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
We offer our Unlock KES Prep Open Evening once a term – an evening with a twist. Children can take part in puzzles and games around the school while parents explore KES Prep, meet our teachers, hear from Head Becky Smith and enjoy some dinner treats together in the dining hall.
Autumn Terms Open Days – dates coming soon
For further information, please click the link below or contact our Admissions Team:
01794 528360
[email protected]
King Edward's Prep now offers extended Nursery provision by offering childcare throughout the holidays.
Full and part-time Nursery places are now available for 51 weeks of the year, alongside term-time only places, in its wonderful Early Years setting.
The Nursery will remain in the purpose build and newly-refurbished Early Years building. And in addition to the new provision, Stroud is very excited to offer a new and bespoke natural area, with a covered outdoor classroom, orchard and access to the wider 'wild side' of the School.
During the school holidays, children will continue to access the School grounds and facilities, including the large sports hall, Forest School area, farm and swimming pool, alongside activities in the Early Years setting.
Rebecca Smith has been Head of King Edward VI Preparatory School since 2020. Having taught at KES Prep earlier in her career, she was delighted to come back and lead the school she knows and loves so well. Her career has taken her from a state school in her hometown in the Midlands to six memorable years teaching in the Philippines, before returning to Hampshire where she has held leadership roles in several prep schools. With a lifelong love of the outdoors, Rebecca relishes KES Prep's 22-acre setting and the chance to lead a school where wellies and curiosity are part of daily life.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
I come from a teaching family – my mum was a primary school teacher and my dad a maths teacher, later a college lecturer and eventually a management consultant. I was determined to forge my own path and not simply follow in their footsteps, but I think teaching has always been in my blood. After finishing my degree, I realised that a PGCE and a career in teaching might not be such a bad idea after all. Watching the way my parents inspired their pupils and knowing the joy that comes from helping children discover their strengths, confirmed that teaching was my true calling.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
One of my proudest achievements has been steering us through our rebranding to King Edward VI Preparatory School, while keeping the soul of what makes us special alive. This has meant aligning more closely with our senior school —sharing values, purpose, and an identity — without losing the warmth, joy and community that define our Prep. I am proud of how we have deepened our sense of belonging across all year groups, invested in our people and spaces, and enhanced every child's journey so that they flourish academically and personally. Seeing our pupils grow in confidence, kindness, curiosity—and knowing that they feel known, encouraged, and free to explore outdoors—means everything to me.
What does a successful school look like to you?
To me, a successful school is one that combines excellence with happiness. It's traditional enough to value strong academics and broad curriculum pathways yet wild at heart. Adventure, outdoor learning, and discovery are woven into everyday life. A successful school is one where children are encouraged to be ambitious but also to be themselves; where the forest, stream, ponds, farm, and open space are part of learning, as much as the classroom. It is a place where kindness, values, and character matter as much as results. It is about preparing children not just for the next school, but for a richly fulfilled life.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
I want every child to leave KES Prep with confidence in who they are. Confidence to try new things, to persevere when faced with challenge, and to be kind and compassionate in the way they treat others. With that self-belief and sense of purpose, they are ready not only for senior school, but for life beyond, knowing that they have something special to contribute to the world.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Curiosity • Kindness • Confidence • Adventure • Belonging
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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