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An Education That Goes Beyond Academics

At Benedict House Preparatory School, we believe education should develop the whole child, not simply academic achievement alone. While strong outcomes are important, we believe children thrive when they are also encouraged to grow in confidence, character, creativity and independence.

Our approach combines high expectations with a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel known, valued and encouraged to explore their individual strengths and interests.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Alongside core academic subjects, pupils benefit from a broad range of opportunities including sport, music, performing arts, languages, educational visits and enrichment activities. These experiences help children develop communication skills, teamwork, resilience and self belief whilst discovering new talents and interests.

Pastoral care is also central to life at Benedict House. Positive relationships between staff and pupils help children feel secure and supported, allowing them to approach learning with confidence and enthusiasm.

We believe childhood should be both ambitious and enjoyable. Whether performing on stage, representing the school in sport, taking on leadership responsibilities or participating in day to day classroom learning, children are encouraged to challenge themselves whilst enjoying the journey of education.

Our balanced approach helps pupils leave Benedict House as confident learners, compassionate individuals and well rounded young people, ready for the next stage of their educational journey and beyond.

FAQs

What does an all round education mean?

It means developing confidence, resilience, creativity and wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

What opportunities are available beyond the classroom?

Children benefit from sport, music, performing arts, languages, educational visits and enrichment activities.

How does Benedict House support personal development?

Pupils are encouraged to build independence, communication skills and self belief through a wide range of experiences.

Is wellbeing important at Benedict House?

Yes. We believe children learn best when they feel happy, secure and supported. The school also has a daily wellbeing hub and a dedicated Assistant Headteacher who leads this important area of school life.

Why is a balanced education important?

A balanced education helps children develop confidence, discover their strengths and identify the areas in which they may shine both in and beyond the classroom.

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Laura Baker

Headteacher at Benedict House Prep School I PGDip Applied Leadership & Management I Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship I CMgr FCMI I ISI Team Inspector

BSc (Hons) Education & Geography, Primary PGCE
Laura Baker has been Headteacher of Benedict House Preparatory School since January 2025 and brings more than 15 years of experience within independent education to the role.

Prior to joining Benedict House, Laura spent over five years as a Deputy Head and Director of Studies, having previously held a range of academic and pastoral leadership positions including Head of English and Head of Year. Her extensive experience across teaching, learning, pastoral care and school leadership has shaped her belief that children achieve their very best when they feel happy, known, supported and appropriately challenged.

Laura is passionate about whole-child education and believes strongly that academic excellence should sit alongside the development of character, confidence and resilience. At Benedict House, she is committed to maintaining high expectations while ensuring that every pupil is recognised as an individual and encouraged to discover their own strengths and talents. The school's motto, 'Towards the Future as a Family', is central to her approach to leadership and reflects her belief in the importance of strong relationships between pupils, staff and families.

Under Laura's leadership, the school's R.R.I.T.E. values – Resilience, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empathy – provide a shared framework for school life and support pupils in developing the qualities they will need both within school and beyond it.

Alongside her headship, Laura is an ISI Team Inspector and serves as Secretary of the Independent Schools Association London South Area. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management, completed the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and is a Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI).

Laura is also an accredited coach and has a particular interest in developing others through coaching and professional development. She believes that investing in staff and creating a positive, reflective professional culture ultimately leads to the very best experiences and outcomes for pupils.

At the heart of Laura's leadership is a simple ambition: for Benedict House to be a school where children are excited to learn, confident to be themselves and well prepared for whatever their future may hold.

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