“As you walk through the doors at Warwick Prep, you’ll discover a vibrant atmosphere that ignites an exceptional learning experience and enables each individual child to be the very best they can be.”
Mrs Hellen Dodsworth, Headmistress
At Warwick Preparatory School, we recognise the privilege of providing children with the very best start in life.
Our core values lead with Creativity and Curiosity, encouraging our children to be inquisitive and imaginative as they ignite forward-thinking mindsets and innovative skillsets. We are very proud of and keen to uphold our tremendous academic reputation both locally and far beyond, enabling children to fulfil their potential and be the best they can be.
In celebrating each child for the unique qualities they bring to our school family, we enable them to explore and develop their talents and skills, grow their inner confidence and flourish in a wealth of opportunity. Our state-of-the-art facilities enable us to offer the broadest range of opportunities as part of an engaging, innovative and exciting curriculum, helping us to set the highest possible
ambition for every child, from the very youngest in The Squirrels Nursery through to those preparing for senior school. Our cocurricular offering for all children is exceptional: rich and diverse musical opportunities and great strength and depth in both team and individual sports bring joy and happiness to all in our school community and develop our children’s spirit and character for life.
I hope you enjoy looking through our prospects. It provides a taste of the kind of school we are and the qualities and values that underpin everything we do. However, the way to fully appreciate what really makes Warwick Preparatory School such a vibrant, dynamic, happy and special place is to pay us a visit. Do visit us on an Open Day or arrange a private tour of the school. I very much look forward to meeting you.
Mrs Hellen Dodsworth Headmistress
Preparatory School in The Squirrels Nursery, joining from the September after they turn three years old.
At The Squirrels Nursery, children enjoy a nurturing and secure environment, both indoors and outdoors, where they can develop curiosity, confidence and independence. We have three classes with a usual maximum of 20 children per class, each with a fully qualified teacher and experienced Early Years staff, allowing us to get to know each child and support their individual needs, ensuring every day is engaging, fun and inspiring.
In our latest ISI inspection, our Early Years provision was recognised as a Significant Strength, reflecting the high-quality teaching, stimulating learning environment and strong focus on children’s wellbeing and development. Our aim is for every child to become a happy, confident learner, excited to explore, try new things and flourish as part of the wider Warwick Schools Foundation community.
Following the Early Years Foundation Stage, our curriculum is enriched with specialist teaching in Music, Sport and Outdoor Learning. Children benefit from purpose-built classrooms, our world-class Music School, Sports Centre and our 55-acre campus, taking part in seasonal walks, trips to the Chapel, Library and Warwick Arts Centre, as well as visits from educational experts.
Our large playroom is at the heart of The Squirrels Nursery and where role play and specialist lessons take place, alongside wellbeing sessions, such as yoga. We also have a large craft room for all those fun, messy activities! Our Squirrels enjoy weekly sessions, all year round, in our Forest School, and play in our stimulating Nursery garden.
As children progress through The Squirrels Nursery, we carefully prepare them for a seamless transition into Reception. Through familiar routines, growing independence and opportunities to engage with the wider school community, children develop the confidence, resilience and key skills needed for their next steps at Warwick Preparatory School.
Children enrolled for The Squirrels Nursery may also attend our weekly Nutkins activity ‘stay and play’ sessions from the age of 2+, during the year before they join The Squirrels Nursery.
“The Early Years is a significant strength of the school. Leaders and teachers in this area have a particularly deep understanding of how children’s skills, knowledge and understanding develop, as a result of focused staff training.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate, June 2025
Our four Reception classes are made up of children from The Squirrels Nursery continuing their journey at Warwick Preparatory School and a small number of new children, each with a fully qualified teacher and specialist teaching assistant. Our small class sizes of around 20 pupils allow us to closely support each child with their learning, encouraging them to progress at their own pace.
The children enjoy a rich, topic-based curriculum that encompasses the themes and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is carefully balanced with the need to prepare your child for formal learning as they move through school.
Play is incredibly important for children’s learning too and we have access to a large range of resources both in and out of the classroom. We are proud to have been awarded Highly Commended in the Most Creative Learning Through Play category at the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2025. Children have weekly Forest School sessions to enhance their learning in the classrooms. We want your child to enjoy coming into school every day, to develop a love of learning but most of all have lots of fun!
“There’s a real sense of purpose in the learning but it’s still full of creativity and play. Our son comes home excited to tell us what he’s discovered each day.”
Parent
In Year 1 and Year 2, we build on the enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning fostered in the Early Years. Pupils spend much of the day with their form teacher and teaching assistant but also have the benefit of subject specialists in Computing, French, Music and Physical Education.
We retain the best elements of traditional teaching with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills and this is strongly supported by a full range of subjects and activities which are designed to broaden horizons and develop adaptable, curious and independent learners. Hands-on learning, practical experiments, performance opportunities, outdoor exploration and teamwork all play a key role in making school life rich and supportive.
As a result of such a nurturing environment, pupils typically perform well above the national average by the end of Key Stage One.
At the end of Year 2, the boys leave us with the majority moving onto Warwick Junior School on the adjoining campus. From as early as Year 1, we support families with this transition, ensuring the boys feel confident, prepared and excited for the move. The girls stay at Warwick Preparatory School, progressing into Year 3.
“We’ve been so impressed by the range of specialist subjects. From French to Music and Computing, our daughter is discovering new interests while building real confidence.”
Parent
Progression into Year 3 and Year 4 marks a clear increase in academic momentum and challenge but lessons remain fun and stimulating. The role of the form teacher remains key throughout, watching over each girl’s progress, happiness and wellbeing.
The girls enjoy a broad and inspiring curriculum that develops creativity, curiosity and confidence. They benefit from a curriculum taught by specialist teachers in many subjects including Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Science.
Hands-on learning, performances, competitions and educational visits make school life fun, challenging and memorable. In Year 4, the girls experience a three-day residential trip where they develop team-building skills, face personal challenges and advance their communication skills.
These experiences help the girls grow in confidence and independence, equipping them with the skills and resilience they need for a smooth transition into Upper School.
“Our daughter is flourishing. The genuine care from staff makes it feel like such a special community.”
Parent
In Year 5 and Year 6, the girls enjoy a rich and inspiring curriculum, continuing specialist teaching in Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Science. With small teaching groups and outstanding facilities, the girls make excellent progress and are well prepared for their next step in education which for the vast majority is at King’s High School.
Opportunities for performances, trips, clubs, competitions and practical projects help pupils explore their talents, prepare for senior school, and make learning fun, challenging and memorable. In Year 5, the girls spend a week in France to develop their listening and speaking skills in French and to learn about World War I. In Year 6, pupils visit a field study centre to explore first-hand the ecology of diverse environments. They also have many opportunities to organise events in school, including Squirrels Market, and conclude their time at Warwick Preparatory School with a musical and drama production in the Bridge House Theatre.
Based on their progress at Warwick Preparatory School and their aptitude, girls are offered a place at King’s High School during the Spring Term of Year 5. If there are any concerns about whether a girl will continue to thrive at King’s High School, these are discussed with parents in advance, and the Entrance Examination may be used to determine a place, as with candidates from outside the Foundation.
“Our daughter is so happy at Warwick Prep. She loves her lessons, teachers and friends, and we’ve seen her make fantastic academic progress. We feel she is fully prepared for her next step at King’s High School.”
Parent
With excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, including shared access to AstroTurf hockey pitches, tennis courts, a 25m indoor swimming pool and the Bridge House Sports Centre, which features a Sports Hall and Gymnasium, we offer a varied and extensive sports programme that provides opportunities for all pupils to take part and succeed.
High-quality specialist coaching from a young age ensures that every pupil is able to develop their skills and learn to value good physical health. We have an enviable record of sporting success in both local and national competitions and an appreciation of teamwork and sportsmanship is instilled from the start. Pupils are encouraged to do their best, both individually and as part of a team, learning not only how to win but also how to accept defeat with resilience and grace.
The sports programme includes netball, hockey, cricket, tennis, athletics, badminton, football, tag rugby, swimming, karate, dodgeball, cross-country, ball skills, soft play, yoga and gymnastics.
In the Prep department, girls take part in weekly matches, tournaments and inter-house competitions in sports including netball, hockey, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, rounders and athletics. Co-curricular clubs, dance, yoga and links with local and Foundation coaches offer even more opportunities to develop skills, stay active and enjoy sport in all its forms.
Pupils swim as part of the curriculum from Year 1 to Year 4 for a minimum of one term. In addition, all pupils may opt for extra swimming lessons. The Head of Swimming coordinates a team of specialist teachers at the Warwick School pool, enabling pupils to learn in small groups where they develop stroke technique, water skills and competitive swimming ability.
In the Pre-Prep department, lessons are active, varied and full of fun. From climbing and balancing in the sports hall to scoring goals on the AstroTurf, children develop confidence, coordination and teamwork. They practise skills such as throwing, catching, running and jumping, enjoy mini tennis, gymnastics, rugby and netball, and explore movement through dance and yoga.
“It’s brilliant to see pupils regularly reach IAPS finals – a testament to the quality of coaching, commitment and facilities on offer at Warwick Prep.”
Parent
“Music is at the heart of our school, filling our classrooms and performance spaces with joy as children from The Squirrels Nursery to Year 6 explore, perform and develop a lifelong love of music, laying the foundations for the exceptional musical achievements they go on to realise at our senior schools.”
Miss Alison Griggs, Director of Music
Music has a very high profile at Warwick Preparatory School, with many opportunities both within the curriculum and beyond for children to develop their talents and interests.
Our world-class Music School boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an auditorium, a rehearsal studio (with an organ from Birmingham Royal Conservatoire), two music classrooms, a keyboard suite running Cubase and Sibelius workstations, a percussion studio, fourteen practice rooms, a music library, and instrument storage.
From The Squirrels Nursery upwards, pupils are taught by specialist music teachers. In Year 2, all pupils participate in the Strings Project, where each child learns to play the violin, cello, or double bass during their weekly class music lessons. They have two opportunities to perform to parents and family in the auditorium and in Warwick Hall. In Year 3, all pupils take part in the Instrumental Scheme, learning a brass or woodwind instrument weekly.
In addition to specialist class music lessons, children can learn a wide variety of instruments with support from our team of visiting music staff. There are opportunities to play as part of a group, including Junior and Senior Choir, Super Strings, Harp Ensemble, Groovy Guitars, Wind Band, Orchestra, Percussion Clubs, and more. Pupils can sit ABRSM and Trinity exams and many go on to achieve scholarships at senior schools, developing confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
The school has an enviable record of concert performances, ranging from informal teatime concerts to end of term concerts in Warwick Hall, providing pupils with the opportunity to perform to audiences both large and small.
“Newsies JR. was the best way I could imagine to finish my time at Warwick Prep. I absolutely adored it!”
Year 6 pupil
Drama is an integral part of life at Warwick Preparatory School, featuring in lessons, assemblies, after school clubs, and fantastic productions held in the School Hall and the Bridge House Theatre, a fully equipped professional theatre on the Warwick Schools Foundation campus.
Experience of theatre, and the skills developed through improvised and scripted performance, help to enrich our pupils’ creativity and confidence. Our aim is for all children to have regular opportunities to take part in rewarding and challenging productions while developing their public speaking and presentation skills.
In the Pre-Prep department, teachers integrate drama, improvisation and role-play into the learning process from the earliest days. Each year group has the opportunity to perform in its own Christmas concert. At the end of Year 2, children perform their own spectacular end of year musical which is always a very special occasion. Year 2 pupils also have the opportunity to take part in a Drama Club run by sixth formers from Warwick School.
In the Prep department, the girls have a timetabled Drama lesson and there are many further opportunities for drama within the curriculum, including visiting artists, form assemblies, productions, Christmas celebrations and the Year 6 musical production. There are also cross-curricular links, including our famous annual French Nativity play. All pupils have the opportunity to take LAMDA examinations with 85% awarded Distinction and 15% awarded Merit (2024-2025).
Children have the opportunity to participate in Drama and Musical Theatre clubs after school and at lunchtimes.
We were proud to be shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025, a reflection of our commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence and a lifelong love of the arts.
Our Skills for Life Wheel demonstrates twelve key skills and attributes that we consider the most important in preparing all our pupils for a life of learning and fulfilment in a fast-changing world:
• Communication and Collaboration
• Independence and Resilience
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Innovation and Creativity
• Compassion and Empathy
• Self-awareness and Integrity
Through these Skills for Life, we strive to develop responsible, active and compassionate learners and encourage our children to ‘Aspire, Achieve, Enjoy’, and to be the best that they can be.
“Leaders have
developed clear
and
ambitious strategic plans,
based
on self-evaluation, to provide further opportunities to fulfil the school’s aims to foster a love of learning, curiosity and independent thinking.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate, June 2025
At Warwick Preparatory School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover and grow their inner passions and talents. As Early Years and Primary educators, we understand the importance of these crucial foundation years and strive to provide an environment in which these interests can be awakened, nurtured, and cultivated, allowing children to become the very best they can be.
Academic enrichment at Warwick Preparatory School is woven into the fabric of our curriculum. Through our Ignite programme, pupils have the chance to deepen their understanding, challenge themselves and explore new areas of interest. Ignite fosters creativity and curiosity, supports independent thought and provides opportunities for existing passions to flourish while new ones are discovered. Our teachers are committed to going above and beyond to create rich, memorable experiences that inspire a love of learning. Each Ignite activity offers pupils the chance to extend their knowledge, express themselves, and develop confidence – representing the very best of what academic enrichment can offer. Recent opportunities include the Handwriting Heroes competition, BBC 500 Words, Primary Maths Challenge and Bebras Challenge.
“Our Ignite programme offers pupils so many opportunities to extend their learning, build confidence and express themselves beyond the classroom. As a teacher, it’s incredibly rewarding to see them engaged, challenged and developing essential skills.”
Mrs Julie Johnson, Director of Studies
“We feel so reassured knowing our child is truly looked after at Warwick Prep. Our daughter feels supported, confident, and happy every day and genuinely looks forward to coming to school.”
Parent
Warwick Preparatory School is a nurturing environment and the school’s ethos is naturally warm-hearted, supportive and inclusive. The children thrive and flourish because they know that they are looked after and given the individual help that they need.
Form teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing each child’s academic and personal development, but the Head of Pre-Prep and Head of Prep provide essential strategic oversight and continuity as pupils transition through our school. With a comprehensive view of curriculum progression, pastoral care and individual wellbeing, they are exceptionally well-placed to monitor and support each child’s overall journey. They work collaboratively with teachers, parents and support staff to identify emerging needs early and to ensure that every pupil flourishes.
Should children require targeted additional learning support, this is delivered by a specialist team of teaching professionals through tailored one-to-one or small-group interventions which are guided by assessments. We greatly value the involvement of parents throughout their child’s time at the school and very much wish to develop a sense of partnership between home and school.
We also have a pupil body known as the Wellbeing Team whose role is to help promote a safe, and kind school community, lead the school’s anti-bullying campaign, promote digital wellbeing, and to have an all-encompassing approach to support pupils’ social, emotional, physical and mental health.
Our school wellbeing dog, Ollie, plays a valuable role in supporting the children’s emotional wellbeing, helping to create a calm and nurturing environment where they can feel relaxed and supported.
Pupils at Warwick Preparatory School are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of co-curricular opportunities available, allowing them to try new skills, develop their talents and actively engage in our school community. Whether their interests lie in reading, performing, arts and crafts, sport, music, or languages, there is an activity for every pupil to enjoy.
Our clubs and activities are run by Warwick Preparatory School staff as well as specialist external providers. Offerings include Ballet, Chess Club, Karate, Puzzle & Board Games Club, Football, Forest School, Yoga, multiple choirs, Rugby Tots, Science Club, Orchestra and Pop & Street Dance.
“Our son loves the variety of clubs at Warwick Prep. He’s always excited to try a new activity. There are so many to choose from!”
Parent
“This incredible trip was my favourite memory of Year 4! We did rock climbing, archery, orienteering and even an underground maze. It was the best residential ever!”
Year 4 pupil
Warwick Preparatory School provides a rich and stimulating range of visits to broaden the education of the children. It is important to us that all pupils learn about the world by getting out of the classroom to experience it first-hand. Recent locations for day visits include Brandon Marsh, Compton Verney, Cotswold Farm Park, National Space Centre and the Thinktank Science Museum.
Our residential visits in Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 enrich our provision by giving our pupils a chance to foster independence, boost confidence and improve social skills. In addition to the personal growth that takes place during the pupils’ time away from home, there are many co-curricular enrichment opportunities that enhance their learning.
Year 4 pupils experience a three-day activity trip where they develop team-building skills, face personal challenges and advance their communication skills. Year 5 pupils experience a week in France to extend their listening and speaking of the French language and to learn about WWI. In Year 6, pupils visit a field study centre to experience, first-hand, the ecology of various diverse environments.
At Warwick Preparatory School, we believe in the importance of supporting our community and in demonstrating social responsibility. Through active engagement with local organisations and national charities, our pupils learn empathy, generosity and compassion - values that lie at the heart of our school ethos.
Our school community extends beyond the classroom. Pupils, families, teachers and staff work together to promote kindness, teamwork and support for others. We are proud to be part of our local community and believe that, especially in today’s world, every small act of kindness can make a real difference. As we often say, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Through our Squirrels in the Community initiative, pupils build strong and meaningful links with local care homes and residents. Each year, we welcome care home residents for a morning of music and lunch in our Music School, perform at Christmas in St Mary’s Church, Warwick, and visit care homes throughout the year to share musical performances.
Charity is central to school life. Pupils take part in a wide range of fundraising activities that develop their understanding of social responsibility and reinforce the belief that every contribution matters. We regularly support both national and local charities, including Children in Need, Comic Relief, the NSPCC, Warwick Myton Hospice, Warwick District Foodbank and the Royal British Legion, to name but a few.
Warwick Myton Hospice
“We’re incredibly grateful to our friends at Warwick Prep for their continued support. Their kindness makes a real difference to our patients and loved ones.”
The Warwick Schools Foundation offers a complete education for boys and girls from 3 to 18 years old. Many children join the Foundation by coming to Warwick Preparatory School and stay right through to the completion of their A-levels.
Boys and girls leave us at different points. Warwick Preparatory School accepts both boys and girls into The Squirrels Nursery from 3 years of age. At the age of 7 (Year 3), most boys progress on to Warwick Junior School. Girls stay with us at Warwick Preparatory School until the age of 11 where the majority progress to King’s High School.
“What appealed to us most was the clear pathway from Nursery through to A-levels. Our daughter moved through each stage with confidence, supported by schools that felt connected but still wonderfully individual.”
Parent
Warwick Preparatory School offers outstanding facilities to support 21st-century learning, including a spacious purpose-built Nursery, Forest School, excellent sports provision with AstroTurfs, a modern indoor Sports Hall and Gymnasium, Science laboratories, a well-equipped Art studio and Design Technology workshop, IT suite, Library, Dining Hall and a world-class Music School.
We also benefit greatly from being part of something bigger – the Warwick Schools Foundation comprising Warwick Preparatory School, Warwick Junior School, King’s High School, Warwick School and The Kingsley School. This gives us access to further exceptional facilities, including the Bridge House Theatre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a lot more besides. We are a big school with all the benefits that scale brings but as one parent memorably put it, “Warwick Prep makes big feel small.”
We understand that choosing the right school for your child is an important decision and our Admissions Team are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
We recommend beginning your journey with a visit to Warwick Preparatory School, either through a private tour during the school day or at one of our Open Events. Our Admissions Team would be delighted to welcome you, answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
Application is made via an online registration form, together with a nonrefundable registration fee of £120 (£100 plus 20% VAT) and a copy of your children’s full birth certificate. Once our Admissions Team receive your registration form, they will be in touch to arrange the next steps.
There is no requirement for children applying to The Squirrels Nursery or Reception to attend a Taster Day unless they are applying for a mid-year place. Children applying for places in Year 1 and Year 2 will attend a Taster Day. Girls applying for places in Year 3 to Year 6 will sit an Entrance Assessment, typically held in the January prior to starting the following September, based on the National Curriculum in Maths and English.
Our Nursery offers are made at the end of the summer holidays, a year prior to your child starting the following September. Typically, a second round of offers is made later in the Autumn Term. Once you have accepted your offer, you will be invited to attend our Nutkins stay and play session.
Our Reception offers are made at the end of the summer holidays, a year prior to your child starting the following September. Typically, a second round of offers is made later in the Autumn Term.
Following the Taster Day, our Admissions Team will be in touch to let you know if we are able to offer your child a place.
Following the Entrance Assessment, our Admissions Team will be in touch to let you know if we are able to offer your daughter a place.
Once you have received an offer of a place, we will ask you to accept it by the deadline stated in your offer letter and return a signed copy of the acceptance form along with the acceptance deposit. We look forward to welcoming you to Warwick Preparatory School!
Please address all admissions enquiries to the Registrar, Mrs Kate Cunningham, who can be contacted at WPS-admissions@warwickschools.co.uk or on 01926 491 545.