Pre-Prep and Prep
West House is a thriving Pre-Prep and Prep School that spans the ages 4 to 11 years. Our academic 11 Plus results are outstanding, but this is only a small part of our story. We place a strong focus on community, and encourage the boys to find their own place within that community, so that they leave us with not only a strong sense of their individuality but an awareness of how they can personally contribute to the wider world.
Our Prep School boasts outstanding facilities both inside and outside the classroom, including purpose-built specialist teaching rooms, a sports hall, all-weather sports pitches, a nature centre and acres of wonderful grounds in which to play and explore.
As our pupils grow in maturity, they have increased freedom and greater responsibility for personal achievement. Specialist teachers oversee a full and challenging programme of study, far exceeding the demands of the National Curriculum. Boys can also extend their learning, sharpen their knowledge and practise their skills in a wonderful atmosphere of support and encouragement.
Classes are small with a low pupil to teacher ratio, so that we can give the children as much individual attention as possible. Each class has a Form Tutor who is responsible for the welfare and academic progress of all the children in their care. Children in Years 3 to 6 are set for English and Maths. From Year 3 upwards, subjects are increasingly taught by specialist teachers, with most subjects being in specialist classrooms.
The school day for Prep begins at 8.30am, followed by morning assembly. Lessons begin at 8.50am until 12.40pm, with a break at 10.50am. The afternoon session begins again at 1.50pm and lessons continue until 4.00pm, when there is a short 20-minute break. The School day ends at varying times, according to the age of your child and the day of the week. The keyword is flexibility, and children may go home at various times between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. Children in Years 3 to 6 also have the option of staying at school to do their prep between 5.00 and 6.00pm.
