Fidelis Prep
Head’s Welcome
I have been privileged to teach at Oakwood School for the past 10 years. Over this time, I have seen first hand the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the strength of our family community.
As we transition to Fidelis College, what makes us special is the strong sense of partnership between pupils, parents, and teachers. We are a school where every child is truly known, valued, and supported to achieve their best, and where academic ambition goes hand in hand with kindness, faith, and character. I look forward to continuing and strengthening this, ensuring that every child feels happy, confident, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Rooted in Catholic faith, we help pupils grow in integrity and understand the importance of our school motto: In Gaudio Serviamus – We Serve with Joy. Through initiatives such as our Community Champions programme, pupils are encouraged to serve others and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. Alongside this, our high academic standards are enriched by a broad and stimulating curriculum that fosters curiosity and a love of learning. Our Forest Learning programme provides our Fidelis Rangers outdoor experiences that develop problem solving skills, resilience, and creativity, bringing learning to life beyond the classroom.
Fidelis is a school where children thrive, and I look forward to working alongside our wonderful pupils, families, and staff to ensure our Prep School continues to flourish.
Miss Candela Marquez,
our Head of Prep
The Fidelis Way
build
Character Development Programme
Character education lies at the heart of our school. It builds confidence, responsibility, and encourages children to seek goodness in themselves and others, supporting academic achievement and personal growth. Through assemblies, tutorials, lessons and daily routines, we teach virtues such as respect, gratitude, perseverance and courage. Pupils reflect on their behaviour and grow in self-knowledge.
Each week, one child per class becomes the Secret Agent, quietly observing which classmate best exemplifies the weekly virtue. In Friday’s assemble, Secret Agents reveal themselves and share their observations, awarding the Character Star to a deserving peer.
man
Pupil Leadership Roles
Children of all ages are encouraged to take on responsibilities, nurturing service, pride and belonging. Year 6 pupils assume leadership roles such as Head Girl, Head Boy, House Captains, and ambassador positions in areas like health and safety, reading, the arts and peer friendships – offering opportunities for older pupils to lead with generosity and maturity.
people
Tutorials & Mentoring Programme
Our unique mentoring programme assigns tutors to pupils in addition to their class teachers. Tutors guide, encourage, and help children personalise their character development. Tutorials take place every two weeks, allowing for open discussions on progress, relationships, goals and challenges. Group tutorials provide a wider forum for discussion, while individual tutorials occur in open, informal spaces.
Older pupils (Years 4-6) receive dedicated tutor support, while Year 3 pupils are paired with trained Sixth Form mentors as role models and companions. This approach supports parents in their role as primary educators.
link
Celebrating Achievements
We take pride in recognising each child’s efforts, progress and personal growth. Weekly whole-school and good work assemblies, character stars, merit badges, house points, certificates and termly commendations celebrate excellence and development. Our annual Prizegiving Awards Ceremony honours achievements across all year groups.
Parent testimonials
What our parents say about Fidelis College
We chose Fidelis College because its Catholic ethos is an authentic part of daily life, expressed through kindness, respect, and a strong moral foundation. Our children are encouraged to be compassionate and responsible, growing academically and personally. Transitioning from a state school was a significant decision for us, but after a year, we are thrilled with the outcome. Fidelis provides a welcoming, collaborative community where parents and teachers work together for the children’s benefit. The pastoral care is exceptional – every child is truly known, and when extra support is needed, it is provided with genuine care. Small class sizes have made a big impact; our daughter, new to Reception, is already reading after one term!
We are extremely impressed with the positive, well-structured environment at Fidelis Prep. There is a strong partnership among parents, pupils, and staff, and every child is truly known and supported. The school maintains high academic standards alongside clear values rooted in its Catholic ethos and commitment to service. Programmes like forest learning and personal mentoring build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Fidelis Prep develops capable, grounded young people, which is why we want our children to continue on to the Seniors.
I received a tailored one-on-one session to help me understand my daughter’s academic progress in literacy. The Head of Prep offered practical tips for supporting homework and reading and explained how the teachers would also provide support. I appreciated the time spent answering my questions and going beyond the basics. As parents, we couldn’t ask for better support.
In today’s challenging world, Fidelis College’s strong Catholic ethos and positive, inclusive culture provide our son with a solid academic, moral, and spiritual foundation. The school emphasises holistic development, balancing academic rigour with sports, character building, and practical life skills. Pupils are guided to thrive both academically and personally, which is exactly what we were looking for. We are delighted and grateful to be part of the Fidelis College community!
Our son recently started at Fidelis Prep and felt welcome from day one. The nurturing environment, positive teachers, and emphasis on faith have made a wonderful impression. We highly recommend Fidelis Prep to anyone considering a new school for their child.
Our younger son has had a wonderful start at Fidelis College. We have been impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the calm, well-organised day-to-day operations. The Head of Prep’s leadership stands out for her warmth, care, and deep understanding of teaching and learning. We are grateful to the teachers for their thoughtful feedback and support in helping our son settle in. The character development programme is excellent, well-integrated into school life and homework, and genuinely lived by the children. Fidelis College has made a very positive impression on our family.
