Welcome to Leweston Prep
- Prep
- Welcome from the Head of Prep
We know there’s a better way for children to grow, one where learning is an adventure and progress matters more than perfection. We offer an education that is exciting, personal and full of discovery and our pupils are given the confidence to embrace it.
Why Leweston Prep?
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we take the time to understand each child, helping them find their own path, build confidence, and grow into the best version of themselves.
We challenge but never overwhelm, pushing our children just enough to help them realise their strengths while always making them feel valued.
We take pride in strong academic achievements, but are not defined by them. Effort is always celebrated. This helps children develop resilience, knowing that failures are just stepping stones to success.
We are active and adventurous, believing in the power of movement, teamwork, and exploration. Whether it is competing in sports, discovering talents in the arts, or finding joy in nature, we ensure that every child experiences a rich and balanced life.
We are welcoming and inclusive, making sure that everyone feels at home. We help our pupils create strong friendships, weaving a community where children support each other, challenge each other, and grow together.
We carry a strong sense of history and tradition, but are never stuck in the past. We embrace modern ideas and innovative teaching, blending structure with flexibility, and wisdom with warmth.
Above all, we are a steady, reassuring presence — we listen, we care, and we make space for every child to learn, explore, and flourish. We are more than a school, we are a family.
Richard Thompson, Head of Leweston Prep
Leweston Prep welcomes children from Reception through to Prep 6 (ages 4–11), with a Nursery for younger children and a Senior School and Sixth Form on the same Dorset campus. Many of our Prep families choose to stay with us all the way through and we make that transition as seamless as it is exciting. If you have more than one child, or you're thinking ahead, find out more about life from Nursery to Sixth Form →
What Prep life looks like
A day that moves. Prep children don't sit still for long. Mornings are anchored in core learning, reading, writing, maths, but the pace is purposeful rather than pressured. Afternoons open into specialist lessons, sport, creative arts and outdoor time. Every child gets outside every single day, whatever the weather, because we believe movement and fresh air are not rewards for finishing work — they are part of the work.
Teaching that knows your child. Classes are capped at 20 and our teachers plan for the individual, not the middle. We don't follow the National Curriculum and our children don't sit SATs, instead we track progress in a way that tells parents something genuinely useful about how their child is developing, what they're finding easy and where they need a little more time. Read about our approach to learning →
Specialist teaching from day one. From the moment children join us in Reception they benefit from specialist teachers across languages, the arts, computing, PE, swimming and Forest School — not just a single class teacher covering everything. That means children encounter real expertise and real enthusiasm in every corner of the timetable, from their very first year. Explore our curriculum →
A community that stays with you. Many of our Prep families go on to the Senior School on the same campus and the friendships, the teachers and the ethos travel with them. There's no reinvention required at eleven, just a natural broadening of what's already been built. Find out about the journey from Prep to Senior →
Why not come and meet us?
Come and visit Leweston to see why it could be the right fit for you. Every visit includes a tour as well as the opportunity to meet the teachers and pupils. You will get to see behind the scenes on a normal teaching day at our school. Get in touch with our friendly admissions team using the button below:
Inspiring Curiosity
Our curriculum is broad and the opportunities are endless. Our half termly 'focus projects' blend literacy and numeracy with other subjects and introduce concepts such as leadership, teamwork and resilience.
Outdoor Adventure
Nestled in 50 acres of Dorset countryside our location offers our pupils the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the great outdoors, fostering a life-long connection with nature. The children get outside every day, no matter what the weather.
A few things parents often ask us
What does a Leweston Prep day actually look like?
Children arrive from 08.00am and the school day runs until 4.20pm, with wraparound care available until 5.45pm every day. Mornings tend to be rich with core learning — literacy, maths, topic work — and afternoons open up into specialist lessons, sport, creative arts and outdoor time. Every child gets outside every day, whatever the weather. See wraparound care and timings →
Does Leweston Prep do SATs?
No. We don't follow the National Curriculum and our children don't sit SATs. Instead, we track every child's progress individually and report to parents in a way that actually tells you something useful — not just a number. Read about our approach to learning →
What happens when my child is ready for Senior School?
Prep 6 pupils move into Leweston Senior School on the same campus, with the same friends, the same teachers in the corridors, and a genuine sense of belonging already in place. There's no entrance exam to pass, no anxious wait for a place. It's a transition, not a leap. Explore the Senior School →
Can I find out about fees payment options?
We know fees are one of the first things families want to understand, so we've put everything clearly in one place. See Prep School fees and funding →
What the Pupils Say...
Prep 1
Prep 4
Prep 2
Prep 5
Prep 3
Prep 6