Rose Hill School is a co-educational preparatory school in Tunbridge Wells for children aged 3 to 13

MISSION STATEMENT

• to provide a quality all-round education for all pupils which enables them to reach their true potential within a secure environment. Based on clear Christian principles, children are encouraged to meet new challenges with confidence

Although the basis of our work is the National Curriculum, our independence and the progressive use of subject specialists enable us to provide more variation and greater breadth.

Please click on the links on the right for more detailed information about the School

Rose Hill is a charitable trust run by a Board of Governors.  It was founded in 1832 and stood by the Lower Common in Tunbridge Wells until 1966.  The School then moved into its present purpose-built premises on what was originally Culverden Golf Course.

In 1984 boarding ceased and coeducation was introduced, and the nineties have seen an expansion in the pupil role to its current maximum of 300 pupils and progressive improvement to the facilities.

Recent and Future Development
 

The children benefit from a spacious, modern, purpose-built environment. The main entry is into the Kindergarten in September for children who are 3+. Sessions gradually build from 5 mornings a week to ensure readiness for full-time school in Reception. Class sizes are kept small throughout the department and each class benefits from the support of assistant staff, facilitating opportunities for small group work.

Fully qualified staff follow the National Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. The children are introduced to Information and Communication Technology within the department and their skills are extended in the Main School's excellent ICT facilities. An early introduction to French is also part of the curriculum.

The Director of Music teaches in the Pre-Prep, supported by staff who organise clubs for recorders and ocarinas. Individual instrumental tuition is available.

The Head of PE teaches in the Pre-Prep and after-school activities ensure breadth and variety.

The Department liaises closely with Main School subject specialists and a smooth transition to the Main School is ensured through close liaison between the Head of Pre-Prep and the Head of Lower School.

From the ages of 7 to 8 children enjoy a class-based learning environment where they are taught mostly by their own Form Tutor. As they progress the number of subjects taught by specialist teachers increases. From the age of 9, most of the curriculum is delivered by specialist staff. Class sizes are kept small in order to ensure individual attention. French is taught across the entire age range and children enjoy a variety of trips and outings to support their learning,

All children are looked after by their Form Tutors who have weekly meetings to discuss children's individual needs. There is a thriving House System which fosters competition but also underpins the pastoral side of life through House Tutors. House points provide positive rewards for good behaviour and personal achievement. This achievement is recorded in a personalised Homework Diary which also encourages close communication between Parents and Staff. A daily Assembly reflects the strong Christian ethos of the School through hymns, prayers and opportunities for reflection.

Information and Communication Technology is a key aid to learning and is taught in our computer suites. Many classrooms benefit from interactive whiteboard technology.

Music embraces class teaching, concerts, choirs, Orchestra, and a String Group as well as individual instrumental tuition.

Art benefits from specialist teaching, enabling the children to explore a wide range of genres.

Drama is part of the curriculum and the Music and Drama Departments combine to produce major productions every year.

A wide choice of lunchtime and after-school clubs broaden the children's experience and ensure variety in the school day. A strong emphasis is placed on Sport as well as the Creative Arts. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the full range of sports and we try to include as many pupils as possible in the school teams.

Children are prepared for 13+ and 11+ Common Entrance and Scholarships for Independent Schools, and consideration is also given to entry to the maintained sector at 11. Please click on 'Academic Records' to see how successful we have been over the past five years.

Details of After-school Clubs and Activities are given to parents in the first newsletter of term.  They start in the second week of term.

• Pre-prep after school clubs run from 3.30/3.45 – 4.30/4.45pm

• Main school Years 3, 4 and 5 after school clubs run from 4.15 – 5.10pm

• Main school Years 6 and above after school clubs run from 5.10 - 6.10pm

Points to Note

• Although pupils are encouraged to get involved in these Clubs, it is important that they do not do too many

• Year 3 pupils are strongly advised to do no more than two per week

• Most clubs are run by school staff. If an outside teacher is employed, a small charge is made

Current uniform lists are available from the School Office and from the website - click here. 
Uniform can be purchased from the School Shop (located in the bungalow opposite the Sports Hall)

The shop also sells a wide range of second-hand uniforms.  Opening times are: 

• 3.00 – 5.00 pm on Tuesdays during term time
• During the week before term starts – Tuesday and Thursday, 1.00-3.00pm
• An appointment during school holidays can be made with Mrs Shaw