Welcome
We endeavour to provide a rich and stimulating curriculum where academic excellence is balanced with a wealth of exciting extra-curricular opportunities.
Our children learn through a thematic approach in Years 5 and 6 to provide inspiring real world context to their learning. Each theme is developed to facilitate the mastery of core skills as well as providing pupils with opportunities to investigate, apply knowledge, solve problems think and learn at the highest levels. In Years 7 and 8 the curriculum builds on this solid foundation and starts to also develop the skills that will prepare our children for success in the Senior phase. It is important to us that teaching and learning in Year 7 and 8 links closely to the demands of GCSEs whilst also creating a life-long love of learning. We encourage our children to set their sights high and challenge themselves to be the very best that they can be.
Each day offers a new challenge for our children and learning in Senior Prep is a journey of enquiry both in and out of the classroom. We also recognise that our children enjoy learning and make exceptional progress because they are happy and feel well supported. Our dedicated and inspiring teachers engage and enthuse their classes, while our pastoral care provides individual support for each child, enabling them to flourish and grow.
Wellbeing is a continuous journey, and at Sherfield School, we are dedicated to supporting our pupils every step of the way. Our tailored wellbeing programmes are designed to nurture happy, healthy, and resilient individuals ready to face the future with confidence.
As they progress through Senior Prep our children gain confidence and self-esteem, maximising their potential as they take pride in their achievements and make the most of school life. They develop skills which will transcend beyond the classroom and prepare them to be active global citizens in the future. We are very proud of the respect our children show for each other and how hard they work to achieve their potential. I love to see our children’s individual personalities, passions and curiosities develop throughout their time with us and feel very lucky to be part of this phase of the Sherfield Learning Journey.
Kelly Dillon - Head of Prep and
Matt Sutherland - Head of Year 7 and 8
Specialist Teaching Staff
From Year 5, children work towards increased academic, arts and sports success in a progressively structured environment.
Specialist teaching builds on Junior Prep in Years 5 and 6 with children having weekly lessons in languages, music, PE, Games, drama, Art and Design and Technology. Subject teachers are highly trained and experienced in supporting and extending children’s learning and enabling each child to excel.
In Year 7 and 8, all lessons are taught by specialist teachers and pupils have tutors who are Senior School teachers. This enables us to provide small groups for pastoral care. Pupils are then organised into teaching groups according to the demands of the subject.
Small class sizes allow our specialist teaching staff to get to know each pupil individually and to inspire and challenge them in equal measures as they start to make important subject choices for their future career paths in preparation for GCSE examinations.
You’ve helped my daughter to believe in herself, when her confidence was at rock bottom. It is a daily relief that she is somewhere where she feels safe, interested and valued. Sherfield is education as it should be.
YEAR 5 PARENT
Every Child is Known and Valued
We place great emphasis on personal development. The strength of our pastoral care and house systems shows in the courteous conduct of our young people.
School Council, Head Boy, Head Girl and Prefect opportunities during Year 8, provide valuable team and leadership opportunities, enabling them to move on in life with the help of Sherfield’s core values; confidence, creativity and connection.
Our holistic approach to education ensures that pupils develop not only academically but also emotionally and socially. We strive to create a balanced environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential.
Leaders, supported by governors, promote the school’s caring ethos effectively. This is seen through the PSHE curriculum and assemblies which celebrate diversity and promote respect for others.
ISI INSPECTION 2024
Super Curricular
A broad and balanced curriculum featuring specialist subjects, further enhances the pupils’ learning experiences and helps them on the road to becoming independent learners and thinkers.
All senior prep pupils take part in weekly swim lessons as children work on the Learn to Swim award. On top of weekly PE lessons, they also participate in weekly games afternoons involving inter-school competitions and local tournaments,.
Outdoor learning is integral, with extensive use of the school‘s beautiful grounds, particularly in science when studying habitats. Outdoor lessons emphasise team building and relationships.
For pupils passionate about tennis and golf, Sherfield School offers specialised academies led by experienced coaches. These academies provide a structured training program that combines skill development with competitive opportunities, allowing pupils to progress and achieve their potential in these sports.
Every term there are updated programmes of clubs available to all our pupils throughout the school so they can pursue a passion or extend their learning. These are included in the school fees at no extra cost to parents (except where external providers are used).
The school has adopted a ‘sport for all’ approach, which benefits pupils’ physical and mental health.
Pathway Programme
Developing a thriving enrichment programme is essential for our young people of today. We believe these extracurricular skills promote employability, academic attainment and teaches pupils the skills they need to make good, informed choices.
Our pathway programme develops those “soft skills” that employers and universities look for, while also giving pupils the opportunity to find out more about their interests and passions.
The programme begins in Year 5 and nurtures talents in chosen areas.
The five pathways include:
1. Performing Arts
2. Maths and Coding
3. Sherfield Farm
4. Language and Literature
5. Art and Design
Pathways are introduced in early September, allowing children to select their top three choices which will be their focus over the year.
