Pre-Prep School (Ages 4-7)

A nurturing start to a lifelong love of learning.

A boy and girl in Aldwickbury uniform kneeling down in the Outdoor Classroom to light a fire.

Welcoming Pupils into the Pre-Prep Department

At Aldwickbury, we understand the importance that early years education plays in your child’s development, laying the foundation for curiosity, independent thinking and a lasting love of learning. We create an environment where every child feels supported, valued and free to find their greatness.

Our Pre-Prep is located in the heart of Harpenden, and only a short drive from surrounding Hertfordshire towns including St Albans, Welwyn, Redbourn and Wheathampstead.

We welcome children aged 4–7 into our Pre-Prep Department, which includes Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Each year group has three small classes of no more than 16 pupils, ensuring every child receives the individual attention they need to thrive. Every group is supported by both a teacher and a teaching assistant, providing personalised care that nurtures academic growth and builds confidence.

At the end of Year 2, pupils move confidently into Year 3 to join the Junior Department, ready for the exciting next step in their learning journey.

“Leaders in the early years maintain a structured environment that they use to promote children’s academic and social progress effectively. These leaders possess a deep understanding of the children, which is evident in their personalised approach that fosters children’s development within a caring, nurturing, and positive setting.”
Good Schools Guide Review 2023

Learning Through Exploration and Individual Support

Our Pre-Prep Department is a nurturing environment where every pupil is supported as they take their first steps into school life. We celebrate mistakes, encourage self-expression and promote independence, helping each child feel confident, secure and free to be themselves. We know that not being able to do something yet is just the beginning.

We use positive behaviour management to create a happy and supportive learning environment, where joy and kindness form part of every school day. Pupils are encouraged to discover new passions and develop their talents through a variety of extra-curricular clubs.

We’re here to support you too. At Aldwickbury, we believe in a strong and collaborative home/school partnership. Through regular communication, approachability and close relationships with staff, we ensure you feel involved and informed in your child’s journey. From day-to-day updates to progress discussions, we’re committed to working closely with you to support your child’s development, both academically and emotionally.

We believe in each pupil’s individual journey and strive to offer a strong foundation that helps them flourish socially, emotionally and academically as they prepare for the transition to our Junior Department.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Pastoral Care at Aldwickbury

Open Events

As a leading private Pre-Prep school in Hertfordshire, we offer outstanding facilities and a vibrant learning community.

We welcome you to come and visit Aldwickbury and experience it for yourself.

Book an Open Event

Make an Enquiry

To find out more about Aldwickbury School, please fill in our enquiry form. Our Admissions Team will be in touch, answer your questions and guide you through the admissions process.

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Challenging, extending, and supporting pupils

“Teachers across the school demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge and employ specific vocabulary skilfully to engage pupils. They set ambitious learning objectives, thereby challenging, extending, and supporting pupils.”

ISI Report 2025

Physical needs and development are well catered for

“In the early years, children’s physical needs and development are well catered for through classroom activities such as cutting and drawing. Gross motor development is facilitated successfully through a range of outdoor climbing and balancing apparatus, the ecology area and swimming pool.”

ISI Report 2025

Pastoral care has been outstanding

“We’ve been incredibly impressed with how smoothly our son has settled into the Pre-Prep. From the very beginning, he has felt supported both in the classroom and beyond. The pastoral care has been outstanding, it’s clear all the staff truly care about each child’s wellbeing. What stands out most is how well the school has got to know him as an individual. He feels happy, confident, and excited to go in every day.”

Pre-Prep Parent

Caring, nurturing, and positive setting

“Leaders in the early years maintain a structured environment that they use to promote children’s academic and social progress effectively. These leaders possess a deep understanding of the children, which is evident in their personalised approach that fosters children’s development within a caring, nurturing, and positive setting.”

ISI Report 2025