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Nursery & Prep
Welcome to Barlborough Hall School
Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, Barlborough Hall School is a Jesuit Preparatory school for all children aged 3 – 11. We are a deliberately small school, with classes of typically up to 22 children. Small classes mean teachers get to know their pupils well. They understand where a child needs challenging, when they need support and, critically, have the time to give it. We create a nurturing environment ensuring every child in our care can thrive.
From our Nursery rooms to our oldest children, each pupil is celebrated for their own strengths, developing a strong sense of self-belief. This exceptional level of pastoral care is the foundation of all we do at Barlborough Hall School, from the classroom to the playground.
A Love of Learning
You want the best for your child, and so do we. From specialist teaching and facilities, to the nurturing and friendly atmosphere, children thrive at Barlborough Hall School. Each class has its own teacher who delivers the majority of the curriculum, with specialist teachers for French, PE, music and computing.
Our teachers get to know your child as an individual, and will work closely with both you and them to encourage progress and build on their strengths in all areas, not just the classroom.
“Classrooms are well resourced, and teachers use these resources effectively to stimulate pupils’ interest and to challenge their thinking.”
ISI October '23
"Well planned lessons are delivered by enthusiastic and talented staff, who engage pupils to be well behaved, highly motivated and actively enjoy their lessons."
ISI October '23
“Pupils feel safe in School, and they have adults they can talk to if they have any worries.”
ISI October '23
"The extensive after school hobbies programme ensures pupils can follow their interests and develop skills covering a broad range of opportunities."
ISI October '23
First Steps Into Sport
We believe that sport is an excellent way of encouraging camaraderie and growing confidence from an early age, which is why our sporting programme starts in the first years of education with us.
Our grounds enable us to run rugby, football and cricket sessions and our sports courts are a perfect location for netball, tennis and hockey. We also have a dance studio and heated indoor swimming pool. All sporting provisions are offered both as part of the curriculum and during our after-school Hobbies programme.
We work closely with our senior school, Mount St Mary's College, for sporting events and have regular trips to the equally excellent sporting facilities there for larger tournaments and training camps.
Super Learning Days
From the marvels of the animal kingdom to unravelling the enigmas of ancient Greece, Super Learning Days are a favourite amongst all our pupils at Barlborough Hall School. These immersive learning experiences bring curriculum topics to life and are tailored to each year group. Each class has a Super Learning Day every term, covering a range of subjects from War-Time England to outer space.
Bringing Learning to Life
Children are encouraged to come to school dressed to match the topic of the day, and they spend their usual lesson times doing activities centred around the subject. These activities range from STEM sessions to cooking classes, going beyond the traditional learning setting to bring topics to life.
Specialists in the Field
Super Learning Days often feature talks from external specialists who work within the field of topic. A Stone Age expert might give an immersive talk on archaeological samples. For career day, a crowd favourite is a visit from the local fire brigade. We have even had a pop-up astrological centre in our Theatre for Space Day!
Memorable Experiences
The children always go home having thoroughly enjoyed the day. The opportunity to learn in so many different ways and to apply hands-on techniques to a subject is a truly unique experience, and one we are very proud of at Barlborough Hall School.
Performing Arts
Music is an integral part of our school life, fostering creativity and expression among our students. All children participate in music classes as part of the curriculum and we also have individual music and singing lessons with a range of peripatetic tutors available for all pupils looking to develop these skills further.
We offer a LAMDA programme for young drama enthusiasts, and each year group from Nursery to Year 6 participates in at least one musical or dramatic performance each academic year. Outside of the school day, our Hobbies programme includes musical theatre, orchestra and choirs so that children can explore every avenue of performing arts.