School Life
Education here is for life, not just the classroom. Our children leave us confident and well-mannered, with essential life skills such as the ability to interact with people and work as part of a team. These attributes are often noted by the head teachers of our destination schools.
Our small class sizes and family atmosphere enables us to build warm relationships with the children and their parents.
Co-education and the continuity of education, from Nursery to Year 8, means family members can stay together, with girls and boys learning from each others’ strengths. Our international families enrich life at The Prep.
Our location, in 25 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of Knole Park, is very important to us as it provides a useful and natural extension to our teaching facilities. Our environment also provides a vast playground and on-site forest school where children are trusted and encouraged to play.
We have been fortunate to attract and retain an outstanding team of experienced, qualified teachers and support staff, committed to listening to you and your child and making your family’s time with us as rewarding and fulfilling as possible.
What type of school is The Prep
Founded in 1918, we are the oldest co-educational school in Sevenoaks and known for our warm, character focused ethos and strong academic preparation. We offer the perfect balance of convenience and space—easily accessible on the edge of Sevenoaks yet set within 25 acres of beautiful grounds bordering Knole Park for our pupils to explore and enjoy. Parents choose us for our welcoming community, exceptional pastoral care, strong academic outcomes and our “Way of Life” ethos that nurtures kindness, confidence and curiosity.
What is the breakdown of girls and boys?
We are fully co-educational from Nursery through to Year 8 providing a learning environment that equips pupils with skills to succeed in diverse, collaborative work environments. There is a balanced split between girls and boys with the exact ratio varying by year group.
What opportunities are there for pupils to participate in music, drama and arts?
All children receive at least one timetabled music lesson per week lasting an hour. From choirs and the iconic ‘Pop Idol’ to ensembles and individual music lessons there are plenty of chances to participate. Drama productions occur across the school that build confidence and a love of performing. And pupils enjoy their art lessons in our beautiful, light purpose-built art studio.
What sport do pupils play?
Pupils have scheduled physical activities at least three days out of five during the week. Our main sports are rugby, hockey, football, netball, athletics, cricket and tennis. Every child represents the school in regular fixtures with local schools and all pupils have the chance to try their hand at a number of other sports through after school clubs which include golf, judo, rowing and gymnastics.
Are there extra curricular activities or clubs?
We provide a rich and varied co-curricular programme with over 40 clubs that pupils can take part in. From coding, chess, orchestra, debating, LAMDA, cookery, gardening, sports squads there is something for everyone…the list changes termly so children can keep discovering new passions.
What does The Way of Life look like in every day school life?
It is visible in the small, daily things: holding the door, cheering on a classmate, saying “well played” after a match. We talk about kindness, responsibility and empathy—and we practise them in classrooms, on the pitch and on stage. As children move through the School, they naturally take on leadership and service opportunities.
My child has food allergies. Can these be accommodated?
Our catering team can and do cater for a very wide range of dietary requirements and food allergies. The Catering Manager is happy to discuss the dietary needs of your child and arrange for suitable food to be provided.
What makes Sevenoaks Prep different
Sevenoaks Prep is a co‑educational day school for children aged 2–13, set in 25 acres of land on the edge of Sevenoaks, where kindness and character sit alongside excellent academic preparation and results. Our “Way of Life” ethos encourages pupils to be responsible, empathetic and grounded. Families tell us the first thing they notice is the ‘welcome’—children are known, noticed and encouraged in a way that feels both ambitious and genuinely caring.
What makes Sevenoaks Prep special?
Sevenoaks Prep offers a nurturing, broad and balanced education where children flourish academically, socially and personally. The school prioritises happiness, confidence and a strong sense of community, underpinned by a ‘Way of Life’ ethos that encourages children to be responsible, kind and empathetic. Families consistently note their warmth, genuine inclusivity and the way every child is known and encouraged with children achieving excellent 11+ and 13+ results.
Will my child be happy here?
That is our starting point. Children learn best when they feel secure, included and valued. From buddies for new joiners to gentle settling routines in Pre-Prep, we focus on belonging. Teachers build strong relationships so pupils feel confident to try, fail, try again—and celebrate their progress and successes.
What is the pastoral care like?
Pastoral care has always been at the heart of school life. Every child is known and supported by all staff, with strong relationships, small class sizes and a warm, caring atmosphere that helps pupils feel confident and happy. Our dedicated wellbeing and pastoral teams offer additional support through wellbeing check ins, trained staff, therapeutic programmes and a nurturing environment where children can always talk to a trusted adult. Together, these teams help promote resilience, positive mental health and a culture where wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility.
How do you communicate with parents?
Openly and often. You will receive regular updates, reports, parents’ evenings, informal check-ins, and lots of opportunities to attend plays, sports matches and concerts. We see education as a partnership and we value your insight.
Do you offer wraparound care?
Yes. We know family life is busy, so we offer before and after‑school care, holiday clubs and a wide choice of clubs to extend the day when needed. We aim to provide 365 day care to help provide flexibility and support for busy families and working parents.
Is the school inclusive and diverse?
We welcome families from many backgrounds and cultures and celebrate what each child brings. Respect and empathy are non negotiables here; they are part of our Way of Life.
How do you use technology?
Thoughtfully. Digital tools support learning—never replace it. We teach children to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively. Years 6–8 follow a Digital Device Programme with school provided laptops, the programme supports independent study, collaboration and creativity, with clear expectations for safe, purposeful use.
We are a mobile free school. If your child needs to bring a phone into school, this is handed in at the school office while they are on the premises. You can find a copy of our mobile phone policy on our policies page.
What support is there for international families or pupils new to the UK education system?
We will help you navigate the process and routines, and—where needed—provide additional English support so children can settle and thrive quickly.
What transport options are available?
We run a daily school minibus service with two routes: a Sevenoaks loop and a loop from Kings Hill via West Malling and Ightham to The Prep. The service is managed by Vectare, a specialist school transport partner and families book online via the app, which includes an interactive journey planner to find the nearest stop and manage bookings.
What kind of community can parents expect?
Friendly, welcoming and grounded. Families often comment on how quickly they feel part of the School community and we value strong, positive relationships between home and school.
