Our Nursery and Prep School builds the foundations on which children thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. We believe that everyone should be able to pursue their passions, achieve their ambitions and, ultimately, to change their worlds for the better.
Clifton Drive South
Lytham St Annes FY8 1DT
01253 784104
@aks_lytham
@AKSSchoolLytham
www.akslytham.com
"The obvious care and affection the teachers have for children is clear."
Prep Parent
"The teaching and support staff in the Prep School are excellent. We think the school continues to nurture well rounded and confident children."
Prep parent
I am delighted to welcome you to our school. At AKS, we enable children to pursue their passions, achieve their ambitions and, ultimately, to give them the self-belief, ability and eagerness to change their worlds.
Every day at school should be a brilliant day: we offer an inspiring, challenging and fun education, recognising everybody as an individual, and providing a wealth of opportunities and experiences as part of our extensive academic and wider curriculum.
This prospectus will give you a flavour of what to expect from AKS, but there is nothing quite like seeing, hearing and feeling it for yourselves and, of course, the very best ambassadors for our school are the children themselves.
Enquiries from prospective families are warmly invited at any time, and we are always delighted to welcome guests for a tour of the school. We look forward to seeing you.
Amanda Ilhan Head of Nursery and Prep School
“‘Our Prep School provides an amazing foundation for life, and a fantastic basis on which to progress to the Senior School. The children move on from Year 6 with confidence and excitement, highly-engaged with their studies and ready for that next step. We see this with each child as they move through the school and, as a Prep School parent myself, I feel privileged to see my children thrive every day.”
David Harrow, Headmaster
Welcome
Ethos and aims We...
aspire for our pupils to pursue their passions, achieve their ambitions and, ultimately, develop the capacity and desire to change their worlds for the better for themselves and others, all within a happy, safe and exciting community.
provide a holistic education, providing a broad curriculum, and consider our wide cocurricular offering, character education and career knowledge and skills as important as our strong academic focus.
ensure excellent outcomes for those with particular ability in academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and other areas according to their needs.
are a community school, engaging in local and national communities, as well as being internationally-minded, linking with other schools and groups across the globe to help our students become responsible, compassionate and engaged citizens of the world. are progressive, whilst maintaining the best of the traditional, cultivating the knowledge, skills and dispositions that future citizens will need.
support initiatives which benefit others, embracing the wider world and the community of alumni from our heritage schools. are inclusive, focusing on the wellbeing of all, and aim to ensure that the opportunities and superb outcomes that an AKS education provides are available to everyone who joins the school, whatever their background or ability.
Children are welcomed into one of four through-school houses, corresponding to local places of historic interest.
An AKS student is knowledgeable; they can think critically and creatively, with well-developed skills of inquiry and the capacity to solve problems, informed by an understanding of the bigger picture
They can communicate effectively across different media and to varied audiences.
They are self-aware and reflective, and can set and achieve meaningful goals
They are mindful of their own wellbeing and that of others, acting with responsibility and compassion, showing empathy for those in different situations, an appreciation of diversity and an awareness of global issues
They are tenacious and courageous, with a willingness to take responsible risks.
They have the ability and inclination to lead and a desire to offer service, and the capacity to work effectively with others in pursuit of common aims.
Knowledgeable
Creative
Responsible
Leadership Service
Risk-taker
Communicator
Problem Solver Problem Solver
Globally Aware
Compassionate
Teamwork
Preparation for school
NURSERY
Being part of a wider school community enables our Nursery children to become familiar with school life, ready for their transition to Reception and beyond. This includes participating in Prep School events, assemblies and fun days throughout the year.
Choosing the right Nursery is one of the earliest and most important decisions that you will make for your child. We therefore recommend an in-person visit to meet our dedicated staff and see our wonderful facilities.
NURSERY
OPEN 51 WEEKS A YEAR from 8.00am to 6.00pm
FREE EARLY YEARS FUNDING (30 hours) PLUS
Differentiated care
Four classes (Ducklings, Bees, Ladybirds and Pre-School) enable children to build confidence and friendships with children closely matched in age.
Academic foundations
We balance child-led and adult-supported activities to enable children to explore, be natural scientists and make their own discoveries. This helps them grow in confidence and build the prerequisite skills for reading, writing and Maths.
“We chose AKS for our daughter as the provision is absolutely amazing. We were particularly impressed with the opportunities for MFL, Music, Sports and Early Literacy and Numeracy. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and will go that extra mile for you. Communication is brilliant and we really appreciate the regular thorough feedback that we receive.”
Nursery parent
Specialist teaching
Our specialist teachers visit the children each week to bring additional dimensions to their learning through play, songs and actions. They are taught Spanish, Music, Outdoor Learning, PE and Dance lessons.
Broadening horizons
A range of trips enhance the children’s learning. This includes exploring our local area – the beach and Fairhaven Lake, and visiting care homes.
Amazing spaces
We have dedicated indoor areas for naps, quiet time and messy play. In addition to our purpose-built outdoor play and learning zones, we have our full 35-acre site to explore!
Healthy start
Meals and snacks are made with fresh ingredients by our award-winning chef.
“You can tell a great deal of effort is made to ensure the children have a great experience.”
Nursery parent
In addition to our team of highly qualified and experienced Nursery staff, we also have the benefit of the school’s full-time Matron.
Your adventure begins here
ENTRY POINTS
Infants and Juniors
Infants: Reception to Year 2 Juniors: Year 3 to Year 6
With expert teaching and a high teacher-child ratio, academic, personal and social development is rapid right from the early days in Reception. Children learn to listen carefully, how to express themselves, and to extend their concentration span. The introduction of a second language capitalises on the developmental window for accelerated learning.
As children develop, so does our approach, equipping children with the tools and methods they need to progress seamlessly into Senior School. We encourage them to form their own opinions, to think creatively and critically and to connect ideas, which are habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
"The Prep is exemplary..." Prep parent
"The stretching of my daughter's academic ability has been a delight to see and she has loved every minute."
Prep parent
Achieve your ambition
THE CURRICULUM
Our optimal class sizes enable us to know the children incredibly well, such that we can provide the incremental steps which build success at every level of learning. Mistakes are seen as a valuable part of learning and help to build a healthy growth mindset approach, which encourages exploration and self-direction. Specialist teaching increases throughout Prep School, starting with Modern Foreign Languages, Music and Physical Education, and including Art, Design and Technology and Computer Science by Year 6.
"48% of all GCSE results were at grade 7–9, A Level/BTEC: 45% of all A level/BTEC results were at A/A in 2025."
David Harrow, Headmaster
ACADEMIC
English
We introduce varied texts which inform other subjects, such as History and Art, and as a basis for guided writing and the application of literary techniques. This is supplemented by our handwriting and spelling scheme, which ensures consistency across all key stages. We utilise the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading scheme to motivate and enthuse. The love of literature and the ability to communicate effectively is supported by our co-curricular book, news and writing clubs.
Mathematics
The Mathematics curriculum is a whole-school approach which raises attainment for all pupils. We deepen pupils’ conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts with a greater emphasis placed on problem solving, reasoning and mathematical thinking, rather than just rote learning. Mathematics is taught by class teachers every day for an hour in mixed ability/ability groups. Children who need more help are taught in smaller groups with a support teacher in the Beehive. Our Mathematics Club for Years 5 and 6 supports the development of creative problem-solving, and fosters a love of the subject.
Science
As a White Rose Education Champion School for Science, we encourage children to investigate, explore and question ideas by providing opportunities to work scientifically through classification, observation, research, pattern seeking and fair tests. These skills are engrained throughout the topics and allow multiple experiments to be conducted for each topic.
Computing
Our curriculum covers both the use of computers and the technical knowledge and issues surrounding information technology. This includes analysing problems in computational terms and writing computer programs.
"The indiviualised learning is excellent for my child. Stretching where needed, giving confidence and nurturing where appropriate."
Prep Parent
Design and Technology
Our curriculum encompasses food technology, mechanisms, textiles and structures. Children learn the design process and work with increasingly sophisticated tools. They plan, design, build and evaluate their projects to identify how improvements could be made. The process encourages creativity, hands-on-learning and problem-solving.
Humanities
History and Geography provide children with an awareness and appreciation of the world in which they live. We capitalise on our location to explore both subjects, including Victorian seaside towns and investigations of life in the dunes, coastal changes and environmental issues. Other topics include the ancient world, including the Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Mayan civilisations. Beyond the curriculum, we encourage our budding historians to take part in competitions and lectures held by the Classical Association, hosted in our Senior School Hall.
Modern Foreign Languages
Our curriculum enables the pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in French, German and Spanish as well as exposing them to new ways of experiencing and viewing the world around us. Children learn to engage in conversation, to ask and answer questions, and express opinions. When speaking in short sentences, and when using familiar vocabulary and basic language structures, they develop accurate pronunciation and intonation. They are able to read carefully, showing understanding of words, phrases and simple writing. To further enthuse the children about the wider world, we offer cultural clubs, including Chinese.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging including Religious Education
Our Religious Education lessons encourage pupils to discover, explore and question religious topics in local, national, and global contexts. We study Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, through a range of topics linked to the different faiths, alongside an understanding of non-religious approaches to life.
Pursue your passion
CREATIVE ARTS
Art
Our specialist Art teacher introduces the children to a wide range of different materials, media and techniques including drawing, painting, printing, collage work, textiles and sculpture with our specialist Art teacher. Children are also encouraged to join our after-school Art Club.
Pupils participate in regular in-school competitions, and have enjoyed success in local art exhibitions and competitions, including the Young Seasiders Exhibition and Lytham Heritage Exhibition.
Drama
We work on expression through monologues, creating freeze-frames and showing emotion through our facial expressions. Opportunities to perform include class assemblies, our infants’ Christmas play, our Year 3-4 production and a Year 5-6 musical show. Our pupils enjoy working as a team and build confidence through such experiences.
The curriculum is supplemented by LAMDA lessons offered as part of our co-curricular programme.
"Music is excellent in Prep" Prep parent
Music
We are passionate about developing a love for Music and inspiring the next creative generation. With an abundance of performance opportunities, excellent Music teachers and a fun and engaging curriculum, we have the perfect environment to inspire creativity.
Singing provides a strong foundation to weekly Music lessons, and this is enhanced through our weekly Prep School singing assembly. The sense of community and power of the collective is showcased in termly concerts. Whilst the younger children concentrate on playing percussion instruments, the junior aged pupils learn to play a brass instrument as a whole class. They are also introduced to violin, clarinet and flute by our specialist peripatetic Music teachers. This enables the children to try an array of instruments before selecting an instrument or instruments to play as part of a brass band or an ensemble in later years.
Our Brass Band rehearses weekly with over 100 musicians from Years 3 to 6. The musical alchemy created in these sessions inspires the children to practise and develops their musicality.
We also enjoy collaborating with the Senior School for whole-school concerts, including our Carol Concert at Christmas in St Thomas’ Church on Clifton Drive.
Pursue your passion
SPORT
All pupils have the opportunity to engage in participatory and competitive sport, which forms a foundation for a lifelong love of physical activity, and which helps them to lead healthy lives.
As part of the AJIS (Association of Junior Independent Schools) our teams compete on a regular basis against independent schools from all over the North West, as well as in local Fylde and Wyre tournaments. Recent accolades include the U11 boys’ and girls’ football teams reaching the County Finals, the school being named Fylde Schools Indoor Athletics Overall Champions, and victory in the AJIS U11 Girls’ Football Cup.
The Summer Sports Programme saw the U11 Cricket Team gain the title of Kirkham Schools Cricket Competition winners, and the U11 Athletics Team became Fylde and Wyre Quad Athletics Champions and took bronze at the Lancashire County Finals.
"Since moving to AKS Prep School, my child is enjoying the wide range of team sports and as well as building his confidence, he is developing a life long love of sport and physical activity."
Prep parent
Pupils have plenty of opportunity to try all kinds of sport, such as basketball, badminton, rugby, hockey, football and netball in the Autumn and Spring Terms, and tennis, athletics, rounders and cricket in the Summer Term.
In addition to our traditional school sports, girls have the opportunity to play football and cricket; boys also play hockey. All Prep pupils also follow our swimming programme from Reception upwards.
Our Enhanced Performance Pathway (EPP) for Sport challenges our most gifted students as well as providing support for all, and provides further ways in which the wider aspects of sport can be explored.
Change your world
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Round Square
We are a member of Round Square, a network of leading schools across the world with an exceptional and holistic approach to character education.
Inspired by the prescient thinking of the educationalist Kurt Hahn, whose ideas also led to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Round Square framework and philosophy is built around the six core IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, Service) and twelve Discoveries – which are dispositions and skills that we encourage children to explore and develop. This enables our pupils to become responsible citizens of the world, empowered to make a difference on both a local and a global scale.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning stretches across a broad range of activities and learning opportunities outside the classroom and offers cross-curricular links with Science, Geography, Mathematics and English.
The Reception aged children enjoy our on-site Forest School programme. The older children enjoy activities including gardening and planting seeds, cooking on a campfire, den building, orienteering and map work, photography skills, art using natural materials, storytelling and many more activities.
We observe changes across the seasons, look at ways to care for the environment and have developed a school spirit which promotes an understanding of local, national and global environmental issues.
Residentials
Spending time away from home is an extremely valuable life experience, and one which our pupils enjoy from Year 3. The duration and challenge of the trips increases each year, with activities including kayaking, exploring underground, ghyll scrambling and rock climbing.
We encourage children to try new things and to overcome their fears, helping them to develop their confidence, sense of adventure, understanding of responsible risktaking and, most importantly, to enjoy being out of their comfort zone and to gain a real feeling of achievement. There is a focus on developing their confidence, determination, self-esteem, personal and social skills. Many activities require them to work as a collaborative team, to trust each other and celebrate their differences as well as their similarities.
Leadership opportunities
Opportunities to grow in confidence and build leadership skills abound.
These include being a class representative on our Student Council, captaining Sports teams, acting as Wellbeing and Music Ambassadors, Round Square committee leads, as well as event-hosting and many day-to-day responsibilities that the children enjoy taking to support their peers and younger children within our school.
Trips, visitors, special days and celebrations
We extend the breadth and depth of learning by incorporating wider experiences. This includes welcoming specialist speakers into our school for special events, such as author visits and trips making the most of our location, including our beach, Fairhaven Lake and Blackpool Zoo. Learning is also reinforced in focused days, such as World Book Day, Science Week, Number Day and Foreign Languages Day, where the children participate in fun activities and events which bring the subjects to life and provide an opportunity for deeper exploration.
Change your world
Co-curricular programme
We believe that the best possible education is not only academically rigorous but one that also provides a broad range of opportunities and experiences.
This ensures that everyone, whatever their individual aspirations, is able to embrace the challenges they may face in life. We are proud not just of the superb examination results our students achieve, but of the many ways they contribute, whether it is performing on stage, on the sports pitch, in service of others, or elsewhere - there is no typical AKS student.
One of the ways we deliver on our commitment to supporting our students’ individual pathways is through our co-curricular programme which runs before school, at lunchtime and after school and varies each term. If students have an interest which is not catered for by our programme, then we support the students to take the lead in setting up their own club.
Something for everyone...
Art Club
Athletics
Brass Ensemble
Chess Club
Choir
Coding Club
Cookery Club
Creative Creations
Cricket
Eco Club
Football Club (Boys and Girls)
Gardening Club
Golf
Handwriting Clinic
Hockey Club (Boys and Girls)
Indoor Athletics
Judo
LAMDA
Lego Club
Maths Challenge
Mindfulness
Colouring Club
Mindfulness Yoga
Netball
Playground Games
Puzzles and Games
Rounders
Round Square
Rugby (including Tag Rugby)
School Council
Sewing Club
STEM Club
Tennis Club
Prepare to thrive
Class sizes
Class teachers are supported by teaching assistants, as well as specialist teachers in Languages, IT, Music, Art and Sport.
PSHE
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is at the heart of our curriculum as we recognise that being resilient and having a growth mindset are crucial to our emotional and intellectual intelligence. Attributes such as kindness, consideration, courage, respect, truthfulness and integrity are developed, drawing on the Round Square framework as well as through our own school rules and Wheel of Wellbeing, developed by pupils and staff. On a practical level, our school Matron teaches first aid to the younger children and a dedicated Relationship Education module in Years 5 and 6.
Healthy Eating
We offer a wide range of nutritious, freshly prepared food made on site by our exceptional catering team.
School lunches are included in Prep School fees and children are encouraged to bring in healthy snacks to school for break times and a tea time snack is provided in our Twilight after-school club.
Morning and after-school clubs
We offer wrap-around care in the form of our free, supervised Morning Club from 8.00am, and Twilight Club, which runs until 6.00pm, and in which a range of snacks are served. Morning Club is run on a drop-in basis; Twilight sessions need to be booked in advance and are subject to a small charge, however the sessions can be flexed according to when parents wish to utilise them.
Holiday clubs
We offer a diverse range of holiday clubs, run by our teachers, including our AKS Achieves educational enrichment club and Art Explorers which explores the language, culture and customs of other countries, and sports camps.
In addition, we have a host of specialist providers who run clubs on site, including: Milligan & McCann Football Academy, Mad Science, Yoga and Martial Arts Clubs.
Wheel of Wellbeing
All our work is underpinned by our Wheel of Wellbeing which helps children understand how to keep healthy in both body and mind.
"I am
very happy with how my child has progressed within the Prep School and know that the teaching meets his needs".
Prep parent
Parent involvement
Parent engagement
We welcome parents and families into school on a frequent basis, with Parent Ambassadors meeting every term with the Head of Nursery and Prep School. These meetings contribute to the vital two-way channel of communication and feedback, supplementing our annual parent survey which supports our continuous improvement. Class Teachers meet with parents at Parent Evenings each term to discuss their child’s progress, and reports are issued on a termly basis too. Specific meetings are held in advance of school residential trips, and overseas Music and skiing tours.
Concerts and performances
We welcome families into the school for our regular concerts, class assemblies, sports fixtures and special celebration days, such as Harvest Festival, our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning and Grandparents' Day.
Parents can also keep up to date with activities in their child's year group, news and events via our weekly Nursery and Prep Newsletter.
Parents’ and Teachers’ Association (PTA)
Our creative and committed PTA group comprises of parents and staff who work together to organise events to promote friendship within the school community and to raise funds for our school.
These occasions are enjoyed by parents and pupils from all sections of the school, from Nursery right through to the Sixth Form. The programme includes parties for younger children, the Christmas Fair, School Balls and also the ‘New2You’ uniform sales. Volunteers are very welcome.
Speakers and events
AKS families are warmly invited to attend a range of both on and off-site events including:
The Ladies Luncheon Club, which is a social gettogether for current and past parents, alumni and friends of the school, held throughout the year at the Clifton Arms Hotel.
The Lytham St Annes Classical Association, hosted in our Senior Hall. It was set up by one of our alumna, Katrina Kelly, and has since become the largest such association in the country with over 500 members, drawing in superstar academics who deliver lively and engaging lectures about the ancient world.
The North Fylde Music Circle piano concert series, featuring world-class pianists, such as Sam Haywood, in their autumn and spring programmes, featuring a series of three concerts in the Senior School Hall.
Charitable support
Our Prep School Council supports service projects throughout the year. Recent charities have included, Young Minds, Streetlife, Macmillan Cancer Support and Children in Need.
We link with the Senior School to support the AKS Action group to raise money for Sparkle Malawi, our gold charity partner. We also collaborate with the Senior School to support Wrap Up Lancashire, the Hope Christmas Shoebox appeal, and the Longest Day Walk.
Community engagement
Our school has strong connections within our local community, frequently linking with organisations such as Just Good Friends; local care homes and supporting local charities.
Community connections
“We can see the progress already even though our child has only been here a matter of months.”
Parent feedback
“The staff work hard to make sure everyone feels valued, included and is happy to learn as well as pushing the children academically to allow them to reach their potential.”
Parent feedback
“The opportunities for sport are excellent.”
Parent feedback
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re thinking of joining us...
Enquiries from prospective families are welcome at any time, please contact our Admissions Office: Email: admissions@akslytham.com or call: 01253 784104. We welcome applications at any stage of the year.
To arrange a visit...
Please contact us at the school via the website or call us on 01253 784100.
Keep up to date with daily life at AKS Lytham. Facebook.com/AKSSchoolLytham instagram.com/aks_lytham
NURSERY & PREP SCHOOL
STUDENTS WORKING AT OR BEYOND AGE RELATED EXPECTATIONS:
4
7STUDENT-LED COMMITTEES SPECIALIST LESSONS IN THE NURSERY PER WEEK Spanish, Music, Sport and Dance
“Moving my child to AKS Prep is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
PREP PARENT SURVEY
11 HOLIDAY CLUBS
ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT JUNIOR SCHOOLS (North West) CHOIR CHAMPIONS LANCASHIRE JUNIOR SCHOOLS LAST CHOIR SINGING CHAMPIONS
15 7 SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN PREP BY SPECIALIST TEACHERS
U11 ATHLETICS
FYLDE & WYRE QUAD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS AND BRONZE AT COUNTY FINALS
FRENCH, GERMAN & SPANISH from RECEPTION
NURSERY OPEN
10 CONCERTS PLAYS & FOREST SCHOOL on site weekly lessons for Reception
PREP OPEN 10 HOURS A DAY MORNING CLUB AND TWILIGHT CLUB U11 CRICKET KIRKHAM SCHOOLS CRICKET COMPETITON WINNERS U11 HOCKEY In2Hockey LANCASHIRE CHAMPIONS
35 CLUBS PER WEEK BEFORE SCHOOL, AT LUNCHTIME AND AFTER SCHOOL 2025 85% L AM DA DISTINCTIONS
U11 NETBALL LYTHAM ST ANNES LEAGUE UNDEFEATED BLACKPOOL SEASIDERS ART COMPETITION 2025 WINNERS
51WEEKS PER YEAR
WINNERS
LYTHAM HERITAGE CENTRE ARTS COMPETITION 2025
9 DISCIPLINES OF SPORT MUSIC CLUBS CHOIR CHAMBER CHOIR BRASS ENSEMBLE
U11 FOOTBALL SMALL SCHOOLS FOOTBALL COMPETITION WINNERS 2025
PIECE BRASS BAND 100 INCLUSIVE MUSIC PROGRAMME EVERY CHILD from YEARS 3-6 PLAYS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT RESIDENTIAL TRIPS from YEAR 3
