Dear Parents
I hope this message finds you well.
It is hard to believe that this is already the final newsletter of the term. With the sun beginning to make a welcome appearance and the first real signs of spring in the air, there is a palpable sense of energy around the school. I even managed the first cut of the lawn last weekend – there is something wonderfully uplifting about the smell of freshly mown grass!
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us, either in person or online, for the launch of The Prep Diploma, our new academic and enrichment programme for pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8, which will begin this September. Alongside rigorous academic study, the Diploma recognises pupils’ wider engagement, leadership, service and contributions to school life, providing a clear framework for tracking progress, breadth and personal development during these important middle years – an approach which has been warmly endorsed by our destination schools.
We very much enjoyed our science focus last week, and Dr Rolls has ensured that the excitement continues with the arrival and hatching of our ducklings. Pupils have delighted in caring for and observing our young visitors, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming Year 2 parents in on Friday to share the experience.
It was also a pleasure to welcome back George Gregan for The Oldroyd 7s Rugby Tournament. He thoroughly enjoyed working with pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 during his training sessions, and the players from both The Prep and our visiting schools greatly valued the opportunity to spend time with him between fixtures.
In the creative arts, anticipation is building as our Year 5 and 6 pupils prepare for next week’s performances of Alice in Wonderland. Meanwhile, Mr Collings is already laying the groundwork for the next instalment of Prep Idol, which promises to be another highlight.
Looking ahead, I will be joining our Year 7 and 8 pupils next Friday as they head off on the ski trip to Italy. This will be my fourth time on skis since the mid-1980s, so I am hoping the experience proves to be rather like riding a bicycle… though perhaps that is wishful thinking!
Thank you for all your support throughout Spring Term 2026 – I hope that you manage to find some time over the holiday break to rest and recharge.
Best wishes
Luke Harrison
Dear Parents,
As we reach the end of a wonderfully busy and enriching Spring Term, it is a pleasure to reflect on the many experiences that have brought learning to life for our children.
From the magic of World Book Day, enhanced by inspiring visits from visiting authors, to our imaginative Hook Days and celebratory “Fabulous Finishes”, there has been a tangible sense of excitement and curiosity running through the school. These moments not only ignite a love of learning but also create lasting memories for our pupils.
Our trips this term have been equally memorable. Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Hever Castle, stepping back in time and engaging beautifully with their learning beyond the classroom. Meanwhile, Year 2 were captivated by their trip to see Matilda in London’s West End – an unforgettable experience that truly brought storytelling to life. It is these opportunities that enrich our curriculum so meaningfully, and we are incredibly proud to offer such experiences at The Prep.
We have also taken time to focus on wellbeing, with a thoughtful and engaging Mental Health Week that encouraged reflection, resilience and kindness. Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming Year 2 Touch Rugby afternoon on Tuesday 24th March, which promises to be a fantastic afternoon of teamwork and fun.
With the arrival of spring, we are delighted to welcome back one of our most treasured traditions – the arrival of our ducklings. Year 2 are very excited about seeing them, and we know this special experience will bring great joy (and excitement!) to the children.
This week, I have had the pleasure of meeting with all staff to discuss each child’s progress over the term. These conversations are always a highlight, providing an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements, moments of growth and individual successes that make our school such a special place.
As we approach the end of term, Nursery and Reception are looking forward to welcoming parents for their upcoming consultation evenings – valuable opportunities to share and celebrate each child’s journey. For the rest of the school, reports will be shared, offering a detailed reflection of the excellent progress, effort and achievements we have seen across all year groups. It has been truly heartening to hear so many positive reflections on the children’s development, both academically and personally.
We have also greatly valued the opportunities to welcome parents into school this term. Our Kindergarten to Reception Evening was a wonderful occasion, allowing families to meet our specialist staff and gain a deeper insight into the rich learning experiences on offer. In addition, it has been a pleasure to host prospective families in our Kindergarten for Stay and Play sessions this week. These moments of connection are incredibly important to us, and we are proud of the warm, inclusive and vibrant community we continue to build together.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It has been a joyful and successful term, and we look forward to all that the Summer Term will bring.
Best wishes
Helen Cook
