Prep (ages 7-11)

Building on the firm foundations of the Pre-Prep department, children moving into Year 3 have developed the skills they need to be pro-active learners, with the confidence to ask for help when they need it, and the desire to take on new challenges. Learning becomes more structured, and pupils steadily build skills and techniques to assist in problem solving. We continue to support and challenge them, encouraging them to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them.

What we provide:

Small class sizes

The high teacher-to-pupil ratio continues to benefit our pupils as they tackle ever-more complex work. It gives our staff more time to really understand the needs of each student and offer the appropriate level of support, encouragement and guidance. This might take the form of extra help in a particular area, or providing extension work and additional stimulation to keep more able students engaged.

Learning skills

By the time they join the Prep department, our boys and girls are already used to working collaboratively and independently, and from Year 3 onwards, we see a steady increase in self-discipline. Our specialist teachers help channel this positivity, and support the children in grasping more complex concepts and strategies, building day by day to a broad and thorough understanding. We continue to encourage our pupils to challenge preconceptions, ask questions, evaluate and debate.

You will be kept informed about your child’s development through regular progress reports and parent evenings.

Broad and relevant curriculum

Being a private school means that Cricklade Manor Prep is not bound by the National Curriculum. It allows us extend learning opportunities in all directions, with a broad and relevant curriculum that children enjoy. The curriculum is built around our Language of Learning, Challenge, Motivate, Prepare. Find out more.

Individualised learning

We believe in the importance of an individual approach to education, and that knowing and understanding your child’s individual strengths and weaknesses is key to helping them reach their potential. This led to the creation and implementation of our Individualised Curriculum programme last September, four half-hour sessions each week for every child. The programme has been hugely successful and has had an impact upon both the academic results across the school and upon the school’s ability to ensure that children have access to their first choice of Senior School.

Sporting excellence

Children at Cricklade Manor Prep benefit from some of the best sports facilities on offer locally including a large multi-functional sports hall, three rugby pitches, four football pitches, two cricket squares, athletics facilities, full sized all-weather astro and an on-site 25m swimming pool.

Our highly qualified sports staff provide a comprehensive programme to develop our young sportsmen and women in a wide range of sports, and there are further opportunities to enjoy sport in after-school clubs. From Year 3 onwards, children play in regular competitive matches.

Cricklade Activity Programme (CAP)

CAP sessions, which take place once a week from Year 3 upwards, provide an opportunity for pupils to try something new and broaden their experience, building confidence and self-belief. Activities include Archery, Fencing, Zumba, Mindfulness, Public Speaking. Conservation, Meditation, Cookery, Sculpture, Yoga, First Aid, and Bikeability training.

Cricklade Manor Award

The Cricklade Manor Award, aimed at pupils in Year 5 and 6, is designed to provide enrichment and challenges beyond the curriculum, transforming the learning experience of pupils and providing life and leadership skills. Find out more about the Cricklade Manor Award

Preparing for the next step

As they move towards the top of the school, many of our oldest boys and girls are working towards grammar and independent senior school entrance exams. We can help families consider all the options, and identify which senior school would best suit their child. We also provide a programme of preparation sessions for all children taking entrance exams, to ensure that they are relaxed and confident when the time comes. The results achieved speak for themselves.

Discover more during a personal tour of the school: