WELCOME TO THE PREP
Sevenoaks Prep is an independent co-educational prep school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13, where academic excellence is combined with award-winning pastoral care. Founded in 1919 and nestled in 25 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of Knole Park, our school provides the perfect environment for children to learn, explore and grow.
At Sevenoaks Prep we don’t just deliver outstanding results – we shape confident, kind and capable young people. With a dynamic curriculum and expert teaching, supported by exceptional pastoral care, we guide pupils to discover and develop their talents. Our pupils thrive both academically and personally, securing places at top senior schools and becoming resilient, thoughtful individuals ready to shape their own futures.
Discover how we
Way of life
Underpinning the School’s success is our ‘Way of Life’ – an ethos that flows through everything we do – encouraging pupils to be responsible, kind and empathetic. Our children leave confident, well-mannered and with essential life skills including the ability to work as part of a team, solve problems and think creatively – attributes frequently noted by the head teachers of our destination schools.
Benefits of a Co-education
At Sevenoaks Prep, girls and boys learn, play and grow together within a happy, balanced and inclusive community. Our long-standing co-educational environment helps pupils develop confidence, empathy and strong social awareness from the earliest years. Working side by side motivates ambition across all subjects, encourages healthy competition and builds mutual respect.
As they collaborate in the classroom, on the sports field and in leadership roles, pupils learn to communicate effectively and appreciate different perspectives. These shared experiences prepare them for the diverse, collaborative world they will move into – ensuring they leave The Prep confident, well-rounded and ready for the next stage of their journey.
Confidence
A CULTURE OF KINDNESS
We believe children thrive when they feel genuinely known, supported and happy. At Sevenoaks Prep, every pupil is part of a nurturing community where wellbeing is woven into daily school life. Our nurturing community, small class sizes and excellent adult-to-child ratios ensure every pupil is known as an individual and given the attention and encouragement they need. Strong relationships underpin daily life, with pupils confident that they can speak to any adult about any worry.
Our dedicated Wellbeing Team works closely with staff and families to help children develop resilience, confidence and healthy habits. Through buddy systems, leadership opportunities and thoughtfully designed wellbeing activities, pupils learn to support one another and build a strong sense of belonging. When children feel secure and cared for, they approach learning with joy, curiosity and confidence.
Belonging
ACADEMIC APPROACH
We feel children are at their best within a happy, diverse community of learners. We make sure they are stretched at the appropriate time, producing their best without unnecessary pressure. All pupils benefit from subject specialist teachers, with this increasing as they progress through the school. Our teachers ensure that every pupil is motivated, challenged and prepared for examinations and scholarships to both independent and local grammar schools.
Our pupils achieve excellent academic results and are successful in gaining entry into schools of their choice for both Year 7 and Year 9. Many of our pupils earn academic, music, drama and sport scholarships to leading independent schools including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Caterham and Hurstpierpoint College. Each year, our pupils gain places at grammar schools such as Judd, Tonbridge Grammar, Cranbrook and Weald of Kent.
Curiosity
THE PREP COMMUNITY
Sevenoaks Prep is a place where every child, parent, and member of staff feels a genuine sense of belonging. Our strong, close‑knit community is shaped by families from the surrounding areas, many of whom form lifelong friendships through the school. Supported by a wide range of events throughout the year that bring everyone together, this sense of connection is at the heart of school life. Set on the edge of the stunning Knole Park estate, pupils enjoy expansive outdoor space while still being just moments from central Sevenoaks. With a convenient minibus service from Sevenoaks Station, the school remains easily accessible for working parents, ensuring Sevenoaks Prep is a vibrant, welcoming environment where children and families truly thrive.
Community
“We feel fortunate enough to be part of such a welcoming and happy community.”
Current Parent
#shapingpupilsstories
Our Summer Holiday Camps are in full swing at The Prep, with a fantastic range of activities running throughout the holidays. From football and multi-sports to outdoor adventure, creativity and problem-solving, there is something for everyone this summer.
Our Holiday Camps for Nursery & Kindergarten and Reception to Year 2 are led by our experienced in-house team. Alongside a varied programme of fun and engaging activities, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children have enjoyed trips to Diggerland and Drusillas, with exciting visits from Mr Bouncy Castle and TechRex still to come. We also have Playball Camps running from 27th July to 7th August.
@teamthemekent are at The Prep for weeks commencing 20th July, 27th July, 17th August and 24th August. Packed with multi-sports, laser tag, Forest School, arts and crafts, team challenges and outdoor adventures, TeamTheme Kent’s popular camps offer fun-filled days in our beautiful grounds.
We welcome @thepark.camp to The Prep for weeks commencing 3rd and 10th August. The Park offers a distinctive holiday camp experience that combines outdoor adventure, creative activities and research-informed approaches to developing children’s thinking and communication skills. Through a mix of problem-solving challenges, discussion-based learning, sport, art, music and drama, children build confidence, curiosity and resilience while having fun and making new friends. Children leave The Park with the confidence to think for themselves, ask thoughtful questions and make independent choices – all wrapped up in a summer of adventure, exploration and fun.
Chelsea Football Club Soccer School is running for weeks commencing 20th July and 24th August. Young footballers can enjoy exciting training sessions and matches while gaining an insight into what it’s like to train the Chelsea way.
Places are still available. To book, please visit the camp providers’ websites directly.
#SummerCamps #sevenoaksprep #teamthemekent #theparkcamp
We are delighted to invite new and prospective families to our Garden Explorers Pre-School Experience on Saturday 12th September, from 9.30–11.00am.
A relaxed, hands-on morning where your child can dig, plant, water and discover the joys of gardening in our beautiful allotment space. As little ones explore nature and enjoy outdoor learning with our Forest School leaders, parents will have the chance to meet our wonderful team and find out more about life at The Prep in an informal and welcoming setting.
Places can be booked via our website or please contact admissions@theprep.org.uk
Just before the end of term, we were delighted to hand over much-needed hygiene products to The Hygiene Bank following our recent collection at school.
The Hygiene Bank works to tackle hygiene poverty by providing everyday essentials to people who may otherwise struggle to access them. Thanks to the support of our school community, a wide range of products were collected, including toiletries, children`s hygiene items, nappies, sun cream and household cleaning supplies. These donations will help support individuals and families across our local area.
We were pleased to be able to contribute to such an important cause and support the valuable work of The Hygiene Bank.
#ThePrepCommunity #TheHygieneBank #CommunitySupport #SupportingFamilies #CommunitySpirit #SevenoaksPrep #MakingADifference
We are delighted to be holding a whole school Open Morning on Friday 9th October, from 9.00 am – 11.00 am.
Prospective parents are warmly invited to discover how Sevenoaks Prep shapes pupils’ stories from the earliest years through to our senior pupils in Years 7 and 8, who progress onto top senior schools. Enjoy a guided tour of our beautiful 25-acre site, hear from our Head and Head of Pre-Prep, meet teachers from across the school, see lessons in action and gain a real insight into how we combine academic excellence with award-winning pastoral care to nurture capable, confident and kind young people.
Please book via our website and a member of our admissions team will be in touch or email them directly at admissions@theprep.org.uk for more details. If you would like to visit before then, please contact our Admissions team, who would be delighted to set up a personalised tour at a convenient time.
#sevenoaksmums #sevenoaksprep #tonbridgemums #prepschoolkent #openmorning #independentschoolkent #privateschoolkent #talkeducation #goodschoolsguide
As another wonderful year at The Prep comes to a close, we would like to thank all our pupils, families and staff for making it such a memorable one. From the classroom to the stage, the sports field and beyond, there has been so much to celebrate.
We are incredibly proud of everything our pupils have achieved this year and wish all our families a relaxing and enjoyable summer break.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year ahead.
This morning marked a fitting celebration of another busy and successful year at The Prep as pupils, staff, families and governors came together for our end-of-term Prize Giving. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, progress and achievements of our pupils and to reflect on all that has been accomplished over the past year.
Following the ceremony, we gathered for our Leavers’ Celebration, as we wished our leavers every success for their exciting journeys ahead. While it is never easy to say goodbye, it is always a privilege to see them leave with so many happy memories, strong friendships and the confidence to embrace new opportunities. We have no doubt they will thrive in their next schools and beyond.
A relaxed lunch on the lawn in the sunshine provided the perfect opportunity to spend time together before the end of term.
#PrizeGiving #LeaversCelebration #EndOfTerm #sevenoaksprep #shapingpupilsstories
Last Friday, Years 3–8 enjoyed our Prep Sports Day, which had been rescheduled from earlier in the month due to the extreme temperatures.
Pupils took to the field full of enthusiasm, competing in a wide range of track and field events, from sprints and hurdles to long jump, high jump, javelin and ball throw. Throughout the day, there was a wonderful sense of encouragement and House spirit, with pupils giving their best efforts and cheering on their teammates every step of the way.
Thank you to all the parents who came along and supported from the sidelines, helping to create such a fantastic atmosphere. A huge well done to every pupil who took part and contributed to a memorable day of sport, teamwork and determination.
Congratulations to Vine House, who were crowned this year`s Sports Day champions! We were also delighted to celebrate the individual achievements of pupils across the school in our End of Term Assembly, with Sports Day awards presented in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Well done to all our competitors for making it such a successful and enjoyable day.
It was wonderful to see so many families at our Transition and Information Evening.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for parents to meet their child’s new teachers and begin to build those important relationships ahead of September. Staff shared an overview of the year ahead, giving insight into both the academic journey and the pastoral care that underpins everything we do in the Pre-Prep.
There was a strong sense of reassurance as families gained a clearer picture of daily routines, expectations and the breadth of opportunities available to the children.
Conversations throughout the evening — both in the sessions and informally with specialist staff — helped to ensure that parents left feeling informed, confident and excited about the next stage.
Events like this are an important part of supporting a smooth and happy transition, and it was lovely to see such a strong sense of partnership between home and school.
#TransitionEvening #ReadyForSeptember #PrePrepLife #PastoralCare #SchoolCommunity #SevenoaksPrep #shapingpupilsstories
It was a real pleasure to welcome families to our Pre-Prep Sports Day, which was such a positive and uplifting day for the whole Pre-Prep family.
We had started the day with Nursery and Kindergarten’s Grand Prix and then Reception to Year 2 children took to the athletics field, where they approached each event with enthusiasm, determination and a real sense of team spirit. What stood out most was the way the children supported one another — celebrating successes, showing resilience and simply enjoying being part of the day.
The warm weather added to the atmosphere, and the children were very well prepared, allowing everyone to make the most of the experience.
Days like this really reflect what Pre-Prep is all about — building confidence, encouraging teamwork and creating opportunities for every child to feel proud of their efforts.
#PrePrepSportsDay #TeamSpirit #BuildingConfidence #Resilience #ProudMoments #SchoolSport #PrePrepLife
