Highgate Pre-Prep School has 180 pupils aged 4 to 7, from Reception to Year 2.
My favourite lessons at school are Monster Phonics because I like the Silent Ghost who teaches me words.In Assembly they are teaching us about good manners and I’m also enjoying learning how to swim because it’s fun using the floaties. I go to tennis after school club with some of my classmates and I like hitting the ball to the coach. Outside of school I do gymnastics and can cartwheel on one hand, and I like playing games with my Mummy and Daddy.
—Salma, Pre-Prep pupil
If you’re interested in your child joining our Pre-Prep in September 2026 or beyond, please register your details below so we can:
At Highgate, we constantly think of creative ways to make our whole learning experience inspiring. If we develop this pattern early on, we ignite a spark for the love of learning which can be taken through life.
Sally Hancock, Principal
Highgate Pre-Prep is for pupils aged 4-7 years. In September 2023, we became a three-form entry school with Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes, with a total intake of 180 pupils.
Our Pre-Prep is based on Bishopswood Road in Highgate, in a light, airy and colourful building. The school building has undergone improvements to support the transition to a three-form entry. A two-storey extension provides three new classrooms (pictured) and a library with terrace. Our pupils have their own dining hall, a covered play space, and secure viewing area to observe the green planted roof.
Our pupils are closely supervised at all times and a positive, inclusive and mutually supportive atmosphere is promoted across the school.
‘My son reports back excitedly each day on what he has learnt. He is also throwing himself into activities such as music, drama, and PE – all of which are taught with enthusiasm and a great sense of fun.’
—Pre-Prep parent
I feel proud to work in a school where children are able to explore their learning in a way that harnesses their curiosity and creativity in a purposeful way, underpinned by rigour so that they can excel.
Deputy Principal
Mrs Poll
It’s a daily adventure and privilege working with enthusiastic, enquiring children in such an inspiring environment.
Teaching Assistant
Mr Bradshaw
It’s such a privilege to be part of a dynamic, enthusiastic and supportive team. The high standards and enrichment opportunities enable the children to be confident, motivated and enthusiastic learners.
Deputy Principal (Pastoral)
Mrs Lock
I love the project-based approach to learning in the Pre-Prep and I’m keen to see how SpEx can support this and develop its curriculum offer. Teaching a variety of ages and topics means that no day is ever the same.
Head of Pre-Prep SpEx
Miss Brown
Teaching and observing the children in the early stages of their learning journey is truly magical. Every day is filled with awe and wonder!
Head of Reception
Mrs Hood
Our day begins with registration for our pupils in their classroom, with their class teacher and classmates. We have three assemblies each week, although Reception only attends our Friday assembly as this is our ‘Proud’ assembly, when one child from each class shares an achievement they are proud of.
Although the exact lessons vary by class and age group, the mornings generally involve teachers working with groups of children on literacy and mathematics. When not working with the teacher or assistant on guided activities, children are able to independently explore a range of resources and activities within the classroom, for example making use of the construction, creative, role-play, writing or enquiry areas. Pupils have a weekly library slot, where they are able to explore the books before selecting one to take home for a week.
Our morning break gives pupils a chance to interact and enjoy free play in our Pre-Prep outside area.
Pupils have lunch in our nearby Dining Hall, which serves a delicious and healthy selection of food for pupils to try out. There is 30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for playtime, which may include pupils taking part in co-curricular activities, such as Chess or Gardening Club.
Again, exact lessons vary by class and age group, but afternoons generally revolve around project work, which is supported by relevant trips (we aim to take at least one trip per term). During the afternoon, children also have opportunities to continue exploring independent activities within the classroom when not working with an adult.
Children have twice weekly sport lessons (plus swimming once a week from Year 1 onwards) and weekly lessons in drama and music. These lessons are taught by specialist teachers. Every other half term, children have Forest School once a week making use of a dedicated outdoor space within the school grounds.
Home time, although some pupils stay for after school clubs.
We are delighted to offer extended out of hours care for our pupils.
We run an inhouse morning club for working parents from 7.45am, with a daily charge of £5. Parents need to book this a term in advance (no food is provided).
After school care is provided via a third party agency, Junior Adventures Group. Snacks and drinks are provided and children can enjoy quiet time or outdoor fun as they wind down from their school day. There’s an additional charge for these extra hours, all information is available via the link below.
