The Pre-Prep
A warm and nurturing start to learning for children aged 2 to 7
In our Pre-Prep, every child is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish. From the very first day, children join a community where learning is purposeful and joyful, where curiosity is kindled, and where the foundations for a lifelong love of learning are laid.
The Pre-Prep follows the English National Curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for our youngest pupils and Key Stage 1 for children in Years 1 and 2. Learning is carefully balanced between play-based exploration and structured teaching, ensuring that children develop secure foundations in literacy, numeracy, and the wider world while growing in confidence and independence.
Our dedicated teachers bring warmth, expertise, and high expectations to every lesson. With small class sizes and exceptional staff ratios, each child receives the individual attention they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Prep-Prep at a Glance
"The delicate care shown to preschool children is a real strength. Small class sizes, strong pastoral care and warm staff — our children are genuinely cared for and encouraged."
— ISJ Parent, 2025 SurveyLearning Through Play
In the Early Years, children learn best through purposeful play. Our carefully designed environment encourages exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, with teachers guiding children to develop communication, physical skills, and early literacy and numeracy through activities that capture their natural curiosity.
Outdoor learning is central to life in the Pre-Prep. Our secure garden areas and green spaces allow children to explore nature, plant and grow vegetables, build teamwork through collaborative play, and develop resilience through hands-on experiences. Whether investigating minibeasts, splashing in water play, or harvesting produce for the school kitchen, children learn that the world is an exciting place to discover.
As children move into Key Stage 1, learning becomes more structured while retaining the sense of joy and adventure that makes school memorable. Phonics, early reading, and mathematical reasoning are taught systematically, building the secure foundations that enable children to flourish as they progress through the school.
Specialist Teaching from Day One
From their very first week at ISJ, Pre-Prep children benefit from lessons delivered by specialist teachers. Music, Art, Physical Education, Swimming, and Drama are not optional extras but integral parts of the curriculum, taught by experts who bring passion and expertise to every session.
Language learning begins early too. All children study Bahasa Indonesia, helping them connect with the country they call home. Mandarin Chinese is introduced as pupils progress, giving children an early foundation in a language that will serve them well in our interconnected world.
Every child swims. Our on-site pool means that all pupils take part in regular swimming lessons, building water confidence and safety skills that will last a lifetime. By the time children leave the Pre-Prep, they are competent, confident swimmers.
Pastoral Care & Partnership with Parents
Exceptional pastoral care underpins everything we do. Each class teacher knows their pupils deeply — their strengths, their interests, and the encouragement they need to grow in confidence. With dedicated Teaching Assistants in every classroom, no child is overlooked.
We nurture emotional intelligence, kindness, and self-awareness alongside academic progress. Children learn to express their feelings, to show empathy towards others, and to take pride in their efforts. Assessment is developmental, focusing on progress and wellbeing rather than comparison, ensuring a smooth and confident transition to the Prep School.
We believe that education is most powerful when home and school act in partnership. Parents are welcomed through regular communication, open-classroom events, curriculum evenings, and Stay & Play sessions for new and prospective families. Our parent community is warm and engaged — and the school is always happy to hear from you.
Visit Us
We would be delighted to show you around and to be part of your child's educational journey. There is no better way to understand ISJ than to see it for yourself.
Book Your Private Tour