Children bring into school the wealth of experiences and knowledge acquired in the nursery departments of Orchard.  This solid nursery foundation enables children to approach the start of their formal education confidently and with high expectations.

The numbers of children in the five year groups are small allowing teachers to plan a programme of learning that takes account of the individual needs of each child.

The programme of study follows Key Stage 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum with the addition of specialist teachers for music, dance, French and outside sports.  The children enjoy a variety of extra curricular activities and take advantage of our rural location to explore the local nature reserve.

Most of our pupils in Prep 4 opt to take the entrance assessments for preparatory departments of local independent schools such as Bedford School, Bedford High, Dame Alice, Bedford Modern , Rushmoor School and St. Andrews.  The school has had great success in enabling children to gain places in the schools of their choice and keeps in close contact with past parents and pupils.