Berkshire Preparatory School

‘Outstanding schools have a burning desire to get the best possible deal for children in every respect’ is what I read when looking for the perfect school to send my children to quite a few years ago now! I am now lucky enough to be a Head of Department in one of these schools, Long Close School is constantly driving this statement as we are a school where the culture of achievement runs deep. Through sheer hard work and determination Long Close is continuing to become the school it is as the whole school is wide awake and humming with industry and energy. These are characteristic of the school which show how we are fearless in working towards constantly meeting our aims and values by showing commitment and courage with which both teachers and children and their parents attack the whole curriculum, which is very much creating high standards and represents achievement in all areas of the curriculum. This is developing that ‘brilliant future’ for all the Long Close School community. Without a first-rate teaching and associate staff, supportive parents, hard-working pupils and enlightened governance from Cognita this would not be possible.

By leading the Prep school team I aim for Long Close pupils to experience a civilised, challenging, vibrant and enjoyable education through their primary years at school. They are involved in a broad range of sporting, cultural and artistic pursuits at Long Close. I hope to allow the children the opportunity to work through the school in a thoughtful, considerate and demanding of both themselves and of us as teacher’s manner. I expect the children to display the achievement, confidence and responsibility that will help them to transition into the different key stages with ease and the positive mindset that is crucial to their success in forward planning. The children should build resilience whilst being a member of our school which will enable them to stand on their own two feet and take their place in society as responsible achieving students.

Having a triangulated approach to our children’s development in the prep school involving a strong parent partnership enables everyone to be reflective, accountable and an active participant in school improvement. Energising both staff and pupils is a high expectation of the school. There is no mismatch between observed standards in teaching and pupil outcomes in the Junior school. This is because it is widely understood by following the Cognita way that outstanding teaching and learning is only the start of the many processes which lead to outstanding pupil progress.

I feel that as we continue to nurture our pupils and staff in the prep school we allow for intellectual curiosity, eclectic understanding and moral courage. We have a unity of purpose and moral standards.

The only way you can really get a feel for Long Close is to come and visit and meet our pupils and their teachers and decide if we would be the right school for you and your children.

Mrs Sarah Harris
Head of Prep School