Pre-Prep School South Croydon
Welcome to the Elmhurst Pre-Prep School (4-6 years)
Elmhurst’s pre-prep school in South Croydon provides a nurturing and engaging learning environment for children aged 4–6 years. Located at South Park Hill Road, we combine outstanding pastoral care with an inspiring curriculum that encourages confidence.
Life at Elmhurst is full of creativity, exploration, and variety. From football on the astroturf and science experiments to poetry workshops, performances, and educational visits, children are encouraged to engage fully with school life through an integrated curriculum that connects subjects and inspires meaningful learning experiences.
Contact us today for more information about what we have on offer for your child. Book a tour of our facilities or begin the admissions process and secure your child’s place today!
Reception
Reception at Elmhurst School provides children with a confident and supported transition into full-time education. While many children join us from Little Elmhurst Nursery, we are equally experienced in welcoming pupils joining the school for the very first time.
Our reception ensures that every child receives the care and encouragement they need to thrive. Strong relationships with parents are central to our approach, with regular communication and opportunities for families to support their child’s education.
Learning in reception continues to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, with a careful balance of structured teaching, play-based learning, and child-led exploration. Daily phonics teaching, reading development, and small group learning help children build strong foundations in literacy, communication, and numeracy.
Children also benefit from specialist teaching, enrichment activities, and opportunities to build friendships across the wider school community, including shared reading experiences with older pupils.
Year 1 & 2
As children move into Year 1 and Year 2, they begin a more structured school journey while continuing to benefit from creative, active, and engaging learning experiences. Small class sizes and additional teaching support allow staff to know each child individually and provide personalised guidance that supports academic progress and personal development.
Our integrated curriculum encourages children to make meaningful connections across subjects, helping learning feel exciting and relevant. Reflection and independent thinking are embedded into daily school life, supporting the development of strong learning habits and confidence.
Reading, spelling, and mathematical understanding continue to develop through carefully planned teaching approaches that provide consistency throughout the school. By building secure foundations during these early years, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey at Elmhurst Prep School.
Why Choose Elmhurst Pre-Prep in South Croydon?
Families choose Elmhurst School’s Pre-Prep for our:
- Small class sizes and personalised learning
- Specialist teaching and enrichment opportunities
- Strong pastoral care and parent partnerships
- Integrated curriculum designed to inspire engagement
- Weekly swimming, sport, and outdoor learning
- Smooth transition from Pre-Prep to Prep School
- Welcoming classrooms and dedicated outdoor play spaces
A Broad and Enriching Curriculum
At Elmhurst, we believe children learn best when they are engaged, inspired, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Our curriculum combines academic learning with other creative opportunities that nurture imagination and wellbeing.
Pupils are given the opportunity to explore music, drama, art, sport, swimming, outdoor learning, and more. These opportunities help them to discover their interests and develop confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Educational visits, productions, and open classroom events further enhance the learning experience.
Enrol at Elmhurst Pre-Prep School in South Croydon
Elmhurst School’s pre-prep provides children with the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive during these important early school years. Through outstanding teaching, enriching experiences, and exceptional pastoral care, we help every child build strong foundations for future success.
Visit our Pre-Prep in South Croydon to experience our welcoming school community first-hand. Contact our admissions team today to book a tour, request further information, or begin the admissions process.
