Age range. 2½–13.
Number of pupils. 290: Main School 192; Pre-Prep 48; Pre-School & Reception (EYFS) 50.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Tuition: Pre-School £735 (per day); Reception £3,525; Pre-Prep £4,095–£4,745; Main School £6,045–£6,695.
Founded in 1925 by Mr R J Mowll in Enfield, the school moved to its present location in the heart of Sussex two years later. Staff and pupils came to a large country house set in over 260 acres of fields and woodland, where children could learn and play in unspoiled surroundings.
From these beginnings, Great Walstead has developed into a thriving co-educational prep school, catering for children from 2½ to 13 years of age. It is a school which values children as individuals and regards it as vital that each child develops his or her potential – academically, creatively, socially and spiritually. Above all, the school is built on the strong values of Christian Faith, Success, Communication, Environment and Dedication, creating an essential foundation for the whole of a pupil’s education and life.
The Early Years Foundation Stage incorporates Pre-School and Reception classes, welcoming children from the age of 2½ until it is time to enter the Pre-Prep at 5. It provides a full, rich and varied Early Years education, laying firm foundations in basic skills and understanding for future learning. They share a dedicated outdoor learning and play space with a giant covered sandpit, mud kitchen and music area.
The Pre-Prep covers the ages from 5 to 7 within its own section of the school. It has its own library, ICT suite and play area. The aim here is to ensure that the foundation skills of reading, writing and maths are taught while, at the same time, teachers add a breadth of interest through specialist lead classes in French, computer skills, PE and Music.
Children enter the Junior School at 7. For the next two years they will have a class teacher who supervises them closely for a good proportion of the day, but have specialist teachers for French, Music, ICT, Art, Craft, Design & Technology, Sport and PE. They have games or outdoor activities each day and gradually learn to become more independent.
Children in the senior age group, from 9 to 13 years of age, are taught by graduate specialist teachers in preparation for the Common Entrance examination and senior school scholarships at 13. In the past ten years, Great Walstead pupils have won over 200 scholarships or awards to senior schools and in the last four years over 50% of pupils gained such success. Facilities in the Senior School include two computer rooms with 21 linked PCs, a well-equipped science laboratory, and a fine Library.
The 269 acres of farmland, playing fields, and woodland make many outdoor activities possible. The woods host learning activities in Eco-School and Forest School and fun exercises in camp-building, as well as teddy bear picnics for the younger children. In the summer, the older children camp out overnight. In addition, the purpose-built challenge course gives enormous pleasure all year round for all ages.
The Art department is housed in the Cedar building. The Great Walstead Secret Garden is a wonderful addition to the curriculum, providing a fantastic walled garden space for academic and creative exploration using all of the senses.
The school’s extensive grounds allow a wide range of major sports. Swimming is possible all year round in our own heated pool. We have a superbly equipped sports hall and facilities including a wonderful new Astroturf. Match Day on Wednesdays for Years 5–8 and Thursdays for Juniors are weekly events with emphasis on sportsmanship, healthy competition and sport for all. All children (Years 3–8) have the opportunity to be involved in competitive sport at least once per season.
The school has a Learning Enhancement department where specialist staff are able to give the extra support required. The department helps children with all their learning needs, whether helping with a specific difficulty or extending those children who are gifted and talented.
Music has long been a strength at Great Walstead, with a high proportion of the children learning instruments and playing in groups, bands and orchestras. Singing is encouraged from Pre-School upwards. Drama is also an important part of the Arts here. All children are given the opportunity to act, with both major productions and form performances.
Matron, the school nurse, tends to the health of the children in the whole school. The school, through the Keep and Wrap Around Care, provides flexible holiday, pre- and after-school care, as well as other holiday activities to meet the needs of today’s parents.
Parents are always made most welcome at the school. There is a thriving parents’ organisation called FOGWA (Friends of Great Walstead Association) which provides a number of successful social events and raises substantial sums for the benefit of the school.
Academic, Music and Sports Awards are offered at 9+, and Academic, All-Rounder, Art, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sport Scholarships at 11+.
Charitable status. Great Walstead School is a Registered Charity, number 307002. It exists to provide a good education on Christian foundations.