Nestled in the grounds of Read School, our thriving Lower Junior School offers a bespoke and joyful start to your child’s academic journey. Comprising the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2), the Lower Junior School is a fun, safe, and nurturing department, designed to give children ‘the best possible start’ to their learning journey. We strive to foster curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning, helping pupils blossom into confident, independent learners.
The Lower Junior School provides a broad and challenging curriculum that develops both academic skills and personal strengths. We embrace a holistic approach to education that nurtures social and emotional growth, ensuring every child is supported in every aspect of their development. Pupils explore a diverse array of subjects taught by specialists who not only possess profound expertise but also radiate a contagious passion for their fields of study. They also make full use of specialist facilities for Art, Music, PE, and Drama, enhancing their learning experience.
Classrooms are bright, stimulating, and engaging, equipped with modern educational resources that allow children to access the tools they need for success. With small class sizes, our enthusiastic teachers provide each child with individual attention, ensuring that they receive the special care and support they deserve to build a strong foundation for their future education.
In keeping with Read School’s ethos of learning beyond the classroom, the Lower Junior School regularly organises educational visits to broaden pupils’ experiences. These trips, such as a recent visit to The Deep (March 2025), take place once every half-term, providing valuable hands-on learning outside the classroom environment.
Read School, Drax is passionate about ensuring our pupils are well-prepared for the next stages in their education. Assessments begin in a child’s first year and continue on a termly basis, allowing us to track each child's progress and adapt their learning pathways to meet their individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially, building the necessary foundation for future success.
Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in a variety of subjects, and through this, they develop a love for learning that stays with them as they progress through their academic journey. They are fully integrated into the whole-school community, participating in events such as Languages Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas and Easter concerts, and Commemoration Day. Pupils in Years 1 and 2 also join in with various Upper Juniors’ after-school and sporting activities, enhancing their social and academic experiences across the school.
Lower Juniors also perform regularly at church services, including the annual Harvest Festival and Christmas Carol Service, as well as in other whole-school events such as the Moloney Trust Concert and the annual Talent Show. The Lower Juniors consistently impress with their performances in the Christmas Nativity, Spring, and Summer concerts, showcasing their talents and enthusiasm.
The Lower Junior School benefits immensely from being part of an all-through school. While lessons are primarily taught by the dedicated LJS team, pupils also enjoy Art, Dance, PE, and Music lessons with Senior School teachers, further enriching their educational journey.