Prep Academic

The Prep Curriculum

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Academic

Where Boys Flourish Fully

At Arnold House, our academic approach nurtures intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning. We aim to uphold strong academic traditions while preparing boys for successful entry to their chosen senior schools at 11+ and 13+.

Our broad and balanced curriculum offers a rich blend of academic, cultural, and creative subjects. Lessons are carefully structured to challenge the most able while supporting individual learning needs. Boys are encouraged to explore their strengths and interests, fostering self-confidence and resilience.

Prep Academic

Curriculum Highlights at Arnold House

Specialist teaching from Year 2 onwards in subjects such as Art, Drama, French, IT, Music, and PE.

English, Maths, and French taught in ability sets from Year 3 or 4.

Homework from Year 2, gradually increasing to a maximum of one hour per evening by Year 8.

Weekly use of Canons Park enriching learning with outdoor opportunities.

Prep Academic

Timetabling

The curriculum grows in depth through the years, with a structured number of weekly lessons across core and specialist subjects from Year 2 to Year 8. This progression supports both academic rigour and holistic development.

  • Year 2 Timetable
    Time Activity
    08.20 Doors open. If boys arrive before 8.20am, they wait in the courtyard if the weather is fine, or ‘wet room’ if raining.
    08.35 – 08.45 Registration and Form time
    08.45 – 09.30 Lesson 1
    09.30 – 10.15 Lesson 2
    10.15 – 11.00 Assembly and break
    11.00 – 11.45 Lesson 3
    11.45 – 13.00 Lunch and break
    13.00 – 13.45 Lesson 4
    13.45 – 14.30 Lesson 5
    14.30 – 14.50 Break
    14.50 – 15.30 Lesson 6
    15.30 Dismissal
  • Years 3 & 4 Timetable
    Time Activity
    08.20 Doors open. If boys arrive before 8.20am, they wait in the courtyard if the weather is fine, or ‘wet room’ if raining.
    08.35 – 08.45 Registration and Form time
    08.45 – 09.30 Lesson 1
    09.30 – 10.15 Lesson 2
    10.15 – 11.00 Assembly and break
    11.00 – 11.45 Lesson 3
    11.45 – 12.30 Lesson 4
    12.30 – 13.30 Lunch and break
    13.30 – 14.15 Lesson 5
    14.15 – 15.00 Lesson 6
    15.00 – 15.45 Lesson 7
    15.45 Dismissal (or 4.30pm, if a Games afternoon)
  • Years 5 - 8 Timetable
    Time Activity
    08.20 Doors open. If boys arrive before 8.20am, they wait in the courtyard if the weather is fine, or ‘wet room’ if raining.
    08.35 – 08.45 Registration and Form time
    08.45 – 09.30 Period 1
    09.30 – 10.15 Period 2
    10.15 – 11.00 Assembly and break
    11.00 – 11.45 Period 3
    11.45 – 12.30 Period 4
    12.30 – 13.15 Period 5
    13.15 – 14.15 Lunch and break
    14.15 – 15.00 Period 6
    15.00 – 15.45 Period 7
    15.45 Dismissal (or 4.30pm, if a Games afternoon)
Prep Academic

Learning Support

Our inclusive ethos ensures every boy can thrive. Led by the Head and Deputy Head of Learning Support, the team provides:

  • Classroom strategies and differentiated teaching
  • Early screening and targeted interventions
  • Coordination with external professionals when needed
  • Regular progress reviews and tailored access arrangements

At Arnold House, we believe ability is not fixed. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every boy can realise his full potential.

Pastoral Support
Admissions

His Journey Starts Here

At Arnold House, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our admissions process is both welcoming and straightforward.

Our assessment is designed to identify potential — not just academic ability, but also curiosity, character, and enthusiasm. We’re looking for boys who will thrive in our well-rounded school community and who show a genuine interest in life beyond the classroom.

Throughout the process, our registrar is on hand to make everything as smooth and personal as possible. Ready to begin? Start your application today.

Admissions Open Mornings

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