Smallwood Manor, the Denstone College Preparatory School, is situated between Uttoxeter and Marchington in 50 acres of beautiful grounds. The school is fully co-educational and caters for boarders and day pupils.
In the Pre-Prep Department children are admitted from 3 years of age. The nursery class places great emphasis on learning through play and more formal education is introduced gradually as the children gain confidence. The nursery has its own play area and the Government Voucher scheme is in operation.
At the age of seven, children take the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Tests in English, Mathematics and Science; recent results have been well above the national average. The Pre-Prep pupils share in many of the facilities of the Main School (including the heated indoor swimming pool, the chapel and the computer room) before moving up at the age of eight.
First class teaching facilities, together with small classes, enable Smallwood pupils to attain excellent academic results. Scholarships to various Public Schools have been gained in recent years, as have awards in music and art. Over half the pupils have individual lessons on a wide range of musical instruments and the Chapel choir leads the school worship and travels further afield to sing. The art room is always full of a colourful assortment of artistic creations. Club activities include pottery, cookery, information technology and modelling.
A full programme of sporting fixtures is undertaken against other schools and Smallwood boasts a fine tradition on the rugby field as well as achieving good results at hockey, netball, cricket and rounders.
Recent dramatic productions have included 'The Wind in the Willows', an adaptation of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and 'The Plague Village'.
Of particular interest to Service families will be the continuity of education provided by Smallwood and its Senior School, Denstone College, together covering ages 7 to 18. Smallwood is noted for its friendly, family atmosphere, aiming to make school 'home from home'.
Smallwood has lots to offer and the Headmaster and his wife will be delighted to show any interested parents round the School.
Alumni - Alastair Hignell (former England rugby international and Gloucestershire county cricketer, now radio and television sports presenter); Tim Marlow (presents Kaleidoscope for Radio 4 and edits Tate Gallery Magazine); David Fraser (Managing Director of Granada Television).
