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King’s Hawford

King’s Hawford is an award-winning prep school for boys and girls ages 2 to 11, located in the heart of the countryside in North Worcester, Worcestershire.

King’s Hawford is a lively, outdoor-focused Prep School, where learning is hands on, energetic and full of fresh air. Children’s confidence builds through discovery and curiosity is encouraged, not constrained.

Why King’s Hawford?

King’s Hawford is a top independent prep school uniquely located within a 23-acre rural haven in the Worcestershire countryside, yet just fifteen minutes from the buzz of Worcester city centre.

Our tranquil location offers a picturesque setting and peaceful backdrop for your child’s educational journey, where children embark on a unique journey of exploration, learning, and personal growth. Our expansive green campus and location next to the Droitwich Canal is a place of adventure, where outdoor escapades not only broaden horizons with real hands-on learning but create treasured memories.

As a member of the King's School Worcester Foundation of schools, King's Hawford serves as a key feeder school for King’s Worcester Senior School. Regular visits to King's Worcester provides increased familiarity with teachers and facilities ensuring a smooth transition into Year 7.

Award-winning Learning Outside The Classroom (LOTC) Gold Standard, outdoor learning is seamlessly integrated into daily curriculum. Features include 3 Forest Schools, outdoor classrooms, wildlife ponds, beehives and extensive no-mow areas to name a few.
A thriving dance, drama and music programme is an integral part of school life and offers many opportunities for children to participate productions, performances and concerts each year.
Exceptional sports provision with dedicated and specialist sports teachers who provide a diverse range of sports. King’s Hawford offers opportunities to represent the school in competitive weekly sports fixtures both locally, regionally and nationally.
Outstanding facilities include over twenty-three acres of green space for children to explore and use, indoor swimming pool, dance studio, three forest school areas, climbing wall and purpose-built play areas.

60

co-curricular clubs offer an exciting array of opportunities to spark every child’s interest (from Chess Club to Nature Detectives, Cookery to Musical Theatre)

1/3

15

students per class in average

2/3

5

hours of timetabled sport per week

3/3
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Outdoor learning is integral to the way of life here and learn about wildlife. These outdoor activities give boys and girls the self-confidence and independence of mind that fosters achievement in the mainstream curriculum.

Talk Education

1/3

Sitting pretty in a rural sanctuary of 23 lush acres of land (King’s Hawford) has a fiercely outdoorsy offering and a strong academic record….The school certainly has a tangible family feel to it as you walk around.

Muddy Stilettos

2/3

Described as a flock of super creative, invested teachers inspire engaged and enthusiastic fledglings to peck every last grain out of this wonderfully organic, free-range experience. ‘It’s the sort of childhood I only ever dreamed of.

Good Schools Guide

3/3

Independent Schools’ Inspectorate 2024 Report

In November 2024, all schools across the King’s Foundation were visited by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate. The Foundation was delighted to have met all five criteria and to have received an extremely positive report.

Read the full report
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At King’s Hawford, leaders consistently provide opportunities for pupils across the school to think and learn for themselves…. They develop the resilience to accept mistakes as a learning opportunity. This has a strong positive impact on pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem.

1/5

Opportunities for adventurous play enable pupils to develop physically, socially and emotionally.

2/5

[All staff] in the early years plan appropriate activities to suit children’s needs and stages of development. Children are encouraged to play, explore and discover for themselves

3/5

Leaders provide pupils with extensive opportunities to take on roles of responsibility. At King’s Hawford, elected pupils discuss different areas of school life and drive change and development across the school.

4/5

The co-curricular programme offers a wide range of inclusive opportunities for pupils to explore interests and develop new skills and passions, often to a very high standard.

5/5

Our approach to teaching and learning

At King’s Hawford Prep School, our small class sizes ensure every child receives personalised attention, meaningful support, and a nurturing environment in which to thrive. Our hands-on, engaging curriculum is carefully designed to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and build confidence.

Children benefit from specialist teaching staff across a wide range of subjects, including modern foreign languages, art, science, sport, games, swimming, drama, music, and dance—giving them rich opportunities to discover and develop their individual strengths.

Core Curriculum Area

Maths

English

Science

Humanities

Languages

Arts

Music

Digital

PE and Games

Mathematics is taught in carefully structured ability sets, with small classes providing personalised support and challenge. Teaching for Mastery develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving through carefully sequenced learning. Strong emphasis on times tables, number fluency and mental arithmetic builds confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of mathematics. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, tackle unfamiliar problems and develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches.

Phonics begins in Kindergarten and is embedded throughout Pre-Prep, building confident readers and writers. Rich, high-quality texts inspire a love of reading, while “Super Starters” spark curiosity. Children develop vocabulary, grammar, spelling and writing skills across subjects, learning to communicate confidently for different audiences, purposes and contexts. Regular exposure to outstanding literature broadens vocabulary, encourages creativity and helps children develop their own distinctive voice as writers.

Specialist teachers deliver Hands-on experiments in a dedicated laboratory. Weekly practical experiments complement theoretical learning, fostering curiosity and scientific thinking.

Humanities inspires curiosity through engaging History and Geography, with hands-on learning, local visits and outdoor experiences. From exploring Worcester Cathedral and The Commandery to investigating the natural world at Bishop’s Wood, children develop knowledge, ask thoughtful questions and make meaningful connections across subjects. Residentials and trips further afield broaden perspectives, while practical activities and historical sources help children understand people, places and events in greater depth.

German (which starts in Kindergarten), French and Spanish are taught by specialist language teachers, providing children with early exposure to modern foreign languages.

Each week, children spend an hour with a specialist art teacher in a dedicated Art and Design Technology room, encouraging creativity and skill development. LAMDA is also very popular with over 45 children taking part in additional weekly lessons.

Music lessons are led by specialist teachers in a dedicated music room. Pupils can join ensembles such as string group, wind band, brass, Hawford Harps and orchestra. All children participate in both Junior and Senior choirs, have access to peripatetic teachers, and perform regularly in concerts.

From Year 1, children are guided for 40 minutes per week

A team of specialist teachers delivers a comprehensive PE and Games program, utilising extensive facilities including a swimming pool, sports halls, rugby and cricket pitches and a dance studio. All pupils participate in competitive sports at appropriate levels, playing both local and national teams.

What makes our school different?

At King’s Hawford, we offer award-winning outdoor learning, an exciting and vibrant curriculum, a caring and supportive community, endless hands-on opportunities and academic excellence. Our strong commitment to outdoor learning and environmental sustainability instils a profound sense of responsibility for nature in every child.

Each pupil benefits from outstanding facilities and inspiring educators. We foster a supportive and joyful atmosphere that feels like a second home to our children. All we do is underpinned by our Foundation Values to be:

  • Curious
  • Caring
  • Confident

King’s Hawford is renowned for the standard of sporting provision; alongside it’s vibrant and energetic arts programme. Our children are always active, whether that is on the stage, in the dance studio, on the sports fields, in forest school or out roaming across our 23-acre site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my child join King’s Hawford Prep School?

Your child can join us through a straightforward process that is managed by our King’s Hawford admissions team, who look after families at all stages of their admissions journey. We organise a series of open events throughout the year, and we are also happy to offer private tours at a time that is convenient to you.

Once you have registered your child and paid a registration fee, your child will be invited to spend time at King’s Hawford to familiarise themselves with our school. Children joining in Year 3 to 6 will also be invited to take an entrance test.

How big are the classes?

The average class size at King’s Hawford is 15. The small classes enable teachers to get to know each child’s needs and to tailor their teaching accordingly.

How can my child get to school?

King’s Hawford is situated in North Worcester, just off the A449 and close to the M5. Ample parking is provided for parents at drop off and collection times.

We also offer our own minibus (with 9 routes) and coach services for children from Year 3 onwards to use.

What are the timings of the school day?

Our school day officially begins at 8:30am and ends at 4pm, with co-curricular clubs to follow. Children can be dropped off from 7.45am and collected up until 6.00pm.

We offer excellent, fee-inclusive, supervised, wrap-around care from 7.45am to 6.00pm. Every day, there are a wide range of clubs and activities as part of our after-school provision.

Where required, our excellent school run minibus service provides additional support service to families’ busy schedules.

What is your approach to teaching and learning?

Our approach to teaching and learning aims to bring the curriculum to life; offering exciting, dynamic, and varied learning both inside and outside of the classroom that encourages the growth of young minds.
Our curriculum reflects our dedication to delivering a comprehensive educational experience. Our approach focuses on problem-solving, reasoning and thinking skills. Children work both individually and with others to solve problems and to engage with their own learning.

Learning at King’s Hawford is a two-way process. We encourage our pupils to be curious about what can be achieved and to make decisions that will help them to learn. The emphasis is placed on the process, rather than the outcome, giving children the confidence to try new things safe in the knowledge that it may lead to failure.

What sports do you offer?

Children at King’s Hawford take part in a variety of age-appropriate sports, activities and competitive fixtures.

Our youngest children enjoy two hours of PE lessons each week that improve motor skills, confidence and teamwork. They participate in a weekly Games afternoon that focuses on the basics of our core sports.

All children from Years 3 to 6 benefit from three and a half hours of timetabled sport per week. Physical Education lessons take advantage of our excellent multi-purpose sports building as well as our indoor swimming pool.

From Year 3 onwards, children take part in competitive sports and play in fixtures against other schools. Boys play rugby, football and cricket, whilst girls play hockey, netball, and cricket. King’s Hawford children also compete in a swimming galas, cross-country events and athletics meets across the school year.

Teams from King’s Hawford excel and have had many recent successes at regional and national level, including our U11 netball team being crowned IAPS South West Regional Champions, the U11 hockey team winning the 2025 IAPS tournament, a record number of children representing the county at cricket and many former pupils going on to play at national level.

For those who are interested in horse riding our school also has its own popular and successful Hawford Equestrian Team, who regularly compet in regional NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) events and annually at Hickstead Horse Shows.

What sports facilities do you offer?

We are fortunate to have incredible facilities on-site including football and rugby and cricket pitched, an indoor heated swimming pool, netball courts and an indoor sports hall. We have over 23-acres of fields for children to explore.

What uniform do children wear?

King’s Hawford children wear winter and summer uniforms, which are provided by leading provider, Schoolblazer.

Sports Kit for the Prep school (Year 3 to Year 6) is high quality sports brand Canterbury and supplied by sports kit provider Tacklebag. The King’s Hawford Parents’ Association runs a popular ‘Nearly New Uniform Sale’ on a termly basis. A second-hand uniform shop is also run at the Senior School. Our full uniform guide can be found here.

What are the lunch time arrangements?

Our children all eat in our school dining hall. Times are staggered by year group, with Kindergarten and Reception children going first and being served at their tables, followed by Prep children. Staff on hand to support with good table manners, to ensure varied diets and minimise food waste. Children can choose from a range of hot and cold options with all food being freshly prepared on-site by our school caterers, Thomas Franks.

Kindergarten and Pre-prep children are provided with snacks at break times. 

What co-curricular activities are available?

There are over 60 clubs and activities that happen either before school, during lunchtime, or as part of our wrap-around care. 

Club activities range from sports, including netball, swimming, and football, to karate, ballet, chess, cookery, outward bound, Nature Detectives, Orchestra, musical theatre and many more.  We regularly review our list of clubs and activities, and we are always looking for new ideas to enhance the programme.

Will my child take part in music and dance?

All our children take part in regular music, art, dance, and drama activities as part of their curriculum, with specialist instrumental, singing, and LAMDA lessons also available. 

Children can perform in half-termly informal concerts as well as larger scale concerts and performances at King’s Hawford, King’s Worcester Senior School, Worcester Cathedral and beyond. Groups include orchestra, string group, brass group, wind band, harp group, guitar group, two choirs and a musical theatre club. Younger children take part in Christmas productions while Years 3-6 participate in annual musical productions.

Four exciting school productions each year showcase pupil talent including Year 3 and 4 productions, Year 5 and 6 productions, Christmas pantomimes and Nativities too.

How do you look after children’s wellbeing?

Our children’s wellbeing is looked after in a caring and supportive environment where pupils feel valued as individuals.

The Form Tutor is at the heart of our pastoral care system and is always available to pupils and parents alike. Our older children help younger pupils in the playground and also undertake additional responsibilities around the school.

As a school, we try to include the whole family so we can build strong relationships to help and support each child. Parents are kept closely informed about their children’s well-being and they are able to make daily contact with the class teacher. We aim to be an ‘open door’ school at which parents feel both welcome and an integral part of our community.

A school nurse is available throughout each school day.

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