Chard Prep School

14/10/2026

🎄 STALLHOLDERS WANTED – CHARD PREP SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR 🎄

Do you sell gifts, crafts or festive treats? Join us and showcase your business while helping to make our school Christmas fair a wonderful community event.

📅 Saturday 5th December 2026
💷 £15 per table
📍 Indoor and outdoor tables available
⛺ Outdoor stallholders must bring their own gazebo.

To book your table, message us or email [email protected].

Please share with local businesses who would love to take part!

12/10/2026

07/10/2026

“At Chard Prep, we believe every child should be known, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”

This week in Years 2 and 3, our children have been putting the finishing touches to their first writing units of the year — carefully publishing their work and taking real pride in their presentation.

And it’s not just about the finished piece of writing. We’ve also been looking at the progress captured in their assessment books, and we’ve been absolutely delighted with how much they have already achieved.

This is one of the things that makes a small school so special.
With small class sizes, our teachers know each child as an individual. They can identify where a child needs support, where they can be challenged further, and celebrate those little steps forward that make such a difference.
But perhaps most importantly, our children learn alongside one another with kindness, encouragement and a genuine sense of community.

If you’re wondering what a small, nurturing independent school could offer your child, come and see it for yourself. www.chardprep.co.uk/arrange-visit

Come along to our Open Day, meet our teachers, see our classrooms and experience Chard Prep in action.

Or, if you’d prefer a more personal visit, book a private tour and come and have a conversation with us about your child and what we can offer them.

Chard Prep School — small school, big opportunities, exceptional care.

02/10/2026

A very special Grandparents’ Event at Chard Prep

There’s something incredibly special about bringing generations together at school. Our Grandparents’ event was filled with smiles, stories, creativity and plenty of precious moments shared between our children and their grandparents.

From getting involved in crafts to simply spending time together, it was wonderful to see our grandparents become part of school life.

Days like this remind us that education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about community, connection and creating memories that children will carry with them for years to come.

A huge thank you to all the grandparents who joined us and made the day so special.

We loved having you at Chard Prep!

30/09/2026

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥’𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠!

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝟗:𝟑𝟎𝐚𝐦–𝟏𝟐:𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦

Come and discover what makes Chard Prep School such a special place to learn, grow and thrive.

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 4–11, we offer small classes where every child is known, valued and supported. We combine high academic expectations with outstanding pastoral care, sport, creativity and opportunities to discover what makes each child unique.

Here, children are never just a number — they are given the confidence, care and opportunities to flourish and simply enjoy being children.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 — classes of 12 or fewer
𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 — whatever your child's passion, including inclusive 11+ preparation
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 — swimming, sport, Forest School, music, art & drama in all year groups
𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 — we care about the whole child
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲— by our in-house chef
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 — breakfast, wraparound & clubs
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 -that doesn't have to cost a fortune

A school where all staff actually know your child
Curious what a small independent school could do for your child?
Come and see us. Meet the teachers. See the classrooms. Ask the awkward questions.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞:
www.chardprep.co.uk/arrange-visit
You might be surprised by what independent education can look like.

25/09/2026

CELEBRATING AN OUTSTANDING OLD CERDIC!

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievements of James L, an Old Cerdic, who has continued to go from strength to strength since leaving Chard Prep.

James went on to Colyton Grammar School, where he has achieved an incredible four A grades at A Level* in:

Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Physics
Computer Studies

James has now secured a place at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, where he will read Computer Studies.

What makes us particularly proud is that James' journey included time with us here, at Chard Prep.

When our pupils leave us at the end of Year 6, they don't simply leave the school community behind. They become part of our alumni — the Old Cerdic Association — and remain part of the Chard Prep story long after they have moved on to their next school.

James is a wonderful example of where a Chard Prep education can be the beginning of an exciting journey. His success is a testament to curiosity, determination, hard work and a passion for learning.

We are incredibly proud to call James an Old Cerdic and wish him every success as he begins this exciting next chapter at Cambridge.

Once a Cerdic, always a Cerdic. 💚💛

23/09/2026

£1.43 AN HOUR?

Could your child have a private school education for around £1.43 an hour?

At Chard Prep School, we believe that an independent education should be accessible, personal and offer exceptional value for money.

For eligible families, up to 30 funded hours per week may be available.

When you look at our £2,988 per term fee, alongside a full school day and wraparound provision from 8.30am–4.30pm, the value becomes pretty remarkable.

But Chard Prep isn't simply about the cost…
It’s about what your child gets for that investment.
✨ Small classes capped at 12
👩‍🏫 Subject specialist teaching from Reception upwards
💙 A dedicated senior pastoral lead supporting every child
🏊 Weekly swimming and daily Sport from Lower Reception
🌳 Forest School experiences
🎨 Art, drama and music in all year groups
🎭 A rich programme of performing arts and enrichment
🏆 Scholarships available in sport, swimming, art, drama, music and academics
📚 A broad, engaging curriculum designed to develop curiosity and confidence
🎓 A genuine full private-school education

And then there is the thing that makes our small school so special…

We know your child.

We know their strengths, their interests, their personality and where they need support. We can nurture their confidence while giving them the opportunity to discover what they are really capable of.

THAT'S NOT JUST CHILDCARE.
THAT'S A PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION.

And for eligible children, when the 30-hour entitlement is applied, the illustrative effective cost can work out at around £1.43 per hour based on the 2026/27 funding assumptions.

Small school. Small classes. Big opportunities.

Come and see us. Meet our staff. See our classrooms. Meet our children.
Come and see what we can do for you and your children. www.chardprep.co.uk/arrange-visit

Figures based on 38 weeks, 40 hours per week and the Somerset 2026/27 base funding rate of £5.95 per funded hour. Individual fees and funding arrangements vary according to eligibility and circumstances.

05/08/2026

We're Hiring! After-School Club Coaches 🎭🤸‍♀️

Join the team at Chard Prep School!

We're expanding our exciting after-school provision and are looking for two enthusiastic coaches to join our team:

🤸‍♀️ Gymnastics Coach – to help develop our growing gymnastics club and prepare pupils for upcoming competitions.

🎭 Drama/Musical Theatre Coach – to inspire children through drama, acting, singing and performance in a fun and engaging after-school club.

📍 Location: Chard Prep School, Chard, Somerset
🕒 Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 3:30pm–4:30pm | Term Time Only (days to be discussed)
💷 Pay: £50 per hour
What we're looking for:
⭐ Experience in gymnastics or drama/musical theatre (depending on the role)
⭐ A passion for working with primary-aged children
⭐ Excellent communication and organisational skills
⭐ A reliable, enthusiastic and professional approach
⭐ An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant, in line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What we offer:
✔ £50 per hour
✔ Regular term-time hours
✔ A friendly and supportive school community
✔ Excellent facilities
✔ Chard Prep School fee remission (subject to the school's fee remission policy)

To apply, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to [email protected]

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st August

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as soon as possible.

Please like, share and tag anyone who may be interested!

16/07/2026

As we say farewell to our wonderful Year 6 pupils and celebrate another memorable Prize Giving, we couldn't be prouder of every one of our pupils. Their hard work, determination and achievements – academically, in sport and in the creative arts – have been truly outstanding and it has been a joy to celebrate their successes together.
A huge thank you to our amazing Friends of Chard Prep School for all their hard work in helping to prepare for the event and making the afternoon such a success. We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who donated flowers and to Warren's Fruit Farm for their generous donation of delicious strawberries, which were enjoyed by all.
A special thank you also goes to our talented Chef Steve, who prepared beautiful homemade cream teas, and to everyone who joined us for a glass of Prosecco as we celebrated the end of another fantastic school year.
Finally, thank you to our pupils, parents, staff and the wider Chard Prep School community for making our school such a special place. Your encouragement, generosity and support are at the heart of everything we do.
To our Year 6 leavers, we wish you every success and happiness as you begin the next exciting chapter of your educational journey. You will always be part of the Chard Prep family and we look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the years ahead.