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Every child learns in small classes, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to individual strengths and needs. From Nursery through Prep, we offer a broad curriculum taught by specialist teachers, covering core subjects as well as the arts. During their time at Northbourne, children have dedicated lessons in:

Lessons are designed to challenge confident learners while supporting those who need extra help.

Every child is supported to become a successful learner, whatever their starting point.

We provide pathway support for Grammar School and Senior School entry, plus preparation for Academic, Creative/Performing Arts, and Sports Scholarships. In-school 1:1 and group tutoring is available, and we run a Summer Exam Preparation Camp for 11+ candidates.

In 2025, 100% of Reception children achieved all Early Years Goals. We celebrated an 80% pass rate for the Kent Test, and Year 6 and Year 8 pupils received a number of scholarships to Senior Schools. Northbourne Park alumni consistently excel in academics, arts, and sport, earning praise from their next schools.

Children begin learning French from age 2 in Squirrels Nursery. From Year 3, pupils receive two hours of French per week, and from Year 5, two hours of Spanish, ensuring consistent and progressive language development.

Daily interaction with bilingual Section Française pupils, alongside initiatives such as language lunches and cultural events, provides authentic opportunities to develop listening skills, pronunciation, and confidence. Children quickly understand that language is not confined to the classroom, but is a living part of everyday communication and culture.

Language teaching is led by native speakers, fostering accurate accent and fluency. As a result, Northbourne Park pupils consistently excel in Modern Foreign Languages at GCSE and beyond.

Language learning from age 2 ensures confidence and excellent pronunciation.

Forest School and Outdoor Education, from Nursery through Prep, develop practical skills, confidence, a sense of adventure, and a love of nature, delivered in partnership with nearby Betteshanger Park.

Our outdoor programmes build confidence, teamwork, and a love of nature.

Designated outdoor learning areas are available for Pre-Prep and Prep. Our Saturday Programme for Year 4+ focuses on outdoor skills and team-building.

Every child plays sport, including:

PE and Games are taught by specialist coaches from Reception, with five hours per week from Year 3.

Every child plays regular, competitive sports.

Children compete in weekly fixtures and enjoy links with local clubs. The programme promotes healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and teamwork. Pupils have achieved county-level sporting success, including Kent Cricket and other competitions.

Children have weekly music lessons from Nursery, with drama from Year 3.

Pupils can take 1:1 lessons across a wide range of instruments, including brass, strings, keyboard, percussion, and singing.

Termly concerts provide performance opportunities, and every child participates in school productions to develop confidence, self-expression, and teamwork.

Every child has the opportunity to perform on stage and build confidence.

Northbourne Park is a singing school: all children sing together in assemblies and events. Our choir is open to all abilities and performs regularly both in school and externally.

Extensive bus routes provide daily pickup and drop-off.

Care is available 8.00 am–6.00 pm for Nursery–Year 2 and 7.30 am–7.30 pm for Year 3+, including breakfast and supper.

Flexible boarding and wraparound care support busy family schedules.

A free, teacher-led homework club runs daily for Year 3+ until 5.30 pm. After-school clubs from Reception include academic, sporting, and creative activities.

Flexible boarding from Year 3 allows one-night “sleepovers” and theme nights, or longer stays, supporting independence and family routines.

Our Prep and Pre-Prep sites sit in acres of beautiful grounds and woodland, promoting outdoor learning. The school is easily accessible with minimal traffic, plentiful on-site parking, and direct routes via the A256, M20, and M2.

Local towns are within easy reach: Sandwich and Deal under 10 minutes, Dover under 20 minutes, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Ashford under 30 minutes, Broadstairs, Margate, and Thanet under 45 minutes.

Facilities include:

all in an inspiring, historical setting. There are no tarmac playgrounds. Children enjoy the great outdoors for play and learning.

Our small school environment gives pupils the chance to lead, perform, and speak publicly. Traditional values are emphasised, with a focus on behaviour and manners. Independence is taught gradually, preparing children for the next stage of their education. Pupils gain global experiences and skills that prepare them for life beyond school. Small classes give children the chance to grow into confident, global citizens.

Every child is known personally by staff beyond their form teacher.

Friendly and dedicated staff ensure children are happy and confident. Parents have direct access to teachers and receive clear communication about progress and wellbeing.

Northbourne Park is a phone-free school and boarding environment, allowing children to focus on learning and play. Families are part of an engaged school community.

The school accepts 15-hour and 30-hour Early Years funding, including in Reception.

Sibling discounts, Armed Forces discounts, and generous means-tested bursaries make an education at Northbourne Park accessible.

We work with families to make a Northbourne Park education accessible

Scholarships are offered from Year 3 for pupils with aptitude in academic, creative, or sporting areas. Flexible payment options, including monthly plans, help families manage fees.