WHAT? WHERE?

Staines Prep School is a non-selective prep school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11. It takes an individualised approach to learning that puts wellbeing at the centre of school life, combining it with a challenging curriculum. There’s a strong learning support process in place which benefits children with additional learning needs and those who will gain from extra challenges.

The school was established in 1935 by a young couple who were passionate about offering quality education to local children but also making it accessible. And those values are still strongly evident today with fees kept comparatively low.

There are about 300 pupils in total with an even mix of boys to girls. Most year groups are three-form entry and children tend to live within five miles of the school. They typically come from areas in and around Staines, Chertsey, Ashford, Egham, Slough, Windsor and Twickenham.

The school is known locally for the vibrant sunflower-yellow blazers worn by the children. It’s also known for the warm approach, the strong family vibe, and its academic success. Almost all pupils go on to selective senior schools including grammar schools.

FACILITIES

Given the compact site, Staines Prep School has been creative and clever with the use of its space. The original school buildings – two Victorian houses – still exist with clever additions throughout the school’s history. These include a large school sports hall, Forest School, outdoor learning centre, an all-weather sports court and grassed sports pitches. There’s also a science lab, music room, IT suite and an art room. The school site adjoins the Spelthorne Leisure Centre and children (from Year 2 up) walk across here for swimming lessons.

SPORT

Like most independent schools, sport is high on the agenda, and the usuals are played: cricket, netball, football, hockey, rugby. Children are free to choose their sport, regardless of gender which means boys can play netball if they choose and girls can play rugby.

Other sports on offer as part of the school sports programme and the extra-curricular offering include badminton, basketball, rounders, table tennis, tennis, gymnastics, athletics and dance.

THE ARTS

The arts are a big calling card for Staines Prep – with a wide offering across all disciplines. There’s a large and well-equipped art and DT room which includes a dedicated kiln room and woodwork stations.

The music room, too is large and well-equipped with a range of instruments. Children are introduced to performance using keyboards, percussion and singing, and music lessons for specific instruments are available from visiting peripatetic music teachers. Children can also join the school orchestra, instrumental ensembles or the choir.

Drama is taught as a specialist subject from Year 4 upwards, but is also included within English lessons. Children from Nursery to Year 5 take part in a Christmas production, and each year the Year 6 class will produce and perform their own show at the end of the year.

LITTLIES

The Nursery is housed in its own bright and light building called the Sunflower Nursery which has its own playground including a sensory section. There are separate rooms for the Seedlings (rising 3s) and the Petals (4-year-olds), but children also mix together inside and out. Generally children will do morning sessions or full days. There’s specialist teaching for Forest School, Music, PE and ICT – and general learning is child-led through play.

The nursery also includes a role play room which is changed around regularly (it was set up as a shop when I visited), and there’s a Discovery Room where more formal learning takes places like yoga lessons and storytelling. But my favourite space was a specialist sensory area which has lots of textures like high shag-pile carpets and lava lamps. It’s a space used by kids who want a calm and quiet space. A similar space, named The Retreat has recently been set up in the Lower School and is already hugely popular with children.

A free Little Roots stay-and-play session is run on Friday mornings.

ACADEMICS

Although Staines Prep is non-selective, the academics are an area of shining achievement at the school with children attaining scholarships and offers from highly-selective senior schools including Halliford School, Hampton School, LVS Ascot, Radnor House, Reed’s School, RGS Guildford, Eton, Sir William Perkins’s School, St George’s Weybridge, St James’ Senior Boys School, Lady Eleanor Holles, The Marist, Tiffin School, Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston Grammar and Sutton Grammar.

When children start in Reception, they’re taught by class teachers with specialist subjects in PE, Games, Music, Forest School, French and ICT.

The number of specialist-taught subjects increases as children move up the school with streaming occurring in Years 5 and 6. At this stage, almost all subjects are specialist taught.

There’s a dedicated space called the Burrows Room where children who need additional learning help are offered one-to-one support from a team of trained specialists.

PASTORAL CARE

The school isn’t shouty about its pastoral care provision – mainly because it’s something that just an integral part of school life. The school is secure in the knowledge they’re getting this right – and it is evidenced by the happy children and the great results.

But there’s one very major part of the school’s pastoral care programme that’s worth shouting about loudly – and he’s a small four-legged fluffy guy called Stanley. Stanley is an adorable Cavapoo who lives with the headmistress Samantha Sawyer, but he’s 100 per cent a school dog with a big role to play within the school. He’s undergone a year of intensive training to become a therapy dog and works with children across a range of issues and helping to support upset, anxious or shy children, those who have suffered a bereavement, and those who are reluctant readers (he’s brilliant a listening to children read).

THE HEAD

Meet Samantha Sawyer, one of the warmest, friendliest and loveliest people you could meet. She joined in 2014, after 15 years abroad where she held roles at schools in Turkey, Vietnam, Belgium and Denmark. She brings a forward-thinking and global view to Staines Prep. And in the 10 years she’s been at the school she’s built upon the vision of the original founders in offering affordable quality education while also leading forwards. She embedded a growth mindset belief in the school many years ago, and her passion for the children and their happiness, wellbeing and achievement is clear. As well as her role at Staines Prep, Samantha is an ISI inspector and also coaches new heads.

QUIRKS

It’s not unusual to meet a school dog – but rarely are they trained to perform a specific role.

WRAP AROUND CARE

Early drop-off at 7.30am and after-school club for all children, including Nursery, until 6.30pm is available for an additional cost. Extra-curricular clubs are offered every morning, lunchtime and after school.

ISI REPORT

Excellent across the board in its most recent 2019 inspection report. Read the report here.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Mobile phones are not permitted in the school. In exceptional circumstances, and with permission from Ms Sawyer, pupils may bring phones in. But they must be checked in with the reception office during school hours.

TRANSPORT

There are school buses that go as far as the Twickenham and Sunbury areas each day. Routes are tailored to meet the needs of families. Cost is from £9-£12 for a return journey each day, depending on your distance from the school.

FEES

In 2023/24, termly fees start at £1,800 for three mornings in the Nursery (Seedlings), £2,600 for five mornings in the Nursery (Petals), and £4,200 for full days in the Nursery. Reception is £4,225. In the Lower School (Years 1-2), termly fees are £4,465 and in the Upper School (Years 3-6) it’s £5,175. All fees include lunches and school trips (apart from overseas trips).

Academic, music and sports scholarships are available to pupils from Year 3 who demonstrate exceptional ability in these areas. The scholarship award is equivalent to 10% of annual schools fees.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Staines Prep is very much a local school. Parents are attracted by the combination of more affordable fees, happy close-knit community and excellent results. It’s a compelling mix.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Those looking for a caring, inclusive school that puts happiness high on the agenda, expecting achievement to follow. The academic results show it’s working.

Not for: Staines Prep is a urban school, so if you’re after grand acreage, it may not be for you.

Dare to disagree? Go see it for yourself. There’s an open event on Fri 4 Oct. Book here.

Staines Preparatory School, 3-5 Gresham Rd, Staines TW18 2BT. Tel: 01784 450909

Staines Preparatory School, Staines-upon-Thames

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