Curriculum

Our Academic Philosophy: Nurturing the Whole Child

At St. Martin's, our academic philosophy is captured by our commitment to making boys "Better Prepared for What's Next."  We believe that true excellence extends far beyond test scores. It is about equipping each boy with the skills and attitudes that will enable him to be successful and happy in all his future endeavors.

Our curriculum is a living embodiment of our core values: Happiness, Success, Opportunity, Hard Work and Each Other. These values are woven into the fabric of daily life and learning, creating a supportive, nurturing, and ambitious environment where boys are encouraged to challenge themselves and excel.

The curriculum is scaffolded to provide the support needed for each boy to stretch beyond what he thought was possible, fostering "critical, creative and compassionate" thinkers. Our philosophy is that a strong foundation in cognitive, social, and digital literacy is the vehicle for a boy to discover his passions and become a well-rounded global citizen.

The St. Martin's Curriculum in Practice

The curriculum at St. Martin's is a broad and challenging programme that not only meets but actively exceeds the demands of the National Curriculum. Our focus is on fostering key "Learning Attitudes," including concentration, communication, collaboration, independence, imagination, and curiosity, through an innovative and practical curriculum.

Our approach is designed to teach boys that academic excellence is a direct result of diligent work and perseverance, not a fixed, innate ability. This ensures they are not only well-prepared academically but also possess the mental resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.

A Continuum of Growth: From Nursery to Senior Prep

The St. Martin's curriculum is a carefully structured journey designed to support boys as they grow from curious young learners into ambitious, confident young men.
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Nursery & Pre-Prep (Ages 3-7)

Learning is predominantly play-based and hands-on, helping a child become "school-ready" by developing their independence, confidence, and curiosity. Our curriculum ensures a seamless transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage to more formal learning at Key Stage 1. From the very beginning, boys are taught by specialist teachers in subjects such as Music, French, and Physical Education.
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Prep & Seniors (Ages 7-13)

As boys progress into Prep School, the curriculum expands and deepens. In Years 3 and 4, they begin a full 14-subject curriculum that offers significant breadth and balance. By Year 5, boys are taught on a secondary school model, with every subject delivered by a specialist teacher. This is also when the formal study of Latin is introduced. The curriculum in these later years is meticulously structured to prepare boys for 11+ and 13+ entrance examinations, with a clear focus on the specific requirements of both independent and state grammar schools.

A Trusted Reputation for Excellence

The success of our curriculum is independently verified and celebrated. St. Martin’s holds an impressive Schoolsmith Score® of 85, positioning it as one of the very best independent prep schools in the Northwood area. Our ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) report confirms that leaders are "ambitious for all pupils to achieve well" and that the curriculum is "taught well throughout the school."

Leavers' Destinations: A Testament to Our Preparation

Our impressive track record of leavers' destinations is the most powerful testament to our academic excellence. Over the past five years, our boys have gone on to a wide variety of top senior schools.

In addition to securing places at these institutions, 40% of our pupils have won scholarships and awards over the last five years.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We invite you to experience the vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community at our Pre-Prep. The best way to understand the St. Martin’s difference is to see it for yourself.
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