Kensington Prep wins at the Independent School Awards

We are delighted to reveal that one of our 25 GDST schools was announced winner at the ‘Independent Prep School of the Year’  awards – organised by Independent School Parent magazine.

Kensington Prep have won the award for teaching and learning innovation around new principles of critical thinking, independent exploration and collaborative learning.

An innovative £2.7m ‘Creating Spaces for Growing Minds’ building project has been completed which has transformed classrooms into creative learning spaces. The new facilities now provide spacious classroom breakout spaces, a high-tech Explore Floor with multi-screens and moveable furniture, a recording studio and an eco-greenhouse.

Head of the school’s Innovation Team, Deputy Head Claire Raines, had this to say:

“We didn’t want to lose young children’s natural curiosity – in fact quite the reverse we wanted to develop the play-based learning of the Early Years throughout the school. Our concern was that our ‘traditional’ classroom design was holding back the teaching and learning needed for future proofed learning.”

The new Explore Floor is perfect for project/immersion work. At the flick of a switch the room can be converted into an immersive experience such as London along the Thames, or a scene from a St Lucia rain forest. The spaces have enabled a new Year 6 entrepreneurial project where pupils are challenged to design and deliver a unique event or experience with the aim of raising funds for charity.

The Awards Judging Panel

The awards are chaired by Dr Helen Wright, international education adviser and past Vice Chair of the ISC, supported by a panel of judges which includes leading Head Teachers and representatives of the professional associations, including:

Dr Helen Wright, international education advisor and past Vice Chair of the ISC

Charlotte Avery, Headmistress, St Mary’s School Cambridge

Andrew Fleck, Headmaster, Sedbergh School, Cumbria

Robin Fletcher, Chief Executive, Boarding Schools’ Association

Tory Gillingham, Managing Director, AMCIS

David Moncrieff, Chair, Editorial Advisory Board, Independent School Parent

Julie Robinson, General Secretary, ISC

Peter Tait, Educational writer and former Head of Sherborne Prep School, Dorset

Sue Woodroofe, Principal, The Grammar School at Leeds

Peter Young, Brand and Marketing Communications Consultant, Non-Exec Director, School Governor

Colin Bell, CEO, COBIS