Paddington British School provides the heart of the arts to Woodlands area children

THE WOODLANDS, TX – When Nicolette Hardwicke arrived in The Woodlands in 1989, she carried with her a British accent, three children, a handful of credit cards – and a dream to build a school where children cried not because they had to come, but because they didn’t want to leave.

That dream became Paddington British School, The Woodlands’ first early childhood school to integrate the fine arts into every part of its curriculum. Long before it was common to hear classical music in preschool, Paddington’s children were learning about orchestral instruments, painting like the Masters, and discovering the grace of dance – a program that remains uniquely theirs to this day. Students also explore new languages, including Spanish and French, building not only knowledge but poise, cultural awareness, and confidence that last a lifetime.

“When I first started, people would ask, ‘Why classical music? What do children know about the orchestra?’ Hardwicke recalled. “I told them, ‘They don’t – but I’m planting a seed; and one day, they will.”

That seed has flourished for 37 years. Within Paddington’s charming storybook village – complete with the Gingerbread House, Paddington Train Station, Three Bears Cottage, and the Red Barn for Kindergarteners – thousands of children have discovered a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

The school’s curriculum combines the strength of the British education system with American innovation: reading and phonics alongside science, robotics, and STEM. At its heart lies the Fine Arts Program, included in every child’s tuition. Each month, students explore a different orchestral instrument, recreate masterpieces by famous artists, hear stories from celebrated authors, and experience surprise events that bring each theme to life.

“Additionally, at the heart of our program is something uniquely Paddington – the teaching of etiquette, where children learn the beauty of kindness, good manners, and respect for others,” Hardwicke proudly stated. “These values give our children not just knowledge, but grace and confidence that will serve them for life.”

The culmination of this learning comes with Paddington’s own stage productions of performances – including The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins, and The Wizard of Oz – that build confidence and bring out the best in every child. One former student, once new to music, even went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

The children’s talents extend beyond the classroom, as Paddington students proudly represent the school in community events such as The Children’s Festival, the Lighting of the Doves, Arts in the Park, and other patriotic performances.

“From the shyest child clinging to a parent’s leg to the one stepping proudly into the spotlight, I have watched transformation after transformation, and each one has taken my breath away,” said Hardwicke.

Today, as The Woodlands continues to expand its cultural and artistic horizons, the roots of that creativity trace back to a single seed planted in 1989 – a vision that transformed early childhood education in the community.

“As I look back across these 37 years, my heart is full,” said Hardwicke. “The laughter, the songs, the musicals, the courage, and the creativity that has filled our classrooms will live forever in my memory – and, I hope, in theirs.”

Through the laughter of children, the rhythm of dance, and the sound of time voices discovering music for the first time, Paddington British School remains a living testament to Nicolette Hardwicke's dream: “Come journey with us to the land of adventure and discovery.”

Paddington British School
2010 Sawdust Rd, The Woodlands
www.paddingtonbritishschool.com
281-292-0654

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