Weekly Round Up 4th July

Dear Parents

I hope you are all well.

As we approach the close of another successful school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges and growth we have witnessed across Sevenoaks Prep. Our pupils are inquisitive and engaging, showing determination in their studies and spirited participation in extracurricular activities.

Our pupils have continued to impress us with their resilience, creativity and dedication.  From outstanding exam results and engaging projects to sports triumphs and inspiring drama and music performances, their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work, and also that of staff and parents.  ISI summed it up well in their recent report:

“Pupils are well-prepared for the next stages in their education and future lives.”

I would also like to thank you for your ongoing support.  Your encouragement and partnership are vital to everything we do.  Together, we are creating an environment where young people feel empowered to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

As we head into the summer holidays, I encourage our pupils to rest and recharge.  We look forward to welcoming them back next term, refreshed and ready for the opportunities ahead.

Best wishes

Luke Harrison

Headmaster

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the academic year draws to a close, I write this with a full heart.  It has been a year  of tremendous growth, creativity, challenge and joy for our children.  In so many ways, it has also been a year that has reaffirmed the strength of our school community – with the unwavering commitment of our staff, the trust and support of our families and, of course, the energy and spirit of the children at the heart of everything we do.

Celebrating a Wonderful Year

From the very first day of term in September, the Pre-Prep corridors have been alive with excitement, laughter and discovery.  This year, we have continued to build a curriculum that celebrates childhood while nurturing independence, resilience and curiosity.

We introduced our new Behaviour Curriculum, placing emotional literacy, empathy and responsibility at the heart of our daily routines, rooted in our ‘Way of Life’ values and designed to equip children with the emotional vocabulary and self-regulation strategies they need to thrive.  The introduction of our themed ‘Hook Days’ – immersive experiences that bring learning to life and allow children to step into new roles, explore big ideas and practise collaboration in the most joyful ways has had such a positive impact.  Whether dressing up as characters, stepping into story lands or tackling team challenges, these days have provided unforgettable memories.

We were also delighted with the outcome of our ISI Inspection in March 2025, in which our provision received strong praise. Inspectors noted that:

• “The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to engage pupils’ interest and to increase their skills and understanding.”
• “The early years curriculum is consistently well delivered.”
• “In the Pre-Prep school, teachers have high expectations for pupils’ reading and writing.”
• “In the early years, children learn their letters and sounds enthusiastically.”

These affirmations speak volumes about the daily commitment of the team and the strength of the learning environment we have built together.

Beyond the classroom, we have welcomed parents into school more than ever before – for assemblies, workshops, performances and Stay & Play mornings.  Our Christmas Shows and Summer Productions were real highlights, showcasing the confidence, creativity and joy of our children as they performed with courage and pride.  Black History Week, Anti-Bullying Week and World Book Day further enriched our year, helping us to celebrate our shared values and the diversity of our community.

To Our Staff – Thank You

To the whole Pre-Prep team: thank you for your extraordinary dedication. Your work – so often behind the scenes – is what creates the safe, inspiring, joyful atmosphere our children arrive to each day.  You have nurtured them, challenged them, comforted them and cheered them on.  You are a remarkable group of professionals, and I am endlessly grateful.

To Our Parents – Thank You

Your support, encouragement and partnership have been invaluable.  Whether it has been reading newsletters, sending thoughtful messages, volunteering your time or simply sharing in your child’s learning journey with curiosity and warmth, we have felt your presence and support every step of the way.  Thank you for entrusting us with your children – it is a privilege we never take for granted.

Looking Ahead to 2025–2026

As we look to the new academic year, we are excited to deepen our commitment to educational excellence, emotional growth, and innovation in early years teaching.

• Adaptive Teaching will be a key focus, allowing us to meet each child’s needs more precisely within our ambitious curriculum. By flexibly tailoring support and challenge, we will ensure all learners are engaged, stretched, and confident in their next steps.
• We will further strengthen our approach to emotional regulation, drawing on the practical and compassionate strategies of behaviour consultant Jen Foster. Her work offers a brilliant framework for helping young children recognise, manage and rehearse emotional responses. You can explore more about her approach via her professional Instagram: @jenfosterbehaviourconsultant.
• We are also thrilled to launch a new whole-school literacy initiative, designed to ignite a lifelong love of reading and writing. Through high-quality texts, playful phonics, language-rich environments and storytelling workshops, our aim is to make literacy irresistible for every child.

Wishing You a Wonderful Summer

And now, as we prepare to say goodbye for the summer, we do so with pride and gratitude.  Whether your child is moving on to new adventures or returning to us in September, we send our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to your family.

May your summer be full of play, sunshine, rest and family joy.  We look forward to welcoming many of you back in the autumn, ready for another year of learning, laughter and possibility.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne

Best wishes,

Helen Cook

Head of Pre-Prep | Acting Deputy Head | DSL