Ely Prep
Welcome from the Head
It is a great pleasure to welcome you and your family to King’s Ely Prep. As Head, I am delighted that you are joining our vibrant school community; one that is fizzing with energy, rich in opportunity, and underpinned by strong values and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.
At King’s Ely Prep, we are proud to be a busy and purposeful school, shaped by our core values of Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Confidence. We hold high expectations, and these values are not just aspirational, they are lived out daily by pupils and staff alike, guiding all that we do, from academic endeavours to pushing ourselves outside of the classroom.
The ethos of the school is one of a truly distinctive community, where the lasting impression is one of warmth, support and a family feel, where each child is known as an individual by their teachers and encouraged to challenge themselves and to thrive. We strive to ensure our pupils are happy and eager to come to school. Happy children will thrive and succeed.
Our diverse and multi-talented pupils bring an incredible energy and dynamism to school life. They are nurtured in a caring environment and stretched through our ambitious academic curriculum that provides challenge and opportunities for growth, with wellbeing and enjoyment of school days being at the forefront of everything we strive for.
Every week is packed with activity and action. Our exceptional staff go above and beyond to offer a thrilling array of co-curricular opportunities, which complements our outstanding music, drama, and sports provision. We have weekly competitive fixtures against other independent schools, with many of our pupils representing the school; a source of pride and belonging for so many.
For families exploring boarding options, our flexible approach includes full, weekly and flexi- boarding, offering the ideal balance of structure and freedom. And of course, no school would be complete without the joy that comes from our amazing food—we know that an army (and a pupil body) marches on its stomach!
Following our most recent whole-school inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in March 2025, we are thrilled to share that King’s Ely met or exceeded every statutory standard. Inspectors went further, identifying a significant strength in the way the school interweaves high-quality pastoral care with a dynamic enrichment programme, stating that “pupils of all ages develop their independence, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and socialisation particularly well.”
Whether your child is a passionate mathematician or engineer, a promising athlete, a budding musician, or simply someone eager to explore the richness of school life, they will find their place within the Prep School. Our aim is to develop confidence and curiosity, equipping them for any challenges the future holds. We look forward to igniting their passion, supporting them as they grow, encouraging them to challenge themselves, and flourish in all aspects of their education.
I am delighted you have chosen King’s Ely Prep and thank you for placing your trust in us. We look forward to getting to know your family and welcoming you properly into the King’s Ely community in the coming months.
Simon Kibler Head
School Ethos Pillars and Values
King's Ely Ethos Pillars
Purpose
To prepare each individual to live positive, productive, successful and fulfilled lives, for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.
Practice
To ensure every child feels that they are known, and receives an excellent academic education that inspires curiosity and intellectual adventure.
Prep School Values
Confidence
To believe in the value you bring and your potential for success.
Compassion
To show kindness, understanding and mutual respect within our school community and beyond.
Place
To give a sense of place and belonging to all our pupils and to celebrate our unique environment and make the most of its ecological, historical, artistic, spiritual and economic resources.
People
To create a genuinely diverse community, outward and forwardthinking and with a shared purpose. To bring into this community the best teachers, pastoral and support staff and students, and to be a source of friends for life.
Courage
To be brave, resilient and embrace failures as learning opportunities.
Integrity
To be honest, responsible , dependable and demonstrate strong moral principles.
Introduction to Year Group
Years 3 to 6
Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator: Dan Everest
Years 3 and 4
Years 3 and 4 have their own unique area of the school, this allows us to provide an appropriate level of support and care as they start their journey at King’s Ely Prep. Class sizes vary but usually they have between 14-19 pupils in each. Each form has a class teacher who supports pupils academically and pastorally.Teaching & Learning Support assistants work in the classes in various capacities throughout Years 3 and 4.Academic progress is monitored by the Key Stage 2 coordinator FromYear 3 all pupils are supported by their Heads of House. In addition, Year 3 students haveYear 8 buddies to support them at playtimes.
Forms are in mixed ability groups. In Year 4 pupils are set for Maths and English. Both Years have specialist teachers in Games, MFL (Modern Foreign Language), DT, Music, Computing and Drama. Pupils have one lesson of PE and two double lessons of Games each week.There are two lunchtime supervisors who are responsible for supervising the children while they are at lunch in the Monastic Barn and during playtimes.Year 3 and Year 4 pupils are guided back from lunch together
Years 5 and 6
Pupils inYears 5 and 6 move on to class bases in the centre of the school building. Class sizes are usually between 15-20 pupils. For registration, pupils meet in mixed ability form groups which will also be their groupings for Science, Geography, History, DT, Food Technology, Computing, Music,Art, Drama, PSHE, MFL and RS. Pupils are set for Maths and English. Pupils have PE and two Games sessions each week. Teaching & Learning Support assistants support pupils in classrooms. Pupils are escorted by teachers to lunch in the Monastic Barn, but are trusted to walk back in small groups, within the sight of members of staff. Whilst these are the middle two years of our Prep provision, we recognise that they are the top two years of primary education and we tailor their experience to reflect that.
Years 7 and 8
Head of Year 7: Alastair Ray and Head of Year 8: Edward Davis
These pupils have embarked on their secondary education; we style their experience so that they are the most mature year groups in a Prep setting, with specific pastoral guidance suitable to their age. Academically they are in their Key Stage 3 years of education.The Heads of Year look after the academic development of their pupils. Pastoral matters are addressed and supported by the pupils’ form tutor and Housemaster/mistress. Pupils are set for subjects and will be taught by specialist teachers including a number who teach in both the Senior and Prep phases of the school. Like Years 5 and 6, they have games on aWednesday afternoon, in addition to their own games afternoon on a Friday.
Introduction to the Houses
Every child in Prep is a member of a House.These serve to provide a special community for the pupils, nurturing a family feel across all age groups.The House structure is integral to the support that we offer your children. Houses take part in competitions throughout the year and meet together in house groups during the week.The Houses are overseen by a Housemaster/mistress, often referred to as a HsM. They play a key role in overseeing the pastoral care of the pupils.
The four day houses are:
Goodwin - HsM – Olivia Petherick
Queen Emma - HsM – Stephen Church
Queen Philippa - HsM – Dan Parratt
Saunders - HsM – Amanda Kippax
Some fixtures are on Saturdays. Increased opportunities for responsibility are given and there are greater expectations of pupils taking responsibility for the management of their daily arrangements. In keeping with their age, they make their own way in groups to and from lunch.
Heads of Year liaise with Laura Roberts, the Deputy Head Academic, who oversees all academic provisions in Prep. Pastoral matters are overseen by Andrew Marshall, First Deputy Head.
Our boarding pupils live in two boarding houses – Priory House for girls, and Walsingham House for boys.
Our boarding choristers are part of the Houses too – the girl choristers in Priory, and the boys in Walsingham.
There is a separate handbook for boarding parents.
Priory House
Housemistress (HsM) – Nikki Hughes
Walsingham
Housemistress (HsM) – Loveday Perceval-Maxwell
Contact list
We hope that any member of staff can help you. The first port of call is normally your child’s form tutor or HsM who has day to day responsibility for your child and will be in the best position to be aware of circumstances that can help you. However, there are specific people who can help you depending on the circumstances. Staff email addresses use the following format: ClaireRobbins@kingsely.org and NeilPorter-Thaw@kingsely.org
Miss Claire Robbins
Ms Deanna Cheung
Mrs Heidi Jackson
MrsVicky Jones
Mr Simon Kibler
Mr Andrew Marshall
Mrs Laura Roberts
Mrs Olivia Petherick
Miss Amanda Kippax
Dr Stephen Church
Mr Dan Parratt
Mr Dan Everest
Mr Alastair Ray
Mr Edward Davis
Mrs Loveday Perceval-Maxwell
Mrs Nikki Hughes
Ms Catherine Evans-Buczak
Mr Chris Parsons
Mrs Ruth McAlinden
Mrs Lisa Brackley
Mr James Gibbs
Mrs Nicole Duffield
Ms Michelle Parr
King’s Ely Prep Secretary (01353 660730)
Please use this number for contacting Prep regarding late arrivals and absences
PA to the Head of King’s Ely Prep
King’s Ely Prep Receptionist and Activities Coordinator (01353 660734)
PA to the Deputy Heads and Cover Coordinator
Head of King’s Ely Prep (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
First Deputy Head – Pastoral Lead (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
Deputy Head – Academic Lead (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
Housemistress of Goodwin House (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
Housemistress of Saunders House
Housemaster of Queen Emma House
Housemaster of Queen Philippa House
Head of Key Stage 2
Head of Year 7
Head of Year 8
Housemistress of Walsingham House (Boarding)
Housemistress of Priory House (Boarding)
Head of Classroom Music
Head of Performance Music
Director of Prep Sport
Wellbeing Lead
Senior CommunityWelfare Advisor and Prevent Lead
CommunityWelfare Advisor (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
School Counsellor
A full staff list can be found in the School Almanack
The school day - An Overview
Beginning of the school day
Arrival
• The school opens at 08:00. We are not in a position to supervise pupils before this time. Anybody arriving shortly before 08:00 must wait outside the main entrance. However, for parents who need to drop their children off much earlier, we offer a breakfast service at a small charge. In this case the children may be dropped off at Priory House from 07:15. They will breakfast with the boarders and walk with them to King’s Ely Prep. Parents are asked to book this service in advance directly with Mrs Nikki Hughes (Priory HsM) at NikkiHughes@ kingsely.org
On arrival, the pupils go to the following areas:
Years 3-4 The Courtyard
Years 5-6 Outside on the Paddock area, after dropping off their bags
Years 7-8 The tennis courts, with classroom access under the direction of staff.
The school day starts at 08:25.
• Should you need to speak to a member of staff having dropped off your child, please park in the Barton Road car park opposite the school exit, as there are so few spaces available in the school’s car parking area.
Because of the need for getting to Cathedral on Wednesday (KS2) orThursday (KS3 or whole Prep School), we ask that pupils arrive particularly promptly between 08:00 and 08:25 on this day.
Registration
• Registration, in form rooms, begins at 08:25 until 08:40.
Late arrival
Pupils who arrive late must sign in at the main King’s Ely Prep office. It is very important that you inform Claire Robbins (01353 660730) or fill out an online form on My School Portal if your child is unable to attend school for any reason such as sickness. www.kingsely.myschoolportal.co.uk
We ring parents if a pupil does not arrive and we have not been informed about their absence.
During the school day
The school day starts in the following ways on specific days for different year groups:
Assembly – Morbey Hall and occasionally Sports Hall and Hayward Theatre
Form Time
We are delighted to present any awards or certificates to acknowledge your child’s achievements outside school.
An ideal time to hear the younger children read. Pupils from Years 5-6 should also have a reading book available. Form administration and pastoral interaction are key elements of this time.
House Assembly Houses meet as a whole House.Year 8 pupils collect their younger Year 3 buddies to join all other pupils at their House base Cathedral
We meet either as key stages or as the whole of Prep. We walk to the Cathedral for a 08:45 start, so your prompt arrival at school is appreciated.
Form Time/Assembly
Lunch
A menu is available on the school website each week. Pupils make their way to lunch in the following way.
Year 3-4Walk to Lunch for 11:45. Year 3 and 4 are escorted back.
Year 5-6
Year 7
Year 8
Walk to Lunch for 12:10.They return in groups.
Make their own way at 12:20 and return in groups.
Make their own way at 12:30 and return in groups.
All road crossings are supervised by a member of our trained Custodian staff.
All pupils must have coats available. We walk to lunch, whatever the weather!
Some activities for all ages and practices (for older pupils) take place at lunchtime.
Afternoon school begins at 13:05. All pupils in Year 3 and 4 have an afternoon break. Pupils in Year 7 and 8, with an additional lesson, have some flexible time during the afternoon so that they can reorganise themselves, go to the toilet etc. It is not an official break time, however
End of the school day
Home time and after school activities
The official end to the teaching day is 15:45 forYears 3-6 and 16:30 forYears 7-8, except onWednesdays, when those who are not involved in matches can leave at 15:45.
Once they have left the school site, they are asked not to return without permission. Please inform staff in advance if your child is to be collected by someone other than the person known to us.We ask that parents observe the no parking areas and do not leave double parked vehicles unattended. If you have to collect your child at any other time, please come to reception and inform the duty staff who will help you.We ask that you do not attempt to enter the building to find your child. At the beginning of the school year you will be given the opportunity to inform us if your child will regularly walk home independently, cycle or travel by train.
Year 3 and 4
Children line up outside their classroom looking smart with all they need to take home.Teachers will take their class to the Year 3/4 gate to meet their parents or the person picking them up.
Year 5 and 6
Children return to their form rooms and those leaving at 15:45 are led out to you via the exit close to the Year 7 and 8 block.
Pupils staying for Supervised Prep, Enrichment and Activity Sessions inYears 3-6
There is a Homework, Enrichment or Activity session, supervised by teachers from 15:45 – 16:25. If necessary, pupils are able to remain with us, supervised, until 17:25. Some activities run from 16:30 – 17:20.
Pupils staying for Supervised Prep, Enrichment and Activity Sessions in Years 7 and 8
For those not involved in activities and team practices, pupils can attend a prep session which runs from 16:30 – 17:20 in theYear 7/Year 8 classrooms Should you need to collect your child from prep during this time, please go to reception and inform the duty staff who will help you.We ask that you do not attempt to enter the building to find your child. Unless there is a specific arrangement with activities run by outside providers, pupils staying after the end of the teaching day can be collected from outside the link area between 17:20 and 17:30.
School
buses
Pupils who return home by minibus should go to the minibus area, in time for the bus to leave at 17:30. Further details about the bus arrangements are given elsewhere in this booklet (page 18)
Late Collection after 17:30
At 17:30 any child not collected will be taken to the Monastic Barn with the Priory boarders by a member of staff.They can then be collected from there or from the Priory when the boarders return from theirTea. Should you know that your child needs to stay after 17:30, they can join Priory House for Tea.
There is a small charge for this service. Parents are asked to book this service in advance by emailing Mrs Mrs Nikki Hughes (Priory HsM) at NikkiHughes@ kingsely.org. Pupils should be collected by 18:30.
Activities
A varied activities programme is offered to pupils in Years 3-8. After school activities normally run from 16:30 – 17:20, with a few now available earlier to younger children.
All activities run by King’s Ely staff are free, but may be limited in number. Others run by outside providers may incur a charge. Details are sent at the end of each term for the following term.
All correspondence about activities should go to the Activities Coordinator, Heidi Jackson at HeidiJackson@kingsely.org or on 01353 660734. After activities, pupils should wait in the link area where duty staff or the activity leader will supervise them until they are collected.
In some cases, activities are planned to run beyond 17:20. Specific arrangements are then put in place for collection of your child by the member of staff or the outside provider.
Communication
There are various ways for the school and parents to communicate with each other.
• The Pupil Planner –For Years 3-6, this is an important book in which pupils must write down their preps. Messages can also be written here by parents and staff.
• Telephone – If messages are urgent it is best to telephone Claire Robbins on 01353 660730 or Heidi Jackson on 01353 660734 in the school office, who will take your message or contact staff on your behalf.
• Email – Staff check their emails at least at the beginning and the end of each school day We aim to reply to all emails within 24 hours. Some guidance notes are given later in this booklet.
• Text –When possible, for example to indicate the arrival of a residential trip, or the significantly late return of a sports team, we are in a position to send an SMS to you. Please ensure that we have your correct mobile numbers.
• Almanack –This important diary is a useful point of reference for parents and pupils. It contains details of routines, rules and forthcoming events. This is sent to you electronically and in printed form.
• KingsPost – Letters and bulletins are usually sent to parents via KingsPost (the King’s Ely email delivery system). Please ensure the office always has an up-to-date email address for you. Normally KingsPost are only sent onTuesday and Friday unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Prep News –This weekly newsletter, also sent out by KingsPost, celebrates events within the community and highlights birthdays and other forthcoming events.
• SharePoint – From Year 5 upwards, pupils can log in to see homewok tasks on the school's learning platform: www.kingsely.sharepoint.com/sites/ke-home
• My School Portal andWebsite – My School Portal holds particular information pertinent to parents such as reports, attendance rewards, handbooks and school correspondence. Specific log in details will be sent to you from a member of the admin team. In addition, the school website contains a huge amount of useful information. www.kingsely.myschoolportal.co.uk www.kingsely.org
• School SportWebsite (SOCS) –To view all scheduled fixtures for Sports please visit SOCS via kingselysport.org. Here you will be able to see the details of the fixtures, their location and key timing information. It is also possible to view team selection on this site using a password which will be shared at the start of the year. Any cancellations of matches will be shown on SOCS and also emailed to parents. Pupils are able to view the team selections via the screens in the Year 5 and 6 corridor or the New Block screen.
www.kingselysport.org
Telephone contact after 17:30
Unless there is a specific arrangement with an activity leader or games teacher for a sporting fixture, at 17:30 all pupils who have not been collected will go with Priory, firstly to the Monastic Barn and then to their boarding house. If parents need to contact the school after 17:30 regarding a collection issue, they
Communication and meetings with staff to share an issue related to your child
While Parents’ Evenings provide a formal opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, staff are always willing to meet to discuss any aspect of your child’s progress.
Please contact the relevant teacher through the school office to arrange a convenient time. Please understand that a teacher is not always in the best position to give you quality time if you see them spontaneously at the beginning of the school day.We want meetings to be as useful to you as possible and the general business at the beginning of the day is not always conducive to this!
We welcome communication from parents in any of the forms mentioned above. Of course, we appreciate the busy nature of your days and we would want you to feel that you can contact us in a way that is helpful to you.While email is often the chosen and most appropriate method of communication, we would ask parents to consider a couple of points that are expressed in the spirit of ultimately helping you and your child most effectively:
should call the Priory duty mobile number, 07551 157509.The duty member of staff will also be contactable on the Priory landline number, 01353 661596 when they have returned from tea.The Housemistress can be contacted on 07341 730047.
• Please understand that receiving an email of concern just before teaching a lesson is not conducive to a member of staff having the necessary mind-set to work with the children. If a teacher can be given the opportunity to call back to discuss an issue, it is often the best way to help you.
• While emails can be sent and delivered almost instantaneously, it is not always easy, nor appropriate, for staff to respond, beyond acknowledgement, on the same day. Fact finding, in order to respond appropriately, can take time.
• Often, arranging the opportunity to talk in person with a member of staff can remove a great deal of unnecessary anxiety for a parent trying to piece together aspects of their children’s schooling that concern them. The characteristics of a two-way conversation can often put minds at rest much more quickly and misunderstandings, that can arise though the misreading of tone in an email, are alleviated.
A-Z of important additional information
Absence
If your child is going to be absent because of illness, please inform the School Office on 01353 660730 or by email (absentees@kingsely.org), ideally before 08:25. If, for whatever reason, you have not been able to make contact before that time, please do so as soon as possible afterwards.
Permission for absences from school for other reasons are not normally given unless written application has
been made to the Head of King’s Ely Prep, well before the requested absence. It is requested that application for non-medical absence is not made, unless the cause is particularly urgent. The school discourages student absences during term time for holiday purposes.
Please note that if your child has been vomiting, they are expected to be absent from school for at least two complete days (48 hours) following the last episode.
Academic Matters
Reporting to Parents
At regular intervals throughout the academic year, formal feedback on your child’s academic performance will be shared with you in the form of a Grade Card,
Grade Cards
Pupils will receive Grade Cards at regular intervals. These report on Effort and Attainment.Tutors review the Grade Cards with their pupils.Targets are given as appropriate. For pupils inYear 3 and Year 4 Effort grades are shared with pupils,Attainment grades are only reported to parents. For pupils inYears 5-8, tutors review Attainment and Effort grades with their pupils.
There are 3 Grades for Effort: Exceeds Expectation (E), Meets Expectation (M) or Below Expectation (B).Where a “Below” grade is given, parents will be informed prior to the student receiving this grade and an explanation of where the student needs to improve will be discussed with both the parents and the student.Those students who achieve the highest Effort Grades in each Year group will receive a certificate in an assembly
Attainment Grades are awarded in English, Maths, Science (Y5-8 only), MFL (Y7&8 only). In Key Stage 2, there are four attainment grades: Excellent, Good,
Assessment Results Card, Parents’ Evenings, and a full Report. A schedule of these events will be available from your child’s Head of Year.
Acceptable andWorkingTowards.The Attainment Grade is based on classwork and the teacher’s formative assessment.
InYear 7 and Year 8, Attainment Grades are reported for English, Mathematics, Science and MFL in the stanine format. Pupils at King’s Ely are expected to achieve stanines of an average of 4 or above. Should they be receiving lower than this, parents will be invited to have a progress meeting with key staff to discuss how best their child may be additionally supported.
Y7 and Y8 Period Grade Attainment Stanines Description of Stanine
8/9
5/6 or 6/7
3 or less Working Towards
Setting
Pupils are put into “sets” according to the cohort in each year group. In the Michaelmas term, groups are fluid as we establish the ability profile of individual pupils within the cohort.The largest size of a set is around 20 but the “working towards” sets tend to
be smaller In Key Stage 2, pupils are put into “set” groups for Maths and English only In Years 7 and 8, setting is more complex as some subjects are linked.
Pupil progress is closely monitored. Should staff feel that a pupil will make better progress in a different group, parents will be informed.
Homework/Prep
In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 all pupils are encouraged to read regularly and practise their times tables. InYears 3 to 5, pupils will also be set a Maths and English task to complete over the week.They can be tackled a little bit each day, or as time allows during the week. Pupils in Year 6 will be set subject-specific homework assignments as per their homework timetable.These will be topic-specific to consolidate/ extend current learning in class.Across KS2, there will also be an opportunity for pupils to complete a half-termly enrichment project from different areas of the curriculum and a chance to showcase their creativity. These tasks will not be compulsory, but we hope that this offers the opportunity for parents to be involved (as much as they wish or work commitments etc allow).
In Year 7 and Year 8, two thirty-minute tasks are set four times per week.A prep timetable is issued to pupils at the beginning of the year.
Parents’ Evenings
We offer you the opportunity to meet with us at Parents’ Evenings at various times throughout the year.These are key evenings for you as parents and ones which we value hugely as staff.
Further details are sent via KingsPost.
Additional extras to pupils’ fees
Each year a number of exciting trips and excursions are planned for the students at King’s Ely Prep. If the trip is considered essential and is provided as part of the course of work, the fee will include the cost of the trip (with the exception of spending money and equipment). However, a wide range of other trips, tours, holidays or residential visits are also arranged. These are optional and will therefore not be covered by the fees. At the time of booking a place for their child, parents are asked to indicate their permission for the extra to be charged to their account by returning a reply slip which is normally generated electronically.
The school has a policy for dealing with the late payment of fees and should a student’s fees be in arrears, the school will decline to confirm the place of a child on the trip until the fee account is paid in full. Please contact the Head of King’s Ely Prep or the Finance Officer (Fees) at the earliest opportunity if you have information to share with us regarding the payment of your child’s fees.
BYOD – (Bring Your Own Device)
All pupils in Year 7 and 8 are expected to have a device (laptop or equivalent) available for their learning. Pupils will be guided to the devices that they are able to bring into school and the recommended apps for the particular platform that they use. A separate publication will give all the necessary details.
Buses
Bus services are available to bring your children to school.The eleven routes we have at present terminate/collect from:
www.kingsely.vectare.co.uk
Chaplaincy and worship in Ely Cathedral
Christian inspiration is fundamental to King’s Ely.The school recognises that pupils may come from homes which follow other faiths or have no strong religious affiliation.The Chaplaincy is fully involved with pastoral care of the school community.
We are blessed that Ely Cathedral is our spiritual home. King’s Ely Prep students worship in the Cathedral eachweek The Cathedral is a place of warmth and peace.
Our School Chaplain is available to meet all members of the school community. Each year they provide the opportunity for pupils to prepare for Communion and Confirmation and leads the School Retreat. Their office can be found in Bishop Woodford House.
Charitable fundraising at King’s Ely Prep
As befits our ethos, King’s Ely is a keen contributor to charitable causes.We unite as a school to support a specific cause each academic year and from time to time children are invited to make a small contribution as part of a charitable event or day. In addition, we host specific fundraising events where children will be able to bring in money to spend (for example on stalls that we encourage children to run). Of course, we are also delighted to hear of any charitable events that your children have been involved in. Photographs and information that we can display would be gratefully received in support of your children’s efforts.
Safeguarding
Above all other responsibilities we shoulder, is our shared responsibility to keep your child safe. As well as the rigorous Health and Safety policies and the maintenance of security at school, there is our statutory obligation and desire to follow rigorous safeguarding procedures.
The Policy covering this aspect of our care for your child is available to parents on the website, or in printed form, if requested.Along with stringent staff and volunteer recruitment checks, the Head of King’s Ely Prep, Simon Kibler, Andrew Marshall, Laura Roberts and Olivia Petherick, who are the Designated Safeguarding Officers at King’s Ely Prep, maintain appropriate records and liaise with external authorities as required. Should you wish to share a child protection concern, please contact one of these designated members of staff in the first instance.
Welfare and Counselling
The School offers excellent Wellbeing and counselling support to your children in need. The Wellbeing Team is based in Bishop Woodford House. The team are instrumental in providing early intervention through regular 1:1 support, targeted group work, PSHE sessions, themed assemblies and drop-in sessions.
Pupils can access a range of issues such as emotional regulation, anxiety, friendship issues, transitions and sleep. Where appropriate the team can work closely with parents/carers to offer focused support around the child’s wellbeing. Pupils can selfrefer to the Wellbeing Team or they can be referred by parents, friends or staff.
When a counselling service becomes necessary, your child may be seen by one of the three qualified and registered school counsellors during term-time, all of them are registered and accredited by the BACP/UKCP/BABCP.
We accept student referrals direct from parents and we ask that before making a referral you have discussed the support together and have both agreed to accessing this level of support. For futher information please contact lisbrackley@kingsely.org. Referrals may also be received from teachers, tutors and HsMs, in which case the service will contact parents/guardians to share more detail about this service.
The counselling meetings are usually weekly, lasting forty-fifty minutes (depending upon age) and are confidential. We welcome parent involvement in terms of you being aware of this process and offer you an opportunity to share your thoughts in a parent questionnaire. We will also ask you to complete a consent form. Once these documents are returned to lucytaylor-dixon@kingsely.org (Lead Therapist) and a space becomes available a school counsellor will be in touch with you to arrange a meeting time.
Pupils can access up to six counselling sessions per academic year, free of charge. If more sessions are required, the school counsellor will discuss this with you. Each meeting, beyond six, will be charged.
Damage to and loss of school property
Any damage to school property as a result of inappropriate behaviour will be charged for. School equipment and Library books which are lost by pupils will also incur a replacement fee. Parents are informed in advance that a charge is to be made. Each pupil in Years 3-6 is issued with a Pupil Planner. However, if this is lost or defaced there will be a £5 charge for a replacement.
Driving on the school site and parking
Please be extremely careful when driving around the school site.There is a 10 mile per hour speed limit, monitored by CCTV. A number of changes have been made in recent years to improve the flow of traffic around the school; however we would ask you never to compromise the children’s safety.To protect all children further, please ensure engines are switched off whilst waiting.
Naturally, the issue of car-parking affects the vast majority of parents.We ask that you help us to keep your children safe by sticking to the designated parking bays and using the drop-off areas solely for the purpose for which they are intended.At peak times, we ask that parents do not wait for longer than it takes for a child to get in or out of the car.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK INTHE DROP-OFF BAYS.
In addition to the parking that we can provide, many parents find the free car park on Barton Road opposite the School Field, a convenient place to deliver and pick up their children to and from school. Certainly, if you are likely to be meeting with a member of staff at the end of the day we would recommend that you make use of this facility, as we cannot guarantee parking spaces being available on site.
Disabled spaces are reserved for people that hold blue badges only, using these bays can cause significant distress to parents, staff and visitors that need them.
Please be aware that as electric cars are quieter than conventional cars, students find it harder to hear them coming.
Equipment
All equipment must be named.This includes items such as mobile phones, watches, calculators etc. Your child’s form tutor, is the first port of call when clothing or items have gone missing. Nevertheless we do expect older pupils particularly to conduct a thorough search beforehand.
Games bags are available from the school uniform supplier, www.stevensons.co.uk. Please ensure that the bag is clearly named on the outside. A bag tag will be provided to each child in their house colours.
We do come across unnamed hockey sticks and cricket bats. Children tend to have similar sticks and bats which are not easy to identify without a name.
Valuable items are brought to school at the owners own risk. Please ensure that such items are covered by household insurance.
Pupils require the following equipment (in a named pencil case) for academic lessons:
Year 4 Equipment List
• Small pencil case (to fit in desk drawer)
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Rubber
• Pencil sharpener
• Glue stick
• Blue handwriting pen e.g. Berol or Staedtler handwriting pens
Year 5 Upwards Equipment List
• Medium sized pencil case (just big enough to fit the items listed below. No large pencil cases please)
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Rubber
• Blue handwriting pen e.g. Berol or Staedtler handwriting pens
• Blue fountain pen (optional Year 6 upwards)
• Coloured pencils
• Purple biro (for self-marking)
• Glue stick
• Hightlighter(s)
• Calculator Casio fx-991CW (Year 6 upwards)
Please note erasable pens are only permitted in Year 7 and 8
Additional
Equipment (all named)
• Reading book
• Water bottle
• Charged laptop (Year 7 upwards - please note laptops should be charged daily at home ready for lessons)
Storage of equipment, school and games bags and musical instruments
Brass andWind instruments must be left in the Music cupboards next to the school office. Stringed instruments are left in the Music Department.
Year 3 and 4 – all other equipment and bags are kept in form rooms and the Year 3-4 changing rooms.
Year 5 and 6 – pupils are assigned a labelled box in which to store all of their books and folders.Year 5 have a cloakroom in which they can store their coats and school bags andYear 6 have pegs in their classrooms. Both year groups store their games bags near their changing rooms.
Year 7 and 8
Pupils will be assigned individual storage spaces for books and school bags. All pupils inYears 7 and 8 store their games bags and coats in specific areas of the Link Area.
Holidays in term time
Holidays in term time have a negative effect on all children, including those who remain in school.The school routine, which is so important to the stability of children, is unsettled and there can be a negative effect on the corporate discipline and identity of the school.We ask parents to ensure that holidays are not taken in term time. Holidays taken will always be categorised as unauthorised and no extra work will be provided for the child unless there are exceptional circumstances and the Head of King’s Ely Prep has offered explicit written authorisation for the absence.
Homework
A homework timetable is issued to pupils and parents at the beginning of the year.
Years 3 to 5 will be set a Maths and English task each week, which can be completed a little at a time or as schedules allow.
Year 6 pupils will receive subject-specific homework assignments according to their homework timetable, designed to consolidate or extend current learning.
InYear 7 and 8, two, thirty minute tasks are set four times per week.
No homework is set on a Wednesday evening as it can conflict with sporting commitments, but it is a useful time for catching up in busy weeks.
King’s Ely Senior –Preparing children for the move from Year 8 to Year 9
We are very fortunate that, while the Prep and Senior sections of King’s Ely have distinct, age appropriate approaches and structures, we are still one school community. A number of staff teach in both sections and many facilities are shared.The KS3 stage of education spans Year 7 to 9 – therefore, when a child moves to King’s Ely Senior, they are already familiar with many of aspects of Senior school life.
That said, there is a need to prepare pupils properly for transition to the next step in their education. In Year 7, children and their parents are invited to visit King’s Ely Senior and in Year 8 the opportunity is given formally again. Informally, parents and pupils are always welcome to visit King’s Ely Senior and meet staff. Please contact us if this would be useful to you.
Trinity Speech and Drama Exams
In preparation for certification byTrinity, we are fortunate to be able to provide lessons for pupils who wish to attend. Should you wish your child to have Trinity lessons, please contact Matthew Cammelle at MatthewCammelle@kingsely.org
Lost property
The gap students oversee the management of lost property. Please contact VickyJones@kingsely.org, and your message will be forwarded to them.
There are two lost property cupboards in King’s Ely Prep. Named items belonging to pupils in Year 3 to Year 6 can be collected from underneath the plasma screen at the end of the main corridor Named items belonging to pupils in Year 7 to Year 8 can be collected from underneath the plasma screen in the Link Area.
Please help us to minimise lost property by labelling all items clearly, permanently and in obvious places.
Health and Wellbeing Centre and Medicinal Administration
The Health andWellbeing Centre is staffed by three qualified nurses and two health care assistants.The Health and Wellbeing Centre is open to all pupils from 07.30 – 18.00 each day of the week with an oncall system outside of these times. Additionally, there is a nurse on call over the weekend for the boarding houses.
The Health andWellbeing Centre is supported by a local GP practice in Ely, and our boarding pupils are registered with this practice to receive the appropriate medical care that they may need whilst living within the boarding community.
Our school nurses are supported by first aid trained members of staff in King’s Ely Prep, who may administer a first response to your son, daughteror ward if they experience a minor injury within the school day More serious injuries will be managed by the nurses and of course, emergency services, if necessary. Minor illnesses are also managed by our professional team who will make every attempt to contact you if your son, daughteror ward becomes unwell during the school day.
The team in the Health andWellbeing Centre aim to be welcoming and approachable whilst developing relationships with the School’s pupils and their parents.To contact the Health andWellbeing Centre please email MedicalCentre@kingsely.org or 01353 622225.
Mobile phones and use of school’s ICT equipment
Pupils are given a Code of Conduct governing the use of mobile phones and the Acceptable Usage of ICT Equipment policy. This is in the KS2 Pupil Planner and given separately to Years 7-8. They are asked to sign these to confirm that they
understand our expectations, designed for their safety and protection. We ask that you also sign these to demonstrate cohesion in our approaches to guiding your child.
Acceptable usage of mobile phones and other digital technologies
If parents wish their child to bring a mobile phone into school, they should complete the form provided at the beginning of the school year, giving the number of their child’s phone. Phones must be handed in at the beginning of the day and collected at the end from their tutor.They must not be used in the daytime unless permission has been given, and then only for routine communication. Unsanctioned contact with parents during the school day can lead to confusion and unnecessarily stressful untangling of situations due to staff on site not being aware of issues.
It is a privilege for pupils to use the school’s ICT systems. Unacceptable usage can be traced back to them.The world of ICT moves on quicker than any other aspect of our lives and we are grateful to parents for working in partnership with us to ensure that pupils are safe, sensible and age-appropriate in their use of ICT and the access it gives them to the outside world. It is important that we work together to ensure that children are absolutely clear about the importance of only making contact with people that you as parents are aware of.As a school, we reinforce the message that social networks have minimum age limits; in the case of Facebook and WhatsApp, for example, it is 13 years old.We recommend that parents visit King’s Ely ‘My School Portal’: School Information/Digital Resilience for advice on digital safety.
If we are aware that phones, email or the internet have been used to damage the reputation of any individual or organisation such as our school, we will treat the situation as a very serious breach of school discipline or law and immediately take the appropriate action even if the communication has taken place away from the school grounds.
Valuable items are brought at the owners own risk. Please ensure that such items are covered by household insurance.
Music
Instrumental music tuition and tutors
We are proud of our musical tradition at King’s Ely. It is wonderful that so many pupils choose to take instrumental and vocal lessons with us, and we are grateful for all that they contribute to the spirit and ethos of King’s Ely through their music. If you would like your child to take instrumental or vocal lessons at King’s Ely, please contact the Music Administrator, Mrs Annika Hakansson on AnnikaHakansson@kingsely.org or 01353 653931.
Lessons are timetabled, where appropriate, on a rotational basis each week so that no one academic lesson is affected consistently for pupils. All 35 instrumental tutors are listed in the Almanack, and we offer lessons on all standard orchestral, band and keyboard instruments, alongside vocal, organ and music theory tuition. Some of our instrumental tutors work full time at King’s Ely whilst others visit us alongside other schools, and several tutors balance their teaching with professional performance commitments both locally and internationally.
We offer instrumental hire for most instruments, including smaller sized instruments for those younger pupils starting out. Pupils are responsible for remembering and getting to their music lessons on time and should inform their class teachers of these individual instrument or vocal lesson times.The time that the instrumental tutors have with pupils is precious, so we thank you for helping us by ensuring that pupils are certain of their lesson times.
Performance Music & Instrumental Tasters
Every pupil within the Prep School has one weekly classroom-based curriculum music lesson and a weekly ensemble opportunity as part of our ‘performance music’ initiative.
Years 3 and 4
Any pupils who already play an orchestral, band or string instrument will participate in the Year 3 and 4 string or band ensemble each week on their instruments.They will continue to develop their ensemble skills during rehearsals and performances.
Pupils who do not play one of the above instruments have the opportunity to try a number of woodwind, brass and string instruments in small groups as part of our weekly ‘instrumental taster’ sessions. After they have tried all six instruments, pupils pick their favoured instrument for a further few free group lessons, after which they join either the band or string ensemble on these instruments and work towards a performance. If the pupil would like to then continue in the ensemble on their chosen instrument following this performance, they will need to commit to individual lessons It may become apparent that a pupil has the desire to continue with a particular instrument they have tried at an earlier point in the year, which is also possible. For any queries regarding individual tuition, parents should communicate with the Music Administrator, Mrs Annika Hakansson on AnnikaHakansson@kingsely.org or 01353 653931.
Years 5 and 6
Any pupils who already play an orchestral, band or string instrument will participate in the Year 5 and 6 band, rock school, keyboard or string ensemble each week on their instruments.They will continue to develop their ensemble skills during rehearsals and performances.
Pupils who don’t play one of the above instruments participate in our weekly ensemble carousel, which includes both vocal and percussion groups. Pupils will continue to develop ensemble and instrumental/vocal skills throughout the year, building on their existing musical skills and understanding
Years 7 and 8
Pupils who already play an orchestral, band or string instrument will participate in the Year 7 and 8 band, rock school, keyboard or string ensemble each week on their instruments.They will continue to develop their ensemble skills during rehearsals and performances.
Pupils who don’t play one of the above instruments participate in our weekly ensemble carousel, where they will continue to develop musical confidence, knowledge, and ensemble performance skills.
In the Years 7 and 8 ensemble carousel, students will work on four projects across the two years, culminating in two performances across the year. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a dance group, percussion ensemble, vocal group and music technology group.
Extra-Curricular Groups & Performance Opportunities
The school runs a large variety of ensembles, some of which are invitational and some which are open and available to all. These groups extend the opportunities for both vocalists and instrumentalists, and we also offer clubs which specifically support pupils’ aural skills and understanding of music theory. For those pupils who are also choristers we offer a more extensive tailored theory provision. The list of ensembles is updated annually; this is listed in the Almanack, and printed copies are visible around the school.
Throughout the year there are numerous performance opportunities for these ensembles, including regular services in the Cathedral, Concerts, the House Music competition, and Summer Celebration, alongside more informal performance opportunities for soloists and our informal tea time concert series.
We are proud of our strong singing tradition at King’s Ely and pupils are supported to continually develop their vocal technique and repertoire throughout their time at the school. Through regular singing in lessons, weekly hymn practice and singing in Cathedral services, the school community continues to maintain a love of and enthusiasm for singing.
No smoking
All buildings and grounds at King’s Ely are smoke-free zones.
Prize Giving
We are delighted to congratulate children throughout the year for their achievements. At the end of the year, we hold a formal Prize Giving so that exceptional achievements can be acknowledged.
Rewards and Sanctions
Rewards
Children are rewarded in numerous ways. Key focuses are quality of and approach to their work, effort, resilience, behaviour, politeness, helpfulness and for fulfilling the Prep School Values of Integrity, Confidence, Courage and Compassion.
Rewards are given in a way that is appropriate for ‘age and stage’. In younger years, stickers and stamps are given along with prizes such as “Star of the Week” badges. In Years 7-8 recognition is more appropriate for their age and usually will be certificates.
House points are given as common currency for the areas listed above. These contribute to accumulative House Points, with the winning House receiving a yearly house trophy. If an action warrants significant praise, then a Prep School Merit is given. Head’s Commendations are awarded by Mr Kibler based on recommendations from class teachers. HsMs, Heads of Year and Heads of Department can also give rewards to reflect their area of responsibility.
Pupils are also encouraged to share their accolades and achievements from outside school and Mr Kibler is very happy to present and highlight such achievements and awards in assembly.
Expectations
The Prep School has 5 areas of daily focus that underpin our expectations of the children. We expect the following:
1. Move calmly and respectfully around the school site and corridors, always keeping to the left.
2. Wear full uniform as per school policy.
3. Come prepared with the right equipment for every lesson, as per the equipment list.
4. Hand in all mobile devices daily - mobile phones with consent only; no smartwatches in Prep.
5. Show respect and kindness to everyone and everything - use good manners and care towards others.
Sanctions and other matters relating to Discipline
We are mindful of the age and stage of pupils when issuing sanctions based on behaviour that is not in line with the above points. Repeat offenders or significant breaches of any points on our code of our school rules can expect a sanction, ranging from a breaktime reflection issued by an individual teacher through to a Lunchtime or School Detention or a Head’s Detention. Depending on the circumstances Community Service is sometimes issued.
We believe in restorative justice and aim to move on from incidents as positively as possible for the good of all concerned.
Social Media
Parents and families are reminded that it is not appropriate to use social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram orTwitter, to comment openly on school issues. If at any time you have a concern or complaint, your first port of call should be your child’s teacher or tutor If the issue remains unresolved then please consult the head of the relevant section of the school or the Principal of King’s Ely, John Attwater. If you are still dissatisfied, then you should put your complaint, in writing, to the Chairman of Governors. The Formal Complaints Policy is summarised on the website.
Furthermore, any conversation that is not protected by a high privacy setting is open to the world. Any negative remarks on social media can be seen as defamation of character, harassment or libel, which means that those responsible for posting such comments could be sued by aggrieved persons or even prosecuted by the police.
The school also advises parents not to upload photographs or video clips of your child which include other children onto social networking sites without the permission of other parents.
Security
We are very grateful for your understanding when we require you to wear a visitor’s badge on the school site. Ultimately, we are simply concerned with keeping your children safe.
Heads of House & Prefects
There are two Heads of House appointed per year for each of the four Day Houses. The two Boarding Houses appoint one Head of House. These pupils also serve as School Prefects. They are expected to be role models and perform certain roles and duties for the School and House. Their selection is based upon an application that is considered by the Senior Leadership team and HsM. Early in Michaelmas Term, additional Prefects, who embrace service and leadership, are appointed from Year 8. These Prefects will be given key responsibilities. They will have a team of additional pupils supporting them from the Ambassador Team that is open to all Year 8 pupils. All pupil leadership roles require commitment and an expectation that they will behave in a way that befits their role. Failure to comply may lead to a pupil being asked to step down from the Prefect team. Badges are given as a token of their responsibility.
Physical Education programme
There is a comprehensive Physical Education curriculum in place at Prep.Within this, pupils have the opportunity to participate in a range of different sports and activities to develop their learning.The activities include Athletic Development, Athletics, Gymnastics,Tennis and Dance. Swimming is taught in all years with stroke development being the focus for pupils in Years 3 to 6, while in Years 7 & 8 the focus turns to water safety, lifesaving and water polo.
Games programme Years 3-6
Pupils all have the opportunity to participate in the major game for each term. For Years 3 & 4 this focusses on skill acquirement and preparation for small sided games. From Year 5, a regular fixture programme is in place. Fixtures are predominantly played on a Wednesday afternoon, with both home and away matches occurring. Fixture details can be found on the school sports website (SOCS) www.kingselysport.org
Michaelmas Term: Girls’ Hockey and Boys’ Rugby Lent Term: Girls' Netball, Girls' Football and Boys' Football, Boys' Hockey SummerTerm: Cricket
Years 7-8
Pupils in Years 7 and 8 continue to play the major game, developing their skills and tactical understanding further. During the summer term, pupils in Year 7 & 8 have the option of Cricket orTennis (limited places available). Once pupils enter Year 8 they also have the option to choose Rowing for one of the three terms. The majority of matches for Years 7 & 8 take place on a Wednesday afternoon, however there are occasional
Fixtures
We are proud of our ability to give the vast majority of pupils the opportunity to represent King’s Ely Prep against other schools. In arranging fixtures we have to allow for the fact that some schools do not have enough pupils to provide opposition for as many of our pupils as we would like, but our aim is always to give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to play competitive sport. The majority of fixtures will take place during the school week onWednesday afternoon, however there may be occasional exceptions to this with other days, including Saturdays, being scheduled.The Almanack will have the dates of all fixtures in and it is important to check this as availability for matches is expected if selected. Parents are always welcome to watch school matches and to attend match tea afterwards in the Monastic Barn.
Saturday fixtures as well. It is vital to check the fixture programme on www.kingselysport.org to see when fixtures are scheduled.
MichaelmasTerm: Girls’ Hockey, Boys’ Rugby and Rowing
LentTerm: Girls’ Netball, Girls' Football, Boys' Football and Rowing
SummerTerm: Cricket,Tennis and Rowing
All of our school team selections are posted on SOCS, and the team selection contains information regarding all logistical aspects of the fixture. SOCS can be accessed at www.kingselysport.org or via the school’s website, under ‘Menu’,‘Parents’ and then ‘Sports Calendar’. By clicking on the date on the calendar, all the fixtures for that day can be seen. Team selection can then be accessed by clicking the small blue person icon adjacent to the fixture, the password will be sent out at the start of the school year.When a decision is made to postpone or cancel a game, this will be relayed, as soon as possible, with the information being sent by email via the iSams system and being updated on SOCS.
Code of Conduct of parents at sports fixtures
Naturally, our sports teams are prepared to try to win. It gives us great pride when we are victorious against other schools which are trying equally as hard to beat us. However, we do not sanction a “win at all costs” mentality.The spirit in which our pupils play is of paramount importance to us.We want our children to play with a competitive attitude but their conduct must reflect well on themselves and the school. At any fixture, home or away, those playing and those supporting King’s Ely are asked to be mindful of the following:
Participation in sports/Off Games
If there is a medical reason why pupils are not able to participate in a sport session or activity, please complete an off games request via My School Portal. No child should turn up to an Off Games session without the proper procedure being followed. Notes for boarders are issued by the Health andWellbeing Centre Staff, or King’s Ely Prep Matrons. If in the course of the day a child visits the Health and Wellbeing Centre, an Off Games note may be issued at the discretion of the medical staff.
1. The referee’s decision is final and not to be questioned. Without him or her, the game could not be played.
2. Inappropriate displays of support that are designed to undermine and intimidate the opposition are not acceptable.
3. Respect for players and officials creates a positive experience for all involved.
While we understand that there are occasionally exceptional circumstances, children who are picked to play for a school team are expected to be available to play. We cannot expect those who willingly represent the school with pride to be disadvantaged by teammates pulling out at short notice for reasons other than illness or injury. If you need to request, on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, that your child is not selected for a fixture please email Mrs McAlinden. All pupils should be aware that when another pupil takes his or her place in a team, the replacement player will want to seize their opportunity to cement a place in the team!
Term Dates 2025-26
Michaelmas Term 2025
King’s Ely Acremont Term Begins and Nursery Opens 1st September 2025
Fairstead House Term begins 1st September 2025
Orientation Day for Pupils+ 1st September 2025
All other King’s Ely pupils return to school 2nd September 2025
Exeat Weekend* 27th & 28th September 2025
Mid-term holiday begins 17th October 2025
Mid-term holiday ends 3rd November 2025
Exeat Weekend* 22nd & 23rd November 2025
Term ends 12th December 2025
Nursery Closes 19th December 2025
Lent Term 2026
King’s Ely & Fairstead House Term begins 6th January 2026
Nursery Opens 6th January 2026
Mid-term holiday begins 13th February 2026
Mid-term holiday ends 23rd February 2026 Term ends 27th March 2026
Nursery Remains Open 27th March 2026
Summer Term 2026
King’s Ely & Fairstead House Term begins 20th April 2026
Exeat Weekend* 2nd & 3rd May 2026
May Day 4th May 2026
Mid-term holiday begins 22nd May 2026
Mid-term holiday ends 1st June 2026
Term ends 2nd July 2026
Nursery Closes* 7th August 2026
All dates with an * are currently draft dates +Pupils’ Orientation Day
Orientation Day is for the following pupils:
• All pupils who will be in Year 3, Year 7, Year 9, Year 11 (one year International programme) and Year 12;
• All new pupils joining King’s Ely Prep in Years 4-6 and Year 8;
• All School Prefects to assist Staff with Pupils’ Orientation Day.
Uniform
From this year, the school has introduced a new uniform supplier, Stevensons (www.stevensons.co.uk). Pupils are expected to switch to the new uniform by September 2027.
www.stevensons.co.uk
During this transition period, current pupils may continue to wear the existing uniform. However, families of new pupils need to purchase the new uniform when joining the school.
All uniform requirements for different year groups are listed on Stevensons’ website. New parents will need to register for an account. Once logged in, you'll be guided to add your child's school (King's Ely), name, year group, and uniform type to shop for their required uniform items.
Second hand items can be purchased from the Nearly New Shop on site. Only good quality uniform is accepted at the shop which generates a percentage that goes towards school causes.
The term-time opening hours for the Nearly New Uniform Shop are 15:30-17:00 on Fridays.Their email address is kingsnearlynewuniformshop@gmail.com.The shop is adjacent to the main King’s Ely car park.
The King’s Ely uniform has been designed to be comfortable, practical and smart and students are expected to take pride in wearing it appropriately. Uniform is how members of the public will judge the school, wherever it is worn: in school, walking across the site or on public transport Changes to the wearing of uniform may be required at specific times such as the summer months when Summer Dress is allowed when announced.
Pupils are given specific guidance in their Pupil Planners and classrooms regarding the wearing of uniform. All children must arrive at school and leave school in full school uniform unless they have been given permission by a member of staff of a specific activity to dress otherwise.
We ask parents to support us in promoting the reasons for wearing uniform properly so that all children can feel proud to be associated with all others who wear our colours. Children should be mindful of the fact that they are representing a school that has stood for centuries and will continue to do so after they leave. The visible appearance of pupils should reflect all that is good about the school and the children in it.
On Wednesdays, pupils in Year 5 to 8, are allowed to come to school in games kit with a tracksuit, in order to reduce pressure on changing facilities and to maximise game time.
Shoes
When buying shoes for school, be aware that your child must be able to walk in safety and comfort throughout the campus. Shoes should be plain black and polishable, not patent or suede. Heeled shoes should be avoided for all King’s Ely Prep students.
Bags
Years 3-6 must have a plain navy blue backpack or an official backpack from our uniform supplier, Stevensons.
Coats
Prep pupils in Years 3-6 should wear the regulation Prep coat. In Years 7 and 8 they can wear a plain navy or black coat.
The padded coat will become the compulsory item as a school coat for all year groups in the Prep School, after the 2-year change over period in September 2027.
Refer to uniform list for specific items of school wear.
Hair
Exaggerated hairstyles are not allowed. Hair should not be coloured and should be tied away from the face. Hair gel and other styling products should not be visible. Hair bands, scrunchies and clips should be neutral, navy, white or duck egg in colour.
Jewellery
The wearing of jewellery is not encouraged at Prep, however, pupils with pierced ears are allowed to wear single plain studs which must be removed or taped over for games/during sport at the pupils' own risk.
Games Uniform
The uniform list states the regulation kit that is required for Games. Non-regulation clothing is not allowed.We encourage all pupils to feel a sense of team spirit by dressing appropriately. Individual equipment that is needed is kept to a minimum and listed in the uniform list.
Worries and concerns
Should you have cause to be concerned about an aspect of your child’s schooling we are keen to be able to deal with your worry as swiftly as possible. We particularly welcome, at the earliest opportunity, the chance to talk through any issue that gives you cause to feel aggrieved, so that you have had the opportunity to be frank with us and to overcome any potential misunderstanding. Although email may be a convenient way to make an appointment for a consultation with a member of staff, we suggest that worries and concerns are best discussed in person.
We request that the form tutor or the member of staff responsible for the situation that led to your worry be contacted initially and a meeting held. We hope that in the majority of cases, this face to face contact will allow for a worry to be addressed to your satisfaction.
Should that not be the case, and your worry remains, please bring the matter to the attention of your child’s Head of Year (if academic in nature) or the Deputy Heads, Mr Marshall and Mrs Roberts.
At any point, please feel able to share your concern with the Head of King’s Ely Prep, who will liaise with the appropriate colleague to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction.
Should a situation arise where you feel that a concern is not being responded to appropriately, a formal complaints procedure is available to you, which we hope will lead to a quick resolution in the interests of all concerned. The Formal Complaints Policy is summarised on the website.
Withdrawal or moving on from King’s Ely
We are delighted that the vast majority of children who come to King’s Ely stay at King’s to enjoy the myriad of opportunities open to them here. However, if there are circumstances that lead you to change your child’s school, there is a formal procedure to follow.
Please make an appointment to discuss any potential changes of school in good time with the Head of King’s Ely Prep. For those relocating, or moving to another school, strong liaison between schools is required for up to two years in advance of a change.
All parents are urged to inform the Head of King’s Ely Prep in advance of a child taking an admission test for another school. The code of conduct between IAPS and HMC schools requires liaison between the schools before an offer of a place can be made and, for this reason, it is best that we are aware of your plans as soon as possible.
One full term’s notice is required in writing to meet the terms and conditions of the school. Whenever possible, before the final day of the term preceding the one which will be the child’s final term at King’s Ely, your written notice needs to reach the Head of King’s Ely Prep. Your notice will be acknowledged in writing and the Accounts Department will prepare the necessary final invoice for the end of the term concerned.
Please note that, should your notice not be received one full term in advance of your child’s leaving date, one term’s fees will be payable in lieu of notice.
