Westholme School has announced the launch of a new Pre-Prep class, opening in September 2026, designed as a dedicated transition year between nursery and Prep Reception.
Positioned as “the perfect bridge between Nursery and Prep Reception”, the Pre-Prep year will provide children aged 3-4 with a nurturing start that builds confidence, curiosity and school readiness, alongside the foundations for early learning.
The Pre-Prep Year will initially offer small class sizes, with the school planning to grow capacity in line with demand.
The programme will combine purposeful play with teacher-led learning, including early phonics and core skills development, alongside enrichment such as outdoor learning and physical development. Children will also benefit from access to Westholme’s specialist facilities, including the on-site swimming pool, theatre and recording studio, and outdoor learning spaces including ‘William’s Wood’.
As part of Westholme’s all-through provision, families will also benefit from continuity in values, routines and pastoral care as children progress through the school.
Judith Dixon, Head of Early Years at Westholme School, said: “Children enjoy specialist, teacher-led learning from the very start of their journey. Through phonics, early reading, writing and numbers, they build strong foundations that support them to achieve beyond what is typically expected at this age while still learning in a way that feels joyful and active through purposeful play.”
To launch the new provision, Westholme will host a Pre-Prep Launch Day on 13 February 2026, inviting both current and prospective families to meet the team, hear more about the vision for Early Years, and experience the school environment. Families can choose from two dedicated event slots: the morning session running 9-10am and an afternoon session running 2-3pm.
Westholme will also run a series of small-group discovery sessions, ‘Little Explorer Afternoons’, to give families a relaxed opportunity to visit and learn more. They will be held between 2-3pm on 27 March, 15 May and 19 June 2026.
Bethany Hannah, whose two children Ruby and Penelope attend Westholme School, said: “The Pre-Prep year is very much welcomed by parents like me. If you know that your child is heading for Westholme School, it makes sense - they will just start a year earlier.
“Ruby is thriving through the opportunities that she is given at school. The children are given the chance to try sports and various clubs and at such a young age. I look at my daughters, and I think about how lucky they are to be part of the Westholme family. They are learning skills like adaptability, curiosity and resilience from such a young age.
“If you can attend the Little Explorer Afternoons, you will see it for yourself. It is such a personalised experience, and the school embraces not only the child, but the whole family.”
For more information about Pre-Prep at Westholme School, including event registration details, please visit: Welcome to Pre-Prep