Aims and Ethos

Colfe’s Preparatory School is set in the pleasant surroundings of Lee in South East London and is a vibrant, lively place where boys and girls learn to shine in small classes. The Preparatory, accredited by IAPS, offers an outstanding education for children aged from 3 to 11 and is attached to Colfe’s Senior School.

Girls and boys usually join the school in the Nursery at 3 or in Reception at 4, although occasionally places become available at a later stage as they move up into Years 1 - 6. Colfe’s Preparatory is an academically selective school with high expectations. We offer a complete education across the whole age range from Nursery to ‘A’ Level. In the Preparatory School abilities are nurtured and the needs of the individual are of central importance. The self-esteem of Colfe’s girls and boys is paramount and they are given every opportunity to explore their talents in a wide and exciting choice of subjects, sports, clubs and activities that include a rich diet of music, drama, craft activities and team games.

The quality of the teaching and learning at Colfe’s is central to the pupils’ academic success (outstanding Key Stage 2 results) and the wide range of opportunities offered enriches their personal development. Colfe’s emphasizes principles such as honesty and integrity, courtesy and kindness, responsibility and service. The quality of the staff (subject specialists included) & facilities (dedicated science lab, two computer suites, purpose built art room and library) and the chance to use the Sports Centre and extensive Senior School facilities, secures the opportunity for every child to flourish. The staff work closely with parents to give their children a secure yet independent childhood where they are free to learn and take responsible decisions about what they want to achieve in a climate of good behaviour.

In small classes, Colfe’s aims to develop the whole person so that everyone, through continuous improvement, is encouraged to use their talents and abilities to realise their full potential.

Colfe’s sets out to:

• Encourage academic excellence and enthusiasm for learning in a secure, well-disciplined and friendly environment.
• Deliver a rounded education by providing opportunities in sports, the arts, technology and a wide choice of clubs and activities.
• Create an exciting and purposeful teaching and learning centre where self-expression in the arts is encouraged and practical, creative and performance skills are developed in addition to leadership.
• Foster self-reliance, self-discipline and self-confidence in a caring community whereby children gain interests and characteristics that give them a head start for life.
• Work closely with parents to ensure that Colfe’s children are given every opportunity to prosper.

Sports played include rugby, rounders, football, cricket, netball, swimming, tennis and athletics. A school choir, orchestra, and numerous ensembles perform frequently and drama productions usually include all the pupils. There is a wide range of after school clubs and a late school scheme which runs until 18.00.

At 11 years of age, virtually all the Preparatory pupils proceed to the Senior School, where pupils benefit from the continuity and the challenging atmosphere, small classes, excellent pastoral care and a strong academic tradition.