Specialists in Educating 4-8 Year Olds

The benefits of an education designed specifically for children at pre-prep level, aged 4-8, are far reaching and extend beyond academic achievement. Merlin adopts a holistic approach to early childhood development, nurturing each child’s unique potential in a focused, supportive and age-appropriate environment. Our team of teachers and support staff specialise in teaching children in this recognised stage of development.

Non-Selective

We do not assess as a condition of entry, eliminating stress for families of very young children. This results in a school comprised of children with a wide range of abilities, making for a rich learning environment. Children are encouraged to reach their individual potential in a nurturing environment where there is always a careful balance between support and challenge.

Nurturing and Inspiring Environment

The Merlin School environment is thoroughly nurturing. The beautiful Victorian house is carpeted and homely. We offer a warm atmosphere where all staff take time to engage with our children, supporting the development of their independence and confidence. There is a vibrant buzz about the school, where the children thrive as part of a caring community and this very special atmosphere is often remarked upon by visitors and families. Our teachers are passionate and inspiring, and our school environment and curriculum capture the children’s imagination, firing their enthusiasm, and inspiring their desire to learn.

Unique, Tailored Timetable and Curriculum

The Merlin School motto is ‘have a go,’ and we aim to evoke curiosity in the world around us. We offer a holistic and exciting curriculum, characterised by breadth, depth, differentiation and progression. We strive to provide an exciting and thoroughly engaging start to a child’s education, igniting a lifelong love of learning. The school prides itself on the personalised and practical style of teaching and learning; our individualised approach enables all children to make excellent progress, further enhanced by our small class sizes and high adult-to-child ratio. Embedded in our curriculum and ethos is a focus on early socialisation skills, known to create a foundation for academic success as well as positive interactions and relationships. Problem-solving and collaboration are recognised as important skills and are promoted and exercised across the curriculum. Specialist teachers cover over half of the curriculum, teaching Science, Music, Singing, P.E, Computing and French, a rarity at pre-prep level.

Positive, Open Relationships between Home and School

The relationship between school and families is fundamental to a positive start in a child’s school journey. For most, Merlin is the first formal schooling experience for families. Clear and open communication and parental involvement in school life are therefore especially important. Parents and carers are warmly invited into the school on a regular basis, for all sorts of occasions such as concerts and performances, parent workshops, classroom visits and even to help by giving a talk or hearing children when reading. We are here to support our families navigate the beginnings of their child’s educational journey and we pride ourselves on the quality of communication we have with our families.

After Merlin

Choose a School that’s right for your Child

Merlin children make excellent progress from their individual starting points, and go on to a range of prestigious schools. Our strong relationships with families and open communication extends to the support we give in choosing a next stage school Parents of Merlin children have the unique opportunity to decide upon their child’s next stage school based on him or her as an individual. Our role is to support parents in finding the best fit school for their child at a point when his or her individual strengths and abilities, personality, interests and academic profile have had the chance to form and develop. Change can be extremely positive in a child’s life. At the end of their school journey with us, we send our children off to their next schools with the confidence to build new relationships and the enthusiasm to learn, instilled with a positive attitude towards new challenges.