Surrey

<p class="p1">This school is not currently reviewed in the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/">Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide</a>.</p>

An international day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-18 set on a stunning 128-acre campus. Non-selective and pastorally strong, there's a strong community feel.

ACS International School, Cobham

<p>This school is not currently reviewed in the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/">Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide</a>.</p>

For an international education, you'll struggle to get better than the ACS International School in Egham.

ACS International School, Egham

This forward-thinking Cambridge day and boarding college specialises in helping international and local students achieve their academic potential and secure places in top universit...

Abbey College, Cambridge

Looking for an all-through school that offers a supportive, nurturing environment, while developing confident leaders in preparation for Sixth Form? Try Abbot's Hill with its spaci...

Abbot&#8217;s Hill, Hemel Hempstead

<p>This school is not currently reviewed in the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/">Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide</a>.</p>

An co-ed independent specialist day school for children aged 7-16 years.

Abbot&#8217;s Way School, near Glastonbury

An innovative approach to learning which includes a unique and bespoke curriculum helps put this co-ed prep school in a class of its own.

Aberdour School, Burgh Heath, near Tadworth

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students on running track" class="wp-image-195388" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Abingdon Prep is a popular co-ed school for pupils aged 4 – 13 yrs, located in the village of Frilford (just outside Abingdon). The generous rural 50-acre site has plenty of room for its 200 pupils to dash around in, with the elegant Frilford House at its heart. Think an Elizabethan take on an 18th century country house, with a clutch of modern additions that have made an attractive ‘quad’ as the school has grown.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Founded in 1956 as Josca’s, a boys’ school, the Prep became part of the Abingdon Foundation with Abingdon School (day and boarding, 11 – 18 yrs) in 1998, with 90% of pupils going onto the Senior school. The Prep now accepts boys and girls throughout. The school takes in single Pre-Prep classes (Reception to Y2) and two for Y3 upwards. Class sizes are small – a maximum of 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>Plenty, thanks! Since the school became part of the Abingdon Foundation, there have been waves of development, most recently in 2022. The new Music School had the knock-on effect of allowing the library to expand. It’s a lovely space for the kids and it now includes a collegiate style break out area for the older pupils that any Senior school would be proud to have. There’s a dedicated STEM lab for Junior 5 and below, and a clever use of the well-maintained outdoor play areas to give Pre-Prep, Middle and Senior School their own zones.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students playing on field" class="wp-image-195391" /></figure>



<p>Sport is a BIG DEAL at Abingdon Prep where a competitive streak (the silverware in the atrium shout success) runs parallel to a genuine sport-for-all philosophy. There’s been success in football and cross country (the school reached National Finals in both), as well as cricket with numerous county representatives across the year groups, but netball, swimming, rugby, hockey and a raft of niche opportunities such as fencing, rifle shooting, golf, archery, water polo and even indoor skiing gives everyone the chance to find their talent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The school is committed to co-ed sports with girls and boys training together and teams picked on genderless merit. There are currently girls in the football team, for example. All pupils have two games sessions, a PE lesson and a swimming lesson each week, so if you want your kids moving and active – honey, you’re in the right place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts">THE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students playing guitar" class="wp-image-195389" /></figure>



<p>The ribbon was cut on a dedicated Music School here in 2022, and it’s fair to say it’s turbo-charged the Performing Arts. Around 50% of pupils learn musical instruments, with a clever encouragement of a range of instruments including mini bassoon and cello so it can have its own Symphony Orchestra (no mean feat for a school of 200). There are 15 music clubs on offer, including a jazz band and no-audition choir alongside fun additions like Bucket Drumming and Karaoke Choir Club which probably tells you all you need to know about the music department’s ethos of instilling a love of music for all.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Above the Music School is a large Art department, offering painting, drawing, ceramics and printmaking along with pottery (there’s a wheel and kiln here) and – the art teacher’s speciality – print making. In the summer term for Y5 and Y6, Art Club becomes Photography Club. There’s also a replete DT room on this floor that’s wildly popular. It offers two DT clubs, an annual Design Challenge and even a Mini Makers class for the Pre-Prep.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s a multi-use hall with its own staging for school drama and events, although Abingdon School’s 450-seater Amey Theatre is the flash option for drama productions. All year groups undertake performances across the year with Drama taught as part of the academic curriculum from Reception to Year 6 and performing arts in Years 7 and 8. This year, pupils in Years 5 and 6 are doing <em>Bah! Humbug </em>and there are music concerts and performances galore throughout each term.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195392" /></figure>



<p>Abingdon Prep feeds around 90% of pupils into the academically strong Abingdon School, supporting them through the transition with a mix of tracking, learning support, and scholarship classes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lessons veer towards the traditional Prep offering here, with Latin being taught ​​for two terms from&nbsp;Y6, and French as the main language, with Spanish offered as a club. There are specialist teachers across DT, Art, Music and PE from Y5 and by Y6 it’s specialists across the board. Offers for places in Year 9 at Abingdon Senior School are made in Year 5. All that said, Abingdon Prep has a refreshingly explicit recognition that academics aren’t everything. ‘The Other Half’ is a genius name for the co-curricular activities at the school. A clear message that academic success is only half the story, and that ‘the other half’ is what makes you a well-rounded person. To that end there are over 85 clubs for children to choose from, the (insanely popular) DT club to War Hammer, ​water polo ​to speed typing and the children are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone and try new things.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195393" /></figure>



<p>Abingdon Prep is piping hot on wellbeing, starting with a dedicated Deputy Head of Pastoral, and taking in the Form teacher, a full-time nurse, and a once-a-week counsellor (who’s also trained as a family psychologist) for one-to-one sessions with children and also parents at no extra cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students and teacher" class="wp-image-195394" /></figure>



<p>I’m also loving the school’s Listening Service – every morning and afternoon break time there’s a Mental Health First Aid qualified teacher in the library (sometimes the Head) who the kids can talk to about any issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Add in a Health &amp; Wellbeing Coordinator (workshops for pupils, webinars for parents), a Young Leadership scheme with peer mentoring, and a weekly Manners &amp; Kindness nod for those living the motto <em>‘Be Kind, Work Hard, Get Involved’ </em>– and you’ve got more scaffolding than the London skyline.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<p>The Pre-Prep children (Reception – Y2) have their own series of light, bright rooms, full of art and cute breakout spaces like the Reading Garden. Emotional literacy starts early here with a ‘Self-Regulation Station’ where the children can express how they’re feeling through choosing different monsters. There’s Forest School every week, and mini leadership opportunities with their own Eco Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195395" /></figure>



<p>There’s dedicated Prep school SENDCo who is a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) with learning support available from​​ Y2 onwards. This happens where possible within the class although one-to-one sessions are also available, at an additional cost from Years 3 to 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students with teacher" class="wp-image-195386" /></figure>



<p>Craig Williams has been the Head here since 2017 but has just departed to go to head up Wrekin Prep School, Shropshire. He saw through major changes such as the Music School build, the move to co-ed and a closer integration between staff – case in point, the Music, Art and DT teachers who can collaborate so much easier from the same building.  </p>



<p>His successor is Nicky Black, who I’ve previously met in her role of Head of Cokethorpe Prep. Like Williams she has a mix of strategic smarts and empathetic delivery, so it feels like a strong appointment.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>It’s first name terms for teachers here! There are only a few schools I visit that do this but without fail I always think it creates a palpable trust and warmth between pupils and staff, so I’d say that’s a big plus.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Also, a bit unusual is that there’s a lack of hierarchy amongst the children. Yes, there are heads of house and sports captains, but there’s no Head Girl or Head Boy here, and all children do tours, not carefully selected or coached ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not exactly a quirk but unusual and lovely to see is the hugely enthusiastic pupil-run diversity council, JEDI (Junior Equity Diversity and Inclusion group). Its job is to promote support, understanding and kindness amongst the pupils and, having spoken to a couple of the kids, they take it <em>very </em>seriously.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>Happy reading with this <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Abingdon-Prep-School-Report-v5.1-2023-06-08-1-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISI inspection report</a> from May 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>There’s a no-mobile phone rule on site.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195397" /></figure>



<p>Not as early as some, but still a decent swing at a full day’s commute for parents, with drop off from 8am (no charge) and pick up from 5pm for Reception children and 6pm for the rest of the school (£2.50 – £4).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<p>There’s no boarding at the Prep, but from the age of 13 pupils can board at Abingdon School.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>With the majority of children here coming from within a 20-mile radius, there’s a comprehensive bus service, bookable up to midnight the night before from any location.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Most parents are positive about the move to co-ed – it’s been a bloodless revolution by all accounts! They’re also keen on the academic success and individual care lavished on their children. That said, life here moves at pace – it’s an action-packed Prep where you’ll need to embrace the buzz. The kids tell me the lunches are very good; gap student Barney is awesome; and plenty of teachers are name-checked as being particularly nice (Jane! Russell! Danielle!). One gripe from the pupils is that they’d like more Art – I’m sure that will make its way from the school council to the Head soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Pretty reasonable for Oxfordshire. Prices are £5,035 for Reception moving to £7,675 for Y7-Y8, <em>inclusive </em>of VAT and lunch. There are bursaries of up to 100% available for Y7 and above for those who have accepted a place at the Senior School.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Ambitious families with eyes on the Senior school prize – around 90% of pupils move up to the coveted Abingdon School, making this route a no-brainer. A nurturing, outdoorsy prep with academic bite, and an unrivalled co-curricular offering, big-hearted values and all the space and sparkle of its 50-acre rural campus.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Academics are highly valued here so if you think your child may struggle to keep up the pace, it might be worth looking elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>WANT TO SEE FOR YOURSELF? </strong>Be my guest! Please check out all the upcoming events <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/admissions/visit-abingdon-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a> The next Open Morning is <strong>Fri 1 May</strong>. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abingdon Prep School</a>, Josca's House, Kingston Rd, Frilford, Abingdon OX13 5NX</em> </p>

This nurturing, popular co-ed school for pupils aged 4-13 years sits just outside of Abingdon and boasts big-hearted values as well as an unrivalled co-curricular offering. 

Abingdon Prep, Abingdon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-12.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School " class="wp-image-195400" /></figure>



<p>This highly regarded day and boarding school in Abingdon, known for its strong all-rounder offering, has undergone something of a metamorphosis over the last few years. In 1997 it added a Prep School (formerly Josca’s, now called Abingdon Prep as part of the Abingdon Foundation) to create a through-school offering; and in Sept 2026, it becomes co-ed, welcoming girls in the first year and Sixth Form with girls joining in the third year from 2028.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>This review focuses on the Senior school, which you’ll find tucked away near the centre of the ancient market town of Abingdon (about 15 mins’ drive from central Oxford) in 35 acres of grounds. One of the oldest schools in the UK, Abingdon School was founded in the 13<sup>th</sup> Century, before moving to its current site in 1870. The buildings are handsome – one grand Victorian red brick mansion along with a raft of sympathetic contemporary additions. There’s a relatively large cohort of 1080 pupils here, with around 90% of pupils from the 200-strong Abingdon Prep making the move up each year. Class sizes hover around a manageable 24 up until Sixth Form, so although it’s academically fast-paced, there’s plenty of attention too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students" class="wp-image-195408" /></figure>



<p>Sport is one of Abingdon School’s strong cards and it has the facilities to prove it. A colossal Sports Centre, completed in 2008, will put your local municipal to shame with two gyms, its eight lane indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, two squash courts, ergo room, fitness studio and physio suite. A multi-use sports area primarily for tennis, opened in 2016, and a second multi-use area featuring netball, basketball and netball courts is currently under construction. Rowing is a major sport here – the school has its own snazzy boat club about a mile from the school, and the J14 A crew won the National Schools Regatta in May 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are tons of playing fields for rugby, football, athletics and hockey utilising onsite pitches but also nearby Tilsley Park Athletics Ground and Abingdon Prep School’s Fields. In preparation for the girls’ arrival, a new Assistant Director of Sport was appointed in September 2025. Netball has been added to the sporting offer and The plan is to develop all girls sport so it is on an equal footing with the provision for current pupils - this will include cricket, football and hockey, as well as developing activities such as rock climbing, dance and fencing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts">THE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-11.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students performing school play" class="wp-image-195401" /></figure>



<p>There’s a dedicated Arts Centre here for music and drama, including the 450-seat commercial Amey Theatre for performances. There are fifteen large ensembles including three orchestras, three string ensembles, two Jazz bands three choirs, 14 pupil rock bands, alongside a rich and varied programme of Chamber music, (pupils recently performed at the Holywell Music Rooms in Oxford, said to be the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Europe), and open mic events. The emphasis is on helping pupils to find the music that’s right for them.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-8.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students playing instruments" class="wp-image-195404" /></figure>



<p>Around 35% of pupils play a musical instrument in school. The Art department has its own floor in Beech Court, which also holds the library and Sixth Form Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general">GENERAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-6.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students science experiment" class="wp-image-195406" /></figure>



<p>Put on that white lab coat, you’re going to be busy. The Yang Science Centre has put a rocket up the sciences since it opened in 2015 with its 21 (21!!!) science labs, so if STEM is your child’s passion, you’re in the right place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s a replete library here, and nice to see there’s a Lower School common room as well as a smart Sixth Form Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-9.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students in front of school" class="wp-image-195403" /></figure>



<p>Abingdon School is fertile ground for children with academic chops. There have been 40 Oxbridge places offered to Abingdon pupils in the last three years, and grades for GSCEs and A levels are consistently high. In 2025 for GSCEs, 45% pupils gained top grade 9s (A*), 72% gained 9-8 (A*), and 87% were awarded 9-7 (A*-A). For A Levels it was a similar story - 72% pupils gained A*-A, 89% A*-B, 98% gained A*-C.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most pupils study 10 GCSES and, unusually these days, all three sciences are compulsory. There are some funky GCSE options including Electronics, Greek, Mandarin, Philosophy &amp; Theology and even Astronomy, while A Levels offers Government &amp; Politics, Psychology and Business Studies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, academics are only half the story here. The ‘Other Half’ – literally – is about balancing out academic study with over 150 different societies, clubs and interests. More than lip service, ‘The Other Half’ is integrated into the curriculum, with everything from Bellringing and Architecture Clubs to Sailing and Cooking for Students and is a real calling card for the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-7.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students with teacher learning" class="wp-image-195405" /></figure>



<p>No decent school these days can dare to drop a ball on pastoral care, and Abingdon has all the checks and balances in place. There’s a full time (non-teaching) Head of Wellbeing with experience in mental health, and every single member of staff here is mental health first aid trained. A team of school counsellors can be contacted directly by the children. There’s a Pets As Therapy dog, and the Chaplain is also on hand to help.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<p>There are three boarding houses&nbsp;integrating the 150 or so boarders with day pupils. With that in mind there’s a rolling programme of improving the boarding houses (think homely, not designer), with pupils from Year 11 upwards getting their own rooms. Boarding is weekly or termly.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior-1.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students" class="wp-image-195411" /></figure>



<p>Around 18% of the school cohort have an identified special educational need so even though the pace of academic work zips along here, there’s scaffolding in place for those who need it, with a dedicated Academic Support Department who tailor their approach to each student’s level of need. The main forms of intervention include small study groups, one to one lessons (organised&nbsp; on a rotational basis to minimise disruption to the curriculum) and review of exam arrangements and performance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<p>Michael Windsor has been nine years in the top spot and, blimey, he’s been a busy man. He’s overseen some serious facility upgrades, will take the school co-ed in 2026 and has developed a stronger role in the community, partnering with other local schools as part of the OX14 Learning Partnership. His view is that Abingdon School is an “academically ambitious co-ed with a real focus on the Other Half” and that elevator pitch is clearly having an impact – no dip in numbers here despite the VAT malaise and national parent panic. Friendly but professional when we meet, there’s clearly more to him than smart strategy; his own ‘Other Half’ CV includes being a linguist and playing double bass in classical and jazz ensembles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Changes depending on year group. First and Second Years are permitted to have ‘brick’ phones (no smart phones) which they hand in at the beginning of the school day. Middle School students can bring their phones to school but must turn them off by 8.30am and not be seen or heard until the end of the day. Sixth Formers may use phones during the school day but must not use them in lessons without permission, and must avoid using their phone in front of younger pupils.&nbsp;View the school's policy<a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/about/school-policies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here. </a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-School-Senior.jpg" alt="Abingdon Senior School students" class="wp-image-195412" /></figure>



<p>Not many schools can boast a history going back to the 13<sup>th</sup> Century – Abingdon School is the 12<sup>th</sup> oldest school in the UK, which is going some!&nbsp; In more recent history, Lacies Court, where the Head lives, was in the 1940s the home of the atomic spy, Klaus Fuchs, who was lodging there as a Harwell scientist.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Abingdon-EQI-report-v5-2023-06-12-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most recent report is from 2023</a> with all standards met and excellence across the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Easy peasy. There’s a <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Abingdon-Maps-2025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bus service</a> (JBS), which is bookable up to midnight for the following day and brings in kids from as far as Hungerford, Swindon and Bicester. There are also excellent public bus routes and train stations in nearby Radley and, of course, Oxford.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Not cheap my friend, but then this is one of the best schools in Oxfordshire (which is saying something). Including lunches and VAT, day fees are £9500 per term, weekly boarding is £15,810 and full boarding is £19,375. There are bursaries available – currently 74 students benefit from a subsidy on their fees of up to 100%.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>It’s the mix of academics and ‘the other half’ that parents love about this school, the sense of their kids getting a balanced all-rounder grounding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Smart, sociable kids ready to grasp their opportunities are going to fly here. The school’s all-rounder ethos means there are great opportunities across sports and the arts. Parents with both boys and girls can now bung them both in one place – result.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> The academic pace is fast so if you think your child could be bumping along the bottom, it might be worth looking elsewhere. The school will be fully co-ed by 2030 but for the next few years the girls will be pioneers.</p>



<p><strong>Fancy a visit? </strong>Be my guest! There are plenty of opportunities to visit throughout the year, so keep your eyes out on the <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/admissions/visit-abingdon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> for the next upcoming dates. There's plenty happening during May and June 2026, with Open Days from <strong>Sat 9 May</strong> to <strong>Fri 19 June</strong>. <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/admissions/visit-abingdon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book your spot here</a>. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Abingdon School,</em></a><em> Park Rd, Abingdon OX14 1DE.</em>&nbsp;</p>

An independent day and boarding school for children aged 11 to 18 years old in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.  The school, along with Abingdon Prep School, make up the Abingdon Foundation....

Abingdon School, Abingdon

A nurturing Quaker co-ed day and boarding school that’s big on inclusion, inspiration and individuality.

Ackworth School, Pontefract, Yorkshire

A friendly, inclusive non-selective three-site nursery, junior and senior day school close to Milton Keynes, taking boys and girls from age 1-18 in an attractive rural setting.

Akeley Wood School, Nr Buckingham

A co-ed day school for children aged 2-18 yrs in Aberdeen, Scotland. 

Albyn School, Aberdeen

<p>This school is not currently reviewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/">Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide</a>.</p>

A Co-ed day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, in Elstree, Hertfordshire. 

Aldenham School, Elstree, Hertfordshire

One of the most highly regarded prep and boarding schools in the south-east - pupils go on to the likes of Eton, Harrow and Charterhouse. It's small, with a big family feel.

Aldro School, Shackleford

This Pre-prep and Prep teaches kindness and humility alongside a curriculum that propels pupils into happy and successful futures. In September 2025 it began transitioning to co-ed...

Aldwickbury School, Harpenden

A down-to-earth co-ed prep school in gorgeous grounds with a fabulous all-rounder offering, Amesbury School is vibrant and nurturing, and achieves outstanding results. Impressive.

Amesbury School, Hindhead

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-5.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65014" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h4>



<p>A few miles from Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, Ardingly lies within easy reach of Gatwick Airport and a doddle to get to from London making it a highly appealing prospect for local, London and international pupils. The village-like campus of top-notch facilities is surrounded by 240 acres of glorious Sussex countryside and wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard. Given the academic excellence, strong pastoral support, plethora of opportunities and inclusive, holistic feel of the place, you’ll definitely wish you (or rather, your child) were here.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-15-resized.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65015" /></figure>



<p>Ardingly has a generous amount of land and facilities at the disposal of its 1,048 pupils and they’re intuitively arranged. The littlies – nursery to year 2 – are housed within a truly delightful farmyard of sympathetically-converted buildings, known as the Farmhouse and including an actual former pigsty, barn and cowshed. With plenty of outdoor space, including small sports pitches and forest school, and lovely airy buildings it’s a magical self contained space devoted to childhood, although qualified teachers work here alongside early years professionals to give the children a head start.</p>



<p>The little ones also use plenty of the rest of the school’s very grown-up facilities including the indoor swimming pool, sports hall and also visit the science labs and chapel.</p>



<p>Year 3-6 prep students are housed in the main school block with their own library, drama studios and light and airy art department. The senior school facilities tick all boxes – spacious, well-designed, user-friendly and kitted out with all mod cons, from the professional-looking science labs to the drama rehearsal studios and music school complete with rehearsal room and peripatetic teaching spaces.</p>



<p>The sizeable chapel has a reflective and reverential feel, and the acoustics are wonderful, as ably demonstrated by a group of prep pupils belting out a number from The Lion King when Muddy visited. The library is reassuringly packed with books and pretty much free of screens - all senior school pupils have their own Surface laptop as part of the school's digital learning strategy.</p>



<p>The school has plenty of space for drama and performances, including The Under, a beautiful vaulted performance space. Long-term, there are plans for a theatre.</p>



<p>We’ll get to sport shortly, but suffice to say there are pitches, fields and courts aplenty spread about the site. As befits a rural college, green space abounds and as well as a Forest School in the woods, the college campus features beautiful pathways through unspoiled woodlands, a stunning pond which is used by pupils for various fun and team-building activities, landscaped gardens (the headmaster’s garden is a sight to behold) a lovely wellbeing garden and plenty of other spaces for the pupils to use for study, socialising or just relaxing. Just down the road is Ardingly Reservoir which is a hotbed of watersport activities.</p>



<p>The Upper Sixth have their own dedicated building, Godwin Hall, which has a really grown-up, hall-of-residence feel to it and has study spaces as well as common room complete with pool and table tennis tables and (sssshhh) a bar for responsible Upper Sixth fun.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SPORT</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-9.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65016" /></figure>



<p>The large and picturesque cricket pitch in front of the main school building gives the entrance to the college something of a village green feel. There’s no shortage of sports facilities here, from the two all-weather hockey pitches, dance studios, swimming pool and six tennis courts to the acres of football, rugby and cricket fields, some of which are a decent walk away so pupils will certainly get fit! A new state of the art strength and conditioning centre has gone down a storm with pupils and staff alike.</p>



<p>Traditionally Ardingly excels in hockey and football, for girls and boys, and there are plenty of clubs and activities on top of the usual footie, netball, athletics and cricket so that students can have a crack at equestrianism, sailing, rowing, fencing, golf, climbing and plenty more.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">CREATIVE ARTS</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-4.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65017" /></figure>



<p>Muddy loves an art studio and the ones at Ardingly do not disappoint. Light and airy spaces packed full of top-quality work and shelves stacked with enticing materials for all manner of arty pursuits and a darkroom for photography.</p>



<p>Drama lovers will be happy with the opportunities on offer, which include LAMDA exams and a range of performances throughout the year including a whole-school performance which alternates yearly between a musical and a play. Recent productions have included 9 to 5, Matilda and Dracula.</p>



<p>Music is a real strength, whether students are bursting with musical talent or just interested in trying something new. There are choirs, orchestras and ensembles galore as well as opportunities to learn instruments and masterclasses from professional musicians ranging from local rock bands to national opera singers and ensembles throughout the year. The music school features a whizzy tech suite and music library as well as recording studio, practice and ensemble rooms and a recital space. Musicians also get the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues including St Johns Smith Square and Westminster Abbey.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ACADEMIC</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-10.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65018" /></figure>



<p>This year was yet another record year for GCSEs at Ardingly and at Sixth Form where A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) and BTEC qualifications are on offer. Of the A-Level takers, 85% were graded at A*-B, with the IB cohort scoring an average of 40.1, placing it in the top 5 schools in the UK (and the top 10 globally) for the IB. GCSE results saw over three-quarters of grades hitting 9-7, while more than half were 9s and 8s. Most sixth form leavers go on to study at Russell Group universities. </p>



<p>Alongside the academic curriculum, Ardingly runs an enrichment programme that offers students more than 100 activities a week, ranging from life skills to academic, arts and crafts, wellbeing, sport and much more.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BOARDING AND PASTORAL CARE</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-7-resized.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65019" /></figure>



<p>Ardingly offers flexi, weekly and full boarding for pupils from year 7 all the way through to sixth form and boarders are a mix of UK and international. Boarding houses are separate, fully-staffed buildings with a cosy but grown-up feel, and there is a full range of activities on offer for boarders as well as day pupils, who can stay at school until 8pm if needs be. Day pupils in the senior school also have their own day houses. All the houses, day and boarding, have cosy common rooms with facilities like games consoles, pool tables and decent-sized TVs, as well as kitchens for making snacks in between the three meals a day on offer and studies for all pupils.</p>



<p>A 24-hour health and wellbeing centre offers onsite support for all pupils and each house has its own support team including a housemaster or mistress and a deputy, a matron, nursing staff, tutors and house prefects.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEAD</h4>



<p>Head of College Ben Figgis has been at Ardingly for eight happy years. The Cambridge graduate and former ad-man joined from Oakham School where he was deputy head and his own children have been educated at Ardingly. He’s demonstrably and deservedly very proud of his school and the opportunities and support it offers to pupils, and says the student body is a good mix of local families, London pupils and international boarders who mainly come from European markets.</p>



<p>The school’s mantra is ‘Nobody excels at everything, but everybody can excel at something’ and this is embodied through the World Ready ethos in which pupils are supported to develop attributes that will prepare them for an ever-changing fast-paced world. He acknowledges that the pace of change is such that it’s impossible to predict the future, and that equipping pupils with life skills, a global outlook, confidence and a sense of community is the best way to help them succeed in life.</p>



<p>With the school in such great shape his plans for the future don’t include huge developments onsite, although he muses over the lack of theatre and the potential to create one, with the full admission that it’s not on the immediate horizon as the school manages so well without one.</p>



<p>Mr Figgis is supported by Laura Lamont as head of prep, a passionate character who joined the school in 2024 and enthuses about the Shaping My World ethos of the prep, an age-appropriate version of World Ready. Within prep, this is encompassed by the values of Adventurous, Curious, Ingenious and Generous which permeate all areas of learning and development.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-2.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65020" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h4>



<p>Ardingly has a superb onsite barista-run café which has the look and feel of your favourite independent coffee shop. It’s a fantastic addition to the site and beloved by pupils, staff and parents alike.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">WORD ON THE GROUND</h4>



<p>At prep level, the food gets a big thumbs up from pupils and they also love the sport, their teachers and the friendships they make. Senior school pupils rave about the opportunities on offer, the support from staff and boarders feel Ardingly is a home from home where they can make friends and have fun. It’s important to the pupils that they feel listened to and have the opportunity to make suggestions for changes and improvements, and they report back that this is a strength of the school.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/Ardingly-College-1-resized.jpg" alt="Ardingly College" class="wp-image-65021" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">TRANSPORT</h4>



<p>Smart branded school minibuses cover a wide radius of the local area including Hove, Horsham, Lewes, Tunbridge Wells, Reigate, Bletchingley and Maresfield. There’s also a Monday morning bus service to Clapham Junction and a rail chaperone return service on Friday nights.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h4>



<p>Phones are allowed, but they mustn't interfere with the working day and pupils can't carry them around school with them. Pupils are only allowed to use phones in their houses for things like communicating with parents and arranging transport. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h4>



<p>Nursery is £57 for a morning (including lunch), £72 a day and £82 for an extended day of 8am-6pm. For pre-prep, reception starts at £4,370 a term and rises yearly to £4,931 a term in Year 2. Prep starts at £6,011 a term in Year 3 and rises yearly to £7,765 per term in Year 6.</p>



<p>For the senior school and sixth form, day fees start at £8,197 per term for Year 7 and rise year by year to £11,460 per term in the sixth form. Full boarding starts at £12,205 a term for Year 7 and rises again year by year to £17,547 in the sixth form. Flexi-boarding is also available.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h4>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Families who want academic excellence without hothousing as well as a rounded education for their children that focuses on preparing them for the future. It’s hard to imagine a child who wouldn’t thrive here.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Those seeking a city-centre campus. Ardingly is fairly self-contained, and the local area is pretty rural.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Register for visits and virtual tours <a href="https://www.ardingly.com/admissions/visit-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Upcoming dates include a Senior School Open Morning on <strong>4 May</strong>. Can't wait? There's a Virtual Senior School Open Morning on 27 Feb. </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p><em><a href="https://www.ardingly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ardingly College</a>, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ, 01444 893000</em></p>

A spacious and impressive co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 2-18, near to the legendary South of England Showground. 

Ardingly College, Ardingly

A co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 3-13 yrs in Crieff, Scotland. 

Ardvreck School, Crieff

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-045.jpeg" alt="Exterior of Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120928" /></figure>



<p>There's no denying the beauty of Ashfold School's setting, in a valley in Dorton, a small village on the Oxon/Bucks border, close to Thame and Princes Risborough and within easy reach (about 20 mins) of Bicester and Oxford. For those in London, the school is within 15 minutes of a mainline station (Chiltern Line) to Marylebone. The school's centrepiece is an elegant Jacobean mansion with a tree-lined approach worthy of a film set, nestling in 30 acres of stunning grounds.</p>



<p>Part of the <a href="https://www.stowe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stowe Group</a> of schools since late 2024, with the security and backing of Stowe School (<em>hello</em> phenomenal facilities), Ashfold is co-educational, broadly non-selective, with a&nbsp;55/45&nbsp;split between boys and girls, taking kids from age 3 in nursery up to 13 years. Kids can board weekly, flexi or come as day pupils. The flexi boarding in particular is massively popular with the kids (and their knackered parents). Previously it was payable a term in advance, but now it's a less rigid affair. There's no Saturday school here - Ashfold prides itself on its family-friendly ethos, so you can have your little darlings back all weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-239.jpeg" alt="Students playing cricket at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120937" /></figure>



<p>Plenty to recommend it, with two computing labs, a science lab, and the jewel in the crown, £1.3m Art &amp; Design Centre (below) - a purpose-built facility for art, design technology, cookery, printing and ceramics, and including latest technologies like CAD/CAM/laser cutter and vacuum former. There's also a purpose-built Cookery &amp; Nutrition room for budding Hestons and Angelas.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-76262"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/04/Art-Design-Ashfold-School-Dorton.jpg" alt="Art &amp; Design centre at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-76262" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Art &amp; Design Centre</figcaption></figure>



<p class="p2">The grounds are large and lovely, and include a walled garden and adventure playground. The school also has the use of the&nbsp;12th century parish church for assemblies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-drama">MUSIC + DRAMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-307.jpeg" alt="Students playing instruments at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120940" /></figure>



<p>Strong. There's a specialist music building with two large teaching rooms and seven practice rooms plus a performance studio. They start them young here with specialist music lessons with the Director of Music from Nursery upwards (ear plugs at the ready). From Y2 children learn violin, ukukele and recorder and from Y3 most kids take instrumental lessons in some form or other - the team of peris takes 126 individual lessons a week.&nbsp;Expect jazz band, rock band, orchestra and ensembles for brass, cello, strings, woodwind and guitar, plus there are 3 choirs. On the jazz hands front, there's specialist drama teaching from Year 3 with regular productions. Ashfold is a LAMDA exam centre so that tells you something.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-270.jpeg" alt="Students playing netball at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120938" /></figure>



<p>Sport is a powerhouse area (15 sports on offer including triathlon) though the school is quick to point out that every child from Y3 upwards gets the chance to represent the school in competitive matches.&nbsp;There's a&nbsp;full-sized astroturf for hockey, heated outdoor pool, a fishing lake, indoor rifle range, indoor and outdoor cricket nets, netball/tennis courts and of course oodles and oodles of playing fields. The rugby teams, hockey, cricket (girls and boys) and athletics teams are particularly formidable and triathlon and equestrian are both flourishing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else-nbsp">WHAT ELSE?&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-153.jpeg" alt="Activity programme at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120934" /></figure>



<p>Ashfold runs an ambitious whole school Activity Programme. Where previously most activities were offered at the end of an already long school day, now the structure of the school timetable has changed to accommodate it into the actual curriculum. Parents are politely requested to put away the red marker pen and let the children choose things that interest them  - anything from origami and debating through to karate and robotics. </p>



<p>It's very much an enrichment exercise to encourage kids to try something new or pursue something they love, not a way to squeeze in some extra Mandarin or a third musical instrument. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-057.jpeg" alt="Ashfold school student learning maths" class="wp-image-120929" /></figure>



<p>Ashfold feeds into a broad range of independent schools including Abingdon, Harrow, Magdalen College School and Radley (boys), Headington, Oxford High, St Helen and St Katharine and Tudor Hall (girls) and Bradfield, Rugby, St Edward’s (Oxford), Stowe, Wellington College (co-ed) and Bloxham. In recent years more than 40% of Sixth Form leavers have won scholarships or awards to their senior schools including academic, all-rounder, sport, art and drama scholarships, underlining Ashfold’s reputation for all-round education. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-124.jpeg" alt="Ashfold school students in a lesson" class="wp-image-120930" /></figure>



<p>There’s a More Able Pupils Masterclasses Club and weekly masterclasses for Art, DT, Music, Sport, Computing and Drama, but Ashfold is very much also about joining in - friendly and inclusive, it fields up to five teams in sports and giving everyone a chance to get involved in music and drama etc. French is taught from Year 1, and Latin from Year 5 . </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees-amp-scholarships">FEES &amp; SCHOLARSHIPS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/04/Clocktower-Ashfold-School-Dorton.jpg" alt="Clock tower at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-76265" /></figure>



<p>Fees are in line with other local Prep schools from £4,575 per term for Nursery, £5,412 for Reception/Pre-Prep 1, £6,072 for Pre-Prep 2, £8,184 for Forms 3-4 and £9,072 for Forms 5-8. Pre-booked Weekly Boarding for Forms 5-8 is £1,283 per term. Breakfast club is £8.50 per session. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/mike-and-sophie-rickner-option-c.jpg" alt="The Head at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-195572" /></figure>



<p>Mike Rickner came from Stowe School where he taught Religious Studies. He has quite the CV - a former Exeter Chiefs and England U18 rugby player (surely not long before he starts encouraging from the touchline?) but also just as impressively he has exceptional pastoral credentials, as Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Stowe. </p>



<p>Meanwhile his wife Sophie, who teaches English has been Head of Year at both Summer Fields and Beachborough Schools and is now, of course, at Ashfold (along with their two young children) and is completing a Diploma to become a Trauma and Welfare practitioner. Rickner is a great fit for Ashfold; friendly, family-oriented, pastorally driven with experience as a parent as well as a Head with his own children at the school.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-128.jpeg" alt="Prep children at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120931" /></figure>



<p>There's a purpose-built Pre-Prep building with its own play areas, and a fantastic new Pre-Prep playground. Pre-Prep children eat lunch with their teachers in the main dining room and use the 16th century oak-panelled saloon in the main mansion for their assemblies. There's a lovely adventure playground that they can access and they also utilise main school facilities such as the Library and, as they get older, the Art &amp; Design Centre and the Sports Hall. There are plenty of opportunities for the tiny ones to shine with regular concerts, school trips, and their own Sports Day. The Pre-Prep exterior has also just undergone a right old spruce-up, and now looks gorgeous.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Ashfold-Summer-22230.jpg" alt="Prep children at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-137786" /></figure>



<p>Ashfold doesn't do quirky in general. 'Family-oriented' is probably the better word for Ashfold - it's quite a community, with parent/staff netball, hockey and tennis, wine tastings, quiz nights, regular coffee mornings, fireworks and a massive May Ball every second year. It's quite a small school&nbsp;in terms of numbers so parents do get to know each other well.</p>



<p>Worth knowing too that the school has a strong Christian and pastoral approach, with regular assemblies and grace before meals (where kids eat with their teachers, so limited opportunities to flick peas across the table) and an emphasis on manners and tolerance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<p>There have been big improvements in the pre-and-post school care, with the school now offering daily breakfast club from 7.30am and after-school clubs with tea until pick up at 6pm. On a slightly different note, you can also bung your kids into the increasing number of school holiday clubs -&nbsp; there have been camps for musical theatre, tennis, multi-activity, plus pre-season rugby and hockey. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Ashfold-Summer-22278-cropped.jpg" alt="Children reading at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-137787" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Ashfold mums will talk your ear off about how nurturing the school is. They <em>love</em> it. Much is made of it being a school that lets kids be kids - children can roam around in the grounds, climb trees, make dens, hang off the adventure playground equipment, play conkers (now banned in many schools - I mean, come on!). Muddy trousers are not uncommon by any stretch. But there's routine too. Kids are proud to come here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Ashfold-School-130.jpeg" alt="Students at Ashfold school" class="wp-image-120932" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Outdoorsy kids, parents who want flexi boarding options, those who seek a friendly smaller school in the countryside with a strong sense of community.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: Those who'd like their kids home early. Ashfold days are long, starting at 8am and even with an 'early' finish of 5pm to 5.20pm depending on your year group it's a long day.</p>



<p><strong>Want to see for yourself? Be my guest! </strong>The next Open Morning is <strong>Fri 26 June</strong>. You can register your interest <a href="registrar@ashfoldschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by email</a> and arrange an individual tour too. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.ashfoldschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ashfold School</a>, Dorton House, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 9NG.</em></p>

This bucolic co-ed prep school for day pupils and boarders in the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire is family-oriented with a deserved reputation for its all-rounder offering.

Ashfold School, Dorton, Mid Bucks

Those looking for endless space and opportunities, and a large emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, Ashford Prep School in the rural village of Great Chart should be on your li...

Ashford Prep School

The latest school to go under the Muddy microscope, Ashford Senior School is now a thriving co-educational day and boarding school. Shall we find out more?

Ashford Senior School

This spacious and impressive co-ed day and boarding school has a dazzling array of facilities, family vibe and successful academics to boot. 

Aysgarth Prep School, North Yorkshire

This independent, co-ed, day school in Chislehurst - for pupils from 3 to 18 years - is a rising star. Ranked Top Small Independent School in the UK, for A Level results - the acad...

Babington House School, Chislehurst

A dynamic day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18, the school's careful balance of intellectual firepower with common courtesy and support stands its girls out from the crowd

Badminton School, Bristol

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-07.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58123" /></figure>



<p>Barfield School is a co–educational day school for children aged 2 to 11 in Runfold near Farnham in Surrey.&nbsp; As first impressions go, Barfield gets top marks. It's set in 12 beautiful acres, surrounded by fields and woodland. And the school makes the most of the stunning surroundings with outdoor education a massive priority. A treehouse has pride of place in the playground and is used regularly as an outdoor classroom. There are also high and low ropes courses, a zipwire, quad biking track plus archery and shooting ranges. Sounds idyllic, right?</p>



<p>The main building is very attractive and there’s a lovely homely feel when you go inside – it’s light and spacious with armchairs, and in the main meeting room large sofas are set either side of a big coffee table. Huge windows look out onto the playgrounds. If you like your schools with a feeling of informality and intimacy, you’re in the right place.</p>



<p>There are about 300 children on the register – with an even split of boys and girls.&nbsp;Entry is non-selective. Children come mostly from the local area extending to Farnborough, Aldershot, Farnham and Guildford.</p>



<p>The school was founded in 1933 and until recently was part of the Prep Schools Trust. In September 2025, Barfield joined the Radley Schools Group, which includes Radley College and the seven former PTS prep schools. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-10.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58126" /></figure>



<p>There’s everything you’d expect to find and a whole lot more. We’ve already mentioned the outdoor adventure facilities which are utterly 'wow'. But you’ll also find sporting pitches and sports courts, a heated indoor swimming pool, an arts and technology centre with a good-sized auditorium, music rooms plus practice rooms and an impressive ICT suite.</p>



<p>A new food tech room opened in 2021 alongside new science labs, and a new dining hall opened in 2024 in an eco-friendly purpose-built overlooking the sports pitches. As well as breakfast club and lunch, the dining hall is also used for Upper School Prep and match teas after sports fixtures. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SPORT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-05.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58122" /></figure>



<p>The outdoors are a big part of school life at Barfield, and that includes sport which is extensive both within the curriculum and in the after-school clubs. Sport is used to help develop a fair sense of play, teamwork, confidence and self-esteem in children. And of course, the physical, mental benefits plus social development is important too. </p>



<p>In the Pre-Prep, pupils have weekly swimming, and gymnastics lessons during the autumn/spring term, alongside Games and Adventure sessions. In the Prep School, the main sports are football, netball, hockey, swimming, cricket, tennis and athletics, alongside sports like cross country, biathlon, gymnastics and dance. Rugby has also been introduced for girls in PE lessons. There are also plenty of adventure activities like archery, quad biking, high ropes climbing and zip-wire flying. Each year there's a school Sports Day. </p>



<p>Pupils compete in fixtures against regional schools - in netball, tag-rugby, rugby (U11 Boys) hockey and football in the autumn/spring term and cricket, athletics and cross-country in the summer. They also compete in regional and national swimming events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE ARTS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-01.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58121" /></figure>



<p>While the outdoors is an undeniable big-hitter at Barfield, the arts are also a strong focus with art, design technology, music and drama all on the curriculum as stand-alone subjects. An entire week is dedicated to the visual arts which includes visits from artists and trips to galleries and museums to inspire and the children's learning. The school also hosts the Barfield Art Exhibition.</p>



<p>The school has a reputation for its strong music programme, and it's part of the learning from the nursery upwards. One-to-one music tuition is available and just over half of all pupils are having lessons with visiting peripatetic teachers.  And the children are putting their musical ability to good use too - there are a four choirs, an orchestra, two rock groups, a ukelele group and a recorder group.</p>



<p>A new head of performing arts has recently been appointed and while the drama offering is already strong, it's about to become stronger with Lamda becoming part of the curriculum from Year 2 upwards. Each year the senior pupils stage a summer production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ACADEMICS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-12.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58128" /></figure>



<p>The school is set out with a nursery,&nbsp;Lower and Upper school.&nbsp;Class sizes are small with no more than 18 pupils per class.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s a wide and varied curriculum, but the learning goes beyond the classroom here. There’s a strong focus on character education too – developing empathy and teaching the children skills for life and adulthood alongside the academics. They want children to feel valued and to be the best they can be. There’s a pupil parliament, where the children are given a voice, and there are exercises to help develop good teamwork skills. Individual achievements are also celebrated.</p>



<p>In the Lower School&nbsp;– which is Reception and Years 1 and 2 – children are taught by their form tutor with specialist teachers for Music, PE, Swimming, Life Skills, French and Outdoor Learning. In the&nbsp;Upper school all subjects are specialist taught. </p>



<p>100 per cent of children at the school pass the Common Entrance exam – as a passionately non-selective school that’s a big academic tick.  Pupils go on to a variety of senior schools including Charterhouse, Churcher's College, Farnborough Hill, Frensham Heights, Guildford High School, King Edward's Witley, Lord Wandsworth College, Prior's Field, RGS Guildford, St Catherine's, Salesian College and Tormead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PASTORAL CARE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-08.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58124" /></figure>



<p>There’s a warm and caring ethos at Barfield, with a strong focus on pastoral care, and the size of the school means that every child is known by all the staff. Pastoral care begins with the Form teachers, but there's also a formal tracking system in place to monitor each child's wellbeing and communication is key, both amongst staff and with pupils and their families.</p>



<p>The school wants children to feel valued and to be the best they can be. There’s a pupil parliament, where the children are given a voice, and there are exercises to help develop good teamwork skills. Individual achievements are also celebrated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LITTLIES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-14.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58130" /></figure>



<p>In the Nursery, they start as Hatchlings at age two, moving to Owlets from 2-3 and Owls at age 3-4. The classrooms are spacious and bright with a great outdoor space. As well as a secure free-flow outdoor space that's accessed directly from the classrooms, there's also a play area with wooden climbing frames, sandpits, a mud kitchen, chalkboards and a much-loved wooden pirate ship. As with the rest of the school, outdoor learning is important and the nursery children make use of the wider school grounds as well as their own spaces.</p>



<p>There's also a sleep room. There's a real effort at Barfield to create an environment that's like home, especially for the littlies. When they have lunch, everyone sits and is served at the table together. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE HEAD</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/03/Barfield1.jpg" alt="Andy Boyle, head teacher at Barfield Prep School near Farnham in Surrey" class="wp-image-26452" /></figure>



<p>Andy Boyle arrived at Barfield towards the end of 2019, having come from Chandlings School in Oxford. He spent 10 years there as Deputy Head Pastoral. As you'd expect from a head whose previous role was centred around pastoral care, he's big on getting wellbeing right which he believes flows through to the children's academic education. He's warm and friendly, and passionate about putting the children's happiness and wellbeing centre stage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>QUIRKS</strong></h2>



<p>Barfield has its own outdoor pursuits department called Three Peaks. There aren't many prep schools that have this level of focus on outdoor learning! As well as running activities for pupils that includes assault courses, orienteering and a gladiator challenge, Three Peaks also run school holiday camps (open to pupils and non-pupils), birthday parties and hosts youth and corporate groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-09.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58125" /></figure>



<p>There’s early drop off from 8am (no extra cost) and breakfast club&nbsp;from 7.30-8am available to all pupils. After-school activities and Great Lates run until 6.15pm – with a light tea for children staying beyond 4.10pm.</p>



<p>The Nursery is open throughout the school holidays. And Three Peaks Barfield, the school's outdoor pursuits department offers&nbsp;activity camps for children age 4-13 years during the holidays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ISI REPORT</strong></h2>



<p>The school's most recent ISI inspection was in June 2023 when it was rated Excellent across the board. Read the full report <a href="https://www.barfieldpst.org/attachments/download.asp?file=121&amp;type=pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MOBILE PHONE POLICY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-15.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58131" /></figure>



<p>No phones are permitted at school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TRANSPORT</strong></h2>



<p>There are morning minibus services which cover the areas of Alton, Crondall, Aldershot, Farnham, Fleet, Guildford and the surrounding villages like Normandy, Tilford, Elstead and Shackleford.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FEES</strong></h2>



<p>From January 2026. Fees in the Nursery are £1,525 a term for three sessions a week, £2,541 for five sessions and £4,510 for five full days. Reception and Year 1 is £5,040 per term, Year 2 is £5,280 Years 3 and 4 is £7,100, and Years 5 to 6 is £7,390 per term.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-17.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58133" /></figure>



<p>Parents love the happy, caring and nurturing environment at Barfield. They also love the school's focus on the whole child - building confidence while offering an energetic learning environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Barfield-2024-13.jpg" alt="Pupils are Barfield School, near Farnham in Surrey." class="wp-image-58129" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong> Well-rounded kids. The vibe is caring and friendly, but academically strong. The outdoor adventure facilities are impressive and all children get to participate fully. The good flexible after-school care is particularly helpful for busy working parents.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong> Families who require boarding, a town location or a larger school cohort. Parents who prefer a more hothousey approach to schooling might also look elsewhere.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? </strong>There's an open event on Friday 6 March. <a href="https://barfieldprep.org.uk/open-events-registration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book here.</a></p>



<p><em><strong><a aria-label="Barfield School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.barfieldschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barfield School</a>, Guildford Road, Runfold,&nbsp;Farnham, Surrey, GU10 1PB</strong></em></p>

A small co-ed prep school with a big family feel and very good results - all set on an idyllic 12 acres with a high-ropes course, zip-wire, and a quad-biking track. 

Barfield Prep School, Runfold, near Farnham

A co-ed day school for children aged 2 to 13 set within a gorgeous grade II-listed Tudor style mansion house on 33 acres at Witley.

Barrow Hills School, near Godalming

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4.jpg" alt="bath academy bath somerset" class="wp-image-101616" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT, WHERE?</strong></h2>



<p><a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Academy</a> is a co-ed independent Sixth Form college for 14–18 year olds, housed in a Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse on one side of Bath's beautiful yet bustling Queen Square, and in another period building opposite.</p>



<p>Founded in 1997, the college is part of the Council for Independent Further Education (CIFE), the professional association of independent Sixth Form colleges in the UK and the only CIFE college in the south west.</p>



<p>As well as offering a wide range of academic subjects at A Level, the college has a University Foundation Programme for international students, preparation courses for the UCAT test for those aspiring to medical school, as well as GCSEs, re-sits and revision courses. </p>



<p>There are currently 102 students on the roll; 20% of whom are international.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<p>No 27 Queen Square is the main college building, a classic Georgian townhouse built from golden Bath Stone, filled with a warren of teaching/study rooms and staircases that go up and up – and up.</p>



<p>Chapel Row, another period property on the other side of the square, has more teaching/study rooms as well as a little café and courtyard for students.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101628" /></figure>



<p>No glitzy science labs (they use those at nearby Hayesfield School); library (head over to Bath University for that), college theatre or extensive playing fields; the emphasis here is on expert tuition with a team of experienced teachers – many of whom are senior examiners – who know how to bring out the best in their students to help them get where they want to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else"><strong>WHAT ELSE?</strong></h2>



<p>This is very much a college – it feels almost like a uni – rather than a school, which is definitely reinforced by being in the centre of Bath. Students develop a sense of independence and are able to take ownership of their studies; it's first names for staff, who are 'learner facilitators' rather than 'teachers', and all students are given the support they need, as and when it's needed, be they high fliers, previously home-schooled, neuro-diverse (or none of these). </p>



<p>The approach here is highly personal and flexible with individualised programmes of study which, according to the Principal, can make timetabling a challenge at times but the results and their student satisfaction surveys show it works. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101625" /></figure>



<p>Classes are taught in small tutorial groups (could be three–four, but no more than eight students) with weekly assessment exams, which builds confidence and exam technique as well as combating exam anxiety.  Lessons tend to follow a tutorial style, with lots of discussion and tables and chairs arranged in a horseshoe formation. There's lots of support from staff, who get to know each student extremely well (no hiding at the back of the class here) for any student who has dyslexia or similar learning issues. There are scribes and readers if necessary.</p>



<p>Enrichment sessions include study skills, academic focus and CV writing. There's help with UCAS applications and career guidance.</p>



<p>Holiday revision courses are offered in any subject in small groups or one-to-one, tailored to the individual.</p>



<p>Bath Academy also operates as a small English language school with courses throughout the year as well as a summer school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics"><strong>ACADEMICS</strong></h2>



<p>Let's start with A Levels: 2-year, 1-year intensive and 18-month A Level courses in 20 subjects, including trads like English, maths and the three sciences as well as psychology, politics and media studies.&nbsp; 2023-24 results: 28% of grades were A*/A; 55% of grades were A*-B (exceeding the national average); 69.9% of all A-Level entries achieved grades A*- C.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101626" /></figure>



<p>Want to improve existing A Levels ? Both full and short re-take courses available and if your subject's not on the list, they'll be able to sort out that (they just saw a student through A Level Japanese).&nbsp; Average grade improvement for A Level resits: 2 grades (one student achieved a mind-boggling 8 grade improvement with AAA). The college has a reputation for Value Added (progress made).</p>



<p>For international students, those who missed out on GCSEs or who want to improve their grades to do A Levels: 2-year GCSE courses for 14+ in eight subjects; 1-year intensive courses for 15+ in 12 and IGCSEs, the international qualification.</p>



<p>Hero subjects: science, maths, English, business and accounting, psychology and sociology.</p>



<p>Other courses: University Foundation Programmes, an A Level/International Baccalaureate equivalent for overseas students; 1-year International Medical Foundation Programme and UCAT aptitude test for medical and dental schools.</p>



<p>Destination universities: this year they include Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Surrey, Leeds, Winchester and Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-principal">THE PRINCIPAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo.jpg" alt="bath-academy-Tim-Naylor principal Bath somerset" class="wp-image-101688" /></figure>



<p>Tim Naylor, BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE used to be a Trappist monk (yes, really). Educated at Ampleforth College and Bristol University with further post-grad studies at Royal Holloway and the Institute of Education, University of London amongst others, Tim's taught in both the state and independent sectors.&nbsp; Vice Principal at Mander Portman Woodward (another CIFE college), he became Principal of Bath Academy in 2011 and is the chair of CIFE.</p>



<p>His aim is to provide an encouraging environment, where those who are strong have something to aim for and those who are not, have nothing to run from.&nbsp;  He's very approachable, down-to-earth and seems to know his students pretty well – vital when you're offering a highly personalised experience, where students can re-evaluate what they want to do, change direction if they want, and be helped to achieve their aims. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accommodation">ACCOMMODATION</h2>



<p>Several options. A boarding house for around 20 students aged 14–18 in the Grade I listed Oxford House, Georgian townhouse (nice) about 10 minutes' walk from Queen Square. Single and shared bedrooms, matron, house parents and professional chef who cooks up three meals a day (full English on weekends); eating together creates a family atmos.</p>



<p>Older students (18+) have the option of single en suite rooms at the purpose-built Fresh Student Living (Avon Studios), about 15 minutes' walk away. The college also arranges home stays with Bath families and even serviced apartments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral">PASTORAL</h2>



<p>Pastoral care is good, with tailormade student support.  Each student meets with their personal tutor – who's more of a life coach than conventional tutor – one-to-one every fortnight and at UCAS time, two or three times a week.&nbsp;As the numbers of students are small, they're able to tailor activities to the students but they currently include chess, Dungeons and Dragons, social evenings, trips out locally and further afield in conjunction with Viva Trips, and an Annual Ball.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p><strong>Fees per term 2024/25:</strong> Two-year and one-year intensive A Levels (3 or 4 subjects), GCSEs, University Foundation Programme, £7,884. One-year intensive A Level (per subject) £3,000; One-year intensive GCSE (per subject) £2,500. Accommodation: £42,650/year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Parents appreciate the small classes and one-to-one attention from teachers/tutors who understand that everybody learns differently, and the freedom for students to structure their own education.&nbsp; Another highlighted the supportive yet relaxed environment, the flexibility of fitting in with kids' previous studies and the fact that students are treated as adults not children. Also singled out was the advice for university applications and the general buzz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-verdict">MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Students who want to do their A Levels in a more grown up, almost uni-style environment. Anyone wanting help with revision or re-sits to get the grades to get into the university of their choice. Aspiring medics. Their small group, intensive Easter Revision Courses run Mon 31 March – Thurs 17 April.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp; </strong>Young people who would prefer a school rather than college setting.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Want to see for yourself?</strong> Every day's an <a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/admissions/open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Day</a> at Bath Academy. Contact them to find out more, <a href="mailto:info@bathacademy.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">info@bathacademy.co.uk</a>. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Academy</a>, 27 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HX. Tel 01225 334577. <a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bathacademy.co.uk</a></em></p>

An independent Sixth Form college offering a truly personalised education for those wanting to do A Levels, university foundation programmes, and for aspiring medics.

Bath Academy, Bath

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Beachborough-School-Manor-House.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-156678" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.beachborough.com/">Beachborough School</a>&nbsp;is a charming rural co-ed day and boarding Prep school at honey-stoned Westbury Manor that tickles the Northants, Bucks and Oxon borders. Currently teaching 390 pupils from 2-13 years, with a 50/50 boy-to-girl ratio and classes of 18 maximum, the children here get to run around 35 acres of lovely grounds that takes in woods, a wetland area and several large play grounds. The main manor house building is attractive and homely – sofas in hallways, light and spacious, cosy tweedy armchairs. If you like your schools with a feeling of informality and intimacy, you’re in the right place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">/SPORT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/mixed-sports.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-156846" /></figure>



<p>Beachborough has invested heavily in the last few years across all areas of the school, with sport the recipient of a 700sqm sports hall, full-sized astro, netball and tennis courts and, most recently a new pavilion. Competitive sport starts in Form III (under 8s) across the major sports of hockey, netball and cricket for the girls and rugby, hockey/football and cricket for the boys, with four hours of sport additional to the fixtures each week. Hockey in particular is being targeted as a sport to develop – since Oct 23 hockey specialist teachers at Bloxham School have been coaching Forms 3-6 at their Friday games lessons.</p>



<p>Beachborough was one of the early adopter schools for triathlon and now has links with the Beachborough and Brackley Triathlon Club which trains there every Saturday morning. There’s also the annual Beachborough Prep X-Country event, held at the school each January, with around 10 other schools participating.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dt"><strong></strong>/DT</h3>



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<p>One of Beachborough’s biggest calling cards is its impressive £700,000 DT building, known as TED (Technology, Engineering and Design) with spacious workshop and separate computer lab area, built in 2017 to inspire the Beachborough kids to really embrace robotics, coding, 3D printing (CAD design is introduced from Form III) and electronics.</p>



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<p>Goblin, renamed Beachborough Racing Team, started in April 2016, and the first check down was lead by Rob Smedley, famous race engineer to Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, at Ferrari then Williams F1. Children in the after school co-curricular club learn to build and race three ‘Goblin’ cars with huge success – they’ve won every small race (between 10-20 cars) they’ve entered since 2017 and won the major race, the Gathering of Goblins, at Goodwood Motor Circuit in 2019 and 2023. There’s now plans to have a purpose-built race base that would free space in the TED suite. Beyond this, there’s also an after school Tech Club for those who need more TED in their lives and a Robotics Club (sponsored by Haas F1) that is now taking part in the Lego League Challenge.</p>



<p>The focus on tech goes beyond the TED building and into every subject – Summer 2022 saw the introduction of a digital musical composition suite, while science has an augmented reality set-up that allows pupils to walk through a solar system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">/CREATIVE ARTS</h3>



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<p>If your child is more interested in the stage than the saw, there’s a Performing Arts Centre with its own theatre, used for talks and LAMDA exams, as well as the drama stagings that include an annual musical and various year-specific productions.</p>



<p>Musically, all children from Pre-Prep 2 (7 years old) learn keyboard, recorder, ukelele and violin at school, and all children in Forms 3-4 are required to join Junior Choir, with an audion-only Chamber Choir for Forms 5-8. The usual guitar groups and brass, reed and woodwind ensembles are here, plus there are clubs for musical theatre, orchestra and popular music. A biennial tour takes the kids abroad to perform and experience music- most recently to Belgium.</p>



<p>For artists, there are two bright studios within the main Manor House building, offering everything from photography and claywork to textiles and lino, along with an extra-curricular art club.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school">/SCHOOL</h3>



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<p>The grounds are worth the mention here – plenty of space for Forest School, and a natural spring Wetlands Area delivered by the nearby Great River Ouse that the kids can use for various geography and science lessons. There are big views out onto the fields with woods for den building – there’s no ‘stay off the grass’ signs here, hence the all-weather ‘boiler suits’ that you see the kids wearing when they’re running around outside.</p>



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<p>A recent refurb of the food tech kitchen has introduced a separate allergy-sensitive food prep area and individual ovens for each child (usually 8-9 per class).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



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<p>Undoubtedly a strength at Beachborough, the pastoral care has nevertheless been bolstered since Covid, with the appointment in April 2023 of Angela Crook as Nurture and Wellbeing Practitioner, who offers everything from one-to-one drop in sessions with children, at no extra cost, and Lego therapy to drawing and talking therapy and even dog therapy – Arnie the wellbeing dog (and resident boarding house pet) joined the staff in January 2024.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Beachborough-School-wellness-centre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-156686" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Wellness Centre</figcaption></figure>



<p>There is a ‘worry box’ on the door and a form that goes to the children once a term to check how they are feeling, so that any worries can be acted upon. There’s also a regular new staff drop in slot so they can discuss any concerns about the children asap, rather than waiting for schedules to align.</p>



<p>In addition to PSHE, Weekly Wellbeing lessons have been scheduled as part of the curriculum here. A Wellbeing Garden has been created for quiet time and, further up the school, pupils in Years 7-8 take part in Curriculum for Life – a character, ethics and leadership programme that centres on self-awareness and compassion for others as well as practical life skills such as money-management, first aid and even self-defence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding"><strong>BOARDING</strong></h2>



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<p>Roughly 40 per cent of kids at Beachborough board, either flexi or four days a week (there’s no termly option here). Flexi really is flexi here – one night here or there, and no need to book months or even days in advance if you have a last minute need. The boarding houses here are well above average, with lovely individual murals that raise them way above the usual white plasterboard dorms (the boarding houses are undergoing a full refurb in 2024/25 so watch this space). There are six dorms, three for girls and three for boys, with a communal common room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academic-s"><strong>ACADEMIC</strong>S</h2>



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<p>Your child is safe! 100 per cent of children at the school pass the Common Entrance exam – as a broadly non-selective school that’s a big academic tick. In June 2024 the leavers achieved 30 Scholarships and awards for the second year running – Academic, Art, DT, Drama, Sport, Music, Performing Arts and Heads’ Awards. Destination schools include Eton, Millfield, Uppingham, Marlborough, Stowe, St Edward’s, Headington, Repton, Bloxham, Magdalen College School… the stellar list goes on, no doubt assisted by a strong Top Performers programme and Scholarship Sets (for Years 7-8).</p>



<p>The school was awarded Microsoft Showcase School Recognition in Sept 2024 for its use of tech in teaching. It gives pupils and teachers Office 365, Teams and various interactive learning platforms, and Years 7-8 now have a personal device.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head"><strong>THE HEAD</strong></h2>



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<p>Simone Mitchell joined as Head in Sept 2023 (succeeding Christian Pritchard), with Beachborough as her second headship, having been head at Swanbourne House School in Buckinghamshire. She’s enthusiastic and warm, and has been positively received by parents so far. She’s strongly centred on the Beachborough ethos of world-ready, tech-savvy children, so watch this space for her plans for the school once she has the first year under her belt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies"><strong>LITTLIES</strong></h2>



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<p>Little people can start at two and half years old in the Nursery, giving them a strong start before they’ve even stepped through the door of Reception. The Nursery areas here are spacious, bright, with a great outdoor space right next to the main lawn. The Pre-Prep is next door in its own purpose-built building with a fabulous outdoor play area. Specialist teaching starts from Kindergarten with music, games, gym and French.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks"><strong><br>QUIRKS</strong></h2>



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<p>Well, all the kids have to wear blue boiler suits to go out and play which looks super cute when they’re toddlers – fortunately by the time they’re higher up the school food chain it’s not compulsory!</p>



<p>There’s the kind of Friday night special that frazzled parents weep for in gratitude – the kids can stay at school on Fridays, be entertained by the likes of laser questing or a magician, get their weekend homework done, and be ready for a late collection on Saturday morning at 10.30am having been fed a full cooked breakfast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send"><strong>SEND</strong></h2>



<p>SEND is well supported at here. All pupils from Pre-Prep One onwards complete termly assessments to keep check on ability versus attainment and Learning Support is on hand to support should there be the need. The SEND department is led by a specialist teacher, and also includes an Early Years SENCo and Learning Support Assistants.</p>



<p>There’s an Assisted Tech Club for SEND kids (eg instructions read out by the computer) so they can join in what is one of the most popular clubs at school, and also a check in session for those kids who are neurodivergent on Friday afternoons at the Wellness Hub – feedback from parents was that weekends at home were tricky after a week of their children trying hard at school and so this thoughtful intervention is designed to release pressure prior to the weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care"><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE</strong></h2>



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<p>If you’re a working parent, you’ll love the flexibility here. All kids can stay for tea up until 6pm with older children able to extend that time until 6.45pm. The after school clubs can be attended without charge. The children can board at short notice (an extra cost) and book in for as many nights as they like and weekly boarding is also offered.</p>



<p>Nursery and Kindergarten runs in three-hour morning and afternoon sessions but there are flexible extended hours available from 8am to 6pm if you need them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>The most recent inspection is from 2018, so a different head teacher in pre-Covid times! There is a regulatory compliance report from 2022 in which all the criteria were met.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isi.net/school/beachborough-school-6230" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See both here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy"><strong>MOBILE PHONE POLICY</strong></h2>



<p>Beachborough School is a mobile free site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong></h2>



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<p>I know several parents at this school and they confirm they are huge advocates, emphasising the school’s nurturing ethos and also the huge amounts that the kids get to do here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp; Well-rounded kids. The vibe is informal and friendly, but academically strong – not an easy mix to pull off. The superior sport, drama and music facilities are impressive and all children get to participate fully. Good flexible after-school care is particularly helpful for busy working parents.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: Those who require full-boarding, a town location, a larger school cohort, or parents who prefer a more edgy approach to schooling – you’ll either love or hate the unapologetic wholesomeness of the place.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?!&nbsp;</strong>Have a look for yourself — the school is also encouraging interested families to book an individual tour to get a real feel for the place. Email the Admissions Team on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@beachborough.com">admissions@beachborough.com</a>&nbsp;to arrange your full school tour and a proper in-person chat.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.beachborough.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beachborough School</a>, Westbury, Nr Buckingham, NN13 5LB. Tel: 01280 700071.</em></p>

Hard to find fault with this lovely co-ed prep school on the Bucks/Northants borders - a family vibe, pretty rural setting and great results.

Beachborough School, Nr Brackley

Beachborough School, nr Brackley

A high-achieving and nurturing co-ed Prep school with a laser focus on pastoral care, all wrapped up in a fairytale Cotswold setting that oozes Swallows and Amazons charm.

Beaudesert Park School, Minchinhampton

A proudly non-selective, vibrant and diverse co-ed day and boarding school with a unique beachy location and an emphasis on a holistic, all-round education.

Bede&#8217;s Prep School, Eastbourne

This co-ed senior school is on a mission to do things differently – balancing academics, wellbeing, community service and choice. Plus it runs a zoo.

Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, Hailsham

This school for girls age 7-18 is a truly refreshing environment, with outstanding facilities, where girls can try everything, take responsibility for their choices and feel comple...

Bedford Girls&#8217; School, Bedford

An all-through Co-ed day school for pupils aged 0 to 18, in Bedford. 

Bedford Greenacre Independent School, Bedford

A Co-ed day school, under the Harpur Trust, for ages 7 to 18, in Bedford. 

Bedford Modern School, Bedford

A boarding and day school for boys aged 7-18, in the heart of Bedford town.

Bedford School, Bedfordshire

This Co-ed Prep combines academic excellence with a vibrant and energetic child-centred approach to education, plus it has idyllic grounds and bags of co-curricular opportunities. 

Beechwood Park, St Albans

A co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 3-18 years old in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Beechwood School, Tunbridge Wells

A co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 4-13 yrs in Dunbar, Scotland. 

Belhaven Hill School Trust, Dunbar

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<h2 id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://benedicthouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Benedict House (opens in a new tab)">Benedict House</a> is a small day prep school in Sidcup for boys and girls aged 3 - 11 years. There are currently 160 pupils on roll, with roughly an even split of boys and girls.</p>



<p>Big news here is that as of March 2022, the school signed a new 30-year lease thus securing the long-term future of the school and, providing the perfect opportunity for greatly improving the facilities.</p>



<h2 id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



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<p>Compared to some private schools with their posh science blocks and golf courses, Benedict House’s&nbsp;facilities are more modest. But let's not forget we're in the London/Kent suburb of Sidcup so the acreage of a rural prep is not to be expected. And there are such exciting plans in the pipeline for this school that will change the offering significantly.</p>



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<p>At present the site is split over three large houses (1-5 Victoria Road) - all linked by the outside space at the back. They sit right next to a forth building on the corner (27 Station Road).</p>



<p>This building, Bird College, is currently empty, but used to be an old dance school. Benedict House has not only extended the lease for the school's existing three properties but secured this forth building, Bird College, too. The proposed works will turn this into additional teaching space.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Benedict-Prep-external.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73185" /><figcaption>One of the three large houses that currently comprise Benedict House Prep</figcaption></figure>



<p>As part of the Chatsworth family of schools, the funding was there, but obviously what the school really needed was planning. Now this has been granted they can embark on a period of improvement works which will begin over the coming months. Below shows a&nbsp;conceptual impression of how the site could look subject to planning and consultation.</p>



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<p>There will be additional learning rooms dedicated rooms to Science, Technology,&nbsp;Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) activities, an IT suite and a library. It's all pretty exciting stuff.</p>



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<h2 id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<p>At present the school takes part in swimming galas and netball league matches. The planned works&nbsp;will also greatly improve the outdoor spaces at Benedict House with the proposed addition of a floodlit&nbsp;all-year synthetic turf pitch, a Forest School and an extended play space including multi-activity areas&nbsp;and a Jungle gym.</p>



<h2 id="h-art-music-and-drama">ART, MUSIC AND DRAMA</h2>



<p>Approximately 60 per cent of children learn a musical instruments, with many doing two. The school puts on regular drama productions too.</p>



<h2 id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



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<p>Securing the future of Benedict House on this enlarged site, which is more than double the size of&nbsp;the existing school, will clearly enable the number of pupils at the school to grow as well.</p>



<p>Not surprisingly then, the prep is set to become a two-form&nbsp;entry school from September 2022 in some age groups. Two-form entry will allow them to maintain small class&nbsp;sizes, but expand at the same time.</p>



<p>I'm told the school intends to split the refurbishment activity into work that they are able to complete by September&nbsp;2022 and work that they expect to complete during the holidays prior to September 2023. The idea being that, with the exception of scaffolding erected around parts of the school, the disruption will be kept to a minimum. Plus works will either be in areas that the school does not currently use or the works will take place during&nbsp;the school holidays.</p>



<h2 id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



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<p>Strong. The kids tend to&nbsp;go to their first choice schools, which is nearly always the grammar school system. The school knows exactly who its parents are and is refreshingly transparent about this.</p>



<p>A quick glance at the Benedict House homepage will tell you all you need to know. In 2021 the Year 6 Leavers achieved 100% pass rate in the Kent test - and 80% pass rate in the Bexley test (the local borough grammar school test).</p>



<p>Pupils go onto Dartford Grammar, Bexley Grammar, Chislehurst &amp; Sidcup Grammar, Blackfen for Girls, Wilmington Girls Grammar and Wilmington Grammar for Boys.</p>



<p>But that's not to say every single child goes to grammar and the school is quick in its reassurance that they will help parents find the perfect choice for each child - surely what we all want to hear?</p>



<h2 id="h-headteacher">HEADTEACHER</h2>



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<p>Craig Wardle has been teaching for 35 years - and is clearly experienced and capable. With a very relaxed, friendly approach, Wardle is also happy to point out the school provides wonderful value for money. And by that he doesn't mean it's a compromise or bargain deal. What you get is pretty darn good. But the fees are more wallet-friendly than some of the eye-watering prep school options on the market.</p>



<p>While Benedict House has seen a number of heads in the last decade, the retention of staff is strong - for example, Alison&nbsp;Sheldon, the pre-school teacher, has worked at the school for over twenty years. Plus Craig Wardle insists he's here to stay and his intention is to build on the legacy of the last head Andrew Forbes. There's no doubt this is an exciting time to be leading the school into its new chapter.</p>



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<h2 id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<p>There's a down-to-earth, realism about the school. Headteacher, Wardle, for example points out that many families need help from grandparents to manage the rising cost of independent education these days. Educating the next generation is very much a family affair and to recognise this the school keeps grandparents involved. </p>



<p>There's Grandparents Day (when they enjoy a tour of the school and afternoon tea). Mr Wardle operates an open door policy, he not only knows each individual child, but also their home situation. Does mum work Monday to Wednesday? They'll know about this. Does Granny pick up on a Thursday and can't help with the maths - no problem!</p>



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<h2 id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<p>After school clubs run until 4:30pm each evening (offering everything from sewing to sports). There's also a Breakfast Club from 7:30-8:30am and an After School Care Session, which includes a tea time snack, until 6pm to make life easier for you if you have other commitments. There's a cost for this.</p>



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<h2 id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Early Years (Reception and Pre-School full time): £2,670; Lower School (Years 1 and 2): £2,790 and Upper School (Years 3, 4, 5 &amp; 6) £2,960.</p>



<h2 id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



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<p>Feedback is positive - the school does what it says on the tin - is small, nurturing, gets great academic results and is financially more manageable than many other preps. Plus 'this is an exciting time for Benedict House' is very much the general feeling with parents.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Parents looking for a non-pressurised ‘welcoming’ feel, but at the same time, the school delivers on the academics. Admissions into grammars is the real driving force here. A small school where not just each child - but each family - is fully known. The fees are highly competitive too.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> The current facilities are quite limited - although soon to be significantly developed - so if it's success on the sportsfields you're after they're not there yet. No rolling acres or historic facades to stick on the front of a prospectus here. But the changes to the school will certainly bring a lot more curb appeal.</p>



<p><strong>Go see for yourself:</strong> The next Open Day is Fri 10 Feb 2023, from 2pm - 3.30pm&nbsp;<a href="https://benedicthouse.co.uk/open-days-registration/">Register here</a>.</p>



<p><em>Benedict House Prep School, 5 Victoria Rd, Sidcup DA15 7HD, Tel: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=benedict+house+preparatory+school&amp;client=safari&amp;channel=iphone_bm&amp;sxsrf=ALiCzsYGnzGUnx2feUyEaVJ5bKSJnoVNYA%3A1652266198176&amp;source=hp&amp;ei=1pR7YpXtCIuA8gKZiqWwAg&amp;iflsig=AJiK0e8AAAAAYnui5t8nokoyZ9ror7DNUXrT7VtMODW1&amp;gs_ssp=eJwFwUsKgCAQAFDa1iVs0bqRyU8eoUuE2pRBpKhB3b732m48Rl7DBchXaMwA76Q2bT1wLQlRSGHg5Q7dLqTeFcGsPC29o5u201cW4lOIpUzJZltj_ljxIcbrB0JvG28&amp;oq=benedi&amp;gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMYADIKCC4QxwEQrwEQJzIECCMQJzIECCMQJzIICC4QgAQQsQMyCwguEIAEELEDEIMBMggIABCABBCxAzIOCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQ1AIyCAgAEIAEELEDMggILhCABBCxAzIICAAQgAQQsQM6FAguEIAEELEDEIMBEMcBENEDENQCOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToRCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQxwEQ0QM6BAgAEAM6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBEKMCOhEILhCABBCxAxCDARDHARCjAjoICAAQsQMQgwE6BQguEIAEOggILhCxAxCDAToOCAAQgAQQsQMQgwEQyQM6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBENEDUABY6QhgoxRoAHAAeACAAVWIAaUDkgEBNpgBAKABAQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#">020 8300 7206</a>, <a href="https://benedicthouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="benedicthouseprepschool.co.uk (opens in a new tab)">benedicthouseprepschool.co.uk</a></em></p>

We've unearthed Sidcup's best kept secret! A small and nurturing, co-ed prep - with competitive fees, exceptional 11+ success and exciting plans afoot to change the face of this su...

Benedict House Prep School

An independent mainly boarding school for girls aged 11-18 years old with a long-standing reputation as one of the best girls’s schools in the UK

Benenden School, Benenden

<p>This school is not currently reviewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide</a>.</p>

A non-selective prep school for 3-11 year olds in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Berkhampstead School, Cheltenham

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Preprepdroneshot-1000x667.jpg" alt="bERKHAMSTED PRE-PREP" class="wp-image-94846" /></figure>



<p>The Day Nursery and Pre-Prep (part of the wider Berkhamsted Schools group) are both situated on the Haresfoot Estate, on the outskirts of leafy and affluent Berkhamsted. It's a gorgeous approach down the drive, through wild meadows which lead to the attractive converted estate buildings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nursery-and-stepping-stones"><strong>NURSERY AND STEPPING STONES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Prepreplibraryoutsidespaces-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted nursery and pre-prep" class="wp-image-94845" /></figure>



<p>The Day Nursery has two rooms and is for children under and over two years. While it's primarily about childcare at this age, there is an element of 'teaching' involved, too, and one of the benefits of being part of the wider school group is that specialist teachers (namely Music and PE) run sessions with the babies and toddlers, too. These will become familiar faces as they move up through the school too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Berkhamsted-pre-prep-stepping-stones-1000x750.jpg" alt="Stepping Stones" class="wp-image-72727" /></figure>



<p>Rising threes move up to Stepping Stones - this is the School nursery, which follows a 6-term approach to learning and development, designed to ease the transition from nursery to pre-prep. It's a gentle approach, and the school works with the parents to ensure their child is ready for every stage of the process. Parents are asked to book a minimum of five mornings a week or three full days for their children to get the full benefit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Berkhamsted-Pre-Prep-Library-Exterior-1000x750.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Pre-Prep playground" class="wp-image-72730" /></figure>



<p>There are 60 places in Stepping Stones and these are dependent on how many move on elsewhere after nursery. The children are divided into three groups (with a max of 18 in a class group) for 'lessons' which are planned and research led and the children are encouraged to make their own choices rather than always looking for an adult, which all helps to develop their independence and curious little minds. Outside of 'lessons' the children all play together and they have access to a woodland and Forest School qualified teacher. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pre-prep"><strong>PRE-PREP</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pre-prepclassromm1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted classroom" class="wp-image-94849" /></figure>



<p>There are just over 230 children in pre-prep and the majority join straight from Stepping Stones. Any other available places are dependent on leavers, which at this stage can be few and far between so the message is: get in early to avoid disappointment!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BerkoClassroom-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted classroom" class="wp-image-94996" /></figure>



<p>Reception is three form entry with up to 22 in each class. Learning is play-based and the children are mixed every year to widen their group of friends and to balance the class dynamics. </p>



<p>Phonics underpins the early stages of literacy learning and by the time the children leave Reception they are all able to write sentences. Children are challenged but  importantly they are met where they are. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/berkhamsted-pre-prep-maths_Fotor-1000x638.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Pre-Prep lesson" class="wp-image-72731" /></figure>



<p>There's also lots of big space learning here - large sheets of paper are rolled out on the floor in one classroom - it's lovely to see that the teachers are doing things on the children's level, quite literally.</p>



<p>From Reception to Year 2, there are a wide range of clubs. Children can try their hand at everything from Yoga to Paper Craft Club, Tech and Chess. There's also an Eco School where they get to grow their own veg. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Preprepsport-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted gym" class="wp-image-94853" /></figure>



<p>I've mentioned the lovely setting, well, within the 15 acre site, there's also a circular library with curved windows, and fab sports hall available to all the nursery and pre-prep children. A PE specialist delivers lessons that are designed to build confidence and core strength and there's plenty of equipment to keep the children engaged. </p>



<p>Contained within a sizeable walled garden there's a wooden pirate ship, a mud kitchen, Wendy houses, an outdoor stage, a reading area (complete with thrones, of course!) and raised gardening beds. There's also a sensory hub.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Berkhamsted-Pre-Prep-Walled-Garden-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Pre-Prep children" class="wp-image-72733" /></figure>



<p>And it doesn't stop there - beyond the wall there's the woods, where the kids have masses of outdoor learning opportunities. All this plus a climbing wall, high ropes course and zip wire, which are graduated in difficulty for age appropriateness (they're also used by the prep and senior kids). And if that lot isn't enough for you, there's a bushcraft tent, too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Berkhamsted-Haresfoot-site-Outdoor-Education-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Pre-Prep Forest School" class="wp-image-72735" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else"><strong>WHAT ELSE?</strong></h2>



<p>As for how they fare academically, the vast majority of the children join at national levels, but by age five, most will be exceeding those levels, which is pretty impressive.</p>



<p>Music is important here and all of&nbsp;the children from Day Nursery have music lessons taught by a specialist, with an emphasis on recognising rhythm and listening skills.&nbsp;They are exposed to a range of instruments and in Year 2 every child learns the violin. Plus reception to Year 2 put on a popular musical performance every year.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Preprepdrama-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted drama" class="wp-image-94854" /></figure>



<p>On that note, each year group performs to the parents in a termly drama production, too. </p>



<p>And there doesn't seem to be any such thing as stage fright here - as the children are gently eased into performing at a young age when they have no inhibitions. </p>



<p>They're big on developing emotional intelligence here, too - the children learn, through specialist coaching, how to manage their emotions by naming, owning and dealing with them - something that will surely stand them in good stead for later life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Berko1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Pre-Prep art class" class="wp-image-95000" /></figure>



<p>There's a lot of cross-curricular learning too, which shows the kids how things join up rather than learning a topic in isolation. Case in point - the gang of little piggies and wolf cubs I see toddling off to the woods (wearing their handmade egg-box noses) had earlier been doing The Three Little Pigs in a drama class. Cute!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head"><strong>THE HEAD</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/hEAD-1000x667.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted head" class="wp-image-94852" /></figure>



<p>Karen O'Connor joined the Berkhamsted family in 2015 following a decade-long stint as Deputy Head at a primary school in Camden. </p>



<p>She's approachable yet driven, calm yet enthusiastic and has the warmth that parents want to see when visiting their child's prospective first school. Most importantly, the kids are really comfortable with her. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks"><strong>QUIRKS</strong></h2>



<p>It's the only school to have its very own Gruffalo Trail, which, unsurprisingly, the pre-prep kids love. And there are poly tunnels, an orchard and stacks more outdoor learning opportunities too.</p>



<p>On another note, history buffs might be intrigued to learn that the original ice houses and tunnels (which the unseeables would use to enter the manor house) still exist under the drive!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wraparound-care"><strong>WRAPAROUND CARE</strong></h2>



<p>Nursery care is from 7.30am until 6pm for 50 weeks of the year and wraparound care in pre-prep is available from 7.30am to 6pm after school during term time. The nice thing is though that this is not considered an extension of their learning but basically a giant play date, and the proof is in the pudding as many of the kids actually ask their parents if they can stay on as a treat!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fees"><strong>THE FEES</strong></h2>



<p>Stepping Stones Nursery Class costs from £647 for one morning session a week (termly), to £898 per full day a week (termly). Then it’s £4,334&nbsp;for Reception per term, £4,660&nbsp;for Year 1 and £4,924&nbsp;for Year 2.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong></h2>



<p>Put simply, Berkhamsted parents are proud to be Berkhamsted parents. Places are sought after due to the wide range of facilities and opportunities here plus it offers the start of a seamless educational journey to 18. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR: </strong>Berkhamsted is a really nurturing school that kids who are ambitious and hungry to learn will undoubtedly thrive in. Also, parents who want their child to have a consistent, all-through style of education, with an element of familiarity throughout.<strong><br></strong></p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR</strong>: Unadventurous types. Children are encouraged to have a go at everything here, so if they're not willing to give new things a try, Berkhamsted might not be the school for them.</p>



<p><strong>See for yourself: </strong>Don’t take my word for it! There is a Summer Outdoor Education Event (No Tour) on Sat 13 June. Find out more <a href="https://www.berkhamsted.com/pre-prep/open-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You can also read our reviews of the <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/berkhamsted-school/">Senior Boys, Girls and Sixth</a> and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/berkhamsted-prep-school/">Prep</a>.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.berkhamsted.com/admissions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Berkhamsted Day Nursery and Berkhamsted Pre-Prep</a>, Haresfoot, Chesham Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 2SZ. Email: <a href="mailto:daynursery@berkhamsted.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">daynursery@berkhamsted.com</a> or <a href="mailto:preprep@berkhamsted.com">preprep@berkhamsted.com</a><br></em></p>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/Bloxham_School_Headmasters_Lawn.jpeg" alt="Bloxham School review" class="wp-image-137118" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p><a href="http://www.bloxhamschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloxham School</a> is a co-ed day/boarding for kids 11-18 in the pretty North Oxfordshire village of - where else? - Bloxham, about 3 miles south of Banbury. The school is long established, having been founded in 1860, but unlike many public schools that started life as manor houses before ‘diversifying’ into education, Bloxham was actually custom built for the purpose. So though the neo-gothic buildings, with later additions, are handsome, they are restrained rather than expansive.</p>



<p>For this reason it seems at first glance that Bloxham doesn't have much to speak of in terms of grounds - no sweeping wooded driveway to trumpet your arrival - but actually the school has a&nbsp;large 60 acres to play with, and when you think that the school only has 587 pupils (175 in the Sixth Form, 438 boarders in 9 houses from age 11+ including 30 international students), there’s a lot of space per kid.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sports-facilities">SPORTS FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Bloxham-School-300.jpg" alt="Bloxham School rugby" class="wp-image-166397" /></figure>



<p>For a small school, Bloxham punches well above its weight sports-wise (the current headmaster is a former Oxford University rugby player and outdoor education instructor), and there are some awesome sports facilities - two all-weather hockey pitches, two squash courts, two fives courts, six netball courts doubling as tennis in the summer, and a 23m pool. There's a modern sports hall with a groovy indoor climbing wall, yoga studio, gym, and fitness classes.</p>



<p>Bloxham's main sports throughout the year are for boys, rugby, hockey and cricket, and for girls, hockey, netball and tennis (although girls'cricket is rising in popularity). It has many children representing county teams, and has seen individual successes in a wide range of sports including netball (with students representing Wasps Netball), sailing, F3 motor racing and vaulting. Rugby is also strong with players joining Gloucester and Northampton Saints, with two of this year's 1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;XV representing England U18 and one representing Canada's U20.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All of the kids take part in three coached sessions of sport a week, and 96% of them represented the school in competitive fixtures this year, so even for the resolutely non-sporty, there’s no escape! Country sports are strong - Bloxham have been winners of national clay pigeon competitions and have enjoying national success with their equestrian team crowned as the previous NSEA Eventer Challenge 90cm Championship Winners. There’s no stabling at the school (though it’s available at a nearby yard) but kids can bring their mounts for twice-weekly tuition. There’s also an annual eventing competition run by the school, held locally, which is well supported with schools competing from around the company.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-art-amp-drama">MUSIC, ART &amp; DRAMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/Bloxham-10.jpg" alt="Bloxham School " class="wp-image-96998" /></figure>



<p>The music building includes, as well as the usual practise rooms and classrooms, a music technology suite of 22 computers, so your child can make his or her secret ambitions to be the first public school rapper or thrash metal star come true. It certainly did the trick for alumnus, rising superstar DJ, Max Tyler.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Music is taken seriously here with the chance for the best musicians to perform with professional musicians and ensembles to share their own experiences and run workshops for all. All First Form pupils have the chance to learn an instrument for free in the Musicians of the Future scheme. Ensembles include Chapel Choir, Show Choir, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Band and many smaller chamber groups. The upshot? 200 lessons are taught every week, a regular concert series for all ages and abilities and continuing healthy numbers for GCSE and A Level music. They’re doing something right in the music department.</p>



<p>Additionally, the school’s&nbsp;choir have previously toured Vienna and Rome, including performances at the Pantheon and Vatican.</p>



<p>Drama is particularly strong at Bloxham and there’s a strong take up for GSCE and A Level with an annual school production and House Drama competition to fuel enthusiasm for performing throughout the school.&nbsp;Facilities-wise the Great Hall is fully tech-ed up for lighting, rowed seating for theatrical and music performances. There’s a cool stand alone art block too with a bright room that looks out over the cricket pitch – there’s no doubt that&nbsp;creative subjects are very strong at Bloxham, with Photography offered as a GSCE, Textiles at A Level and Art&nbsp;a big individual calling card.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/Bloxham-School-art.jpg" alt="drawings by students at Bloxham school" class="wp-image-62790" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-facilities"><strong>NEW FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Acanthus-Bloxham-48.jpg" alt="Bloxham boarding" class="wp-image-146820" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Acanthus-Bloxham-85.jpg" alt="Bloxham boarding houses" class="wp-image-146821" /></figure>



<p>Recent improvements include an extension to the third girls’ boarding house, Stonehill, which was completed in Spring 2023, increasing their boarding space for girls to cater for the high level of demand, following the opening of a new girl's house in Sept 2020.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academic-results">ACADEMIC RESULTS</h2>



<p>Based on the school's ethos of not necessarily selecting pupils on&nbsp;academic ability, the bread and butter at Bloxham is&nbsp;in stretching&nbsp;those&nbsp;middle-of-the-road kids who need a bit more help.&nbsp;There's a lot of scaffolding in place to that end including small class sizes of 15, a&nbsp;6 week individual learning plan for every child, and a doubling of English and increasing maths tuition lower down the school.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/Bloxham-8.jpg" alt="Quote on wall" class="wp-image-96996" /></figure>



<p>Bloxham doesn't like to publish reports on its grades, citing the fact that Bloxham is more than just&nbsp;about academics&nbsp;(which is true) but also indicative of the broad range of results. That said, the standard of teaching is clearly high here. </p>



<p>This year,&nbsp;Bloxham&nbsp;A Level students scored highly with approximately three quarters of grades at A* – B, with a rise in A*/A by 10% on last year. The majority are attending Russell Group universities in subjects as diverse as economics, international relations, architectures, engineering and sport science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And a big deal worth a flag wave – Bloxham won the 'Prepared for Life' category in the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-schools-awards/results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Muddy's Best School Awards </a>- the school has extensive options for Sixth Form enrichment, including: a mini MBA for Sixth Formers in conjunction with the University of Buckingham’s Business School, to help them explore and understand the mechanics of how business works; a mini Masters in Applied Positive Psychology for Sixth Form, working with New Buckinghamshire Uni; and the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge in partnership with the award-winning national business enterprise Dalcour Maclaren. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/Bloxham-2.jpg" alt="Classroom at Bloxham school" class="wp-image-96993" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/paul-Sanderson-bloxham-.jpg" alt="Bloxham School head" class="wp-image-137121" /></figure>



<p>This is Paul Sanderson's thirteenth year in the job, having moved from deputy head at Gordonstoun. I've met him several times over the years and have watched him transform Bloxham into a really well respected school. Charismatic and friendly with adults, his credentials as an ex Oxford Uni rugby player also plays out well with pupils. He still referees school rugby matches and takes the kids on DofE expeditions, so he's definitely 'accessible' for the kids.</p>



<p>He's also, in my opinion, commercially savvy. For example, a couple of years ago there&nbsp;was a gap in the market for local children who&nbsp;wanted to access the best of Bloxham School&nbsp;but don't need/want&nbsp;the cost of&nbsp;boarding, so he instigated a day pupil house a few minutes down the road where kids can enjoy all the private school perks and still make it home for <em>Love Island</em>. And in 2019 he introduced an on-site café for Sixth Formers and staff that is also to the public (there's only one other café in Bloxham and a couple of coffee-friendly pubs, so it's a no-brainer).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/Bloxham-School-entrance.jpg" alt="Seating area at Bloxham school" class="wp-image-62793" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/Bloxham-School-3-scaled-e1661256667802.jpeg" alt="Bloxham School about" class="wp-image-137123" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bloxham Chapel </figcaption></figure>



<p>Bloxham lays its Christian credentials out proudly and openly, describing itself as a 'Christian foundation school' (though they welcome all faiths). The first five headmasters at Bloxham were Anglican priests, and&nbsp;Christian values pervade, though with only one chapel service a week (in a drop-dead gorgeous building) it's hardly rammed down the throat. In terms of music, Bloxham has a groovy music tech department allowing the kids to DJ at the school discos. Not exactly a quirk but flippin lovely is the Neom diffuser in the toilet. Just saying!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/Bloxham-4.jpg" alt="Exham House at Bloxham school" class="wp-image-96994" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/Bloxham-School-auditorium.jpg" alt="Bloxham music department" class="wp-image-62791" /></figure>



<p>Senior school (Y9-13) boarding (£16,690 incl. VAT), Senior school day boarding (£12,950 incl. VAT), Y7-8 weekly boarding (£11,340 incl. VAT), Y7-8 day boarding (£10,330 incl. VAT). Senior Day House (£8,950 incl. VAT) and Lower School Day House (£8,810 incl. VAT) are inclusive of lunch and snacks, but not breakfast or supper. All school fees include core curricular materials and activities, including day trips, and some whole-year activity camps. Overnight stays for Day Boarders are charged at £59 a night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/Bloxham-6.jpg" alt="Bloxham school staircase" class="wp-image-96995" /></figure>



<p>I checked out the boarding facilities which were modern, clean, basic - entirely average I'd say and what I'd expect to see in most boarding houses. Day boarders are allocated a study room in their House and can stay until 6pm or up to 9pm without booking in advance, or even sleep over if they wish. Day and full boarders co-exist peacefully here, there doesn't appear to be a 'some are more equal than others' mentality amongst those who board full time. The day facility means local kids can stay for the long school day without having to board.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Very positive. Parents like its nurturing, ‘all–rounder’ ethos. The perception is that the creative arts are stronger than sciences here at present. The pastoral care and communication with parents is apparently very good.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp; The mid-ability child who wants stretching. Kids who prefer a smaller, more 'family' style school, with a less hierarchical structure between the year groups. Parents who want their children to have the opportunity to join in at sport, music and drama - participation is widely encouraged. The school felt very creative and progressive to me, with its textiles and great art facilities. The vibe of the school is very calm and resolutely not hot-housey, and all the children seemed very well behaved and happy. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: The purely academic, or kids who are not 'joiners'. Bloxham will suit kids who thrive as a big fish in a small pond, so it's a personal call whether your child fits that mould or would benefit more from having to make their mark amongst greater numbers.</p>



<p>For a 360 virtual tour, click <a href="https://www.360marketinglab.org.uk/clienttours/bloxhamschool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?!</strong> Be my guest! The next Whole School Open Mornings is on <strong>Sat 9 May 2026.</strong> Click <a href="https://www.bloxhamschool.com/admissions/visiting-the-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to register.</p>



<p><em>Bloxham School, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, OX15 4PE, Tel 01295 724341 <a href="http://www.bloxhamschool.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bloxhamschool.com.</a> </em></p>

Bloxham School is an impressive co-ed day/boarding for kids 11-18 in a pretty North Oxfordshire, with a reputation for all-rounder education. 

Bloxham School, nr Banbury

A co-ed nursery, prep and senior school set in 90 acres, with a distinguished 400 year history steeped in trad values and modern teaching; the Blundell's blend works.

Blundell&#8217;s School, Tiverton

A progressive Quaker co-ed day and boarding school that’s big on individuality and social intelligence, with impressive results.

Bootham School, York, Yorkshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Photo-1.jpg" alt="Pupils at bosworth northampton independent school cats global" class="wp-image-59993" /></figure>



<p><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></p>



<p>There have been exciting and significant changes in the last two years at Bosworth, with this diverse co-ed day and boarding school welcoming pupils from Year 7 in the newly acquired and significantly renovated Grade II listed Newton Building (below), facing onto the leafy Racecourse on St George’s Avenue, which has brought a new sense of cohesion to the school, solidifying Bosworth as a keystone of the Northampton townscape.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/BOSWORTH-2023-006.jpg" alt="The Newton Building St Georges Avenue Northampton Bosworth Independent School" class="wp-image-43069" /></figure>



<p>Now set across two key sites on leafy St George’s Avenue, The Newton Building and Bosworth Hall, and with boarding houses all within close proximity, there’s a vibrant mix of traditional and modern facilities here. The Newton Building itself, now the heart of the school, has come full circle, having originally been home of Northampton Grammar School For Girls and subsequently used as a middle school and then as part of the University of Northampton. You often hear the term <em>hidden gem</em> used about the smaller independent schools, but Bowowrth is hiding in plain sight, tucked away at the heart of Northampton behind an avenue of trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Part of the CATS Global Schools group, Bosworth is not academically selective specifically and actively encourages applications from international students, using the CAT 4 test and informal interviews to determine how best the school might serve a student prior to a place being offered. The school actively encourages applications from local and international students. There is a requirement that every pupil meets a certain level of English language ability, which is key to their ability to integrate into the school community, as well as achieve academically.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/Bosworth-School-March-25-241.jpg" alt="Classroom student Bosworth Independent School Northampton" class="wp-image-62161" /></figure>



<p>Bosworth may well be the most internationally diverse school I’ve visited in Northants, with over 30 nationalities currently in attendance.  Local British students are the largest intake, making up 30% of the student body. The multiculturalism Bosworth offers has some obvious benefits to pupils regarding communications and global outlooks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Average class sizes are 10-12 pupils, but in the new, lower years it’s currently far smaller as numbers build, so if low pupil to staff ratios are a key factor for you then Bosworth is well worth considering. Diversity in schools can sometimes  come at a cost, but at Bosworth children get all the benefits of being educated within an internationally blended community, whilst also having the really focused, hands on teaching and pastoral care of a small, close-knit school community.</p>



<p>2023 has also seen the introduction of a full school uniform for the first time, as Bosworth takes on a stronger identity as a School rather than a College, as it has previously been known, and to enable the pupils themselves to feel more strongly identified within the Bosworth family. The newly instated House system helps to reinforce this sense of identity and community connection, with each of the four houses being named after local landmarks: Delapré, Althorp, Ashby and Rockingham.</p>



<p><strong>FACILITIES</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Photo-4.jpg" alt="Science lab Bosworth Independent School Northampton" class="wp-image-59984" /></figure>



<p>The two main buildings on St George’s Avenue, Bosworth Hall and The Newton Building, are impressive, with recently upgraded facilities including large, light classrooms, 8 well-equipped science labs, 2 theory labs and 2 preparation rooms, a dedicated Computer Science suite, a music room with music tech facilities, and a dedicated art room with a dark room, film screening room with a popcorn machine and a number of comfortable study and social spaces for children to use when not in class - there’s a table tennis, air hockey&nbsp;and table football area at Bosworth Hall that seems a popular spot for indoor break times.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/Bosworth-School-March-25-278.jpg" alt="Sports games PE Bosworth Independent School Northampton review" class="wp-image-62163" /></figure>



<p>With ambitious plans afoot to expand the on-site sports facilities, the school currently has use of the Racecourse opposite (118 acres) for outdoor sports and partners with The Benham Centre nearby for indoor sports including football, badminton and tennis. There are also brand new on-site gym facilities with state of the art equipment. Bosworth encourages their students to get involved in activities beyond school and facilitates participation in riding, sailing, indoor rock-climbing, kick-boxing, as well as enabling them to play in local sports teams and harnessing all the benefits of being in such close proximity to top level sports facilities with a vast scope for the pupils that isn’t limited by specific facilities in situ.</p>



<p><strong>SIXTH FORM</strong></p>



<p>The Sixth Form facilities here are some of the most appealing I’ve seen, with the lofty, vaulted space at the top of Grade II listed Newton Building having been used to create a large study area with a lounge space and a decent sized kitchenette divided off with sleek glass partitions. I’m told the students are under strict instructions to keep it clean and tidy.&nbsp;There's also plenty of resources up here to help Sixth Formers plan their onward education. Clearly a winning strategy given the high standard of academic results. </p>



<p><strong>ACADEMICS</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Photo-6.jpg" alt="Pupils Bosworth Independent School Northampton" class="wp-image-59987" /></figure>



<p>Bosworth is fairly unusual in that it will accept students with specific academic targets, offering tailored tuition programs for Oxbridge entrance, Medicine or other competitive subject entrance at university level, something that is more commonly taken up by International students. There is also an option for students to take GCSE and A level subjects in their native or additional languages. With a huge proportion of students across this close knit school community achieving top results in Maths, Further Maths and Sciences, there is a strong cohort of these heading off to study science-based subjects including Medicine, Dentistry, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Theoretical Physics and the like, as well as social sciences, Law, Linguistics and European Politics, so expectations are high and the majority of&nbsp; A level students move on to Russell Group universities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>2023 also saw two A-level Art students move to prestigious American Art Schools&nbsp; (Parsons School of Design in New York and Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia), so there is a diversity in teaching and plenty of scope for students to pursue their interests. In fact, A-level class sizes in the arts are far smaller than the average, which allows for really hands-on teaching in a way that simply isn’t possible in most larger schools and which means those children who are more reticent are never overlooked or lost at the back of the class.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2025, 31% of all GCSE grades were 9-7. Particularly strong results were achieved in Mathematics, where 62% of all grades were 9-7, and 53% of grades in Biology were 9-7.</p>



<p>At A-Level, 74.6% of all grades were awarded A* – C and Bosworth students have secured places at top UK universities, including two of the top 10 universities: Imperial College London and the University of Warwick.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mr-Tony-Oulton-683x1024.jpg" alt="ton oulton head at bosworth independent school northampton" class="wp-image-59990" /></figure>



<p>Tony Oulton is an experienced educator and leader, educated at Oxford,  he's held several prominent positions in the education sector, including Principal of Hulme Grammar School and Acting Principal of Pimlico Academy. He has also been Head of Sixth Form at St Albans High School for Girls, and Head of Department and Oxbridge Coordinator at Woldingham School. Known for his strategic vision, strong business acumen, and commitment to student well-being, Tony is passionate about delivering academic excellence and transforming the school experience for every student.</p>



<p><strong>PASTORAL CARE</strong></p>



<p>Every student has a personal tutor who they meet with daily, in addition to a BACP Registered Counsellor, plus an external counsellor available to students who feel they would like to speak to someone outside the school system, as well as a School Nurse and House Parents. There are fourteen trained mental health first aiders in school, which is a very healthy proportion of staff for a student body of 217. An international student intake means that there are inevitable obstacles and struggles for some children to navigate, but the small, family vibe here as well as the strong emphasis on pastoral care and wellbeing, means that children do manage to thrive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pupils here are really encouraged to take on leadership roles and to think independently, from participating in the Student Council to the pupil who created a customised shareable Google Map to help incoming students find their way around the most important places in Northampton (bubble tea shops, cinemas etc.), there’s a sense that pupils are encouraged to explore the areas that interest them most and apply themselves accordingly.</p>



<p><strong>BOARDING</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/BOSWORTH-2023-004.jpg" alt="Bosworth Independent School Northampton Northants school review boarding house" class="wp-image-43073" /></figure>



<p>There are 6 boarding houses at Bosworth, currently accommodating 157 pupils, and they are all within easy walking distance of the main teaching hubs, with evening meals served at Bosworth Hall after the children have finished prep. Either twin or single ensuite rooms are available, all of which are pretty spacious with plenty of room for a desk and storage. There are kitchens and common rooms in the boarding houses too with loads of things to keep the children entertained including pool tables, pianos, TVs, karaoke, books and games. The houses are an architectural mix, but one thing that does stand out is that they very much feel like residential homes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For younger children, there’s the security and homeliness you’d expect in a boarding school setting, and for older students a little bit more freedom, with annex rooms for sixth formers wanting a bit more independence.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Boarding.jpg" alt="Bosworth Independent School Northampton Northants school review boarding school " class="wp-image-43067" /></figure>



<p>There are regular weekend trips within Northamptonshire for boarders, including shopping trips, visits to country parks and historic sites. Students are encourage to participate in local sports times outside of school. Day pupils are also welcomed to take part in boarding activities after school and at weekends.</p>



<p><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE</strong></p>



<p>Extensive, as you’d expect from a boarding school set-up. Breakfast is available for an additional charge from 7.30am, and after school there’s a range of after school clubs (some will be included in the cost while others, eg. sailing and riding, have an additional charge) and late prep running until dinner at 6pm.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>QUIRKS</strong></p>



<p>Multiculturalism shouldn’t be quirky but it’s certainly unusual enough across many independent schools that it’s something to be remarked upon and celebrated at Bosworth. It’s an important part of life at Bosworth and is considered a key element of preparing pupils for their future achievements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We often cheer the small class sizes at independent schools but here it’s worth noting that the average class size is just 10-12 students, which is pretty good in terms of offering personalised teaching and pastoral care for each child.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>FEES</strong></p>



<p>Fees will be significantly higher for International students but, for domestic students, expect to pay £15,495 annually or £29,985 to include boarding. Bosworth have not added VAT to their fees since it's introduction at the start of 2025, as they have opted to absorb the cost. International students will incur higher fees - <a href="https://bosworthschool.co.uk/admission-process/fees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more info here</a>. </p>



<p><a href="https://bosworthschool.co.uk/scholarships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scholarships and bursaries</a> are offered based on academic performance.</p>



<p><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></p>



<p><strong>&nbsp;Good For:</strong> Any passionate, determined student looking to achieve the best they can without the stuffiness associated with some traditional boarding schools. If you're a parent looking for a broad-minded, modern and globally savvy education for your child then Bosworth might just be the thing.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> The tweedy set (in spite of the lovely slate grey tweed blazer jacket the children now wear). Bosworth is about what you know, rather than who you know. Some parents may struggle with the idea of a town centre location - if you want that enclosed country house vibe and acres of sports pitches in situ then this might not be for you. </p>



<p>Fancy finding out more for yourself? Book a place on the <a href="https://bosworthschool.co.uk/visit-us/">Sixth Form Open Evening</a> on <strong>Thursday 6 November 2025</strong>.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://bosworthschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosworth Independent School</a>, The Newton Building, Avenue Campus, St Georges Avenue, Northampton, NN2 6JB email: <a href="mailto:admissions@bosworthschool.co.uk">admissions@bosworthschool.co.uk</a></em> - you can <a href="https://bosworthschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BIS-Prospectus-2025-26-NEW.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">download a prospectus here</a>.</p>

This dynamic school at the heart of Northampton expertly blends tradition with modern, forward thinking eduction and global outlook, with impressive results.

Bosworth Independent School, Northampton

A close-knit, co-ed, independent day and boarding through school for Pre-School to Seniors in glorious Hampshire countryside.

Boundary Oak School, Fareham

A co-ed day and boarding school for 2 to 11 years.  

Bournemouth Collegiate Prep School, Poole

A co-ed day and boarding school for 11 to 16 year olds.

Bournemouth Collegiate Senior School, Bournemouth

A co-ed independent for children aged 3-16 years old in Pershore, South Worcestershire.

Bowbrook House School, Pershore, Worcs

Discover Bradfield College, Berkshire – a leading co-ed boarding and day school known for its outstanding academics, sport, creative arts and exceptional pastoral care. 

Bradfield College, Reading

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/11/Untitled-design-2021-11-15T145931.572-min.jpg" alt="Brambletye school Near East Grinstead, Sussex" class="wp-image-54311" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE? </h2>



<p>The long winding drive sets the scene for the handsome gothic hunting lodge that once belonged to the Marquis of Abergavenny and is now home to <a href="https://www.brambletye.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brambletye</a>. Located in the Sussex countryside near the busy town of East Grinstead, the main house where the pupils board, has glorious views of Ashdown Forest and the Weir Wood Reservoir. The 340 pupils come from London and surrounding towns with 10% of students from overseas.</p>



<p>The school is set in 140 gorgeous acres with gardens designed by renowned Gertrude Jekyll. There are formal terraced lawns down to rambling woods, where copious den making takes place. Classes are held in modern buildings alongside the country house, with much of the learning taking place outside weather permitting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/11/Untitled-design-2021-11-15T145726.747-min.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" /></figure>



<p>Facilities are impressive. To celebrate the school’s centenary in 2019, an art studio, library complex, all-weather pitch and new changing facilities were added at a cost of £2.1 million. And there’s still more to come. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeHockey-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82077" /></figure>



<p>Sport is taken seriously here (the headmaster was captain of his Prep XV back in the day and clearly sees its value). Yes, there’s the usual large sports hall but this one has a fencing track, a climbing wall and an indoor shooting gallery and dance studio. There are 7 football and rugby pitches (pretty generous for the number of pupils), 5 cricket pitches with nets, a new all-weather pitch (not flood-lit), 3 tennis/netball courts, a 300m athletics track, 2 squash courts and even a 7 hole golf course. The 17m covered pool is a little tired but it does the job and pupils swim every week, one of the children recently came 3rd in the IAPS National Finals breaststroke. Girls football was introduced this year and is proving popular, as is cricket. Brambletye’s under-10 girls team won the Ardingly Cricket tournament in May.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeCricket-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82083" /></figure>



<p>Co-curricular clubs include sailing at the nearby reservoir, horse-riding off-site, fencing, tennis and golf (extra fees). There’s also an assault course and a 220m zip wire within the playing fields, plus the Pre-Prep enjoys a school in the woods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All children represent their school in regular fixtures with teams chosen according to ability. Impressively, there are 10 unbeaten Brambletye sports teams this season - quite an achievement!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts">THE ARTS</h2>



<p>Art is a particular strength at Brambletye, with David Holden, the head of department, having helped pupils gain 250 art scholarships during his 26-year tenure. A fabulous light-filled art studio was opened in 2020, named H in Holden’s honour. Here fine art, photography, ceramics, typography and pretty much everything else in between is taught. The room is filled with hugely impressive artwork - I had to confirm that the pupils are, at most, aged 13 - their work is so good.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/11/Untitled-design-2021-11-15T145859.779-min.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" /></figure>



<p>Drama is top notch too and it’s very much ‘lights, camera, action’ for the lovely 250-seater theatre with West End vibes including professional sets, lighting, orchestra pit and stunning wardrobes of costumes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeStage.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82078" /></figure>



<p>There are strong LAMDA results with 70 out of 74 children achieving Distinction in 2024. There’s a Year 7 and 8 musical every two years and an impressive 75% of children learn a musical instrument, a contender for one of the higher percentages we’ve come across this year! You’ll find whole school concerts twice yearly with more frequent informal concerts, along with the usual array of junior and senior choir clubs, specialist music classrooms and 6 practice rooms. Phew! Other than the usual instruments the more unusual peri teachers include those for harp and euphonium. Year 2 learn the ukulele and year 3 the trumpet (yes really!). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-head-teacher">HEAD TEACHER</h2>



<p>Will Brooks, in his 10th year as headteacher, has simplified the school rules to: “Work Hard, Play Hard, Be Kind,” which are followed by everyone on site and encompasses everything you need to know about Brambletye. Brooks is warm, likeable and passionate about preparing children for the 21st century but making sure they have fun along the way. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeDrama-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82080" /></figure>



<p>Brooks champions a support system that allows year 6 children to choose a personal tutor for their remaining two years at Brambletye. Brooks has his own tutor group of 10 who meet in his study every morning. This is clearly important to him and he makes noises about finding time for a return to the classroom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<p>Brambletye is selective but it’s a soft touch approach - there’s no test but there are face-to-face chats and a review of recent school reports.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The school has a 100% pass rate for common entrance exams, perhaps thanks to the small class sizes, which average 16. Pupils are mostly taught by a single teacher until the end of year 4, with specialist subject teachers from year 5 onwards.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All children learn Spanish and Mandarin with French and Latin options added from year 6. From year 5, pupils are streamed in core subjects according to ability and the top set in each year group is then ‘accelerated’ with the intention of completing the Common Entrance syllabus by the end of Year 7 – so anyone worried about the school not stretching the brightest can relax.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This year, leavers are moving onto 16 different schools within the immediate area and are also going as far as Rutland's Uppingham and Dorset’s Sherborne. Pupils have gone on land scholarships across the board from art to sport as well as academic at schools including Eastbourne College, Lancing College, Mayfield and Winchester College.  </p>



<p>A wide and diverse choice of extra-curricular clubs (some extra, many included in fees), include street and modern dance, cheer-leading, carpentry, comic and animation design, weaving, bike maintenance, web design, bushcraft, lifesaving and flight simulator. The Enrichment Programme sessions involve teachers sharing their off-curriculum talents on a carousel basis, including photography, podcasting, AI and touchtyping, Lego, animation, presentation tools and sculpting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care-amp-sen-provision-nbsp">PASTORAL CARE &amp; SEN PROVISION&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeFlowers-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82082" /></figure>



<p>There is a strong pastoral network to support children run by tutors, the boarding team, the school nurse and head matron. When I visit a year four pupil drops in to update matron, easily found within the Surgery, on current goings on – it’s clearly the latest instalment in an ongoing conversation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many staff are mental health and first aid trained and a school counsellor and independent listener visit weekly. Children meet with their tutors every morning to discuss school life and issues. There’s also a team to support pupils diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding-nbsp">BOARDING&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Boarding is very popular with all the children I speak to and there are full, part time and flexi options on offer with beds for everyone who wants one (from year three). It’s not just about logistics, kids who live close by often stay over so they can join the fun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The weekend programme for the 40 full boarders is varied and engaging including laser guns, giant inflatables, a James Bond weekend and trips go-karting, dry skiing and to Harry Potter world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyePaint-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82081" /></figure>



<p>The shared dorms are lovely - light and airy with countryside views - and each impressively tidy when I visit. There is a very happy atmosphere and the children’s photos and pinboards make their space feel personal and homely.</p>



<p>Since Muddy’s last visit in 2021, Saturday morning school has been abolished to allow families to spend more time together. The school does continue to host four termly sporting fixtures and, given these events include breakfast and the weekend papers for parents while the kids warm up, I’m not surprised they are popular.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>Other than the pink blazers, the school has a real sense of fun. There are a number of wonderful and wacky charity events including Barking Mad Dog Show.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeTree-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82079" /></figure>



<p>If you’re wondering why pink, it dates back to the founding headmaster, John “Bunny” Blencowe, who survived being shipwrecked, injured, on a desert island. Rescued by the aptly named Captain Sinker, he then joined the army and, following the Battle of the Somme, was buried alive but survived! Upon his return home, he founded Brambletye with Captain Sinker and, being a passionate rower, Leander pink (after the famous rowing club), was chosen for the uniform. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES </h2>



<p>I’d say a little above average perhaps reflecting the small class sizes and those Gertrude Jeykll grounds; reception £4,875 per term, years 1-2 £5,340, year 3 £9,435, years 4-6 £9,900, years 7-8 £10,510. Boarding from £12,945 for years 3-6 up to £13,245 for years 7-8.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/BrambletyeForest-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brambletye School, Sussex" class="wp-image-82084" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>The school doesn’t allow children access to personal electronic devices. Boarders are allowed access to school computers for Skype and email, a move welcomed by the majority of parents and pupils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<p>Breakfast club from 7.30am and stay and play in Pre-Prep until 6pm (extra cost). Flexi-boarding is available on a regular termly basis, eg) every Tuesday and Thursday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>There are good local links with minibus routes between Edenbridge, Newick, Groombridge and Crowborough, also connecting Haywards Heath and several villages. For those further afield, the nearest train station is East Grinstead with services into Victoria and for overseas boarders the school is about 20 minute’s drive to Gatwick. For exeat weekends and half terms, children travelling to London can be escorted on the train to Victoria station by a member of staff. There is an escorted return journey on Sunday evenings (or Monday evenings if it has been a bank holiday).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Brambletyelittlies.jpg" alt="Brambletye school, Sussex" class="wp-image-82091" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report-nbsp-nbsp">ISI REPORT&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The last report, six years ago, found that personal development was excellent and quality of achievement good. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground-nbsp">WORD ON THE GROUND&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Parents love the school for its strong family feel, outdoor style of learning and sense of fun matched with great academics. Kids here aren’t stuck behind desks cramming, instead they are learning practical skills in the fresh air – a huge selling point for parents. Saturday breakfast for mums and dads with newspapers before matches is also a real hit, as are well-supported regular social events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-verdict-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp">MUDDY VERDICT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A pastorally strong, all-round education with the emphasis on the outdoors and making use of the lovely grounds. The class numbers are small so children are known and cared for well.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> There’s a ‘get stuck in’ attitude so some children might find that overwhelming, but I struggled to find any murmurs of dissent during my visit. The children I speak to are full of praise for all aspects of school life from boarding to the food to the trips and clubs.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Be my guest! Brambletye's next <a href="https://www.brambletye.co.uk/admissions/visit-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Day</a> takes place on <strong>8 May</strong>, and <a href="https://www.brambletye.co.uk/admissions/visit-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private tours</a> can also be arranged. </p>

A homely co-educational selective boarding and day school for children aged 2-13 with acres of stunning grounds in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

Brambletye, near East Grinstead

Breaside Preparatory School, in Bromley, stands out as a vibrant and nurturing environment where children thrive academically. 

Breaside Prep School, Bromley

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://glos.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2019/10/Bredon-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12475" /></figure>



<p><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bredon is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 7 to 18, situated in gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside. A small family school, it enjoys a happy and supportive atmosphere with a particular focus on supporting children with dyslexia. Just over 200 pupils enjoy 84 acres of space in a location with fabulous rural views, yet near enough to Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester and even Hereford. Whilst there are plenty of independent schools within this triangle – Bredon certainly has competition – it stands out for its holistic and pastoral approach. It is not unusual for parents to consider Bredon for a child who is experiencing difficulties, but then decide its style will suit all of their children. </p>



<p>Bredon’s strength is its support for pupils with specific learning difficulties,&nbsp;as well as those who have struggled academically or socially in larger schools,&nbsp;but it is&nbsp;also a wonderful place for&nbsp;children who&nbsp;will benefit from&nbsp;its different approach to learning and its emphasis on outdoor learning (for this, read&nbsp;maths lessons working out the finances of the school’s working farm or studying estate management, rather than merely pottering about in forest school). The school celebrates every success – a grade D for one child is as&nbsp;impressive as an A* for another.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/10/Bredon-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16968" /></figure>



<p><strong>FACILITIES</strong></p>



<p>Once you’ve experienced&nbsp;the glorious drive through fields of sheep to reach the school, you’ll pull up in front of Pull Court, a&nbsp;16th century former manor house. Inside, the entrance hall is impressive – you can see where boys used to leap alarmingly from the galleries in the good old days before health&nbsp;and safety (and netting) arrived. A large, bright dining&nbsp;room and boys’ boarding take up the rest of the old house. The feel is shabby chic – comfortable and&nbsp;lived-in and full of old-world cosiness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond the main house the buildings vary in aesthetic beauty – a mixture of lovely old stable blocks and walled gardens, and slightly less lovely 1970s teaching blocks. While the school is always looking to improve and extend facilities, they already have an attractive outdoor pool, used for not only swimming but kayaking practise, a huge sports hall, climbing wall, four-acre fully-fledged forest school (weekly forest school lessons sit alongside farm school lessons in the curriculum), and a world class shooting ground. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/11/3-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32127" /></figure>



<p>The school’s clay pigeon team has won the Schools Challenge competition for years in succession and a current pupil has been selected for the England team, making Bredon one of the top shooting schools in the country. With an emphasis on individual sports, climbing and bouldering are popular, as are kayaking and canoeing (the River Severn runs along the boundary of Bredon’s acreage and they have their own canoe launch there.) Kayakers head to Symonds Yat in the Forest of Dean to get wet.</p>



<p>A former Gloucestershire rugby player is currently, and quickly, raising the profile of boys’ sport, especially rugby and hockey, but I think it would be fair to say that sport is still less competitive and structured than some schools. Yoga and dance, chess and film club are popular.</p>



<p>Outdoor learning is big here (I’ll talk more about Bredon’s farm later but it’s pretty special and great for all animal lovers), so it is not surprising that expeditions play a large part in school life. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is huge, and for younger pupils outdoor expeditions encompass everything from a ten mile whole-school walk in the Malvern hills to days of climbing and problem solving in Hay on Wye. There is plenty of simple tree climbing here, too. School trips, of which there are two major ones a year, explore China, Nepal, Iceland or New York, and children are very much encouraged to raise money towards these themselves.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/10/Bredon-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16967" /></figure>



<p>The school was founded in the 1960s as a boys’ boarding school offering families a different approach to learning – mornings were spent with noses in books, while the afternoons saw boys working on the farm, repairing fences and digging&nbsp;a swimming pool, all of which the current cohort of students enjoy today. Pupils come from all over to take advantage of this unique school, with seven different bus routes collecting day pupils who live up to an hour away. Boarders&nbsp;come from all over the country and just under 10%&nbsp;are based overseas. 5% of children are from military families. Oh, and there are lots and&nbsp;<em>lots</em>&nbsp;of dogs!</p>



<p><strong>JUNIORS</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Years three to six are housed in delightful wooden cabins, with the obligatory rows of wellies outside. Classrooms are small, but so are class sizes (often no more than eight in a class), with a teacher and one TA per class. During my visit I was impressed by their use of dyslexia-friendly buff-coloured paper, and Chrome books (one per child) in every classroom. The 30-ish junior pupils head up to the senior school for art, DT and other specialist classes. Sport is good, but small numbers in the Junior School (as well as the senior school) mean that teams are mixed across years and that competitive matches against other (similarly sized) schools only take place every other week or so. All pupils stay on for the senior school.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2019/10/Bredon-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16966" /></figure>



<p><strong>ACADEMICS</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is important to state that although Bredon offers strong learning support, it is a mainstream school with a good academic record. Tiny classes (8-12 in a class and even smaller in the junior school and sixth form) makes for a different approach to learning. Pupils can choose almost anything they like to study and if it’s not already on offer, the school will bend over backwards to try to&nbsp;change that. Most pupils do&nbsp;GSCEs,&nbsp;with some studying a combination of GCSEs&nbsp;and vocational courses. At sixth form level there is a wide variety of study, encompassing everything from academic A-levels (29 options) to BTECs (including business studies, catering and engineering) to vocational qualifications&nbsp;such as estate management and agriculture, childcare and catering. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/11/8-20.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32138" /></figure>



<p>Everyone has bespoke timetables, mixing and matching&nbsp;subjects, and failing GCSE English or maths is not a barrier to sixth form. ‘Some may be repeating GCSE English and maths two or three times; it doesn’t stop them going into the sixth form and retaking them while doing something else as well.’ Art and photography are popular at both GCSE and A-level – during my visit I observed an art class taking place outside, before pupils&nbsp;brought in outdoor elements to photograph and study. This is a&nbsp;perfect example of Bredon&nbsp;– whether it is taking photographs on the farm, or students growing vegetables in the kitchen garden for their catering course before baking them in the outdoor pizza oven and then selling them, every element crosses over and complements each other. </p>



<p>A big mention must go to Bredon’s on-site Cisco Academy. Partnered with Cisco Systems to provide advanced, hands-on learning opportunities, the courses prepare students&nbsp;for technical jobs, as well as for further education in engineering, computer science and related fields. The courses are intensive&nbsp;and equip pupils to tackle the physical side of building computers, including cabling, working towards careers as bench engineers at companies such as Dell or at GCHQ.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/11/2-4-720x432.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32129" /></figure>



<p>A thorough work experience programme in the sixth form offers pupils a chance to spend one day a week in a workplace setting, gaining solid experience for their future lives.</p>



<p>The entrance process to Bredon is&nbsp;interesting&nbsp;– prospective pupils meet the Head but&nbsp;it is more chat than interview. There are no entry exams or assessments; instead children are invited to come and spend a significant period of time in the school before being offered a place – three days for prospective day pupils and five days for future boarders – to make sure they will thrive. You can imagine the commitment and investment from both school and prospective pupils&nbsp;in order to accommodate this. Children join the school at any point of the school year and in any year. On the day I was there there were seven&nbsp;pupils doing doing taster weeks!</p>



<p>Leavers go on to study everything from law at Russell Group universities to art or drama at creative or performing arts colleges. Around&nbsp;20%&nbsp;go to university, with destinations including Loughborough, Westminster, Oxford Brookes, Kent, Southampton, Bournemouth and Plymouth. Others&nbsp;on to further education colleges, some into apprenticeships or even straight into the workforce, thanks to their vocational training.</p>



<p><strong>BOARDING</strong></p>



<p>Around 40% of Bredon pupils board on a full or weekly basis, with a spattering more doing flexi boarding. There is no Saturday school and few Saturday matches, so weekly boarders can head home on Friday night, however a healthy contingent of up to 50 pupils can be found in school on most weekends, enjoying trips to the cinema, ice skating, paint balling or, back on site, grass boarding or running club.Boarding starts at age nine but is more popular from Year 7 upwards. Boys share rooms up to the sixth form, while girls, unusually, each have their own room in a converted stable block. Evening activities include horse riding, golf, film club, Minecraft, Warhammer, rugby, badminton, archery, fitness and yoga. Day boarders can stay for prep, supper and then activities, taking their school day to 7pm.</p>



<p><strong>HEADMASTER</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/11/1-18.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32131" /></figure>



<p>New&nbsp;to the school in September 2019 is Nick Oldham,&nbsp;formerly deputy principal at West Heath School in Sevenoaks, a specialist school and, interestingly, the building that housed the school where Lady Diana Spencer received her childhood education. He is a big advocate of learning outside the classroom and, accustomed to catering for&nbsp;a diverse range of needs for&nbsp;children, he understands&nbsp;the importance of getting things right – that&nbsp;seeing pupils as individuals and being able to teach them in tiny classes can reap huge rewards.</p>



<p><strong>PASTORAL CARE</strong></p>



<p>Exceptional. Plenty of work is done on mindfulness and wellbeing, with an awareness that many pupils may have struggled in their previous schools, or even suffered from bullying. Mindfulness lessons take place in Year 7 and all of Year 8 are treated to a mindfulness retreat, where pupils enjoy mindful walking, surfing and sleep aid workshops. The very first lesson of every week is energetically entitled Move It Monday, with pupils taking long walks or mediation sessions, yoga or gardening. </p>



<p>This certainly puts pupils in the right frame of mind for the week ahead. While Bredon is not a special school (I would term it a nurturing mainstream school), it offers an incredible amount of SEN support. Many children do not have additional learning needs but those who do are well supported with dylsexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, and mild-to-moderate levels of ADHD and autism. Out-of-class learning support is delivered by the Access Centre, which also offers life skills such as helping pupils study for their driving theory test. When children join the school they have a profile made up for them, so members of staff know exactly what support each child needs (for example, a child who struggles with sensory overload might need to leave a lesson for a break occasionally). </p>



<p>Crucially, pupils who struggled in their previous school flourish and thrive here: given the space to learn at their own pace and in their own time, they are happy, relaxed and engaged, and make progress never thought possible before.</p>



<p><strong>QUIRKS</strong></p>



<p>The biggie here has got to be&nbsp;Bredon’s working farm. A huge part of school life, the farm has pigs (I was lucky enough to see a litter of&nbsp;gorgeously cute piglets on my visit), sheep, cattle, Shetland ponies, duck, geese, chickens and turkeys…until December. While it is a fully working self-sustaining farm in itself, it also forms a large part of the school curriculum, with children taking part in formal lessons in agriculture up to Year 10, when they then have the option of choosing&nbsp;agricultural studies and/or farm estate management as part of their studies. </p>



<p>Children feed animals, garden, build fences, muck out and generally take part in and are responsible for all areas and aspects of farm life. Many weekend activities take place here, and farm work is intrinsic to many academic lessons too.&nbsp;Plans are afoot to&nbsp;sell homegrown Bredon ham, salami, beef, bacon and turkey,&nbsp;enabling pupils to understand the entire food cycle from farm to table (and study the costs of it in maths’ class).&nbsp;In, fact, currently&nbsp;the Friends at Bredon (the PTA)&nbsp;make and sell the school’s own Bredon apple juice.</p>



<p><strong>ISI REPORT</strong></p>



<p>Find the latest <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/bredon-school-6276">ISI report here.</a></p>



<p><strong>FEES</strong></p>



<p>Years 3-6 £3,830 per term, Year 7-9 £5,810 per term, Year 10-13 £7,610 per term, boarding supplement £4,580 per term. Flexi boarding is £55&nbsp;a night and day boarding (staying from the end of the school day until 7pm) is £20 per evening.&nbsp;Withdrawal lessons, therapy, dedicated TA support, and EAL courses are charged as extras.</p>



<p><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong></p>



<p>Parents I spoke to love the all-round support and the non-competitive, low-stress environment. Children are happy and smiling and truly reach their full potential. With specialist teaching and by offering pupils a huge number of activities, opportunities and experiences, the school helps restore confidence and self-belief.</p>



<p><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></p>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>The quirky and the cool, animal lovers, creatives and lovers of life. You&nbsp;could fill a Bredon in every county with those children who don’t sit easily in mainstream or special schools – it is perfect for those who might have had poor experiences elsewhere, been bullied or ignored, feel anxious or struggle with learning or social situations.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp;</strong>Children who don’t like being part of a large extended family, or those who don’t want to get stuck in to everything Bredon has to offer. Perhaps not the best environment for super&nbsp;high flying academics&nbsp;chasing those four A*s at A-level.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?&nbsp;</strong>Find out for yourself here<a href="https://www.bredonschool.org/open-days-tours">www.bredonschool.org/open-days-tours</a><em>Bredon School, Pull Court Bushley, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 6AH, Tel:01684 293156,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bredonschool.org/">www.bredonschool.org</a></em>T</p>

A nurturing boarding and day co-ed for ages 7 to 18 located in idyllic countryside, Bredon is a first choice for a holistic education.

Bredon School, Tewkesbury

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/brentwood-big-1024x552-1.jpg" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-1215"/></figure>



<p>Well hello <a href="https://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood School</a>! You'll find this handsome independent day and boarding co-ed school in the centre of town, but behind the Tudor frontage there's an inviting 75 acres of rolling Essex countryside. </p>



<p>Brentwood started life as an all-boys school (the original building dates back to 1568, when just five boys enrolled to learn Latin), but there’s now 1,900 pupils from 3-18 years, with an almost even split of 55% boys / 45% girls. Check out this welcome from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgfCYKbIdQE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Headmaster Michael Bond here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/sixth-form-quad-brentwood.png" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-1213"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sixth Form quad </figcaption></figure>



<p>Interestingly, they adopt a ‘diamond model’ here, with boys and girls taught separately when they get to the senior school, though they still mix outside of lessons - only 16 schools operate this model in the UK, but I'm liking the sound of it. The 90+ boarders who enrol each year are almost entirely international students, hailing from the likes of Hong Kong and Ukraine/Western Europe, but the vast majority of students are local day pupils, with Brentwood, Shenfield and Billericay being the main destinations for the school’s private bus programme.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prep">PREP </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/forest-school-brentwood-school.jpg" alt="brentwood school forest school" class="wp-image-1210"/></figure>



<p>Housed in a completely new part of the school following a £14million two-year expansion project (yes, you read that right), this grand self-contained area for pupils from 3-11 years offers mixed class sizes of up to 20 – on the higher end for independent schools though personally I think anything between 18-20 is a sweet spot of class ‘buzz’ that still allows for individual attention. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/01/Brentwood-Preparatory-School.jpg" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-2274"/></figure>



<p>The project combines refurbished buildings as well as new builds and has completely transformed the landscape of the school, improving connectivity on campus as well as focusing on STEAM subjects. Highlights include - deep breath - eight specialist classrooms including a high tech music room, two science rooms, an IT Suite, light and airy Art loft, food tech suite, design tech classroom decked out with Laser Cutters and 3D Printer, plus the Futures Room (below) - a sensory space for kids to get creative.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/01/Futures-Room.jpg" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-2273"/></figure>



<p>The lucky kids here also use all the senior school facilities (get settled in to read the list below, there’s a lot of them!) as well as many of the school’s language programmes, and are encouraged to learn everything from French and Spanish to Latin and Chinese with specialist teachers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Hurdles.jpeg" alt="Brentwood long jump" class="wp-image-1201"/></figure>



<p>In a word, impressive. With a 25m indoor swimming pool, acres of sports pitches, three netball/tennis courts, a dedicated sports hall, cricket pavilion, a fencing salle (which has produced five Commonwealth champions), four squash courts, plus two all-weather floodlit pitches and an athletics track, and a stupendously good fitness suite, the kids aren’t exactly short of sporting activities on site. Water polo is popular by all accounts, as is archery. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-arts-and-drama">MUSIC, ARTS AND DRAMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Dance-Brentwood-school.jpeg" alt="Brentwood dance" class="wp-image-1194"/></figure>



<p>Have a budding Lang Lang in the house? No problem, Brentwood is an official Steinway school, with a whopping 11 Steinway pianos at its disposal, along with an extensive music facilities suite, which includes a recording studio, music technology suite and seven practice rooms. All seniors are encouraged to play an instrument (or three) as part of the curriculum (the school even runs an ‘endangered instrument’ programme to bring back the French horn, etc), but during lockdown this department really came into its own, holding 14 Friday-night concerts via the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BrentwoodSchoolEssex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood School YouTube channel</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Brentwood-school-auditorium.png" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-1207"/></figure>



<p>What's more, in September 2024, Brentwood School launched a <a href="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/8c720fe2bf.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Specialist Music Programme</a>, providing rigorous training and assessment for aspiring musicians within the school curriculum. The launch of the Specialist Music Programme represented another step towards delivering the school's vision to be known locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a centre of best practice. High-achieving musicians benefit from a programme that recognises their talent and ambition while maintaining the range and balance that comes with being part of a thriving mainstream school. No longer do talented musicians need to decide between a mainstream or specialist school – they can genuinely have the best of both worlds here.</p>



<p>For musical and theatrical performances, there are three dedicated spaces for productions, plus filming facilities. You’ll also find two large art spaces and a ceramics studio complete with kilns for budding artisans. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-languages">LANGUAGES</h2>



<p>There’s no absence of money spent on academic provision here – the big calling card being the multi-media Learning Resource Centre, which includes a purpose-built ‘language laboratory’ allowing students to learn everything from Mandarin and Chinese to Latin. Last year, a pupil actually taught himself Japanese via the cutting edge tech – and bagged himself the top grade!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academic-results">ACADEMIC RESULTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Chemistry2_RS.jpg" alt="Brentwood School " class="wp-image-1168"/></figure>



<p>Strong.&nbsp;The IB Diploma Class of 2024 returned an average of 38.3 points, which placed the school eighth in the UK.&nbsp;When it came to GCSE / iGCSEs, students again significantly outperformed the national picture. Around a fifth of GCSE grades were Grade 9 (against a national figure of 5.1%) and almost 60% were graded 7-9 (22.6% nationally). 132 students took A Level examinations and a strong set of results saw 37.2% graded A* or A. 10.7% of A Level results were A* and 72.0% of results were A*-B. The pass rate at A Level was 100%.&nbsp;In 2024, all 31 BTEC Extended Diploma students achieved their first-choice outcome. Five students attained the equivalent of A*A*A* and 10 secured the equivalent of A*A*A.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/02/Untitled-design-5.jpg" alt="Brentwood School Headmaster Michael Bond" class="wp-image-15979"/></figure>



<p>Following a successful post at Berkhamsted School, Michael Bond took hold of the reins as headmaster in 2019 and has overseen the multimillion-pound expansion of the prep school, plus the roll out of dynamic, future-facing tech to ensure a smooth transition during lockdown. Up-beat, energetic and clearly motivated to uphold the school's values, I liked him - he's particularly passionate about Brentwood's heritage and presides over a school where innovation, dynamism and a can-do attitude are intertwined with manners, respect and, above all, kindness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-14.jpg" alt="brentwood school boarding" class="wp-image-18651"/></figure>



<p>In September 2025, the school&nbsp;opened&nbsp;the doors on a state-of-the-art sector-leading boarding house (see an artist’s impression above). The fully-accessible house, which&nbsp;was&nbsp;years in the planning,&nbsp;is subdivided into three main sections; a girls’ and boys’ boarding house and a central shared facility including new dining and communal areas and an outdoor courtyard and dedicated landscaped social space. A new Sixth Form Cafe acts as a hub for boarding and day students, providing a social gathering space for Sixth Form students, a study space and group meeting venue, and features a covered arcade and access to the courtyard and terrace. Single bedrooms on the upper floor will offer a home-from-home for boarding students featuring cutting-edge uni-style accommodation with light and airy private ensuite rooms. The school also offers students the option of flexi boarding -&nbsp;ideal for students involved in after-school clubs and activities or who have a long commute to and from school, or simply as a preparation for university life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wraparound-care">WRAPAROUND CARE</h2>



<p>A dedicated service runs for prep school students, who can be dropped off daily from 7.30am for breakfast and pre-school activities, and picked up again at 6pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/07/George-WellbeingDog-763x1000.jpg" alt="brentwood school dog" class="wp-image-24401"/></figure>



<p>Wellbeing is at the heart of a Brentwood School education – happiness, purpose and an ability to use setbacks as learning opportunities are all ingredients of a successful education. An extended pastoral team comprises the Senior Deputy Head, Director of Pastoral Care, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Heads of Year and their Deputies, Form Tutors, Boarding staff, Pastoral Managers, Director of Pupil Wellbeing, the School’s medical team and School counsellors. They are joined by an on-site Chaplain, who is utilising the school’s beautiful 19th century chapel (below), a team of Mental Health First Aiders and Sixth Form Mental Health Champions.&nbsp;And not forgetting the school’s real pastoral stars George, Henry, Freddie and Rosie – Brentwood’s official wellbeing pooches.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Brentwood-school-chapel-.png" alt="brentwood school chapel" class="wp-image-1208"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The chapel </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/old-library-brentwood.png" alt="brentwood school library" class="wp-image-1211"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The library</figcaption></figure>



<p>How deep are your pockets? Brentwood School is on the pricier side for day and boarding – but then again you do get a lot for your buck. Day prep costs £22,239 per annum (inclusive of VAT); day senior places rise to £29,112 p/a (inclusive of VAT) while boarders pay £56,358 p/a (inclusive of VAT). For Foundation prices, contact the school for a personalised quote.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/Brentwood-schol-learning-resource-centre-.jpg" alt="brentwood school" class="wp-image-1240"/></figure>



<p>Probably the most unusual element of the school is its ‘diamond model’ teaching method - one of just 16 co-ed independents in the country to adopt single-sex lessons for seniors. So it’s kind of the best of both worlds – single sex learning but co-ed socialisation. </p>



<p>What else? Brentwood School has the largest Combined Cadet Force in the country with more than 600 cadets. </p>



<p>And finally, I don’t think many schools can claim that their grounds saw protestants burned at the stake under Mary Tudor’s reign! More cheerfully though, the land was snapped up by the Lord Justice Chief in 1557 and, by 1568, the ‘Old Big School’ had been erected. The original building is still in use and some of the first students’ wooden desks – etched with the boys’ doodling – have been cleverly built into the floodlit room’s architectural features.&nbsp;Also on a historical note, keep an eye out for features acquired from Weald Hall, ancestral home of Sir Antony Browne in the 1540s - not least the mounting step donated by the Queen of Naples, in Library Square.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Virtue. Learning. Manners: the three founding pillars of Brentwood School from 1622 still embody the school’s ethos today, which is all about offering an unstuffy learning environment for kids of all backgrounds to thrive and flourish in. (To give you a flavour, a quote from 1892-1913’s headmaster Dr Edwin Bean, reads: ‘The children of judges and those of mechanics and tradesmen should mix on equal terms.’) As a result, parents here are largely self-made and love the fact that, despite its grand, sweeping exterior, Brentwood isn’t your average ‘posh’, elitist private school and has a warm heart. In fact, it now financially supports one fifth of the children who attend.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT:</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR: </strong>Those who want the best of both worlds. With its unusual adoption of single-sex lessons from 11-16, Brentwood School allows its pupils to follow their academic interests without fear of gender stereotyping. The sports, music and language facilities seem to be particularly strong, so if your little one happens to fancy a spot of fencing or shows an early flair for the ivories, they’ll be well catered for.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>With its grand site, Brentwood might feel intimidating to those coming from much smaller surrounds.</p>



<p><strong>DARE TO DISAGREE? </strong>You don’t have to take our word for it – take a look around yourself at one of their Open Days. The next <strong>Open Morning is on 6th June</strong>. Click <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk/admissions/open-events-school-visits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to book or call 01277 243243 for details. </p>



<p><em>Brentwood School, Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8EE. Tel: 01277 243243; <a href="https://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brentwoodschool.co.uk</a></em></p>

Striking an unusual balance between co-ed and single-sex learning, this successful independent delivers history and heart alongside its stellar academic record.

Brentwood School, Brentwood

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-RECEPTION-AH-003.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14842"/></figure>



<p>Brighton College Kensington Prep is in the heart of London’s cultural fun zone – a stone’s throw from the world-renowned Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&amp;A and Hyde Park. Housed in an elegant terrace of Victorian four-storey properties, this nurturing co-ed Prep for children aged 2 to 13 years, boasts the best of London as a classroom with 174 art galleries and museums here alone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's small – just 335 pupils – and class sizes of 16 are the norm. There’s room to expand to 360 across selected year groups and further expansion is on the cards with head teacher Lois Gaffney eyeing up neighbouring properties. More on this later.</p>



<p>Formerly known as Prince’s Garden Prep, the school is about to celebrate its third birthday as Brighton College Prep Kensington. Now part of the prestigious Brighton College family, including the Senior school of the same name, which was awarded the United Kingdom School of the Decade by <em>The Sunday Times</em> and Britain's Most Forward-Thinking School by <em>The Week</em>.</p>



<p>Wondering how the school links to Brighton College? The children are taught the Brighton College way with a ‘London as classroom’ twist. The core curriculum model is the same, so expect a strong focus on academics and pastoral care to ensure the children grow and improve. There are exciting plans afoot at Brighton College Prep Kensington and the school is one to watch!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>Located on Prince’s Gardens, just off Exhibition Road, the classrooms and learning spaces are set in four elegant townhouses, boasting high ceilings, large windows and period features. It’s an inspiring setting with Nursery and Reception on the ground floor, offering easy access to the all-weather playground.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general">GENERAL</h2>



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<p>There are dedicated science labs, libraries, an art studio and a beautiful music room with drums, guitars and other instruments enticingly displayed beneath an original ornate ceiling. There’s also the creative Makerspace, a large space with craft and construction materials, and technical equipment such as 3D printers, a laser cutter and sewing machines.</p>



<p>The undeniable gem here, is the Secret Garden. In the far corner of the playground there’s an unremarkable wooden gate. Open it, and you find yourself in a wonderful two-acre space used for learning (mini beast hunt, anyone?), den-building and generally letting off steam. It feels unexpected and magical in the middle of London. Understandably, it’s a huge draw for city parents who want their kids to have space to run free.</p>



<p>An extended learning zone (parents agree their children can be taken off school grounds within agreed parameters) means the idea of London as a classroom is meaningful with football lessons on the astro pitch in Hyde Park and football, cricket and athletics on the grass in the same location (5 mins walk). The zone gives teachers the freedom to pop their pupils to nearby museums and galleries too – a strength of the school’s location and attitude to learning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



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<p>Sport here is solid with all the usual suspects. Specialist sports lessons start in reception with competitive matches from year 3. There’s football, netball, rugby, hockey and cricket taught in nearby Hyde Park. Weekly swimming lessons are on the agenda from Y1 and there’s also the chance to try basketball, gymnastics and badminton.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-YR-56-GAMES-028.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14848"/></figure>



<p>The school doesn’t have its own swimming pool or sports hall but (literally) next door is the Ethos Sports Centre, owned by University College London, with both facilities available. The school has regular access for swimming and PE lessons – the sports hall is a particularly generous space including a climbing wall.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-YR3-MUSIC-035.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14845"/></figure>



<p>There’s a buzz to the drama, music and art offering. The head of Performing Arts and Drama, trained opera singer Charlotte Hoather, oversees the school lessons, performances and LAMDA studies. Some 56% of pupils take either music or LAMDA lessons, and 15-20% take more than one. Many genres of music are on offer, including rock, pop, musical theatre and classical. There’s also an annual school opera and upper school musical with pupils creating props, designing and building sets, planning costumes and taking to the stage to perform of course.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During my visit, Y6 and Y7 are rehearsing <em>Pantastic</em>, a version of Peter Pan with the performance due to take place outside in their playground. A group of children also headed into the West End to see of <em>Wicked</em> at the Apollo theatre. Y3, Y4 and Y5 recently performed an adaptation of <em>The Last Aliens</em> by Scottish Opera.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For young Picassos and Grayson Perry’s, there’s a dedicated art room and some pupils recently had their work displayed in the Young Art Exhibition at the Royal College of Art. Proceeds from the sale of work in the show benefited childhood cancer research at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-curricular">EXTRA CURRICULAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/BCPK-Lower-School-Others-09-09-2025-AM-7054-2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14855"/></figure>



<p>Boredom be gone! The school offers a wide array of clubs on offer, which vary by year group, and are a mix of paid for and free options. Try ukulele, drumming, modern dance, Mandarin, Italian, yoga, karate, fencing, knitting, public speaking, Warhammer, Lego and chess to name a few. Surely something to pique every child’s interest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-YR7-MATHS-050-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14849"/></figure>



<p>Brighton College Prep Kensington is a selective school that manages to balance academic ambition and kindness. Not an easy thing to pull off. It all starts with learning empathy in early years and develops into volunteering and working with local groups as the children get older.</p>



<p>For the selection process, Nursery-aged children are invited to a ‘stay and play’ session with their parents. For Prep entry, from Y1-Y8, there’s an assessment day including a meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership team and tests in English, maths and reasoning. Teachers are looking for intellectual curiosity not young Einsteins.</p>



<p>When I visit, the youngest children are studying mini beasts. There are caterpillars to observe on their journey to butterflies and a prized bee, found on a recent bug hunt and correctly identified as a bumble bee by a boy keen to share his learning with me.</p>



<p>As I move throughout the school, there’s lots of different types of learning going on and there’s plenty of good manners on show with children instinctively saying good morning and keen to answer questions. The head boy and girl who show me around are both charming and proud to show off their school.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Slide8.jpg" alt="Class at Kensington Prep" class="wp-image-6174"/></figure>



<p>There are discussions in English, experiments in science, and lucky Y4 are in the Makerspace creating the Seven Wonders of the World with cardboard, strings of lights and much enthusiasm. Y6 children were asked to research, write and market walking tours around South Kensington to raise money for charity - another example of innovative learning. The project taught the children how to research, public speaking and marketing skills in a real life setting of the city.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For those at the top of the school, there’s an ambitious Mini MBA programme to prepare Y7 and Y8 for the move to Senior school (and for life generally). The programme is divided into eight components including leadership, how to write a business plan and entrepreneurship. Expert visitors will be invited into school to give talks on their specialism. Leadership is the first one planned for September and will be delivered by a Gurkha.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s not a guaranteed entry into Brighton College for Senior school, but attending the Kensington site will certainly help if that’s an ambition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care-nbsp">PASTORAL CARE&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-RECEPTION-YR3-BREAK-004.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14853"/></figure>



<p>The approach to pastoral care is considered and due to be strengthened further in September. There are programmes to encourage behaviour that benefits both individuals and the school community such as ‘Caught Being Kind’ in Pre-Prep and ‘Gold Tokens’ in our Prep Lower School which is the chance to vote for a treat. Children feel able to approach any teacher or staff member with concerns or use worry boxes, located in each classroom. Staff have access to Tooled Up resources to support them in their roles.</p>



<p>Children in Y5-Y8 are allocated a House Mentor and attend tutor groups thrice weekly with other children. Groups consist of around 8 – 10 children, all from the same house but from different year groups. Each House Mentor looks after their cohort acting as champion and supportive critic where needed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND</h2>



<p>For pupils that need SEN support, specialists visit on a weekly basis including play, OT and speech therapists. Dan Wood is safeguarding lead (and Head of the Upper School).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/BCPK-Lower-School-Others-09-09-2025-AM-7254-002.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14891"/></figure>



<p>Lois Gaffney is well versed in the Brighton College way having held senior roles at Handcross Park and Brighton College Prep Singapore – she was founding Deputy Head from 2020-2022. She’s focused and ambitious and has lots of plans for Brighton College Prep Kensington. She’s dynamic but approachable and fizzing with what can be achieved here.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She’s busy building her team with some key staff members recruited from within the Brighton College family. The team members I meet match her energy and you can tell they are just getting started with a shared vision for what they want to create. There’s a feeling that they know what’s possible and can’t wait to make it happen for their pupils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gaffney is considering future expansion of the school by taking on more space in the local area. She says the school is constantly evolving and to stay tuned for future announcements. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Parents are excited about the changes taking place at the school, which will benefit their children. Dynamic, inspiring and innovative are all words I hear.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DPP-BCPK-YR-SG-020.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14850"/></figure>



<p>Maybe not the quirkiest of quirks but all children at Brighton College Prep Kensington learn chess from Reception with ambitions to become known as a chess school. The idea is to help with strategic thinking and maths skills and gives non-sporty kids a chance to shine.</p>



<p>There’s a huge pelican in reception made by the staff and pupils to represent ‘Pelican Pathways’, a reward system for academic progress and community involvement, which runs across Brighton College schools. It’s a points-based system which celebrates the children’s achievements in and out of school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>It’s just a 10-minute walk from both South Kensington and Knightsbridge Underground stations and Victoria Station is 15 minutes away by public transport. From Y1, you can opt for the school bus service for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up dependent on demand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>There’s a zero-tolerance approach to mobile phones and they are banned in school. However, the school is going further than that. Gaffney has told parents that she’s going to be providing what she calls ‘brick’ phones for Y6, Y7 and Y8 from September. These also won’t be allowed in school, but the children can use them on their journey and at home to text and call friends and family. She’s seeking to support and empower parents, giving them an opt out and to create community action to challenge children receiving smartphones from a young age. Phones are handed into reception in the morning and collected at the end of the school day.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Termly fees are: Nursery, £8,292 (Full time); Reception – Y2, £10,946; Y3 – Y6, £11,630 and Y7-Y8, £12,264. The cost is higher than average for London day schools, but you are paying for Brighton College excellence and many will think that’s well worth it.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Bright and curious kids ready to become the best version of themselves. This is a school of action, so kids need to be prepared to get involved and have a go at everything.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> It’s academically selective so kids need to be able to keep up. Anyone who prefers all facilities under one roof.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Book onto an <a href="https://www.brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk/open-mornings/?utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=19554081098&amp;utm_content=g&amp;utm_term=brighton%20college%20prep%20kensington&amp;_gl=1*ce5uvy*_up*MQ..&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw-JG5BhBZEiwAt7JR6ySJ5kKpx8f_ogr9XV5deGDZKREipCwRpFfzR7aYb2ZQEBKeMkgiSBoCmS8QAvD_BwE">Open Morning here</a> or contact the Admissions Team by <a href="mailto:admissions@brightoncollegeprepkensington.co.uk">email</a> or call 020 7591 2628.</p>

A highly innovative school for children aged 2-13 years, part of the Brighton College family, aka ‘The UK School of the Decade’, set in the heart of London with the city as an ...

Brighton College Kensington Prep, Kensington

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76188" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Found at the end of a winding driveway amid blooming rhododendrons, Brighton College Prep Handcross is set within 52 acres of stunning Sussex countryside. Located between Haywards Heath, Horsham and Crawley, it’s one of the UK’s larger rural preps, with 415 pupils (including 56 boarders). There’s a palpable sense of happiness here thanks to the school’s nurturing feel and focus on each child as an individual.</p>



<p>Brighton College Prep Handcross is part of the Brighton College family of schools, albeit with its own governing body, and around 30% of Year 8 pupils move on to the prestigious college. Pupils are able to experience the facilities and life at Brighton with shared activities across both schools. These include; competitive and team building sports events and watching all the amazing drama performances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The campus is sited around a beautiful main building, once a private home, with a series of sympathetically designed chalet style buildings dotted about the place. The school’s trophy cabinet is heaving with accolades and, next month, they’re hoping to add ‘Boarding School of the Year’ having been shortlisted by The Tes Awards 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Last year, their Head of Digital Learning was a finalist in the Global Ed Tech Awards for most inspirational senior member of staff. The school was named Prep School of the Year 2019 by the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. But that’s not all, they won Best Prep for Innovation in 2020 and pastoral care in 2021 by The Week Independent Schools Guide and Best Prep School for Boarding in 2022 by the Week Independent Schools Guide.</p>



<p>It’s not been long since Muddy last visited Brighton College Prep Handcross but since then there’s a new head in post and work underway to extend boarding capabilities - a clear strength - more on this later!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76187" /></figure>



<p>Starting with the youngest pupils, nursery and pre-prep have their own purpose-built space within a gorgeous walled ‘secret garden’ complete with adventure playground and blossom trees. The building itself is deceptively spacious - it feels small and cosy but opens up to house nursery, reception and years 1 and 2 plus a library and a double height space for informal performances and assemblies. The day I visit the children and teachers are busy preparing for a music concert with parents due to attend.</p>



<p>In October 2023, the school unveiled the Owton Building, a state-of-the-art dedicated English Building. This houses three English classrooms and an 'Immersive Classroom', with floor-to-ceiling projections to create a fully interactive space for an entirely modern take on learning. The children are bursting with activity and purpose and benefit from a high staff to child ratio and plenty of individual attention.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Outdoor space is plentiful, not only the required free-flow for EYFS but also the lovely walled garden playground, a set of raised beds for growing and a gate in the wall that leads out into two Forest School sites deep in the surrounding woodland. The older children can run on the fields during lunch break.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The main building houses the lower school, and each year has two interchangeable classrooms plus a main library space. You can also find the Chapel and Small Hall that looks out to a beautiful Lavendar lined terrace and grounds.</p>



<p>Children have class and visiting teachers until Year 5, after which they move across to the upper school and have subject-specific classrooms and teachers to ease the transition to senior school.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76190" /></figure>



<p>The upper school building houses a huge sports hall packed with kit – including a climbing wall – that doubles up as a performance space. It also features welcoming classrooms, an IT suite, two fully kitted-out science labs and a thriving languages corridor where pupils continue learning Mandarin and Spanish (which they start in pre-prep) plus French and Latin, taught by a language teacher who speaks an eye-watering nine languages.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A dedicated music block has practice rooms for peripatetic teaching for the 70% or so of pupils who study instruments, as well as a larger space for music and drama. Art, textiles and DT are taught in another chalet-style block that’s packed full of high-quality work from pupils, regularly rotated to act as inspo. Behind the art classroom sits a beautiful and tranquil wellbeing garden with a distinctly Eastern feel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sports-wise, there’s an indoor heated swimming pool, Astroturf, hard courts, acres of pitches and a pavilion which is used for match teas (drop by on Wednesdays a slice of Victoria sponge) and drama performances, and a golf course.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross9-667x1000.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76184" /></figure>



<p>Whether through the curriculum or clubs and activities, children can play pretty much any sport you can think of, not to mention take advantage of the onsite pool. The equestrian team uses the local stables. The sports facilities mean sporty children will be happy here, and there are opportunities aplenty to compete too. Less sporty children are encouraged with skill-level appropriate teams so everyone gets the chance to play competitively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76185" /></figure>



<p>In addition to weekly music and drama lessons, pupils can study for LAMDA examinations as well as musical instruments and pass rates are 100%. There are performances each term in both drama and music as well as opportunities to get involved backstage for those less keen on taking a starring role, plus plenty of ensembles and groups for musical types. A Handcross girl was recently accepted to the Royal College of Music and pupils learn from 12 visiting music teachers. Fancy trying the harp or the cello? It’s all on offer here.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Within the art, design and technology block pupils have access to heaps of equipment including a pottery wheel and kiln, sewing machines for textiles and cameras for photography, which teachers say is very popular, and a range of tools for woodwork and DT.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clubs-and-activities">CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES</h2>



<p>There’s no shortage of lunchtime and after school clubs for children to try - there’s currently more than 100 on offer! These are wide ranging and include ceramics, debating, gymnastics, crochet, dog walking (yes really) and looking after the bees - surely something for every child.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross7-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76186" /></figure>



<p>Brighton College Prep Handcross is selective from nursery and all children are assessed (age-appropriately) before being offered a place. The school has a 100% success rate at Common Entrance and sends pupils to a range of destinations as well as Brighton College, including local haunts Hurst, Lancing College, Ardingly College and Eastbourne as well as further afield to the prestigious heights of Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse and Westminster.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s also a high success rate preparing students for scholarships and work begins as early as year 5 in some cases, to get pupils ready to impress their chosen destination. As a Google Reference school, Brighton College Prep Handcross is recognised by the tech giant for its outstanding use of tech and all pupils from&nbsp;year 3 upwards<strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong>have their own Chromebooks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new head, Jonnie Besley, is launching a programme inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh awards with bronze for year 6, silver for year 7 and gold for year 8. Divided into three sections - academic, community and participation - the children will build a portfolio outside the classroom celebrating their successes and preparing them for the challenges of senior school (plus it’s pretty handy for those interviews and scholarship entries). Each level of the award will culminate in a residential trip with year 7 hiking in Snowdonia and year 8 tackling outdoor adventure The Great Escape in Shropshire. In future years, these trips may head abroad.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76192" /></figure>



<p>An investment of £1.5 million is being made in the boarding facilities at Brighton College Prep Handcross and construction work is currently underway to create three additional dorms and bathrooms in the eaves of the main house. Once complete in August, this will increase boarding capacity from 56 to 70 beds. Existing dorms and bathrooms are also getting a refresh and new residential staff have been recruited.</p>



<p>As well as attracting new weekly and full boarding pupils, flexi boarding will be available for those who’d like to spend a couple of nights at school. This will no doubt prove popular given that pupils describe boarding as ‘like a sleepover with friends’. From previous Muddy visits, we know there's a cosy common room, with gorgeous views over the site and inviting-looking squishy sofas, which is well used for movie nights, games and chilling out. Boys and girls dorms, on separate floors, are personalised to make them feel like a home from home.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<p>Pupils are encouraged to report any worries to any Brighton College Prep Handcross adult. There’s a team of people on hand to help including the deputy head responsible for pastoral care, a mental health lead, the school nurse, two visiting counsellors, a play therapist and an art therapist. In terms of space, there’s a wellbeing room and garden and staff meet regularly to discuss any children they are particularly concerned about. Staff started using CPOMs StudentSafe software in September, an effective and intuitive tracking system to centralise information about each young child.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<p>New to Brighton College Prep Handcross, Jonnie Besley took over the reins in September 2023. Relishing the role, he’s clear about the school’s strengths - the link with Brighton College was a big draw for him and he’s focused on identifying any areas that could be improved - starting with the boarding offering. The new awards programme is his project and he’s keen to ramp up outdoor learning, which underlines his commitment to a holistic education for the youngsters in his care.</p>



<p>His approach to change is gentle though and he’s working with staff who’ve been in post much longer than him to understand the school and what makes it tick. In his previous role, he was Headmaster of Abberley Hall School in Worcestershire, named Tatler UK Prep School of the Year 2022 during his tenure. Off to a confident start, expect more great things from Brighton College Prep Handcross with him at the helm.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76191" /></figure>



<p>Fancy taking the goats for a walk? There are three to choose from at Brighton College Prep Handcross. And if your child likes animals, there’s also a resident therapy dog and a number of other regular four legged friends who visit regularly, a range of weird and wonderful creatives living in one of the science labs plus the chance to spot deer in the grounds (I saw one during my visit).&nbsp;</p>



<p>In pre prep, there’s a brilliant tradition where those with something to celebrate get to dash across the walled garden on a space hopper while everyone claps and cheers and a car horn is sounded, which sounds exhilarating and is hugely popular with the youngest members of Brighton College Prep Handcross.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Pupils rave about the opportunities they are offered at Brighton College Prep Handcross and the support they receive, and seem very aware of their privilege without being apologetic about it. They love the spacious, rural site and say they have every opportunity to make the most of it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/06/Handcross4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep Handcross" class="wp-image-76189" /></figure>



<p>Nursery sessions are £39.65 for the morning and £28.25 for the afternoon, with the lunchtime session priced at £14.55. Pre-prep starts at £3,940 a term in Reception and caps at £4,295 per term in year 2. For prep, day pupils start at £5,315 in year 3 and cap out at £7,800 per term in year 8. Boarding starts at £6,680 a term for weekly boarding and £7,350 for full boarding in year 3, topping out at £9,170 for weekly boarding in year 8 and £10,160 for full boarding. Flexi boarding in years 5 and 6 is £796 per term.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Phones aren’t allowed in lessons or around school. However, boarders can use brick phones, a landline phone and numerous Skype tablets to keep in touch with home at set times when in the Boarding House.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Minibuses serve the local area quite extensively, and there’s a weekly bus service to and from London, which takes children home on a Friday and delivers them back to school on a Monday morning.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Brighton College Prep Handcross is a broad church, with the space, facilities and support for children with all manner of strengths and aptitudes. It’s a genuinely happy place to be.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> It’s academically selective so pupils need to be able to keep up.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Register for the next <a href="https://www.handcrossparkschool.co.uk/admissions/open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning</a> on <strong>24 Apr</strong>.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.handcrossparkschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brighton College Prep Handcross</a>, London Road, Handcross, Haywards Heath, RH17 6HF, 01444 400525</em></p>

A sizeable selective day and boarding school for children aged 2-13 years on a picture-perfect site with a bursting awards cabinet and happy confident pupils.

Brighton College Prep Handcross, Handcross

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Library.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66591" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Located across two sites right next door to Brighton College, with which it shares some facilities, this pre-prep and prep school in the cosmopolitan heart of Brighton enjoys fabulous views down to the sea. With smart facilities, a hugely dedicated body of staff and an incredibly well-thought-through offering, it’s a real destination school that sets children up for success, but retains a nurturing and wholesome feel. A diverse staff and pupil body reflect its location in one of the UK’s most exciting and progressive cities. In addition to preparing children for the academic rigour of Brighton College (some 95% of pupils go on to study at the prestigious senior school, although children will be prepared for other destinations if it suits them better) the school has a strong focus on pastoral care, pupil wellbeing and cultivating a culture of curiosity and kindness - it's motto is 'Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Confident, Be The Best You'.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/EYFS-Outdoor-learning-areas.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66592" /></figure>



<p>Pre-prep is housed in a charming purpose-built building all geared up for children to hit the ground running. Before pupils even join, they are invited to weekly Pufflings play sessions with parents at the nursery area, a light, airy and spacious room with natural-themed décor bursting with provocations. This allows a seamless transition once children join at age 3, as they’re generally familiar with the space and staff. As pupils move through towards Reception and Key Stage One, the environment becomes busier, brighter and geared up to support learning at every turn.</p>



<p>Pupils are taught by specialist teachers and start young – Mandarin and French lessons feature on the curriculum (when Muddy visited children were enjoying a fabulous French sing-song) along with drama, music and sport in addition to the standard early years subjects. The philosophy around reading, Every Child A Reader, gets kids into books nice and early.</p>



<p>Special mention goes to the quality of the artwork, which is in one word, exceptional. Work by Reception pupils wouldn’t look out of place in a GCSE art studio.</p>



<p>Classrooms are structured around a generous outdoor play area with lots of age appropriate free-flow space, and the lovely field out front where pupils play sport is a surprisingly generous green addition to this very built-up area of Brighton. The school is only a stone’s throw from the sea, however, and weekly Beach School sessions make the absolute most of the location.</p>



<p>Prep (years 4 to 8) is a short walk away, right next door to the main college, in the most fabulous Regency-esque building with a rather ecclesiastical feel to the grand entrance. As Muddy walked in, a concert band in the adjacent hall launched into the theme tune from <em>Game of Thrones</em> – how’s that for a welcome? Walk through the stunning library, housed in the old chapel, and through the light and versatile hall space and the building becomes a delightful bustle of classrooms and playgrounds populated by busy and purposeful children. A food tech area resembles the tent from Bake Off, and emits the most delicious aromas to boot.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/health.jpeg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66593" /></figure>



<p>Both pre-prep and prep facilities are used to maximum effect and despite the heritage of the prep school building in particular, want for nothing. Rather than squeeze in bigger ticket items like a dedicated theatre and sports hall, the school uses Brighton College facilities and pupils get to know the impressive and upmarket campus, including the chapel, sports pitches, swimming pool and a breathtaking new sports and science complex complete with floors of labs, studio and gym, and a rooftop running track. A new performing arts theatre will open in Spring 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Rugby.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66594" /></figure>



<p>Pupils start specialist sport lessons from Reception and competitive fixtures begin in Year 3. Brighton College Prep excels in all the usual suspects – rugger, cricket, footie, hockey, netball, tennis, athletics and swimming. With the fabulous facilities of Brighton College at its disposal, it’s no wonder the school does so well. However, this isn’t just a school for sports stars, participation is valued as much as performance. The goal is to inspire a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Prep-Art.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66595" /></figure>



<p>We’ve already waxed lyrical about the quality of the artwork at Brighton College Prep, which is in no small part attributed to the fact specialist arts teaching starts at Reception and pupils have both a gorgeous rooftop art studio (views for days) packed with materials and provocations including a highly impressive ceramics collection, plus a superb design and technology studio at their disposal in the prep school. Specialist music teaching starts in nursery and all pupils learn the recorder and the ukulele, with tuition in a heap of other instruments also on offer. There are bands, choirs, orchestras and groups galore for pupils to join and performances aplenty so they can showcase their skills. Dance also starts at nursery and the dance school runs a show annually.</p>



<p>In addition to outstanding curriculum drama, pupils can follow a LAMDA programme and take examinations, setting them up for scholarships in performing arts later on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Science.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66596" /></figure>



<p>Unsurprisingly given its association with Brighton College, academics are superb. The school has a great deal of support on offer for all pupils  – Brighton College Prep gets increasingly selective if pupils join in later years and the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to both challenge and inspire. As a result, the vast majority of pupils go on to Brighton College itself and, importantly, are ready and able to meet the standards of a college that regularly achieves the best co-ed GCSE and A Level results in the country.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Beach-School-1.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66597" /></figure>



<p>The school lives and breathes its values of promoting kindness in pupils, and the pastoral care on offer is second to none. Children are encouraged to think of others and support one another, and are in turn supported by staff to prioritise their wellbeing, health, mindfulness and emotional regulation. The latter is taught through a child-friendly rainbow system which helps children understand the ‘sweet spot’ of emotional regulation and allows both pupils and staff to express their full emotional spectrum.</p>



<p>The house system is much beloved by pupils and provides them with opportunities to befriend and connect with older and younger children, as well as ways to be of service such as through nominating a chosen charity and supporting it throughout the year. The culture of kindness and support is thoroughly embedded – one pupil told me how she was able to quickly integrate fully into the school when she arrived thanks to older pupils taking her under their wing, and in turn she now looks out for younger pupils to whom she can offer the same service. Pupils nominate one another for weekly Caught Being Kind awards to celebrate random acts of kindness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Pupils-and-our-Headmaster.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66598" /></figure>



<p>Ant Falkus was appointed Headmaster of the prep school in early 2023. He’s something of a Brighton College stalwart, having worked within the family of school for more than a decade and with a variety of senior leadership roles at Handcross Park and Brighton College Prep under his belt.</p>



<p>Likeable and engaging, he is clearly thrilled to take stewardship of such a thriving school and waxes lyrical about the opportunities offered by the location and environment. He’s also proud of the diversity of the school’s staff and student body, which really reflects the nature of Brighton, and remains unusual for Sussex schools which can often struggle with this issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Nursery-learning.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66599" /></figure>



<p>Over an extremely classy afternoon tea (for which Muddy was embarrassingly underdressed) eloquent and confident pupils wax lyrical about the opportunities on offer at the school. They love the sense of community, the support, the range of clubs and activities, and they’re keen to see the school continue to embrace technology and take a forward-thinking approach to learning. They also love the range of sport on offer, and the fact there’s something for everybody, and they’re super proud of the house system and how welcoming the school is to everybody. A new Digital Ambassadors programme has gone down a storm with pupils looking to take on extra responsibilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Beach-School-2.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66600" /></figure>



<p>The school is very Brighton, and if you know Brighton, you’ll know what I mean. It’s incredibly aspirational but also reflects the city’s unique forward-thinking vibe, sense of fun, and willingness to lead in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Being right by the sea, Beach School is a big part of the culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>There’s a home-to-school bus service for pupils from Year 4 upwards, covering some 24 routes and all of the local area. Bus monitors accompany pupils in years 4 and 5 on the short walk from Brighton College to the prep school, and the monitors are available to accompany pupils up to year 8.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Phones aren’t allowed in school, but pupils can have phones on school transport.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Dance.jpg" alt="Brighton College Prep" class="wp-image-66601" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Nursery starts at £2,600 a term for five mornings a week, rising to £5,300 to five full days with a range of options in between. For Reception, termly fees are £5,442, rising yearly and topping out at £9,212 a term for Year 5 and 6.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Bright, happy, confident children who’ll thrive in a family school with high expectations. From a very early age, children will be nurtured to become successful, well-rounded and kind individuals. Town campus setting will appeal to local families. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> No boarding, so you’ll need to live within reasonable distance of the school or its transport routes. </p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> Pop to the next Open Morning on <strong>9 May</strong>. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.brightoncollege.org.uk/prep-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brighton College Prep</a>, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0AL, 01273 704200</em></p>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Exterior-1000x667.jpg" alt="Exterior of Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82821" /></figure>



<p>Three schools under one umbrella: a co-ed Pre-Prep (ages 3-7 yrs), then two single-sex Prep sites (ages 7-13 yrs), all on neighbouring sites in leafy south-west London.</p>



<p>The set-up is the school’s headline act: children start together, then move into Broomwood’s ‘diamond model’ from Y3, splitting to boys’ and girls’ Preps a short walk away. It feels more thoughtfully engineered than gimmicky – social ease early on, then more tailored teaching as they grow. If you're on the fence when it comes to single sex vs co-ed, this is the educational equivalent of having your cake and eating it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Library-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82833" /></figure>



<p>Broomwood is well established locally and academically ambitious. It’s non-selective at Pre-Prep, with informal taster/assessment mornings for children joining from Y3. There are 523 pupils in total (278 boys, 245 girls), class sizes typically 17-20, spread across three acres of Victorian buildings, playgrounds and sports spaces. Scholarships are a big deal here (39 last year; more than 155 over the past four years).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>Facilities are sensibly spread across the three sites, so children can spend most of the day in 'their' building, dipping into shared specialist spaces when needed. All sites have age-appropriate adventure playgrounds plus libraries, music rooms and art rooms – giving the whole set-up a villagey, self-contained feel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Sport-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sports at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82834" /></figure>



<p>City schools often must do the sporting equivalent of squeezing a family of five into a two-door hatchback – but Broomwood avoids feeling cramped. PE and training happen on site, on the Common, and with regular use of Spencer Park, Tooting athletics track and King George’s Park for full-scale games (rugby, football, hockey, netball, athletics). Sport feels properly baked into school life rather than tacked onto the timetable.</p>



<p>The programme is ambitious, too: a rugby tour to South Africa (2025), a combined tour to Holland (Easter 2026: girls’ hockey and boys’ football), and a co-ed cricket tour to Sri Lanka planned for 2027. Not bad for prep-school age – serious experiences, but without taking itself too seriously.</p>



<p>It’s not just for the naturally sporty. Every child gets opportunities to represent the school; swimmers can join a weekly squad session from Y3; and Broomwood runs its own cricket and football festivals at Wellington College and Epsom College – unusually confident energy for a city Prep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-amp-performing-arts">CREATIVE &amp; PERFORMING ARTS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Drama-1000x667.jpg" alt="Theatre at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82819" /></figure>



<p>Music is a major strand: orchestras across the schools, choirs, and around 75% of pupils taking instrumental lessons. Pre-Prep children have two music lessons a week (theory plus singing), with bigger concerts held at St Luke’s Church near the Pre-Prep.</p>



<p>There are lots of chances to perform – boys’ and girls’ soirées, recitals, rock bands, plus a popular inter-house music competition. Drama is similarly lively, with recent productions including&nbsp;<em>Annie</em>,&nbsp;<em>Quelle Catastrophe</em>, an immersive Shakespeare summer show,&nbsp;<em>Jungle Book</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Matilda</em>. Younger children get their stage moment via year-group shows, poetry recitals and theatre trips, while older pupils can take LAMDA exams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school">SCHOOL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-DT-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School in art class" class="wp-image-82820" /></figure>



<p>The Prep sites are similarly well resourced, with a strong creative/practical lean on the girls’ site: an impressive DT room (an additional room at the boys), cookery room (boys come over to use it), bright art studio with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spacious drama suite with pull-out seating and rigging. Science is given proper prominence too, with three specialist labs across the sites.</p>



<p>There’s also an amphitheatre for outdoor assemblies and performances — a focal point for the wider school community. Over at the boys’ school, the art room has that pleasingly “this gets used” feel (paint-splattered tables, work everywhere), and the library has bay-window seating for quieter corners. The Year 3 classrooms beneath the hall are cleverly designed with a glass-roofed corridor that keeps things bright (no gloomy prep-school basement vibes).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Mud-kitchen-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82830" /></figure>



<p>Little Broomwood (Pre-School as part of the Pre-Prep) has its own spacious outdoor play area with mini pitch and mud kitchen, plus a multi-use hall for assemblies, lunch, music and drama. Both buildings have their own libraries and music rooms, which keeps the day running smoothly for younger children (minimal schlepping between sites).</p>



<p>Specialist teaching starts early. On the day we visited, a sports teacher was taking PE at Pre-Prep; French, music and art specialists also teach the younger years. By the end of Pre-Prep, children already know some Prep teachers and older pupils through house competitions and shared events. When they join Prep in Y3, they are assigned a Y8 buddy – a fab leadership opportunity for the older children and a friendly face for the newbies. Nice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Science-1000x667.jpg" alt="Science lesson and students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82825" /></figure>



<p>There’s no formal streaming until Y5 (then sets in both maths and English). Reception is divided by birthday into three classes to support the younger children. As pupils move up, forms are mixed so they build relationships beyond the same small group, while still being grouped by ability for certain activities where it helps. Latin starts in Y6 for boys and girls. Confident linguists can do Latin alongside French and Spanish, or opt for Core Skills for extra English/maths support.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Boys-Art-1000x667.jpg" alt="Art lesson and students painting at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82826" /></figure>



<p>The vibe is warm and inclusive – pupils look at ease – but make no mistake, this is academically driven. The walls are more likely to feature scholarships and achievement plaques than endless displays of pupil work (39 scholarships last year; more than 155 in four years. Yes, it&nbsp;<em>is</em>&nbsp;impressive). You’re here to go places, and pupils move on to a wide spread of London and beyond senior schools.</p>



<p>Once senior-school assessments are done, the school shifts focus towards keeping learning broad, enriching and motivating (not just exam grinding): life skills, wellbeing, and EPQ-style projects that build research, collaboration and presentation skills. Staff are clear there’s no single path to success – just the right path for each child. Forget 13+, they’re already coaching the kids in what employers will be looking for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEADS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-732x1024.jpg" alt="Michael Hodge Principal at Broomwood School London" class="wp-image-4654" /></figure>



<p>Broomwood has a head for each site. Michael<strong> </strong>Hodge has been boys’ Head and school Principal for over a year. With extensive experience in state and independent education, he focuses on happy, confident children, encouraging a love of learning and providing stimulating experiences.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Mrs-McCafferty-Head-of-Girls-1000x667.jpg" alt="Teacher with students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82828" /></figure>



<p>Louisa McCafferty is Head of the girls’ school, and Caron Mackay leads the Pre-Prep. Together, the three heads work closely to provide a coherent and joined-up approach across the sites. The Broomwood diamond model allows children to progress through the Pre-Prep in a co-ed environment, splitting to single sex sites from Y3. </p>



<p>Children are brought together purposefully while still providing tailored teaching where boys and girls benefit from different approaches in the classroom. The schools combine strong pastoral support with traditional values – passion, aspiration, community, integrity, empathy, and respect – within a modern education framework.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-School-Library-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students in the library at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82824" /></figure>



<p>Pastoral care is a stated strength, with Broomwood recognised in 2024 as Independent School of the Year for Wellbeing. Form teachers check in daily, monitor progress, and liaise with parents. Counsellors are available when needed, alongside strong day-to-day pastoral support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEND</h2>



<p>Broomwood is inclusive and welcomes SEN applications where it can provide the right support. Learning Support is integrated across the school, working with teachers to provide one-to-one lessons, specialist therapy, and classroom strategies tailored to each pupil. Parents are treated as partners in the process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXTRA-CURRICULAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Garden-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students gardening at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82822" /></figure>



<p>Clubs are plentiful (staff and trusted external providers). Expect the classics – rugby, football, cricket, netball, gymnastics, karate – plus musical theatre, DT, art, cookery and creative writing. Popular this term: table tennis, Inkhead Creative Writing and Musical Theatre. Quirkier options include fencing, e-sports and film-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE </h2>



<p><strong>Pre-Prep:</strong>&nbsp;'Early waiters' from 7.30am; main arrival 8.15am-8.30am. Finish 3pm-3.30pm depending on year. Clubs until 4.35pm. Wrap-around until 5.45pm for pre-schoolers and 6pm for Reception–Y2.</p>



<p><strong>Prep:</strong>&nbsp;Drop-off 8am-8.15am; day finishes 5.20pm (with homework and enrichment included in the all-inclusive structure). Y3-Y4 can be collected at 4pm if needed. Clubs run until 6.20pm. Holiday camps also run on site (very handy for working parents).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Older pupils who walk to school can bring a phone, but it is handed in on arrival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h2>



<p>All fees are all-inclusive, covering residentials, lunches, trips, workshops, and the longer school day to support busy families in London. At the Pre-Prep, Little Broomwood is paid by session, but costs £3,376 if you opt for five mornings and £5,910 if you do five full days. From Reception – Y2 is £8,318 per term. Moving into the Prep sites, Y3-Y4 is £9,538 and Y5-Y8, is £10,180, which puts it in line with local independent schools when factoring in the all-inclusive structure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>A weekly 'Golden Lock' award encourages eco-friendly travel (70% live locally, many arrive by bike/scooter). Boys’ traditions include a tie and a gong struck by scholarship recipients. Pre-Prep ends the year with Broomfest, while the girls’ school has an annual inter-house Pancake Race (relay + flipping = chaos, in the best way).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Science-1000x667.jpg" alt="Science lesson at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82832" /></figure>



<p>Parents are highly engaged, via PTA and career talks (from Michelin-starred chefs to media pros to lawyers and bankers). Politeness, independence and organisation are big themes: pupils use prep diaries, take leadership roles and are encouraged to manage school life confidently.</p>



<p>Parents are highly engaged, contributing through the PTA or delivering career talks—from Michelin-starred chefs and media professionals to lawyers and bankers. Politeness, independence, and the development of organisational and life skills are central: pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their prep diaries, participate in leadership roles, and navigate school life confidently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p>A buzzy and successful Prep school that’s going in the right direction with an education that manages to bridge the best of both worlds with its mixed single sex and co-ed approach.</p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Bright, energetic kids who are joiners and thrive on a busy, opportunity-rich school life.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>Children who need a slower pace or very intensive, high-frequency support beyond the school’s standard Learning Support offer.</p>



<p>The next Open Mornings are: Fri 13 Mar (Pre-Prep) and Fri 20 Mar 2026 (Prep-Boys &amp; Prep-Girls) – see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broomwood.com/admissions/book-a-visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this page</a>&nbsp;for details. Bespoke tours also available.</p>



<p>There are also small group tours on one Friday every half term at the Pre-Prep (3-7 years old)&nbsp;9am-10.15am, though visitors can request to see the Prep sites afterwards.</p>



<p><em>Broomwood Pre-Prep, 192 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ;</em><br><em>Broomwood Prep - Boys, 26 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 6EL;</em><br><em>Broomwood Prep- Girls, 68-74 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR;</em><br><em>Tel. 0208 682 8830; Web: <a href="https://www.broomwood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broomwood.com</a></em>.</p>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Day1-ButeHouse-211.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14346"/></figure>



<p>Hidden away on a quiet side street in Hammersmith, between the bustle of town and leafy Brook Green, sits one of London’s most oversubscribed preps. <a href="https://www.butehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bute House</a> (ages 4-11 yrs) may look modest from the outside, but inside it’s a modern, buzzing hub of energy.</p>



<p>Founded in 1958 as St Paul’s Girls’ Prep (renamed Bute House in the Nineties), it now educates 324 girls across seven year groups, with average class sizes of 22. Entry is competitive: 300 families vie for just 20 Reception places, decided by ballot (siblings excepted), with two additional forms admitted at 7+ after assessments.</p>



<p>Yes, Bute has the academic chops, but personality matters here – spark, curiosity and sociability are prized as much as test scores. Roughly a third of pupils head next door to St Paul’s Girls’, with others moving on to Godolphin &amp; Latymer, City of London, Francis Holland and Latymer Upper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Drone-image-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14348"/></figure>



<p>No rolling acres, but smart use of space. Bright classrooms are scattered over different floors, there’s a well-stocked library with cosy reading pods and a science lab fit for a senior school.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DAY3-66.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14349"/></figure>



<p>Girls dive into swimming, football, tennis, netball, athletics and gymnastics from Y1. Facilities are shared with St Paul’s (pool and track) plus Bute’s own multi-purpose hall. Recent national titles – IAPS Netball Champions and LSSA Swimming top girls’ school – show how seriously sport is taken. Development squads ensure inclusivity.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/sportsday290.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14354"/></figure>



<p>For central London, the outdoor space is impressive: courts, a Wilderness Garden for eco-learning, and the pièce de resistance – a full-size pirate ship in the playground.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DAY-3-16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14351"/></figure>



<p>Music is huge here, with an impressive 87% of girls singing or playing an instrument. Facilities include a main studio, four tuition rooms and more than 15 groups to join, from orchestra and choir to rock school and ukulele ensembles. There’s even a staff-and-parent band for those wanting in on the action. Drama is just as lively, with whole-year productions (Y6 recently staged <em>Beauty &amp; the Beast</em>), plus LAMDA and playwriting clubs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DAY-3-124.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14352"/></figure>



<p>The art studio is a large, light-filled creative space where girls get stuck into everything from textiles, printmaking and ceramics to woodwork, 3D design and photography. When I visited, girls had even made their own shoes! Drama and dance take place in a slick, purpose-built studio, with lessons ranging from jazz and tap to country dancing and ballroom.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Day1-ButeHouse-173.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14355"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-curricular">EXTRA-CURRICULAR</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DAY-3-72-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14353"/></figure>



<p>From Y1, Wednesday is club day, with the option to switch each term. Choices range from computing, cookery and debating to yoga, knitting and gardening. Sporty girls can add cricket, swimming, netball and gymnastics, while performers are spoiled with choirs, orchestras, LAMDA, dance and drama. Girls are encouraged to throw themselves into every opportunity, with staff keeping a careful eye in Y5 and Y6 to ensure no one takes on too much. Unsurprisingly, most are eager to do it all. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<p>Reception at Bute House is all about purposeful play with a gentle steer towards the basics. Mornings mix small-group phonics, writing and maths with plenty of free-flow fun indoors and out – from craft corners to a covered outdoor space buzzing with imaginative play. A new EYFS playground now adds to the mix, giving the youngest pupils an inspiring space to play, explore and build confidence. Afternoons bring a change of pace with specialist sessions in drama, dance, music, gymnastics, library and tennis. Learning stays relaxed and age-appropriate, with the step towards more formal lessons happening gradually in Y1.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Day2ButeHouse073.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14357"/></figure>



<p>“No sets, no streaming, no exam cramming” is the ethos – every girl runs her own best race. Tutoring is quietly discouraged, with the belief that the real magic happens in class, whether it’s a maths lightbulb moment or Y2 pupils helping to raise grey partridge hatchlings.<br><br>The curriculum is broad and lively, covering all the core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Geography, History) plus thoughtful extras that give it real personality. Beliefs &amp; Ethics explores different faiths, values and moral questions, while Philosophy for Children (P4C) gets pupils debating big ideas and thinking critically. Computing is hands-on from the start, think coding, app building and even creating games and websites, giving the girls practical digital skills and creative confidence. French and Spanish are taught from Reception, starting playfully with songs and stories and becoming more intensive higher up the school.<br><br>And the results here speak volumes. In 2025, Bute girls snapped up 56 scholarships across academics, music, art, dance and sport. National recognition followed too, from amazing results at the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, with many getting through to the following round, 1<sup>st</sup> place in the Emanuel Primary Maths Challenge and 3rd place at the Queen’s College Primary Maths Challenge. They were also winners of the Ibstock Junior Debating Competition. Add in a Highly Commended at the Primary Engineering Challenge, victory in the Adobe GSA Sky Edit Climate Change Competition and podium finishes in the Green Power Goblin Racing series, and it’s clear Bute girls are excelling at every level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/sportsday283.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14361"/></figure>



<p>Happiness is front and centre. Form teachers lead, backed by a dedicated pastoral head and onsite counsellor who also runs small groups like “Lunch Bunch.” Weekly Connections &amp; Reflections lessons cover resilience, friendships and emotions, while Friendology equips parents and pupils with shared language to tackle tricky friendship dynamics.</p>



<p>The £1m Wellbeing Hub and Reflection Terrace set Bute apart, giving space for mindfulness, yoga and pastoral support. Termly surveys and oversight from the head ensure no girl slips through the net.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Sian-Bradshaw-Glasses-976x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14359"/></figure>



<p>Head Sian Bradshaw (in post since 2021) is approachable, sharp and much admired by parents and pupils alike. Out at the gate every morning, she knows every girl by name. Her impact has been tangible: there’s no old-school prize giving, instead awards are tied to Bute’s Seven Learning Powers, introducing wellbeing surveys, strengthening pastoral care and delivering big-ticket projects including the £1m Wellbeing Hub and new EYFS playground. Plans for an alumni network and exploring AI in school life are next on the list.</p>



<p>Bradshaw blends strong, friendly leadership with warmth and inspiration that clearly rubs off on her staff, pupils and the wider school community. We liked her a lot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Day2ButeHouse219-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14360"/></figure>



<p>The Seven Learning Powers (curiosity, resilience, risk-taking etc.) – each with its own animal mascot – run through every part of school life, reinforced by the cheeky “Sours” (like Interruptus the Elephant). STEM comes turbo-charged via Formula Goblin electric car racing at Goodwood. And then there’s Nala, the adored school dog.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wraparound-care">WRAPAROUND CARE</h2>



<p>Frazzled commuting parents rejoice, you can drop off Y1 – Y6 girls from 7am to 8.15am and pick up from 3.30pm to 6pm. It’s staff-run, is booked termly and you are charged per session.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND</h2>



<p>Support is available, though the school is not a specialist setting. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.butehouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bute-House-Prep-School-Report-v5-2024-05-23.pdf">The 2024 report </a>was glowing, praising curriculum breadth, care and learning powers. The only recommendation – more outdoor EYFS provision – has since been met with a new playground.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Strict and straightforward: no phones. Y6 may bring them but must hand them in until home time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Brilliantly central: a short walk to Hammersmith and Barons Court tube stations, with bus links galore. Car drop-offs are manageable thanks to the quiet street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>£9,962.40 including VAT. Extras are billed separately. Competitive mid-market for London preps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Day2ButeHouse141.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14362"/></figure>



<p>Parents joke the ballot is harder to win than the Lottery. Once in, they rave about the nurturing ethos, balance of high standards with genuine care, and the school’s refusal to hot-house. Some would like more data-led reporting, but most value the personalised written feedback. Facilities may be compact, but the pirate ship, Wilderness Garden and Wellbeing Hub win big points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Parents who want ambition without hot-housing. Curious, sparky girls will thrive in a school that balances academics with creativity, sport and wellbeing.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;Families seeking a traditional, grades-first culture with sets, streaming and league-table bragging rights – or those craving rolling countryside acres. This is an urban prep with a proudly modern, balanced ethos.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? </strong>For information on the<strong> </strong>next Open Mornings, click <a href="https://www.butehouse.co.uk/admissions/open-mornings/">here</a>.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://www.butehouse.co.uk/"><em>Bute House Preparatory School for Girls</em></a><em>, Hammersmith, London W6 7JS</em>. Tel: 0207 603 7381.</p>

One of London’s most sought-after preps, Bute House offers a blend of academic sparkle, standout arts and sport, and a strong focus on wellbeing – all topped off with a pirate ...

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Cargilfield School, Edinburgh

<p><strong>WHAT? WHERE?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Carrdus-Front-of-School.jpeg" alt="school exterior" class="wp-image-153899"/></figure>



<p>Carrdus School is an independent co-ed Prep school for pupils 3-11, set in 11 acres of countryside on the Oxfordshire, Northants and Warwickshire borders and owned by nearby girl’s senior school <strong>Tudor Hall</strong> (read our review <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/tudor-hall-2/">here</a>). There are 113 pupils at Carrdus, 12 of whom are in the Nursery, and with maximum class sizes of 20, with the children taught within Carrdus’s central building Overthorpe Hall, a handsome Victorian honey stone mansion house that maintains a homely feel with its fireplace in the entrance hall (lit in winter!), and Chesterfield sofas. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/thumbnail_IMG_4361.jpg" alt="school entrance with cosy sofas" class="wp-image-153904"/></figure>



<p>Classrooms are light and spacious, and the tranquil grounds and facilities circle the house, giving the school a contained, safe feel. The school has admitted boys since 2019, so the lower half of the school feels more cohesively co-ed – Year 2, for example, is a 50/50 split and in Nursery the boys outnumber the girls.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>FACILITIES</strong></p>



<p><strong>SPORT</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/sports-day-school-grounds.jpg" alt="kids playing sports at Carrdus school" class="wp-image-154890"/></figure>



<p>Compared to some independent schools with their golf courses and climbing walls, Carrdus' facilities are more modest, though it's hard to complain too heavily about an outdoor heated swimming pool in a walled garden where the children from Nursery upwards swim an impressive four times a week (open April – Oct). </p>



<p>The size of Carrdus dictates that the children all get involved in sport – the year groups combine from Y3-4 and Y5-6 to put out teams – and sport is well catered for here, with a modern multi-use sports hall, netball and tennis courts, a cross country course, plus regular access to the full-size floodlit astro at Tudor Hall. The Lower School (Reception to Year 3) tries out all kind of sports, from tag rugby to cricket and tennis, while the Upper School main sports (Year 4-6) are hockey, netball and swimming, though cross-country is well supported here too. Carrdus added a football pitch&nbsp; in 2021 which it’s put to regular use with school sports fixtures.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>ARTS</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Carrdus_2022-00756-1-667x1000.jpg" alt="student playing violin in lesson with teacher" class="wp-image-154891"/></figure>



<p>There's good music provision here, with a dedicated music room, and over 70% of kids learning an individual instrument at school and all instrumental requests catered for – that’s on the higher end of what I usually come across at this age. Clearly the small number of children makes an orchestra a challenge, but there are junior and senior choirs, plus a wind band, string group and a recorder group. There’s a lovely ‘barn style’ art room with its own ceramics department with kiln, and enthusiastic Head of Art, Nicole Thurgur. &nbsp; There’s no stand-alone drama facility at Carrdus but perhaps no need either, as the pupils put on performances at Tudor Hall’s modern drama studio (opened in 2016). Years 3-4 and 5-6 put on shows together each year.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/forest-school.jpg" alt="forest school" class="wp-image-154892"/></figure>



<p>Carrdus has its own dedicated science lab, plus the usuals of library and computing room. Your kids will be more excited by the lovely outdoor play areas, including a treehouse designed by the kids, a bell tent for Forest School and a natural play area where they can climb trees (within reason!), get acquainted with mud, and zip around the grounds. Forest school happens every week all year round, which is why a permanent Forest School classroom is now in the planning stages, a reflection of the holistic direction of travel. As an accredited Eco school, there’s also a gardening club.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>ACADEMICS</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Carrdus_2022-02468.jpg" alt="science lesson" class="wp-image-154896"/></figure>



<p>Strong. There are specialist teachers from Reception onwards here teaching weekly sessions in Music, Art, Drama, Computing and Sport. French is taught from Reception and Latin is introduced in Years 5 and 6 so there’s a traditional base of subjects taught here, though there is talk of introducing Italian and Spanish on rotation for the older years also which would be a great addition DT starts in Year 3, with the kids using the specialist teaching and facilities over at Tudor Hall. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/IMG_1872.jpg" alt="two students and their teacher" class="wp-image-154897"/></figure>



<p>Your children will learn via the Carrdus Pathway which is all about helping the kids develop 6 key attributes - confidence, resilience, independence, empathy, creativity and aspiration - in the classroom and beyond. The children earn Pathway points where the teachers see evidence of these traits, culminating in a Head’s Commendation Award. About a third of the girls leaving in Year 6 will continue to Tudor Hall, but there’s a healthy mix of other Senior school destinations also, including Rugby, Bloxham, Headington Rye, Wycombe Abbey, Warwick School and Oxford High.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>PASTORAL&nbsp;</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Carrdus_2022-00692.jpg" alt="classroom" class="wp-image-154901"/></figure>



<p>Pastoral care is the trump card at Carrdus, and all the easier to play in such a small setting. Its reputation is strong here, but even so there have been some developments including new software in place to track the pupils, keep learning plans, and flag up any problems, with a parent login so that there’s greater transparency and communication between the school and parents. Every child knows their five trusted adults that they can talk to if necessary – at school and also at home. The Deputy Head is also the safeguarding lead, and there is also a school counsellor. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>HEADTEACHER</strong></p>



<p>Samantha Bagshaw joined Carrdus in July 2023 from Nord Anglia’s Chinese International School Shanghai where she was Head teacher for just shy of two years, having previously worked as Deputy Head in Dubai. Young, friendly and open, she’s already a hit with parents and pupils and has introduced Forest School from Nursery through to Year 6 rather than stopping at Year 2, and she's improved the enrichment programme - a huge 70% increase in options for the kids to choose from.</p>



<p> SEND is well catered for at Carrdus, with a fully qualified specialist Head of Learning Support as well as a dedicated SEND teacher within the school itself. Around 16% of the school accesses SEND care, primarily for dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism, with as much assistance given within the class environment as possible though, not unusually, if your child needs one-to-one teaching, be aware it’s an extra cost. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>QUIRKS</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/kids-running-school-grounds.jpg" alt="kids running in grounds of Carrdus school" class="wp-image-154899"/></figure>



<p>If anything, Carrdus is unquirking. The no-uniform years are over, with a gender neutral uniform introduced in 2022. The school has moved to co-ed, and sport is now high on the agenda. That said, the school retains its informal, homely atmosphere, which is very much part of its charm.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>FEES</strong></p>



<p>Less expensive than its local counterparts by quite a stretch and good value. Reception – Y2: £4,775 per term, Y3-6: £5,350 per term. Nursery: Extended morning with lunch (5 days per week including Early Years entitlement) £1,200 per term; Full day £2,175. </p>



<p><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/together.jpg" alt="pupils and teachers playing outside" class="wp-image-154894"/></figure>



<p>This is an area that is earmarked for extension – working parents like early drop offs! The doors open at Carrdus at 8am for Breakfast Club and various before-school clubs such as karate, table tennis and Computer Club before the school day starts at 8.45am. School ends at 3.40pm but can be extended to 5.30pm with a wide range of traditional-to-wacky school clubs – the likes of Lego, canoe and kayak club, roller skating, and chess club. There is provision for the older children to do their prep in a quiet side room.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>LITTLIES</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/play-area-1.jpg" alt="two children with a magnifying glass" class="wp-image-154893"/></figure>



<p>The Nursery is a lovely, light space with the usual free flow indoor/outdoor areas, mud kitchen, and a dedicated enclosed playground. A big plus here is that the littlies can take advantage of the Carrdus swimming pool, with lessons every week in the Spring and Summer months. The nursery kids have their own sweet Carrdus uniform – practical and designed for bombing around outside. Currently with 12 children in Nursery, it’s an ideal scenario of enough children for socialisation and small enough for real care.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>ISI REPORT</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/carrdus-school-7106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most recent routine inspection</a> is from 2023 where the school met all ISI criteria.</p>



<p><strong>TRANSPORT</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are three bus routes that feed the school, starting from Deddington and Croughton, with more bus routes to be added in the near future.&nbsp; It’s a joint bus with Tudor Hall so anyone with children at both schools can rest easy. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/happy-750x1000.jpg" alt="seven children in the school playhouse" class="wp-image-154895"/></figure>



<p>Nurturing, friendly, effective. The parents I talked to love the fact that the children are allowed to stay young here and can roam the woodlands. There’s a sense of renewed ambition for the school too with the new head and plans to grow the Nursery, sport provision and outdoor learning (Forest School) has been made part of the curriculum through the whole school now.</p>



<p><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR</strong>: Those looking for a ‘family’ atmosphere and strong pastoral approach in addition to strong academics. The use of Tudor Hall’s impressive facilities nearby is a massive advantage and so are the reasonable fees, particularly with VAT likely to be added in 2024. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR</strong>: Those who like the 'grandness' of country private schools – the school works cleverly with its 11 acres but it’s definitely on the compact side. Also, though didn't bother me, you can hear the motorway in the distance when the wind blows the wrong way.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>WANT TO SEE FOR YOURSELF?</strong> Be my guest! You can book a personal tour via the Registrar by contacting admissions@carrdusschool.com or calling the school on 01295 263733.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.carrdusschool.com">Carrdus School</a>, Overthorpe Hall, Banbury, Oxon, OX17 2BS. Tel: 01295 263733. &nbsp;</em></p>

A co-ed Prep day school in North Oxfordshire known for its ‘family’ atmosphere, emphasis on pastoral care and strong academics.

Carrdus School, Banbury

This co-ed day school, is academic but not hot-housey, in an idyliic rural setting on the Dorset/Hampshire border. 

Castle Court Prep, Wimborne

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Caterham-Prep-8.jpg" alt="Children at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-40569" /></figure>



<p>Caterham Prep School is the younger sibling of the Caterham School - the academically and pastorally strong senior school tucked away on 200 sprawling acres in the Harestone Valley, Caterham. It's a co-ed day school taking children from age 4 until 11, when most progress to the senior school.</p>



<p>The Prep school is found a little further along Harestone Valley Road from the Senior School, and while there are separate entrances for both the Prep and Pre-prep - each with their own car park and drop-off zone - the schools very much share the same breathing space across the 200 acre site, as well as many facilities. There are just shy of 300 kids in the prep school with a two form entry across each year level. </p>



<p>The Prep school was opened in 1935 when the elegant Victorian Shirley Goss building, then a boarding house, was adapted as a teaching block. The Pre-prep is housed in a separate building called Mottrams, named after a former Headmaster Alan Mottram. From September 2022, the Pre-prep will no longer offer Nursery places, entry will be from Reception to Year 2. The existing Nursery building will become a brand new Innovation Centre for the Prep School.</p>



<p>Like the senior school, the ethos here is strongly focussed on the wellbeing of each child - a journey that begins in the Pre-prep and continues all through the school until the Sixth Form. There's also an emphasis on learning - which sounds kind of obvious I know, but it's about more than just gaining knowledge and understanding. At Caterham, the children are taught how to learn, and a love of learning is instilled from the start.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-7.jpg" alt="Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28512" /></figure>



<p>With no squeeze on space the Prep has its own playing fields, an adventure playground, gardens, separate Pre-prep playground, a woodland playground, sports courts and an outside classroom. The Prep also has the use of the Senior School’s sporting fields, astro pitches, tennis courts and sports centre, as well as the Performing Arts Centre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-drama">MUSIC AND DRAMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-Prep-8.jpg" alt="Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-28531" /></figure>



<p>Drama is important at Caterham Prep, and children are encouraged from a young age to stand up and speak, sing or play an instrument in front of others. </p>



<p>Children have the opportunity to learn music on a wide range of instruments including piano, voice, string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to pupils from Year 2, and class group musical instrumental schemes taught at Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. Children in every year group participate in concerts throughout the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-Prep-3.jpg" alt="Children at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-28526" /></figure>



<p>Sport is a biggie here, and all children, regardless of ability, take part in fixtures against other prep schools. Like the senior school, there's an emphasis on offering sport to all and a determination to help children find a sport they're good at and love. All children learn swimming, and in the summer term there's an extensive athletics programme. The usual suspects are there too, of course, football, rugby and cricket, netball, lacrosse and hockey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-academics">THE ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Caterham-Prep-9.jpg" alt="Children and a teacher at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-40570" /></figure>



<p>Like the senior school,&nbsp;Caterham Prep is not an exam-passing factory, although there’s a strong success rate for all pupils.&nbsp;Learning starts through play in the Reception, and gradually becomes more formal as the children move up through the year groups. </p>



<p>There are specialist teachers for Music, Art, Games, Forest School and French in the Pre-prep. Children in the Prep school also learn Spanish, and in Year 6 Mandarin is introduced. A short course in Arabic is also available to the Year 6 pupils.</p>



<p>Like the Senior school, Technology and Innovation is big here - not just in the use of technology and devices to aid learning (although there's that too - iPads are used in all classrooms) but in developing problem solving skills and design thinking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-Prep-Headmaster-Ben-Purkiss-e1601909217623.jpg" alt="Ben Purkiss headmaster at Caterham Prep School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28532" /></figure>



<p>Ben Purkiss arrived at Caterham Prep in April 2019, coming from Bede's Prep in Eastbourne where he was Deputy Head. Like Ceri Jones, the headmaster at Caterham School, Mr Purkiss has keen eye on wellbeing, as much as academic results. He lives on the school site with his family, including two teenage sons who attend the Senior School. When he's not Headmastering, he's an obsessive runner and is often spotted training for a marathon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Caterham-Prep-5.jpg" alt="Children at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-40516" /></figure>



<p>The&nbsp;smallest Caterhamians delight in a warm, happy and nurturing atmosphere in their own gorgeous corner of the campus. If you fancy your little one exploring nature, swimming, dancing, enjoying yoga, searching for creatures in the woods - all 180 acres of them - this is the place for you. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP-AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Caterham-Prep-6.jpg" alt="Children at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-40517" /></figure>



<p>Breakfast Club is from 7.30am until the school day starts at 8.15am. There's flexibility too, and the option to book on an ad-hoc basis if need be. After school, Sibling Class is available until 3.45pm for Pre-Prep children who are either staying for After-School Care or for children who have older siblings in the Prep School. There's also after-school care available for all kids from pre-prep to Year 6 from 3.45pm until 6pm.</p>



<p>There are no shortage of extra-curricular activities: almost 50, from enrichment clubs like science and French, to music, gardening, dance and sports. Unusually, the extra curricular clubs and activities are offered from Reception upwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-schools">NEXT SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Nearly every child in the prep school continues on at Caterham Senior School. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees-2025-26">FEES - 2025/26</h2>



<p>Fees, per term are £5,220 for Reception to Year 2; £6,755 in Years 3-4 and £7,735 and in Years 5-6. Lunch is extra: between £320 and £325 per term.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>The fact that most children move up through the senior school is seen as a definite plus for parents. And the outside space and facilities, are a winning combination. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Caterham-Prep-7.jpg" alt="Children at Caterham Prep School in Caterham, Surrey." class="wp-image-40518" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Those looking for plenty of space and opportunities - the wealth of options here will help you identify an area where your child can excel and enjoy. Sporty children will also benefit as the school ranks highly in local competitions.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp; Parents who&nbsp;want&nbsp;a&nbsp;selective hot-housey approach to schooling.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? </strong> The next visitor mornings are Sat 14 March. Or, you can take a private tour of the school and see it for yourself. <a aria-label="Get in touch here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.caterhamprepschool.co.uk/admissions/open-days-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch here.</a></p>



<p><em>Caterham Prep School, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 6YB. Tel:&nbsp;</em><a href="tel:00441883342097">01883 342097</a><em>.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.caterhamprepschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>caterhamprepschool.co.uk</em></a></p>

Friendly, inclusive and stimulating, Caterham Prep sets the foundations in children for a love of learning. 

Caterham Prep School, Caterham

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-2.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28507" /></figure>



<p>Caterham School is an all-through day and boarding school set on a breathtaking 200-acre site in the Harestone Valley. It has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence, but it’s equally strong on pastoral care and student wellbeing. Add in an outstanding co-curricular programme and you get confident, well-rounded young people who leave equipped for life. At its heart is an ethos that teaches children how to learn – and, just as importantly, to love learning.</p>



<p>Both the senior school and adjoining prep sit on the outskirts of Caterham, in a handy spot for commuters. The school is just under 1.5km from Caterham mainline station, with direct trains to and from London, and there’s also a shuttle bus to Upper Warlingham station, which offers an alternative London line.</p>



<p>The school was purpose-built in 1884 and remained boys-only until 1995. Today it’s fully co-ed, with a near-even 50:50 split of girls and boys. There are just under 1,300 pupils across the whole school – around 980 in the senior school and 285 in the prep.</p>



<p>While Caterham is selective and academically ambitious, it’s refreshingly free of elitism or hot-housing. The school actively looks for pupils with a wide mix of personalities, talents and potential, and there’s a clear understanding that children develop – academically and socially – at different speeds.</p>



<p>The admissions process reflects this gentle approach. It typically involves an interview with the Head, a day of activities, and an assessment exam. Around a third of pupils move up from the prep school, with the remainder joining at 11+ and 13+.</p>



<p>Wellbeing is also a major focus here – and not just in name. It runs deep across both the junior and senior schools, woven into everyday life and felt at every level of the school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-7.jpg" alt="Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28512" /></figure>



<p>n a word? Wow! The campus sprawls either side of Harestone Valley Road, with the main red-brick Victorian building and school blocks, including the Performing Arts Centre, on one side, and the sports centre with indoor pool and gym on the other. The sports centre has recently been extended, adding PE classrooms, a bigger gym with mezzanine, a café overlooking the astro pitches, and a sports rehab room.</p>



<p>And that’s just the start. There are acres of playing fields, woodlands, a high-ropes course, and an outdoor learning centre. Five netball courts, a 25-metre indoor pool, a floodlit astroturf, and a double sports hall round out a campus that’s seriously impressive. Phew!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/CaterhamSchool-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-40519" /></figure>



<p>Academics are important, but there's also a focus on the process of learning, rather than simply gaining knowledge to pass exams. There's a Learning to Learn programme which helps pupils develop skills such as note-taking, presentation skills and problem solving, as well as self-organisation and motivation.</p>



<p>There's also an Enrichment Programme - open to both scholars and non-scholars from Years 7 through to 13 - which helps extend learning through clubs and societies, lectures, subject clinics and competitions. </p>



<p>For pupils interested in studying medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, there's a dedicated society in place to offer support and guidance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-drama">MUSIC AND DRAMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-1.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28506" /></figure>



<p>The Performing Arts Centre was built only a few years ago and houses two theatres, a dance studio and a recording studio as well as music rooms. Unsurprisingly, there's a strong performing arts presence at the school, and as well as regular drama and music productions and recitals, there are lessons in a choice of about 25 different musical instruments.</p>



<p>Music is taught to all students in years 7 and 8, and is offered as an elective subject from year 9 up including at GCSE and A-Levels, and there's also an option to learn an instrument with a choice of about 25.</p>



<p>The music department has over 20 music groups, with regular music lessons. The music and drama department combine to put on a production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-5.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28510" /></figure>



<p>Caterham School does well at sport - and with the facilities it has to offer pupils, that's hardly a surprise. But sport is not the school's main calling card - and there's a real determination to offer sport for the enjoyment of all pupils alongside supporting high flyers. The gifted are encouraged and pushed to reach their full potential - and a good number of pupils here are heading for careers as professional sportsmen and women. But the priority is to give all students a positive experience of sport and that includes camaraderie, sportsmanship and the health benefits as much as the competition. </p>



<p>Having said that, the school has some justifiable sporting brags - with some of its students competing at county, national and international level including 10 girls who play lacrosse internationally and one pupil who competed in last summer's Olympics in the men's hockey team. Two of the school's deputy heads of sport also have high-level sporting roles outside of the school - one is the coach of the Oval Invincibles women's cricket team and the other is a professional hockey player with Surbiton - so the pupils are tapped in the world of professional sport by default.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-and-technology"><strong>SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-11.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28516" /></figure>



<p>Caterham School is one of only a handful of Apple Distinguished Schools in the UK, which means it's recognised for its excellence, leadership and innovation in digital learning.  iPads are used to support learning throughout the school, and there's a dedicated Innovation Centre, in which pupils learn digital skills from coding to animation.</p>



<p>A new subject has also been introduced into the curriculum called Edge - Explore, Develop, Grow, Evolve - which takes the school's leading approach to innovation and tech even further. As well as furthering their knowledge of technology, pupils are also skills in innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurism. </p>



<p>The science block - called The Davey Building after a former headmaster Rob Davey - is relatively new and houses no less than 15 laboratories. (The ground floor is also where you'll find the dining hall, or The Refectory as it's known.)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/CaterhamSchool-2.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-40520" /></figure>



<p>Wellbeing is the buzzword of the moment, particularly at schools - and so it should be. It's a hugely important facet of school life. But here, pastoral care is more than just a 'wellbeing week' each year, it's intrinsic to how the school runs on every level. Caterham is one of few schools in the country which dedicates weekly timetabled lessons to wellbeing covering a range of topics to equip pupils with the skills and be mentally and physically healthy, and with an awareness to make healthy decisions and engage positively within the community.</p>



<p>Sarah Griffiths, the Deputy Head of Wellbeing, says one of the essential elements in the school's wellbeing programme is teaching emotional literacy - teaching pupils how to cope with life's problems and take responsibility for their own choices.</p>



<p>Several wellbeing initiatives are also in place across the school which promote wellbeing including pastoral discussion groups, a study buddy programme, School Council and the Digital Council. And as with most schools, there's a health centre with trained staff on hand to aid in issues relating to physical and mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-results">THE RESULTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-senior-6.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28511" /></figure>



<p>In 2025, 92% of  all grades at A Level were A*-B, and more than two-thirds of all grades were A*-A. Almost all went on to their first choice of university, including 12 pupils who won places at Oxford or Cambridge universities and 10 into med school. Other destinations included St Andrews, Durham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, University of Nottingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Loughborough, Warwick, Imperial College London, Bristol and Southampton, among others. Three pupils went on to universities in Australia, the US and the Netherlands. Students are also successful in attaining professional apprenticeships.</p>



<p>At GCSE, 69 per cent of the 2023 cohort achieved Grades 9-8, and 50% of all grades were the top Grade 9. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<p>Caterham Prep School is on the same site as the senior school, but with separate entrances for pre-prep and prep school - so it's set apart from the senior school, while still being integrated and connected. Read our full review of Caterham Prep School <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/caterham-prep-school/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Caterham-School-Ceri-Jones_Caterham_landscape.jpg" alt="Ceri Jones, headmaster at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-28505" /></figure>



<p>Ceri Jones has been the Headmaster at Caterham for five years, and before that was at Tonbridge School for 12 years. He's a lovely chap, friendly and down-to-earth - and has an indisputable love for education. He studied History at Cambridge, and still teaches history at A-Level. I'm always impressed by a Headteacher who still finds time to fit teaching into their busy schedules. </p>



<p>His secret to the school's ongoing success? He's justifiably proud of the school's child-focussed approach, and says the great results come by engaging with each individual child and encouraging each pupil to be their own person. There's also a culture at the school where children are not afraid about getting things wrong, and this is something Mr Jones is pleased with.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<p>The school is very much run like a boarding school - with staff living on site - which creates a flexibility that allows day students to stay after the school day ends to make use of the facilities. And this no doubt adds to the sense of community within the school.</p>



<p>About 15 per cent of students at Caterham board - half are weekly boarders and half are full boarders. From September 2023, half-weekly boarding will also be an option - giving pupils that chance to board for the same two or three nights each week. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-curricular">EXTRA-CURRICULAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/CaterhamSchool-11.jpg" alt="Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-40530" /></figure>



<p>There's a lot going on at Caterham School with 18 different sports on offer, 20 music groups and over 36 clubs and societies available to join - everything from archery and bee keeping to textiles and fashion club.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>2025-26: Termly fee for day pupils in Years 7-13 is £9,210; for Sixth Form entry it's £9,650. Full boarding per term for Years 9-13 is £19,115 and at Sixth Form entry it's £20,145. Weekly boarding is £15,950 per term for Years 9-13, and £16,810 for Sixth Form entry. Half weekly boarding for years 7-9 is £12,475. Fees include VAT.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Caterham School has an excellent reputation and is a popular choice locally among parents. It's a quietly confident school that consistently achieves top results. Caterham is consistently in the top ranking for co-ed schools nationally for GCSE and A Level results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/CaterhamSchool-3-1000x563.jpg" alt="Pupils at Caterham School in Surrey." class="wp-image-40521" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong> Parents and kids looking for a prestigious school in a spacious green setting with superior sports and drama facilities, exceptional wellbeing and impressive academic results. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp; I'm struggling to think of anyone that wouldn't fit in and do well at Caterham. But at a push, I'd say it may not suit tiger parents who may want a more hot-housey environment. </p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree? </strong> Visit the school and see for yourself - the next open event is Wed 11 March. <a aria-label="Book here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/admissions/open-days-and-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book here.</a> </p>



<p><em>Caterham School, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 6YA. Tel: <a href="tel:00441883343028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">01883 343028</a>. </em><a href="https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>caterhamschool.co.uk</em></a></p>

An all-through day and boarding school set on an impressive 200 acre site with strong academics and great pastoral care.

Caterham School, Caterham

A warm, friendly prep school just outside Oxford, set in 60 lovely acres of land. A hidden gem amongst Oxford's more shouty preps - but for how long?

Chandlings Prep School, Bagley Wood, Oxford

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where-nbsp"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14125" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto"/></figure>



<p><a href="http://www.channing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Channing Junior School</strong></a> is an academically selective, through day school for around 1000 girls from 4 – 18 years in North London’s leafy Highgate, with the Junior and Senior schools waving at each other either side of Highgate Hill. Founded in 1885, Channing is the UK’s only Unitarian school, a religious movement that became popular in 19<sup>th</sup> century England with a focus on kindness, inclusivity and individuality of belief.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Junior School has 370 pupils, a mostly two form intake, housed in a beautiful 19<sup>th</sup> century mansion that was once the former home of London’s first Lord Mayor Sir Sydney Waterlow. Handily, the school also backs onto the park gifted by Waterlow to the public before he died, and is used regularly for school sports. Opposite, the imposing five storey Senior school dominates the main road, spilling down the hill.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/05/Channing-Forest-School-1024x683.jpg" alt="children running" class="wp-image-10991"/></figure>



<p>Nearly 90% of pupils at Channing are within four miles of the school, and places are highly contested, particularly in the Junior School where entry means your daughter will not need to take the 11+ to get into the Senior School (a <em>big deal</em> for Londoners on the secondary school scramble). There are just 50 places in Reception v 200+ hopeful families but once you’re in class sizes across both Junior and Senior school (Years 7-11) are around 25, with Sixth Form class size depending on subject popularity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This review will focus on the Junior School, but you can find the Senior School review here.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities-nbsp"><strong>FACILITIES</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts-nbsp"><strong>CREATIVE ARTS</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/08/Channing-School-Junior-2.jpg" alt="Channing School pupils" class="wp-image-13476"/></figure>



<p>A strength of the school. There’s a dedicated Art and DT room at the Junior school, and a professionally rigged 244 seater theatre across at the Senior school that the pupils can use from Reception. Rooms and corridors are festooned with paintings, creating a friendly, lived in vibe to the school.&nbsp; Musically all girls are encouraged to have a go, with ukulele, recorder and djembe drums available for all kids to play. From Year 1 the kids can pick up the violin bow for string group (parents, no earplugs needed here). All the usual brass, woodwind, string and vocal ensembles are enthusiastically played here.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport-nbsp"><strong>SPORT</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/05/Exterior-of-school-1024x683.jpg" alt="exterior" class="wp-image-10992"/></figure>



<p>The majority of sports lessons and activities facilities are on site, on the 4 outdoor netball courts (also used for tennis and a myriad of other sports), and a multiuse school hall for gymnastics and dance as well as dining and assemblies. Just behind the school is Waterlow park, used for cross country and the school owns a sports field about 10 mins walk away. Offsite nearby Finchley swimming pool is used for lessons, particularly for intensive swimming weeks for Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6 Swim Squad every week. Years 5 and 6 head to a local reservoir for sailing and kayaking. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/05/students-at-Channing-1024x683.jpg" alt="students" class="wp-image-10997"/></figure>



<p>Historically Channing was never particularly known for its sport but the Junior school is now changing that perception, with its own elite swimming squad, success particularly in netball and football (having a semi-pro coach helps!) and cricket alongside a clutch of other sports including hockey and tag rugby.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-nbsp"><strong>GENERAL</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-forest-.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14063"/></figure>



<p>The outside space here is lovely, with a large playground. Behind the MUGA, there’s a lovely shaded woodland area complete with pond, mud kitchen and outdoor classroom for Forest school, with weekly lessons for girls from Reception to Year 4. The main mansion house offers up a balcony area with bean bags and gardening club.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/05/Playground-at-Channing-1024x683.jpg" alt="playground" class="wp-image-10995"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics-nbsp"><strong>ACADEMICS</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With four applications for every one place (ouch), Channing’s cohort is naturally bright, curious and eager to learn, and the school offers specialist teaching from Reception for Spanish, Music, Drama, PE and Forest School, with Art and DT specialists from Y1 and French introduced in Year 3 to oil the academic wheels. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/08/Channing-School-Junior.jpg" alt="junior students at Channing School" class="wp-image-13474"/></figure>



<p>However, with 90% of pupils going on to the Senior school and no 11+ lightning rod to panic over, the school seems to swerve the ‘hothouse’ malaise that so many London schools suffer from. All girls from Reception receive appropriate homework which increases in challenge and time as they move up the school. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care-nbsp"><strong>PASTORAL CARE</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-kimochi.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14056"/></figure>



<p>A big pastoral advantage for Channing is its ‘local’ vibe - with pupils living so close, the girls create strong friendships, and positive teacher/parents communications also help with wellbeing interventions. Building on that, there are the usual belts and braces of onsite counsellor, thoughts and ideas boxes in classrooms, mindfulness sessions for the pupils, House Buddies for all children, and hand-held Kimochi beanbags with feelings written on them (Happy, Silly, Brave, Curious, Sad, Mad etc<strong>)</strong>, that help the girls express their emotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-friendometer.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14062"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Friendology programme is dotted around the school</figcaption></figure>



<p>The school is part of URSTRONG’S Friendology social development programme, teaching the girls how to navigate friendships, resolve arguments and recognise healthy v unhealthy relationships (a Friendometer and Friendship Facts are both in the playground), and there’s also Tooled-up Education for parents – a raft of resources across education and parenting. A Teddy bear is gifted to all Reception girls when they arrive which is a sweet touch.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send-nbsp"><strong>SEND</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Junior School has an in-house SENCO and Learning Support teacher, along with two Teaching Assistants trained in Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA). Support is offered within the classroom where possible though there is a separate Learning Support room should the girls need it. The school celebrates Neurodiversity Week every year with Senior girls coming across to tell their personal experiences of being neurodiverse, and there are form-led activities designed to foster empathy and understanding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head-nbsp"><strong>THE HEAD</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/DH-1st-Day-of-School-2024_25.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14128"/></figure>



<p>Dina Hamalis has just completed her seventh year as the Head at Channing Junior, having previously been academic director at Belsize Park’s Sarum Hall School. Cuddly toys, books, Kimochis and knick-knacks make her office a welcoming space for the children who come here for her ‘tea parties’ either in Reception so she can get to know the littlies or Top&nbsp; &amp; Tail parties to help the Year 6 leavers transition to Senior school. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-head-teachers-room.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14060"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Head's informal, cosy office</figcaption></figure>



<p>Friendly and clearly a doer, on her watch the Junior school has improved its Sport provision, introduced their bespoke <a href="https://www.channing.co.uk/junior-school/junior-school-curriculum/character-education/">Character Education Programme</a>, introduced DT and Philosophy, and completed chunky additions such as the new school hall, the subterranean Pavilion, and extensions to the main building, as well as improve the outdoor areas to include a Multi-use Games Area (MUGA), adventure playground, fairy garden and mindfulness area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-video">SCHOOL VIDEO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://vimeo.com/552569607
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy-nbsp"><strong>MOBILE PHONE POLICY</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The girls don’t have access to mobile phones during the school day.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks-nbsp"><strong>QUIRKS</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yes, ma’am. There’s a tradition called “Skipping Out’ where pupils (both Junior and at the Senior school) hum a song at the end of term and then literally skip out of the school as a group. And all girls must have the school lunches – no packed lunches allowed here!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wraparound-care-nbsp"><strong>WRAPAROUND CARE</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Made for working parents! You can drop kids from 7.30am for breakfast (lessons start at 8.30am) and pick up at 6pm. After school clubs start at 3.30 - 5pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report-nbsp"><strong>ISI REPORT</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The most recent report is from June 2022, but if you’re into history <a href="/Users/herobrown/Downloads/Channing-Regulatory-Compliance-and-Educational-Quality-Inspection-Report-June-22.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">you can read it here.</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-travel-nbsp"><strong>TRAVEL</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Most pupils walk to school or take the bus or tube. Archway Tube and Highgate are both a 10 minute walk and there are good bus links too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees-nbsp"><strong>FEES</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>£7865 per term – good value compared to some of the other eye-wateringly expensive top Prep girls’ schools in the area. Please note, though, that 20% VAT is now added to these fees.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-360-virtual-tour-nbsp"><strong>360 VIRTUAL TOUR</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Get a feel for Channing Junior School with its <a href="https://www.channing.co.uk/admissions/open-days/360-virtual-tours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virtual tour</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground-nbsp"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-future-is-female--768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14057" style="aspect-ratio:0.75;width:640px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The message around the school is loud and clear</figcaption></figure>



<p>Parents I’ve talked to at Channing Junior love the holistic approach to education here – the school motto is ‘Conabor’ (Latin for ‘I will try’) and the focus is on getting the girls to feel confident and resilient; the strong academics at the Junior and Senior follow from that point. There are plenty of opportunities for the girls to take leadership positions here too and the overall mood music for parents and children sounds happy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict-nbsp"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/09/Channing-Junior-School-Highgate-Muddy-Stilettos-me-in-mirror--768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-14058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A mirror so the girls can 'see' themselves reflected in the school qualities - respectful, resilient, curious etc. </figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Parents looking for a high achieving school without the sharp elbows – Channing Junior School has a reputation for inclusivity and friendliness. It’s an awesome choice for anyone looking to swerve the 11+ nightmare – Channing’s through-school status removes the stress of finding a Senior school.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>You’re in a very privileged Highgate bubble here, so if you’d prefer to pop it, look elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>WANT TO SEE YOUR YOURSELF?</strong> Be my guest! The <a href="https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/84027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next Open Day</a> is 15 Sept (8.45-10am).&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="http://www.channing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Channing Junior School</em></a><em>, The Bank, Highgate, London, N6 5HF.</em>&nbsp;<em>Tel: 0208 3429862</em>.</p>

A popular, academically selective girls' day school with a reputation for inclusivity and friendliness, and the Senior school just across the road.

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