St Michael's Preparatory School A GSG School
- St Michael's Preparatory School
Otford Court
Row Dow
Otford
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN14 5RY - Head: Nik Pears
- T 01959 522137
- E jthornton@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk
- W www.stmichaels.kent.sch.uk
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 13.
- Read about the best schools in West Kent and East Kent
- Boarding: No
- Local authority: Kent
- Pupils: 483
- Religion: Anglican/Church of England
- Fees: £14,520 - £17,655 pa
- Review: View The Good Schools Guide Review
- Ofsted report: View the Ofsted report
- ISI report: View the ISI report
What The Good Schools Guide says..
Broadly non-selective and mixed ability, it is a caring family school with a strong sense of community where safeguarding and wellbeing are part of the ethos. Most families are professional with a large international contingent and range from the very wealthy to those who make huge sacrifices to send their children here. Great trouble is taken to help parents choose a senior school which is right for their child - significant numbers leave at 11+ for the grammars and about 40 per cent stay on until 13+. The school motto is ‘The Joy and Wonder of Learning’ and there is an emphasis on learning through fun…
What the school says...
Joy is at the heart of life at St Michael’s: the joy of our children, the joy of our community and the Joy and Wonder of Learning. St Michael’s is driven by a passionate belief in the value and power of learning: for children, for teachers, for parents and everyone who comes into contact with us.
St Michael’s is an inclusive school where each individual is known, valued and celebrated. We want our children to embrace each day and be inspired by their lessons and co-curricular activities.
We believe in providing a rounded education where children can pursue their passions, challenge themselves and enjoy a creative and innovative curriculum. We are continually looking for ways to improve our curriculum and facilities, making them more vibrant, inspiring and in step with our ever-changing world. Access to our 100 acre site plays an important role in the pupils’ learning and growth, developing them into mindful and knowledgeable citizens who will care for their environments throughout their lives.
Our growth mindset approach to teaching and learning ensures that every child understands the value of failure in their path to success. St Michael’s children are not afraid to get things wrong, or judgemental of others’ mistakes, and this is something they carry with them.
Our school motto: perseverantia, sapientia, gratia (perseverance, wisdom and gratitude) encapsulates our ethos of striving for success and using our skills to make a difference. These values are instilled daily throughout the St Michael’s journey.
We strongly believe that in order to teach our children about the importance of life-long learning, we must first model this ourselves. Our staff undergo regular professional development and parents are also invited to a range of workshops on relevant topics.
We are confident that when our pupils move on from St Michael’s, they will use the wisdom, skills and values that we taught them to make a positive change in the world. ...Read more
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Other features
All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.
What The Good Schools Guide says
Head
Since 2021, Nik Pears. He was educated at St Dunstan’s College in south-east London and is a Cambridge music graduate. He started his career at Sevenoaks Prep where he was head of music and rugby and after a brief foray running a music business in London, he returned as head of the pre-prep. Thence to Kent College, Pembury as head of the prep school. He is married to Emma, a musician, management consultant and recently published author; they have two teenage children.
He arrived at St Michael’s in January 2021 and the first thing he had to do was lock down the school. He is well liked and highly regarded and is a visible presence around the school. He is also keen to engage with parents and has a genuine...
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Special Education Needs
Leavers' destinations
| School | Year | Places | Scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sevenoaks School | 2023 | 9 | 1 | Art Scholarship |
| Caterham School | 2023 | 6 | 2 | Sports Scholarship; Drama Scholarship |
| Radnor House School | 2023 | 6 | 1 | Music Scholarship |
| Kent College, Pembury | 2023 | 4 | 2 | Sports Scholarships (2) |
| Tonbridge School | 2023 | 4 | ||
| Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys | 2023 | 4 | ||
| Sutton Valence School | 2023 | 3 | 1 | Sports Exhibition |
| The Judd School | 2023 | 3 | ||
| Walthamstow Hall Senior | 2023 | 3 | 1 | Art Scholarship |
| Benenden School | 2023 | 2 | 1 | Sports Scholarship |
| Bede's Senior School | 2023 | 1 | 1 | Sports Scholarship |
| Cheltenham Ladies' College | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Cobham Hall | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Dartford Grammar School | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Eastbourne College | 2023 | 1 | 1 | Sports Scholarship |
| Epsom College | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Hurstpierpoint College | 2023 | 1 | 1 | Sports Scholarship |
| Invicta Grammar School | 2023 | 1 | ||
| St Olave's Grammar School | 2023 | 1 | ||
| St Peter's School, York | 2023 | 1 | ||
| The Ryde School | 2023 | 1 |
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