We believe education is about more than just academic success - it’s about shaping confident, well-rounded individuals. Chepstow's superb Prep, Pre-Prep & Kindergarten, with a focus on >
* outdoor learning
* ambitious dreams
* love, courage & contribution
Childhood at Dean Close St John's school. It is more than an education, it's a profound feeling of freedom - a chance to climb trees, get muddy
knees and light fires, to take risks and to be challenged, to laugh and build lifelong friendships. Independence to explore their learning, both inside and outside the classroom, is an essential ingredient of every child’s educational journey. When combined with nurturing creativity, children are shaped into curious, resilient and outstanding learners, whose focus is not merely on a destination but on the skills acquired and honed along the way. A real childhood is more important than ever against today’s backdrop of uncertainty; it is not a rehearsal but a precious time of growth where every part of the child must be nurtured. The indescribable value of simply being outdoors must never be underestimated. In the safe environment of outstanding pastoral care, mistakes can happen, failures can be embraced and worries eased. The results are clear: kind, caring and respectful children who are well-grounded and confident in who they are. Pre-Prep children aged between 3 and 7 years learn in a number of different ways. They learn to swim in St John’s own swimming pool. They learn to dance and act in the hall of the pre-prep and theatre of the Main School. They learn to count, read, use a computer and design as part of everyday school life. They learn about nature in the beautiful school grounds, but above all else, as family values are an integral part of life at St John’s, children learn how to grow up in a caring, sharing way by watching the older pupils who have already benefited from a wide variety of challenging and exciting activities; with the support of enthusiastic teachers, teaching small and manageable classes. Boarding is an intrinsic part of life at St John’s. We aim to make boarding a rich and rewarding time for children, enabling them to form close friendships and develop independence, self-discipline and responsibility for themselves and others within a friendly, family-based boarding community. The atmosphere in the boarding house is homely and welcoming. Children learn to live, work, share and play together, learning how to grow up being kind and considerate to others. We are experienced in dealing with service children, overseas children and as a fully co-educational school the environment is ideal for siblings. Flexi-boarding is a popular option for day children and a full programme of activities and trips is on offer for the many boarders who choose to remain at St John’s throughout the term. A broad and varied curriculum enables children to discover and develop individual talents, whether they are creative, intellectual or athletic. Children leave St John’s at the age of 13 years fully prepared for the next stage of their education. Our senior school scholarship record speaks for itself, more than half of the children leaving at the end of Year 8, do so with a scholarship to the senior school of their choice. St John’s welcomes children of all abilities and offers a range of scholarships, including means-tested bursaries to ensure that a wide spectrum of youngsters can enjoy the benefit of an independent preparatory school education.
