“A co-educational school achieving high academic results. We have outstanding facilities as well as skilled passionate teachers.” - Headmistress
Greetings from the Headmistress
It's truly an honour to extend a warm welcome and offer a glimpse into the heart of our community at Staines Preparatory School. We understand that choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and we hope that our prospectus serves as a valuable guide for you.
Here at Staines Prep, we're dedicated to preparing today's children for the challenges they'll face tomorrow. Our pupils thrive academically and personally, emerging well-prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.
We take great pride in crafting an educational experience that strikes a balance between rigor and enjoyment. With exceptional teaching, top-notch facilities, and a nurturing atmosphere, we provide the perfect environment for children to blossom, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.
Our curriculum is designed to instil values like commitment, independence, and a lifelong love for learning. Through a diverse range of opportunities, our children consistently achieve academic excellence that surpasses national standards. From the very beginning, they cultivate discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, laying the foundation for them to become thoughtful, global citizens.
At Staines Prep, pastoral care is paramount. We lead by example, fostering a culture of kindness and integrity that we call The Staines Prep Way. This shared commitment ensures that every member of our community; pupils, staff, parents to governors, upholds our moral code and works together toward our common goal: creating a vibrant and supportive school environment.
We take immense pride in our school's many accomplishments, and I am personally eager to welcome you into our community.
Samantha Sawyer B.Ed (Hons), M.Ed, NPQH Headmistress
Missions & Aims
At Staines Preparatory School, our mission is to educate today’s children for the challenges of tomorrow.
We aim to:
• Create an enjoyable, exciting and interesting learning environment. Everyone is given the chance to be the best they can be; to feel good about themselves, to share their ideas and to listen and work well with their friends and peers.
• Provide excellent teaching and a wide choice of learning opportunities. We encourage children to explore their talents, fulfil their potential and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
• Support learning in a safe place. We develop life skills such as independence and encourage everyone to never give up.
• Give everyone a goal to succeed and to be different in a positive way. We support and encourage everyone to make decisions and choices with confidence.
• Love and support our School. We give everyone the opportunity to be aware of our environment and the wider world.
Our Values
Staines Preparatory School follows The Staines Prep Way – a bespoke set of values upheld by all pupils, staff and governors. All members of our community are encouraged to:
This moral code runs through the fabric of the school. Pupils are rewarded for displaying these behaviours, receiving coveted opportunities to join the Headmistress for lunch or morning tea.
Nursery
We equip our children with the skills they need to become independent and active learners.
Our nursery children are supported by a dedicated team of staff within a secure and nurturing environment. We aim to provide the best possible start and encourage our little ones to explore new activities and to become part of our wider school community.
We offer a wide range of activities for our children, to motivate and inspire them. The light and airy classrooms support the different areas of learning, with free-flow opportunities for purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors.
As the children move into Reception, our staff work closely to aid their transition and ensure familiarity with the new environment. We build on the independence and skills fostered in the nursery and develop the learning to achieve high outcomes.
Throughout the year, children work towards the statutory ‘Early Learning Goals’, with a particular focus on reading, writing and maths. Children are given opportunities to solve problems and to develop their understanding of the wider world.
“My son absolutely loves Sunflowers Nursery. He’s been there for over a year now and adores all his teachers and classmates. We have seen huge developments in his behaviour and learning, and also conduct. We love the community the nursery and school have to offer.” - Sunflowers Nursery Parent
Lower School
We believe that happy children are at the heart of successful learning.
To aid the transition from Reception into Year 1, children are introduced to new concepts, knowledge and skills through a combination of outdoor and hands-on learning.
We follow the National Curriculum as a basis for learning, extending above and beyond the expectations for Key Stage 1 in all subject areas. Learning is personalised to the needs of each child and children are taught by specialist teachers for music, French, computing, PE and games; fully utilising the facilities available at the school.
We recognise the importance of celebrating success and merit certificates are presented during assembly to reward the breadth of our children’s achievements. Children are given every opportunity to showcase their skills by taking part in class assemblies and presentations throughout the school term.
Year 1 children are given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The curriculum is supported by an excellent range of extracurricular clubs, during lunchtime and after school, which provide the confidence and sense of achievement that every child deserves.
We are committed to ensuring that children are adequately prepared for their transition into the Upper School at the end of Year 2. Children are actively encouraged to visit Year 3 classrooms, and to become more familiar with the Upper School areas, in order to make transition as seamless as possible.
“As a parent the schools ethos and values have always made me proud to send my children to the school. High emphasis is continually placed on the all rounded child and ensuring that our children are taught to be confident, positive and well mannered.” - Lower & Upper School Parent
Upper School
Children benefit from a broad, exciting and challenging curriculum designed to enhance their academic performance.
All children are assigned a designated form teacher to oversee their personal development, with added support from the assistant head. As children progress through the school, they are taught by specialist teachers in specialist rooms who work hard to ensure that children of all abilities reach their potential.
We are a vibrant school and instil, in each and every child, the belief that continuous effort and engagement brings great personal rewards. Children are encouraged to engage in a host of extracurricular activities and challenged to develop new skills beyond the classroom and through the SPS Challenge Award Scheme. Residential visits enable children to welcome new opportunities and, in so doing, increase their self-confidence and self-esteem.
We are proud of our academic record but we are also proud of our children’s accomplishments in music, the arts, sports and leadership. Opportunities to shine are an integral part of school life in the form of assemblies, concerts, plays, inter-school matches and competitions.
With increased independence comes increased responsibility. By the time children reach Year 6, they are well prepared for sitting entrance examinations and taking on roles of responsibility throughout the school.
Children are supported in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning lessons. Reasoning assessments are carried out at the end of each year in preparation for sitting entrance examinations.
Children are encouraged to participate in additional activities to develop their sense of belonging and responsibility. Activities include monitoring tasks, being part of the School Council, the ‘Buddy’ scheme and Prefect duties in Year 6.
Year 6 Leavers’ Destinations
Our extensive curriculum and supportive environment prepares your child for their next adventure when they leave us at the end of Year 6.
Pupils head off to a wide variety of secondary schools, with the majority of our pupils gaining places at selective independent day schools or grammar schools.
Our Future Schools Evening in Upper School supports parents in finding the right path for their child’s next adventure. We will be with you every step of the way in preparing them for any entrance exams and interviews.
For a full list of senior schools, please visit our Future Destinations page on our website.
Scholars hips A warded 2 0 2 2 -2 0 2 3
Scholars hip A warded Senior School
Aca demi c Schol a rshi p Ha mpton School *
Aca demi c Schol a rshi p Si r Wi l l i a m Perki ns's School
Aca demi c Schol a rshi p Westmi nster Under School*
Chess Schol a rshi p Ha mpton School
Chess Schol a rshi p Westmi nster Under School*
Musi c Schol a rshi p Ki ngston Gra mma r School *
Musi c Schol a rshi p La tymer Upper School *
Musi c Schol a rshi p St Pa ul 's School
Sport Schol a rshi p The Ma ri st School
Year 6 Scholarships Awarded
Through our More Able Programme we will identify areas where your child excels and offer support in any scholarship applications.
Our pupils have been offered both academic and non-academic scholarships at the schools listed below over the last 3 years. Please note that on some occasions families may choose not to accept, these are highlighted by an asterisk (*).
Scholars hips A warded 2 0 2 1 -2 0 2 2
Scholars hip A warded Senior School
Aca demi c Schol a rshi p Ha l l i ford School *
Art Schol a rshi p Ha l l i ford School *
Art Schol a rshi p St George's Col l ege Weybri dge*
Ma j or Aca demi c Schol a rshi p Mercha nt Ta yl or's School
Musi c Schol a rshi p The Ma ri st School
Scholars hips A warded 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1
Scholars hip A warded Senior School
Musi c Schol a rshi p Ha l l i ford School
Musi c Schol a rshi p St Ja mes Seni or B oys' School
Sports Schol a rshi p St George's Col l ege Weybri dge
*Scho lars hips awarded but no t t aken up
Extracurricular Activities
At Staines Preparatory School, there is no shortage of opportunities for children to explore and expand their creative energy. The curriculum is supported by an excellent range of extracurricular activities.
From Reception through to Year 6, there is an extensive choice of high quality cultural, musical and sporting activities to suit all tastes. From art to ballet, football to tennis, cello to cheerleading there is something for everyone.
Our dedicated music department provides individual music tuition for a variety of instruments. We hold regular music and performing arts nights for children to showcase their creative talents and passion for extracurricular activities.
All children in the Upper School are encouraged to participate in our sports teams and we are actively involved in sporting fixtures throughout the year.
Outstanding Facilities
Impressive facilities, supported by high quality teaching, provide all children with the perfect surroundings in which they can reach their full potential.
We are enormously proud of our state-of-the-art teaching, sporting and performance facilities, which we believe contribute positively towards the outstanding learning outcomes within our school.
Light and spacious classrooms provide the opportunity for children to explore and access a variety of resources and learning tools. The Lower School classrooms provide easy access to an outside covered play space, enabling children to continue their learning in the fresh air, all-year round.
The Founders Building provides a full size, multi-purpose sports hall and benefits from five additional classrooms containing dedicated science, music and ADT suites.
Our state-of-the-art sports hall is used for a variety of sporting and performing arts activities and is home to a tiered seating auditorium. The hall also includes specialist lighting and audio equipment, ensuring that the performing arts are of the highest possible standard.
Our outdoor areas are spacious and green and include a variety of sporting opportunity.
Children benefit from two all-weather pitches (one of which is floodlit), two junior football pitches, cricket nets and dedicated playgrounds designed around specific age groups.
We also have an active environmental area that all children are given the opportunity to be involved in.
Bus Transport
We are proud to offer a school minibus service throughout the academic year. For more information visit our Bus Transport page on our website.
Extended Care
Our Breakfast and After School Club provides a secure, adult supervised facility for children who arrive before, or remain after, normal school hours.
• Breakfast Session - Children are entertained with quiet games and activities, with an additional option of enjoying breakfast and snacks.
• After School - Children can participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities in a relaxed setting. There is an additional option for children in Years 4-6 to complete their homework in a quiet and relaxed environment.
• School Holidays - During the school holidays, we work with specialist providers to offer action packed holiday camps for children aged 3-12 years.
The Friends of Staines Prep
The Friends of Staines Prep brings together parents, children and staff to raise funds for the school. The Friends organise a range of events and activities for the children and their families throughout the year and are always looking to welcome new volunteers, should you have the time to become part of the group.
Catering
A delicious selection of hot and cold lunches are handmade daily on-site and meet all the required nutritional standards. Children are encouraged to help themselves to the fresh fruit and vegetables, along with homemade buttered bread to accompany their meals. Cold desserts are also available on a daily basis.
