Beginning to consider Nursery options for your little one? The start of your child’s education journey is a magical and exciting chapter in their lives, but selecting the right setting is a big commitment and can sometimes feel overwhelming. We spoke to three children who have spent their education at St Michael’s Prep School (Otford, near Sevenoaks, Kent) since Nursery to find out the benefits of joining a prep school from this age. 

Nik, age 10, Year 6

Who?

I’m Nik and I’ve been at St Michael’s since Nursery. I spend a lot of my spare time playing football for a local club and love cycling with my family.

Tell us about your St Michael’s journey

My earliest memories of St Michael’s are playing in the Pre-School sandpit and making my closest friends who I have shared so many amazing experiences with as we’ve moved up the school together, such as the annual Ski Trip and Music Tour to Italy.

Highlights of my time at St Michael’s include winning the Spelling Bee two years in a row, representing St Michael’s in IAPS sports tournaments and winning a Maths Prize in Year 4. I love my Maths lessons because we are set fun challenges which really stretch our brains.

What are your hopes for your next steps?

I am looking forward to even more sport and academic opportunities when I move onto senior school and working towards my dream job as a lawyer. I have received offers to Sevenoaks School and Tonbridge School for Year 9.

If you could leave one message for your younger self what would it be?

Never give up on your dreams. If you believe you can do something, you can – so never say you can’t.’

Belinda, age 13, Year 8

Who?

My name is Belinda and I have been at St Michael’s for 11 years since Nursery. I love performing and since learning the flute in Year 3, I have achieved Grade 5 on the instrument. I also love to bake and am very sporty: I play cricket both inside and outside of school.

Tell us about your St Michael’s journey

Growing up at St Michael’s means it now feels like home; a place which is comfortable, familiar and filled with teachers and friends that I know and trust. I look forward to St Michael’s school play every year and entering Years 7 and 8 with Music and Drama Scholarships has given me even more opportunities to improve my performance.

I also love my academic lessons, particularly English and Science: my Science teacher Mrs Neylan is so passionate about the subject and sets practical tasks which require us to be independent. During Year 6 I was proud to be part of the St Michael’s team who became National IAPS Hardball Cricket Champions.

What are your hopes for your next steps?

I am going to continue making the most of all Music and Drama opportunities on offer. I have been offered a place at Sevenoaks School for Year 9.

If you could leave one message for your younger self what would it be?

I would tell myself to be more confident and give everything a go. When I joined St Michael’s I was quite shy, but with the help of my friendly and inspiring teachers, I have grown in confidence and been able to achieve so much.

Theo, age 13, Year 8

Who?

I’m Theo, one of the oldest pupils at St Michael’s! Most days you will find me reading or playing sport, particularly football, cricket, hockey or skiing. I also love getting lost in music: playing the cello, in which I have gained a Grade 4, or singing with St Michael’s boys’ choir, Treble Trouble.

Tell us about your St Michael’s journey

I have really enjoyed my time at St Michael’s and experienced so much since Nursery. History and Geography lessons are always a highlight of my week and my Geography teacher Miss Lambert has inspired my interest in travel and exploring maps.

My best memories of St Michael’s are the school plays which allow us to enter the world of stage production. I put all I have learnt from my Drama Teacher Mr Powell into use in my lead role as Connor in A Monster Calls last year and continue to develop my acting skills as part of my Drama Scholarship.

What are your hopes for your next steps?

In September I will be going to Tonbridge School alongside my two brothers who also attended St Michael’s. I am looking forward to this next chapter but know I will miss the incredible St Michael’s community which is like family to me.

If you could leave one message for your younger self what would it be?

Take every opportunity that St Michael’s throws at you and even if you don’t succeed at first at something, always try.

Go see for yourself: St Michael’s offers individual tours throughout the week for families interested in the school. Or visit their Open Morning on Tues 29 Apr 2025, when you can tour the Pre-Prep and Prep buildings and hear from St Michael’s Head Nik Pears, pupils and speak to members of staff. Alternatively, to find out more about life at St Michael’s, please visit St Michael’s YouTube page or contact St Michael’s Admissions Officer, Lynda Binns at lbinns@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.