In the highly competitive world of the private school sector you need something that sets your institution apart to make the savvy fee-paying parent look twice.

All schools stress the emphasis on the core subjects of English, mathematics and science, then perhaps add in the likes of their stunning facilities or sporting alumnus. Wycliffe Prep School can also add something else into the mix.

That special ingredient is creativity - with the Gloucestershire school emphasising the impact of creativity on the development of children in their early years by also embracing and celebrating the creative subjects.

Albert Einstein, no less, said: "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science."

At Wycliffe the youngest children, aged two to six years, have weekly sessions in art and music alongside the structured lessons and curriculum.

As well as structured lessons students are also taught to draw, paint and sculpt anything they choose and in music, as well as learning to play an instrument, they are encouraged to compose and perform.

"A creative approach within lessons is something that the staff at Wycliffe aim to provide," said a spokesperson for the school.

"During a recent history lesson teaching the children how the fire of London started included building a model of Pudding Lane and burning it (safely) in front of the children.

"For any child who may learn visually, this type of teaching is very effective, and makes for a more memorable moment.

"We are fortunate to have a national expert on handwriting here at Wycliffe Prep and can therefore offer children the chance to improve their writing in a creative way, for example making letter shapes with ribbons, using chalk in the playground, or making letters in sand.

"School should be safe space for children to feel that they can flourish. The prep school always feels alive with children taking part in all sorts of extra-curricular activities in which each individual can find their own passion.

"At Wycliffe we offer a wide range of activities such as craft club, fashion design and knitting to truly spark imaginations."

It is these skills, it feels strongly, which will add resilience and serve the students well in later life.

In a recent article on the respected Forbes business website Dr Pragya Agarwal, a creative strategist, social entrepreneur, wrote: "Entrepreneurship requires passion, determination, a certain doggedness, and the ability to innovate.

"Running a small or medium enterprise takes a huge equal amount of courage and a pinch of madness too (I speak from experience!). However, the most important attribute ought to be creativity."

To find out more about Wycliffe telephone 01453 820471  or visit https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/.