Our heritage and experience is rooted in providing an education for boys. We believe that in our prep school environment boys benefit from and prosper in this environment, and we are equipped to harness this.
It is important not to lean heavily into gender stereotypes, but rather to respond to the neurological and developmental understanding that we have of boys. In terms of how they learn, boys and girls have different requirements, particularly up to the age of 13.
With that knowledge, we are able to craft the structure of our days and our educational content to suit their learning style and to help the boys develop academically, socially and behaviourally in a positive way.
We focus our resources and design lessons expressly to serve boys and the pace of their development, and our teachers are experienced in delivering this learning. We deliberately design lessons so that they are interactive, practical and varied—you’d just need to experience one of our ‘no hands up’ French lessons to feel the energy of our classes.
We are renowned for providing boys with an environment that absolutely maximises their academic potential, allowing our pupils to go on to the finest schools in the country.
With 150 years of experience in delivering all-boys education, Lockers Park Prep School offers a unique insight into the advantages of single-sex learning environments. At a time when educational models are under increased scrutiny, it is vital to reflect on whether single-sex education remains essential in the modern world.
At the heart of Lockers Park’s philosophy is the belief that all children deserve the best possible start in life, and education plays a critical role in building the foundation for personal and professional success. In a rapidly changing world, equipping boys with confidence, resilience, and a robust understanding of themselves has never been more crucial.
Lockers Park fosters a culture of mutual respect, enabling boys to explore their potential in an environment tailored to their needs. Single-sex education allows for open conversations built on trust and understanding, ensuring that boys feel heard and supported.
British educationalist Andrew Hampton’s research underscores the importance of addressing boys’ fear of humiliation—a significant barrier to their participation and confidence. In an all-boys environment, educators can create safe spaces where boys engage without fear of judgment. By focusing on effort and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, boys develop resilience and the ability to express themselves openly.
A recurring challenge for boys entering Lockers Park is low self-confidence, often rooted in early educational experiences that emphasise presentation over content. At Lockers Park, the emphasis shifts to a robust Learner Profile, which helps boys identify their strengths and address weaknesses constructively.
The smaller class sizes and tailored approaches of single-sex education ensure that every boy progresses at his own pace. This individualised support fosters a positive self-image and helps boys build the confidence needed to face challenges, both in school and beyond.
One of the standout benefits of single-sex education is the strong emphasis on peer learning and leadership development. At Lockers Park, older boys act as mentors and role models, guiding their younger peers through the challenges of school life. This program builds leadership skills and also creates a sense of community and belonging.
Research supports the value of peer-led initiatives, with studies highlighting the benefits of collaboration and shared experiences. At Lockers Park, boys are encouraged to take on leadership roles, embrace new challenges, and participate in a wide range of activities—from music and drama to sports—without fear of failure or embarrassment.
Occasionally, boys may exhibit challenging behaviour, such as damage to property or unkind remarks. At Lockers Park, such instances are approached with empathy and understanding. A robust behavioural management system ensures that boys reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. By addressing behaviour through discussion and guidance, boys are empowered to make better choices and develop emotional intelligence.
The transformative impact of all-boys education is evident in the confidence that Lockers Park boys carry with them long after they leave. By fostering an environment where mistakes are normalised and growth is celebrated, boys learn to face challenges with courage and adaptability.
As they progress through their educational journey, Lockers Park boys gain a deep understanding of themselves and their abilities. This confidence, cultivated in a supportive and respectful environment, remains with them for life, equipping them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
One example of the way in which we serve our boys is that we create a timetable with frequent breaks and plenty of outdoor activities built into the day, all of which is proven to help the boys to return to classrooms ready to learn in a positive way. We see every day that building dens in our shrubs and expending healthy energy on the sports pitch is beneficial not only in helping the boys to form friendships and to learn team skills, but further to heighten concentration when they attend academic lessons.
We have long found that being single gender means that the breadth of activities in which the boys participate is notably wide ranging. At Lockers Park, no domain is gender dominated and so art, music and drama are embraced with confidence by boys across all ages across the school; 95% of Lockers Park boys learn a musical instrument, 24 places in our excellent our Chapel Choir are hotly competed for every year, our String Orchestra has averagely 30% of our prep school pupils playing in it, and our boys are confident in acting the leads – both male and female – in our school plays, not to mention the outstanding talent shown at our annual Lockers Got Talent event.
Meanwhile, we know how to create a sporting calendar for every boy, from the elite sportsman to the more tentative participant. Again, in a cohort of only boys, the range of sporting skills is wide and there is kinship for all.
Lockers Park continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in single-sex education, adapting its methods to meet the evolving needs of boys. By addressing fears, celebrating individuality, and nurturing leadership, the school remains committed to preparing boys for the challenges of the future.
The success of Lockers Park’s approach reaffirms that single-sex education is both relevant and essential in providing boys with the tools they need to flourish.
At Lockers Park, the wellbeing of our boys is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that a supportive, structured and safe environment is key to their development, which is why we also offer bespoke services such as Prep Wraparound Care and a dedicated School Bus service.