The Prep school runs from Years 3 to Year 8. In Years 3 and 4 (Lower School) the children are taught by primary specialists. The form teacher teaches the majority of subjects; however the children are taught by other specialist staff for French, music, art, drama and design and technology. Most of their lessons happen in their own classroom. There is setting in Years 3 and 4 for mathematics and in Year 4 for English.
The children follow a rich, broad and stimulating curriculum and are encouraged to work hard and enjoy their achievements from the start. High expectations are important both inside and outside the classroom, and we set great store by the development of good manners, self-discipline and consideration for others.
The academic curriculum at Foremarke Hall aims to inspire pupils to gain a lifelong love of learning. It strives to equip each child with the skill and confidence to be an independent thinker and be able to tackle a task either as an individual or as part of a team.
From Year 5 onwards (Upper School), the children have a form base with a form tutor who will monitor academic work and general development, provide support and guidance, and communicate closely with parents. At this stage the children are taught to become more independent as they move around the school for lessons with specialist staff. The teaching groups are streamed by ability with setting in place for mathematics, English and French. This is designed to maximise the efficiency of our teaching programmes, ensuring that work presented to children is ‘just right’ – challenging but not overwhelming. The curriculum is balanced and busy, and includes Saturday mornings.
Homework or ‘prep’ is given to all pupils in increasing amounts as they move through the school. Prep diaries and designated prep times provide the opportunity for all pupils to learn to develop good working habits and to see the results of their efforts.
As pupils progress through the Upper School, there is a growing formality in the undertaking of academic studies. They are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning, and their contribution to school life. They grow to understand their importance in the community, both through instruction and example. In Years 7 and 8 the children are prepared for Common Entrance examinations or, if applicable, scholarship examinations. 
We are very proud of our academic record. The Common Entrance results obtained by our pupils are excellent and provide the opportunity for the vast majority to gain a place at Repton School, or other first-choice schools, as they move on from Foremarke at the end of Year 8. It is a testament to the quality of the teaching and staff at Foremarke that so many scholarships and other academic awards have been won by our pupils to Repton School and other top public schools.
We firmly believe that a Foremarke education brings out the best in each and every child and that it provides them with a strong platform from which they can confidently move into their senior school as independent, self-reliant individuals.
Paula Bushby
Director of Studies
