Begin the exciting journey with us: we raise children who think, thrive and trailblaze.
"Childhood is discovery, adventure and joy,"
Caroline Oglethorpe, Head of Pre-Prep, for children aged 2 - 7 years old.
A place to belong
From the very start, your child is known, valued and encouraged to be themselves. In a warm, joyful environment full of imagination and energy, they begin to grow in confidence and discover what they love.
Spark curiosity
Every day is an adventure. From exciting topics and hands-on experiences in the classroom to discoveries in the great outdoors, our children learn by creating, exploring and questioning. As they mix, build, perform, paddle and problem-solve, your child will see their learning come to life.
Headteacher's welcome
Head of Pre-Prep
I am devoted to providing an outstanding start to your child’s education in a magical and inspiring environment that will foster a love of learning. I am told time and time again by parents that we excel at this as our Pre-Prep is constantly buzzing with energy and creativity.
My team and I strive to create a sense of discovery and adventure for each and every child. We encourage individual interests and respond to individual needs, whilst providing a rich, structured and engaging curriculum. The Pre-Prep successfully allows children to shine academically whilst preserving ‘the magic of childhood’...
"I cannot tell you how much my son has enjoyed and thrived at Westbourne this past year. What an exceptional school."
Victoria, Westbourne House parent
"We found magic and inspiration in bucket-loads. This is one of the loveliest, most uplifting pre-preps we’ve seen."
TALK EDUCATION
"Reception blew us away – the transition from being at home to going to school, full time, was daunting. Mrs Lewis’s kind hearted and warm demeanour made this such a positive experience."
Jen, Westbourne House parent
"These are the teachers I wish I had growing up."
Clionadh, Westbourne House parent
"Westbourne House has given us everything we hoped for for the kids. Freedom with structure, space with intimacy, confidence with curiosity."
Chloe, Westbourne House parent
"A very happy place - so bright and colourful - full of enthusiastic kids with relaxed and smiley faces, always super keen to see what the new school day will bring."
Emma, Westbourne House parent
Why choose Westbourne House?
Think.
From their very first day, your child is encouraged to question, connect ideas, cooperate with friends and to follow their curiosity on every adventure.
Thrive.
Your child will experience the freedom of a true childhood, where exploration, imagination and wellbeing are nurtured every day.
Trailblaze.
Through play and exciting experiences, your child will develop a strong “can do” mindset, growing in independence, confidence and joy.
Come and meet our staff and pupils
Explore Pre-Prep
Watch our pupil-led tour of our Pre-Prep School in Chichester. Our classrooms have been designed to promote calm, curiosity and confidence.
In Pre-Prep, we truly value all aspects of learning and our pupils stay engaged from breakfast club through to after-school clubs.
Hear from Jamie, one of our Pre-Prep pupils, who outlines his Pre-Prep day-to-day life here at Westbourne House.
Find out more
"Caroline Oglethorpe, head of the Pre-Prep, is so wonderful. She runs things perfectly and has a fantastic staff. Nothing gets past her and she is always smiling. She has created a magical atmosphere for the young children to learn and grow."
Nicholas, parent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pre-Prep School?
What is a Pre-Prep School? A Pre-Prep School is a private school for children, which starts at Nursery or Reception (age four or five) and continues to the end of Year 2 (age seven or eight), where there is a seamless transition to Year 3 in the Prep School.
Essentially, Westbourne House School provides ‘all-through’ schooling from age two to thirteen. You can expect the strongest core of academic and pastoral foundations and school days enriched by exceptional opportunities that bring learning to life.
What are the benefits of Pre-Prep?
Pre-Prep education provides the children with strong academic foundations. Pre-Prep Schools often have small class sizes and individualised teaching.
Here, at Westbourne House School, you can expect:
- A fun, rich, engaging curriculum that will inspire your child
- Classrooms that open out onto leafy green spaces
- Joyful time in nature, forest adventures and canoeing on our lake in Years 1 & 2
- An experienced and intuitive teaching team and Early Years Specialists
- Enquiry-led learning and an educational approach that creates academic confidence
- Curriculum music lessons, recorder and other instrument lessons, alongside art and performance
- Active children enjoying sports and swimming lessons
- Wrap-around care and exciting after-school clubs
- Caring and self-assured pupils who are ready for their next adventure
Latest news
Old Westbournian News
05/07/2026
New school film - joy, energy and purpose of life at Westbourne House School
We are delighted to share our new school film with you, created in collaboration with our pupils, parents and Old Westbournian
02/07/2026
Swimming sparks
Launching yourself across the pool with gusto, as the crowd cheers you on, creates a happy spark inside and that spirit was clear
01/07/2026
In Conversation with Martin Barker and Guy Musson
Over many months, Martin Barker and Guy Musson have been working closely together to ensure a seamless transition ahead of
Beyond the classroom
From reinforcing newly-learned phonics while a child whisks up a mud pie to discovering the effects of wind on their canoe, learning is brought vividly to life.
With Chichester, the South Downs and Chichester Harbour on our doorstep, our setting provides the perfect natural classroom.
Discover how outdoor learning builds curiosity, academic confidence and wellbeing.
Every child shines
Here, at Westbourne House, we have a vibrant co-curricular life with exceptional music, art, sport and drama programmes, which help children to explore interests and build skills beyond academics.
Our inclusive ethos ensures every child plays a meaningful role in our community and has the chance to shine.
Explore our prospectus