Kent


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent pupils" class="wp-image-110538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_264-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The school’s good name has been further boosted by winning national recognition in the <em>Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards</em>. <a href="https://www.theprep.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sevenoaks Prep</a> beat entrants from around the UK to win the Award for Outstanding Pastoral Care, sponsored by Debrett’s Education. Sevenoaks Prep ‘Way of Life’ – how do they embody this?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-culture-of-kindness-nbsp"><strong>The Culture of Kindness</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent pupils values way of life pastoral" class="wp-image-110535" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_453-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Underpinning the School’s success is the ‘Way of Life’ &#8211; an ethos that flows through everything they do &#8211; encouraging pupils to be responsible, kind and empathetic.&nbsp;The aim is to prepare pupils for the test of life rather than a life of tests, although pupils achieve excellent academic results nevertheless.&nbsp;It is this culture of kindness, respect and resilience that underpins the way both staff and pupils treat each other. </p>



<p>Together with parents, the school makes it a mission to ensure children achieve their very best academically, personally and socially. Their ‘Way of Life’ is what helps pupils to understand the importance of developing self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.</p>



<p>Staff and pupils have incredibly strong and positive relationships and children feel comfortable seeking advice and guidance from their teachers and wider staff, who understand that in order for pupils to be the best versions of themselves, they must be happy and confident. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-curricular-and-outdoor">Co-curricular and outdoor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent children outdoor learning pastoral" class="wp-image-110534" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_20-6-24_314-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Prep believes that the key to unlocking confidence is a strong co-curricular offering and for pupils to be busy and engaged. Yes, they are proud of their very successful music, arts and sports departments but involvement for all really is the key. There are excellent initiatives, like Junior Duke Award, (a bit like an intro to DofE) where children complete a series of challenges and the award develops the whole character.  </p>



<p>Plus, the wide range of clubs and activities on offer allows pupils to expand their horizons and discover new passions &#8211; whether that&#8217;s building digital skills through coding, robotics and engineering, expressing their creativity in the choir, or getting active with street dance. And finally, every child, up to Year 6, is timetabled to have an Outdoor Learning lesson each week. </p>



<p>These lessons focus on children developing a love for nature, connecting with the beautiful environment they are lucky to be based in, 25 acres on the edge of Knole Park, and having opportunities to be confident, resilient, independent and creative learners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excellent-wellbeing-initiatives">Excellent Wellbeing initiatives</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent pastoral wellbeing boys talking" class="wp-image-110540" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Sports-Day-2024_084-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is the school that genuinely aims to put the wellbeing of pupils at the heart of everything they do. Wellbeing is well and truly integrated into the curriculum and a lot of time has gone into creating a comprehensive range of initiatives, programmes, policies and resources that boost wellbeing and feedback the mood of pupils. </p>



<p>Take, for example, the YouHQ app that allows students to track their emotional state or the fact that each class has a Wellbeing Rep that meet once a term to gather pupil voice. Or the highly successful Buddy Programme between Year 7 and Year 2, where the older children help support Year 2 children when they transition to The Prep.&nbsp;All of this builds bonds and positivity.</p>



<p>The Wellbeing Hub is open throughout the week to give students time and space to offload, at the same time the caring pastoral team &#8211; supported by Mental Health First Aiders, Drawing and Talking practitioners and an in-school Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) ELSA &#8211; all help support the children within school, alongside their extensive network of local professionals and on-site freelance counsellor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-sense-of-togetherness">Strong sense of togetherness</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent teacher and pupil in lesson" class="wp-image-110536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-Photography_24-5-24_095-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At Sevenoaks Prep the one clear aim is that every child, parent, and staff member feels a sense of belonging and purpose. This is supported by the many and varied events throughout the year that engage and bring together the whole community. </p>



<p>The school actively encourages feedback from students, staff and parents through lots of different channels.&nbsp;By fostering partnerships between school and home, the school creates a unified support system that reinforces the importance of mental health and wellbeing. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Recognising the importance of staff wellbeing in creating a supportive learning environment, The Prep also offers wellbeing walks for staff, providing opportunities for relaxation, exercise and socialisation outside of the classroom. This is all done with the clear vision that&nbsp;Sevenoaks Prep becomes a vibrant, friendly and welcoming environment where everyone thrives.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-well-designed-journey">A well-designed journey</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229.jpg" alt="Sevenoaks Prep school in Kent pupils outside pastoral" class="wp-image-110539" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/Sevenoaks-Prep-promo_10-5-23_229-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From the very youngest children in the Nursery and Pre-Prep to the Year 8 Leavers the school will grow with pupils and challenge them at just the right time. The Nursery and Pre-Prep is set aside from the main building to give little ones the sense of a smaller, safe environment but near enough for them to feel included and share the facilities. Reception, Years 1 and 2 really enjoy having specialist teaching in the prep side of the school for art, music, IT, science and PE.</p>



<p>Then as they progress to the Prep children make full use of the exceptional facilities at their disposal, including the impressive Centenary Centre which very much has the feel of a senior school. The proof of the pudding is looking at the Year 8 who come out the other end having made full use of all the opportunities to lead by example.</p>



<p>Each of them will benefit from a bespoke education and no one size fits all, which is evidenced by the breadth of destination schools that leavers go onto.&nbsp;And it works &#8211; in July 2024, once again, Year 8 pupils achieved 100% pass at Common Entrance with 85% being awarded A/A*, scholarships and moved onto schools of their choosing. In fact, just under one third of 2023/24 Year 8 and Year 6 pupils were awarded scholarship places, bringing the total number of scholarships to 49 over the last 3 years. And above all, these leavers are happy individuals with decent life skills and well-rounded characters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-see-for-yourself">Go see for yourself</h2>



<p>Book your spot at their <a href="https://www.theprep.org.uk/openmorning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning</a> on <strong>Fri 7 March</strong> from 9-11am. Can&#8217;t make it? Contact their admissions team to arrange a personalised tour at a time that suits you.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.theprep.org.uk">Sevenoaks Pre</a><a href="https://www.theprep.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">p</a></em></p>


Sevenoaks Prep: on winning national awards for pastoral excellence and how it’s done

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