Upper School

Forest Prep School’s Upper Prep School provides children in Years 3 to 6 with an engaging and increasingly challenging education, helping them build on the foundations established during Lower Prep.

As children progress through Upper Prep, they are encouraged to take on independent educational tasks. They develop their knowledge across a broad curriculum while becoming more organised, coordinated, and knowledgeable as they approach the next stage of their education. Throughout these years, pupils are supported by teachers who understand their individual strengths and encourage them to approach new challenges with confidence.

For more personalised information about what how we educate our students, contact us today to find out more. Looking to see what we do for yourself? Book a visit with us to see how we teach day-to-day. 

Enquire Now

Book a Visit

Upper Prep School at Forest

The Upper Prep School covers Years 3 to 6, providing a clear progression towards the end of primary education. As pupils move through each year group, lessons become more demanding and expectations increase. All the while, children continue to benefit from a supportive and engaging school environment.

Year 3

Year 3 marks the transition into Key Stage 2 and brings new routines, greater independence and an increased pace of learning. Children build on their knowledge of English and Mathematics while exploring a wider range of subjects and developing the ability to apply their learning in different contexts.

Explore Year 3

Year 4

In Year 4, pupils continue to develop their knowledge and become increasingly confident in making informed choices about their learning. A growth mindset encourages children to learn from mistakes, persevere with challenges and recognise that progress comes through effort and reflection.

Explore Year 4

Year 5

Year 5 places even greater emphasis on organisation and independence. Children are encouraged to approach their work with increasing maturity while continuing to enjoy a varied curriculum. As they begin this academic year, we begin preparations for secondary education and the challenges our students will face. 

 Explore Year 5

Year 6

Year 6 is an important final stage of the Upper Prep experience. Pupils work towards high expectations while being encouraged to make the most of their individual interests and abilities. Alongside their academic studies, children develop leadership, confidence and responsibility as they prepare to leave Forest for their chosen senior school.

Explore Year 6

Upper Prep School Curriculum

Our Upper Prep School curriculum provides children with a broad education across English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, PE, Music, French and RE. As pupils progress, they encounter increasingly challenging work and develop their ability to reason, question, solve problems and work independently.

The curriculum is supported by specialist teaching and a range of experiences beyond the classroom, ensuring that children can develop both academic knowledge and wider interests.

Explore the Upper Prep School Curriculum

Developing Academic Confidence and Independence

Upper Prep is an important period for developing children’s confidence as learners and one we take seriously. Our teachers provide guidance while giving children increasing opportunities to make decisions, solve problems and respond to challenges independently. 

Our approach helps pupils develop the perseverance and self-reliance they will need beyond primary education.

Supporting Every Child’s Progress

Our teachers take time to understand each child’s individual strengths, interests and areas for development. As pupils progress through our Upper Prep School, teaching is adapted to provide the appropriate balance between support and challenge.

Academic development is accompanied by pastoral care, ensuring children feel secure, valued and encouraged throughout these important years. Regular communication between teacher and parents helps everyone work together to support each child’s progress.

Life Beyond the Classroom

The Upper Prep experience extends well beyond everyday lessons. Children can take part in sporting activities, extra curricular clubs, trips, residential experiences, performances and wider school events.

These opportunities allow pupils to develop teamwork, creativity, confidence and responsibility while discovering interests that may become an important part of their lives beyond school.

Visit Our Upper Prep School in Altrincham

If you are considering an Upper Prep School for your child, we invite you to visit Forest and experience our approach for yourself. Meet our teachers, explore the school and discover how we support children throughout Years 3 to 6.

Enquire Now

Book a Visit



“Children are at the heart of all our teaching at Forest Preparatory School. We pride ourselves on providing a happy and secure environment where all successes are celebrated. Great emphasis is placed on the welfare and well being of our pupils as we know that happiness is the key to children truly flourishing." Rick Hyde - Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Explore life at Forest Prep School

The best way to find out about life at Forest is to visit us. We would be delighted to welcome you into school for a personal tour with our Headmaster, Mr Booth. To book please call our friendly admissions team on 0161 980 4075 or enquiries@forestschool.co.uk..
Enquire Now
We're ready for the 11+ changes

We’ve updated our 11+ Preparation to reflect the new Trafford assessment framework

Find out how