Repton Prep Prospectus

The Sense of Balance

A PERFECTLY BALANCED EDUCATION IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND.

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SCAN THE CODES WITH YOUR DEVICE

I am not going to enumerate the many benefits of Repton Prep –you will find some of them here in this prospectus, but I sincerely hope that you will come to visit us so that you can see for yourself what life here is like.

What I do want to do is to tell you a little about my philosophy of education for young children.

I am Vicky Harding and I am proud to be the Head of Repton Prep.

Prep schools are in a privileged position and at the same time one of great responsibility – it is our job to shape and nurture young minds and bodies, in order to create the ambitious thinkers and doers of the future.

We are extremely proud of our pastoral care and our responsiveness to each child’s needs is talked about constantly by our parents (just ask them!) and yet it must remain natural and unforced, as it is at home; a way of life as opposed to a set of rules.

A HEALTHY BALANCE

Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at Repton Prep and it all starts with a nurturing environment. Our 55-acre campus is set in beautiful, secluded woodland with a Georgian-Palladian country house at the hub of daily life – the perfect place to be educated and experience childhood.

The safely enclosed site offers pupils and staff room to move and breathe. Our onsite Health and Wellbeing Centre provides individualised care and promotes a healthy lifestyle to pupils.

Academic and Pastoral awards are highly prized and celebrated across school life, in addition to our House system.

Pupils at Repton Prep develop confidence and self-esteem through effective relationships with teachers. Children are encouraged to have a voice and develop leadership skills through positions of responsibility, by having roles on various committees, or being part of the School Council.

“As well as individuals Houseparent, Tutors or Academic the School on pastoral know that I need to talk members team are always Alex, Pupil.

Our timetable encourages pupils to consider their health and wellbeing at regular points throughout the school week. Regular assemblies highlight topical themes, Form groups allow time to catch up and reflect, and Wellbeing Wednesdays offer dedicated time for mindful activities such as knitting, colouring, taking a walk around the grounds or speaking to the School Chaplain.

Studies have shown that eating together enables children to better handle daily life and promotes sensible eating habits (Stanford Medicine Children’s Health). We value the importance of sitting down together, slowing down and enjoying meals as a school community. Pupils, staff and visitors gather together every day to enjoy nutritious food cooked by a passionate team of catering professionals.

as the supportive individuals like your Houseparent, Matron, House Academic Tutors, School really put a focus pastoral wellbeing so I if there is anything talk about then of the pastoral always on hand.”

“The brief outlined a desire for an inside, outside connectivity with large opening doors and a relationship with the natural environment… the minimalist glass box is orientated as not to restrict views of the historic Foremarke Hall and to present panoramic views of the grounds.”

Matthew Montague Architects

Our way of life here starts with the simple notion that children grow up better if they are allowed to stay younger for longer. Quite simply, childhood needs to be preserved and nurtured; in an era of social media exposure, of growing awareness of wellbeing and mental health issues and of heightened concern with educational trajectory, I want our school to be an antidote to those pressures. In the right environment, one which is underpinned by kindness and happiness, every single child can grow and succeed, developing a sense of self-worth, a spirit of grace and the art of skill.

I want our results to be outstanding across the curriculum, where every pupil has the opportunity to succeed in many arenas. All schools will say this, but I chose to come to Repton Prep because it actually has the capacity to deliver, day in, day out, what every institution aspires to...

It gives each child the space to grow academically, physically, socially and emotionally.

It takes the time to get to know each pupil and values them all as individuals.

It cares about the wellbeing of the whole community and everyone within it.

It prides itself on being the best and instils ambition into both pupils and staff.

ROUNDED and UNBOUNDED

At Repton Prep we encourage children to be curious and to possess an eagerness to learn. Our curriculum is varied, stimulating and demanding, but flexible enough to ensure that every child is included and has the tools to facilitate success.

ACADEMIC STUDY

“An excellent academic experience and also the experience of life. They take them way beyond the curriculum.”

Talk Education

At Repton Prep we champion children’s own interests.

So whether you’re a budding performer, musical maestro or scientist of the future, our teachers will encourage you to embrace your curiosities and explore your potential through our first-class learning facilities.

We believe that learning doesn’t have to take place in the classroom! We embrace our extraordinary campus and take our learning outside when it will enhance the educational outcome. From pond-dipping to den-building in the woods, Repton Prep’s extensive grounds provide a safe landscape in which to learn.

ACADEMIC STUDY

“The school really goes out of its way to help engage parents on an educational level.”

Current Parent

A key component to teaching and learning at Repton Prep is an emphasis on interdisciplinary skills; maths, languages, science, humanities, the arts and sport do not work in isolation here. Our pupils are given the tools to make links between the transferable skills that they are learning from lesson-to-lesson, across the subjects, and even during their after-school clubs and activities.

Talented and dedicated teachers have a unique ability to inspire the younger generation of learners.

Specialist teaching staff are introduced for all lessons from Year 5 upwards, however even our Nursery pupils benefit from lessons with some specialist staff who nurture a passion for learning and instil high standards from a young age.

Repton’s through-school STEM programme won the Education Business STEM award 2022. “From a pupil being inspired to build her own solar powered Mars Rover, to a group of DT Scholars racing their own electric car at Goodwood and pupils finding a sustainable new function for the disused power station in the next village, we encourage pupils here to apply their learning in practical ways.”

Staff Member

I believe that our curriculum must offer the best opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

The scale of the space and facilities is inspirational – we can confidently accommodate all types of learners and enthusiasts, which in turn forms the foundations of a strong, happy, purposeful community where the sense of adventure, so important at this age, is palpable.

The breadth of the curriculum, the ability to engage all learners, and the collective passion for education from a committed staff body, is a heady mix that ensures our pupils are offered the best start in life.

High quality coaching starts early for all pupils and no one is left on the bench.

SPORT at its BEST

We believe that it is important to encourage all young people to be involved in sport, whatever their ability and whatever their chosen discipline might be. The sports programme at Repton Prep is accessible and inclusive, whilst providing specialist training for pupils showing particular promise. This approach, alongside the benefits of the facilities and coaching opportunities at the senior school, ensures that we provide opportunities for all.

The House sports programme at Repton Prep offers all pupils the opportunity to take part and compete in multiple disciplines throughout the year through whole-school events, invitational tournaments and an extensive activities programme.

32 OVER 200 HOCKEY TEAMS

SPORTS FIXTURES AGAINST OTHER SCHOOLS EACH TERM

Our ‘sport for all’ philosophy fosters quality, sportsmanship and determination in our pupils. Mixed gender teams compete across a wide spectrum of sports with our top teams holding a strong reputation both locally and nationally.

4 OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS

Participating in sport should be enjoyable and is beneficial to the body and mind.

“Since I was a pupil at Prep, Repton has helped me to balance academics and athletics without compromising either.”

Ella Rush, UK Indoor Women’s Pentathlon Champion 2022.

Sport and physical exercise are proven to improve mental wellbeing by raising self-esteem, by providing opportunities to share positive experiences and by causing chemical changes in our brains which can help to positively influence mood changes; being active in a variety of arenas is integral to life at Repton Prep.

“From Year 3 to Year 8, every girl here plays football. This is just one demonstration of our commitment to equal opportunities for all.

Pupils receive coaching from dedicated professionals and benefit from an integrated sports programme with Repton School that delivers access to coaches, worldclass facilities and seamless support for talented athletes as they progress through their sporting and educational career.

25m 19

INDOOR SWIMMING POOL

FOOTBALL TEAMS

Ian Clarkson, Head of Football, former professional footballer who played 450 career games and Birmingham City’s youngest-ever captain.

It is our ability to communicate, discuss, reflect, refine, and thus improve that makes us a forward-thinking place that seeks to develop itself and pro-actively pioneers the future of education. Your children are that future and a vital part of the formation of their character and of their life’s interests will have its origins in all the things we do here that are in addition to the normal curriculum.

My approach as Head here at Repton Prep is to create an environment where the collective spirit is one of focused learning and constant improvement.

“The extra-curricular holy trinity of sport, music and drama sparkles.”

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

An EDUCATION rich in OPPORTUNITY

The Extra Curricular programme provides pupils with a welcome counterpoint to timetabled lessons, broadening horizons and encouraging the exploration of new endeavours.

“The first week of every school year is devoted to adventure. It is a chance for pupils to get to know each other and develop skills of independence, team building and leadership.”

The Week’s Best of the Best Country Prep Review

Lifelong interests are discovered when children are encouraged to pursue a variety of hobbies, activities and opportunities.

Through after school clubs and activities, both indoor and outdoor, on-site and off campus, our pupils build confidence, self-belief, and have fun with their friends.

The list of activities speaks for itself: fencing, gardening, science, street dance, outdoor cooking, jewelry making, chess and so much more! A number of pupils have set up their own initiatives – so if there isn’t currently anything that suits your interests we will embrace new ideas.

Well-established orchestras, choirs and bands bring many people within our community the joy of playing and rehearsing as part of a group. We are often invited to perform at external events such as concerts at Chatsworth, the National Memorial Arboretum and Derby Cathedral, as well holding a vast array of internal concerts and events for parents and visitors to enjoy.

Our adventure programme starts in Pre-Prep with Forest School and by the time children have reached Year 8 they will have spent time away from school on Outward Bound activities such as visits to the Peak District and a five-day expedition to Wales.

Every corner of our campus presents opportunities for learning, from building campfires in the woods to embarking on animal trails; we know how much being outdoors benefits children.

Repton Prep takes part in the national Greenpower F24 Electric Car Race for Schools programme. Pupils design, build and race their own electric cars, fostering a practical interest in science and engineering from a young age.

Confidence and selfefficacy is nurtured through opportunities to pursue different disciplines including public speaking, acting and reading for performance. We offer LAMDA lessons to ensure our pupils develop key life skills such as communication and creativity.

The opportunities to perform at Repton Prep are endless. Pre-Prep perform their very own Christmas show, whilst Year 8s tread the boards in their Leavers’ Play. We hold Shakespeare in the Woods which sees Year 6 perform to the PrePrep and pupils are encouraged to audition for the major school production in both acting and technical roles.

“For budding thespians, the fantastic theatre fizzes with energy; pupils showcase their talents in low-key drama evenings or highoctane, professional-standard musicals, and drama is taught throughout the school.”

Talk Education

Our staff, both teaching and support are, I know, in the vanguard of this noble profession, and yet they wear it lightly and with a smile. That is as it should be. They go the extra mile to make the small changes that make big differences. This is what matters to the children – staff who will be their teachers, their coaches and their champions.

Balance is a word often used across the Repton family of schools. Finding your balance is a key part of what a good Prep school should be about.

Balance implies that all the elements that make a rounded person are present in the right proportions, and if we can create this balance, we will send our pupils on to the next stage of their education with the very best of preparation.

If I am asked to sum up Repton Prep I would say ‘Pride in Performance’. That is what struck me when I came here for the first time, that is what I still feel and that is what I intend to protect. We are all part of a bigger picture here. Part of the spirit of this inspirational place.

“It is a truism that the most important factor in a school’s success are the students and staff, but the buildings and the beauty of the grounds at Repton Prep all help set the tone.”

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

The SPIRIT of PLACE

No education is complete without a spiritual element to it, teaching children to appreciate beauty, to be creative and to value others are integral aspects of school life. We aim to encourage children to use their minds well, to understand their societal responsibilities and to make wise judgements.

SPIRIT OF PLACE

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REPTON’S SPIRIT OF PLACE

“Beyond the pleasing Georgian aesthetics, this place is a play palace for kids.”

Muddy Stilettos

An education at Repton Prep fosters participation in every sphere.

Our pupils are given the confidence to have a go, try new things, and experience the world around them. We want our children to stay children for longer whilst encouraging them to become rounded individuals with a global outlook and respect for others.

Enveloped in 55-acres of Derbyshire countryside Repton

Prep is anything but a fair-weather school; every corner provides a learning opportunity. Pupils enjoy the grounds and scenery in their free time and the space facilitates friendships and fun, whilst fostering independence.

Our boarders, Houseparents and their own families live together, creating a real sense of belonging and security. Our boarding structure and house numbers enable us to create a home from home; the boarding pupils enjoy

The many facets of the Repton Prep community are intrinsic to making the school a happy home for both pupils and staff. Throughout the year we host many whole-school events, coffee mornings, fundraising initiatives, talks and cultural celebrations, to which families are invited to attend.

“As soon as you drive through the gate-house you know you are in for something special.”

Parent SPIRIT OF PLACE

“We loved the pupils’ confidence, self-esteem and total lack of arrogance, and the relationships they build with their teachers are formed entirely on effective communication rather than on a teachlearn hierarchy.” Talk Education

The boarding community sits at the heart of our school; pupils and staff live and work in a close, busy, caring and friendly community.

Unlike many schools, lots of the staff live on site and this enables them to play an integral role in nurturing and shaping the young minds who will pioneer our future. Whether children are day pupils, full, weekly or flexi boarders, the pastoral commitment and ethos of a boarding school benefits everyone and encapsulates the very spirit of the place. It is often remarked that there is a genuine family atmosphere where pupils enjoy calling school their home, and where all truly embrace the Repton Prep experience.

All of this is what a good school should be. My job here at Repton Prep is to preserve that and make it more wonderful still. That is where all my energy will go. This is my home, and I feel proud to be a part of something so special.

A PERFECTLY BALANCED EDUCATION IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND.