It is well known that the benefits of an independent education are cumulative and that they make most difference to outcomes for children the earlier the investment in them is made. The small class sizes in our Prep school mean that each and every child is well known by their teachers. We regularly see the children outperform their peers in other schools, including other independent schools, having started at the same baseline.
AdmissionsInvolvement in the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities offered at Gateways is encouraged.
A number of available options are detailed below, however the full range can be viewed by clicking here.
A wide range of sporting options are available to take part during lunch break and after school. These include hockey, rugby, football, netball and dodgeball – a very popular lunch time club! Tennis and Karate lessons can also be taken at Gateways, both run by external providers.
Pupils are encouraged to represent the school by playing fixtures from L1 (year 2). “Friendly” matches are arranged for younger pupils to develop their skills and introduce them to a team play setting.
Individual instrumental and singing lessons are available to pupils from Upper 1. These are run by Peripatetic teachers. In Lower 2, all pupils have a weekly half hour instrument lesson free of charge throughout the course of the year, focusing on flute, clarinet and violin. This is part of the Prep curriculum and gives pupils a chance to experience playing an instrument.
All pupils from Lower 2, Upper 2 and Lower 3 are members of the Prep Choir, with at least one weekly practice. There are a number of concerts throughout the year which pupils take part in, including a Christmas Carol Concert.
Pupils throughout Prep School take part in school productions. Upper 1 to Lower 3 pupils perform in a Prep production in the summer term.
Pupils from Upper 1 upwards have the chance to take Speech and Drama lessons.
Dance lessons are available to pupils from Pre-Reception upwards, run by our external dance teacher. A number of dance genres are available including Ballet and Street Jazz.
Educational visits are a feature of the Prep programme and give pupils the opportunity to learn in a wider context. Visits include field trips, theatre and gallery visits and residential trips to outdoor pursuit centres to develop team building and leadership skills. Pupils have their first residential in Upper 1 (year 3).
At Gateways we value our connection with the wider community and our Community Outreach Programme involves pupils across the school supporting both local and international charities throughout the year. Involvement in these projects promotes community awareness and compassion, creating individuals who are well-rounded and responsible global citizens.
Each year, pupils and staff vote for their charity for the next school year and the majority of fundraising throughout the year goes towards this charity. In addition Prep pupils support a chosen charity for their Harvest donations which in recent years have included St George’s Crypt and The Dog’s Trust.
This academic year, the Gateways community have once again chosen to support Plastic Oceans, which tackles the plastic pollution. This impacts our waters and marine life, but also the human food chain and our overall health.
Visit the Plastic Oceans website
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is a registered Charity No. 529206.
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is registered in England No. 702484.
