Dr Simon Camby recently visited Breaside Prep School, UK. He reflects on how the school balances tradition with forward-looking values to nurture resilient, curious, independent, and respectful global citizens.

Last week, I visited Breaside Prep School in Bromley. This visit made me reflect as this is a school I have known and respected for over ten years. At first glance, Breaside appears every inch the traditional English prep school: smart uniforms, well-mannered children, high standards, and a clear sense of structure and order. In my view, this is factually Breaside.

But alongside this, Breaside is a place where aspiration and being outward-looking shines through all they do. The school isn’t only preparing children for academic and personal success in the next stage of their education; it is equipping them to thrive as global citizens.

In a world where people so often jump to binary distinctions of ‘this or that’, I am convinced that we can easily exist in a place of ‘this and that’. Breaside Prep lives this beautifully.

As you walk in and out of classrooms there is always a buzz with children so eager to tell you about their learning. This week I spent some time talking to James, Manisha, Rhea and Thomas, Breaside’s Head Boys and Girls in Year 6. In this conversation we talked about Breaside’s four values and what this means in real terms for them.

Resilience

“Nothing is impossible. There will be things we cannot do now. That’s OK. But resilience is a mindset about being able to have a go. I can see this in my work in school and when I am playing rugby. Just being willing to have a go and risk failing.” (James)

Curiosity

“This is about asking questions. No question is silly or not worth asking. Curiosity leads to new learning; and things you did not know before.” (Rhea)

Independence

“We see this a lot as we get older. We are now the oldest in the school and that comes with responsibility. We have many opportunities to be independent as leaders. Our leadership roles mean that we are role models and this means that people show trust in you and also expect things from you.” (Thomas)

Respect

“This is about how we are with others. We smile, we show good manners. We have jobs in school that show respect by helping people. Every small thing makes a big difference.” (Manisha)

My reflection, is that at Breaside the values are not a sign on a wall, they are woven into the fabric of daily life. Tradition offers young people stability, structure, and a sense of belonging. Modernity offers them the skills and outlook they need to navigate an uncertain, interconnected and rapidly evolving world. Brought together, these forces create an education that is both rooted and dynamic, respectful of heritage while open to the future.

We should resist the temptation to see these as contradictions. Instead, we can embrace the creative tension between them. In doing so, we give children the best chance not just to succeed in exams, but to grow into the kind of people the world most needs. For me, Breaside children model this superbly.