Head’s Welcome

I am delighted to welcome you to King Edward VI Preparatory School, in beautiful rural Hampshire. We are a feeder school to King Edward VI, Southampton and offer the all-important foundations to a successful onward journey. At King Edward VI Prep School, we believe that education should prepare children not only for their next school, but for life beyond it.

^{Mrs Rebecca Smith, Headmistress.}

At KES Prep, we have embarked on an ambitious journey to create an educational experience that develops confident learners, compassionate leaders and young people ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This journey has been shaped by a simple question: What knowledge, skills, qualities and values will today's children need to flourish tomorrow?

The answer has informed every aspect of school life, from curriculum design and wellbeing provision to leadership opportunities and character education.

Our vision is brought to life through four interconnected pillars:

1. Inspiring Curious and Independent Learners

Our innovative i3 learning philosophy sits at the heart of our curriculum:

Inquisitive Learning: We encourage children to ask meaningful questions, seek solutions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Intrinsic Motivation: Children learn best when they find purpose and relevance in their learning. Our curriculum creates authentic opportunities for pupils to engage with real-world issues and make meaningful connections across subjects.

Independent Minds: We nurture resilience, creativity and critical thinking, helping pupils become confident learners who can think for themselves and embrace challenge.

Through carefully designed inquiry-based learning experiences, children develop not only strong academic foundations but also the confidence and adaptability needed for the future.

2. Putting Wellbeing at the Centre

Exceptional learning flourishes when children feel safe, valued and supported.

That is why we have invested significantly in creating a whole-school culture where wellbeing is woven into every aspect of daily life.

Our approach includes:

• A dedicated Wellbeing Centre
• A proactive wellbeing curriculum
• Restorative approaches to relationships and behaviour
• Strong pastoral care and early support systems
• House Families that strengthen belonging across year groups

The result is a nurturing environment where children develop emotional literacy, resilience and the confidence to navigate challenges positively.

At KES Prep, we see wellbeing not as an addition to education, but as an essential foundation for success.

3. Developing Character: Our Boundless Futures Vision

Education is about who a child becomes as much as what they achieve.

Through our Boundless Futures programme, we place character development at the heart of school life.

Our shared values provide children with a framework for making positive choices, building respectful relationships and contributing to their communities.

The Boundless Futures Passport helps pupils reflect on their personal growth whilst encouraging them to:

• Demonstrate kindness and empathy
• Show integrity and responsibility
• Contribute to their community
• Develop leadership skills
• Embrace challenge and growth

These experiences help children understand that success is measured not only by achievement, but also by the difference they make to others.

4. Ensuring Every Child Has a Voice

We want every pupil to know that their ideas matter.

Over recent years, we have expanded opportunities for pupils to contribute to school life through leadership roles, Pupil Voice committees, School Council and a range of consultation projects.

Children are encouraged to share their views, influence decision-making and help shape initiatives across the school.

This gives pupils a genuine sense of ownership and develops the confidence, responsibility and communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

When children feel heard, they become more engaged, more reflective and more invested in their community.

Boundless Futures start here

As we look ahead, we are focused on strengthening and embedding these developments even further, ensuring that every child benefits from a consistently exceptional experience.

We are proud of how far we have come and excited about what lies ahead. Together, we are creating a school where children flourish academically, socially and emotionally; a school that equips young people not just for their next steps, but for a future without limits.

Mrs Rebecca Smith

Headmistress