St Michael's Preparatory School

Established with a rich tradition of academic excellence and all-round development, St Michael’s has grown to become one of the island’s leading preparatory schools. We are an independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 14, where we foster a nurturing environment that allows children to enjoy their childhood while developing curiosity, consideration, and resilience. We encourage them to aim high and embrace new challenges, preparing them for the unknown opportunities of the future.

Our Mission 

To create an environment that inspires children, enabling them to discover and develop the best versions of themselves. Childhood is a precious time, and we believe all children should have ample opportunities for play, fun, and laughter. Since our children stay with us until age 14, they can continue to enjoy the joys of childhood in a nurturing, child-centred environment well into their early teenage years.

Academics

At St Michael’s Preparatory School, our curriculum sparks curiosity, embraces challenges, and fosters consideration within a caring community. We offer a broad and balanced education, nurturing enthusiastic learners equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s world.

The impact of small class sizes—averaging 15 children—cannot be underestimated when it comes to the individual attention each child receives in every lesson. Over the course of a week, month, term, and year, this focused, one-on-one interaction with teachers accumulates, offering a substantial advantage for our children.

Our teachers genuinely know every child they teach; their strengths, their weaknesses and their action plan to improve. We think this is invaluable in promoting development across academic, physical, spiritual, moral, and cultural dimensions. Through a multi-sensory teaching approach, we cater to diverse abilities and learning styles, ensuring all students progress. Differentiation is central, providing support for pupils with special educational needs, as well as opportunities for gifted students to achieve scholarships.

Sport and Physical Wellbeing

Sport is a vital part of life at St. Michael’s. Through our sports programmes, we aim to instil a lifelong healthy attitude towards physical activity, benefiting them throughout their school years and beyond. Sport offers more than physical benefits and healthy competition; it fosters confidence, teamwork, resilience, and pride. At St. Michael’s, we aim to cater to individuals of all abilities, ensuring everyone can pursue their ambitions and aspirations. Regular sporting tours are arranged both to and from the mainland and there are weekly fixtures with local teams. 

Extra Curricular and Enrichment

At St Michael’s, we believe in providing children with abundant opportunities to explore new experiences, discover their passions, and develop new hobbies. By encouraging them to try different activities, we help unlock their potential, allowing them to uncover their unique talents and interests. Our goal is to create an environment where every child can thrive and find what truly excites and inspires them.

Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

Our children love the family feel of the school, and the focus on fun and playful exploration balanced with intellectual ambition. For that reason each child’s happiness and wellbeing is at the heart of a St Michael’s education. We are committed to enhancing our pupils’ emotional, physical and mental well-being during their time with us, ensuring different needs are supported. Each pupil’s well-being and personal progress are closely monitored by our dedicated staff, with encouragement to engage in all aspects of school life. This involvement helps them discover their interests and passions, fostering their individuality and building a healthy self-esteem.

Learning Support

Our learning support department is made up of experienced, specialist teachers and teaching assistants, who support pupils both in and out of the classroom to reach their full potential. Teaching and learning strategies are matched closely to the individual’s needs and are designed to build confidence and self-esteem. Support can be given in a variety of ways including on a one to one basis, in a small group and within the classroom. We work closely with outside agencies and ensure that children have the necessary access arrangements in place.

The Pre-Prep and Nursery Department has its own learning support teacher who works alongside teachers, teaching assistants, parents and external agencies to support the needs of all our pupils. One-to-one and group lessons are available as well as in class specific support, which are monitored and can be provided as the children’s needs change throughout the year.