Business Details
Your Child's Journey Starts Here
Dolphin School is a modern, forward-thinking private school and nursery located in the heart of the Berkshire countryside between Wokingham and Reading. Established to provide a nurturing environment for children aged 3 to 13, our educational philosophy centers on the belief that children learn best when they are happy, secure, and inspired. We offer a learner-centred curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and individualized attention. Our dedicated team of subject specialists fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through small class sizes and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.We pride ourselves on our extensive trips programme, which includes over 124 days of day, residential, and walking trips annually, as well as 40 extra-curricular clubs that enrich our students' educational experiences. With a strong focus on core values such as freedom, discovery, challenge, confidence, and kindness, we prepare our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our impressive track record, with 25% of our 2011 cohort graduating from Oxbridge. We welcome families to explore what makes Dolphin a unique and transformative educational environment.
Services
Curriculum
Trips Programme
Learning Support
Clubs
Admissions
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes with subject specialist teaching from nursery upwards
- Our curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through 124+ annual trip days
- We provide 40 extra-curricular clubs for diverse student development
- Our teachers have freedom to explore topics as they arise organically
- 25% of our 2011 cohort graduated from Oxbridge universities
Services
Curriculum
Our learner-centred curriculum fosters critical thinking and individualized learning through small class sizes and subject specialist teaching. Students engage with core academic disciplines while developing analytical skills and curiosity. The programme emphasizes experiential learning, with historical analysis, scientific exploration, and creative expression forming key components of our educational approach.
Trips Programme
With over 124 days of educational excursions annually, our trips programme brings learning to life through hands-on experiences. Students participate in day trips, residential field studies, and adventure expeditions that reinforce classroom concepts while developing teamwork, resilience, and environmental awareness in diverse real-world settings.
Learning Support
We provide tailored learning support that addresses individual needs while maintaining high academic standards. Our approach combines personalized attention with inclusive teaching strategies, ensuring all students can access our challenging curriculum while developing confidence and independent learning skills.
Clubs
With 40 extra-curricular clubs available, students explore diverse interests beyond academics. These activities foster creativity, physical development, and social skills through structured programmes in arts, sports, technology, and community service that complement our core educational mission.
Admissions
Our transparent admissions process focuses on finding the right fit for each family. Through personal tours, taster days, and individual consultations, we help prospective parents understand our values-driven education while ensuring new students will thrive in our supportive learning environment.
People
Adam Hurst
Headmaster
Adam Hurst leads Dolphin School with a vision for experiential education that celebrates individuality. He champions teacher autonomy and student curiosity while maintaining rigorous academic standards. His leadership emphasizes warm relationships and values-driven learning.
Questions
What age groups does Dolphin School cater to?
We provide education for children aged 3 to 13, covering nursery through Year 11.
What makes Dolphin School's curriculum unique?
Our experiential curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, teacher autonomy, and 124+ annual trip days that bring subjects to life.
Are there extra-curricular activities available?
Yes, we offer 40 different clubs covering academic, creative, and physical pursuits for all interests.
How does Dolphin School support individual learning needs?
We provide personalized learning support while maintaining high academic expectations for all students.
What is the admissions process like?
We offer personal tours, taster days, and individual consultations to help families determine if Dolphin is the right fit.
Does Dolphin School offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide Year 9 bursaries to support access to our educational programme.
