Millfield Prep joint winners of Independent Prep School of the Year

Millfield Prep School have been crowned joint winners of Independent Prep School of the Year at the annual Independent School of the Year awards this evening.

The school was jointly awarded the prestigious title, alongside Ardvreck School in Scotland, both for ‘exemplifying geographical size and other diversity in the sector’. Millfield Prep were recognised for supporting pupil’s mental health and wellbeing in the wake of the pandemic, launching the innovative Wellbeing Curriculum in September 2021. The curriculum, which was implemented by former Headmistress Shirley Shayler and Deputy Head (Pastoral) Tracey Hazell, proactively teaches pupils to identify poor wellbeing and to empower them with the skills to improve it.

Students are timetabled a 40-minute Wellbeing class, in addition to regular PSHEE and PE lessons, to learn and explore through a series of nine activities including meditation, yoga, mindful walk and talk and soul food. The concepts explored link seamlessly to the school’s values Be Kind, Be You, Be Curious, Be Challengers and Be Brilliant.

Head of Millfield Prep, Dan Thornburn, said, “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Millfield Prep School. We are passionate about pupils’ wellbeing and preparing them for life beyond Millfield, the wellbeing curriculum does just that. Members of our community have seen a visible difference in the pupils around campus and are looking forward to seeing this progress further in the future.”