Prep School
The Journey from 8 to 13 Years
These are the years that shape a life. When children discover their passions, build lasting friendships, and develop the inner strength they will carry forever.
At Belhaven, we make every moment count.
DAY CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY
With over 60% of the Prep school wanting to board, Belhaven creates something special; a genuine residential community where friendships deepen, independence grows, and adventures happen daily.
Our unique and popular fortnightly boarding model (not weekly - or flexi-boarding) provides the certainty children need: friends alongside them throughout, an exceptional pastoral team who truly know them, and action-packed weekends that feel like celebrations, not obligations.
Day pupils thrive in this action-packed atmosphere too with many more opportunities. They stay for activities, join weekend adventures when they choose, and benefit from the extended day that our boarding structure provides.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Following the National Curriculum and preparing thoroughly for Common Entrance, our academic programme is built on the classical trivium:
Knowledge - Building strong foundations across all subjects
Questioning - Developing critical thinking and genuine curiosity
Communication - Learning to express ideas clearly and persuasively
Small class sizes mean every child is challenged at the right level. Learning Support is available to all- whether they need extra help or extension work - because our goal is always the same: bringing out each child's very best.
The results speak for themselves: consistently strong Common Entrance results and places (including numerous scholarships) at the UK's top senior schools.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM – “BELHEAVEN”
Winner of 'Best for Outdoor Pursuits' (The Week Awards 2025), our co-curricular programme is exceptional. Sport, Music, Art and Design, Drama, and our award-winning Outdoor Education combine to create experiences children remember for a lifetime.
From skiing to sailing, coasteering to coding, performing on stage to creating in the art room, every child finds their passion here. Parents often call it "Belheaven" - we think that says it all!
SECTOR-LEADING PASTORAL CARE
With boarding at our heart, pastoral care isn't an afterthought - it's what we do best. Our houseparents and pastoral team know each child as an individual. They celebrate successes, provide comfort during challenges, and create the family atmosphere that makes Belhaven feel like home. See more in our outstanding Care Inspectorate Report.
Because when children feel safe, valued, and genuinely cared for, that's when they truly flourish and learn.
READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT
When our children leave at 13, they are ready - not just academically, but emotionally and socially. They have inner strength, clear values, genuine friendships, and the confidence to be authentically themselves.
That's what matters most.
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