At Highgate we like to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in our pupils from an early age. Whether that means exploring the magic of nature through our Forest School, making new friends through co-curricular clubs or discovering the joy of reading, there are lots of exciting opportunities for children to learn about the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment.
Learning about the importance of friendship, how to care for one another and be kind, but also respect that we are all different, is an important part of learning through play. In the Pre Prep we encourage our pupils to take part in exciting sports like swimming and scooting, and to learn new hobbies such as gardening and yoga to help build on their happiness and confidence and shape their understanding of the world.
In Pre Prep, the pupils can experience the fun and excitement of performance through our drama, dance and music lessons. We put on an annual Christmas show for all parents to enjoy, and our pupils love getting into costume for their roles and learn lines and songs! Our littlest children are able to enjoy learning instruments and performing either solo or in ensembles, building confidence, creativity and teamwork skills as they go!
Exploring the science behind flowers growing in the sun, or choosing delicious new foods from our lunch menu or learning about the many different countries in our world are all ways in which we teach our pupils how to understand, in a relatable and compelling way, the rich tapestry of topics available to learn at school.
Highgate Pre-Prep School has 180 pupils aged 4-7, from Reception to Year 2.
If you’re interested in applying to our Pre-Prep for your child’s entry in September 2025 or later, please click the button below to leave your details 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.
—Pre-Prep parent
‘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
I value that following children’s curiosity and enthusiasm along creative paths, is encouraged in all teaching at Highgate. Teaching Music and Forest School at the Pre-prep allows me and the children to explore our learning daily
Forest School and Music Pre Prep Teacher
Mrs Duggin
I believe that children deserve the best start in life given the challenges they face such as physical inactivity, lack of outdoor play opportunities, language acquisition and barriers to good mental health. Helping them develop skills to excel beyond the Sports field is profoundly rewarding
Head of Pre Prep SpEx
Mr Watts
Working at Highgate Pre-Prep, I feel lucky that I wake up every morning knowing that I will take the children on a fun packed day of exploration in their learning and leave at the end of the feeling like I’ve made a real difference
Pre Prep Teacher
Mrs Joyce
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 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). 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 after school for 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.
