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Nursery at Northampton High School GDST
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ballet and woodland exploration give this girls-only nursery a distinctive weekly rhythm. Northampton High School GDST’s Nursery and Preschool cater for girls aged 2–4, within the Junior School in Hardingstone. Purpose-built Early Years classrooms sit within a 27-acre site, giving the provision both its own learning spaces and room for outdoor activity.
The practical character matters too: provision runs for 50 weeks, with extended care from 7am to 6pm. For families combining early education with a working day, the nursery calendar reaches beyond school terms.
Play carries the early learning. Reading, mathematical ideas and writing are woven into everyday activities, rather than confined to separate lessons. The timetable provides a structure, but staff adjust it: cooking can take more time, or outdoor exploration can occupy a morning.
Specialist teachers lead Forest School and ballet each week. Forest School uses a dedicated outdoor learning area within the grounds; indoors, the weekly programme also includes French, cooking, music, PE and trips to the library. These give children different ways to explore movement, language and practical skills. Off-site trips, visiting speakers and events involving the wider school add further experiences during the academic year.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) learning has concrete, practical expression here. In February 2024, ISI found that early years activities developed speech, communication and physical skills effectively. Children worked together with water-filled syringes and trays, combining cooperation with precise hand movements. Adult conversations helped them extend their vocabulary and become more confident speakers. The outdoor woodland space was another source of enjoyment and interaction.
Settling begins before the start date. Girls attend introductory sessions to become familiar with their surroundings, giving them some experience of the nursery before their regular attendance begins. The staffing structure combines EYFS-qualified practitioners with additional teaching from subject specialists.
Food is included in nursery fees, alongside the regular activities. Lunch is compulsory and cooked on site, so families need to account for the school’s meal arrangement when choosing the provision. After a place is accepted, families provide dietary information and medical history to support care for their child.
Kindness has a specific early years foundation: in February 2024, children treated one another kindly during classroom activities and free play. They also learned safe ways to handle equipment, including saws. This connects practical exploration with learning how to take care of themselves and others.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The published Reception entry route uses Junior School online registration, followed by an offer and acceptance process. Existing nursery families should confirm their next steps with admissions.
There is no Reception entrance assessment, although a tour with the child allows staff to meet her. Once an offer has been accepted, summer-term transition sessions give girls time with their future teachers and classmates before September. That familiarisation is useful preparation; it should be kept separate from the question of securing a place.
Standard nursery hours are 8am to 5pm. Optional early-morning and teatime sessions extend the care window, while afternoon collection can take place after 3.30pm. Three-day and four-day places allow a part-time start, with attendance building towards full-time in Preschool. Term-time-only and 50-week arrangements are offered.
Regular food and activities, including ballet and Forest School, are included in nursery fees. Occasional additional clubs carry separate charges, with Preschool swimming given as an example. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery also stays open for the full day on the final day of each school term.
Arrange a personal tour through the admissions team on 01604 765765 or nhs.admissions@nhs.gdst.net. Families request their preferred sessions when registering, and the school reviews that request before offering a place. Uniform is supplied through Schoolblazer, with a Uniform Swap Shop providing a second-hand option.
The Nursery and Preschool cater for girls aged 2–4 and form part of the Junior School.
Standard hours are 8am to 5pm, with extended care available from 7am to 6pm. Three-day and four-day places are also offered.
Weekly ballet and Forest School are included, alongside food and regular activities. The weekly programme also includes cooking, French, music, PE and library visits. Occasional extra clubs, such as swimming for Preschool girls, cost extra.
Before the agreed start date, girls attend settling sessions to become familiar with their new surroundings.
No. Existing nursery families should confirm their Reception entry steps with admissions. There is no entrance assessment, and transition sessions follow an accepted offer.
