At St Faith’s Prep, success at the Kent Test is not the result of short-term thinking. It’s the outcome of a carefully structured programme of learning that begins from pupils’ very first day with us.

Reception, Year 1, and Year 2

Building strong foundations 

During this period, our focus is on developing an early love of learning. Through a rich and engaging curriculum, children build confidence in core skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy, whilst developing curiosity and independence. At this stage we lay the groundwork that everything else is built on. 

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Year 3

Accelerating core skills and confidence 

As pupils progress, we begin to strengthen key academic skills in English and Maths, whilst encouraging children to think more deeply and work with independence. 

At this stage we introduce problem-solving, reasoning and comprehension skills in a way that is natural and enjoyable for the age group. 

Some parents consider Year 3 as the perfect time to move schools as they begin their KS2 learning journey. This is a natural transition point with the introduction of specialist teaching in Art, as well as opportunities to play in sports fixtures and teams.

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Year 4

Introducing challenge and stretch 

In Year 4, pupils are encouraged to embrace greater academic challenge. Teaching places increased emphasis on reasoning, vocabulary development and deeper comprehension, helping children to think critically and articulate their ideas. 

At this stage pupils are supported to approach more complex tasks with confidence, developing resilience and a positive attitude towards challenge. 

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Year 5

Accelerating advanced skills and independence 

In Year 5, pupils build on their now strong foundations as they develop more advanced skills. This includes higher-level comprehension, problem-solving and logical reasoning. 

Optional Morning Study Skills are available for pupils to supplement the curriculum.  

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Year 6

Confidence, refinement, and readiness 

By Year 6 pupils are confident, capable learners who are well equipped to demonstrate the skills they’ve learnt throughout their time at St Faith’s Prep. At this stage we focus on refining core skills, strengthening accuracy and encouraging pupils to approach challenges with self-assurance. Optional Morning Study Skills are offered daily and include interview technique and business enterprise, alongside academic studies.

With a strong academic toolset and a calm, positive mindset, St Faith’s pupils are fully ready to take on the next step in their educational pathway, wherever that may be. 

Pupil wellbeing

In every part of school life at St Faith’s, children are supported and encouraged. Preparing for the move to secondary school is an exciting but sometimes challenging time for pupils. In addition to our normal pastoral support, we offer advice for parents about maintaining a healthy and positive perspective on the whole process for themselves and their children.

While our high standards of teaching mean that lots of our children are offered Grammar School places, this isn’t the best route for every child, and we work hard to ensure that each one finds the right secondary school environment for them. We offer Study Skills sessions from Year 3 upwards, specifically focused on preparation for scholarship tests and supported by our specialist staff, many of our pupils gain offers of scholarships from leading independent schools. 

In school we continue to celebrate children’s achievements in all aspects of their lives and ensure that the Year 5 and 6 curriculum is as broad and varied as possible alongside the academic focus. Nearer the time for transition, specific sessions are held to help pupils feel prepared for that next step in the best possible way. 

At each stage, our children are celebrated for who they are and their personal achievements in whatever sphere. Secondary schools often comment on the high levels of confidence, maturity and independence that they see in the St Faith’s pupils that we are so proud to send on to them. 

Start your journey

Every child’s journey is unique. We would be delighted to show you how we support each individual child to achieve their best.