Preparatory School

The preparatory school broadens the possibilities inside and outside of the classroom for all of the children. The academic teaching takes place in a modern, well-equipped and spacious purpose built facility.

Ages 7 – 8+ Years 3 & 4 Lower School

Children in Year 3 (7+) and Year 4 (8+) are taught by Form Teachers supported by classroom assistants. Nevertheless even at this early age the children benefit from the school's specialist Science Laboratories, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Performing Arts Centre and Visual Arts Department.

It is at this stage that children become involved in a wider range of activities. The Junior Choir, musical ensembles, drama productions. All children represent the school at sport and play in matches during the year as their developing skills are identified and encouraged.

The school day starts at 8.15am and finishes at 4.00pm but homework (prep) is built in to the timetable and completed at school.

Ages 9 – 10+ Years 5 & 6 Middle School

Pupils entering Year 5 (9+) join one of five Middle School tutor groups and remain with the same tutor for two years until the end of Year 6 (10+).

At nine years of age the children are introduced to a wider range of subjects specialist teaching, with classes moving around the school to take lessons in these dedicated rooms.

Study programmes at this stage lead to Common Entrance or scholarship.

A greater sense of personal responsibility, self-discipline and an increasing degree of focus on academic achievement are qualities that parents see emerging in their children as they move into the routine of the Middle School

The school day starts at 8.15am and finishes at 5.45pm. Homework (prep) is integrated into each child’s academic timetable and is completed at school.

Ages 11 – 13+ Years 7 & 8 Upper School

On entry to Year 7 (11+) pupils join one of six tutor groups and remain with the same tutor until the end of Year 8 (13+).

As the final stage in preparation for the move to senior school, the transition into Upper School is a crucial one. The focus is unashamedly on preparing for Common Entrance and Scholarship Examinations.

However - important though it is for every child to do well in these examinations, we have designed a curriculum to ensure that children believe that examinations are not the sole or intended purpose of education.

In curriculum terms there is an intentional broadening of opportunities in those non-examinable subjects such as Performing Arts and the Visual Arts. At one level they provide a release from the intensity of academic study, but more than that; in order to ensure that Amesburians are developed as cultured, creative youngsters, they are no less important.

In Year 7 & 8 pupils take a lead in the running of the School Council and House Representatives Committee.

As girls enter Year 7, their uniform changes to acknowledge their seniority and growing maturity, whilst on entering Year 8 all pupils receive a tie as a right of passage, again to acknowledge their seniority and additional leadership responsibilities.

In the final term of Year 8 a Head Boy, Head Girl and School Prefects are elected.

Previous generations of Amesburians maintain that reaching the top of the school is a memorable and special experience, and the highlight is the annual week long Leavers Trip, where reward for success, working hard, valuing friendships and the sense of belonging, coalesce.