Ardingly College Prep School

Summary of the Year 2025–26

The 2025–26 academic year has been one of considerable momentum and strategic progress for the Prep School. Across all areas of school life, the school has continued to strengthen its provision, deepen its community connections and build a clear sense of purpose and identity.

Within the Early Years, the strength of our provision is reflected in both participation and retention. This year’s Nursery Sports Day was a particular highlight, bringing together Ducklings, Lambs and Piglets in a joyful and collaborative event that was enthusiastically supported by parents and staff alike. Retention rates across Nursery have been exceptionally strong, with 100% of Ducklings progressing into Lambs, 87.5% of Lambs into Piglets and 100% of Piglets moving into Reception. These figures, alongside improved projected numbers for both Piglets and Ducklings next year, demonstrate growing confidence in our Early Years offering.

Academically, the school has made significant strides this year. The successful embedding of our concept curriculum from Nursery to Year 6 has brought greater cohesion and depth across subjects. Alongside this, the continued focus on developing our learning habitudes is fostering increasingly reflective, resilient and independent learners. Outcomes at the top of the school remain strong, with 68% of Year 6 pupils securing academic and sports scholarships into the senior school. Notably, Ardingly pupils outperformed a large external applicant cohort by an average of 12% in the College’s 11+ English and Mathematics assessments, a clear testament to the quality of teaching and learning across the Prep School.

The breadth and quality of the co-curricular programme remain a defining strength of the school. In sport, the year has been marked by outstanding achievement, including national success for the U11 girls’ football team at the ISFA tournament; exceptional results at the National Schools Biathlon Championships, where pupils secured three team gold medals and an individual silver; and our Year 6 swimmers, who were crowned double National Champions at the English Schools’ Swimming Association! These accomplishments reflect both the depth of talent within the pupil body and the strength of the school’s sports programme.

Outdoor education and enrichment have also played a central role. An overnight camping experience for pupils in Year 4 and above, alongside a full day of outdoor adventure activities for younger year groups on Nine Acre, has further strengthened our commitment to experiential learning and personal development. Meanwhile, events such as the Enterprise Festival and World of Work Day have provided valuable opportunities for pupils to engage with real-world skills, creativity and future pathways.

In the performing arts, the school has enjoyed another productive year. The Music Department has delivered an extensive programme of concerts and events, including Christmas, Easter and Summer concerts, five informal concerts, and the ever-popular House Song Competition, this year won by Bodiam House with a memorable performance of Waving Flag. Community engagement has been strengthened through events such as the Family Concert and Music & Mince Pies.

Beyond the performance calendar, the music department has made strong strategic progress. Pupils have been encouraged to take increasing responsibility and leadership, culminating in a fully pupil-led informal concert for Years 4–6 and student stage management within Year 3 performances. Choral music continues to flourish, with all choirs in Years 3–6 now confidently singing in multipart harmony and contributing to services, including the introduction of new liturgical music. Instrumental provision has also expanded, with the establishment of a School House Orchestra, achieving its debut performance at the Summer Concert, as well as the continued success of the Farmhouse Fiddler group and collaborative performances with Great Walstead School.

Drama and Dance have similarly thrived, offering a wide range of performance opportunities. Highlights included the Prep School’s Dance Show, Santa School (Year 4) and the ambitious production of Shrek by Years 5 and 6, alongside class performances such as The Wizard of Oz, Hansel & Gretel, and Dragons’ Den.

The Interhouse Talent Show once again showcased the breadth of pupil talent, with Pevensey House emerging as winners. The continued success of LAMDA provision, with 42 pupils participating, demonstrates a strong commitment to developing confidence and communication skills. Theatre visits, including trips to The Tiger That Came to Tea and The BFG, have further enriched pupils’ cultural experiences.

Finally, it is fitting to note the external recognition received this year, with the school being named the UK’s Most Innovative Prep School by The Week magazine. This accolade reflects the collective effort of staff and pupils alike in fostering a forward-thinking, dynamic educational environment.

In summary, 2025–26 has been a year of growth, innovation and achievement across the school. Yet what stands out most is the evident happiness of the children: their enthusiasm in the classroom, their energy beyond it and their kindness towards one another. These are the foundations that matter most, and they continue to define life at Ardingly College Prep School.

Laura Lamont

Head of Ardingly College Prep