Hurst's Pre-Prep school is ten years young

In celebration, Hurst Pre-Prep will hold a special 'At Home' Morning on Wednesday, 25th April 2012.

Drop in any time between 9.30 and 11.00 to see the school at work and play. For full details, click here

10^th Anniversary Celebrations

Hurst Pre-Prep started life modestly just ten years ago. After a short period with only a few children to enable the school to 'bed down', it opened formally in September with a full complement of 32 pupils.

Since then, the school has progressively expanded and today it is full with some 90 pupils and a waiting list for the Reception class in 2012. "It is, however," said Pre-Prep Head Michele Finnegan "always worth asking about places because families occasionally move away from the area creating vacancies for older children".

The 10th Anniversary of the founding of what is now officially acknowledged to be an excellent school (see the latest Inspection Report here) is well worth celebrating. And so it was that present and past pupils, parents and staff joined together to celebrate the school's remarkable success with a party organised by the parents themselves and enjoyed by everyone who attended.

There was a big cake (well two big cakes actually), many, many balloons and activities to suit every child.

Mrs Finnegan warmly welcomed all her guests and the current pupils sang for the assembled throng whilst proud parents looked on.

Afterwards, some serious discussions took place

but youngsters mostly practised at being tigers (or tiggers?), experimented with biscuit decoration (and biscuit eating), had their faces painted, took part in competitions and generally joined in the fun (which included building with crates - where does she get that from?) whilst their parents shared memories.

Former pupils (and their parents) examined photographs from times gone by, reminding them of happy memories

as the party (and the weather) warmed up.

One young man even wore a tie in honour of the occasion.

Meanwhile, Mrs Thompson, who set up the Pre-Prep all those years ago (and would have been its first Head had she not moved away when her husband's new job took the family out of the county) took a tour of the Pre-Prep with her daughter and was deeply impressed by all that she saw.

Outside, Mrs Finnegan donned her storytelling coat and sat in her brand new giant Story Chair (provided by some wonderfully generous Pre-Prep parents) and everyone settled down to hear, once again, that golden oldie, er, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

In response, a united choir of parents and pupils serenaded her with the traditional song, Michael Finnegan, the words - of course - greatly modified from the original ... and very witty and apposite they were too.

Finally, in the very best traditions of the very best children's parties, all retired to the dining room to consume vast quantities of superb sandwiches, ginger beer, cake and much else ...