Established in 1988, St Piran’s Preparatory School is housed in attractive and well maintained premises which house over eighty children aged between three and thirteen. It is a friendly, well-ordered community with a positive ethos where pupils make good friendships with each other and relate well to staff. Pupils are treated with respect and valued equally. They have a clear sense of right and wrong. There is a good sense of community within the school and pupils who enter the school are quickly made to feel welcome. The school places a strong emphasis on good manners and politeness.

The curriculum is broad and balanced and helps to prepare the children for the next stage in their education. A wide variety of after school and lunchtime clubs provide additional activities and experiences for pupils of all ages. Educational visits to local places of interest and an annual residential visit (for Years 5 upwards) further enrich the curriculum.

The Foundation Stage

The foundation stage comprises the Pre-school class (nursery) and the Reception class. Children may join the Nursery in the term in which they are three years old. The Pre-school runs two sessions per day. The morning session starts at 9.00a.m. and finishes at 12 noon. The afternoon session begins at 1.00p.m. and finishes at 3.30p.m. Flexible funding for nursery education is available for fifteen hours per week. Parents may opt for children to attend for additional hours by arrangement with the school. Children staying for both morning and afternoon sessions on the same day may stay at school and either bring a packed lunch or take a school dinner. Progression into the Reception Class takes place in September following the child's fourth birthday.

The foundation stage curriculum is organised into six areas of learning:
· personal, social and emotional development;
· communication, language and literacy;
· mathematical development
· knowledge and understanding of the world;
· physical development;
· creative development

Well planned play, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which the children in the foundation stage learn. Many opportunities are, therefore, created to allow this learning to take place. Appropriately qualified talented staff, small numbers, a wide range of resources and a secure environment all contribute to a wonderful experience for your child.

The Nursery gained the Outstanding Provider Award from Ofsted in 2006/2007; we were the first independent school to recieve this accolade in Cornwall and our nursery provision were judged to be outstanding in all areas of the curriculum.

Although the curriculum becomes more formal in Key Stage One, structured play is still seen as an important part of the children’s development. Attractive classroom displays provide information to help learning and celebrate pupils’ achievements. Music, ICT and French are taught by specialist teachers.

Key Stage Two

Key Stage Two is comprised of Years Three, Four, Five and Six. In Years Five and Six there is greater emphasis on subjects being taught by specialists. Class size remains low with the average class size being ten. Children are taught in a supportive learning environment by well qualified, conscientious and hard working teachers. Children are given the opportunity to explain their ideas and be involved in activities. There is a very well equipped and effectively organised computer room which ensures that the children are at the cutting edge of modern technology. Pupils are expected to behave responsibly and to work hard. The school aims to develop pupils’ self esteem and self-confidence.

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 are taught completely by specialists. This is a small mixed aged group where children are introduced to more independent methods of study and are encouraged to accept more responsibility throughout the school.