Hazelwood Prep School

Hazelwood is a coeducational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 9 months to 13 years, set among 25 acres of woodlands on the Surrey-Kent border. An outstanding school with an exciting, ambitious curriculum, phenomenal indoor and outdoor facilities, and a visionary approach to teaching and learning. A continual drive to provide children with an enriching, well-rounded education that prepares them for the fast-changing world is fundamental to all key decisions. Flexible Classrooms enable pupils to have a choice of how they wish to sit in class: comfy seating with lap trays for individual iPad work, round tables perfect for collaborative brainstorming, quiet zones with beanbags for those seeking sensory input, and designated areas for focused independent work or extra support from the teacher. This dynamic environment fosters deeper engagement among pupils. Interactive, hands-on lessons become the norm, motivating pupils to take ownership of their learning journey. The freedom to choose their learning environment sparks creativity and critical thinking. It is not uncommon to see children sitting in class on wobble chairs or on the floor using lap desks. Hazelwood knows that how one child learns best is not the same as the next child, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. This element of self-choice within a classroom setting has produced happier, more content children who are more deeply engaged in their learning. Our Upper School Learning Centre provides a clean and modern environment for children to collaborate and learn. Space-saving furniture allows for an uncluttered working environment, collaboration zones allow for brainstorming and team discussions, and the inclusion of wipeable walls allows for free-flowing ideas to be shared. Wellbeing at Hazelwood is another key focus, as demonstrated by the opening of their Wellbeing Hub earlier this year. The hub provides a haven for children needing some time out to talk to a trained member of staff.