At the Prep School, every pupil is known, supported and valued for who they are. We care deeply about our pupils, and our pastoral provision is built around the belief that children thrive best when they feel safe, understood and genuinely cared for. Our Form Teachers work closely with the Pastoral Team to ensure that each child is well supported, and weekly assemblies provide a moment to come together as a community — celebrating effort and achievement, reinforcing shared values and reminding pupils that they belong.
Form time plays a central role in the life of the Prep School. Through PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), pupils are encouraged to talk, think and reflect on the issues that matter to them as they grow. These sessions are deliberately age-appropriate and carefully guided, giving pupils the confidence to express their views, listen to others and engage respectfully in discussion. At the heart of this work are our core values of Kindness, Curiosity and Respect, which underpin the expectations we set and the relationships we nurture. We place great importance on developing character, helping pupils to make good choices, understand boundaries and learn from mistakes within a framework of clear, compassionate guidance.
Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their achievements and to play an active role in the life of the School. Opportunities for leadership, whether as members of the Prep School Council or as House Captains, allow pupils to develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of service to others. Just as importantly, pupils are listened to. Their voices matter, and we want them to feel that they have a genuine stake in shaping the community of which they are a part.
We work closely with parents, recognising that education is a partnership and that children are best supported when home and school work hand in hand. Pastoral care sits at the very heart of Runnymede Prep School and is reflected daily in the care shown by our staff and the kindness pupils show one another. Together, this ensures that our pupils are not only well prepared academically, but are also growing into thoughtful, confident and compassionate young people — ready to flourish both now and in the years ahead.
