English at Notting Hill Prep is about far more than reading and writing well. From Reception to Year 8, pupils explore stories, poems, and non-fiction from many countries, cultures, and periods; take apart how great writers work; and use what they discover to craft their own writing for real audiences. The result is confident, articulate communicators with a lifelong love of words.
English at a Glance
| Age range | 4–13 (Reception to Year 8) |
| Teaching | Subject specialists throughout the school |
| Class sizes | Capped at 22 |
| Senior school preparation | 11+ and 13+ pre-test preparation from Year 5 |
| Years 7 and 8 | Common Entrance syllabus |
| Thinking tools | Thinking Maps, De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, Philosophy for Children (P4C) |
| Reading | School library stocked with fiction and non-fiction for ages 4–13 |
Our Approach to English
Our aim is simple: to foster a lifelong love of language, literature and the power of stories. Pupils learn by reading closely and writing purposefully, deconstructing others’ work and then constructing their own.
This two-way process teaches children to communicate feelings, ideas, and information to different audiences in creative, impactful ways. Texts are chosen from a wide range of cultures, historical periods and perspectives, giving pupils a rich store of contextual knowledge to draw on across the curriculum.
Alongside this breadth is a rigorous approach to essential skills: spelling, grammar, punctuation, handwriting, and comprehension. Together they form the foundation of each child’s English journey through the school.
English Through the School
Reception to Year 4: Pupils build secure foundations in reading, writing, and speaking, and begin exploring texts from around the world.
Years 5 and 6: Pupils develop more sophisticated reading and writing, and preparation for the 11+ and 13+ pre-tests begins. We build familiarity with question styles and expectations into normal lessons, so assessment feels like a natural next step rather than a hurdle.
Years 7 and 8: Pupils follow the Common Entrance syllabus. Its structure still leaves room for interpretation, so we continue to teach in the NHP way: discussion-rich, creative and focused on a genuine love of literature.
Thinking Skills in English
As an Advanced Thinking School, NHP teaches pupils how to think, not just what to learn, and English is where this is most visible.
- Thinking Maps help pupils turn ideas into a clear visual plan.
- De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats give pupils a framework for weighing up a text from different angles: the facts, their gut reaction, its weaknesses and its strengths.
- Philosophy for Children (P4C), taught from Reception, builds the speaking, listening and reasoning skills that underpin strong discussion and analytical writing.
A Culture of Reading
Reading sits at the heart of English at NHP. Our school library offers a large selection of fiction and non-fiction for ages 4–13, and is a haven for children who want to read and learn in their own time. [Add: reading-for-pleasure initiatives, author visits, World Book Day, reading challenges, library lessons. The site footer shows School Library Association and UK Literacy Association logos; confirm whether to name these memberships here.]
Preparing for 11+, 13+ and Common Entrance
We believe exam success is a natural by-product of excellent teaching, but we also recognise the value of early preparation. From Year 5, English lessons include focused preparation for the demanding and ever-changing 11+ and 13+ pre-tests, so pupils know what to expect and can approach assessments with confidence.
In Years 7 and 8, the Common Entrance syllabus prepares pupils for senior school entry while keeping the breadth and enjoyment that define English at NHP.
