Full of adventure and discovery, our Pre-Prep offers its pupils a wonderful, caring and stimulating school experience. 

Housed in two Victorian Villas, with access to our garden, pupils in Reception, Year 1 and 2 are taught by experienced and highly qualified teachers who go the extra mile to deliver the best possible start to your child’s education. Pupils are based in their own classroom with their teacher and assistant for much of the time, whilst also being taught by specialist teachers for music and sport. 

Children join Reception aged 4, where they are gently introduced to the school routine, whilst following a bespoke curriculum which is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. From the outset, the curriculum is designed to be challenging, stimulating and fun, offering a diverse range of opportunities in Music, Art, Drama and Sport. They enjoy the arts and rehearse for and perform in a Christmas Production. Classes present assemblies and display mornings throughout the year, to which parents are invited. Throughout their time in Pre-Prep, pupils make impressive academic progress enhanced by visits to museums, galleries and places of interest, which enrich the pupils’ learning experience. 

Above all, we want our pupils to enjoy their time at Durston and to develop a profound love of learning. To do this, we aim to mould the education experience around the individual rather than the reverse. 

The school messaging system ensures that there is excellent communication between staff and parents. Formal Parents Evenings are held for discussions about pupil progress, but parents are welcome to meet with their child’s Form Teacher, the Head of Reception or Head of Pre-Prep should the need arise.