Reception: the perfect start to school life

Starting school is a big milestone for children and parents alike. At Somerhill, we believe happy children learn best. Our Reception classrooms are warm, welcoming and full of energy, curiosity and laughter. It is a place where friendships blossom, imaginations flourish, and children begin to discover just how much they are capable of.

Set within our beautiful 150-acre parkland and historic Jacobean mansion, Reception children benefit from a nurturing early years environment while becoming part of a vibrant pre-prep community.

Through a careful balance of play-based exploration, structured learning and outstanding pastoral care, we help children build the confidence, independence and curiosity that will carry them through their entire school journey, and beyond.

From nursery to school, a natural next step

Reception at Somerhill offers something truly special: the warmth and nurturing approach of early years education combined with the opportunities and expertise of a leading independent prep school.

While many nurseries provide wonderful early experiences, Reception at Somerhill gently and naturally introduces children to the rhythm and structure of school life.

Children benefit from:

• Highly experienced Early Years teachers and teaching assistants
• Small class sizes and individual attention
• A play-based EYFS curriculum with increasing structure
• Specialist teaching in subjects such as music, French and sport
• Access to our incredible grounds and facilities

This careful balance helps children grow in confidence while developing the foundations they need for the years ahead.

What makes Reception at Somerhill different?

Reception at Somerhill offers the best of both worlds. Children remain within a nurturing early years setting while enjoying the opportunities that come with being part of a full prep school environment.

This includes:

Specialist teaching - music, sport and enrichment delivered by expert teachers.

Outstanding facilities - children learn and explore across our extensive parkland grounds, outdoor learning areas and woodland.

A vibrant school community - Reception children are part of the wider Somerhill family, attending performances, celebrations and special events.

A love of learning from day one - our unique approach nurtures curiosity, confidence and creativity.

Learning through exploration

Children learn best when they are curious and engaged. Our Reception curriculum blends structured teaching with imaginative exploration.

A typical week may include:

• Phonics and early reading
• Creative storytelling and writing
• Maths through play and discovery
• Forest School adventures
• Music, movement and performance
• Outdoor learning and exploration

With 150 acres of parkland on our doorstep, muddy boots and big smiles are all part of the Somerhill experience.

Preparing children for Year 1 and beyond

Reception is an incredibly important year. It lays the foundations that help children thrive as they move into Year 1 and beyond. At Somerhill, we focus on three key areas of development:

Social confidence - children learn how to collaborate, build friendships, share ideas and develop independence within a supportive environment.

Emotional resilience - we nurture confidence, curiosity and a willingness to try new things — helping children feel secure and ready for the challenges ahead.

Academic foundations - through phonics, early writing, storytelling, number exploration and problem solving, children develop the key skills they need for future learning.

By the end of Reception, pupils leave with the confidence, independence and enthusiasm needed to flourish in Year 1 and beyond.

What is included in our Reception fees?

Reception fees at Somerhill provide exceptional value by including a wide range of opportunities and experiences within the school day.

Included within our fees:

Specialist teaching in music and sport
Forest School and outdoor learning experiences
Access to Somerhill’s extensive grounds and facilities
A wide range of enrichment activities
Outstanding pastoral care and small class teaching
Participation in school performances, celebrations and events

Families benefit from the endless opportunities available within the school day, ensuring children enjoy a rich and stimulating start to their education.