English is fundamental in securing success across the curriculum and its skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are essential life skills. Despite being an active and developing language, the fundamentals remain the same and, as a subject, English aims to teach literacy; the state of being able to read and write. In addition to this, it aims to impart the skills that enable pupils to think for themselves and to express their feelings and ideas effectively. It should also strive to teach an appreciation of how others think, feel and express their ideas.

Vitally, the study of English allows us to study the stories of past, present and future, fantasy and reality, myth and legend, tales of different cultures and traditions and in many forms and styles which can help us learn more about ourselves, about other people and about the world in which we live.

This is why the study of English is at the core of Cranleigh Preparatory School's curriculum.