Prep School

Pocklington School pupils kicking ball outside on campus grounds
Find what you love

Every single one of our pupils engages with our co-curricular provision, and they all love it!
Pocklington Prep School Pupils walking outside School
Love learning

Our Curiosity Project curriculum ensures growing minds are stimulated and engaged, developing a love of learning that lasts a lifetime
Pocklington Prep students sitting around a tree outside Pocklington Prep School
The Prep family is one of a kind

We surround our pupils in care and respect, and they pass that on to others as they move through our School
Young Pocklington School pupils gathered around on the grounds outside the Art and Design Centre
Make friends to last a lifetime

There's never an end to your time as a Pocklington Prep pupil; your child will want to carry us in their hearts forever
Pocklington School campus picture with art and design centre in the background
Each day brings its own unique experience

An inclusive and innovative approach to all aspects of our education means that there is something to look forward to each and every day
Watch our Head’s welcome video

We don’t think there is any better start to a child’s education than a Pocklington Prep start.

Welcome to our
Prep School

Our friendly, family-focused School allows children to grow and develop at their own pace in a place that is inspirational and supportive.
We believe in constructive challenge. Our Curiosity Project curriculum fosters creative thought and innovative ideas. Our co-curricular programme inspires children to be adventurous and discover new passions. And, needless to say, our staff are superb educators who put our children at the heart of all they do.

Children leave the Prep School full of all they have discovered and ready to apply their skills and knowledge to the next phase of school life. They transition seamlessly, taking with them their friendships and confidence. They carry the knowledge of all that they have become in their years with us and we love to see how it shapes the adults they grow up into.

- Suzy Ward, Head of Pocklington Prep School 

School life in
the Prep School

We know that every day in Prep School is a day where children will expand their minds, spark their creativity and fill their hearts. The unique Curiosity Project curriculum advances their academic curiosity alongside the more traditional knowledge they gain through their core subjects. This is complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme, where each child has the opportunity to try new activities designed to challenge and inspire. Children engage with competitive and non competitive sport in a supportive environment, all whilst making the most of our beautiful surroundings.

EXPLORE PREP LIFE

What’s on offer at the Prep School

  • Academic
  • Co-curricular
  • Pastoral Care

We aim for the highest academic standards, based on curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness. Children enjoy specialist teaching in French, music, computing, swimming, sport, as well as an inspiring, bespoke curriculum which encourages critical thought and high challenge.

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Our co-curriculum programme helps children to try new activities, explore physical activity, develop skills and experience personal success. Children participate in competitive and friendly sports alongside an extensive range of academic, artistic and charitable co-curricular activities. Every aspect of our co-curricular life encourages children to bond with their peers and develop into compassionate, resilient and ambitious individuals. 

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We understand the importance of children’s wellbeing at every age. Our pastoral care team, form tutors and house system means children are always listened to and supported through any challenges they may face. We create a safe and nurturing environment where all children are able to thrive.

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Pocklington Prep School pupil works in the library as part of exploratory session with the archives
Three Pocklington Prep School pupils use an IPad to assist with a counting game
Pocklington Prep pupils play the piano together in the music room as part of their specialist music teaching
Pocklington Prep School pupil sat at the top of the stairs in the library, reading
Two Pocklington Prep School pupils enjoy using the library
Pocklington Prep school classroom with pupils working on building houses out of lollipop sticks
Pocklington Prep school pupil plays football
Pocklington Prep school pupils perform in the Tom Stoppard Theatre in a performance of Treachery at Traitor’s Quay
Pocklington Prep school pupils play cricket on the school grounds
Pocklington Prep school pupils paint on the floor outside
Pocklington Prep school pupil holding the trombone
Pocklington Prep school pupils smiling in the sack race at sports day
Pocklington Prep School headteacher sits with two pupils in the library reading together
Pocklington Prep School pupils practise mindfulness in the chill and chat room
Pocklington Prep School teacher sits outside chatting with pupils
Pocklington Prep School pupils stand in a line with linked arms, smiling
Pocklington Prep School pupils standing outside the school grounds, hugging

Our ethos &
values

We are a day and boarding Christian foundation that is academic and inclusive and a family school whose togetherness, care for each other and pride in our community is evident in our outstanding pastoral provision. At the very heart of our ethos lie our “Values and Virtues”; they drive all that we do at Pocklington and mean our pupils leave with a strong sense of personal and social responsibility along with the ability to shape their own future.

The Pocklington Values of Courage, Truth and Trust, along with the nine Virtues which underpin them, are embedded in every aspect of Pockington School life to sustain, inspire and galvanise the whole School community.
Courage
Truth
Trust

ASPIRATION

RESILIENCE

INTEGRITY

Pocklington School musical Return to the Forbidden Planet

Work with motivation and increasing independence, setting myself high standards and taking pride in my work.

Pocklington Prep School pupil smiling a lesson in the library

Persevere with things I find difficult, seeing mistakes as an essential part of the learning process.

Pocklington School CCF army cadet smiling in a parade

Have the confidence to behave truthfully and honestly, treating others fairly and completing tasks to the best of my ability.

ENQUIRY

CREATIVITY

REFLECTION

Pocklington School Sixth Former using a bunsen burner in Chemistry

Be curious about the world around me, asking questions to develop my understanding and solve problems.

Pocklington School pupil standing in front of A level artwork

Think flexibly, forming my own ideas, trying different approaches, and applying what I have learned to new situations.

Three Pocklington Pre-School pupils looking at a flower

Consider information from a range of reliable sources to draw reasoned conclusions and reflect on what I have learned.

COLLABORATION

COMPASSION

COMMITMENT

Three Pocklington School pupils holding chickens and ducks

Work effectively with staff and pupils and use their support to help me make progress.

Two Pocklington School pupils helping each other in class

Be kind and respectful of the skill, talents and viewpoints of others and celebrate their successes.

Pocklington School pupils standing proudly with sports kit

Play an active part in the Pocklington School community, participating in a range of activities.
Pocklington Prep School pupils holding brass instruments and smiling
Family of Pocklington School pupils standing on the bridge outside the Art and Design
Pocklington Prep School pupil sitting on the grass and playing with some toys
Pocklington Prep School pupil writing at a desk in a classroom
Close up of pupil running in a Pocklington Prep Sports Day race

Pocklington
voices

Pocklington Prep has been a wonderful school for our five children, each of whom have been blissfully happy here. We really value the ethos of supporting children to have a go: at instruments, at sports, in clubs and activities and also at boarding; each of our children has felt encouraged to discover and pursue new interests and gain confidence through these. The atmosphere is welcoming, warm and inclusive, and each child is supported to do their very best and achieve their potential. Thank you for providing a brilliant experience of school for all of our children, and us as parents.

- FORMER PARENTS

Pocklington
voices

Since our two boys joined Pocklington School we have seen a vast improvement in their academic work and overall confidence. They have very different needs to one another and the school has catered for both brilliantly. Our youngest has thrived through the sporting opportunities offered and has excelled at maths and science. Our eldest struggled with anxiety after a difficult experience at his previous school. But thanks to the excellent teachers and pastoral care he is now happy and loves school. Both take part in a range of extra curricular activities including judo, creative writing and cooking club. We feel Pocklington School has been the best choice we could have made for our family.

- CURRENT PARENTS

Pocklington
voices

My children who have both attended Pocklington Prep from an early age, have very different personalities. The School has tailored their approach to each child individually, addressing both academic and emotional needs. My daughter has excelled in all areas of school life and has now moved onto the Senior School. My son has been given all the help he needs to fulfil his potential whilst not hampering his bubbly personality and key interests. The teachers go above and beyond to understand each child individually, to build on their strengths and realise that one approach does not fit all; they genuinely care.

- CURRENT PARENTS

Pocklington
voices

Choosing the right school is a stressful experience and even more so if you have to balance the needs of two very different children. Right from our first visit to the School, our neurodiverse son has been made to feel welcome and part of the School community. He has been consistently well supported both academically and socially and the School environment is wonderfully inclusive. He feels able to be himself and he looks forward to going to school everyday. The staff actively encourage his particular interests to help engage him in his learning. We are extremely grateful for all the SEN support he receives at the School and we do not think that we would be able to find better support for him locally. His brother is also thriving at school as he is being challenged academically, which he loves, whilst in a nurturing environment that is also building his self-confidence. Both boys happily run into school every morning without looking back, which makes us feel confident we have made the right choice for them.

- CURRENT PARENTS

Pocklington
voices

My child is always very happy to go to school.
There are very small class sizes which means they get more one-on-one support. The co-curricular opportunities are great and will become even greater as my child progresses through the School.

- CURRENT PARENT
Pocklington boarding junior girls enjoy breakfast together
Boarding or day student?

Our junior boarding houses, Orchard for girls and Dolman for boys, offer a warm, safe and happy experience for our younger boarders. Evenings and weekends are filled with academic preparation, exciting activities and excursions, all supervised by our knowledgeable boarding staff. This ensures all boarders have the most memorable and enriching experience.  

We have developed a unique boarding community for our youngest boarders known as The Hive. This shares the core values of our whole boarding community whilst still enabling pupils to have fun and be young with their friends, under the care of dedicated boarding staff who understand the needs of this age group. Each child feels safe, cared for, engaged and happy - and they are ready for the adventures that lie ahead. 

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Dive deeper into Prep

Pocklington School Prep pupil studying in the classroom

PREP LIFE

PREP PASTORAL CARE

PREP SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULUM

PREP ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

 MOVING UP TO SENIOR SCHOOL