Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.
Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.
School Description
Our next open day is on Friday 22 May at 9.30am.
Gateway School offers a warm welcome to prospective families at their regular open events. These sessions provide the perfect opportunity to explore the nurturing environment and vibrant school life firsthand. Visitors can book a place through the school website to tour the facilities and experience their unique community.
Early Years at Gateway consists of Preschool and Reception and focuses on instilling a love of learning and building confidence in a caring, secure environment so that young children experience a real sense of wonder as they discover and explore the world.
The Junior Years at Gateway focuses on giving children the confidence to challenge themselves and take risks, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop important organisational skills.
Class teachers deliver all core academic subjects so they are able to track each child’s development closely, and give support when necessary. The introduction of specialist lessons extends children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm. In these years, we aim to help children develop a strong work ethic by helping them to recognise that achievement requires effort as well as ability.
Throughout Juniors, children increase their involvement in the school community by participating in charity fundraising and School Council initiatives. These activities, and an extended range of clubs, offer children opportunities to gain new interests, and to build social awareness.
At Gateway School, we ensure pupils and staff ASPIRE to:
Achieve - offering appropriate opportunities which enable everyone to thrive and succeed
Strive - encouraging resilience in all areas of the curriculum
Participate - providing an extensive range of opportunities to involve every single child
Investigate - equipping our pupils with the skills to problem solve and to question the world around them
Respect - ensuring everyone and everything in our school community is treated with care and courtesy
Enjoy - instilling a genuine and lifelong love of learning
Jonathan Coke joins Gateway School as Headteacher, bringing with him a wealth of education and sporting experience, from April 2025.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
What does a successful school look like to you?
A successful prep school nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while instilling a lifelong love of learning and strong values. At its core, a clear and well-defined ethos ensures that pupils, staff, and parents share a common vision.
High-quality teaching is key, with skilled and passionate educators who engage and inspire pupils through a balanced curriculum that blends traditional and innovative approaches. A strong prep school prioritizes pupil wellbeing alongside academic excellence, creating a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, and supported to reach their potential. Small class sizes allow for personalized learning, while a robust pastoral care system ensures pupils feel safe and encouraged.
Beyond the classroom, a rich extracurricular program—including sport, music, drama, and outdoor learning—provides opportunities for children to discover new interests, build resilience, and develop leadership skills. Academic excellence remains a priority, with strong preparation for 11+ and Common Entrance exams, but success is also measured by pupils’ ability to think critically, solve problems, and approach challenges with confidence.
The best prep schools focus on finding the right senior school for each child, ensuring a seamless transition. A strong sense of community is vital, with engaged parents, valued pupil voices, and a culture of collaboration. Ultimately, a successful prep school is one where children are nurtured, engaged, inspired, and challenged – leaving with the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in the next stage of their education and beyond.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
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