Welcome to reception: The start of your daughter's education journey
Reception at Notre Dame marks the beginning of your daughter’s educational journey. It is a time when strong foundations are built, and girls begin to develop greater independence, preparing them for the exciting path ahead.
Choosing the first step in your child’s educational journey is both exciting and important. We are delighted that you are considering Notre Dame as part of this process.
The best way to discover whether our School is the right fit for your child is to experience our unique and vibrant community first-hand. We warmly invite you to join us for one of our open events, discovery days, taster experiences, or a private tour at a time that suits you. Each of these opportunities will allow you to meet our students, Heads, teachers, and staff – including Ted, our much-loved wellbeing dog.
Girls join Reception in the September following their fourth birthday. We are now taking registrations for September 2026 entry into Reception.
Reception Curriculum
Our Reception curriculum is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating start to school life, ensuring each girl develops a love of learning and builds strong foundations for the years ahead.
Reception girls are taught by a dedicated teacher and teaching assistant, who work closely together to deliver the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Learning is carefully tailored to each child’s age and stage of development, encouraging independence, creativity, and confidence.
Alongside classroom learning, our curriculum is enriched by lessons with specialist teachers in drama, dance, swimming, PE, music, forest school and Spanish. This breadth of experiences helps to spark curiosity and develop a wide range of skills from the very beginning of school life.
Areas of Learning
The EYFS curriculum is structured around seven key areas of learning:
Prime Areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Communication and Language
Specific Areas: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design
Life in Reception
The Reception classroom is located within the Early Years Foundation Stage building, providing a familiar and supportive environment. At the same time, girls regularly move around the school for specialist lessons, assemblies, and joint activities with Key Stage 1. This ensures they feel included in all aspects of Prep School life and supports a smooth transition into Year 1.
Enrichment and Topic Work
Much of the learning in Reception is topic-based, allowing the girls to explore themes in a meaningful and creative way. These topics are further enriched by trips and experiences. For example, visiting Windsor Castle when learning about history and castles. Such opportunities bring the curriculum to life and help children make real-world connections with their learning.
You are also most welcome to arrange for a private meeting and tour with our Prep School Headmistress, Mrs Amélie Morgan, or the Head of Early Years, Ms Melanie Lehman by contacting our Admissions Team on admissions@notredame.co.uk or 01932 869993.
Applying for a place
Following a visit, if you would like to proceed with an application we would ask you to please complete our registration form, which can be downloaded below, and return it to the Admissions Team with a non-refundable registration fee of £150.
Notre Dame is a selective school and wherever possible we do like to meet all of our prospective children. Following registration, Reception children will be invited in for a short morning Taster Session prior to offers being made. This is very relaxed and fun, and includes informal and low key observation through play.
Overseas candidates
For overseas applicants, we are able to arrange for assessments to be carried out in a child’s existing school.
* Reception registrations are welcome at any time of year. As our main entry point is September, we suggest a March closing date for those needing offers by Easter. Applications received after this date are still most welcome and any offers will be made from April onwards, subject to spaces being available.
