‘Highgate Pre-Prep provides a strong foundation for future learning. Our pupils acquire knowledge and understanding, whilst developing social and personal skills, that will take them beyond Highgate. Our broad and balanced curriculum ensures pupils become competent, confident learners who take pride in their achievements and are ready for the next stage of their educational journey.’
—Mr Gideon Zucker, Highgate Pre-Prep Deputy Principal
‘Highgate’s Forest School lessons take learning beyond the classroom, promote all aspects of development and allow our pupils to be physically active, enjoying the fresh air and experiences that nature provides. We help our pupils form lifelong relationships with the great outdoors and promote a healthy lifestyle.’
—Ms Julie Metcalfe, Highgate Forest School teacher
Highgate Pre-Preparatory School is for pupils aged 3-7. We have over 150 pupils, from Nursery to Reception.
“We absolutely believe that for a child to learn, they have to be happy and secure coming into school. And so for us, our central aim is that each child skips through the door with a smile on their face and feels happy in the Pre-Prep. That comes before anything else.”
Katie Giles, Principal
Highgate Pre-Prep is currently for pupils aged 3 – 7, and we have around 150 pupils within our Nursery and Reception classes, and Years 1 and 2. However, from September 2021, entry to our Pre-Prep will be at 4+ (Reception), rather than 3+ (Nursery).
Our Pre-Prep is based on Bishopswood Road in Highgate, in a light, airy and colourful building. We overlook the open spaces of our sports grounds and have our own playground, which was enlarged in 2016. At that time, four of our classrooms were refurbished and enlarged, creating a separate music room and learning support room. Our School medical centre is next door, with our nurse available for any queries.
Our pupils are closely supervised at all times and a friendly, tolerant and mutually supportive atmosphere is promoted across our Pre-Prep.
—Pre-Prep parent, 2019
‘Highgate Pre-Prep has a real community feel. I enjoy working within such a small, close-knit school and making the most of the School’s fantastic grounds for outdoor learning!’
Highgate Pre-Prep teacher
Miss Coltman
‘I’ve worked at Highgate since 1987! In that time I’ve seen pupils progress through the School, go to university, start careers and have their own families join the School.‘
Highgate Pre-Prep Early Years Practitioner
Mrs Jarocki
‘I work with the Reception year group and I really appreciate the friendly environment across the School. Highgate Pre-Prep really is like being part of a lovely family.’
Highgate Pre-Prep Early Years Practitioner
Miss Demetriou
‘Alongside my work in our Pre-Prep, I volunteer with co-curricular activities and accompany Senior School pupils (many of whom are considering applying to medical schools) on visits to Whittington Hospital.’
Highgate Pre-Prep teaching assistant
Mrs Wells
Our day begins with registration for our pupils in their classroom, with their class teacher and classmates. We have three assemblies each week, although our Reception class only attends our Friday assembly as this includes our celebration of pupil achievements and birthdays.
Although exact lessons vary by class and age group, our mornings are generally taken up with literacy, mathematics and related academic work. Pupils have a weekly library slot, visiting our Pre-Prep library, and a weekly computing lesson using our computing suite of 20 computers.
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 hot and cold food. We have 30 minutes for lunch and then 30 minutes for playtime, which may include taking part in any clubs, such as Pupil Council, Football Club, Chess Club, Scooting Club, Running Club or Gardening Club.
Again, exact lessons vary by class and age group but our afternoons generally revolve around project work, which is supported by relevant trips (we aim to take at least one trip per term). Other afternoon activities include sport (twice a week, plus swimming once a week from Year 1 onwards) and weekly lessons in drama and in music. All activities are taught by specialist teachers. Years 1 and 2 have Forest School once a week, using a dedicated outdoor space in our School grounds.
Home time, although some pupils stay after school for clubs on Thursday.
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