Here, we lay the foundations for your daughter to have an inspiring, joyful and intellectually stimulating start to her educational journey.
At Prep, we are unashamedly ambitious for our pupils, and we equip them with the necessary skills to embrace all of life’s opportunities. They are stretched and challenged by a blend of expert class and subject-specialist teachers, and the girls thrive in our warm and caring community set in 18 acres of fields and woodland.
Our Teach to 25 philosophy underpins all that we do at STAHS. This starts at Prep, where the girls increase their resilience, develop their moral compass and ignite a love of learning that will set them on course to be successful beyond their formative years of education and on into adult life.
Academic ambition and a real sense of adventure go hand in hand at Prep. Our pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, try new things and pursue their passions. From performing in front of packed audiences and competing in multiple fixtures, to building and driving their own race car, the breadth of opportunity is incredible.
We are proud to be a genuine ‘through school’, with our aims, values and expertise shared across Prep and Senior. Most girls transition seamlessly to the Senior School, without the pressure (or restrictions) of 11+ examinations, meaning that we can focus on making the primary years really count.
‘Ensuring that we have happy girls who have a joyful prep school experience is absolutely core to our ethos.’
At STAHS, every girl is valued for who they are and what they bring to our school. We respect and celebrate difference, and we enjoy learning from each other. This is because we know that happy girls, who feel a strong sense of belonging, learn best!
I am incredibly proud to lead this wonderful Prep School and its exceptional staff. You can learn a lot about a school from its prospectus or website, but nothing beats a visit. Please do come and see for yourself why STAHS Prep is such an inspiring place to grow and learn; we look forward to meeting you.
Mike Bryant Head of STAHS Prep
WELCOME TO PREP
Thinking beyond an ordinary education ...
In 2024, St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) joined with Stormont School to form the St Albans Education Group (STAEG), a growing alliance of strong, successful schools united by a shared commitment to educational excellence. Together, we aim to become a leading voice and model for best practice across the independent sector.
At STAEG, we believe that exceptional education is the foundation for future success and lasting fulfilment. As a charitable organisation, we reinvest every surplus directly into our schools and pupils, ensuring that the quality of education and the outcomes for young people are continuously strengthened.
STAHS is one of the UK’s leading independent schools for girls. We are proud to offer an ambitious, forward-thinking education that empowers young women to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our outstanding academic programme is designed to develop the intellectual curiosity, self-belief and resilience pupils need to pursue their goals without limitation. Free from gender stereotypes and expectations, STAHS girls are encouraged to challenge barriers and lead with confidence.
We warmly invite you to visit and experience first-hand the unique spirit of STAHS – and to discover the extraordinary opportunities that await your daughter.
Waite Principal of the St Albans Education Group
Amber
Pre-Prep Journey
At STAHS, we ensure a smooth and supportive transition for our girls as they progress from their childcare setting into the Pre-Prep.
The transition into Reception is carefully managed to ensure each girl feels secure and excited about joining STAHS. We provide multiple opportunities for our new Reception intake to meet their class teachers and play with their peers, and to explore their new learning environment together, developing positive relationships well before September.
Each year of Pre-Prep is carefully designed to build on the girls’ previous experiences, fostering growth in confidence, independence and academic curiosity.
WELCOME TO STAHS PRE-PREP
...where your daughter’s learning journey begins in a vibrant and nurturing environment.
Our Pre-Prep includes Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, with two classes in each year group. Reception is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while Years 1 and 2 form Key Stage 1 (KS1).
In every classroom, a dedicated class teacher and teaching assistant work closely together to create a supportive and stimulating learning environment. This strong teaching team ensures that each girl is known, valued and given the individual attention she needs to flourish.
Academic Stretch
From the very beginning, specialist lessons enrich our curriculum, and the girls learn at depth and pace in the core subjects of English and Maths. Our beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces play a central role in daily life, giving each girl the freedom to explore, take risks, and learn in nature.
From an early age, girls are encouraged to think beyond themselves and understand their role in the wider world. They show real enthusiasm for supporting both local and national causes, actively seeking ways to make a difference. Many girls in the Pre-Prep take on leadership roles, joining the School Council or becoming Eco Reps, learning to lead with empathy, purpose and respect. We nurture their confidence to speak up thoughtfully and responsibly, guided by the kindness and integrity of our older girls.
Embracing New Opportunities
Creativity and self-expression are key to our approach, encouraging pupils to explore these areas not only through classroom learning but also via a diverse co-curricular programme designed to spark interests and broaden horizons.
At STAHS, our Outdoor Learning philosophy is to inspire and encourage. Whether playing in the adventure playground, whizzing across our thrilling zipwire or exploring the wonders of the forest, learning through nature allows our girls to flourish and develop countless skills.
Our beautiful woodland plays a key part in the STAHS Pre-Prep curriculum, where children attend weekly specialist Forest School sessions. The natural environment provides opportunities to take measured risks, collaborate with peers, design their own challenges and problem solve. One of the most popular activities is toasting marshmallows over a campfire, fostering a sense of adventure, responsibility and community.
DISCOVERI A LOVE OF LEARNING
As you walk around the Prep School, you can sense an intellectual buzz. We are constantly developing what we are teaching so that it is relevant to our girls. Each pupil is challenged, supported and nurtured by her class teacher and they receive subject-specialist teaching in areas such as sport, music, languages, art, computing and science.
Language
Communication is at the heart of the curriculum at STAHS Prep. In English, the girls develop a love of reading, writing, speaking and listening as they are exposed to a variety of exciting, challenging and diverse topics, texts and genres. Through the study of these texts, ranging from the classics to the modern-day greats, our pupils not only read for pleasure, but they develop the analytical, creative and debating skills which they can use to access all subjects at a high level.
French is introduced to the girls in a fun and engaging way and is taught by a specialist teacher. Lessons focus on both language acquisition, grammatical and syntactical understanding and cultural appreciation, helping the girls to develop a global outlook.
NG
STEM
At STAHS we aim to inspire a love of Mathematics in every girl. To do this, we focus on developing the girls’ key number skills at an early age, teaching them how to apply these to different problem-solving scenarios in a fun and stimulating way, with lots of games, investigations and extension activities for them to explore. STAHS Prep pupils typically love Maths and thrive in the challenging but supportive environment that we provide.
Science at STAHS Prep is exciting, engaging and thought-provoking. Our curriculum is designed to foster independence and develop inquiring minds through challenging experimental work. From Year 3 upwards, the girls learn in a science lab. We teach them how to evaluate evidence and understand scientific technique, as well as providing the knowledge they need to understand the world around them.
Sport
Pupils receive over two hours of physical education per week. A balanced provision of competitive opportunities and ‘activity for all’ allow pupils to develop a lifelong passion for sport and physical activity. Through a varied curriculum, pupils develop physically and creatively through activities such as gymnastics, fitness and swimming. All pupils develop teamwork, tactical awareness and a competitive edge in traditional team sports. These include netball, football and cricket.
All pupils learn in our state-of-the-art computing suite. Coding forms an integral part of our curriculum and, as they progress through Prep, the girls learn to code on various programmes and see their code in action by programming computer games and physical robots. To support children in becoming good digital citizens (as well as excellent users of technology) pupils from Year 2 are provided with their own iPads to use at School and support their learning across the curriculum.
The children complete a variety of Design and Technology projects through construction, textiles and food projects throughout their time at Prep. In Years 5 and 6, the pupils follow an Engineering scheme of work, enabling them to find the solution to problems, from the design stage through modelling to evaluation and refinement. The pupils also begin to explore CAD (computer assisted design) programmes.
Humanities
Our Humanities programme enables the children to develop an understanding of the past and their place in history as well as the world around them. Through a combination of direct instruction and research, the girls learn to question, understand, gain insights into the past, the world, other cultures and religions, reflecting on ideas and debates. Lessons are enhanced by educational visits to places of special interest and theme days.
Performing and Creative Arts
Weekly lessons in Music, Art and Drama allow our pupils to develop their creativity and passion for the arts. Our inspiring Music Department supports girls to reach high levels in both creating and performing music. Lessons focus on both singing and instrumental skills, and Music lessons are always a weekly highlight for the girls.
Art is taught in a specialist studio and lessons provide opportunities for the children to develop in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture. Each child has their own sketchbook and this is used extensively for the development of technique, the exploration of ideas, and research into the work of artists and the art of other cultures.
Ensuring that every child feels confident in speaking and expressing themselves in front of others is an essential component of our Drama curriculum. Every year, pupils showcase their performance skills through the Pre-Prep Nativity, the Year 6 show and individual class plays – all annual highlights for pupils and parents alike.
Student leadership
We encourage all pupils to positively impact our community with their voice, ideas and endeavours. The elected Prep Pupil Council lead the Eco, Charity, Recreation & Wellbeing and Pre-Prep Sub-Committees, while other girls choose to support the School in their areas of interest. In Year 6, pupils are invited to apply for specific leadership positions; they are interviewed by staff and elected to these posts by their peers, as they begin their journey to leading a life of consequence.
Houses
All our pupils are members of a House: Julian, Mandeville, Verulam or Paris, each named after a historic local dignitary. The House system is used for many different competitions and pupils earn House Points for their endeavours.
FEELING GOOD FEELING WELL
Pupils stay in their Houses when they move to STAHS Senior, further strengthening the bonds with others in the House and embedding an identity that stays with them when they become alumni.
STAHS is a close and kind community where every child’s needs are recognised. The children are encouraged to strive to succeed, make good choices and care for themselves and others, and they do so within a nurturing and supportive environment. Excellent relationships between staff, pupils and parents ensure that each child’s needs are understood, which enables them to thrive.
Our values play an integral in how we develop our pupils’ characters. We understand that the girls are in a learning environment, whether it be in the classroom or at morning break, and we look to instil the following values into our pupils while they are at Prep.
At STAHS:
• We Aim High
• We Persevere
• We are Kind
• We are Honest
• We are Inclusive
• We Embrace New Opportunities
The Deputy Head of Pastoral and the Head of Pre-Prep lead the key adults who support the pupils’ pastoral needs. Our dedicated form teachers really get to know the girls in their classes, providing a nurturing environment and guidance when it is required. Our School Chaplain and Nurse are integral to the pastoral care that we provide our pupils.
STRING QUARTET
PRE-PREP CHOIR
BEGINNERS’ BRASS SCHEME
JUNIOR CHAMBER CHOIR
JUNIOR ORCHESTRA
BEGINNERS’ STRING SCHEME
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
CONCERTANTE STRING GROUP
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
BALLET
FABRIC AND TEXTILES
STREET DANCE
PERFORMING ARTS
PAINTING WITH WATERCOLOURS
ART
PHOTOGRAPHY
MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB
SKETCHBOOKING AND DRAWING
DISCO DANCE
FENCING
ARCHERY
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
TENNIS
KARATE
CRICKET
GYMNASTICS
FOOTBALL
With around 70 clubs on offer to pupils, there is ample opportunity for our girls to extend themselves, develop their talents and explore new interests.
Music
We offer over 100 individual instrumental lessons each week in our Performing Arts Centre, helping develop talented and accomplished musicians with a deep love of music. Pupils achieve high grades in external music examinations, and some are awarded instrumental or choral scholarships as they move on to Year 7. We have very popular orchestra, brass, jazz, guitar, recorder and string ensembles, and four large choirs from Years 1 to 6. Close links with the Senior School Music Department bring great opportunities: pupils from Reception to Year 13 take part in the STAHS Young Musician of the Year Competition and our most accomplished musicians join the Townsend or Ringwood Bands, Intermediate Orchestra or Junior Chamber Choir at the Senior School.
Creative arts
Our co-curricular offering covers a vast range of creative arts, from sketchbooking to street dance, and from musical theatre to textiles and fabric club, with many girls also achieving highly in the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exams.
Sport
We are both successful and inclusive when it comes to sport. We make the most of our extensive grounds, with our cross country and orienteering courses, three netball courts, sports pitches and multi-purpose gym. Pupils represent the School in numerous competitive fixtures and tournaments. We support and develop some very able sportspeople and were recent national finalists in netball, football, gymnastics and swimming.
Trips and visits
Our extensive trips programme, including visits to the theatre, historic buildings, exhibitions, places of worship and nature reserves, helps bring learning to life and provides a practical context to lessons.
From Year 3, all girls take part in an annual residential trip. During these exciting adventures, the pupils make lifelong memories, develop their resilience and learn how to embrace new opportunities as they spend an increasing number of days away from home and exploring other parts of the UK with their friends.
STAHS is a through school offering education from the ages of 4–18. Whether joining in Pre-Prep, Prep, Year 7 or Year 12, parents choose us because of our careful balance of wellbeing support with outstanding teaching and learning.
Our wellbeing structure, approach to digital learning and overall curriculum is a journey from Reception to Year 13, with each stage building on previous learning. Moving on from the leafy haven of Prep, as pupils become teenagers they enjoy the buzzing, city school environment of STAHS Senior School.
At the end of Year 6, pupils transition to STAHS Senior without the need for application or an entrance exam, subject to the Head’s recommendation. In the few cases where the Senior School would not be a good fit, Mr Bryant and his team will alert parents in Year 5 and work very closely with them to find alternative schools. Once in Senior School, the majority of pupils stay with us for Sixth Form.
Alumni
Pupils go on to join the dynamic global network of thousands of successful STAHS alumni, leading fulfilling lives, giving back to their communities and making the most positive of impacts on the world.
Our alumni represent just about every sector imaginable and are united in their desire to give back to the School and the community that shaped them. Alumni volunteer a wealth of support to STAHS pupils, from sharing their experiences of university choices and admissions, to one-to-one careers advice, and returning to School to deliver inspirational lectures and workshops.
THENEXT STEP
SCHOOL DAY AFTER SCHOOL
BREAKFAST CLUB
Coach network
Daily coaches run between the School and surrounding districts. A coach runs between the Senior School and the Prep every morning and afternoon.
For routes and prices please visit stahs.vectare.co.uk
Wrap-around care
For those families who need wrap-around care, the day begins with Breakfast Club from 07.15. Here, the children enjoy a calm and relaxed breakfast with siblings and friends. We offer choices from cereal, toast, a cooked option, yoghurt, fruit and a drink. The children play outside from 08.00 before the school day begins at 08.30.
After-school care, which is available until 18.00, is offered in addition to our after-school clubs. Younger pupils go to classrooms for art and craft activities and a story until 16.30, whilst older pupils complete their homework supervised by a teacher or assistant who can give them help or guidance where necessary. At 16.30, the pupils enjoy a family tea together and after 17.00 they play board games, complete art activities or play outside.
We accept childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare for wrap-around care.
During the Easter and summer holidays, Ultimate Activity Camps run outstanding, Ofsted-regulated multi-activity programmes at STAHS Prep. Visit their website for more information.
Our main entry points are Reception and Year 3, but we can have places available in other year groups – so it is always worth getting in touch to find out. It may be possible to join in any term, and not just at the start of the academic year. Our selection process is carefully designed to identify pupils who will benefit from our well-rounded education and thrive in our supportive, academically stimulating environment.
Visit us
The best way to get to know us is at one of our open events, which showcase the enormous range of opportunities and facilities at STAHS. Alternatively, you can book an individual tour at a time that suits you. Book your place online and we look forward to meeting you soon.
Fees
Fees cover all tuition. Additional costs include lunches for pupils in Years 3 to 6, trips, music tuition, speech and drama lessons, and some co-curricular activities. Termly fees are payable in advance or by regular direct debit and we offer parents a range of payment options.
Applying for a place
Please complete the application form on our website at stahs.org.uk/admissions
Your application is confirmed by paying a £150 non-refundable fee.
The application deadline is Friday 31 October 2025
Familiarisation playdates (Reception only)
Once an application has been submitted, we invite parents and their daughters to a familiarisation playdate. This helps the girls feel comfortable and confident ahead of their assessment visit.
Assessments
Reception – Year 2
Girls will spend around an hour with our Pre-Prep team in a relaxed, child-friendly setting, enjoying small group activities and plenty of toys.
Year 3-6
Girls spend a day with us taking part in online assessments, experiencing a lesson, outdoor team activity and interview.
Key dates
STAHS does not unlawfully discriminate in any way regarding entry. The School welcomes pupils with disabilities and/or special educational needs, provided we can offer them the support that they require and that our site can accommodate them. STAHS welcomes applications from prospective pupils of all faiths and none. We strongly advise parents of children with special educational needs or physical or mental disabilities to discuss their child’s requirements with the School before they sit the entrance assessment so that we can make reasonable adjustments if necessary. Parents should provide a copy of an educational psychologist’s report or a medical report, if they have one, alongside their daughter’s application form.
The information in this prospectus is correct at the time of printing. The admissions process is kept under review and may be adapted according to circumstances at the time. Please check our website for the latest information.
