Moving On

Schools which finish at the end of Year 2 (age 7) are increasingly rare nowadays, whether independent pre-prep schools or state infant schools. We liken pre-preps to unicorns – highly desirable but difficult to find.

Parents looking at St Christopher’s are, therefore, often unfamiliar with the benefits of a pre-prep. They tend to weigh up the appeal of a school solely focused on the developmental needs of younger children with the certainty of schooling in one place until age 11. If you are anything like them, you will be hugely attracted by the magical environment and strong start to your child’s educational adventure we offer, but unsure about a move at age 7.

Whilst there are many reasons to choose us, we think much comes down to the experience of being the oldest in the school in Year 2. In a pre-prep school, leadership opportunities come early. Your child will:

• Step confidently into responsibilities not usually available until Year 6. Every child in Year 2 has a leadership role whether Head Boy or Girl, House, Sports, Music or Arts Captains or Prefects who reward acts of kindness with stickers.
• Experience the growth in pride, independence, and self-belief that comes from inspiring younger children as role models.
• Benefit from our Future Leaders Programme designed to build problem solving, collaboration, teamwork, debate and public speaking skills.
• Enjoy the adventure of a one night ‘sleepover’ at a nearby residential field centre, invariably the highlight of the year.

Your child will be exceptionally well prepared – emotionally, socially and academically – for the move to Year 3. The experiences in Year 2, and leading up to it, are designed for that express purpose.