Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREP-DRONE-2021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65838" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREP-DRONE-2021.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREP-DRONE-2021-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREP-DRONE-2021-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREP-DRONE-2021-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hidden in amongst the residential roads in Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, Battle Abbey Prep is a small independent co-ed day school welcoming children from 4-11 years, with a nursery on site for babies from 3 months. Uniquely located between the shingle beach (a 20-minute walk), and the town itself and the glorious South Downs countryside, this is a friendly school with a distinctly family vibe. A grand total of 120 children means there’s a maximum of 18-20 in each class with a gender split roughly 50/50 year on year.</p>



<p>Set in a large house that&#8217;s been sensitively extended, with all school pupils under one roof, you’ll find classrooms are generously sized and bright with breakout areas for different types of learning. The reception class is on the ground floor, giving the youngest pupils direct access to an outdoor area (due to be revamped later this year, although it already looks inviting).</p>



<p>The Senior School, eight miles away, is located on the historic battlefield of the legendary Battle of Hastings. Prep pupils visit to make full use of the Abbey estate grounds and facilities (there’s 133 acres!), while older students visit Bexhill to swim in the onsite pool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65841" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The school’s greatest sporting strength is swimming &#8211; there’s a stunning 25-metre, six-lane heated indoor pool here, and every child swims a minimum of twice a week, with the opportunity for competitive swimmers to get in the water three mornings a week from 7am. Given the size of the school, its achievement as English Schools Swimming (ESSA) National Champions for the U11s 4 x 25 Freestyle is impressive. The school also won Silver and Bronze in the relays for small schools in the Independent Association of Prep Schools competition. Last year, the swimmers attained an ESSA National Silver Medal for the freestyle relay and Bronze for the mixed relay in 2022 and the under 11s were crowned National Swim Champions 2022.</p>



<p>There’s an astro pitch and a generous playing field where the children play the likes of football, hockey, netball and cricket. Gymnastics is available and, with the emphasis on taking part and trying new things, pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong (no, me neither), is available informally at lunchtimes and will be fully integrated into the sports offering from September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<p>When I visited, the older children were rehearsing their production of Wind in the Willows and were clearly enjoying themselves, particularly the group songs. Every child in the school sings in the choir and, in 2022, the school won the U11 Choir Award (for Choirs with more than 40 pupils) at Hastings Musical Festival.</p>



<p>There’s also a brand new inter-generational opera project currently running, which involves Year 2 pupils attending sessions at a local care home and being taught to sing with the residents. A performance for families and friends is planned for the end of term. If it’s deemed a success, it will become part of the school’s programme.</p>



<p>Musical ensembles are available too, according to the pupils’ interests with the usual array of chamber groups and, in addition, 50% of pupils take a peri music or drama lesson. Pupils are encouraged to learn the xylophone in Year 1, the recorder in Year 3 and, unusually, the harp in Year 4 – how cool is that? All children from Years 3 – 6 are members of the choir.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCHOOL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM-ART-2021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65842" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM-ART-2021.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM-ART-2021-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM-ART-2021-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM-ART-2021-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prospectus Photography at Battle Abbey School
Photography by DFphotography / Danny Fitzpatrick
Copyright DFphotography
www.dfphotography.co.uk</figcaption></figure>



<p>Promoting STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) is a big deal here and has a large, purpose-built, double-height space, just over a year old, to prove it! There are also separate rooms for languages and computer studies here, along with a well-equipped library and also a Wellbeing room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEAD</h2>



<p>Enthusiastic and approachable, Craig Austen-White is clearly relishing his role as headteacher of Battle Abbey Prep. In post since August 2022, he was previously deputy head at the Senior School where he also taught Religious Studies A level. He no longer has to worry exclusively about GCSE or A level results and can instead focus on bringing fun to the learning experience – from dressing up as the panto dame at Christmas to lugging tables around on sports day. This September will see him teaching English to year five. Clearly popular with the children, they come up to see him as we walk around the school, keen to share their news or show him their work.</p>



<p>His plan for adding a yurt to the grounds to provide an additional place for learning has been approved and will be ready for the start of Autumn Term 2023. Longer term he has grand plans to rewild part of the field to encourage biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM2021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM2021.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM2021-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM2021-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/STEAM2021-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The children learn at the beach, in the forest, around the garden, in the kitchen and in the classroom. Outdoor learning is a key part of Battle Abbey’s approach to help the children develop self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, communication skills, independence, a positive attitude, self-esteem and confidence. Each session is run by the school’s qualified beach and forest school practitioner with teachers and first aid trained staff on hand too.</p>



<p>The STEAM facility enables children to understand how these subjects intertwine – learning to solve problems, think creatively and work as part of a team using the five-stage engineering process – ask, imagine, plan, create and improve.</p>



<p>Languages taught here are French, where children are taught from Reception by specialist teachers, and Spanish (recently introduced at Key Stage 2). From Years 3 – 6, almost all lessons are led by specialists including for computing and Forest school. Younger pupils go to the beach for lessons most weeks during the summer. Older children do the same roughly four times a term, along with regular Forest School sessions and other enrichment activities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65848" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/PREPPICS-2-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The school broadly follows the national curriculum but also uses its freedom to flex and extend learning opportunities. Teachers constantly adapt lessons and content to match the interests and skills of the pupils. 53% of students are working above the national average and the majority of pupils go on to join Battle Abbey Senior School. Be aware that there are entrance exams for both schools, but they are mixed ability institutions and character and fit are more important than grades. This year, all year six pupils are moving to the senior school (15 in total).</p>



<p>Beyond the classroom there are plenty of diverse extracurricular clubs to join too &#8211; the 38 current offerings include karaoke, roller dance, knitting, sewing, water polo and go kart club. The Go Kart club will be taking their creation to compete at Goodwood in the coming weeks, which sounds like a lot of fun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/OLDANDYOUNG2021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65844" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/OLDANDYOUNG2021.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/OLDANDYOUNG2021-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/OLDANDYOUNG2021-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/OLDANDYOUNG2021-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re looking for a school where everyone knows your child and your child knows everyone, from the head to the caretaker to the teachers to the chef, this is the place for your family. The head’s approach is to let kids be kids which, for him, means playing outside, getting messy and going to the beach or the countryside whenever possible.</p>



<p>For any child feeling anxious, there’s a ‘worry monster’ and they can write down any concerns, which are then addressed by their teacher. A school counsellor, shared with the Senior School, is available for one-to-one or small group sessions. The school has a dedicated Wellbeing room, which looks like a den with sofas to relax on and posters on the wall. It’s a calm environment where children can talk to an adult or simply have some quiet time to reflect. The school’s wellbeing lead is trained in mental health issues. Teaching staff meet fortnightly to discuss children’s welfare and pastoral needs, considering any measures that may be needed. Staff are updated each morning about any child that may need ‘special care’ that day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>Beach learning is not the norm for most school kids so lucky pupils at Battle Abbey Prep! Rock pooling, shell necklace making, learning about flora and fauna and playing, playing group games are all part of the experience here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEND PROVISION</h2>



<p>As a mixed ability school, SEN pupils are catered for with a dedicated prep SENCO. As part of the admissions process, parents have the chance to talk through their child’s individual needs to ensure the school is the right fit.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<p>Decent without blowing the barn doors off flexibility. Pupils can arrive at school at 7.45am and stay until 5.45pm and they’ll get tea before they come home too. This is included in the school fees. There are camps throughout the school holidays, which you need to book and come at an extra cost.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="735" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES-735x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65843" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES-735x1000.jpg 735w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES-588x800.jpg 588w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES-768x1044.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES-386x525.jpg 386w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/LEAVES.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a modern purpose-built nursery in the grounds directly opposite the reception classroom, which opened in 2018. Children can join the nursery anytime between the ages of three months and four years. The nursery team makes use of the school facilities including the field and shady outdoor areas. Their most recent Ofsted inspection was in May 2021 and the provision was rated as good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY </h2>



<p>Children are not allowed mobile phones at school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>There’s a network of buses that ferry pupils over the age of 5 to both the Prep and Senior Schools. There’s also a minibus to take children on trips and to the Senior School site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>Inspectors visited in April 2023 and happily for the school, all criteria were met. You read the full report here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h2>



<p>Good value I’d say. For pupils in years 1 and 2, it’s £3,134, which rises to £4,202 for years 3 and 4. For those in years 5 and 6, it’s £4,524 per term. All clubs, curriculum trips and extracurricular activities are included in the fees. The only additions for parents to consider are residential stays and one-to-one or small group peripatetic lessons such as learning and drama.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>All the children I spoke to seem very happy at Battle Abbey Prep including a Year 3 girl who confided in a conspiratorial whisper that her brother recently cried when he realised it was the weekend and he couldn’t go to school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1353" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65846" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS-591x800.jpg 591w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS-739x1000.jpg 739w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS-768x1039.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/09/FINAL-SELECTION-TENNIS-388x525.jpg 388w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> As a small school, there’s an authentic family feel so those who need a bit of extra support and nurture will love it. The emphasis on outdoor education will appeal to those who want a more holistic approach to learning. Parents will love the ease of a through-school.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Super competitive sporty types are welcome here but they may find the inclusive ‘everyone can play’ vibe not to their taste. Anyone looking for a diet of purely traditional, classroom-based style learning take a hard left. </p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? </strong>Get yourself along to the next open day on Sat 21 Sep from 10am – midday. Book your place <a href="https://www.battleabbeyschool.com/battle-abbey-prep-open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p></p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.battleabbeyschool.com/prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battle Abbey Prep School</a></strong>, 40 Hastings Road, Bexhill, East Sussex, TN40 2NH. Tel: 01424 219674.</em></p>


Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex

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