Prep School (age 7+)

Expanding horizons

Whether your child is moving up from Stewart House or is new to Felsted, this will be an exciting time of expanding horizons. We will encourage your child to discover and explore all the inspiring options from the security of a designated teaching and play area. Your child will be based in a form, with a form teacher who will know him or her very well. Specialist staff and subject specific classrooms are introduced over time.

An enriched curriculum

Lessons are personalised, as are timetables, to ensure that the right levels of stretch and support are in place. We help the children to find out about themselves too. In working out how they learn best and in rising to the challenge of trying new activities, they start to gain in confidence and courage.

That’s why we offer an enriched curriculum in Ffrome Court; why every child learns a stringed instrument in Year 3 and takes the English speaking Board Examination in Year 4. It’s why your child will have the opportunity to represent the school at sport for the first time, take part in drama productions or concerts and start lessons in Art, Design Technology and ICT.

How do we fit all this in?

In Year 3 your child will have an extended day on Tuesdays, with Thursdays added in Year 4. Your child can bake, cycle or paint for example, in one of our numerous co-curricular activities available until 5.45pm each day. Whether your child chooses just a few options or stays every day to take part with friends, they will be building useful life skills and platforms for future hobbies or careers.

Another vital life skill comes from belonging. There is nothing better for developing self worth and a desire to do your best than contributing to a community where you are respected and valued. By the time your child moves up to Cloisters, they will be developing into a caring, co-operative and hardworking member of the Felsted community.

Challenge and stimulation

The next stage of Felsted's educational journey in Cloisters bears many of the hallmarks of classic adventure stories: your child will be challenged, stimulated and experience more significant leadership roles. Character and independence will be developed and valuable life lessons learned. Unlike some adventure stories though, there is a safety net. Your child’s wellbeing matters greatly, which is why dedicated form tutors will get to know your child exceptionally well. In Cloisters, adventure and achievement go hand in hand with nurture and support.

Personalised Learning

Academically, your child’s lessons will all be with subject specialists now, enabling a greater depth of study. Personalised timetables and the broad curriculum continue with all pupils representing the school in sport in some way. A wider range of trips is included to stimulate learning and help your child become more spiritually, culturally and morally aware.

The school day is extended to 5.45pm, except for Wednesdays (3.45pm), to allow your child to take advantage of the ever-growing range of activities. Supervised homework is built into the day so time at home is family time. If your child has more energy and interests than the week can accommodate, why not let them try our optional extra curricular programme on Saturday mornings.

A Taste of Boarding

It is at this stage that children are often keen to gain a taste of boarding. Indeed, many parents find that boarding can help with the demands of modern family life too. Whether your child boards for a couple of nights a week, or more, he or she will be welcomed by warm house staff who are exceptionally generous with their time and TLC.