Wells Cathedral School is delighted to have been Highly Commended in the Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022.

The Awards, which are hosted by the Independent School Parent magazine, consist of 22 categories celebrating the Independent School sector. The Independent Pre-Prep of the Year Award is for Pre-Preps which offer an "outstandingly rich experience for young students" with provision meeting educational, emotional and societal needs, supporting a successful transition to the next stage of pupils' educational careers and introducing impactful new initiatives.

Rebecca Perdrix, Head of Pre-Prep, and Valerie Hancock, Nursery Manager, travelled to London to attend the Awards ceremony after the School was narrowed down to one of five finalists among hundreds of entrants. As the ceremony began, they were informed that the judges had awarded commendations to a couple of schools in instances where two finalists were deserving of an Award and the decision to choose one over the other was exceptionally tough. To their surprise, they were called to the stage at the announcement of the Independent Pre-Prep of the Year Award having been Highly Commended for the School's fun, inspiring and engaging curriculum.

Reflecting on the event, Rebecca described feeling a great sense of pride for her work in education. She remarked that, "Pre-Prep really is a magical place. Children learn more in the first seven years of their life than at any other time, which illustrates what a privilege it is for us to work with these young children and help to shape their minds, their values, and their futures."

Rebecca was also full of praise for the team she manages at Wells and spoke sincerely about her appreciation for them; "I must say I do feel that the team really deserve the Award as our Pre-Prep has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and everybody is so dedicated. The whole team works exceptionally hard to make the provision in our Pre-Prep fun, inspiring, creative and engaging, yet rigorous and high quality. Research shows that these are the things that predict good outcomes for children, alongside a strong understanding of child development and excellent relationships. Everybody who visits us or spends time with us in action comments on what a unique place it is. The Pre-Prep really does bring the sparkle to Wells!"