Northbourne Park SchoolBetteshanger, Deal, CT14 0NW, Kent01304 611215 |
admissions@northbournepark.comwww.northbournepark.com |
Northbourne Park is a day and boarding preparatory school for children aged between 2 and 13. Set in over 100 acres of beautiful park and woodland in rural East Kent, the school is a short drive from Dover and the Channel Tunnel and within easy reach of London, Eurostar services, and Gatwick Airport.
We provide a first-class education, focusing on the individual needs of every child, inspiring them to grow in confidence and succeed. At Northbourne Park, we create a magical childhood, giving each of our pupils freedom and space, cultivating a nurturing environment with well-being at its core - a place where children can be children.
Academic success
From the Nursery through to the Prep School, Northbourne Park is an environment where every child can flourish. We develop ambitious, creative and free-thinking learners with the understanding that one size does not fit all.
Although non-selective, pupils consistently achieve excellent pass rates in entrance examinations to top Independent Senior and local Grammar schools (Common Entrance and 11+). Many of our leavers gain scholarships to prestigious Senior Schools.
Adventurous outdoor education
We offer an ambitious outdoor education programme which balances safety, leadership development and independence. The children can explore the grounds, build camps in the woods and simply enjoy the freedom of the biggest playground they could possibly want. And yes, they can climb trees!
A unique bilingual programme
Northbourne Park's unique Section Française Bilingue enables French-speaking children to join dedicated classes for their CM2/6e and 5e years, while studying for Cambridge English Exams and joining English-speaking Year 7 & 8 pupils for extra-curricular activities.
Children in the English system learn French and Spanish with specialist teachers and enjoy regular speaking practise with bilingual peers. The school community is diverse and internationally minded, and our pupils are celebrated for their global outlook and strong language skills.
Boarding
Our welcoming boarding community provides a home from home and a continuous boarding service at weekends throughout the term with no compulsory exeats. Boarders enjoy regular excursions and activities, and accompanied travel to London and Paris allow for weekends at home. "Sleepovers" (short stays of one or more nights) are popular with day pupils.
Sport and the creative arts
Through an excellent sports programme pupils learn the importance of teamwork and leadership. Children receive training in a wide range of sports including rugby, cricket and football and play regular fixtures against local schools.
Many pupils learn one or more musical instrument and take part in the choir and orchestra. Curriculum drama lessons and regular productions ensure that pupils are articulate and confident in their performances, while artistic talents are encouraged through a range of media including sculpture, 3D printing, and pottery.
A comprehensive after school clubs programme ensures that children can develop their interests and skills, with examples as diverse as gardening and French cinema.
"Preserves childhood just that little bit longer, gently preparing pupils for next steps." - Northbourne Park, The Good Schools Guide