St Peter's 2-8
We are award-winning
St Peter's 2-8 is an award-winning school and nursery at the heart of York, and one of the best prep / pre-prep schools in the country.
In April 2021 we were declared the Pre-prep School of the Year in the national Tes Independent School Awards. Judges were impressed by our commitment to pupils' wellbeing and personal growth, the breadth of the curriculum on offer and the innovation on display.
St Peter's 2-8 showcases everything an independent pre-prep school should offer: an outstanding innovative and broad curriculum, which encourages curiosity in an ever-changing world.
Annette Roberts (Lead Judge, Tes Independent School Awards 2021)
In February 2018, we were also named the Prep/Pre-Prep School of the Year in the Tes Independent School Awards. Judges were impressed with how the school embedded the values of compassion, trust, humility, hope, wisdom, endurance and friendship.
The school’s approach is a synthesis of learning theories from around the world. St Peter's 2-8 is becoming a “beacon”, in the words of one judge, with many state and independent schools visiting to learn more.
We can completely understand why St Peter's 2-8 has a national reputation. These happy, very engaged, active children are extremely fortunate to start their school life here.
View St Peter's 2-8 (formerly Clifton School and Nursery) on The Good Schools Guide to read the full review.
We are welcoming, encouraging and inspiring
Parents value the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere at St Peter's 2-8 and rate the quality of leadership and teaching exceptionally high. We provide a supportive and dynamic learning environment where children can achieve their full potential.
My daughter loves coming to school... She feels included and I feel there’s a caring community willing to help our children learn and thrive.
Parent Comment (RS Academic Survey, 2019)
We are creative and forward-thinking
Innovative teaching, an outstanding learning environment and endless opportunities for adventure and discovery make St Peter's School a truly exceptional place for your child to begin their education.
All staff that I come across are motivated and enthusiastic... Teachers inspire children and it feels like an exciting and thriving place.
Parent Comment (RS Academics Survey, 2019)
We offer outstanding teaching facilities and resources
St Peter’s School, the fourth oldest in the world, benefits from an excellent educational heritage, a valuable sense of community, and a location which offers both natural wonder and an awe-inspiring city, right on our doorstep.
We share a 47-acre campus with St Peter's 8-13 and St Peter's 13-18, including industry-recognised sports pitches, an award-winning swimming pool, extensive play areas, and a Forest School.
We have been praised by The Good Schools Guide for our 'very well resourced, spacious, colourful classrooms', which support and enhance the delivery of our exciting thematic learning programme.
We exceed expectations
In a recent RS Academics Survey (2019), St Peter’s 2-8 was recognised as being in the top 3 out of 67 Prep/Junior Schools surveyed.
87% of parents said they were 'completely' or 'very' satisfied with St Peter's 2-8, and the School 'exceeded' expectations for 43% of families. The vast majority (97%) of parents said they would be happy to recommend St Peter's 2-8 to other families.
These results significantly exceed the benchmarks for independent junior schools, establishing St Peter's 2-8 as one of the top pre-prep / prep schools in the country.
Find out more
If you think St Peter's might be the right school for you, we’d be delighted to show you around our excellent facilities and the magnificent 2-18 campus – please do get in touch to arrange a visit.
If you’re ready to apply, please complete our online application form.
Read our ISI Inspection Report, which found our provision in all four areas of EYFS outstanding.
St Peter's 2-8 is a full member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS).
