Personal Development

We want every child at Princess May to feel happy, safe and valued, and to leave us as a confident, kind and responsible young person who is ready for the next stage of their life. Personal development runs through our curriculum, our school values of Respect, Empathy and Determination, and the wide range of opportunities we offer beyond the classroom.

Our personal development curriculum

Every class has weekly PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) lessons, including Relationships and Health Education, and regular circle times where children can talk about social and emotional issues. Our PSHE curriculum covers families and relationships, health and wellbeing, keeping safe and the changing body, citizenship, economic wellbeing and transition, taught in an age-appropriate way from the Early Years to Year 6. See our PSHE Curriculum Overview 2026–27 (PDF) and PSHE Progression Map 2026–27 (PDF).

Through our curriculum, assemblies and visits, children learn about the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, and develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally (SMSC). Carefully chosen core texts help children understand and celebrate diversity, including different families and identities.

Character, leadership and pupil voice

Children have many chances to lead and to have their say. Our School Council and Pupil Curriculum Focus Group give pupils a voice in improving their school, and our pupil leaders – Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Pupil Librarians and Wellbeing Ambassadors – take on real responsibilities. Playground Buddies are trained in conflict resolution to help other children sort out problems.

Health and wellbeing

We teach children how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy, including how to eat well, stay active and manage their feelings using the Zones of Regulation. Children can get extra support from our Connect Ed therapist and from a specialist WAMHS (Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools) practitioner. Find out more on our Wellbeing and Mental Health page.

Children also learn how to recognise risks online and offline and where to get help – see our Online Safety and Safeguarding pages.

Wider opportunities

We want every child to have a wide range of experiences. Every half term, each class has an educational visit or workshop, and our 11 Before 11 programme gives every child eleven memorable experiences before they leave us – from a trip to Kidzania to a Year 6 residential. Visits to places such as the Houses of Parliament bring learning about democracy to life, and our long-established links with Voces8 give children the chance to take part in singing and opera workshops.

We have a specialist teacher to deliver our ambitious music curriculum, ensuring all children, regardless of background, experience high-quality music tuition. Our clubs, including Eco-Club, Coding Club and Choir, are well attended, and we regularly raise money for charities such as Oxfam and Children in Need. See our Enrichment page for more.

Aspirations and the world of work

Although careers education is only statutory in secondary schools, we believe it is important for children to see the range of jobs open to them. During World of Work Week, organised by Inspire! and funded by Linklaters, pupils take part in careers-focused activities, projects and visits with employers and organisations. Inspire Enterprise Week and visits such as Kidzania help children understand what they need to do to reach their goals.

Preparing for the next stage

We prepare children carefully for each move in their education: from Nursery to Reception, Reception to Year 1, Year 2 to Year 3, and Year 6 to secondary school, including special schools. We have strong links with local secondary schools.

Every child included

All children, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities, take part fully in our clubs, trips and enrichment activities. We fundraise to help families with the cost of visits, and our Inclusion and SEND team makes sure every child gets the support they need.