Pre-Prep
Bede's Pre-Prep is a vibrant, nurturing haven for Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils. Guided by core values of Compassion, Curiosity, Courage and Conscientiousness every child embarks on a joyful journey.
We do not wait for opportunities. We create them.
A Rich, Dynamic Curriculum
Learning here is a thrilling adventure! A thematic, enquiry-based curriculum sparks young minds with fascinating "Big Questions" like “How have toys changed?” or “What is a monarch?”.
Lessons are hands-on and personalised, blending core academics with specialist-led sessions in modern foreign languages, dance and sport.
Progress is tracked through gentle formative and summative assessments, with parents kept close through termly reports and twice-yearly consultations.
Great Outdoor Adventures
Nestled between the rolling South Downs and the Sussex coastline, outdoor learning is at the heart of Holywell life:
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Forest School: Led by a Level 3 Forest School Leader, children explore nature fortnightly at the on-site Adventure Garden (complete with a fire circle!) or nearby Friston Forest.
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Beach School: Every other week, pupils take a short ten-minute stroll to Holywell Beach to tie classroom studies in science, geography, and art directly into the natural coastal world.
Exciting Facilities & Activities
Children enjoy access to incredible facilities—including a swimming pool, sports hall, computer suites, dance studio, and an Early Years playground featuring a pirate ship! After-school clubs run daily from 3:50 pm to 4:20 pm at no extra cost, offering fun pursuits like French, STEM, sewing, yoga, and drama.
The School Day & Wrap-Around Care
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Breakfast Club: Doors open at 7:45 am for a delicious hot or continental freshly cooked breakfast.
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The Main Day: Playground gates open at 8:00 am, with registration at 8:25 am. Mid-morning vegetable snacks, afternoon fruit/rice cakes, and a hot, nutritious lunch with a full salad bar keep energy high. The compulsory day ends with pickup at 3:50 pm.
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Late Stay: Families can opt for extended care up to 6:00 pm, complete with a hot supper.
Pastoral Care & Community
At Holywell, happy children are the most successful learners! Led by Head of Pre-Prep, Sue Glen-Roots, a close-knit team supports every child’s wellbeing. With an on-site Health Centre staffed by pediatric first-aid matrons, a School Counsellor, and dedicated Nurture Practitioners, every pupil feels safe, valued, and ready to flourish!
A Day in the Life of a Bede’s Pre-Prep Pupil:
8:10am:
Pupils arrive at Bede’s Pre-Prep and are warmly greeted by a member of our dedicated team. As they head to their form rooms, they begin the day with a Start of Day Activity (SODA), designed to provide a calm, focused start and set a positive tone for the learning ahead. By 8:25am, registration takes place, offering pupils a valuable moment to connect with their tutor and classmates, fostering a strong sense of community.
8:40am:
The day’s first lesson, English, begins. Our dynamic curriculum engages pupils in a range of creative and stimulating activities that enhance literacy skills, helping them grow as confident communicators. By 9:30am, pupils head to the on site swimming pool for a specialist led swimming session, where they build confidence in the water while honing their techniques in a safe, nurturing environment.
10:20am:
Pupils enjoy a well deserved break in our exciting playground, which features the ever popular pirate ship climbing frame. This time for active, outdoor play encourages physical development and teamwork. At 10:40am, they return for maths, where problem solving and discovery take centre stage in lessons designed to make learning engaging and fun. Following that, at 11:30am, pupils dive into Phonics, using the highly effective Monster Phonics scheme to develop essential reading and writing skills.
2:10pm:
The school’s Performing Arts Carousel begins, offering pupils the chance to explore music, singing, and drama under the guidance of specialist teachers. These sessions not only nurture creativity but also boost confidence and self expression. The final lesson of the day, part of our ‘Firm Foundations’ curriculum, starts at 3:00pm. Here, pupils explore intriguing topics like how cities have evolved, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity about the world around them.
3:50pm:
The formal school day ends, but the learning and fun doesn't stop there. Pupils have the option to stay for one of our vibrant after school clubs, ranging from yoga and French to illustration, ensuring there’s something for every interest. For those staying later, a second meal is provided at 4:45pm, offering a chance for relaxed socialising before the day winds down. By 6:00pm, pupils depart, excited to return the next day for another enriching experience at Bede’s Pre-Prep.
