Class sizes are typically around 15 pupils, often smaller, and never exceed 18.

Yes we do, provided we receive a copy of a report from an educational psychologist or a similarly qualified assessor. We offer individual learning support lessons in Literacy, Numeracy and Study Skills, all at an additional charge. In some circumstances, general in-class support is offered, but not individual support in class.

The majority of those receiving support have mild learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia). Support lessons will be provided in place of a timetabled lesson, but not in place of a core subject lesson.

If your child receives any form of learning support, then please include this information on the Registration Form where requested. Informing us of any special needs will help your child as we will then be able to liaise with their existing school on current learning support provision and be able to provide any necessary examination concessions, where relevant.

We offer flexible wraparound care during term time from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, including Breakfast Club, Little Suttons after-school care for Nursery to Year 2, and Prep Clubs with activities or supervised homework. Breakfast is served from 7:30–7:50 am, followed by supervised play. After school, children enjoy a wide range of activities, with tea available until 5:20 pm, and children can stay until 6:00 pm if required.

You will need to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable £120 registration fee (£100 for Nursery entry). You will find the form here.

We will then contact you and let you know about the next steps, including the booking of a taster visit.

No, the Prep School is non-selective. A pupil can join our Nursery from age two. We are not selective however we offer every child a taster day to get a feel of whether the Nursery is the right fit for them.

Our Pre-Prep department (Reception to Year 2) is also non-selective and, again, we offer a taster day prior to making a formal offer of a place.

For entry to Years 3 to  6, pupils will be invited to spend a full day with their current year group. There is an assessment with the Academic Deputy Head, involving Reading, Spelling, Mathematics and Non-verbal Reasoning, to ascertain the child’s academic levels. If additional educational needs are identified, we will contact the parents and proceed appropriately.

We offer a Stay and Play session for Nursery-aged pupils. For school-aged children, starting from Reception onwards, we ask that prospective pupils attend a Taster Visit, allowing them to spend a full day with us and experience life at our school. During this day, they will be paired with a ‘buddy’ who shares similar interests and will participate in lessons and activities alongside them. This experience helps children feel a sense of belonging from the very start and allows us to confirm that Sutton Valence School is a good fit for them academically and socially. As part of the Taster Day, we gently assess the children in an age-appropriate manner to help us understand their strengths and identify any areas where additional support may be beneficial.

After a Taster Day families will be given feedback and successful applicants will be sent an offer, including details on fees, term dates and conditions. For pupils transferring from other schools affiliated with the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, we will coordinate with their current school to ensure a smooth transition.

To accept the offer of a place, a deposit of £500 is required, along with a commitment to pay termly fees with a one-term notice period. Detailed terms are outlined in our Parent Contract. In the event that the applicant does not take up the place after acceptance, the deposit will not be refunded. The deposit will be credited against the pupil’s final invoice and any credit balance refunded. The deposit does not attract interest.