Age range. 4–11.
Number of pupils. 140 Girls and Boys.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £3,915–£4,985.
School mission. We will inspire our children and young people to thrive, engaging them to excel in a creative and academic environment. We will instil a growth mindset to develop confidence, contentment and emotional intelligence.
Aims and ethos. We are a vibrant learning community, inspiring every child to thrive: discovering strengths, deepening intellectual curiosity and cultivating wellbeing.
Values. Personal integrity, mutual respect, social responsibility and lifelong resilience.
Location. Ewell Castle Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school, located at Glyn House on Church Street in the heart of Ewell Village, offering co-ed schooling from ages 4 to 11. The National Curriculum is incorporated within a broad curriculum. Ewell Castle Senior School is across the road, and the majority of Prep pupils move up to the Senior School after Year 6. A number of bursaries and scholarships are available at the Senior School at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry.
Admissions. Entry to the school (Reception to Year 6) is via a taster day, where children are assessed through observation in the classroom.
NACE accreditation and academic challenge. Ewell Castle Prep is proud to have received NACE (National Association for Able Children) accreditation, in recognition of our commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners, within the context of challenge for all.
HPL (High Performance Learning). At the Prep School, we have focused on learning characteristics of HPL and teaching children 'how to learn'. With the help of HPL, our approach has become more structured and helps progress throughout the Prep School. Our biggest focus is getting children to believe that they can all perform to a high level. All teaching staff are involved in a two-year professional development programme that will see the School become a High Performance School by the end of 2025.
Pastoral care and wellbeing. A great benefit of being a small school is that each pupil is known and valued within a caring, stimulating and disciplined environment. The happy, family friendly nature of our school community is underpinned by excellent pastoral care. We have have two on-site ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) and we also offer drawing and talking support which is another form of mental health intervention for children who need extra attention.
Pupil Voice. Pupil Voice is the way in which the children's thoughts and inspirations are heard and acted upon to improve our educational setting. We have a Student Council and they meet regularly.
The Arts. The creative arts play an important part in school life. Apart from the timetabled music lessons, there is the opportunity for pupils to learn a variety of instruments with specialist music teachers. Drama productions take place regularly. Pupils’ art work is always to be found decorating the School walls. All pupils join in various sporting activities as part of the weekly curriculum. In addition, a wide variety of co-curricular activities are available at lunchtimes, after school and during the holidays.
Sport and games. All pupils use the five acres of attractive gardens and playing fields at Glyn House for outdoor play (including Forest School) and games lessons. In addition, Preparatory School pupils benefit from full access to the excellent sporting facilities, including a sports hall, playing fields and three brand-new clay tennis courts on the 15-acre site at The Castle. The main games are football, rugby, netball, hockey, cricket and tennis. There are also athletics and cross country events, including a School sports day. All pupils receive swimming lessons at a local swimming pool. One of the sporting highlights of the year is the annual Prep Sports Day which is held at the local all-weather track and field venue of the Harrier Centre.
Forest School. We are fortunate to possess an on-site Forest School situated within the beautiful, mature, large walled gardens of the Prep School. We offer timetabled Forest School and outdoor learning sessions with qualified Forest School Leaders for all our pupils from Reception to Year 6.
Eco-School Green Flag with Distinction. Ewell Castle Prep School has been awarded Eco-School Green Flag with Distinction. The Eco-Schools organisation were particularly impressed with how different departments have embedded sustainability within their curriculum at both the Prep and Senior School sites. They noted: ‘It's fantastic to see that environmental issues have become an integral part of your learning. The examples provided demonstrate how staff members have effectively used this environmental focus to enhance lessons and learning.’ They were impressed and grateful that our staff go so far above and beyond to engage young people in environmental action.
Co-curricular. Outside speakers include authors, wildlife organisations and other organisations who conduct workshops with pupils. A number of visits occur to places of interest which are relevant to a particular area of study. There have been recent trips to Spain, the Isle of Wight, Devon, and the annual ski trip.
The School also enjoys close links with St Mary’s Church in Ewell, where regular assemblies are held throughout the year.
Who we are. It is not just the family feel which characterises interactions within the school gates, within the classroom and in co-curricular pursuits. It is also the wonderful blend of academic aspiration and challenge, pastoral care and inclusivity, and a real sense of warmth and community. This comes from our parents, colleagues and pupils as they interact with each other across all sites.
Developing independent learners and critical thinkers. Potential is key in every school. Key to unlocking it in each child comes from providing that environment of psychological safety for children to try new things, to chance success or redirection; and with staff being happy for children to both learn from their mistakes as well as rejoice in their triumphs. Sampling life experiences, learning new things and not being afraid to try are what teach pupils to know themselves and become architects of their own learning, in order to benefit from that self-awareness with life’s big decisions later on. Developing critical thinkers who are compassionate and curious is what we are all about.
Who we are. At Ewell Castle Prep School, we believe that each child is unique. Our dedicated team of staff work tirelessly, in partnership with parents, to create a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Our rigorous core curriculum is complemented by a rich array of additional learning opportunities, fostering creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. We are committed to cultivating a passion for exploration and a sense of responsibility that extends beyond the classroom, whether in our Forest School, during co-curricular activities or during weekly philosophy lessons. We are proud to embrace a culture of Growth Mindset that permeates our entire school community.
Charitable status. Ewell Castle School is a Registered Charity, number 312079. It exists to provide education for boys and girls.