Learn about Lorenden

Lorenden Prep School was born out of the passion and perseverance of a group of hardworking staff and parents of the previous Nativity School in Sittingbourne. Seeking premises for a new school this intrepid group set about finding the perfect location for a small, independent school and so Lorenden Prep School was founded at ‘Lorenden’ in Painters’ Forstal.  It is a testament to the ongoing community spirit of the school that some founder members of the school still work at Lorenden Prep School today. 

June 1993

Planning permission granted at Lorenden

To great excitement, planning was finally granted in June 1993 to allow the beautiful Georgian house, ‘Lorenden’, in Painter’s Forstal to become an independent Prep School for not more than one hundred and twenty pupils.  Work began by the founding members to turn the premises into a suitable educational establishment.

September 1993

Lorenden opens its doors to pupils for the first time

Over one hundred pupils were on the roll of the school as it opened for the very first time in September 1993, under the direction of their Headmistress, Mrs Anne Hannaford.

January 2010

Lorenden joins IAPS

Lorenden Prep School's Head becomes a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, on behalf of the school.  Membership is dependent on the school fulfilling a number of criteria, assuring parents of the quality of the education their child is receiving.  Membership, held by the Head on behalf of the school, continues to the present day.

October 2010

Lorenden opens its new building

In October 2010, The Right Honourable Hugh Robertson MP formally opened the school’s new building which comprised a spacious hall, changing rooms and two further classrooms.

April 2015

Lorenden joins MIST

Lorenden Prep School joins the Methodist Independent Schools Trust and becomes part of a larger network of schools with a strong sense of caring, an unpretentious approach and a desire for children to grow up as honest and happy individuals. Links become closer with Kent College, Canterbury through this relationship.

May 2016

Forest School starts at Lorenden

Under the direction of a Forest School qualified member of staff, Forest School begins at the school, using the school’s grounds and the forty acres of Trustlands backing on to the school’s playing fields.

September 2016

Mrs Kathy Uttley

joins Lorenden Prep School as the Headteacher

 

2018

25 Years of Lorenden

Lorenden celebrates its twenty-fifth birthday with a range of events, which begun with an exhibition on ‘A History of Lorenden and Painter’s Forstal’ held in the Faversham Fleur de Lis Museum during February.  The school is awarded 'Excellent' in all categories in its ISI Inspection.

September 2021

Mr Richard McIntosh joins as Headteacher