Prep School
The Wellington way of structuring the College into three parts rather than two is
rare in international schools but is the tradition in independent schools in the UK.
This reflects our close ties with our parent schools in Berkshire, where Eagle House
is split, before sending the great majority of its pupils forward to Wellington College.
This structure also matches significant stages in child development ensuring that
teaching styles are most appropriate for all ages.
The Prep School is preparatory, not just for Senior School at the age of 13+, but
for life. Our holistic, Wellington education is centred on the child as a life-long
learner. A Prep School education not only challenges academically in these critical
formative years before young adulthood, but it develops character by encouraging
every pupil to find other aspects of their education in which they can shine. We
recognise that not every child is a natural academic in the classroom, but everyone
has qualities to be discovered, developed and nurtured. The Wellington approach
looks beyond subjects, encourages the patience and persistence which bring the
ultimate successes through hard work and a refusal to give up when faced with
challenges. Our school is based firmly on the values of courage, responsibility,
respect, integrity and kindness. This means that whilst our pupils will grow hugely in
terms of knowledge and their ability to pass exams, they will also have wisdom which
goes beyond mere knowledge. Those qualities, which are not tested by exams, will
stay with a thirteen year old long after the knowledge has become dormant. The
ancient Greeks had a saying: Gnothi seauton – know thyself. Our boys and girls will
do that; from our unique style of education and with the inspiration of top quality
teaching they will be self-aware and self-confident. Knowing their strengths and their
challenges as creative and critical thinkers they will have the ability to contribute to
the school community and, later, to the wider world.
Success may be measured in the short term by exam results, however the way a
man or a woman lives their life is the ultimate proof. We aim to give our pupils the
strong roots of skills and knowledge together with the wings of aspiration to truly
achieve in life.
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