Starting Your Journey With St Joseph's

“The period from birth to eight years old is one of remarkable brain development for children and represents a crucial window of opportunity for education. When children are healthy, safe and learning well in their early years, they are better able to reach their full developmental potential as adults and participate effectively in economic, social, and civic life.” UNSECOstudy Why early childhood care and education matters | UNESCO

At St Joseph’s, we understand that these formative educational years are essential to your child’s future. 

Our experienced, well-qualified, enthusiastic and caring Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) staff never forget that the time they have with the children in their care is crucial to their development and that what, and how, they learn will shape their understanding of what school means and will remain with them long after they move further through the Junior and Senior sides of the school. 

Every day, they provide a high-quality environment offering extensive opportunities for all children to achieve their full potential and share with our parents an understanding that an investment in their early schooling will pay dividends throughout their lives.

The Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) suite comprises of three large classrooms for Reception Class (age 4 +), Year 1 and Year 2. All classrooms feature attached cloakroom facilities and are securely located in their own distinct area of the school. Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) pupils also have to their own garden and all-weather play area for outdoor learning. The atmosphere is bright, colourful, purposeful and welcoming.

Our most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report complimented us highly on our excellent pastoral care and the high-quality provision provided within the department, and found the school to be Excellent in all areas. We are also extremely proud that the Foundation Stage has been referred to by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as an 'Area of Excellence'.

We are constantly reviewing our practice at St Joseph's and believe that this process and our child-centred approach allows us to maintain our reputation as one of the leading Pre-Prep Departments in the South West.

Unlike any other local school, children in Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) also benefit from everything that comes from being an “Excellent” Junior School, with Senior School facilities. This includes specialist teaching for Music, French, Drama, PE, Swimming and Art as well as age-appropriate use of the Outdoor School, the Canopy Classroom, the Sports Field, the Astroturf and more.

Throughout the Summer Term we offer transition sessions to those starting with us in the September. If you would like your child to attend, please contact the Registrar. 

Please feel free to arrange a visit by contacting the Registrar and come and experience the atmosphere at St Joseph's.

Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) After School Clubs
There is a facility for children in Pre-Prep (Key Stage 1) to stay on at school after 3.30pm if required from Monday to Thursday. We run a wide selection of extra-curricular clubs and play based sessions, which are available until 4.30pm. These are supervised by our expert team, who know the children well.