Pupil Journey
SCHOOL LIFE
Pupil Journey
Thomas’s Battersea is made up of two subschools – the Lower School (Kindergarten to Year 2) and the Prep School (Year 3 to Year 8).
The Lower School
The Lower School begins at the age of 3 in our brand-new Kindergarten, which was previously situated at St Mary’s Church, but now is located in the heart of our school site. The main entry points are Kindergarten (age 3) and Reception (age 4).
Throughout their time in the Lower School, pupils learn to read and write, and develop fine and gross motor skills, as well as the ability to socialise and play together. It is an incredibly exciting time for them – a time of discovery and fun, while their progress is clear for all to see. Phonics is a central part of learning in the Lower School, and we use ‘Read Write Inc’ as our Phonics scheme, something that is producing fantastic outcomes in the pupils’ literacy.
What they begin to achieve in Kindergarten and Reception continues in Years 1 and 2, and the pupils get their first experience of leading others. Preparing the children for life begins early, with children having opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking and developing digital literacy. It is a time of joyful exploration and structured foundational learning.
Above all, the pupils’ time in the Lower School sets them up for Prep School, where each child’s learning journey continues.
The Prep School
Our pupils’ journey from Year 3 to Year 8 continues to be thoughtfully delivered to inspire curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. From the outset, the focus is on delivering an outstanding, broad curriculum while maintaining exceptional pastoral care and a deep commitment to each child’s personal development.
In Years 3 to 6, pupils are immersed in a rich and engaging programme of study, where subjects are brought to life through exciting, cross-curricular topics. Whether exploring sustainability through ecobots, delving into biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest, or uncovering the legacy of the Ancient Greeks, children develop strong foundations in English, mathematics, science, humanities, the arts and languages. This approach fosters creativity, critical thinking and collaboration, all within a nurturing environment where every child feels known and supported.
In the background to their learning, we offer a bespoke and carefully planned Future Schools journey. This begins in Year 3, when parents are encouraged to consider the type of senior school they would like their child(ren) to attend. This continues through to Year 6, when the pupils sit their assessments and attend interviews for their potential future schools.
As pupils move into Years 7 and 8, their learning is further enriched through the Thomas’s Battersea Baccalaureate. This distinctive programme broadens academic horizons while placing equal emphasis on character, leadership and global awareness. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, take intellectual risks and engage with real-world challenges, preparing them not only for senior school but for life beyond the classroom.
Throughout every stage, exceptional pastoral care underpins the experience, ensuring that each pupil grows in confidence, resilience and self-awareness. The result is a well-rounded education that balances academic excellence with personal fulfilment, equipping every child to thrive.
We also value the variety of activities and the breadth of the curriculum, which expose the children to so much knowledge and help nurture their curiosity and interests across many different areas.
— RSAcademics Parent Survey
