Years 5 – 8

In Prep School, students are warmly welcomed into a supportive and dynamic community. Whether joining from another school or transitioning internally, every child is guided to settle in quickly, form connections, and thrive.

The OBH 5-a-day continues to permeate throughout the Prep School as children move on from the Middle School:

A Rigorous Curriculum

Opportunities to Express Themselves

Embracing the Outdoors

Developing Character

Feeling Part of a Family

We pride ourselves on knowing each child as an individual, working to implement the correct scaffolds and support to ensure children achieve their best.

From Year 5 onwards children are taught by specialist subject teachers.  The support they have received in the Middle School ensures they are familiar with both the school site and wider teaching staff.  Children are prepared to sit Common Entrance in cores subject areas at the end of Year 8 and this ensures that a rigorous academic curriculum with high expectations is on offer to all. This approach helps every student reach their full potential, with many going on to earn scholarships at their chosen senior schools.

Children continue to have access to a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, from regular sporting events, performing arts opportunities to our bespoke Old Buckenham Explorers curriculum.  Trying new skills and experiences is a key part of prep school life and we encourage children to make the most of the opportunities on offer.  All activities are open to day and boarding students, ensuring that all feel part of the OBH community and all it has to offer. 

Form Tutors remain a key part of a child’s support and they have at least two touch points a day, where they meet as a group with their Tutor.  Pastoral support remains a priority and Form Tutors play a leading role in this, working with the pastoral team and liaising closely with parents.

Preparing children for Senior School and supporting families with their decisions around Senior School choices also begins as children move into Year 5. As a preparatory school, preparing children for their next school is an important part of our ‘Next Steps Programme’ which is lead and managed by our Director of Senior School Admissions. Knowing the different routes of entry for children at 13+ is important and we tailor the programme for all children to meeting their individual requirements for both school entry and individual academic success.

At OBH, we ensure that students leave with confidence, fully prepared for Senior School, and equipped with the skills and resilience they need to thrive in all aspects of their future lives.