St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.
Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.
From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.
Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.
In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an
enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence
and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.
Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.
In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.
St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.