News from Head of Prep

As a school, the Summer break is a chance to plan and prepare for the academic year ahead. A chance to reflect and think strategically. To choose areas of focus and work collaboratively to build on success whether that be academic, pastoral or in sport. The corridors and classrooms are industrious spaces, filled with ideas, laughter and a sense of purpose.

But...we are all very aware that it is not the school that we love. Because our school is so much more than our facilities, than the walls of our buildings and our expansive outdoor space. Our girls are the beating heart of our school.

Our girls are exceptional. They are brave, ambitious, creative, kind, curious, unique individuals who, together, bring sparkle to our school. So, it has been simply joyous to welcome our girls back through the gates of the school this week.

For our youngest, those taking their first steps into education, it is a leap of faith for their parents and a monumental milestone in their daughter's lives. For others, moving up into new year groups, embracing new routines and expectations, it is exciting.

First day nerves have been in evidence for every member of our community - staff, pupils and parents. But the brevity of these nerves has been notable. By 9 o'clock on day one, I witnessed happy, settled, cared for pupils across the school. I witnessed relationships being built, routines being shared and trialled, smiles and laughter, but also a remarkable sense of pride - knowing that the first challenge of the year had been embraced...and overcome.

My hope for this year is to provide an academically ambitious and varied curriculum for our girls, with a breadth of opportunity to enrich their school days. To raise the ceiling without lowering the destination. We will be working to support the girls to develop deeper thinking, to find alternative ways to do things and to provide stretch and challenge for all. Whilst continuing to ensure our girls are well prepared for their future beyond EHS Prep School, to become independent thinkers who are curious learners and brave enough to take risks and step outside their comfort zone.

Our sport continues to go from strength to strength and Mrs Sawyers our Head of Prep PE has a wonderful programme of sports opportunities planned for our girls, both within the curriculum and as part of our co-curricular provision. I am incredibly proud of our Swimming provision and am delighted to share that we have been awarded Gold in the National President’s Award for Primary Swimming Competency. This award is recognised by ESSA (English Schools Swimming Association) and is for our outstanding commitment to swimming, our swimming provision from Nursery to Year Six throughout the year and the high level of achievement of our Year Six swimmers. I am so thrilled that the work my incredible staff do has been recognised nationally.

It is such an honour and a privilege to lead EHS Prep School and the expectations I shared with the girls this week are, I hope, ones that we can all benefit from.

Be Kind - Help others and include everyone

Be Respectful - Use good manners and value others

Be Brave - Try new things and learn from mistakes

Work Hard - Always try your best

Be Honest - Tell the truth and take responsibility

Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead.

Mrs N Hobson

Head of Preparatory School