We are thrilled to be named
Independent School of the Year 2025
and Independent School of the Year for Outstanding Educational Partnerships!
Independent School of the Year 2025
When pupils join us in Reception, they begin their Habs Boys journey and immediately become an integral part of our vibrant community.
From the very start, we nurture curiosity and independence, fostering the awe and wonder that comes from discovery. Pastoral care is at the heart of all we do, ensuring every boy feels supported and empowered. We encourage our pupils to explore the world around them, so that by the time they leave Habs at the end of Upper Sixth, they are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world.
In Reception, we follow he EYFS Framework. While uphold its core principles and ensure all children meet the required learning and development criteria. We also offer additional stretch and challenge for boys in our community, helping them to thrive and excel.
On arrival there is dedicated parking for Pre-Prep in the North Drive car park. From there, parents and guardians walk their child along the path to the Pre-Prep building. The whistle is blown when the school day begins at 8.30am, although you can drop your child off any time after 8.00am.
The school day officially begins at 8.30am with the sounding of the whistle, but you are welcome to drop your son off any time after 8.00am. During this time, they can settle in and enjoy time in the Pre-Prep Playground.
Each day is carefully structured to provide a balance of learning experiences. Boys take part in whole-class sessions, small-group activities led by our teachers and child-initiated learning opportunities. Learning happens both indoors and outdoors in our dedicated Reception spaces, ensuring a rich and varied experience every day.
Across the week, Reception pupils are taught by specialist teachers for the following subjects:
At the end of the school day, Reception pupils must be collected from their classroom door.
Below is an example structure of the day:
| Time | Lesson |
|---|---|
| 7.30am | Breakfast club in the Girls' School |
| 8.00am | School grounds open |
| 8.30am - 8.45am | Registration |
| 8.45am - 9.15am | Period 0 (Assembly on Wednesday and Friday) |
| 9.15am - 9.45am | Period 1 |
| 9.45am - 10.15am | Period 2 |
| 10.15am - 10.45am | Period 3 |
| 10.45am - 11.05am | Break |
| 11.05am - 11.40am | Period 4 |
| 11.40am - 12.10pm | Period 5 |
| 12.10pm - 1.30pm | Lunch and co-curricular activities (start from Spring Term) |
| 1.30pm - 1.55pm | Form Time |
| 1.55pm - 2.25pm | Period 6 |
| 2.25pm - 3.00pm | Period 7 |
| 3.00pm - 3.30pm | Period 8 |
| 3.30pm - 6.00pm | Afterschool care available with Premier Education |
Before enrolling your child in any wraparound care, please speak with your son’s class teacher. They will confirm whether your son is ready for this step and has settled into school routines.
This takes place at the Girls’ School, so you will need to drop your child off at the Habs Girls Dining Room entrance at the rear of the building. If your son will need a school breakfast, they must arrive by 7.45am. This way, we can make sure they eat a suitable amount of breakfast. A member of Pre-Prep staff will collect the boys at 8.00am and walk them over to the Pre-Prep. There is an additional charge for Breakfast Club.
At the end of the school day (3.30pm) Reception students are collected from their classroom door.
Reception pupils can attend free after-school care in the Prep School between 3.30pm and 4.00pm. After 4.00pm after-school care is run by Premier Education and available at an additional charge and finishes at 6.00pm.
All children in the Pre-Prep are invited to take the Coach Service home, this service leaves at 4.15pm. Children will attend AFSC until 3.55pm and then be walked to the coach park by a member of the Pre-Prep Team.
Throughout the day, your son will benefit from nutritious meals:
Please see the wraparound care section for information on our Breakfast Club.
There is no special break-time in Reception as the day is already very free-flowing and child-led. As such, they must bring a healthy snack such as either a fruit or vegetable, bread stick or healthy cereal bar. Please note, no cheese, chocolate or nuts are permitted.
Each boy receives a coloured wristband. Some may wear more than one, indicating their dietary requirements:
Lunch is provided and is part of the school fees. If a school trip is taking place, a school packed lunch can be requested. Please see the trip letter for details.
Reception students are paired with a ‘buddy’ from Year 2.
Your son’s buddy will help and support them in their first few days and throughout their year in Reception. We also arrange a series of exciting activities to help our littlest ones get to know their buddies.
Throughout the Prep School we use the Habs App to keep you all updated. Parents are kept informed by the newsfeed about what is happening in the classroom and across the school.
