Admissions Enquiries: 01708 256721

Lower-School (5 to 8)

More than a school, we’re a family.

Lower school comprises of Year 1 (ages 5-6); Year 2 (ages 6-7) and Year 3 (ages 7-8). We have a commitment to a broad and innovative curriculum encouraging active learning.

A creative, forward-thinking and thematic approach aims to inspire and encourage our children and give them the ability to make connections, build confidence and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Giving your child an exceptional start.


Come and discover Oakfields Preparatory School.

Facilities & Location

The perfect setting for your child to thrive.

First-time visitors to our school are always impressed by the scale and range of facilities on offer at Oakfields. Set in a Grade II-listed mansion with bright and airy classrooms within seven acres of stunning grounds, our children have the space to learn and grow. The three-acre field in front of the school is used regularly throughout the year for activities such as playtimes, P.E. lessons, including Cross-Country Running, Rugby, Rounders and Athletics as well as being the base for own Forest School at the end of the field.

The Lower School is set across two floors within the main house, where many of the impressive historic features remain. It also has a Library and a separate Hall used for assemblies, P.E. lessons, and also functions as our dining area.

Pupils are not afraid to take risks in their learning because they are encouraged by teachers and leaders.

– ISI Inspection Report 2022

Curriculum

A richly diverse curriculum.

Our children follow a specifically-tailored and richly diverse curriculum, flavoured with the many positive influences and ideals of preparatory teaching, which allows children to grow naturally, retain their individuality and develop their unique personalities.

Whilst the curriculum is planned to maximise learning in each of the following six core subjects, our ethos is very much to promote cross-curricular learning both indoors and outdoors. Whilst also ensuring we have developed the children to think deeper and master many areas of the curriculum.

Music and P.E. are integral parts of the curriculum and are taught by specialist teachers, as is Spanish, Swimming and Forest School.

From Year 3 upwards, all children benefit from Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning lessons instead of Phonics to prepare for the 11+ and independent school entrance exams. These lessons take place daily, lasting approximately 20 minutes each. During these sessions, students work through a series of questions under the Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning umbrella. The teacher will initially model answering example questions before students attempt some on their own.

Key areas of learning:

1:1 Device Programme.

Lower School pupils benefit from Cognita’s 1:1 Device Programme, receiving an iPad in Years 1-2 and a laptop in Year 3.

These school-managed devices are assigned to each child for the duration of their education. Students use these devices for collaboration, presenting work in new ways, and developing digital skills.

Learning beyond the classroom.

We believe that education is as much about what happens outside a classroom as what happens within and our extra-curricular activities are a fantastic way for pupils to pursue their interests or try something new.

Our children enjoy a range of external trips and internal visitors that enrich the curriculum and bring it to life. Regular themed days and weeks are arranged to allow focus on a particular area or subject and to recognise or celebrate national and world events.

A unique learning experience.

Oakfields Prep is a happy and vibrant independent day school in Upminster, offering a bespoke and holistic education.

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2½ - 4 years old

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4 - 5 years old

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5 - 8 years old

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8 - 11 years old

Private School in Upminster, Essex – Oakfields School

Enquiries :01708 256721