Repton Preparatory (Foremarke Hall )

Repton Preparatory School, also known as Foremarke Hall, is a co-educational day and boarding school located in Milton, Derbyshire. Catering to pupils aged three to thirteen, it serves as the preparatory school for Repton School. The school operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee and is overseen by a board of governors who also govern Repton School. Since its last inspection, the school has introduced new specialist facilities for learning enhancement, languages, art, and design and technology, alongside a new management structure.

The school is divided into three distinct sections: pre-prep for children aged three to seven, Lower School for those aged seven to nine, and Upper School for pupils aged nine to thirteen. Boarding is organized into four houses, with two designated for boys, one for girls, and one mixed house for day pupils who wish to board flexibly. The school aims to provide the highest standard of teaching and learning, pastoral care, and a broad co-curricular and extra-curricular experience. It encourages pupils to use their minds effectively, understand their responsibilities, and make wise judgments, preparing them for the senior phase of their education and life beyond.

Currently, the school has 459 pupils enrolled, with a near-equal distribution of boys and girls. The school has identified 46 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, none of whom have an education, health, and care plan. Approximately 27 pupils speak English as an additional language, with 22 receiving extra support for their English language skills. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils and those with special talents in areas such as art, music, and sport.

The school has successfully addressed recommendations from previous inspections, including enhancing marking practices to provide constructive feedback for improvement and developing a system for tracking academic progress. The most recent inspection highlighted the excellent quality of pupils' academic and other achievements, noting that both the most able pupils and those with special educational needs progress particularly well. Pupils demonstrate outstanding levels of participation and success beyond the classroom, with excellent communication skills.

The quality of pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They contribute significantly to the school and wider community, participating in various charitable activities and demonstrating substantial sensitivity towards others. The school fosters an environment where pupils value diversity and develop strong leadership skills. They can apply for various leadership roles in their final year, contributing to the school community through initiatives such as the school council and mentoring younger pupils.

Pupils exhibit a strong sense of right and wrong, understanding the importance of respect and the consequences of their actions. They are well-prepared for the next stage of their education, demonstrating high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. The school promotes an environment that supports personal development, with a focus on mental and physical well-being. Pupils are encouraged to make healthy choices and understand the importance of safety and fitness.

The school’s curriculum actively supports the performing arts, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to perform and develop their communication skills. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports, achieving notable success in regional and national competitions. The school’s facilities and extensive activities program enable pupils to demonstrate substantial success beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of teamwork and community.

Overall, Repton Preparatory School is committed to providing a holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility. The school’s emphasis on high standards of teaching, a supportive environment, and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys and life beyond school. The positive feedback from parents and pupils alike reflects the school’s success in achieving its aims and fostering a thriving educational community.