ABOUT US

Port Regis is an independent Prep School for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13. The school is located in the beautiful countryside of Dorset in Southern England. The purpose of this site is to give you information about Port Regis and a feel for its unique atmosphere.

Children may enter the Nursery when they are three. We recommend that they start by attending the two afternoon sessions and then, when they are ready, extend their time by choosing as many of the morning sessions as you wish. The Nursery has a curriculum designed to build the foundations of their future learning in a sensitive and enjoyable manner. Kindness and thought for others is encouraged at all times.

In the September after their fourth birthday children move into the Reception class and the Pre-Prep. Here they start the day at 8.30 and finish at 3.30. The full academic curriculum is covered with emphasis on the development of literacy and maths, although during the day they may swim, do gym, dance, enjoy music, learn ball skills, paint, make models, do drama and grow things.

In Years 1 and 2 children start to learn French and can start to learn a musical instrument if they wish.

A hot lunch is served in our hall every day and good manners and an adventurous attitude to food is encouraged.

This page can only give an indication of our school; it cannot show you the excitement we feel about learning or the fun and laughter we have. To experience that you need to come and visit us!

There are five boarding houses, three of which (Stalbridge, Talbot and Huxley) are situated within the Mansion which is the main school building. The other two are separate purpose-built houses for senior boys and girls and are known as Prichard Hall and Grosvenor Hall respectively.

Each house has its own unique character, and the standard of care is very high in all of them. As well as the normal house routines there are always extra activities organised by the houseparents, such as talent shows, pool competitions, bingo evenings and themed nights.

The happy atmosphere of the school fosters in the children a friendly relationship with adults and with one another, whilst the common-sense approach to discipline produces young people who do not associate school and authority with that which is intimidating and oppressive. Each child is encouraged to develop his or her individuality and to learn that personal freedom involves responsibility to others.

Regular Morning Assemblies and Sunday Services as well as weekly Life Skills and PSE lessons reinforce a culture of care and consideration for other people.

Above all, the School is a wonderfully happy one with children who are lively and charming, relaxed and confident as well as courteous and well-behaved. They are looked after with great care and affection, and their well-being is the prime concern of every member of staff.

A broad-based curriculum is followed, reflecting the National Curriculum but extending well beyond its boundaries, to provide the enrichment and challenge which will prepare pupils for Common Entrance and Senior School Scholarships at a pace and level appropriate to their needs. There is some streaming in the Lower School, whilst in the Upper School (for children aged 10 and above), all pupils are streamed according to ability in English and other major subjects.

All children are screened for dyslexia and other learning difficulties, and those who need it receive extra support in English, Maths and French from our Educational Support Unit. At the same time very able children can be "fast-tracked" into Beta and Alpha, our Scholarship forms.