At Pinewood, it is our aim to develop the whole child: it is not just about achieving potential in the classroom, theatre, music halls or sports pitches, it is also about developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence and strength of character.
Pinewood focuses on instilling a love and passion for learning from the earliest entry point. Children are absolutely prepared for top independent senior schools, and many move on with scholarships and other awards, but more than that, the children are taught independence, confidence, resilience, manners, self-reliance and importantly a regard for others.
“The school fully meets its aim to release the potential of every pupil by developing character, curiosity, learning and skills… Pupils are highly confident communicators, who demonstrate mature speaking and listening skills, and consideration for others.”
ISI Inspection Report
Pinewood offers an educational provision that is child-centred and holistic to the core. There is ample space within a good school for scholarly teaching, but it is the overall cultivation of mind, body and spirit that counts the most.
At Pinewood, it is our aim to develop the whole child: it is not just about achieving potential in the classroom, theatre, music halls or sports pitches, it is also about developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence and strength of character.
There are many virtues we wish to instil in the children as they grow and develop their own personality and character, but there is one school value we wish to celebrate and foster above all others in the Pre-Prep: Kindness. With three main elements – kindness to yourself, kindness to others and kindness to your surroundings – we feel that this single core value will bring out the best in the children and create a safe, harmonious and joyful culture within the Pre-Prep.
With Kindness embedded in everything we do at Pinewood, the Prep School values of Curiosity, Perseverance, and Respect form the foundation of our educational philosophy and daily practices. We believe that nurturing curiosity fuels a lifelong love of learning and innovation, while perseverance empowers pupils to overcome challenges and achieve their personal best. Respect fosters a supportive and inclusive community, ensuring every individual feels valued, whilst also appreciating and caring for the environment around them. These values are intricately woven into our school life, underpinning our aims and ethos, inspiring and encouraging our pupils to develop into free-thinking, confident young individuals. By embracing curiosity, perseverance, and respect, Pinewood prepares pupils to contribute positively to society and navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.
Although Pinewood sits within 84 acres of rolling countryside, it is still very accessible. In addition, Pinewood currently operates three minibus runs (Monday to Friday) using the school minibuses and driven by school staff.
Learning outside the Classroom is at Pinewood’s heart. Equal importance is given to the explicit requirements of a classroom-driven curriculum and the implicit benefits this brings.
Teaching our children about the world outside of the school gates and the important role that each and every one of us plays in that world is a fundamental part of school life.
Over the past 18 years, Pinewood has seen significant investment in updating and providing key facilities, which has allowed Pinewood to achieve its aim of becoming the leading independent, co-educational school for children aged 3-13 in the area.
Pinewood was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest independent prep schools in the country.
Pinewood is very fortunate to have a team of dedicated and committed governors, who are closely involved in many aspects of school governance.