Prep
The Prep School is home to Years 3 to 8.
Class teaching is continued for core subjects, with specialist teachers for drama, French, music, ICT, art, PE and games. By the age of 11, our pupils are taught by specialist teachers in all subjects whilst each class continues to have a form tutor who monitors their progress.
Our teachers ensure that every pupil is motivated, challenged and prepared for examinations and scholarships to independent schools at 13 or 11+ entry tests to local grammar schools.
As the children continue through the School they are offered opportunities for responsibility and leadership, which enable them to move on in life with confidence and purpose.
In February 2020, our new Centenary Centre opened its doors. This bold and imaginative building encompasses a vision of how teaching and learning at the School should be. It is a large and light space which encourages more of the informal contact between teachers and children, and children with each other, which makes The Prep so special. The design incorporates areas and features seen in the best senior schools; so our pupils in Years 6,7 and 8 will be better equipped for life beyond The Prep. With a library at its core, a presentation area and social space, as well as classrooms, art studio, science lab and ITC suite all with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, this building places emphasis on curiosity, maturity and independence. Inspirational teaching is at the heart of Sevenoaks Prep.
How does The Prep prepare pupils for secondary school?
We prepare pupils steadily for 11+ and 13+ assessments through targeted teaching, interview practice, exam technique and calm confidence‑building. Families receive personalised guidance on senior school choices.
Pupils from Sevenoaks Preparatory School typically progress to selective grammar schools and leading independent senior schools across Kent and South-East London, reflecting individual strengths rather than a single prescribed pathway.
Do you prepare pupils for the 11+ Kent Test
Many students will sit the Kent 11+ Test for Grammar Schools in September of Year 6, while others will take the ISEB Common Pre-Test or similar assessments for entry to independent schools. To ensure thorough preparation, reasoning is integrated into the weekly curriculum from Year 3 onwards, with the focus and time devoted to this increasing through Years 4 and 5. Additionally, an after-school Study Skills Club is offered during the Summer term of Year 5, providing further support.
Our approach is balanced and blended, using a variety of paper-based and online resources, including Atom Learning, to develop students’ reasoning skills. For those sitting additional written papers for selected schools, we also provide additional, targeted sessions in English, Maths and Critical Thinking.
What are your exam results like?
We are proud of our pupils results in their assessments for both Kent 11+ and assessments for entry to independent schools. Our pupils move on to a range of excellent senior schools —including both top Kent grammar schools and independent schools —often with scholarships or awards. We work closely with families to help identify the school that best suits each child’s strengths, personality, and future ambitions.
How are children assessed?
Through a mix of everyday feedback, low stakes checks and more formal age-appropriate assessments‑ at key points. We share progress clearly so you can see where your child is thriving and what comes next.
What age do children leave Sevenoaks Prep?
Our school is deliberately structured to offer a full preparatory education through to Year 8. This allows pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally over time, rather than being required to move at a single fixed age. While some families choose to transition to senior school at the end of Year 6, others remain through to Year 8 and leave at 13+. Both routes are well established and supported.
What is covered in the curriculum for Years 7&8?
Years 7 & 8 offer a broad, specialist taught curriculum designed to challenge and nurture pupils while preparing them for 13+ assessments and, where appropriate, scholarships. Learning is enriched through workshops, trips and fieldwork, with small class sizes and setting to adapt teaching to individual needs. Assessment blends coursework, summer examinations and regular progress checks and the curriculum prepares pupils for Common Entrance in core subjects.
How do you cater for children of different abilities in class?
Our adaptive learning approach ensures every child is challenged at the right level, with teaching that flexes to their individual strengths, needs and pace. Through responsive strategies—such as scaffolded tasks, personalised targets, subject specialist support and varied pathways for extension—teachers can stretch each pupil to achieve their personal best while nurturing confidence and independence. This approach, rooted in knowing every child well and supported by a rich, ambitious curriculum, enables pupils not only to make strong progress but also to develop a genuine love of learning that prepares them for the next stage of their journey.
What is learning like in the Early Years (age 2–5)?
Hands on! Early Years is rich in play, language and exploration. We build strong routines and early literacy and numeracy, wrapped in a warm, predictable day that young children love. Outdoor learning is a big part of the week.
Is Sevenoaks Prep a hothouse?
We aim high and we teach wide. Pupils do brilliantly in 11+ and 13+ assessments and scholarships, but we don’t chase results at the expense of childhood. Lessons are lively and purposeful, with stretch and support thoughtfully built in. Curiosity, good habits and a love of learning are the goal—exams are simply one milestone along the way.
What are class sizes and teaching approach like?
Our class sizes are intentionally small enough to ensure personalised teaching and strong relationships, yet large enough to create a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere where pupils learn from one another through discussion, teamwork and shared ideas.
We have an excellent adult to child ratio which ensures a high level of individual attention, helping children grow in confidence and reach their potential. Staff place significant emphasis on pastoral care, creating a warm, supportive environment where each child feels valued.
We provide a broad and academically ambitious curriculum designed to prepare pupils for successful transition to senior schools that best match their strengths, interests, and learning styles. Teaching places strong emphasis on English, mathematics, and science, alongside specialist teaching across the wider curriculum, and encourages independent thinking, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.
How do you support pupils with SEND?
We support pupils with a range of learning needs through early identification, targeted in-class support, and collaboration between teachers, specialists, and families. Support is delivered within the mainstream classroom wherever appropriate, with the aim of helping pupils thrive academically and socially.
