Pre-Prep

Welcome from Dr Louise Shaw, Headteacher

Thornton Pre-Prep School is a wonderfully creative and ambitious school. Rooted in our core belief that every child should strive to be the very best version of themselves, we take time to know our girls so that their talents are recognised and their potential realised. Teaching and learning is outstanding; lessons are fun and girls are supported and challenged to explore ideas and form their own opinions. Whilst recognising that each of our girls is a unique individual, each one is also very much a member of the Thornton Community – our pastoral care is outstanding – friendships are formed and each child is able to strive to achieve their best knowing that they are cared for not only by their teachers but by all in our special family.

Thornton Pre-Prep School will provide a world of opportunity, both inside and outside of the classroom, developing lively, enquiring and creative minds. Most importantly, however, Thornton Prep School will provide every opportunity for your daughter to be happy – and that is what lies at the heart of success.

Set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds our Pre-Prep (Pre-Reception – Year 2) Claudine Thévenet Wing is nestled behind our main Manor House with its own easy access for the drop off and pick up of your little one!

Pre-reception morning sessions run from 8.30am until 11.30am and afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm until 4pm, with free funding available up to 30 hours peer week.

Pre-reception AM wrap-around care is available from 8:00am until 8:30am with PM wrap-around care available from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Pre-reception lunch is from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Your daughter will have access to:

Outside play areas, with a woodwork bench, tinkering station, friendship cabin, mud kitchen, games table, climbing frame and dinosaur tunnel.
Forest school and eco park with our own dipping pond, den building and nature trail.
Expressive arts studio
Library
Sports hall and outdoor pitches
Robotics and ICT

In Early Years Foundation Stage, EYFS, children’s language skills develop rapidly through carefully targeted open-ended questions and the stimulating use of outdoor education. ISI Inspection Report 2022

The Early Years Team

Please find below a list of all of our talented, wonderful and dedicated staff.

Dr Louise Shaw (Headteacher)

Our team of professional pre-reception staff ensure that every child is immersed in learning experiences that challenge their things and ignite a love of exploration and learning:

Mrs Emily Collins – EYFS Manager

Mrs H McPartlan – Pre-Reception Practitioner

Extra-Curricular Programme

Each term an abundance of clubs are offered each day varying from Hockey Club, Green Club and needlework to Lego, music theory, multi lingo and samba drumming! All girls are encouraged to attend clubs, try something new and find something they enjoy and excel at.

Co-Curricular Programme

Girls in the Pre-Prep School can have individual instrument/singing, ballet and speech and drama for around 10 lessons per term. Prices for these can be accessed by contacting the Admissions Team. It is also possible to hire musical instruments for these lessons at an additional cost should you wish.

Pre Reception Class

At Thornton College we offer a Pre-Reception education full of wonder and excitement for girls aged 3 years old.

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Reception Class

The Pre-Prep at Thornton College will get your daughter’s education off to a flying start.

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Years 1 & 2

A positive and nurturing environment allows girls to explore learning in their own way and lessons are planned to stimulate curiosity...

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Prep

Girls join the Preparatory Department from Year 3, age seven. Thornton offers girls the opportunity to aspire and achieve in a caring...

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Wrap-Around Care

We have a flexible Wrap-Around Care and Occasional Boarding system to suit busy working parents. Many families use it on a regular basis; others use it occasionally. There is a charge for this service which goes towards the cost of staffing and catering.

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