Happy Birthday Pre-Prep!

Home to the youngest of Dragons

When Roger Trafford became Head of the Dragon in 1993, he brought with him a vision: to enable younger children to experience the unique spirit of the School. The opportunity arrived sooner than expected. In 1994, the Crescent School announced its closure, and as word spread, parents began expressing their hope that the Dragon might extend its provision to its youngest Dragons yet.

Just months later, the Dragon submitted a bid for the property. The news was revealed in unforgettable fashion during the Junior Christmas Party of 1994, Roger stepped to the back of Lynam Hall and announced that the bid had been successful. 

The early years of Lynams were filled with moments that have become part of Dragon folklore. Pre‑Prep Head Iona Smith (1999–2004) often spoke of the excitement of the Millennium celebrations, when Year 3 travelled to the Millennium Dome while Lynams created their own “Dome at Home.” One child summed up the day perfectly: “At home time I wish I didn’t have to leave.”

Jennifer Wilson, the first Pre‑Prep Head (1995–1999), captured the spirit of that inaugural year in The Draconian, writing: “There are not enough ways of saying thank you in English when it needs to be a big one… Thank you for the first year of great fun and promise at Lynams. We look forward to the next.”

In 2005, Lynams celebrated its 10th anniversary with a day of reflection and joy. Former Heads Jennifer Wilson and Iona Smith joined Roger Trafford, governors, and colleagues for an assembly filled with songs and shared memories. The celebrations continued with circus fun for older children, a puppet workshop for younger ones, and the release of ten balloons, each carrying a child’s handwritten name.