children to explore their interests and cultivate a deep understanding of various subjects and topics, encouraging them to become open-minded and globally aware. We recognise that every child is unique, and our small class sizes allow

teachers to tailor their approach to cater to the student’s individual learning needs, thereby ensuring that each student reaches their full potential.

Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore solutions and collaborate with their peers, nurturing a proactive and inquisitive approach to learning. To ignite curiosity and broaden horizons, we supplement our in-class learning with curriculum theme days, guest speakers, workshops, field trips, residentials and partnerships with local organisations that expose students to real-world experiences and perspectives.

We employ a variety of assessment methods, including projects and presentations alongside written tasks, which allow students to demonstrate their knowledge in diverse ways.

At Hulme Prep School, academic excellence is not just a goal—it’s a way of life. We believe that by instilling in them a passion for learning and developing critical skills, we equip our students to excel in any endeavour they choose to pursue.

Academics

A day in the life at HGS

There is no “typical” day at Hulme – with a variety of subjects and co-curricular options available, students can shape their own education.

Registration and tutor time

Co-curricular options: Arts & Crafts Club, Athletics Club, British Sign Language Club, Chess Support, Choir Club, Cricket Club, Cricket Practice (Squad – Invitation Dough Disco, Film Club, Football, Football Squad Training Infant School Choir, Junior School Choir, Junior Swim Magic Club, Messy Mark Making Club, Mindfulness Fine Motor Skills), Netball Club, Netball Squad Training Games, Playground Games Club, Puzzle Club, Recreational and Threading, Sign Language Club, Speech & Drama, Dance Club, Table Tennis Club, Tag Rugby Club, Training

Easter to May half term: Artistic Swimming.

3 and 3a

Athletics Club, Bee Bot Club (Unplugged), Beginner Brass

Choir Support, Construction Club, Creative Writing Invitation Only), Cross-Country Club, Dodgeball Club, Training (Invitation Only), German Club, Get Fit Club,

Swim Club (Invitation Only), Karate Club, Lego Club, Mindfulness Club, Mini EPQ/Crest, Movement Club (Gross and Training (Invitation Only), Nursery Rhymes, Outdoor

Recreational Cricket Club, Rounders Practice, Sewing Drama, Story Club, Story-telling & Puppetry Club, Street Training Band, Wild Things Speech & Drama, Yoga.

Swimming. May half term to Summer: Water Polo

Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides the educational building bricks for children between the ages of 2-5 years. It consists of our Pre-Prep, which is based in a purpose built setting with direct access outdoors, and our Reception class based in our Thornycroft building.

The experiences of Early Years lays solid foundations for their life and education as a Hulme pupil within our caring, nurturing and welcoming environment.

We understand the varying needs of our pupils and provide a bespoke education for each of them whilst following the guidance of the EYFS and the four key principles of this.

A Unique Child

At Hulme Prep School, we understand that all children have varying needs and develop at different paces. Therefore, we plan activities and opportunities to suit the different styles of learning within our classes to ensure that all children are able to meet their full potential and develop a love of learning.

Enabling Environments

All of our Early Years classrooms at Hulme Prep School are set up to encourage independence in accessing resources and materials, allowing children to take ownership over their learning and choices. We have a forest on our doorstep, as well as the Thornycroft garden and several outdoor spaces for Early Years children to explore and discover. These provide a wealth of learning opportunities outside the classroom.

Positive Relationships

Forming and nurturing relationships with our families is at the heart of how we do things at Hulme Prep School. Parents are viewed as partners in their child’s development and learning, and are invited to contribute to their children’s learning journey. We develop caring, respectful and professional relationships with children and their families.

Learning and Development

We understand that children are most engaged when at play, and we plan our environments and lessons accordingly. Children at Hulme Prep School will feel motivated and interested in their learning, extend their critical thinking skills and make sense of the world around them, develop their confidence and independence with decision-making and learn to communicate their thoughts with others when exploring, investigating and problem-solving.

Areas of Learning within the Early Years

In EYFS, we focus on three prime areas of learning and development:

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Additionally, there are four specific areas of learning:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

However, we value all areas of learning and development equally and understand that they are interconnected, depend on each other and should not be taught in isolation from one another. Our lessons are planned taking into account the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning which are: Playing and Exploring, Active Learning and Creating and Thinking Critically.

Forest School

Our Forest School provides a unique and dynamic learning experience that connects our pupils with the natural world, encourages curiosity and promotes holistic development. It complements classroom learning, enhancing pupils’ understanding of the world around them and fostering a love for learning that goes beyond traditional walls.

Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum here at Hulme Prep School, from Pre-Prep through to Year 6, with students spending extended time every two weeks either in our beautiful forest setting at Thornycroft or in the grounds of Hulme Court or Estcourt.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an educational approach that emphasises outdoor learning, hands-on exploration and a connection to nature. It is a place where students engage with their environment, building confidence, resilience and a sense of wonder through practical activities.

Benefits of Forest School

• Holistic Development: Forest School activities are designed to stimulate physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Through natureinspired challenges, students learn problemsolving, teamwork, and creativity.

• Connection to Nature: In an increasingly digital world, Forest School offers a chance for pupils to disconnect from screens and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world.

• Boosted Confidence: As pupils conquer outdoor challenges and master new skills, their selfconfidence and self-esteem naturally flourish.

• Enhanced Wellbeing: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional wellbeing and mental clarity.

• Respect for the Environment: Forest School promotes environmental awareness and a deep respect for the planet, cultivating a sense of responsibility towards the natural world.

Under the guidance of Forest School Curriculum Lead, pupils will have the opportunity to:

• Explore: Investigate our forest setting and gardens, discovering plants, animals and natural ecosystems.

• Create: Engage in imaginative play, craft projects and natural art using materials found in these environments.

• Problem-Solve: Confront challenges such as building shelters, navigating through terrain and finding creative solutions.

• Learn: Study Science and Geography in an outdoor setting, bringing classroom concepts to life.

Moving up Senior School

up to School

The journey from Year 6 to Year 7 is an exciting milestone in your child’s educational journey. As pupils prepare to move up from our Prep School to the Senior School, we are here to guide them through this important step. We aim to make the move from Prep School to Senior School as seamless as possible with assumed right of entry into the Senior School for most students. This means that, unlike those who join us from other feeder schools, our own Prep School students are not required to sit the Entrance Examination for a place in the Senior School. They will, however, be invited to meet members of the Senior School’s Leadership and Pastoral Teams as well as being invited to attend transition and orientation events.

Building on the strong foundations laid at the Prep School, the Senior School experience offers even greater opportunities for growth, exploration and achievement while encountering a wider range of subjects and co-curricular activities. This enables pupils to explore new interests and unearth undiscovered passions, preparing them for the diverse challenges of their future. Their experiences in the Prep School will have prepared them well, and we’re confident that they will thrive in this new environment.

We understand that transition can be both exciting and daunting. Our experienced staff are here to provide the guidance and support pupils will need to navigate this new chapter successfully. The sense of community that we cherish in our Prep School continues in the Senior School where they will join a community of fellow students, teachers and staff who are dedicated to their success and growth.

Admissions

Whether you are a prospective student or a parent seeking the best education for your child, we invite you to delve into the heart of Hulme Grammar School and discover some of the many brilliant stories of student achievement, the culture of excellence that characterises our curriculum and the warmth and big-heartedness of the HGS community.

Parents are welcome to contact the school at any point within the school year to make enquiries about assessment for their child for admission to our school, for pupils from Pre-Prep to Year 6. Applications are welcomed for entry into all year groups, subject to spaces being available.

We encourage parents to visit our school, and personal tours can be easily arranged by contacting our team.

For more information on the application process, bursaries, scholarships and fees, please visit the website: hulmegrammar.org/admissions

Or contact our admissions team prepadmissions@hulmegrammar.org

Chamber Road, Oldham, OL8 4BX 0161 624 4497

prepadmissions@hulmegrammar.org

@OldhamHulme hulmegrammar.org

OHGS Charity Number: 1201820