MONKTON PREP
NURSERY
TO YEAR 8
WELCOME
FROM OUR HEAD OF PREP
At Monkton Prep School, a strong sense of community is foundational to all we do. We ensure every pupil is known, understood, and valued for who they are, and this enables children to be empowered, inspired and ambitious in all aspects of school life.
The Monkton community begins with our youngest children in Nursery (from age 2) and extends on through to our Year 8 pupils. Our older Year 7 & 8 pupils enjoy an extended period of development on the Prep site that we see as our ‘mini-Sixth Form’; they play a vital role in setting the tone for the entire Prep School.
While academic progress is central to everything we do, a Monkton education is so much more. Our pupils thrive through an inspiring sports programme, many opportunities in the performing arts, and an extensive and diverse programme of clubs and subjects. We challenge and nurture the whole child.
Boarding is at the heart of the Monkton experience, and for many, that journey starts right here. We offer an outstanding provision, a real home from home. We warmly welcome full, weekly, and flexi boarders to become part of this dynamic and caring community.
Do come and visit us - we would love to meet you and help you get a sense of whether Monkton Prep is the right place for your family.
Catherine Winchcombe Head of Prep
MONKTON PREP COMMUNITY
Parents, teachers and children all say the same thing: the community is what makes Monkton special. The setting is spectacular, the wonderful outdoor space gives children the freedom to explore, and the academic curriculum is exciting and innovative; yet the thing that truly stands out is the way each child is seen, known and valued. This is the foundation of everything we do: it enables us to help each child discover who they are, unlock their passions and skills, make the most of their strengths, and overcome their challenges.
At every stage of their development, your child will have access to specialist, passionate teachers who pour energy, creativity and flair into all they do; they share their love of their subject and, even more, their love of learning, inspiring each child to challenge themselves with confidence and curiosity. Our curriculum is outstanding.
Our co-curricular programme offers a wealth of choice for everyone, relevant to their age and stage. As you will see through these pages, there is something to pique your child’s interests and develop activities they already love, as well as discover new skills from coding & robotics to street dance & chess! Co-curricular and classroom learning are intentionally intertwined to enhance the educational experience.
BE AMBITIOUS
We nurture children who have the courage to try, and the confidence to take risks in pursuing their dreams, precisely because of the secure foundation of being known for who they truly are, and the inspiring education they experience. We want them to be ambitious to become the best version of themselves, to believe they can make a difference in the world, to take the opportunities they have had and use them to be a force for good.
The way the teachers really see them for who they are and call out the best in them, I think, is remarkable.
Monkton Parent
EARLY YEARS Age 2 - Reception
Whether your child joins us at Nursery (age 2–3), Kindergarten (age 3–4), or for the Reception year (age 4–5), their experience is magical. The creativity and commitment of our specialist Early Years teachers is exceptional. They know each child deeply, and work in partnership with parents to support and grow each individual.
Our beautiful building is designed with exploration in mind, and beyond that, there is so much opportunity to play. Our spectacular outdoor spaces, including our very own farm, encourage running and imagining, developing the physical skills that are so essential at this age.
Play-based learning sits at the heart of everything the children do. The educational qualities it builds are outstanding: imagining, inventing, trying, building, problem-solving, challenging, negotiating, reading, and so much more.
Your child’s ownership of their choices and the freedom to pursue where they want to take them grows a deep love of learning. This all sits within a structured Early Years framework that is tailored to their development.
Monkton Early Years provides a foundation every child should have. It has to be seen to be believed, so do come and visit.
“
They
make their own bird feeders, we have Forest School, our lovely adventure playground with climbing areas and places to play, water walls, sand pits and bikes!
Miss Whittingham Head of Early Years
PLAY MEANS...
LOWER SCHOOL YEARS 1 - 4
Our Lower School classes, for children aged 5–9, are an exciting stage of learning. Alongside embedding core literacy and numeracy skills and continuing PE and languages provision, the curriculum broadens to include: science, computing, art & design, humanities, music and performing arts. Our passionate teachers, supported by skilled teaching assistants, take delight in building strong foundations across many subjects, but also in creating independent and robust learners through our pioneering Innovate curriculum.
Innovate gives each child the freedom to explore, imagine, and express themselves with confidence, in a range of areas such as engineering, classics, architecture, archaeology and even social anthropology. Learning can include green-screen journeys to the centre of the Earth, creating bionic arms from cardboard, exploring the history of chocolate or creating miniature worlds!
The collaborative, listening, problem-solving, critical-thinking skills they gain, along with their ability to take educational risks, translate across to other subjects and help to develop robust, engaged and passionate learners for life, not just the classroom.
“
We are passionate about empowering children and inspiring them to love their learning.
Mrs Champion Innovate Lead & Head of Humanities
UPPER SCHOOL YEARS 5 - 8
At Monkton, Year 5 (age 9–10) marks a significant development for each child, as they move from a class-based teacher to learning from subject specialists. Whether they are exploring languages, performing arts, using the dedicated science labs, creating in the Art and DT workshop, or pursuing the many subjects on offer, they benefit from the skills and dedication of our amazing Upper School team. Class sizes remain small, and the “value add” from our approach is of huge benefit to our pupils as they are able to go far beyond a normal primary curriculum, with tailored support from outstanding teachers.
TUTOR GROUPS
Knowing your child continues to be key in helping them develop. From Year 6 they become part of a small tutor group, with their own tutor, meeting together as a group daily to support them as they grow through these years. We also create space for one-to-one conversations; this close relationship creates a sense of belonging
for your child, and becomes a proactive partnership, working with you to help your child thrive and flourish. This personalised one-to-one guidance continues into the Senior School, where each pupil chooses an academic tutor who oversees their progress both in and out of the classroom.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
The amazingly creative Innovate curriculum, building freedom and ownership in learning, moves into Saturday School which begins in Year 5. This creates the space for everything we want to squeeze into the normal week, but can’t! It is an extraordinary adventure of enrichment, encompassing Combat Archery, Battle of Agincourt Re-enactments, Performing Arts Workshops, Adventure Ed, Spectacular Science, the Monkton Medical School, ‘Outdoor Masterchef’ and Forensics with Ex-police Officers. Options change during the year, and our pupils love these remarkable opportunities for exploration.
‘SIXTH FORM’ YEARS 7 - 8
80% of our pupils place Electives in their top three subjects.
Years 7 & 8 (age 11–13) mark another stage in the education journey that Monkton provides. They have the best of both worlds! They are free from the pressure of growing up too quickly, but have huge opportunities for development through our Leadership, Elective and Excellence programmes, alongside robust academic teaching that focuses on preparation for the next stages of education. Our teachers work closely with Monkton Senior staff to ensure the curriculum flows smoothly from Year 8 to Year 9 and beyond, and pupils are fully prepared for their next steps.
EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME
The Excellence Programme is part of Monkton’s whole-school approach to developing talent and passion, providing pupils with enrichment and extension, and with a view to potentially joining the Scholarship Programme in Year 9 at Monkton Senior.
Years 7 & 8 can apply to join one of the excellence strands: Academic, Art & Design, Performing Arts, or Sport. Each strand offers bespoke development sessions and fully funded trips to inspire and stretch, from acting workshops led by a West End actor to visits to Oxford University, Bath Rugby and many more.
We also offer scholarships in Academics, Music and Sport for entry into Year 7.
ELECTIVES
This is one of the highlights of the Year 7–8 curriculum. Continuing our commitment to pupil choice and ownership of their learning, each pupil has two lessons per week in a choice of subjects as diverse as: Copyright & Marketing, Theology, Mechanical Engineering, Philosophy, Coaching, Dance, Computer Engineering, Classics and Pre-Senior Project Qualification.
They could be building a desktop computer, discovering how four-stroke engines work, creating a dance performance (last year we reached the National Final of the Great Big Dance Off), or choosing and pursuing their own research project. It is easy to see why 80% of our pupils put this in their top three subjects.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Having the pupils up to Year 8 allows us to really focus on their leadership development. We see leadership development as a vital step in each child’s journey and key to future success. In Year 6 there is a lesson a week on the subject of leadership and by Year 7, pupils have the chance to mentor younger children and help run the library.
In Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to take on more formal leadership roles including: Prefects, Wild Monkton team, Tech team, Mentors, Captains for sport, music and drama, House Captains and boarding leaders in Hatton. Each position is supported by a senior leader in the school, who provides training and support to help them grow as leaders over the year.
ACADEMIC PATHWAY FROM MONKTON PREP TO MONKTON SENIOR
YEAR
10
Join the Pre-GCSE programme to trial your GCSE choices for a week
Use ‘Unifrog’ platform in PSHE to explore career paths, informing 1-1 tutor GCSE choices conversations
Start your GCSE courses
Complete end of Year 9 exams, first time in an exam hall to get GCSE-ready
Complete skills each week to build on characteristics from the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB)
Submit your informed GCSE options choices
Discuss your GCSE options with tutor, teachers & Futures Teams
Discuss choice of GCSE subjects with tutor in 1-1 meetings
GCSE option blocks published
Learn about GCSE subjects during seminars
Complete skills in Morrisby Aspirations profile and learn how to write a CV
Parents and pupils GCSE Options Evening
Finalise your Humanities coursework module in preparation for GCSE coursework
Attend study skills sessions in preparation for exams
Develop your digital portfolio, encompassing your academic and co-curricular journey
Learn subject-specific study skills and revision techniques
Welcome event for parents to meet their child’s class teachers.
Join Monkton Senior School!
Year 8 exams in English, Maths, Science and Languages Graduate from Monkton Prep School!
Choose your Electives and Languages, developing agency in your learning
Year 9 Mid Term Assessments
YEAR 9
YEAR
8
Academic teams from Monkton Prep and Senior Schools meet to discuss continuity from Year 6 to Year 9
MONKTON PREP DAY
The provision for day pupils grows with your child. From Reception to Year 2, the school day ends at 3:15pm, with the option to stay until 4:15pm for any of the clubs on offer.
From Year 3 onwards, lessons end at 4:15pm, with an extensive range of co-curricular clubs running until 5:30pm.
Years 7 & 8 can extend the day further as part of their provision, coming in for breakfast and staying for supper.
HOUSES
Every child (day pupils and boarders) in Year 3–8 become part of one of our four houses. They compete as a house in all sorts of competitions, from crosscountry, hockey, rugby, netball and sports day to House Music, and even sometimes House Conkers! This provides another layer of vertical peer learning and connection to pupils in different year groups. Our older pupils take great pride in supporting and looking
after the younger ones, growing into positive role models who lead with kindness, encouragement and a strong sense of responsibility.
FLEXI BOARDING
Our flexible boarding options provide families with practical support while ensuring pupils enjoy a secure, nurturing environment.
All pupils in Years 5–8 experience a taste of boarding life, including the much-loved summer campout in our beautiful grounds. In Year 6, each child has the option of boarding for one night each term, increasing to three per term in Years 7 and 8. Day pupils in Years 6–8 are also warmly invited to come for occasional boarding weekends, joining trips and activities such as Legoland, Aqua Park visits, and silent discos.
All boarding is entirely optional, offering families flexibility while giving children the opportunity to develop independence, confidence, and lasting friendships.
They leave as well-grounded individuals, ready to take on the world! “
Mr Winfield Hatton Houseparent
A DAY AT THE PREP CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
TIME PREP SCHEDULE
7.00AM WAKE UP
7.30AM BREAKFAST
8.00AM TEETH AND TIDY
8.15AM TUTOR TIME
8.30AM ASSEMBLY
10.55AM BREAK & SNACK
11.25AM LESSONS OR LIBRARY PERIOD
12.50PM LUNCH & PLAY
1.45PM TUTOR TIME
2.00PM LESSONS & GAMES (SPORT)
3.15PM LESSONS FINISH FOR NURSERY TO YEAR 2
3.30PM CLUBS FOR RECEPTION TO YEAR 2
4.10PM BREAK
4.30PM CLUBS FOR YEAR 3 TO YEAR 8
5.30PM SUPPER
6.15PM CALL HOME/ READING TIME
6.30PM EVENING ACTIVITIES
BAKING
BALLET
BOOK CLUB
BOYS’ RUGBY 7S
BUILD-A-BAND
CHESS
CLAY CLUB
CREATIVE WRITING
CROCHET AND KNITTING
DRAMA CLUB
FOOTBALL
GIRLS’ RUGBY 7S
GREAT BIG DANCE OFF
GROUP TENNIS
HANDBELLS
HOCKEY
INDOOR CRICKET
ITALIAN
JUDO
LASER RUN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MONKTON HARMONY CHOIR
MOVIE NIGHT
NETBALL
ORCHESTRA
ORIENTEERING
ORIGAMI
PODCAST CLUB
READ AND RELAX
RUNNING CLUB
STREET DANCE
8.15PM - 9.15PM BEDTIME (DEPENDENT ON AGE)
SWIMMING
TABLE TENNIS
WILD
COOKING
MONKTON PREP BOARDING
Hatton House truly is a family environment where the boarding team, led by our extraordinary houseparents, create a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for every child. From our youngest boarders (who can start in Year 3) to our Year 8 leaders, the community is one inclusive, yet diverse, family overflowing with kindness, genuine love, and mutual support.
The boarding team nurtures the ethos of the house in a myriad of ways, taking time to know each child and family on a deep level. We aim to call out the good and intentionally create structures that help each child grow in independence and responsibility in an age-appropriate way. Along the way, there is lots of laughter and fun, building memories and friendships that stay with them long after they have moved on from Monkton.
MONDAY
Family Meetings
Sibling Suppers
Pancake Night
BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
We know that for every family considering boarding, it is vital to know your child will be loved and cared for. That is why we consider it a privilege to partner with you in helping your children to be the fullest version of themselves.
For boarders, our much-loved Golden Ticket allows them to invite a friend to spend the night in Hatton, enjoying supper, activities, and time together. It’s a lovely way for boarders to have a friend over, just like a sleepover at home.
TUESDAY
In-House with Assistant Houseparents Year 3-8 Prep Time Hatton Mentor Supper Free Time
WEDNESDAY
In-House with Houseparents Free Time
THURSDAY Study House Swimming
THURSDAY
Study Time
House Activities
Swimming
FRIDAY
Golden Ticket
Film & Tuck
Free Time
SATURDAY
Sports Fixtures
Film & Tuck
Occasional Trips to Bath and Local Area
SUNDAY
Optional Church
Hub (Youth Group)
Exciting trips such as Climbing Centres & Water Parks
HATTON MENTORS
To create layers of support for our boarders, we have a mentoring programme with Monkton Senior pupils. Every Hatton boarder who would like a mentor (and almost all do!), is paired with one of our Senior School pupils.
Each week the dining room is buzzing with conversation as each boarder meets with their mentor over supper, chatting about their week and learning from the older students. At the end of the year we have a celebration meal at the Senior School.
Our Senior pupils are given training and support, and they find it incredibly rewarding, with some opting to mentor the same pupil over multiple years, developing their empathy, leadership skills and discovering the joy of helping someone else.
Through these relationships, our younger boarders gain a trusted role model beyond Hatton, someone who listens, encourages and champions them as they grow in confidence and independence. It is a special partnership that strengthens the sense of belonging across the whole Monkton community and builds friendships that often last well beyond the Prep years.
My mentor was really special. I always had someone to look up to and I will never forget that. It was amazing to have another role model who gave me great advice. “ “
Prep Boarder
Prep Boarder
INSPIRING CO-CURRICULAR
We believe in the “Power of Co”. Everything that happens beyond the classroom is not a separate addon, but is central to helping develop the whole person: learning how to lead, collaborate, deal graciously with triumph and defeat, building a rhythm of life that includes work and play, and discovering a growing range of constructive activities that bring them joy and refreshment.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
We are always looking for ways to enhance the curriculum, from the tiniest of our pupils to the very oldest. Our clubs offer a chance to unwind and do something your child particularly enjoys, or to try something new, and for many, clubs become a key hour of extra input that helps develop excellence. Year 1 & 2, and even sometimes Reception pupils, can join football, art, ballet, picture books and outdoor cooking clubs. As the children grow, so does the choice.
The range of clubs and activities on offer is astounding: running, basketball, hockey, swimming, netball, judo, cricket, lacrosse, street dance, Great Big Dance Off, football, tennis, creative writing, art, crochet, DT, mechanical engineering, choir, board games, outdoor cooking, orchestra, percussion group and more.
These are all included in the fees for every pupil (apart from one or two clubs that require external coaches), and they can choose up to four per week, including a prep slot for older pupils. We encourage all pupils to get involved, not least because research shows that engagement with co-curricular activities inside school positively impacts love for learning and academic outcomes. We work with you as parents to find the right balance for your child at different ages and stages.
CO-CURRICULAR SPORTS
Sport at Monkton Prep is outstanding in three key ways:
PARTICIPATION
Every child from Nursery to Year 8 will be physically active at least once every day. This is essential, not just for the children who love to be active, but for every child. We understand the link between physical and emotional wellbeing, and our mission is to help every child find a love of being active that will continue long after they leave school. We therefore offer an extraordinary range of sports for your child to try.
BREADTH
The breadth of our sporting offering is unrivalled in Bath. Our main sports of hockey, rugby, cricket, netball and athletics are open to all pupils. We have a flourishing girls’ rugby programme, and we lead the way in Bath in triathlon, biathlon and pentathlon-based sports. Alongside this, all our pupils engage in swimming (in our on-site 25m pool), cross-country, football, tennis, badminton, basketball and more. They can also choose a host of other sports: judo, pistol shooting, lacrosse, cycling, gymnastics and laser run, to name just some of them.
EXCELLENCE
Games sessions are run by highly qualified coaches, supported by our extremely experienced pastoral staff, giving our pupils excellent coaching in a tailored and supportive environment. This creates a space where it is safe to try, to push yourself, to make mistakes, and to grow.
This quality of provision enables pupils to develop their potential, often to a very high standard. We regularly have pupils who are national champions and finalists across a range of sports. However, we are equally passionate about supporting pupils who haven’t yet found their sporting passion, to discover an activity they love and want to develop.
CO-CURRICULAR PERFORMING ARTS
“Enabling every child to achieve more than they first thought possible.” This underpins everything in Performing Arts, whether our pupils are trying their hand at ukulele in Music, learning about theatrical language in Drama, discovering dance moves they didn’t know they had, or engaging in one of our many ensembles, with endless opportunities to perform in large and small performance spaces.
Every pupil, from our youngest in Nursery to our oldest in Year 8, takes to the stage in a production each year. Our dedicated team works tirelessly with each child, nurturing their confidence and equipping them with the skills they need to grow as performers. In addition, over 60% of our pupils choose to take individual Music or LAMDA lessons, with opportunities to work towards external examinations and to participate in local music festivals.
We offer a wide range of music ensembles, all of which are open to every pupil. There are frequent opportunities to perform, and we regularly collaborate with the Senior School for our annual joint concert and the Longmead Festival - an experience that allows our pupils to raise their aspirations and perform alongside inspiring role models.
We are continually striving to broaden our horizons. Our Monkton Harmony Choir has now reached the finals of the National Choir of the Year competition for the second year, providing exciting challenges and memorable experiences for all involved.
Dance is a thriving and rapidly developing area of our Performing Arts programme. Following the success of our Year 7 and 8 dancers at the finals of the Great Big Dance Off, dance is now fully embedded in all school productions, with a bespoke Dance curriculum also offered as part of our Elective programme.
Everyone gets to feel the fun, the magic and the power of performance and storytelling. “
Miss Tomkinson Drama Teacher
CO-CURRICULAR OUTDOORS
The spectacular setting of Monkton Prep and the extensive outdoor space, with playing fields all on-site, is a huge highlight of every pupil’s experience. Beyond the usual break and lunchtime outdoor play, we intentionally use this space to create opportunities for our pupils at all levels.
Monkton Farm, which you see on arrival, gives all our pupils the chance to interact with animals, get to know them, and learn more about how to care for our environment. Part of our leadership opportunities for our oldest pupils includes overseeing the care of the alpaca, sheep, and goats, feeding them each day, and it is a responsibility they take very seriously.
ADVENTURE ED
All our pupils in Years 1–8 take part in our Adventure Education programme. Lower School pupils dive into den building, outdoor cooking, compass skills, and team-building activities.
Upper School pupils try out paddleboarding and compete in ‘Outdoor MasterChef’, where they learn to cook a three-course meal over a fire. A highlight for all Upper School pupils is our Wild Monkton Night, camping out on the school field in the summer term.
“
The setting can really take your breath away; there are so many fabulous green spaces for the children to play in.
Monkton Parent
MONKTON CHRISTIAN ETHOS
The Chaplaincy at Monkton Prep is focused on seeking to give pupils a safe space to enquire and engage with matters of Christian faith. Each week there are chapels and assemblies with singing, prayers and short talk from the Bible. The younger years’ chapels often feature Rev Hutch’s puppet side-kick “Chester” or one of his friends! One of the highlights is the fortnightly Ichthus which is an assembly entirely led by a group of Year 8 pupils with a drama, game, song and a short thought.
Saturday is the main service of the week, often with a visiting speaker, pupils playing in the band and a tutor group leading the prayers and readings. On Sunday evenings, Rev Hutch hosts “The Hub” which is an interactive Bible thought for the week or the boarders have the opportunity to attend the local church if they wish.
In addition to this there are the optional, busy and vibrant Xcite (for Years 7 & 8) and Xplore (for Years 5 & 6) meetings. These groups meet at a break time for a snack (often doughnuts!), games, short talk from the Bible and an opportunity to ask questions.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Although Monkton is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Somerset valleys, we are just a 10-minute drive from Bath City Centre, where the Bus and Train stations are located. We are also just under 45 minutes from Bristol Airport and under 2 hours’ drive from Heathrow Airport, London.
Our transport team provides a free boarders’ bus from the school to Bath Spa Train Station and Bath Bus Station on Exeat Fridays, the last day of half terms and end of terms.
We also have an account with Chauffeur Travel as a direct link for airport transfers.
Heathrow Airport under 2 hours away
Bristol Airport under 45 minutes
Heathrow Bristol
At Monkton, one of our core aims is that every pupil feels truly known. The admissions journey is the first step in building that meaningful connection so from day one, your child becomes part of a community that knows and supports them.
THE PROCESS
1. VISIT
At Monkton we see the school as the people rather than the buildings. We would therefore love to welcome you to visit in person, or would be delighted to set up an online meeting.
2. REGISTRATION
ADMISSIONS AT MONKTON REGISTER VISIT
The next step is for you to complete our registration form. This allows us to start getting to know your child and begin the admissions journey together.
3. ASSESSMENT
Children in Year 2 and above are invited to complete an online CAT4 assessment. This is not a test of prior learning, but a way to understand your child’s problem-solving and reasoning skills, including verbal, numerical, and pattern recognition.
Pupils for whom English is an additional language will also be invited to take our online EAL assessment to help us understand their English level.
4. TASTER DAY / INTERVIEW
Following the assessment, your child will have the opportunity to participate in taster days. They’ll be able to meet potential new friends, explore the school and experience what life is like at Monkton. This allows us to learn more about your child’s interests, character and aspirations, and for your child to share what excites them about joining Monkton.
If you live overseas you will be invited to an online interview with one of the Senior Leadership Team in place of taster days
5. OFFER
After the interview or taster days, we will be in touch as soon as possible with the outcome. If everything feels like a great fit, we hope to offer your child a place and warmly welcome them to the Monkton Combe School community!
ONLINE TEST
(COGNITIVE ABILITIES TEST)
INTERVIEW
Monkton Prep School
Bath BA2 7ET, UK
Email: admissions@monkton.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 721133
www.monktoncombeschool.com