Why Grimsdell?
1. Nurturing in Nature
We are a warm and friendly school where kindness is at the heart of our ethos. We have exceptional access to safe, curated, varied outdoor spaces at Grimsdell – and all a step away from our front door.
As part of Mill Hill Schools we have access to 120 acres of outdoor space and make full use of this, with three Forest School sites, one of which is dedicated to our Nursery children, an Early Years Village for our Nursery and Reception children - providing bright and inspiring classroom spaces, as well as free flow access to our outdoor spaces extending the children's learning beyond the classroom.
Reception through to Year 2 have access to a large outdoor playground, a science garden and benefit from Forest School, once a week in Reception and once a fortnight in Year 1 and 2.
2. A Creative Curriculum
Our Early Years follow the Early Years Foundation Stage – their learning and activities are structured to allow children to explore and learn through a play-based curriculum, becoming fully absorbed in their learning, making links and creating a deep understanding of what is being taught.
Communication and language is a prime area in the Early Years Foundation Stage, by creating a language rich environment, we enhance children’s speaking and listening skills, thereby laying the foundation for literacy. Mathematics in the early years plays a crucial role in developing a child’s problem-solving skills and logical thinking, enhancing cognitive development by encouraging children to explore, reason, and make sense of the world around them.
Key Stage 1 encompasses children in Year 1 and Year 2. We provide a nurturing, engaging environment where learning is designed to be inspiring, memorable, and meaningful.
At the heart of our philosophy is our Creative Curriculum that goes beyond the National Curriculum, integrating academic rigour with 21st-century skills. This approach helps us nurture a lifelong love of learning. In addition, children benefit from the expertise of specialist teachers in Computing, Music, PE, Library, French, Forest School and a visiting Art specialist.
3. Home from Home Wraparound Care
We offer home from home wraparound care, providing a breakfast club from 7.30am, and an end of the day Stay & Play club, from 3.15pm – 5.30pm, for all children in Nursery – Year 2.
4. Superb Extra-Curricular Clubs Programme
Children in Reception – Year 2 can choose from over 20 extra-curricular clubs at the end of the school day. Clubs range from chess, ballet, violin, football, musical theatre, science club, yoga, karate and many more.
5. Theatre, Science, Sport and Swimming
As part of the Mill Hill Education Group, Grimsdellians have access to a wide range of facilities at both Belmont and Mill Hill School. This includes a Theatre, where our pupils perform their year group and whole school shows, the Swimming Pool, from Year 1 our pupils have weekly swimming lessons as part of their timetable, and the Cricket and Rugby pitches. In addition, teachers share their expertise across the Group allowing our Grimsdell pupils extended access to subjects such as science, drama and sport.
6. Laying the Foundations
Our pupils enjoy a seamless educational journey within the Mill Hill Schools, offering parents peace of mind and ensuring that each child is well-prepared for the future.
Grimsdell pupils are not required to sit an entrance exam to gain entry to Belmont in Year 3, progress is closely monitored via regular in-house assessment. Transition to Belmont is seamless as pupils begin to extend their learning at Belmont via a weekly activities programme. Children take part in a half termly rotation of Design Technology (DT), Spanish and Physical Education (PE), all taught by Belmont specialists.
7. Award wining
Having been awarded 'Pre-Prep School of the Year' in 2022, we pride ourselves on offering an exciting Creative Curriculum underpinned by academic rigour and high expectations for every child. Our pupils are inspired to learn whilst being encouraged to explore and enjoy their childhood.
8. The Mill Hill Journey
The ties between our schools are extremely close. Pupils are prepared to move on to Belmont by a co-ordination of curricula and learning approaches and Grimsdell pupils regularly work with older pupils from Belmont and Mill Hill.
The transition to Belmont from Grimsdell is simple and stress-free at Year 3, with no need to take Belmont's external 7+ examination. Pupils automatically move onto Belmont, subject to meeting the expectations on behaviour and making good academic progress.
Belmont pupils transfer directly to Mill Hill School in Year 9. While there is no need to sit an examination, they will be expected to meet expectations set about behaviour and academic progress. Achieving this will give you the reassurance that once your child has joined our foundation of schools, we will give them an exceptional education in our school community until they are 18.
9. A part of the Mill Hill Education Group
Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable collection of independent schools. Its aim of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807.
All of its schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world.
