As the leading standalone independent prep school in Norwich, we pride ourselves on our unique and specialist offering for children aged three to thirteen.
Being independent of a senior environment, we provide an unrivalled focus on this significant stage in a child’s development, ensuring that they have exposure to a full range of experiences, specialisms and interests that will allow them to develop their unique sense of self.
Coupled with our outstanding facilities and spacious woodland site, each and every child has the space to grow and thrive in a safe and invigorating setting that truly cherishes childhood.
Key Benefits of an Independent Prep Education
Strong Foundations
Extensive academic research is clear that a strong educational foundation in the early years, increases the likelihood of later success. Pupils who are fortunate enough to experience an education at Town Close are provided with an invaluable foundation for a lifelong love of learning due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, smaller classes, highly qualified specialist teaching, breadth of co-curricular opportunity and extensive facilities. The key message to take away is: if you would like to invest in the education of your child, invest early.
A truly independent education
As a previous winner of TES Prep School of the Year, Town Close is well-placed to tailor its educational offering based not only on a wealth of expertise in educating this age group, but also on being truly independent of the constraints felt by many schools. Learning across the ages and curriculum is vibrant, engaging and immersive, with a wide range of visitors, trips and co-curricular activities augmenting each subject area. The hallmark of an education at Town Close is that it truly values the importance of every subject and co-curricular area, understanding that they all play a vital role in a well-rounded and inspiring education for each individual child.
The Upper Prep effect
Our Upper Prep, in Years 7 and 8, remains one of our key strengths and the crowning years of an education at Town Close. This period seamlessly combines the opportunity to cherish childhood for a little longer, alongside academic rigour and the development of key leadership and interpersonal skills, essential for future success. It offers an important bridge for pupils to navigate the period from primary to secondary, at a time when physiological developments, peer pressure and social expectations can place unnecessary burden on an individual. In these years, pupils truly flourish in a familiar environment; growing in confidence as they take on responsibility and challenge themselves in all areas of school life, ensuring they become the very best versions of themselves, ready to take on whatever challenge comes next.
A Broad, Dynamic and Inspiring Curriculum
As an independent Prep school, we tailor our curriculum to ensure that it is broad, dynamic and inspiring, optimising our educational offering whilst aligning it to the school’s wider vision and ethos. A comprehensive programme of visitors, trips and workshops for each year group enhances the variety and depth of learning at every age group stage:
Learn more about our Pre Prep Department (Reception – Year 2)
Learn more about our Prep Department (Year 3 – Year 8)
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes present an enhanced learning environment for pupils and staff alike ensuring that the children benefit from the individual time and attention a small class allows for whilst teachers have the opportunity to truly get to know their pupils, ensuring they can tailor their teaching and activities accordingly, to suit all levels and personalities.
Specialist Teachers
Subject specialist teachers are unique to the independent sector for primary aged children and offer a breadth and variety to the curriculum and extra-curricular life at school that allows every child the opportunity to discover their interests and strengths. Many of these lessons are taught in subject specific rooms, allowing the children to be immersed completely in a topic and to enjoy the independence and responsibility of moving around the school whilst benefitting from the interest and variety that the movement and room settings generate.
A Comprehensive Extra-Curricular Programme
A comprehensive extra-curricular programme ensures every child is given the opportunity to pursue their interests, discover their talents and try out new skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Pupils benefit from the School’s incredible facilities and grounds and the school’s proximity to a wealth of local sites, attractions and clubs in and around Norwich.
Visit our extra-curricular page to discover more
Enhanced Pastoral Care
The extensive pastoral support networks within school ensure every child feels cherished, supported and heard. Bird Families, Top Birds, Houses and Tutor Groups create a strong sense of community and encourage pupils to take an active role in looking after one another, celebrating the Town Close Way. Talk and Share sessions, Pastoral Leads and the School Counsellor provide additional outlets for emotional, social and wellbeing support if and when required.
Visit Us
Get the opportunity to explore our 15 acre woodland site and view our wide range of state-of-the-art facilities by booking an open morning or private tour.
