High academic expectations in the Prep Department go hand in hand with pastoral care and a commitment to see all pupils make the most of the varied opportunities available to them. Through the development of our ‘Learning Powers’, pupils are thoroughly equipped, both personally and academically, to deal with the rigours of their secondary education.
By the end of the Prep department, Form 6 children achieve well above the national average in Key Stage 2 SATs tests in English and Maths. Thorough preparation in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning also means that pupils have the option to participate in the Consortium Selective Test (11+) and other senior school entrance tests. Of those that choose to sit the 11+ Entrance Test, the vast majority are successful in gaining entry to one of the local Grammar Schools. Likewise, of the children who sit entrance tests for independent senior schools, many are successful in gaining entry or scholarship awards.
Homework is introduced from Form 3, to support the children’s learning in school. As well as specialist teaching in French, Music and P.E they begin to experience specialist teaching in other areas and use our dedicated facilities such as the Food Technology kitchen, Drama studio and Art studio.
Our unique Outdoor Education programme affords the children opportunities to develop and enhance their ability to work as a team, to lead, gain independence and face personal challenges beyond the classroom whilst also enhancing self-esteem and respect for others and the environment.
More than 50% of pupils in the Prep department are involved in more than one musical activity each week as a member of one of the three choirs, two orchestras, a variety of instrumental ensembles or in individual instrumental lessons. All pupils are able to participate in a wide range of sporting activities in their PE and games lessons. Extra-curricular sports and games clubs allow children to further develop their skills and to build the team dimension.
A varied programme of educational visits, residential experiences and visitors to the school helps to further enrich the curriculum and to foster new skills.
By the time the children reach the top of the school we know that they are ready to face the next exciting stage of their educational journey with confidence having benefited from a thorough preparation for all that lies ahead.
Come and see for yourself
Book a personal visit or register for one of our open days
Visit our school so you can see for yourselves the class sizes, the dedication and commitment of our staff, the range of facilities and resources available to enhance your child’s learning, meet our pupils and confidently make the right decision for your child.
“Just a note to say thank you to St Michael's for our son's 8 years at the school. He's enjoyed every second of it and has fully embraced all the opportunities the school has to offer. I'm sure his time at the school will stand him in excellent stead for secondary school. As an additional mention, I wanted to let you know how wonderful Mrs Matthews has been for our daughter in Year 4. We've always felt that the teaching has been very good at the school but Mrs Matthews seems to be on a whole other level! Her communication, feedback and encouragement has been excellent. She has clearly spent time really getting to understand the children and our daughter's confidence and ability has come on in leaps and bounds. We cannot thank her enough! ”
- Mrs Levell, Parent
“After a lengthy search in West Oxfordshire at numerous other private schools, I found none of them were a patch on St Michael's. They had huge grounds, impressive sporting and drama facilities, however the special family/nurturing feel we've always loved about St Michael's just wasn't there at all. I decided that if we couldn't find a school which measured up to St Michael's, then there was little point in moving, so we stopped the house move and are remaining where we are.”
- Mrs Falconer, Parent
“During my time at St Michael's, not only did I really enjoy it, I found that I wasn’t scared to move on and I felt prepared and ready for senior school. I now realise just how much the school gave me and at Senior School, I have found topics that I had already covered or had been hinted to in the lessons at St Michael’s. So I really thank the school and feel grateful for the preparation that I had and now use. ”
- Francesca Halling, Former Pupil
“As a former pupil, St. Michael's was the obvious choice. Their values and school ethos have remained the same and Sophia has become a confident, caring and hardworking individual. ”
- Mrs Lloyd, Former Parent
“Just wanted to say a big Thank You to all staff and teachers over the last few months. As a full time working Mum I don't know what I would have done without the structure provided each day.”
- Mrs Homer, Parent
“..thriving, secure, ‘family feel’ environment where children are positively nurtured as individuals and able to reach their own potential.”
- Mrs Foy, Parent
“St. Michael's is a wonderful school. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe haven for their child to grow, learn to be well rounded individuals with the love of God in their hearts and love for all human beings as well as develop academically putting them in a good position ready for the next level of education.”
- Mrs Balogun, Former Parent
“St. Michael's has been on our radar for the last few years following on from various positive conversations with different people about the school, your results and the general atmosphere and approach. With our daughter now turning two, we felt it was a good time to start enquiring and visiting the school. We're so glad we did!”
- Prospective Parent
