St Edward's School Reading

• Location: Reading, Berkshire, England,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of studying: mixed,
• Student age: 2–11 years,
• Programs: Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep.

• Location: Reading, Berkshire, England,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: mixed,
• Student age: 2–11 years,
• Programs: Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep.

St Edward's School Reading is a British preparatory school, helping young learners learn basic educational skills for further study at independent institutions. Children from 2-3 years old can enter the school.

St Edward's School Reading operates in a full-time education format. Children can complete homework tasks with adult supervision after lessons.

The school switched to a joint learning format only in 2021.

There is also a kindergarten on campus, which is called Little Griffins Nursery.

The Headteacher is Jonathan Parsons.

The Nursery curriculum covers the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The STEAM curriculum brings together science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Education at St Edward's School Reading is divided into three stages:

• Little Griffins Nursery Class – from 2-3 years old,
• Prep Reception — from 4 years old,
• Year 3 — from 7 years old.

During the training, children master such basic areas and skills as literacy, counting, observation, fine arts. The development of these skills mainly takes place in practical lessons, which make up a large part of the curriculum. The basic schedule of students usually includes classes in writing, mathematics, information technology, physical education, music, foreign languages.

Teachers work with each child individually, appreciate the individuality of their students.

As children transition to Pre-Prep, greater emphasis is placed on independent learning. They learn outdoors and in the woods and take part in cooperative games. PE classes are conducted by specialist sports teachers. Mornings often begin with reading, followed on most days by English or math.

The school uses inquiry-based and digital learning. A new school-wide Theme of Investigation begins each half-term. In Nursery, activities linked to the theme are adapted to the children’s ages, developmental needs, and interests. Mornings begin with gathering time, greetings, and songs, including songs that teach the days of the week. Children are shown a visual timetable, and stories relate to the current theme and upcoming activities. After lunch, children who need a nap rest while the others play outdoors.

The Nursery Teacher and Early Years Lead plan daily small-group activities to match the children’s development. In Little Griffins, music, drama, and PE are conducted by specialist teachers through play. Children begin the full phonics program when they are ready, usually in the term before entering Reception.

In Prep, formal education is balanced with children’s active participation. In Years 4–6, subject specialists conduct English and math classes. Preparation for the 11+ entrance exam begins in Year 4, with dedicated sessions on the timetable in Years 4 and 5. Older children attend lessons that develop leadership and teamwork. Group learning support is available.

Prep pupils set individual targets both independently and with their teachers. Reviewing these targets is part of the assessment process. Standardized assessments in English, mathematics, reading, and spelling complement traditional teacher assessments. Parents receive Grade Cards with ratings for effort, behavior, homework completion, and achievement in all disciplines. These also provide predicted end-of-year levels in the core disciplines and a tutor comment. At the end of the summer term, every pupil receives a full end-of-year report. Parents and staff discuss progress and ways to support education at formal and informal meetings.

Each year, pupils receive awards and scholarships from various senior schools.

• Pre Prep has a Star of the Week award.

Meals at St Edward's School Reading are updated every season, the menu takes into account both the general rules of nutrition for children and the personal characteristics of students. Children receive high-quality cooked dishes during lunches, among which there are usually the following:

• Soups,
• Salads,
• Fruit plates,
• Yoghurts,
• Desserts,
• Meat and fish with cereals.

School lunches and snacks are provided in association with Chapter One. The menu follows a three-week cycle. A freshly prepared hot lunch is served in the school hall.

Accommodation at St Edward's School Reading is not provided, it is up to the families of students to decide on their own.

In their free time, children, together with their parents or as part of a group from the school, can walk around Reading and its surroundings: the city has excellent parks, cafeterias, theaters and other cultural and entertainment locations.

On the territory of St Edward's School Reading, students can engage in creativity and sports, there are such circles and sections as:

• Linguistics,
• Archery,
• Theatrical art,
• Golf,
• Hockey,
• Tourist club,
• Coding courses.

Spanish and martial arts are available after school. Children can take part in plays, choirs, and concerts at every stage of their education. In Prep, sports and creative activities are open to all children at different levels of participation, including county-level competition. The school also participates in local sports competitions.

Each term, Nursery children spend a morning at Pangbourne Woods exploring nature. Activities may include listening walks, building dens, climbing trees, and creating temporary art from natural materials.

In the summer term, older children take overnight trips that develop leadership and teamwork.

School houses compete to earn the most House points.

• The administration creates a family atmosphere, actively uses innovative approaches and methods in teaching. The SESR curriculum goes beyond the standard national educational plan, so that students receive the most relevant and practice-oriented knowledge. Teachers and tutors provide children with comprehensive support, so that they can overcome difficulties more easily and deal with complicated topics,
• All study groups are small, allowing teachers to work with children personally even in general lessons,
• Employees give their full attention to the wards, they take care of the children, help them develop personal skills at the same level as academic ones. Kids, under the strict guidance of teachers, reveal their potential and talents, find hobbies, friends,
• Children at St Edward's School Reading are supervised by tutors from 8 am to 6 pm: students are supervised during lessons, breaks, and even during extracurricular activities, for example, in creative workshops,
• There is a convenient bus service in the vicinity of St Edward's School Reading, so the campus is easy and quick to reach,
• All teachers are qualified in the profile of the academic discipline, have expertise in the upbringing and development of children of different ages, and regularly improve their qualifications,
• The inspection identified a Significant Strength in the school’s work. ISI rated pupils’ personal development and academic progress as excellent.

At St Edward's School Reading, everything is prepared for comfortable and effective learning:

• Computers,
• Workshops for creative activities and needlework,
• A book corner,
• Library,
• Multimedia complexes,
• Sports grounds and swimming pool,
• A playground with a wooden fort and a slide,
• Dining area.

Little Griffins Nursery has areas for block play, imaginative play, small world play, and creative play. The Early Years Outdoor Classroom has a climbing wall, a mud kitchen, and an herb garden.

Additional costs may include:

• School uniform,
• Accompanying children after school,
• Minibus transfer,
• Extracurricular activities, circles, sections and workshops,
• Participation in a support group for foreign students.

In addition, the guardians of children will have to take care of finding and renting a house or apartment on their own, because there are no residences on campus. It is also important to think about money for food, clothes, souvenirs and walks outside of school hours in advance.

The registration charge is non-refundable. A deposit secures a place and is refunded when the child leaves the school.

Care can be arranged daily, on specific days of the week, or on an ad hoc basis. Morning care from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. is free. Clubs run by the school are included in the cost of After-School Care. Charges for activities run by external providers vary.

Pre-Prep children can be dropped off from 7:45 a.m. Registration is at 8:40 a.m. The morning timetable has a half-hour break for play and a healthy snack. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m., and lessons end at 3:55 p.m. Children can then be collected or stay for after-school care or activities. On Fridays, Pre-Prep attends assembly with the whole school.

Graduates continue their education at grammar schools and independent senior schools. Some pupils received offers of places at grammar schools but chose an independent school instead.

• Applicants to the main school attend an informal assessment and taster day,
• A copy of a report from the child’s current educational setting is required for entry to the main school.

St Edward's School Reading offers scholarships to pupils who progress through the Years 3/4 stages. Financial support is provided to talented, inquisitive and diligent children. Standard requirements for those who apply for a scholarship:

• Above-average academic ability,
• High level of self-motivation and scientific enthusiasm,
• Interest and achievements in one or more academic disciplines.

Candidates may have only some of the characteristics listed.

Scholarships average 5-25% of the cost of an academic year. The selection criteria for applicants are updated annually, so it is important to check with your academic advisor before applying.

Scholarships are available to children with academic, creative, and sporting potential. The Headteacher’s Scholarship may be awarded to a child showing potential in several areas. Candidates are invited to an Assessment Day. Scholarship recipients are expected to remain at the school until the end of Year 6. The value of a scholarship depends on the number of offers made.

Families needing financial support may be eligible for means-tested bursaries. A full statement of the parents’ financial circumstances is required for consideration. Applications are considered confidentially, and the child’s abilities do not affect the decision. A bursary can be awarded in addition to a scholarship.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision