PREPARATORY SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
A warm welcome to Queen Elizabeth’s Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wakefield is a diamond model school that combines the benefits of single-sex academic focus with the broader experience of co-education.
Ms Emma Griffin
Head of Preparatory School
In the Preparatory Section, our aim is to give every pupil the best possible foundation for life from age 3. All pupils are given every encouragement to explore, to be creative, and to ask questions as they develop individual talents and skills that will prepare them for everything they will go on to achieve. Every day I see pupils who are confident, happy, and engaged as they begin to realise the full nature and extent of their own unique potential. For my part, I fundamentally believe that a love of learning begins with a love of books. That’s why, every day, we inspire, motivate, and engage our pupils through high-quality texts. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our friendly Admissions Team on 01924 231650 or email admissions@queen-elizabeths.school.
Contents
Closer than you think We are set in the historic centre of Wakefield; easily accessible by public transport and major road networks. Queen Elizabeth’s campus
Public transport links
Cultural point of interest
BIG FUTURES
START EARLY
Pupils are taught by subjectspecialist qualified teachers, supported by our caring, experienced educators who exceed minimum Early Years qualification standards, with every practitioner qualified to Level 3 standard or higher. Small classes are delivered in fun and exciting environments, tailored to the developmental needs of pupils at each Key Stage, so that every child thrives. We believe every child brings unique talents to the classroom, and we are here to bring them out, inspire confidence in their abilities, and develop empathetic individuals who care about others with a growing awareness of the world.
Early Years Foundation Stage FS1 (Nursery) and FS2 (Reception) pupils explore reading, creativity, and their own aspirations through play-based learning.
Key Stage 2 Pupils experience the Yorkshire Curriculum in richer and more challenging contexts. We challenge, support, extend, and embed every pupil’s understanding of the wider curriculum in preparation for Senior School. That’s the through-school advantage.
Key Stage 1 Reading, creativity, and pupils’ aspirations are built upon in Year 1 and Year 2 to gradually increase skills and knowledge in the context of our highly commended Yorkshire Curriculum.
Play-based Early Years learning The power of play Pupils in FS1 (Nursery) and FS2 (Reception) follow a play-based approach to teaching and learning in small classes that ignite boundless curiosity. Small classes allow our educators to get to know each child as a true individual and support their all-round well-being and development. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing how curiosity and exploration helps our young learners to fly!
State-of-the-art Early Years facilities Our Early Years classroom furniture, designed specifically for 3 - 5 year-olds, supports play-based learning through messy play, construction, role-play, performance, philosophy, writing and mark-making, maths, and science in open-plan classrooms. Classroom furniture grows with our pupils as they progress through each Key Stage. We also offer dedicated Early Years outdoor play areas and dining rooms.
A better start Every pupil is assigned a Key Worker who ensures learning and development at school is tailored to every pupil’s needs. Our Key Workers also assist parents and carers with learning and development outside of School.
Early Years Suggested Reading Early Years reading covers rhymes and songs, picture books, and non-fiction to encourage young readers to discover the foundations of literacy through language comprehension and decoding words and sounds. Recommended Reading books are all available to borrow from the School Library alongside hundreds more texts appropriate to the developmental needs of pupils at each Key Stage.
FS1 (Nursery)
FS2 (Reception)
Key Stage 1 Developing confidence Our pupils learn best when they feel secure. Pupils in Key Stage 1 (Year 1 - Year 2) are nurtured with teaching adjusted to meet, challenge, and support every pupil’s individual strengths and pace of learning, without the fear of making mistakes. Key Stage 1 classrooms and playgrounds are designed to be collaborative environments where pupils develop a strong sense of self and independence.
Yorkshire curriculum Rooted in local pride, our unique Yorkshire-themed curriculum is brought to life by subject-specialist teachers. In Key Stage 1, every pupil builds on the solid foundations in core literacy, numeracy, and grammar secured during the Early Years Foundation Stage. Complementary topics are carefully planned so that our pupils discover the creative arts, science, sports, and the humanities while developing a sense of pride in their local area. Pupils experience their local and regional environments firsthand through formal learning and hands-on activities. Our city is our extended classroom, and our curriculum is enriched with visits to Wakefield One, Sandal Castle, the Hepworth Gallery, and beyond.
Little Leaders The ‘Little Leaders’ programme gives our children the confidence to learn from failure in safe environments by taking initiative, making choices, actively listening, and working together as a team to support others, resulting in the development of well-rounded young adults. The Independent Schools Inspectorate acknowledges our ‘Little Leaders’ programme as a Significant Strength of our School, which sets the national standard of pupil leadership initiatives.
Key Stage 1 Suggested Reading Our curriculum is designed to encourage a love of reading, to enhance vocabulary, and give our pupils the opportunity to select and vote on texts to read as a class. Recommended Reading books are all available to borrow from the School Library alongside hundreds more texts appropriate to the developmental needs of pupils at each Key Stage.
Year 1
Year 2
Key Stage 2 The joy of learning Our learning environments are vibrant with a kinetic energy that inspires limitless invention. Learning at Queen Elizabeth’s is a joy, with passionate, subject-specialist teachers delivering extraordinary learning experiences tailored to suit the unique learning styles of our pupils. We believe that how pupils learn is every bit as important as what pupils learn, and that the best learning happens in the context of relationships. That’s why every pupil is known as an individual at every step of the learning journey.
Personalised learning
Every pupil’s learning journey is personalised to suit individual needs to instil confidence to be academically curious. Our approach builds confidence, independence, and essential skills in teamwork, communication, and self-awareness to boost health and well-being.
Transition to Senior School As pupils progress through Key Stage 2 to Year 6, the curriculum is broadened and enhanced with regular class trips and workshops to foster independence in preparation for Senior School. Pupils benefit from a wide range of teaching styles in small classes across core subjects, design and technology, food and nutrition, art, science, music, and physical education. Pupils move into the Senior School equipped with the learning skills, friendships, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness to thrive.
Key Stage 2 Suggested Reading Nurturing an ongoing love of reading equips pupils with the skills they need to thrive in School and beyond, particularly as they prepare for the transition to Senior School. Recommended Reading books are all available to borrow from the School Library alongside hundreds more texts appropriate to the developmental needs of pupils at each Key Stage.
Year 3
Year 6
Spirit of Discovery Maintaining excellence Our expert maintenance professionals keep our first-class facilities immaculate to cultivate our wonderful sense of community, togetherness, and growth.
Healthy body, healthy mind Pupils enjoy timetabled swimming lessons as part of a balanced curriculum covering academics, phonics, humanities, creative arts, and sports.
Sports
Music
Our excellent sports facilities include a swimming pool, sports halls, Astroturf, games fields, and athletics track.
Private instrument and signing lessons from over 30 Visiting Musicians are available to pupils from Year 3.
Science
Co-Curricular
Pupils in Years 1 – 6 explore their science curriculum in specialist laboratories.
At Forest School, pupils step in to the outdoors to confidently explore, play, and learn in nature.
Supporting Working Families Our doors are open earlier (07:30) and stay open later (18:00) than most providers to support working families. Children can take part in a wide range of supervised activities in wraparound care. A light meal is provided for children staying with us after 16:30. We also offer school holiday clubs with age-appropriate multi-activity programmes across music, dance, arts and crafts, pottery, Forest School, swimming, and more!
Seamless Holistic Care Nurturing the whole child Every child’s welfare is our absolute priority. Our robust support network of school nurses, counsellors, and expert safeguarding team ensures every pupil feels safe, valued, and assisted by a safety net of support.
360-degree support
Proactive care
School nurses and counsellors provide acute medical care and manage chronic physical and mental health conditions.
Regular informal and formal reports feed back against academic and pastoral milestones.
Feeling at home
Psychological safety
All pupils join a House, each with a shared sense of community, to enable pupils to socialise and study together.
We intentionally cultivate an inclusive learning community where diversity and identity is celebrated.
Immersive Curriculum Adventures Full of potential WOW Week is a top-secret, surprise immersive curriculum experience for the whole Preparatory School, where pupils (and parents!) have no idea what will happen, or when. With a healthy sprinkle of magic from the School community, pupils are whisked away on a journey of full wonder, history, and discovery.
Bringing learning to life In previous years, School has transformed into the island of Neverland, the grounds of Hogwarts, the curious walls of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, and even the never-ending corridors of the TARDIS!
Real-world learning applications Pupils explore their environment through hands-on activities, creative challenges, and immersive roleplay to apply their classroom and academic learning to the world around them.
Alive with the Sound of Music Exploring creative potential Working one-to-one, pupils can work with passionate visiting musical practitioners to enjoy peripatetic music lessons in voice, percussion, brass, strings, woodwind, and keyboard from Year 3.
A mindful sanctuary Stepping away from text-heavy subjects gives pupils the opportunity to channel energy into expressive means of self-expression.
Community connection Peripatetic music lessons pave the way for pupils to join our vast array of ensembles, bands, choirs, and orchestras.
Periodic of Club Socie SC
Stretch and Challenge
SC
Science Club
SC
School Council
BC
Book Club
CC
Computer / Coding Club
EC
Eco Club
DE
FE
Debating
QC
Quiz Club
CC
Chess Club
Fencing
JO
Journalism
LA
LAMDA
Nurture your
MIND
Develop critical thinking, skill-building, and academic extension.
MA
DA Dance
FO
Martial Arts
Football
AR
HO
Archery
Hockey
Nurture your
BODY
Build physical health, stami
c Table bs and eties GY
Gymnastics
RU Rugby
XC
CrossCountry
Y
ina, and resilience.
SW
Swimming
NE
Netball
DO
Dodgeball
CH Choir
PE
Percussion Ensemble
FG
Flute Group
CB
SV
CE
BE
Brass Ensemble
SE
Suzuki Violin
Clarinet Ensemble
Saxophone Ensemble
MF
BG
LE
Concert Band
Mindfulness
AC
DR
Arts and Crafts
SE
String Ensemble
Drama
Board Games
MT
Musical Theatre
Lego
MA
Music Aural & Theory
Nurture your
SOUL
Grow self-expression, mental health, and community connection.
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We are so blessed to see that our child is absolutely thriving!
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Start your child’s journey today
SCAN
HERE