We live in a co-ed world. The opportunity for boys and girls to grow and learn together, especially during the early stages of their education, is one not to be missed. While, statistically, some single-sex senior schools may out-perform co-ed schools, we believe that at this stage in a child’s education their social interaction and development is every bit as important as the development of their academic potential. Your children will also benefit from the much broader range of activities provided in the co-ed prep school environment.
Age three is too early to choose a senior school for your child as their academic, sporting, musical or artistic potential has not yet become fully apparent. A prep school which feeds into a variety of senior schools allows you to make the most appropriate choice closer in time. There are huge benefits for children moving schools at 13, in our experience it is too long to be at the same school from 3 – 18. They do not have the opportunity to make new friends and experience a wider range of cultures and ethos. Another huge benefit of a prep school is the opportunity the children have to reach the top of the school and take on essential leadership responsibilities such as becoming a prefect or even head boy/girl.
Smaller class sizes enable much more individual attention and monitoring of progress in all areas of the children's development.
At Westbrook Hay we offer specialist teaching from Year 5 onwards, fantastic facilities including a sports hall, swimming pool, science lab, DT work shop, Performing Arts Centre and excellent provision for those that need support. Westbrook Hay is an inspirational educational environment which relies less on Key Stage testing, meaning a broad curriculum can be maintained; thus a better all round education for children. At Westbrook Hay sport is offered four times a week as opposed to limited sessions within the State system. There is an exceptional learning environment within a safe and secure 26 acres of beautiful grounds.
Invest now and you will have far more options when your children are 11 or 13, more likely to pass 11+, gain entry into selective state school and even gain scholarships to public school.
We prepare not only for future academic progress, choice of GCSE and A Level, but more importantly, preparation for and enrichment of whole life experiences. This broad and varied curriculum building children's confidence for when they move to senior school.
Our teachers will have detailed discussions with you reviewing the best options and most suitable schools for your child. The children predominately go on to local independent schools with an excellent academic record - Berkhamsted, Royal Masonic, St Albans, Abbot's Hill, Merchant Taylors and Haberdashers' Aske's, Pipers Corner and St Margaret's Bushey.
Some children go on to boarding schools such as Downe House, Bedford, Rugby, Harrow, Oundle, Queen Margaret's, Haileybury, Aldenham and Millfield.
Some children go on to the selective state sector, taking the 11+.
There is academic preparation for entrance exams and scholarships, plus interview technique developed through sessions set up at school.
Our child protection policy can be downloaded here.