Forward-thinking Prep School in bustling Bury St Edmunds
Outstanding nurture and care from staff who go above and beyond for every child
Small class sizes, specialist teachers and excellent facilities
WELCOME TO
We're delighted to welcome you to South Lee Prep School & Nursery, a lively co-educational school that has been nurturing young minds since 1961. You'll find us nestled on Nowton Road, right on the outskirts of the wonderful Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Aims & Values
At South Lee Prep School, education is centred around instilling a life long love of learning in each child by developing their skills and nurturing their growth as individuals.
We believe that respect for children, belief in children and viewing the world through the eyes of children, should inform our teaching and care.
We believe in a rounded approach to education where emotional and social well-being, confidence and self-awareness are inseparably intertwined with academic progress.
We encourage children to develop into well rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in and contribute to the wider community and global society.
We encourage children to have high aspirations and in doing so to take ownership of their steps towards success.
We aim to channel the natural curiosity of children so that they become resilient, independent, critical and creative learners, through a rich, broad and challenging curriculum.
We aim to provide opportunities for development and interests outside the classroom, allowing children to develop a healthy and mindful lifestyle, a sense of adventure and a zest for life.
We aim for the children at South Lee to foster the values of teamwork, leadership, tolerance, kindness, trust and social responsibility.
We view education as a shared journey in which we work closely with parents, guardians and most importantly the children themselves.
Our School Ethos
South Lee is an independent day school and nursery dedicated to the growth and development of young boys and girls aged 3 months to 13 years. Our vibrant and nurturing environment fosters a sense of curiosity and care, where every child is inspired to achieve their utmost academic potential in preparation for their journey to senior school.
At South Lee, our exceptional team of teachers are not only skilled but also deeply devoted, providing the structure, inspiration, and challenges necessary to nurture our pupils' growth. Above all, we hold a profound commitment to shaping the very essence of our pupils as they evolve into exceptional individuals.
At the heart of South Lee lies our commitment to nurturing and celebrating the unique talents of each and every child.
Discover the inviting and friendly atmosphere that defines our school, and explore the impressive achievements of our students showcased on our platform. We extend a sincere invitation for you to come and experience firsthand the exceptional environment we've thoughtfully cultivated, aimed at preparing your child for a promising and fulfilling journey ahead.
A MESSAGE FROM
South Lee Prep School is a small, nurturing prep school located in the bustling town of Bury St Edmunds.
Whether pupils are in our Nursery or Year 8, they are celebrated for their authenticity, their effort and their achievements. We proactively teach and model the skills of nurture and communication and community and family is at the heart of everything we do.
We are a forward-thinking school, enhanced by familiar prep-school traditions. Teachers are always looking for ways to enhance learning and ignite intellectual curiosity in our children. We want them to become independent learners, to ask questions, to challenge what they already know, to learn new ways of thinking and to be the best they can possibly be.
Importantly, we also want them to find out who they are, what they love and how to be happy in their own skin, whilst allowing for mistakes made and risks taken along the way in this safe and nurturing environment.
You can't visit South Lee without noticing the busy, curious and brave children, full of zest for life. We'd love you to come and see for yourself!
Mrs Sarah Catchpole Head
OUR
A town school, South Lee Prep School, Bury St Edmunds sits on a good-sized campus, with excellent facilities. The children benefit from access to a wide range of learning environments, including specialist teaching areas for subjects such as Art and Design Technology (ADT), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Music. We have a fully equipped Science laboratory facilitating practical and hands on learning, which is extremely important in developing understanding and confidence in our budding scientists. We also ownalargedippingpondonlandinNowton,whichcomplementstheScience,Geographyandcreative curricular.
Sports Hall & Studio
Our huge sports centre, including a dance studio and tennis courts, enables the children to participate in many sports both as part of the school day and our extra-curricular programme. Managed by School’s Out, on behalf of South Lee, we also provide premium quality holiday camps for our own pupilsandchildrenfromthelocalcommunity.
A SOUTH LEE
From our Nursery's youngest children to our Year 8 pupils in the Prep School, each student has the privilege of experiencing something truly exceptional: a top-tier education while still savouring a childhood marked by curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
The dedicated teachers at South Lee Prep School & Nursery wholeheartedly embrace the institution's values and ethos, committed to guiding our pupils towards their fullest potential. Teaching is not just a profession here; it's a calling. Our highly proficient teachers are profoundly passionate about their subjects, shaping a curriculum that is both demanding and diverse.
Situated in Bury St Edmunds, our school capitalises on the abundance of local attractions, including the renowned St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, Nowton Park, and the picturesque Suffolk countryside and coastline.
As an independent school, we are free from the constraints of the National Curriculum. Thus, our curriculum is intentionally comprehensive, intellectually stimulating, and enjoyable. Specialist teachers in academic disciplines, the Creative Arts, and Sports ensure that our teaching maintains a high standard, with our staff staying current on the latest innovations and advancements in their respective fields. Moreover, we have an exceptional Individual Development Department ready to provide tailored support to any student who may benefit from additional assistance, recognising that each child is unique in their needs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
South Lee is a warm and nurturing school that fosters values of kindness, friendship, resilience, and community engagement.
With a focus on the well-being of the children, every aspect of our school, from systems and procedures to policies, is crafted to extract the utmost potential from our pupils. Recognising each child as a unique individual with their own strengths and talents, our role is to guide them on their path to realizing their best selves. Emphasizing the significance of kindness, persistent effort, and aiding others, we actively promote a sense of belonging among our pupils.
GROWING
Our comprehensive pastoral care system aims to empower children to assume responsibility for their behaviour while providing necessary support and guidance. We promote open communication about concerns and emphasize the importance of caring for both mental and physical well-being. Each child is assigned a tutor for personalized discussions, and our successful mentoring program, led by Year 8 pupils, further enhances support.
We prioritize giving students a voice, facilitating this through avenues such as the school council, house meetings, tutor time, and regular surveys. These platforms are designed to gather ideas and foster open discussions. Approachability is a key quality in our staff, who actively encourage warm and friendly relationships grounded in mutual respect.
Our behaviour policy diverges from a punitive approach, centring around a fundamental principle: treating others with kindness and respect. In instances where challenges arise, we adopt a restorative justice approach, allowing children to rectify missteps by contributing positively to the community. This strategy instils a sense of responsibility in the children, reassuring them that they remain inherently good individuals despite occasional errors.
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES, POSSIBILITIES, BIG
In our community, we celebrate a diverse array of talents and aspirations, from aspiring actors, economists, and scientists to environmentalists, musicians, game makers, artists, future prime ministers, sports players, and potential pop stars. The possibilities are endless!
Every individual and their unique qualities are valued in our community. We applaud every achievement, big or small. Encouraging our pupils to set high goals, we emphasize staying open to all opportunities and experiences while posing the question, 'what if?'
We understand that true learning often involves making mistakes, and we foster an environment where pupils feel safe to take risks, make errors, and discover their best selves. Our commitment lies in providing a warm and supportive atmosphere that allows everyone to embrace new challenges freely.
FOREST
Originally hailing from Scandinavia, the Forest School concept is gaining popularity within UK educational institutions. South Lee Prep School has embraced this approach for the past 7 years, recognising the substantial benefits it offers to children's learning experiences in natural surroundings. Beyond the advantages of fresh air exposure, Forest School cultivates practical building skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative teamwork. Additionally, it nurtures a profound appreciation for nature, ecosystems, and sustainability. The program significantly contributes to building children's confidence and self-esteem. Equipped with a spacious and dedicated Forest School area featuring three distinct zones and two outdoor classrooms, South Lee Prep School stands out by providing continuous Forest School engagement for children from Nursery to Year 8, a unique feature compared to many other schools.
During our weekly Enrichment afternoons, we've incorporated an array of new subjects, thrilling experiences, and captivating opportunities to expand upon our regular curriculum.
In these sessions, children actively engage in a variety of activities such as First Aid, Study Skills, Philosophy, Craft and Enterprise, Design Technology, Forest Schools, Music Makers, Swimming, and Classical Civilizations, among others. This designated time also allows children to partake in co-curricular opportunities, productions, trips, and more, all without interrupting their standard curriculum.
A JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH LEE
South Lee Nursery, part of the South Lee Prep School in Bury St. Edmunds, welcomes children from three months to four years old. Operating on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, we offer both year-round and term-time-only contracts, providing nutritious meals and snacks.
To ease the transition, we recommend a minimum of four sessions per week for new starters. Our after-school care program, available until 6:00 PM, ensures flexibility for parents at an extra cost.
Led by Mrs. Kaylee Williams, our dedicated staff fosters a positive environment, aligning with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines. The curriculum, covering prime and specific areas of learning, encourages joyful and exciting educational experiences for your child's development.
A JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH LEE
Pre-Prep marks the perfect beginning of your child's formal education, starting from Reception and extending through Year 4. Our comprehensive approach blends play-based learning for younger children with more structured methods, aiming to enhance their innate curiosity. We actively encourage questioning and diverse problem-solving approaches, fostering individuality and creativity to cultivate a growth mindset. Our children are not just enthusiastic and inspired learners; they also relish challenges that stimulate their developing minds.
In this supportive environment, we prioritize building a strong foundation for your child's educational journey, where curiosity and creativity are celebrated, and a love for learning flourishes.
A JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH LEE
Lower Prep marks a pivotal period of substantial growth and development for your child. It's a time where enduring friendships are cultivated, and children begin to define their place in the world, questioning their surroundings. At South Lee Prep School, we recognise the significance of these years in each child's narrative, and we are dedicated to offering support, guidance, and encouragement, ensuring that every child experiences their moment in the sun.
Transitioning from the nurturing environment at the end of Pre-Prep to the increasing maturity of Upper Prep, our goal is to assist your child during this crucial time. We aim to instil qualities of independence and self-organization, challenging them academically and preparing them for success in the real world. Most importantly, we provide an environment where they can revel in and delight in these precious years of childhood.
A JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH LEE
Upper Prep marks a vital stage in pupils' forward-looking journey, fostering ambitions and enriching their educational experience. Serving as the apex of their time at the Prep school, it readies them for the next phase.
Between ages 11 to 13, children experience significant personal growth, and we emphasise the benefits of navigating these changes in a familiar environment where they are recognised as individuals, promoting feelings of safety and happiness.
In the upper echelon of the Prep school, students enjoy added 'grown-up' privileges, including a designated space for relaxation during breaks. Upper Prep's notable benefit lies in preparing pupils for the challenges of young adulthood while allowing them to savor childhood experiences a bit longer.
FUTURE
We take pride in our exceptional track record of pupils successfully transitioning to both outstanding independent and state schools. The majority of our pupils remain at South Lee until the culmination of Year 8, at which point they embark on a diverse range of educational journeys, entering various independent and state schools.
Senior schools consistently commend the quality of our pupils, noting that they are exceptionally well-prepared for the transition to their chosen schools. We understand that selecting a senior school can be a daunting task, and that's why we maintain close collaboration with both parents and pupils throughout this process to ensure they find the perfect fit.
Our curriculum is meticulously tailored to cater to the unique needs of each child and align with the requirements of their intended school. As pupils prepare for exams, scholarship applications, and interviews, we provide unwavering support every step of the way. Your child's success is our priority.
A Prep School Education
It extends beyond merely having small class sizes and compassionate, forward-thinking teachers...
Amazing Facilities that Enhance Learning Opportunities
Forest School Science Laboratory Food Technology Kitchen
Art & Design Studio
State of the Art Sports Hall Innovation Lab
Sports
Termly team sports
Individual sports such as athletics and badminton
Games sessions, clubs, activities
Weekly fixtures and regular tournaments
Pupils are active EVERY day!
Music & Drama
Production and clubs throughout the year
Choirs & Music group
Weekly lessons with specialist teachers in both music and drama
Individual lessons in instruments, voice & LAMDA
To find out more or to arrange a visit, contact our admissions team on admissions@southlee.co.uk or visit our webs ite www.southlee.co.uk
ADMISSION
South Lee Prep School accepts applications year-round, subject to availability, and children are eligible to join in any year group. If you have questions about the admissions process, don't hesitate to contact our Admissions team at admissions@southlee.co.uk. They will provide you with the relevant information for your family.
Scheduling a Visit
Join us for a student-led tour of South Lee Prep School, where you can meet the staff and discuss your child's future education. Contact the school office to arrange a convenient time.
Booking a Taster Day
Prospective students are invited to spend at least one day in school before receiving an offer. This allows them to experience a typical day at South Lee and determine their comfort level. It also provides an opportunity for our Individual Development team to interact with the child.
Registering
Upon receiving an offer for your child at South Lee, complete and return the registration form along with the registration fee and deposit.
Moving Up Day
In the Summer term, we host a 'Moving Up Day' for all children starting at South Lee the following September. This day is spent with their peer group in their new classroom with their new teacher.
