'A positive ethos'

Victoria College Preparatory Department is the main primary feeder school for Victoria College.  The Preparatory Department incorporates a Playgroup, situated on the Richmond site and a Pre-School class within the main Preparatory Department. The Playgroup admits girls and boys from the age of 2 years 10 months, and the Pre-School class admits girls, in the academic year before they are due to start school. Within the Preparatory Department there are seven year group classes, Prep 1-7, with no class admitting more than 26 pupils. The Preparatory Department is situated in attractive and spacious grounds at Cranmore Park, in South Belfast.  Our experienced and committed staff work enthusiastically to ensure the full participation of all pupils in the wide range of learning opportunities provided. 

The curriculum is enhanced through a range of educational visits and classroom learning is enriched by inviting visitors to participate in classroom topics.  In our most recent ETI inspection, the level of pastoral care across the Preparatory Department was graded as outstanding.  In May 2013, Prep achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark in recognition of our excellent practice across the school.  Click to read our comprehensive IQM assessment report. 

Victoria College Preparatory Department  has a long tradition of sporting and musical excellence.  Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in PE, swimming, music, drama and modern foreign languages.  The girls receive swimming lessons in our own swimming pool and there is an annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day.  A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered after school hours, including iPad club, cookery, drama, art, hockey, netball, choir and orchestra.  An After Hours facility is also offered from 2-6pm and this provides flexible wrap-around care for pupils, charged at an hourly rate.

If you would like to find out more about our Preparatory Department please do not hesitate to contact Victoria College school office to organise a visit. A current fee list is also available from the school office.  Access a downloadable application form for the Preparatory Department, Pre-School and Playgroup.  Click here to access our admissions criteria, should places be over-subscribed.                                                   

Dr R Mitchell-Barrett
Head of Victoria College Preparatory Department