PREP SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
Give them an Ed’s start stedmundscollege.org/prep
An impressive 98% of parents agree that their child is happy at St Edmund’s. Recent parent survey
Contents Welcome from our Headmaster Why choose St Edmund’s Prep? Spiritual foundation Fulfilling potential An inspiring curriculum Outdoor learning High Performance Learning Parent partnership Visit us Applying to St Edmund’s Prep
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St Edmund’s Prep School is a leading independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-10, located near Ware, Hertfordshire. In our vibrant and supportive environment, every pupil is valued, nurtured and inspired. A St Edmund’s Prep School pupil is known for their confidence, curiosity, sense of community, agility of mind, resilience and determination. Traditional Christian values, such as integrity, justice, hard work and freedom, are at the core of our progressive approach to education. With a history dating back over 450 years as the oldest Catholic school in England, our educational approach is
Ed’s Have Courage. Ed’s Collaborate.
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designed to combine academic success with the education of the whole person and the wellbeing of all our pupils. By providing a space where intellectual and social confidence can thrive, we encourage our pupils to set high goals, pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on society. Pupils from all faiths and none are welcome in our joyful and diverse school community. They move on to our College prepared for the future, equipped with the skills, qualities and values necessary to lead a fulfilling life.
We encourage our pupils to set high goals, pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on society. St Edmund’s Prep School
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Welcome from our Headmaster At St Edmund’s we understand that the first steps your child takes into the world of learning and sharing with others will guide their future development.
Mr Steven Cartwright Headmaster of St Edmund’s Prep School
Our Prep School lays the foundations for a life that is ethical, inquisitive, sociable and fulfilling. We seek to nurture the spirit and light a fire of passion for life-long learning in the hearts of every child.
to the preparation of our children by instilling in them a sense of responsibility and ensuring that they leave St Edmund’s Prep with a solid foundation on which to build their future in the College and beyond.
Pupils are offered a first-rate educational experience, helping to cultivate academic aptitude, but also sporting and musical talent. Artistic and dramatic abilities are carefully developed through specialist teaching. These academic and creative faculties are set within a nurturing pastoral framework which aims to build positive relationships with parents and children alike, ensuring St Edmund’s Prep children finish their time at the school as well-rounded, confident and thoughtful individuals.
Small class sizes enable focused attention to ensure that your child becomes a confident learner both inside and outside the classroom. Our facilities are shared with the College, including an indoor swimming pool, that all children from our Nursery to Year 6 use, and our committed teachers ensure our pupils have the experiences they need to develop fully in all aspects of their lives. With a heritage and ethos deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we welcome families from all faiths and none who will appreciate the all-round education that we offer.
Guided by the principles of our Catholic faith and acknowledging Christ as our leader and teacher, we strive for excellence and creativity in a forward-thinking education. We commit ourselves
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We invite you to give your child an Ed’s start and join us as a member of the St Edmund’s Prep family.
“We are so thankful to have found such a wonderful environment for our son. He is very happy, and settling in well.” Parent
Ed’s Succeed. Ed’s Are Inquisitive. St Edmund’s Prep School
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Why choose St Edmund’s Prep? St Edmund’s Prep School is built for educating the whole self. Our excellence in education extends to every aspect of the school experience, from teaching and pastoral care to the overall school environment. At St Edmund’s Prep School, we prioritise understanding each child’s needs and provide them with the perfect blend of support, inspiration and challenge at every stage of their development.
“Communication and inductions have been fantastic and really helpful. The children are really enjoying their St Edmund’s experience.”
St Edmund’s pupils are happy. Happiness is important to us. That is why our pastoral care is second-to-none. We believe our pupils will achieve excellence if they are happy at school. At St Edmund’s, pupil wellbeing is key.
St Edmund’s pupils aspire to great heights. Not only do we foster a culture of aiming high in exams but also in life itself. St Edmund’s Prep School pupils develop into confident, compassionate individuals who actively and positively contribute within the community.
Ed’s Learn. Ed’s Create.
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Spiritual foundation As the oldest Catholic school in England, prayer and reflection underpin all we do, but our values are universal. We deliver a Christ-centred education, and warmly welcome pupils from various faiths and backgrounds into our diverse community. Our school is a place brimming with love, hope and joy, where equality reigns and everyone plays a valuable role. We’re a modern, forward-thinking school; proud of our academic
“The Catholic ethos is evident in all aspects of the school. The staff are nurturing and kind.” Parent
standing, but grades are not our sole focus. At St Edmund’s, the spiritual, academic, pastoral and cocurricular are of equal value. Building on our Catholic heritage, making prayer, worship and liturgy a central part of our lives and our community, we prepare our students to make their way in the world while making a difference to society.
Ed’s Inspire. Ed’s Achieve.
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Children in our Prep School make good progress and achieve well within a vibrant, stimulating early years setting, with their learning ‘well-supported’. Recent Independent Schools Inspectorate Report
Fulfilling potential At St Edmund’s Prep School, we prioritise understanding each child’s needs and provide them with the perfect blend of support, inspiration and challenge at every stage of their development. Pupils discover the courage to embrace their true selves. We provide them with the support to uncover, cultivate and showcase their unique talents. Whether they are budding sports stars, performers, creators or scientists, every student is cherished for their individuality
and distinctive potential. Introverts, extroverts, thinkers and leaders – there is a place for everyone at St Edmund’s Prep School. Parents are integral to our school community, as partners in their child’s education.
Ed’s Play. Ed’s Investigate. Ed’s Build Friendships. 10
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An inspiring curriculum We tailor education specifically to our pupils’ learning styles, needs and developmental stage. At St Edmund’s Prep School, we prioritise understanding each child’s needs and provide them with the perfect blend of support, inspiration and challenge at every stage of their development. Creatives excel in our specialist art room. Scientists ignite their passion in our specialist science rooms. l Performers practise in our dance studio and outdoor amphitheatre. l Our sporty pupils thrive with our Astro pitches, multi-use games area, swimming pool and sports hall. l Pupils can take the time to reflect and pray in our newly-refurbished chapel, or in our prayer garden. l l
An overwhelming 98% of parents believe that the range of subjects on offer at St Edmund’s is suitable for their child. Recent pupil survey
Ed’s Challenge. Ed’s Support.
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High Performance Learning Outdoor learning Situated in 400-acres in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, our explorers enjoy nurturing initiative, resilience and creativity in our extensive grounds which include a bespoke Forest School area and our own orchard.
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As a High Performance Learning School (HPL), we equip our students with HPL skills that have been proven to enable them to be ready to learn, ready to work and, most importantly, ready for life. We prepare pupils for success in school and beyond, by developing: l A n agile mind – being enquiring, creative and enterprising, open-minded and embracing risk. l A n aptitude for hard work, through skills such as practice, perseverance and resilience. l E mpathetic skills – such as confidence, being collaborative and caring for society. As an HPL school we deliver a progressive, child-centred approach to teaching, learning and wellbeing.
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Parent partnership Parents are integral to our school community, as partners in their child’s education. The Friends of St Edmund’s society runs all sorts of events, from coffee mornings to the school fête. To keep you up to date with what’s happening, we have a weekly newsletter, two grade cards a year, open evenings and three parents’ evenings a year. You can email us and our door is always open to you.
See for yourself We warmly invite you to visit us, either by arranging a personal visit or by attending an open event. Open events are a perfect opportunity for you to meet staff and students, tour the school and consider St Edmund’s for your child. stedmundscollege.org/prep
“Our son has settled really well, and is enjoying himself. He is happy, as are we.” Parent
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Applying to St Edmund’s Prep Entry requirements for our Prep School are on our website at: stedmundscollege.org/how-to-apply To apply, simply complete our online application form. Scan here:
Contact us with any questions you may have at: stedmundscollege.org/prep
Our admissions process Submit an online registration form and a non-refundable registration fee.
Interview with Headmaster of St Edmund’s Prep.
Offer of a place, if entry criteria have been met.
Register
Interview
Offer
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Visit us
Scholarships
Assessment
Acceptance
Visit us at the Prep School or register for an Open Event.
Submission of scholarship application form(s), if applicable.
See below.
Acceptance of a place at the Prep School.
Assessment Nursery/Reception: Visit us for a taster morning. Years 1 and 2: Visit us for a taster day and be assessed in their lessons. Years 3 - 6: A test in Maths, English, Non-Verbal Reasoning in the morning, followed by lunch and a taster afternoon in lessons with peers.
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St Edmund’s Prep School Old Hall Green, Ware, Herts, SG11 1DS 01920 824239 prep@stedmundscollege.org
Expressing their unwavering trust in the school, 99% of parents agree that their child is safe at St Edmund’s. Recent parent survey
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