Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-ever-too-young-to-go-to-a-performing-arts-school"><strong>Is it ever too young to go to a Performing Arts school?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-122001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1-360x216.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1-720x432.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1-150x90.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-High-Res-1-small-2-1000x600-1-875x525.jpeg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tring Park School for the Performing Arts </figcaption></figure>



<p>No – it’s never too young to experience what Tring Park has to offer! Quite often parents walk through the door and say “Thank you for this!” because their children are not quite fitting the ‘mould’ for their existing school. Around 70% of parents here didn’t intend to enter the independent school sector, until they had a child with an interest in dance, drama and singing and found this school ‘fitted’. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-122002" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1-360x216.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1-720x432.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1-150x90.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Tring-Park-School-Web-Quality-10-1000x600-1-875x525.jpeg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dance studio in the entrance hall </figcaption></figure>



<p>There’s a stimulating vibe at Tring Park Prep &#8211; tap dancing down the corridor, ballet lessons everywhere, singing and acting throughout the school day, along with the academic lessons, so it’s an exciting and interesting place to be, and because we’re a specialist vocational school (albeit with exceptional academics) we allow these children to fulfil their potential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-the-children-have-to-audition"><strong>Do the children have to audition?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-ballet-dancers-on-barre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-ballet-dancers-on-barre.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-ballet-dancers-on-barre-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-ballet-dancers-on-barre-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-ballet-dancers-on-barre-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We accept pupils into Tring Park Prep in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6. There’s a light touch assessment when they start at the Prep School. Pupils join classes and during these we explore a child’s interest and potential for performing &#8211; we’ve been in the game a long time to be able to get the sense of which pupils will really thrive here. Importantly we evaluate the child’s academic ability too; although we’re a vocational school, academics are never viewed here as a Plan B. ‘Thinking performers’ is what we talk about, whether it’s the Prep or Senior school – if you enjoy learning and are intellectually curious too, it will help you be a more versatile performer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-the-kids-learn-at-tring-park-prep"><strong>How do the kids learn at Tring Park Prep?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-laughing-in-class.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-laughing-in-class.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-laughing-in-class-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-laughing-in-class-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-laughing-in-class-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We usually have two classes that are mixed, roughly Years 3-4 and Years 5-6. We find that in this setting the children make impressive progress across the curriculum, and it also benefits their interpersonal and social skills. &nbsp;Our small numbers (around 10–12 per class) mean we can personalise the learning by fine tuning for each child. The individual attention is extraordinary here and each child’s personality is allowed to shine through.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-offer-many-extra-curricular-activities"><strong>Do you offer many extra-curricular activities?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-kids-running.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157315" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-kids-running.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-kids-running-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-kids-running-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-kids-running-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We look at it the other way – half their school day is extra-curricular! Their day is busy, so we don’t have extras like chess club or art club because by the time they’re finished singing, acting and dancing, they’re pretty tired. If they’re boarders there are some weekend activities – things like a climbing wall, or an outside cinema in the summer, but weekends are also important for down time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-elements-of-the-traditional-prep-experience-don-t-you-offer"><strong>What elements of the traditional Prep experience don’t you offer?</strong></h2>



<p>We don’t have the scale of other Prep schools in the area, so we’re not competing with them. If they’re into being the next England cricketer or want to play hockey at national level, this isn’t the place. Neither are we an exam factory. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-percentage-of-the-pupils-at-the-prep-move-onto-the-senior-school"><strong>What percentage of the pupils at the Prep move onto the Senior school?</strong></h2>



<p>The majority of our children move onto the Senior school, unless they have decided to follow other avenues. We make a commitment to each child when they join the Prep and aim for them all to progress with us into the Senior School. Of course, if a child falls out of love with performing and doesn’t want to continue, or if it’s clear that the demands further up the school will become too much, then that’s fine and we will have that conversation about other options. If they are thriving at the school and want to stay, we want to make that happen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-surprise-parents-about-your-prep-school"><strong>What would surprise parents about your Prep School?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-performing.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-performing.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-performing-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-performing-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-boy-performing-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There can be a common misconception that our pupils all arrive as fully fledged performers. All Prep children are welcome if they have an interest and passion in performing – we look for potential not the finished product! We have a wide range of pupils and personalities and, yes ,some have worked in the West End in shows like <em>Matilda</em> and <em>Annie,</em> others have won writing, art and Maths competitions. All achievements are valued here, not just performing ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-pastoral-care-look-like-at-tring-park-prep"><strong>What does pastoral care look like at Tring Park Prep?</strong></h2>



<p>There are really effective mechanisms in place. Our Head of Prep and Prep teachers are, of course, key in looking after the children, but there’s also the medical team, vocational directors, the house team, and academic leads who all work together to flag up any problems and celebrate pupils’ successes &#8211; we’re really on it. &nbsp;Our school has a nurturing environment and a real family feel which allows all of our pupils to feel well supported and cared for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-the-children-get-jealous-of-each-other"><strong>Do the children get jealous of each other?</strong></h2>



<p>You might be surprised by this, but there’s very high empathy among the pupils, it’s really wonderful. It’s natural to feel disappointment from time to time, but the culture here is much more supportive than competitive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-usp-compared-to-other-performing-arts-schools"><strong>What’s your USP compared to other performing arts schools?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-young-ballet-dancer-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-young-ballet-dancer-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-young-ballet-dancer-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-young-ballet-dancer-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Tring-Park-Prep-young-ballet-dancer-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We’re the only school in the UK that has this span of ages, from 7-19 years across so many performing arts disciplines – performance foundation, commercial music, musical theatre, dance and acting. There are other schools which offer elements of performing arts, but not such breadth. Increasingly we seeing a fair number of pupils from other performing arts schools transfer to us, as they’re looking for more scope, and our academic provision is deeper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-30-second-elevator-pitch-for-tring-park-prep"><strong>What’s your 30 second elevator pitch for Tring Park Prep?</strong></h2>



<p>Ha! Good question! How about… ‘Finally, somewhere you can be yourself among people who understand what you do and why you do it. Where the need to perform is more than a hobby, it’s part of who you are, all wrapped up in a great community of learning in the arts, sciences and humanities. An inspiring environment where it’s cool to aspire and everyone supports your ambition, in whatever you want to do next. An overall sense of belonging and acceptance among your tribe, with everything you need all in one place.’</p>



<p><em>Tring Park Prep is holding an <a href="https://www.tringpark.com/event/prep-open-morning-march/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning on 8 March</a>. Arrival 10.15am to meet Principal Simon Larter-Evans and see a vocational class in action.</em> <a href="https://www.tringpark.com/event/prep-open-morning-march/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><em>Mansion Drive, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5LX</em>.</p>


The local Performing Arts school that takes seven year olds

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