Journey
Nestled in over 24 acres of stunning parkland, Wellesley Haddon Dene is an award-winning independent school for children aged 9 months to 11 years of age.
Renowned for its nurturing environment and outstanding 11 plus provision and academic achievements, the school offers a rich, well-rounded education that includes a broad curriculum, exciting outdoor learning opportunities, and exceptional facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, forest school, apiary and cricket pitches.
With a strong focus on personal growth, ecological awareness, and preparing pupils for future success. Wellesley Haddon Dene is where young minds flourish and lifelong memories are made.
Welcome to Wellesley Haddon Dene
A very warm welcome to Wellesley Haddon Dene, an award-winning independent school for children aged 2 to 11. Nestled within 24 acres of glorious parkland, our school offers a truly unique setting in which young minds can flourish.
At Wellesley Haddon Dene, we believe that education should be as enriching as it is rigorous. Outdoor learning is woven into the fabric of our curriculum, from forest and beach school to beekeeping and ecological projects.
These experiences, combined with outstanding facilities including an indoor pool, squash courts, orchard, and apiary create a vibrant environment where curiosity and confidence grow hand in hand.
Our academic programme is broad and ambitious, with a strong reputation for 11+ success and scholarship achievement. Every child is nurtured as an individual, encouraged to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.
As Headmaster, I am proud to lead a school that balances academic achievement with creativity, character, and care for the world around us. My commitment is to ensure that every child thrives— intellectually, emotionally, and socially within a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community.
I warmly invite you to visit us and experience the spirit of Wellesley Haddon Dene for yourself.
Mr D. Andrews
Mr Andrews Headmaster
Building Strong Foundations
We believe that all children will thrive if they are equipped with the right skills, attitudes and abilities to take on the challenges of later life.
Discover Our Nursery
At Little Dene's Nursery, we aim to create a family environment with a warm and welcoming community feel that offers 'excellent' learning opportunities.
Our spacious setting, complete with an indoor swimming pool and extensive outdoor provision, is combined with our commitment to early excellence and academic rigour, preparing children for entry into our Prep School.
A Supportive Community:
At our nursery, we develop a close-knit and supportive community where every child feels valued and included. Our small class sizes allow for individual attention and a personalised learning experience. We work in partnership with parents to support each child's development and celebrate their achievements, taking children from 2 years old, with a plan to expand, taking children from 9 months.
Seamless Transition:
Our dedicated staff work closely with each child to ensure smooth progression into the Pre-Prep stage. Through a carefully planned curriculum and continuous assessment, we ensure that each child's individual needs and learning styles are met. This personalised approach helps build a strong foundation in key areas such as literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills.
Making Waves in Education
Seas the Day!
At Wellesley Haddon Dene, the beach is more than just a place to play—it’s an outdoor classroom where curiosity, creativity, and confidence flourish. Our Beach School transforms the stunning coastline into a space for handson learning, where children explore the wonders of nature, develop resilience, and build essential life skills.
Each week, our young adventurers swap the classroom for the shoreline, where the rhythmic waves and fresh sea air inspire discovery. They learn about marine life through rock pool explorations, test their problem-solving skills by building sand structures, and develop teamwork and independence through activities like firebuilding and storytelling.
Every moment is an opportunity to engage with the natural world in a meaningful and memorable way. Beyond the joy of splashing in the waves and tracing footprints in the sand, our Beach School nurtures confidence, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. It’s an experience that enriches learning, encourages resilience, and makes having a childhood at Wellesley truly magical.
Room to Grow
Discover Our Pre-Prep
Our Pre-Prep provides the perfect foundation for young learners, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.
From Reception to Year 2, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop essential skills in a warm and inspiring environment.
Our small class sizes ensure personalised support, allowing every child to thrive academically and socially.
Dedicated teachers create engaging lessons that blend core subjects with enriching experiences in Music, PE, Art, and French. Hands-on learning extends beyond the classroom with weekly Forest and Beach School sessions, where children build resilience, teamwork, and a connection with the natural world.
strong academic foundation.
The transition from Reception, through Year 1 to Year 2 is seamless, ensuring children grow in confidence and ability as they prepare for the next stage of their education.
Through play-based exploration and structured learning, we instil a sense of independence and a
“Our son feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. The staff genuinely care about each development, and it shows in every aspect of the school.”
Wonder & Discovery
Discover Our Prep
Our Prep School is where academic ambition meets individual support, creating a dynamic learning environment that nurtures excellence. With small class sizes, specialist teaching, and a broad, challenging curriculum, we ensure every child reaches their full potential.
Our academic focus is underpinned by a commitment to preparing pupils for entry into leading grammar and independent schools through the Kent Test and Scholarship routes. With outstanding results, our tailored approach gives children the confidence, knowledge, and resilience to succeed.
Practical, hands-on learning in Science, Art, and Design Technology encourages curiosity and innovation, while a rich cocurricular programme encompassing Music, Drama, and competitive Sport ensures a well-rounded education.
Beyond traditional subjects, our curriculum extends to Computer Science, and Public Speaking, developing strong problemsolving and communication skills.
Knowledge & Adventure
11 Plus Provision
Our bespoke 11 plus provision is designed to ensure that every child reaches their full potential and is thoroughly prepared for the challenges of the Secondary School entrance exams. Regular monitoring of each child’s progress means that all children are given work appropriate to their needs. Assessments are carried out throughout the school and, with specialist support available, all children can progress.
Provision for ‘gifted and talented’ pupils through their academic, sporting or artistic ability, allows them to reach their full potential.
Our broad range of cultural experiences throughout the school further prepare your child for their academic life and beyond. Through experiencing different religious and social cultures on our school trips or from guest speakers, we aim to promote tolerance, understanding and curiosity.
Our links with the community are diverse and many external visitors come and share their expertise and experiences with the children.
In Year 6, 90% of our children transitioned to top grammar schools of their choice.
Cultivating Curiosity
Forest School
At Wellesley Haddon Dene, our Forest School offers children the chance to learn and grow in the heart of nature. Designed with sustainability at its core, our outdoor learning space is built using recycled and eco-friendly materials providing an inspiring environment where young minds can flourish. Our outdoor learning area is alive with activity. Children grow vegetables, herbs, and plants that attract pollinators like bees
and butterflies, while our bee and bug hotels, hedgehog houses, and secret fairy gardens encourage curiosity and creativity. It’s a place for discovery, reflection, and handson learning.
Forest School prepares them to become confident, responsible citizens ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Empowering the Next Generation
At Wellesley Haddon Dene, we embed nature into every aspect of learning, helping children develop a deep respect for the environment, with a pupil-led Eco Refill Shop.
Embracing Challenges...
Being a Top Performer
Our children are frequently exposed to a diverse sports fixtures programme where they can compete with peers from other independent and state schools. Our children can develop a broad passion for sport with exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool, netball courts, squash courts, cricket and football pitches, and even an indoor gymnasium. Our teams have reached national tournaments and frequently have the opportunity to travel within the UK and overseas to compete.
We have excellent links with Royal St George's Golf Club, Thanet Wanderers Rugby Club, and Ramsgate Football Club. Through these links, we are able to provide 1:1 coaching, enabling children to specialise in their preferred sport. These opportunities enable our children to develop a set of interpersonal skills, which are transferable to the classroom and beyond. If your child is passionate about sports and enjoys the outdoors, we have everything they will need to realise their sporting goals.
“The best decision we made for our child. The nurturing environment and dedicated teachers have helped our son grow”
-Year
Actively Healthy
Our grounds play host to a whole range of activities. Sport is an integral part of life at Wellesley Haddon Dene. We encourage pupils to work as a team, persevere and continually challenge themselves.
Encouraging Active Learners
At Wellesley Haddon Dene, we are committed to helping children become the best versions of themselves. We inspire confident, curious, and compassionate learners with strong moral values and a sense of global citizenship.
We believe in learning beyond the classroom. Residential trips, an annual ski trip to France, and a variety of after-school clubs ranging from chess and football to art and mindfulness spark
Our school actively participates in fundraising for causes like Great Ormond Street, Cancer Research, Young Minds, and Jeans for Genes, teaching children social responsibility.
Always in Character
The Arts play a significant part in our pupils’ experience and, with a variety of activities on offer, every pupil has the opportunity to shine.
School Culture
Our broad range of cultural experiences throughout the school further prepare your child for their academic life and beyond. Through experiencing different religious and social cultures on our school trips or from guest speakers, we aim to promote tolerance, understanding and curiosity.
Our links with the community are diverse and many external visitors come and share their expertise and experiences with the children.
Regular school trips are arranged to places of cultural, historical, geographical and scientific interest. Major cultural events such as Diwali, Eid, Chinese and Jewish New Years are just some of the events studied and celebrated, often with parents and children leading the way.
This also has a huge impact on children’s intellectual growth and cognitive development, as well as communication and empathy skills.
Leavers Destinations
At Wellesley, our aim is to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to access the widest possible options for their future schooling. We prioritise each child’s academic needs and believe that a strong partnership with parents is key to ensuring the best outcomes. It is essential that you feel comfortable discussing your child’s academic abilities and your aspirations for their future with us.
We provide expert preparation for senior school entrance tests undertaken in Year 6, alongside tailored guidance for individual application procedures. Our approach ensures that each child is fully prepared and confident, ready to embark on the next stage of their educational journey.
This open and honest communication helps us guide each pupil towards the right school, ensuring they continue to thrive long after leaving Wellesley.
