A small yet mighty start in Reception
If you are thinking about Reception places for September 2027, then join one of our discovery mornings. The next one is on Tuesday 24th November 8.30am – 11.30am and includes an introduction to the Reception classroom, festive crafts and festive forest school.
Joining Reception in September 2027, your child will begin their journey in our Farmhouse – a magical, self-contained space devoted to childhood, described by Muddy Stilettos as a “truly delightful farmyard of sympathetically-converted buildings.” Set within our 240-acre campus in the heart of the Sussex countryside, it offers the best of both worlds: a nurturing space for our youngest learners with all the opportunities of being part of Ardingly College.
What makes Reception at Ardingly Prep so special is our highly individualised approach. With small class sizes and exceptional teacher-to-pupil ratios, every child is known, heard and valued. We take time to understand how each child learns best, ensuring teaching that supports and stretches, building confidence, self-knowledge and resilience from day one. Learning is brought to life through our concept curriculum and our Discovering My World programme, living our values of being Adventurous, Generous and Ingenious. From Reception, children enjoy specialist teaching in Art, Music, Sport, Dance, Swimming, French, weekly Forest School as well outdoor adventure in our own grounds, and access to outstanding College facilities – from pools and pitches to our art studios and music school.
As an all-through school to 18, almost every child transitions seamlessly to our Senior School, meaning there is no pressure of the 11+ and no need to ‘teach to the test’ – just a broad, enriching and forward-thinking education. Recognised by The Week as the Most Innovative Prep School in the UK, with flexible wraparound care from 7.15am to 6.30pm and strong pastoral care at the heart of everything we do, Ardingly Prep is the perfect foundation where small discoveries today build character for tomorrow.
