Excalibur Academies Trust was created with the vision of providing all through education from age two to eighteen. In June 2018 that vision became a reality when Burbage Preschool joined the trust. Parents can be absolutely secure in the knowledge that their child, joining Burbage Preschool at age two, will be educated at an Excalibur academy right through to sixth form at St John’s Marlborough. Dr Patrick Hazlewood, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust said, “This is a truly significant and really exciting moment for the Trust as we fully realise our vision of creating a seamless educational journey for the Excalibur child, transitioning from preschool right through to sixth form. The benefits of a family of schools working together not only improves outcomes for students it also creates a supportive team environment and career development path for staff.” 

Burbage Preschool was inspected by Ofsted in May and judged to be good in all areas, the Ofsted inspector commented that, “Children arrive happy and settle quickly into the warm and welcoming preschool. Staff have a good understanding of how young children learn and plan a range of stimulating activities based in children’s current interests.” 

Children at Burbage Preschool with their Excalibur swords

Located on the Burbage Primary School site the preschool provides lots of stimulating, fun and creative activities both indoors and outside designed to ensure that the curriculum covers all aspects of the Early Learning Goals. Close involvement with the primary school ensures a smooth transition however great care is taken not to lose the excitement of going to ‘big school’.