About the Prep. Department

Welcome from the Preparatory Department at St. Bees School

Our Preparatory Department welcomes children from 4 –11 years.

Our Preparatory Department is committed to establishing a happy learning environment that promotes positive behaviour and caring relationships. Children are encouraged to respect adults, their classmates, themselves, one another’s belongings and their surroundings. It is an inclusive setting that supports the children as they take increasing responsibility for themselves and their actions, whilst developing a consideration for the welfare and wellbeing of others.

Being a part of St. Bees Prep. means so much more than going to school. Children benefit from the excellent facilities provided by the Senior School – from specialist teaching in lessons such as Latin, and Chemistry through to the use of the large Sports Hall and Golf Academy. The Prep. Department is situated in the heart of the Senior School with its own staff and resources. We provide a stimulating and challenging education through both academic and extra-curricular activities. Academic work, of course, is at the heart of what we do, but we never forget that there is more to childhood and learning than exams.

Small class sizes facilitate a personalised approach to education and we can help each child develop not only his or her academic ability, but also self-confidence and a strong sense of identity.

Our classrooms boast excellent facilities for both learning and recreation; both the physical space and small number of pupils mean that children can grow in confidence, make friends and develop a genuine love of learning.

St. Bees School prides itself on its ability to cater for every child’s individual needs: whether this is an extremely able student, or one that requires extra tuition in certain areas of the curriculum. This is achieved through access to first rate facilities, and ensuring that children receive close monitoring and attention.

We thoroughly prepare children for the St. Bees Senior School 11+ entrance examinations.  We deliver more than that which is demanded by the National Curriculum, and we are not constrained by its limitations. Our curriculum is strong in the traditional academic disciplines, but also offers a balance through a varied timetable: music lessons, swimming, art, languages and of course sport are all part of daily life.

Ten reasons for choosing St. Bees Prep Department

1. Outstanding pastoral care. Our girls and boys are happy, well-mannered, articulate, engaging, caring individuals who enjoy the friendly and family atmosphere of the Prep. Departrment.

2. Small classes mean teaching is child based and adapted to meet individual needs.

3. Enthusiastic teaching from dedicated, highly-qualified staff leads to a tremendous sense of fun and energy.

4. Prep. Department children benefit from the School’s sports facilities, including a large multi-purpose sports hall and indoor swimming pool, as well as teaching from specialist teachers from the Senior School in subjects including Music, Sport and Latin.

5. A highly effective Learning Support Unit to assist those with special needs.

6. Fantastic extra-curricular clubs and regular outdoor adventure activities.

7. Excellent preparation for entrance to Senior School: entrance exam practice, and familiarity with buildings and staff leads to easy transition from the primary to secondary stage of education.

8. Parents are an important part of our school community and we work closely with you to ensure that for our pupils their years in the Prep. Department will be amongst 'the happiest days of their lives'.

9. All pupils enjoy excellent, healthy, delicious lunches with morning and afternoon snacks offering lots of choice.

10. A stunning location. St. Bees Preparatory School is a beautiful, safe and natural environment for learning and growing up.