We are thrilled to announce that Chinthurst School has been shortlisted for the Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year 2025 — a prestigious national award that celebrates excellence in early years education.

At Chinthurst, our Pre-Prep is the joyful heartbeat of the school. From our Little Chicks at age 2½ through to the end of Year 2, our youngest children thrive in a warm, nurturing environment where curiosity, creativity and care underpin everything we do. Being shortlisted for this award is a proud recognition of the vibrant, imaginative and purposeful learning that happens every day in our classrooms, woods and outdoor spaces.

Our early years provision is guided by the Chinthurst Curiosity Code, a unique and playful philosophy that encourages children to wonder, ask “why?”, and explore the world around them. Whether they're building rafts for the Gingerbread Man, solving the mystery of Baby Bear's broken chair, or programming robots to follow story maps, every experience is hands-on, joyful and filled with real-world meaning.

Children are immersed in a curriculum that blends STEAM, literacy and numeracy with outdoor learning, drama, music and emotional literacy. They explore volcanoes with VR headsets, take part in "contraction surgery" in phonics lessons, and enjoy mindful breathing with teddies on their chests. Our Wellbeing at Heart programme supports children's emotional development from the very beginning, giving them the tools to understand and manage their feelings, build resilience and form strong, compassionate relationships.

The results speak volumes — with children exceeding national expectations in early reading, writing and maths, and developing into articulate, confident learners who are ready not only for Key Stage 2, but for life.

“We don't rush childhood. We honour it. We fill it with joy, challenge, love and learning — and in doing so, we give our youngest pupils the very best start in life.”

We are incredibly proud of our Pre-Prep team, our children, and our families. This shortlisting reflects the care, creativity and ambition that lie at the heart of Chinthurst School.

Come and see the magic of Chinthurst for yourself. Join us for an Open Morning or book a personal tour — we'd love to welcome you.