Pre-School & Prep School for Girls in Leicester
Why Choose Leicester High School for Girls for Early Years?
Leicester High School for Girls offers an independent Early Years Foundation Stage in Leicester for girls aged 2 years 9 months (rising 3) to 5 years.
Girls can join us in Nursery Year, Foundation Year or Reception, with places available in our Foundation Class from the half-term before their third birthday. As part of an all-through school, they benefit from a calm, caring environment and a smooth transition into Junior School and beyond.
Our EYFS helps girls develop confidence, curiosity and independence from the very beginning. Every child is known as an individual, with staff taking the time to nurture and stretch each girl so she can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Girls in our Early Years Unit benefit from:
- Small class sizes
- A full-time qualified teacher leading Early Years
- Experienced Early Years staff and practitioners
- Specialist teaching opportunities
- Excellent pastoral care
- Strong preparation for future learning
- A nurturing environment where every child is known
- Opportunities to be challenged and stretched at the right level
- The continuity of an all-through school
Girls joining our Foundation Class may also be eligible for up to 15 or 30 hours of government funding for 3 and 4-year-olds.
More Than a Typical Pre-School Experience
Unlike many pre-schools, girls at Leicester High School for Girls are fully part of school life from the very start.
They take part in:
- PE lessons with the School’s Lead Sports Coach
- Accelerated learning
- Specialist teaching and input from Senior School staff
- Assemblies
- Music lessons
- School performances
- Outdoor learning experiences in the Spinney weekly (forest school)
- Themed celebration days
- Whole-school activities
- Learning good manners, confidence and kindness from the start.
Being part of a wider independent school community helps girls feel comfortable, confident and excited about learning as they grow.
Our daughter settled so quickly into Foundation Class and has grown enormously in confidence. She loves exploring the Spinney, joining assemblies and talking about everything she has discovered each day. The staff know her so well and genuinely care about every child as an individual."
Outdoor Learning in The Spinney
Every week, EYFS girls explore the Spinney, our woodland learning area within the school grounds.
Outdoor learning helps girls develop:
- Resilience
- Independence
- Teamwork
- Confidence
Activities may include den building, bird watching, mud kitchen, tree climbing, minibeast hunting, outdoor storytelling and hot chocolate in the woodland area.
Girls wear waterproof suits and wellies so they can enjoy outdoor learning throughout the year.
Learning Through Discovery
Our play-based EYFS curriculum, supported by the Cornerstones curriculum, combines structured learning with creativity, exploration and discovery.
Topics may include:
- Me and My Community
- Once Upon a Time
- Marvellous Machines
- Puppets and Pop-Ups
- Winter Wonderland
Learning is brought to life through themed days, trips and memorable experiences. Recent examples have included Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Seaside Day, West Lodge Farm, Crich Transport Museum, Leicester Botanical Gardens and regular seasonal nature walks.
These experiences help girls connect classroom learning with the wider world and their community.
With one child in a state pre-school and one in EYFS here, I could really see the difference - my child at Leicster High School for Girls was around a year ahead in their learning.
Exceptional Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Pastoral care is central to life at Leicester High School for Girls.
In Early Years, staff take time to get to know each girl as an individual. We help girls build friendships, develop independence, learn kindness and feel confident trying new things.
Our close relationship with parents helps ensure every child is supported both at school and at home.
Why do some families choose a girls’ school from age 3?
The early years help shape how children see themselves as learners.
In a girls-only environment, girls are encouraged to explore, question, lead and participate without feeling defined by stereotypes or expectations. From the very beginning, they see girls taking centre stage in every area of school life - from sport and performance to science, creativity and leadership.
For many families, this creates an environment where confidence grows naturally and girls feel comfortable being themselves.
Knowledgeable teachers plan and provide a high-quality curriculum for the youngest early years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my child go to an all-through school?
An all-through school provides continuity, familiarity and stability from an early age through to Sixth Form. Girls build strong relationships with teachers and classmates and often feel more confident as they move through the school.
Is private school worth it for the primary years?
The early years are an important time for building confidence, curiosity, manners and core skills. Small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, specialist teaching and individual support can make a lasting difference during these formative years.
Is a small independent school better for confidence?
Smaller schools often allow teachers to know each child well as an individual. This personalised approach can help girls feel supported, encouraged and confident in the classroom and beyond, giving them the foundation they need to thrive and excel.
Visit Our EYFS in Leicester
We warmly welcome families looking for:
- An excellent EYFS provision in Leicester
- Independent preschool education
- A girls’ prep school in Leicester
- Small class size Early Years education
- A nurturing independent school environment
To arrange a visit, please email admissions@leicesterhigh.co.uk or contact our Admissions Team. We would be delighted to show you how our Early Years Foundation Stage helps girls grow in confidence from the very start.
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