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Here you’ll find the latest stories, achievements, and updates from across the Rosemead community.

From record-breaking exam results and sporting triumphs to inspiring performances in music, drama and the arts, our news hub celebrates the many ways our students and staff make their mark.

These stories capture the spirit of Rosemead — a progressive community where innovation, integrity and individuality flourish, and where Excellence. Differently. is more than just a motto: it’s a way of life.

Immersive Learning with Virtual Reality
  • School News

What an unforgettable day of discovery! We recently welcomed the team from Campus-XR for an incredible VR experience that transported our Year 3 and 6 students across time.

From the towering pyramids of Ancient Egypt to walking alongside Dinosaurs, the room was filled with pure wonder. Linked to their class topics, Year 3 children were able to explore an Ancient Egyptian marketplace, learn about trading and gain a 360 view of the pyramids while soaring over them in jetpacks. Year 6 furthered their knowledge about dinosaurs, getting up close to the magnificent creatures, naming them and observing their movements from all angles. 

The joy and excitement for learning through immersive tech was truly special. Here are some of our favourite student reviews:

  • "Best lesson ever!" 
  • "There’s so much to do!"
  • "I rate it 20,000 out of 10!" 

Even our staff couldn't resist joining the fun! They particularly enjoyed the science lab, having their own digestive system to manipulate and learn more about, in a virtual classroom. A huge thank you to Campus-XR for showcasing how innovation can transform education and the creative ways that VR can be used in the classrooms. 

 

Rosemead Preparatory School announces transformative new Nursery and Reception learning spaces opening September 2026
  • School News

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is delighted to unveil plans for its new Pre-School and Reception classrooms, set to open in September 2026. These purpose-designed environments will offer children an inspiring, contemporary, and nurturing start to their educational journey, supporting the school’s commitment to shaping brilliant futures.

The project represents a significant investment in early childhood education, creating spaces that are immersive, flexible, and designed to ignite curiosity from the very start of school life.

The Pre-School and Reception development represents the beginning of a wider vision for Rosemead Preparatory School. Over the next several years, the school will embark on a phased programme of redevelopment designed to modernise and enhance the entire site. This long-term plan will focus on creating contemporary, flexible and future-ready spaces that support exceptional teaching and learning at every stage.

This initial phase signals the school’s commitment to sustained investment in its facilities, ensuring that every child benefits from an environment that inspires confidence, creativity and a love of learning.

The new Pre-School space has been thoughtfully designed around a calming, organic aesthetic using a soft palette of pale lilac and earthy greens. Each aspect of the environment has been crafted to support young children’s wellbeing, focus and imagination. Distinct areas will be defined through bold interactive features and gentle flooring transitions will encourage exploration and independent learning, while soft seating features introduce warmth and personality. The result is a space that feels modern and and deeply child-centred, giving the youngest pupils the freedom to learn, play and grow in an enriching environment.

The Reception classrooms build on the Pre-School's ethos with a scheme that pairs a neutral base and soft green palette with uplifting, purple-toned accents. This creates a fresh, nature-inspired atmosphere that supports cognitive development and play-based learning. Purposefully designed activity and work areas will promote collaboration, creativity and early social skills. Flexibility and adaptability are central to the scheme, ensuring the space meets the needs of all learners.

Together, these new environments will provide pupils with the space and structure they need to thrive building confidence, independence and readiness for the next stage of their learning.

Speaking about the plans, Nick Hewlett, CEO of St Dunstan’s Education Group, said: ‘Across the Group, we are committed to creating learning environments that truly

inspire young people and prepare them for the world they will inherit. These exceptional new spaces at Rosemead reflect our belief in educational excellence delivered differently where innovation, wellbeing and individuality come together to give every child the very best possible start.’

Alison Walsingham, Head of Operations at Rosemead, added: ‘This project represents a significant and exciting investment in the future of our school. We are working meticulously with our design partners to ensure these new spaces are not only beautiful but highly functional and sustainable. Every detail has been carefully considered to create environments where children and staff feel supported, inspired and able to thrive every day.’

This development comes at an especially exciting moment for Rosemead Preparatory School. Earlier this year, the school was named Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2025, widely regarded as the Oscars of education. The recognition celebrates Rosemead’s exceptional pastoral care, innovative approach to learning, and the strong sense of community that defines the school. In early December, Rosemead also announced Christopher Woodward will join as Head from September 2026.

Prospective families will be able to learn more about the exciting developments at Rosemead’s open morning on Wednesday 11 February 2026.

New Head of Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery announced

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is delighted to announce Christopher Woodward as the new Head, effective from September 2026.

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is delighted to announce Christopher Woodward as the new Head, effective from September 2026.

Mr Woodward is currently Head of Bassett House School in Notting Hill. During his time at Bassett House, Mr Woodward has led significant developments across all aspects of the educational provision. Prior to headship, Christopher spent a decade working at some of London’s most successful schools, including as Deputy Head of Newton Prep.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Woodward, said: ‘I am delighted and deeply honoured to be appointed the next Head of Rosemead. From the moment I first visited, the school’s warm, joyful atmosphere and the genuine enthusiasm of its pupils and staff made a lasting impression on me.

‘Rosemead is entering a hugely exciting chapter, and I look forward to working closely with families, colleagues, and, of course, the children as we shape the next stage of the school’s development together. As a Dulwich resident, I am excited to play an active role in the local community. I was especially charmed that Lordship Lane, with all its energy and character, featured so prominently in my conversation with the Years 5 and 6 pupil panel; their pride in their neighbourhood was wonderful to see.’

St Dunstan’s Education Group, CEO, Nick Hewlett, added: ‘I am thrilled to welcome Christopher as the new Head of Rosemead. Throughout the appointment process, it was clear that he brings not only strong leadership experience, but also a deep commitment to nurturing happy, confident and curious young people. His values and educational philosophy align powerfully with our vision across the Group, and his energy and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset to the Rosemead community.

‘This is an exciting moment in the school’s development, and I am confident that under Christopher’s leadership, Rosemead will continue to flourish and deliver on our shared ambition of Excellence. Differently. I look forward to working closely with him as he leads the school into this next chapter.’

Earlier this year, Rosemead was named Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Awards, which are known as the Oscars of education. In the last year, Rosemead has also won two prestigious awards, for Excellence and Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards, and Best EDIB (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) at the Education Choices Awards 2024. Following the Tes win, Rosemead was also shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Current parents and children will meet Mr Woodward at the very beginning of the Spring Term. Prospective families will then have an opportunity to meet Mr Woodward and learn more about Rosemead’s exciting developments at the next open morning in early 2026.

Emerging Tech and AI Week

Our cross group “ Emerging Technology and AI Week" has successfully sparked curiosity and laid a fantastic foundation for our pupils’ journey into AI literacy.

We kicked off the week with an inspiring and thought-provoking assembly led by Digital Leader, Miss Ranauro and guest speaker and AI Media Lawyer, Kelsey Farish. Kesley deepened our pupils’ understanding of artificial intelligence while emphasising the importance of honesty, reliability and critical thinking when interacting with AI and new technologies. A particular highlight was watching a rather mysterious video of a penguin wandering around outside our school! This certainly got everyone thinking. Throughout the session, children were reminded of Kelsey’s top tips: Be detectives, pop the bubble (echo chambers), protect information and always respect others. 

Following the assembly, class teachers continued with age-appropriate lessons to develop AI literacy and children could participate in a range of exciting AI inspired online activities.  In these lessons, children were also encouraged to ask some BIG questions about technology and AI. Some of these questions from the children included: Who started AI? How can it make a better future? If AI gets programmed by humans, why do humans ask AI?  What if AI doesn’t know the answer - what will happen?

As part of “Emerging Tech and AI week”,  some Year 5 children were invited to a cross-group workshop afternoon at St Dunstans along with: St Dunstan’s Junior and St Christopher’s junior school. Together, they experienced the awe and wonder of exploring new technology: 3D designing, coding microbits and programming smart homes. It was an excellent experience for the children and a special thanks to Mr Rattle, assistant headteacher, and the St Dunstan’s staff for hosting this brilliant event. 

The week has been both educational and inspiring, sparking curiosity and equipping our pupils with the tools and confidence needed to navigate responsibly and shape the world of tomorrow. 

Year 6 Motivational Workshop
  • Prep School News

This week, Year 6 focused on their wellbeing with a wonderful workshop led by Tyrese. Full of positive energy, he guided the children in exploring their own inner strength and self-belief.

The session was packed with valuable tools for life, from nurturing a positive mindset to building the resilience to face challenges calmly and confidently. Our pupils left feeling empowered, with a renewed sense of self-worth and some brilliant affirmations to support them every day!

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