The New College School Pre-Prep accepts boys from the age of four. Classes are small and boys are expected to proceed to the Prep School at the end of Year 2, at the age of seven. Under the direction of the Head of Pre-Prep, the department provides a nurturing environment which enables the boys to develop socially and academically. Individual attention is important to us in ensuring that boys enjoy learning, are at ease with each other and school life, and that basic skills are soundly absorbed and developed in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

Boys in the Pre-Prep are contented and secure, but they are also constantly engaged and challenged. Naturally, they learn core academic disciplines and they play sport. But they also learn to engage with their peers and their teachers, and they build self-confidence through a wide range of activities and through the pastoral programme. We value the wealth of boys’ interests and activities at home and outside the classroom. All of the Pre-Prep teachers have regular 'show and tell' sessions, in which pupils share their interests with the rest of the class. This enables the School to recognise and build on individual enthusiasms as a boy progresses through the School. 'Wild Learning' gives the boys the chance to explore all of their senses and encourages them to think creatively and imaginatively in their outdoor environment. The aim is to improve the boys’ confidence, self-esteem and self-control in a natural space. Examples of good work and behaviour are rewarded frequently through such schemes in the Pre-Prep as 'stars in the jar', the 'wow board' and 'excellence book'.

The Pre-Prep day runs from 8.45 to 15.30 with morning and lunch break in the Pre-Prep playground and a mid-day lunch cooked on the premises in the dining hall. Although we do not wish the day to be too long for Pre-Prep boys, teachers are on the premises to look after boys arriving early from 8.00 and there is Pre-Prep after school care, including drinks and a snack, charged separately from 15.30 until 17.30. This may be arranged on an occasional or regular basis to suit parental requirements.