Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129.jpg" alt="Pupils at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey." class="wp-image-53341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-129-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Glenesk Nursery and Pre-prep is an independent school for boys and girls aged 2 to 7. It&#8217;s in the pretty village of East Horsley between Guildford and Leatherhead.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a small school with just over 140 pupils and this, combined with the village location and a super active parents&#8217; association, creates a strong sense of family and community. Entry is non-selective, yet academically the school punches well above its weight. </p>



<p>Most pupils live with within 10 miles of the school, an area that takes in Dorking, Cobham, Guildford, Leatherhead, and the villages in between.</p>



<p>The school prides itself on its unique ability to focus on learning that is geared directly at the early years. Lessons are tailored to suit children specifically aged two to seven years. It&#8217;s a happy, nurturing school with a love of outdoor learning. There are chickens, fish and guinea pigs, and regular visits to the local woods. While academics are important the school is also hot on teaching values  such as manners, respect and compassion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370.jpg" alt="Children swimming at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey/" class="wp-image-53346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/Glenesk-April24_HR-370-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For a school of this size, there&#8217;s an impressive array of facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, an indoor sports hall which doubles as the lunch hall, a music room, a well-resourced design technology studio, a library and a dedicated after-school club room.</p>



<p>Big news for 2024 is the opening in April of a brand new nursery building for the two-year-olds. Adjacent to the main school, it has the look of a summer house and includes a separate nursery playground. It&#8217;s been designed to create a quieter and gentle space for the school&#8217;s youngest pupils.</p>



<p>At Glenesk, there&#8217;s a strong focus on outdoor learning, and as such the playground is pretty impressive with a large combine harvester climbing structure at its centre. There&#8217;s also a small astro sports field, raised garden beds, a chicken run aptly named Cluckingham Palace, a guinea pig pen, mud kitchen and a bicycle shed with more than 20 different bicycles for the children to ride. The school was originally two neighbouring houses long since converted into bright and airy classrooms, although a warm and homely vibe still filters through. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316.jpg" alt="Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey/" class="wp-image-53347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24_HR-316-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sport is an important part of the school day at Glenesk and it&#8217;s taught by specialist sports teachers from nursery through to year 2. Children take part in a variety of different sports including athletics, cricket, football, gymnastics, basketball, tennis and touch rugby. There are also specialist teachers for gymnastic and swimming &#8211; all children have swimming lessons from age 3 up.</p>



<p>In year 1 and 2 children take part in competitive sporting fixtures against other local schools. And children also have the opportunity to take part in a range of extra-curricular sports including multisports, judo, football and dance. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts">THE ARTS</h2>



<p>Music and drama are an important part of the curriculum at Glenesk. Children can learn instruments with visiting music teachers including piano, guitar, violin and drums. And each year children take part in drama productions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<p>Children start in the nursery when they turn two and attend anything from two morning sessions a week to five full days. The nursery classrooms have large bifold doors that open out their own playgrounds,  creating a lovely indoor-outdoor flow.</p>



<p>Children move from nursery to rising reception, and the learning at this stage is topic-based but still mostly through play and exploration &#8211; with some teacher-led activities. There are specialist teachers for swimming, gymnastics, ballet, forest school and PE. Music, dance and drama is taught as part of the curriculum and children also do themed sessions such as cooking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228.jpg" alt="Pupils at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey." class="wp-image-53343" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-228-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Children at Glenesk excel academically, which is unsurprising given the small class sizes and individual attention each child receives.&nbsp; </p>



<p>In reception, topic-based learning continues. Every classroom is set up with a creative area, a challenge area and a reading area which is designed to encourage independent learning. The focus is on holistic education &#8211; so while literacy and maths are important, the children&#8217;s personal, social and emotional development is equally as important.</p>



<p>In years 1 and 2, children continue their learning with specialist teaching for swimming, French, DT, music, dance and drama. The DT studio (a charming cabin in the school grounds) is well-equipped with age-appropriate equipment. From year 1 pupils have one lesson each week working on projects that link in with their topic-based learning. When I visited a fabulous selection of wooden fire engines were on display &#8211; which tied in neatly with the &#8216;Great Fire of London&#8217; topic.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s a lot of emphasis on helping families and children find their next schools &#8211; and the school has an excellent reputation for preparing children for entry to some of the best selective schools in Surrey and beyond.</p>



<p>When they leave Glenesk, many move on to scholarship places at Surrey prep schools. In 2023, children went on to RGS Prep Guildford, Tormead, St Catherine&#8217;s, Parkside, Moon Hall, Aldro, Longacre, Royal Kent CofE School, Hoe Bridge and Downsend. In other years, Feltonfleet and Ripley Court are also common destinations. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1.jpg" alt="Pupils at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey." class="wp-image-53344" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-275-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Excellent. One of Glenesk’s calling cards is its nurturing and inclusive environment, and as a small school, it’s big on kindness and empathy. </p>



<p>The size of the school means that every child is well-known by staff, and usually families too. Communication with parents is fundamental. An online journal, shared with families, is used to record each child&#8217;s daily progress and achievements. A formal pastoral tracking system is also in place.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s excellent learning support, both individually and within the classroom. A specialist SEN coordinator works closely with class teachers and the senior leadership team to make sure students get the support they need.</p>



<p>Pupil voice is also important and the school council has two representatives from each class from reception to year 2. Every half term the council changes so the positions can be shared among pupils.</p>



<p>In year 2, children are given leadership roles such as house captains, librarians, music monitors, and lunch helpers which helps to grow their confidence, independence and sense of responsibility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="653" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley.jpg" alt="Sarah Bradley, Head teacher at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey.
" class="wp-image-24720" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley-150x98.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley-300x196.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley-768x502.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk_Sarah-Bradley-720x470.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sarah Bradley has been at Glenesk since September 2016, coming from Downsend Pre-Prep in Epsom. Before Downsend, she spent four years as head of Pre-Prep at Belmont School near Dorking and six years at Pennthorpe School, near Horsham.</p>



<p>Her expertise is clearly in early learning and she&#8217;s a natural. She ran her own holiday adventure company for 20 years as well. </p>



<p>Glenesk seems to seep out of her pores and she fizzes with pride as she shows me around. She&#8217;s warm and friendly and clearly well-liked by both staff and pupils &#8211; many of whom greet her with a hug (the pupils, that is!) Her office is perfectly positioned in the centre of the school, with a door that opens to the playground. And her open door policy means she very accessible to pupils and their parents. She runs the Early Birds club because, as she says, &#8216;it means I can play too&#8217;. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>Mrs Bradley is hot on nutrition for children, and as such there&#8217;s a low- or no-sugar school lunch menu. This means the chocolate brownies are sweetened with pumpkin instead of sugar. I doubt the children even realise!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132.jpg" alt="Pupils at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey." class="wp-image-53342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-132-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>An Early Birds club operates from 7.45am and there&#8217;s a Stay and Play club after school which runs until 6pm and includes supper. Children also participate in a wide range of extra curricular clubs including judo, sewing, ballet, drama and dance. There&#8217;s also year-round holiday club provision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspection">INSPECTION</h2>



<p>The most recent  SIS Inspection was in March 2017, where all areas were judged to be outstanding. Read the report <a href="https://www.gleneskschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2018/11/Glenesk-School-final-SIS-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Mobile phones are not permitted at school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>There are currently no school bus routes &#8211; children are dropped off and collected by parents or carers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Nursery and rising reception fees are from £1,071 a term for one full day up to £4,938 for five full days. Reception is £4,856 and years 1 and 2 is £4,856 a term. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310.jpg" alt="Pupils at Glenesk School in West Horsley, Surrey." class="wp-image-53345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Glenesk-April24-310-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Parents love the nurturing and stimulating environment at Glenesk and the individual attention each child receives to achieve the great academic results</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Families who want to start their children&#8217;s educational journey in a small and nurturing environment. There&#8217;s a strong focus on outdoor learning, so outdoor and adventurous types will fit in well. Parents looking for excellent wrap-around care and holiday care will also be happy with the offering</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If you&#8217;re looking for an all-through school, Glenesk isn&#8217;t for you.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Don&#8217;t take our word for it, visit yourself! </p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.gleneskschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glenesk Pre-prep and Nursery School</a>, Ockham Road North, East Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6NS. Tel: <a href="tel:01483 282329">01483 282329</a></em></strong>.</p>


Glenesk Pre-prep and Nursery School, East Horsley

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