Obviously, choosing your child’s first school is a big decision, and a very personal one, but we believe the following are key reasons why Ardingly Prep School is so special.
“The passion for educating children at this rural prep in West Sussex is inspirational. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful environment, the happy pupils all add up to a school it’s hard not to fall in love with.”
Every Child Treated as an Individual
Firstly, we really get to know and value every individual child in our school. With small classes and teaching groups – plus high staff-to-pupil ratios – we can take a bespoke approach, ensuring that every pupil is fully stretched and supported to achieve their own full potential, both academically, as well as personally and socially. No one can get overlooked at Ardingly Prep and our pastoral care is second to none; if anyone is struggling they will be noticed and quickly supported.
A Fantastic Co-Curricular Offer & Facilities
The co-curricular offer at Ardingly Prep is also very attractive, with our Prep pupils having access to all the outstanding onsite College facilities for Music, Drama, Dance and Sport, as well as specialist teaching in these subjects from a young age. Our Prep children benefit from having a huge breadth of opportunities to try new things; to discover and nurture their talents. Together with the wrap-around care options from 7.30am until 6pm, this co-curricular offer means busy working parents don’t have to spend their afternoons and evenings ferrying children around different after-school clubs and activities. Instead, Ardingly Prep offers a ‘one stop shop’ for a broad and enriching education, so that every child can find their passion, both inside and outside the classroom.
The Benefits of a “Through School"
As an integral part of Ardingly College, almost every pupil in the Prep school makes a smooth transition to our Senior School. This gives our families peace of mind and allows our pupils to avoid the stress of the 11+ process. Crucially, it also enables us to offer a broad, enriching and engaging curriculum throughout our Prep School, without the constraints of having to ‘teach to the test’ in Years 5 and 6. Instead, we can focus on ensuring that the Prep pupils receive the best possible education and preparation to thrive academically in their Senior School years.
Extensive Wrap Around Care and Holiday Provision
At Ardingly Prep, we cater to the needs of busy working parents (many of whom commute to London), whether you require daily or just occasional wrap around care. Children can join breakfast club from 7.30am and stay until 6pm, having had a hot supper and enjoyed a wide choice of after school clubs. Our Nursery is open 50 weeks per year and, for children in the Prep School from aged 5 and above, our holiday club provision is run onsite at Ardingly by our partners at CSS Activities.
