Forms
The Preparatory Department is three form entry throughout. Years 1, 2 and 3 are primarily taught by their form teacher with specialist teaching in French, music and physical education. More specialist teaching is gradually introduced as pupils move from Year 4 through to Year 6. An accelerated maths set is introduced in Year 4 with other pupils being taught in parallel sets.

Houses
There are four Houses in the Preparatory Department: Curie, Frank, Johnson and Nightingale, all named, as might be expected, after famous women! There are general knowledge, swimming and sporting inter-house competitions. Pupils may gain house points for their academic work, good manners and helpfulness and an Inter-House cup is awarded annually. Year 6 House Captains are voted for by their houses and lead House assemblies termly.

The School Day
Girls are supervised in the playground (or in school if wet) from 8.15 a.m. Registration is at 8.45 a.m. School ends at 3.15 p.m. (Years 1 and 2), 3.30 p.m. (Years 3 to 6). Years 1 and 2 pupils are collected from their form rooms, Years 3 to 6 from the school hall. Staff ensure pupils are released only to a known adult.

Before School Care
There is provision for pupils to be cared for from 8am until the start of morning school. The girls enjoy structured activities and are then escorted to their respective classrooms.

After School Care
After school care is available from 3.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day. Children are given an appropriate light snack, enjoy some outside play and organised indoor activities. Homework can be completed during after school care.
Pupils may register for regular or occasional attendance in after school care. There is also a facility for emergency attendance.