Dean Close Pre-Prep School in Cheltenham is encouraging families to send their children to the school in Year 2, sharing a number of advantages for pupils.
One of the main aims of Year 2 at Dean Close Pre-Prep is preparing children to start at the Prep School in Year 3, so applying for Year 2 September 2022 entry marks the beginning of those preparations, when children take their first tentative steps towards Prep School.
While the modern Dean Close Pre-Prep building is designed for children up to seven years old, the Prep School that caters for ages seven to 13 can feel much bigger at first.
This is just one of the reasons why Pre-Prep pupils are introduced to some of Dean Close Prep School’s facilities, including the swimming pool, tennis courts and astro pitches, to help them get accustomed to the space without feeling overwhelmed by it.
Another way that Year 2 pupils are helped to adjust to the Prep School they will go onto in Year 3 is by having some of their lessons held there each week.
These include games or art on a Monday afternoon, as well as music at the dedicated music school, with an assembly once a term, too.
Not only does this help children become more confident in finding their way around the Prep School’s classrooms and buildings, it also gives them the chance get to know the staff who will be teaching them.
Children in Year 2 can also expect to form friendships with peers that will follow them through to Prep School and even far beyond.
Closer to the end of Year 2, children will attend a Move Up Morning, where they can meet their Prep School class teacher, as well as house staff.
Parents of children at the Pre-Prep School are also invited to an Information Morning at the Prep School, providing a tour of the facilities, alongside activities for children.
So, by the time Year 3 comes around, those who started in Year 2 are comfortable as can be with their new surroundings and nothing but excited about what lies in store.
