Founded in 1908, Gayhurst has a rich history of over 113 years. In the school’s centenary year in 2008, Gayhurst welcomed girls to the school to become the local area’s only independent co-educational Preparatory School. The school is extremely proud of its illustrious history, with a sense of tradition in a forward looking, modern provision. Gayhurst is divided into Pre Prep School (Nursery to Year 2, ages 3 to 7), and Senior (Years 3 to 6, ages 7-11), both of which are spread across the one site. These sections cater for the age-relevant academic and social needs of the children as they progress through the school and become more confident, independent and resilient. Children are predominantly class taught until the end of Year 3 and then benefit from more subject specific teaching from Year 4 onwards.

Our prime considerations in the teaching of children are that they are happy, challenged and achieve progress suitable to their ability; we appreciate that children progress at different rates and we offer support accordingly. The well-being of the children is of key importance to all our staff and the school’s pastoral care is well-reputed and most definitely one of the school’s main strengths.

From an early age the children are encouraged to be responsible for their appearance, property and actions; taking pride in themselves and their school and gradually becoming more independent in their own personal organisation. In the Prep School, pupils are offered leadership opportunities with responsibilities such as Head Boy and Girl, Head of House and captains of sport, music, choir and library.

The Year 6 pupils have the additional responsibility of role-modelling behaviour and conduct to set an example to the rest of the school. Efforts are made to give every pupil responsibility at some time during their school career through classroom roles, sports teams and School Council. It is important that children feel confident about fulfilling any task and, in a small way these aspects of responsibility help to generate the confidence to work in and serve a community.

The children are encouraged to use their own initiative but at all times good manners, tolerance and sensitivity towards others are stressed. Discrimination or bullying of any kind is not tolerated anywhere in the school.