Prep School is the age of discovery and it is essential that every child at Ashdown is given as much opportunity as possible to experiment, explore and discover new interests. We are confident that there is something for everyone here. The staff are encouraged to offer something they love and are passionate about themselves and this inevitably enthuses the children in their clubs.

Every Friday afternoon, we have activities. This ranges from tennis, horse riding, martial arts, swimming, nets, girls football, rugby sevens, croquet, badminton, golf, water colours, photography, gardening, ceramics, ICT, basketball, map reading and boules. Where necessary we hire in professionals who support the work we do as well as give additional clubs. Fencing, Modern Dance and Ballet are also offered.

Clubs are an integral part of a prep school education and are on offer every day of the week. Every member of staff offers a club or several, enticing the children to try something new and ignite a hidden interest. The new modelling room has proven the importance and popularity of different clubs enabling children to be creative and share their pleasures with their friends.

These are some of the clubs currently offered at Ashdown:

Agatha Christie                          Sudoko                          Model Railways                          Nature Watch
Airfix Models                              Puzzle Solving                Mandarin                                   Water Polo
Lego                                         Sewing                          Maths                                      
Scalextric                                  Gardening                     Drama
Photography                              Decorating                    Stocks and Shares
Film Making                               Debating                        Tapestry
Pottery                                     Cooking                         Portfolio
Painting                                    Table-tennis                   Watercolours

We have a well stocked library at the front of the school that offers an area of peace, comfort and solitude. Newspapers, magazines and periodicals are also provided. Organised by a member of staff, children have ample opportunity to find a novel of their taste. Every child also has a small amount of money per term to spend on new novels.

Although every day is packed full of various activities we still believe that free-time forms an essential part of a child’s education. We positively encourage our children at Ashdown to ‘play’ like children. This might mean climbing trees, playing in the ‘Jungle’, imaginary games, playing a board game or chess, simply socialising or reading a book. Whatever it is, children need to learn how to occupy themselves and be comfortable at times with their own company.