PROSPECTUS ‘To Love is to Live.’
“Our aim is to develop happy young women who believe in their abilities and achieve their personal best.”
WELCOME I am delighted that you are considering Manor House Prep School for your child. Founded in 1920, the school is nestled in seventeen acres of magical gardens, woodlands and sports facilities near the village of Bookham, Surrey. Our magnificent country house is brought alive by the creative and positive energy of our pupils and staff who enjoy learning and working together here. Our community is small enough to know all pupils individually, yet large enough to offer a broad range of opportunities and experiences. As a result, pupils make exceptional progress, however we recognise that academic success alone will not equip them with the skills they require to thrive in the changing world in which we live. We therefore ensure that we open up the world to our pupils. If your child joins us, they will, for example, discover the wonder of sciences, the thrill of competition and the pleasure and pride of overcoming challenges. Our motto “To Love is to Live” is upheld by the courtesy and kindness that our community show one another. Seven core values underpin this motto and form the foundations of school life.
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A Love of Learning Academic Excellence Unforgettable Experiences Individual Challenge Happy and Healthy Creative and Collaborative
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Future Leaders
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In 2023, Manor House School joined the Effingham Schools Trust with St Teresa’s and Cranmore, forming a dynamic diamond model, delivering all the advantages of both single sex and co-education to girls and boys. Being part of a strong educational trust means access to fantastic facilities such as indoor swimming pools, astro turfs and Equestrian Centre. We believe that we are large enough to challenge yet, small enough to care. The partnership means that our pupils will have the guarantee of a place at the girls Senior School, St Teresa’s in Year 7. Boys will transfer to Cranmore at the end of Year 2. The Effingham Sixth Form brings all pupils back together at 16. Our prospectus gives you a glimpse into our vibrant school life but there is nothing better than seeing and experiencing this for yourself. I very much look forward to meeting you, be it virtually or in person, at one of our future open events or for a tour of the school.
Tracey Fantham BA (Hons) MA NPQH Headteacher Mrs H Redward BSC (Hons) QTS Head of Prep
A LOVE OF LEARNING We nurture our pupils into self-confident, successful and happy young individuals who contribute to society, with a passion for lifelong learning and a curiosity about the world around them. Our forward-thinking approach ensures that pupils are prepared for the modern world with the skills and qualities of leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and generosity of spirit, underpinned by the traditional values of respect, kindness and integrity. Preparing for the evolving digital landscape is embodied in our curriculum and our focus on developing appropriate digital fluency for each age group. We provide a supportive, yet demanding, learning environment. Fantastic Prep School facilities and excellent resources for every age create the best possible learning experience, where pupils are encouraged and inspired by committed clasroom teachers. We love to learn, we work together and we help each other, from Reception through to Year 6. Happy pupils make the greatest progress in their learning. At Manor House School we identify and develop the individual qualities of each pupil and support them to fulfil their potential.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Through appropriate measures of individual guidance and challenge, we unlock the potential in every child. Our approach allows pupils to flourish as independent learners, ensuring they progress to our Effingham Schools Trust Senior School equipped and ready to take on new challenges. Transition through the school is seamless and, as a result, progress data indicates exceptional progress. The co-educational Nursery and Lower Prep (ages 2-7) provide a vibrant and engaging foundation built around early literacy and numeracy, oracy development, outdoor learning and a rich play-based curriculum. An ‘Early Learning Village’ will serve as the central hub for this age group. As girls move into the Upper Prep, they benefit from a subjectled approach that brings increased academic challenge, hands on ‘STEAM’ opportunities, digital skills development and growing leadership confidence. Specialist teaching intensifies from Year 5, with Science, Languages (French and Spanish), computing and the introduction of Latin shaping a robust academic pathway towards Senior School. Specialist provision is a defining hallmark of the new structure. Children from EYFS to Year 2 enjoy lessons in Music, PE, Drama, Languages and Swimming, while pupils in Year 3 and 4 experience an inspiring blend of classroom teaching and specialist instruction. In Years 5 and 6, an enriched timetable and extended School day enables six full lessons, ensuring breadth, depth and continuity. Outdoor learning continues to play a central role, with Forest School available to all and exciting new initiatives, such as a dedicated equestrian programme for pupils in Years 3-6, adding further enrichment opportunities.
“Pupils achieve well both academically and in wider pursuits.”
ISI 2019
“Friendships are forged and the memories created are discussed for years to come.” ISI 2019
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES School life is about a well balanced education and the opportunities on offer at Manor House School extend well beyond the classroom. The curriculum is enhanced through school trips and visiting speakers, both of which help to widen and deepen the pupils understanding as well as linking their learning to the world around them. All pupils can represent the school in sports teams, perform in the school productions and take part in the annual ‘theme week’ which offers a range of unique experiences. Pupils have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities and every pupil is encouraged to find an interest or hobby to develop their skills. From the youngest age groups, pupils benefit from our provision of swimming, French, Physical Education, Music (learning the violin, piano and recorder by the end of Year 2) and Performing Arts - ballet, dance and drama - and our very own Forest School. The friendships forged and memories created on the annual residential trips (that girls take part in from Year 3) are discussed for years to come.
“Pupils work independently and develop good study skills. They plan and organise their work well, read critically and reflect effectively on the knowledge they have gained.” ISI 2019
INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE Academic success is demonstrated every day throughout the school. Our staff know and understand each and every pupil and through this personal approach, are able to nurture and stretch each pupil to ensure that they fulfil their potential, be that academically, on the sports field, musically or on stage. Class sizes are small enough to ensure that every pupil is known and all pupils receive the individual attention that will ensure they flourish. Our aim is to encourage pupils to have and achieve the highest aspirations. We recognise that some of our pupils have a high level of academic ability in one or more subject areas, or indeed an exceptional talent such as leadership, creativity or highly developed social skills. Our talent pathways aid the scholarship process. We offer a rich, challenging and differentiated provision for our most able pupils so that all ages can work at their own level and pace. This is realised through adaptive teaching.
HAPPY & HEALTHY A welcoming, happy atmosphere, a warm, friendly ethos and positive relationships between pupils and staff create an environment in which pupils feel happy, safe and supported. Pastoral care remains at the heart of the School’s mission. The Prep School builds on Manor House’s strong reputation for nurturing, individualized support. In Lower prep, attachment-informed practices, gentle transitions and close partnerships with families provide security and stability for young children. In Upper Prep, pupils benefit from dedicated programmes focusing on emotional literacy, friendship skills and online safety, supported by a cohesive team of form teachers, the Head of Prep, the SENCO and pupil ambassadors. Sport is a fundamental part of Manor House School life. Specialist teaching ensures that pupils develop individual and team skills, self-confidence and a positive attitude towards physical activity and fitness. Through sport for all and a wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils are encouraged to foster a healthy, active lifestyle. We play competitive matches against a number of schools and pupils compete successfully across the district. The Prep School curriculum includes physical development, games skills and activities, gymnastics, dance, outdoor adventure activities, Forest School and swimming. All year groups swim once a week and enjoy Forest School. Equestrian lessons commence from Year 3. Our award-winning in-house catering team create balanced and varied menus and we enjoy fantastic, healthy food, using local suppliers and produce wherever possible.
“Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to live healthy lives.”
ISI 2019
“Pupils across the school show great appreciation of the non-material aspects of life through their enjoyment of creativity in Art and Music, their study of other cultures in language lessons and through the literature they read.” ISI 2019
CREATIVE & COLLABORATIVE Art, Drama, Music and Dance feature highly in school life and enable our pupils to develop their creative and expressive skills. Within the classroom, creative application of knowledge and skills is developed. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in the high quality school productions and studying a musical instrument is encouraged for all. Pupils enjoy practising and performing together as part of Manor House School choirs, orchestra, instrumental ensembles and school bands, across the EST, as well as outside of school. LAMDA lessons are very popular and are available from Year 1. Manor House School collaborates with other schools to the benefit of all pupils, for language and sporting competitions, access to facilities and a plethora of educational trips. Opportunities to participate in a range of charitable events foster an understanding and generosity of spirit for those in greater need. These activities, alongside outreach work both locally and internationally, ensure that pupils develop an appreciation of the wider world. Facilities across the Trust are utilized to maximise opportunities. Beyond the classroom, the Prep School offers extensive wraparound care and a diverse co-curricular programme spanning academic clubs, Performing Arts, Sport and creative activities. Holiday workshops and community events further strengthen School life.
FUTURE LEADERS At Manor House School, we believe that every child has the potential to lead. Our aim is to nurture responsible, confident and compassionate young people who will go on to make a positive contribution to society. Leadership opportunities are available throughout the Prep School, allowing pupils to act as role models, peer mentors, Supportive Friends and ambassadors. Each class elects roles such as a Form Captain, Deputy Form Captain, Games Captain and Science and Well-being Ambassadors, aswell as a representative for the School Council. This gives pupils a voice and encourages them to take responsibility within their school community. In Year 6, pupils can stand for election as Head Girl or Deputy Head Girl. Our Prep House Leaders help to inspire house spirit and encourage participation across the school. These roles, together with many other opportunities for service and responsibility, help our pupils develop the confidence, character and leadership skills needed to become the leaders of tomorrow.
“Pupils demonstrate well-developed entrepreneurial skills and understand the importance of contributing to the local community.” ISI 2019
CONTACT US Address Manor House School, Manor House lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey. KT23 4EN Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org www.manorhouseschool.org Tel: 01372 457077
The Effingham Schools Trust (EST) brings together Manor House School, Cranmore School, St Teresa’s School and Effingham Sixth Form, providing a seamless educational journey from Nursery through to Sixth Form. United by the ethos ‘Large enough to challenge. Small enough to care’, the Trust combines academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and exceptional opportunities that enable every pupil to thrive. A distinctive feature of EST is its successful Diamond Model, offering co-educational learning in the early years, single sex education from Years 3 to 11, and a co-educational Sixth Form experience. This approach balances the benefits of focused single sex learning with opportunities for collaboration, social development and preparation for life beyond school. Across the Trust, pupils benefit from small class sizes, specialist teaching, excellent wellbeing support and an extensive co-curricular programme, ensuring they are confident, capable and future ready.
EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS Serving families across Surrey, South West London and beyond, the Effingham Schools Trust offers extensive transport links to Manor House School, Cranmore School, St Teresa’s School and Effingham Sixth Form. A wellestablished network of bus routes and local train lines enables pupils to travel safely and conveniently to school each day, with shuttles running between the schools also, supporting the Trust’s seamless educational journey from Nursery through to Sixth Form.
Manor House School, Manor House Lane,
A SELECTIVE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED
Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4EN
4-11 WITH CO-EDUCATIONAL NURSERY AND LOWER PREP
www.manorhouseschool.org | Tel: 01372 457077 Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org
@ManorHseSchool
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