UP TO 1 HR AWAY

Sunningdale School, Sunningdale, Berkshire

Hidden in 25 acres of woodland and playing fields, Sunningdale School is an idyllic country prep for boys aged 7-13, near Ascot. Predominantly boarding, with a weekly boarding offering, it’s very small, with just 110 boys, and is one of the last few family-run preps in the UK. Every effort is made to create a home from home vibe – the Castle dorm is a favourite among pupils but personally we’d call shotgun in the Jungle room. As the boys get older the decor gets a bit more sophisticated in the ‘cubes’. Pastoral care is top notch, it’s academically strong, and the boys are kept busy playing sport, laser tag, fishing, mountain biking, climbing or just hanging out with friends. All schools bang on about a family atmosphere, but this one is the real deal. Next Open Mornings are: 24 Feb and 16 Mar.

Caldicott School, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire

Just 30 mins outside West London (who doesn’t love an easy commute?), Caldicott is a selective boys’ day and boarding prep school (ages 7-13) tucked in the leafy Burnham Beeches woodlands. As you’d expect from a school sitting on 40 acres of grounds, the 250 pupils benefit from sports galore. Roll call, please! 15 football/rugby pitches, 11 cricket pitches, squash and tennis courts, a climbing wall, a sports hall, and an outdoor 20m swimming pool. There are also judo, gymnastics, athletics, fencing and kayaking on offer. Boarding is available part-time for boys in Y3-Y6 and weekly flexi-boarding for Y5-Y6. From Sep 2024, it will no longer be compulsory for boys to board as they enter Y7, and in 2025, the same will be true for Y8. Instead, the school will introduce a new range of options, including a Day Plus offering as well as weekly and full boarding. Next Open Morning is Sat 18 May.

Godstowe School, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Set in a tight-knit 12-acre site in High Wycombe, Godstowe was one of England’s first all-girls boarding prep schools (ages 7-13) dating back to 1900. Today, much of that charming Victorian tradition remains through the school’s quirky cloaks and student routine of shaking hands with teachers at the end of the day. There are 320 pupils with over 100 boarders, both part-time and full-time – starting around Y3. Full-time boarders benefit from a home away from home atmosphere as the school gives girls the option to bunk with others or opt for private bedrooms. Creative kids will have plenty of chances to flex their skills in the 15-room music school with a recital hall, dance and ballet studio, plus a pro chef kitchen. Sporty types can dive into the 25m pool, horse-riding, lacrosse, and netball – plus there are 90 different clubs per week, so they can try their hand at everything.

Cottesmore School, Pease Pottage, Sussex

An undeniably grand co-ed boarding prep for kids aged 4-13, set in sprawling grounds just outside Pease Pottage, near the Sussex/Surrey border. Consistently award-winning – in 2019 it scooped Boarding School of the Year in the TES Awards – the school manages to juggle tradition, innovation, academic rigour and fun. Although the facilities are second to none, what elevates them further is the way they’re used. This isn’t a ‘look but don’t touch!’ and ‘no walking on the grass!’ kind of school, it’s more of a ‘let’s go and jump in the lake on the last day of term!’ and zorbing across the sports pitches place. Full boarding is the norm at Cottesmore from the age of eight, and 90% of staff live on site themselves, most within the same big building, so it has a real family feel. There are nine exeat weekends in addition to the school holidays. For London children using the Gatwick Express there is a staff escort service. Next Open Morning is Sat 24 Feb.

Brambletye, near East Grinstead, Sussex

Say hello to this grand gothic Victorian hunting lodge which was once owned by the Marquis of Abergavenny and is now home to the co-ed boarding and day school Brambletye. Near East Grinstead, the school for kids aged 2-13, is also close to the Surrey and Kent borders and has a real sense of fun here – thanks in part to the 140 acres and gardens designed by renowned Gertrude Jekyll which also hosts some incredible den building.  Class numbers are small and lessons are held in more modern buildings, there’s a 100% pass rate for common entrance exams with 55 minutes lessons which the head says has improved children’s focus. While sport is taken seriously it’s very much ‘lights, camera, action’ for the lovely 250-seater theatre and emphasis on the arts and outdoor learning – hardly surprising when so near to the Ashdown Forest. Many additional staff are mental health 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. The class numbers are small enough, so children are known and cared for and best of all, there’s a real sense of fun at the school.  

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UP TO 1.5 HRS AWAY

Eagle House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire

Eagle House School is a non-selective co-ed prep for 3-13 year olds, set in 30 acres of playing fields and woodland on the outskirts of Sandhurst. Facilities are excellent – all weather pitches, big modern sports hall, 20m indoor pool, plus a stunning new music school, drama studio, a super-cool design lab with robots, laser cutters and 3D printers and a replica Tudor House (you don’t see many of those, that’s for sure). They also offer a mind blowing amount of extra curricular activities, including sailing, yoga, rollerblading, leain training, Lego, physical theatre and more. Eagle House is part of the Wellington College group, and the new head was Wellington’s former Head of Admissions, so it’s an excellent choice if you have your sights set on Wellington College in Y9 (particularly if you’re looking for a boarding prep in Y7 and Y8). Boarding is available for 65 boys and girls and the rooms are upstairs in the main house – which is acts as a hub for all the homely bits (sleeping, eating and relaxing). Next Open Days are Sat 24 Feb and Sat 11 May.

Brockhurst & Marlston House, Hermitage, Berkshire

Brockhurst and Marlston House is a traditional family-run country prep offering a mix of single sex and co-ed teaching for kids aged 2-13. The school’s situated on a sprawling 500-acre estate just outside Newbury, with a dedicated 60 acres for the kids (lucky things). But hiding behind the period facade is a modern approach to schooling that offers families flexibility and affordability. A new hybrid classroom model gives children the opportunity to join lessons online, on demand or in person and there’s flexibility in the fee structure too. Facilities are superb, lessons often spill outside and sport is a big part of school life – played daily with A, B and C teams fielded in rugby, football, cricket, hockey and netball. It also has its very own equestrian centre where pupils can stable their pony or learn to ride on the school’s horses and a modern 25m indoor pool. Boarding is a big part of the school experience here. Full, weekly and flexi boarding are all available and the fun is endless – Brockwarts, the much-loved annual Harry Potter activity weekend, is the biggest weekend in the school calendar and the kids love it. Next Open Morning in 13 May at 10.30am.

The New Beacon, Sevenoaks, Kent

The New Beacon (TNB) is a boys’ day school with Flexi boarding, located on a single site of 22 acres, nestled in woodland, yet only a stone’s throw from the town centre of Sevenoaks, (one of the 10 Kent towns listed in our Best Places to Live). Kent’s only prep school offering for anyone interested in a single-sex education for their son(s) is academically ambitious with stunning grounds and facilities. The prep is merged with Tonbridge School, one of the leading independent boys’ schools in the UK and also the only remaining school in Kent that starts at 13+ (Y9), although it’s fair to say Leavers go on to a variety of destinations. Next Open Morning is Fri 23 Feb, places must be booked in advance.

Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex

Felsted School is a bucolic day and boarding prep and senior school between Great Dunmow and Braintree that has the wow factor in terms of facilities and pastoral care. Co-ed; with 1028 pupils, the school is set in 80 acres of stunning grounds surrounded by pretty Essex countryside. A lot of the pupils c all Felsted home, with about 12% of the prep pupils boarding, and in June 2023 itwas named best Boarding School in the UK by TES (Times Education Supplement). Children may start boarding from Y5 in our homely Prep Boarding House, called Hamilton House. Children may opt to board for a couple of nights or choose our weekly or full boarding option. Hamilton House has the capacity for 60 boarders, with dedicated bedrooms and relaxation/recreation areas for boys and girls. Review here.

New Hall School, Boreham, Essex

Located in a Tudor Palace within 70 acres of grounds, New Hall is 10 mins from Chelmsford and is one of Essex’s oldest and most well-known independent schools. A large co-ed boarding and day school (1300 pupils from ages one to 18), boys and girls are educated in a single-sex setting in the Senior School, but co-ed for Early Years, Prep and Sixth Form. Boarding-wise, it’s popular (around 223 pupils from 27 nationalities call the school home) and starts from Year 3. Here, boarders are known and feel part of a very special family, with friendships made which last a lifetime. There are high academic expectations and generous time is allocated for study, but there is also an emphasis on building social confidence among boarders with plenty of time for fun activities. Review here.

Aldro School, Shackleford, Surrey

One of the most highly regarded prep and boarding schools in the south-east with pupils regularly moving to the likes of Eton, Harrow and Charterhouse. It’s set on an idyllic 30-acre site, and there’s strong outdoorsy focus. This, alongside the high academic standards, make it a highly desirable choice for parents looking who want a great all-rounder offering for their boys and girls aged 7 to 13. There’s an open event on Sat 2 Mar, so go see it for yourself.

Beechwood Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire

A unique child-centred approach, which helps pupils reflect on their own progress, bags of idyllic, Capability Brown-designed grounds to explore and a seriously good academic offering make Beechwood Park a solid choice. Add to that the flexi-boarding option (for up to 60 pupils) from Year 5, from Mon – Thurs, and it’s a no-brainer for commuting / shift-working parents. The boarding house is a real home-from-home with large rooms, (in the eaves for the girls – think Malory Towers – for that sleepover vibe), which are sectioned off for extra privacy and down time, such as reading with the boading parents. And there’s none of that hot-bedding malarky – kids get their very own bed, even if they only board for one night. Next Open Morning is on Thu 8 Feb.

Aldwickbury, Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Despite its trad appearance (the main building dates back to 1871), this is a boys’ school with a fresh and friendly outlook. There are 20 acres of grounds (Aldwickbury is big on outdoor learning), bordering the local golf club, a swanky new £3.8m sports centre and a Future Thinking curriculum to prepare the boys for the modern world of work. The ‘light’ boarding provision, (for up to 36 boys from Year 5, Mon – Thurs), is ideal for those who want to test the waters for the odd night away from home in preparation for Senior school. Boarding houses feel fresh and are colourfully decorated with fun feature walls with a combo of bunks and single beds so boys can team up with a group of buddies in their room. And parents can literally book on the same day if they’ve got a last minute late work meeting or the boys just want to take advantage of one of the many after-school clubs, not to mention the unbridled fun of running around with their torches at night playing Man Hunt! There’s a whole school Open Morning on Thu 29 Feb. Call the registrar for details or e-mail admissions@aldwickbury.org.uk.

Lockers Park, Hemel Hempstead

How does the idea of sport every day, an appealingly small cohort (circa 200 in the whole school), dedicated woodland ‘territories’ for different age groups to build dens in AND the chance for boys to wear their own shirts (as long as they’re checked!) sound? These are just a few of the reasons Lockers Park is described as a ‘hidden gem’. The school celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, so there’s plenty of tradition to be found, too. As for the boarding – Lockers Park was Highly Commended in the Muddy Stilettos School Awards 2023 and the 2022 Independent School of the Year Awards in the Happiest Boarding School category – can’t argue with that. Around 50% of the boys board, with 15% full time, and others opting for weekly or flexi. Fridays are popular here due to the optional Saturday school and parents can also book boys in for a night at the last minute if they have an emergency. New boarding parents joined last year, who, along with nurse Angel (yes, her real name) create a warm and homely environment for the boys. We also love the fact that it has a mini railway and miniature train club in the boarding house. Next Open Morning is on Fri 8 March.

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UP TO 2 HRS AWAY

Moulsford School, Moulsford, Oxfordshire

Moulsford School is a boys’ Prep with day, flexi or weekly boarding in South Oxfordshire, set in an idyllic 30 acre location by the river. Resolutely single sex in the Prep school, Moulsford prides itself on its approach to teaching its 300 boys, of whom roughly 45 are boarders, with the curriculum, sport, even the choice of teachers tailored towards them. Sport is a BIG DEAL at Moulsford with 8 cricket pitches, 12 sets of cricket nets, one large hockey astro, 4 tennis courts, up to 12 football/rugby pitches and a massive indoor gym with an indoor climbing wall and an 15m outdoor pool. Unsurprisingly, Moulsford offers comprehensive water sports including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and even dinghy sailing. It’s the quintessential English prep school, big on sport, academics, the arts, and manners, though any school that sends children sailing off to a place called Goose Poo Island shows a smart grasp of how little boys’ minds work. Next Open Day is on Friday 10th May.

Dragon School, Oxford, Oxfordshire

One of the biggest co-eds boarding schools in the UK (4-13 yrs), The Dragon has a stellar alumni list (hello Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, and Hugh Dancy), and it’s easy to see why. Although it dates back to 1877, the school’s facilities shine like new with the most recent investments including a whopping £10m put down for the Performance Art Centre, which offers music and drama. Housing 800 pupils is no easy feat, but children can roam just fine across the two sites – one for 4–7-year-olds and a larger site for 8-13-year-olds with access to playing fields and direct access to the river. Despite its arty alumni, this school’s by-the-book academics are still strong, with pupils getting scholarships from top schools like Eton and bagging various academic awards. For around 180 boarders, there are six Junior Houses (co-ed and single-sex) and three senior single-sex houses. Day boarding is between 1-3 regular nights a week, and weekly full boarding is still more popular with Y7 and Y8 compared to flexi-boarding. Best of all, there’s a weekly bus on Sunday nights to bring boarders back to school from London. Next Open Morning is Sat 24 Feb.

Holmewood House School, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This co-ed Tunbridge Wells prep, that has long been impressive in stature, has seen a distinct move towards prioritising pastoral excellence. Full, Weekly and Flexi boarding has always been an integral part of Holmewood House School. It gives children a chance to make even greater use of the school’s glorious grounds (all 32 acres), extensive facilities and beautiful location. A busy and fun-filled activity programme throughout the whole week gives boarders time to enjoy each other’s company and build relationships that will stand the test of time. Next Open Morning is Fri 8 Mar, places must be booked in advance.

Junior Kings, Canterbury, Kent

Junior King’s Canterbury is the prep offering of the oldest school in England, The Kings Canterbury and is a day and boarding school for boys and girls ages 3-13yrs. Rich in history yet awash with up-to-date facilities and innovative teaching, this school is brilliantly positioned. The immediate setting is rural, yet you’re near the vibrant town of Canterbury and you’ve got the Kent coastline in the other direction. Currently around 20% of pupils board, which they can do from Y5 and Flexi-boarding has really taken off in the last few years plus weekly boarding options for the London based parents. Weekends for boarders are fun-packed with regular activities arranged. Next Open Morning is Sat 11 May.

Old Buckenham Hall, Brettenham, Suffolk

Love the idea of your child spending lots of time learning in the great outdoors, surrounded by music (Benjamin Britten is the school’s most famous alumnus) and being encouraged to find their passion, whether it be creative, sporty or academic? Enter Old Buckenham Hall, a boarding Prep School set within gorgeous grounds in the pretty village of Brettenham. Pupils can board from Year 3 up in one of three newly refurbished boarding houses, it’s super flexible and there’s a lively programme of activities to keep the littles ones busy. Check it out for yourself at their next Open Morning on 2 March.

Ardingly College, Ardingly, Sussex

This picture perfect campus wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard. It’s an all-through co-ed school (ages 2-18) with outstanding, academic results. The school offers its 1,100 pupils flexi, weekly and full boarding from Y7 up. Boarding houses are separate, fully-staffed buildings with a cosy but grown-up feel, and there is a full range of activities on offer. There’s a village-like campus of top-notch facilities surrounded by 230 acres of glorious Sussex countryside part of which has beautiful pathways through unspoiled woodlands, a stunning pond all of which are a playground for Ardingly’s Forest School. There’s no shortage of sports facilities – the school excels in hockey and football while music is a real strength. It’s hard to imagine a child who wouldn’t thrive here.

Cranleigh Prep, Cranleigh, Surrey

Cranleigh Prep School is a day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 7 to 13 years (Y3 to Y8). It sits on a 40-acre site with a dazzling array of facilities and also makes use of the wider 250-acre site that is Cranleigh School across the road. The school is gaining a strong reputation for its excellent all-rounder offering – academics are impressive, music and art are strong and there’s a big focus on sport. There are open events on Wed 21 Feb and Sat 11 May. Book here.

Winchester House, Brackley, Northants

Winchester House is a traditional co-ed prep, pre-prep and nursery school for 3-13 year olds sitting in 18 acres in the attractive market town of Brackley in south Northamptonshire. Part of the Stowe group (also incorporating Stowe and Swanbourne in Bucks), it’s an official feeder prep for Stowe, if you’re already thinking ahead, and of the 320 pupils, around 90 board either occasionally, flexi or weekly. Small classes sizes of around 18 are guaranteed here, with a fairly even split of boys and girls. Sport is wholeheartedly embraced here with some rather niche option as well as the standard offerings, including polo club, a ski team, riding lessons, and squash.

Beachborough School, Westbury, Northants

Beachborough is a bucolic day and boarding prep school at Westbury Manor, tickling the Northants, Bucks and Oxon borders in 35 acres of picturesque grounds. Co-educational with a 50/50 boy/girl split, the school accommodates up to around 400 pupils and roughly 30% of children board, either flexi or four days a week (there’s no termly option here). Got a budding engineer on your hands? With a brand new £700k DT building, the technology offering at Beachborough includes robotics, coding, 3D printing and electronics.

King’s Ely, Ely, Cambridgshire

King’s Ely is an idyllically placed co-ed school for kids aged 2 – 18, with an extremely strong music, art and drama department, set in the pretty Cambridgeshire town of Ely, right next door to the majestic cathedral. Prep pupils can board (full, weekly or flexi) from age 8 upwards and are housed in two stunning medieval buildings with housemistresses to create a real sense of family. Walsingham House is the boys boarding house, while Priory House is for the youngest pupils and has both boys and girls. Some of the 40 or so boarders are choristers. The next Open Morning takes place on Sat 2 Mar.

Godolphin, Salisbury, Wiltshire

A girls’ prep school (ages 3-11) in Salisbury, Godolphin is ideal for students seeking wrap-around care. With a small student body of around 50, it sits on a peaceful 16-acre site and boasts a brilliant mix of sports, music, theatre, and academics. Sports-wise, lacrosse dominates, closely followed by netball, hockey and tennis. Budding thespians will be wowed by the performing arts centre, which features a roundel theatre plus ample lobby and practice rooms. Boarding is super flexible; students can opt for midweek boarding (3 nights), weekly boarding (5 nights) or full boarding (7 nights). There are four boarding houses – one for the prep school and the other three spread between the senior and sixth schools. Kids boarding three nights have their own beds, and students are encouraged to change roommates frequently to forge new friendships.

Bilton Grange, Rugby

Set in 90 acres of idyllic parkland Bilton Grange, or BG as it’s affectionately known, combines gothic charm and Harry Potter vibes, extensive modern facilities, with acres of space for exploration – and tree climbing! It’s tucked away on a leafy site in Rugby, and merged with Rugby School a few years back. There’s currently some 60 boarders, but over the next few years that’s set to grow to around 80 as a trailblazing boarding new house is built. It’s set to open next year and is a kids dream, with everything from game and music spaces, to a helter skelter-style slide to transport them between the four levels (yes, really!). It promises a ‘home-to-home’ experience with children’s comfort and modern lifestyle at its heart, and flexi or full boarding. See you at the top of the slide!

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UP TO 2.5HRS AWAY

Orwell Park School, near Ipswich, Suffolk

Orwell Park School is a highly-regarded co-ed prep school in a standout setting on the River Orwell near Ipswich. OPS pupils benefit from an extensive outdoor learning programme and, with glorious safe grounds and excellent pastoral care, have the chance to enjoy being young and carefree for as long as possible. You’ll also be pleased to hear that the school has a strong reputation for sport and music, offers extra-curricular activities galore and is a renowned springboard for the best senior schools in the country. In the main house there are comfy and homely boarding quarters and many pupils board or choose to experience the flexi boarding option even if they live nearby. Too good to be true? Check it out for yourself at their next Open Morning is on 10 Feb.

Sandroyd School, Salisbury, Wiltshire

A breezy 70 acres of bucolic grounds on the 19th century Rushmore Estate make Sandroyd School an ideal choice for outdoorsy 2–13-year-olds. On the school’s grounds, there is a generous sports offering of playing fields, an Astroturf, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a cross-country course, a riding arena and stables. Nature play aside, pupils here thrive academically, with 20% going onto top schools like Eton, Harrow and Radley. The staff strike a brilliant balance between hard work and play, which is no doubt why boarding is so popular here. Boarders have free rein in the evenings to use the pool, gym and art block. Weekenders (an impressive 50% of boarders opt to stay for the weekends) can also join in with camping and horse riding. Flexi, weekly, and full-time boarding is available, and each of the four houses is separated by sex and age.

Stonar School, near Bath, Wiltshire

The best of both worlds, Stonar benefits from 80 acres of gorgeous greenery and a charming Grade II listed manor while sitting just 20 minutes away from buzzy Bath. Home to pupils ages 2-18, with around 90 in prep school, classrooms are relatively small and allow one-on-one teaching time. Academic results only prove the efficacy of this teaching style, with 98% of the 2022 cohort securing a spot at their first choice university – of course, prep is too early to be thinking about Uni, but the idea at Stonar is that your child joins in prep and stays all the way through. Sports-wise, they’re spoilt for choice with rugby, football, swimming, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, gymnastics, volleyball and trampolining. But the real standout is Stonar’s equestrian centre; there are 64 stables, a floodlit outdoor all-weather manège, a cross-country schooling field and 16 dedicated staff. Boarders can go home for the weekend, but many choose to stay in the two boarding houses, one mixed and the other girls only, for years 5-11.

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UP TO 3 HRS AWAY

Witham Hall, Witham-on-the-Hill, Lincs

This non-selective Prep School for boys and girls aged 4 -13 is situated in an elegant Queen Anne style manor with pretty manicured gardens, set over 30 acres. Pupil numbers currently stand at 252 (140 boys and 112 girls), with the school divided into Pre-Prep (Reception – Y3), and Prep, (Y4 upwards), and weekly and flexi boarding available for children from the age of 8.  The sports facilities are worth shouting about and, in addition to the usual pitches and courts, pupils now have access to a light-filled dance studio, slick fitness suite, squash court and even a nine-hole golf course.

Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk

Set within 110 acres of bucolic Suffolk countryside close to Framlingham’s iconic castle, Framlingham College is a stately school for boys and girls aged 3 – 18 that has excellent boarding options (full, regular and flexi) from the age of 9. Pupils here benefit from first-class facilities, excellent extra-curricular opportunities and top-notch teaching across a broad range of subjects. Young boarders are given lots of chances to get involved in the community – helping to organise boarders events and having a mentor to help them adjust to boarding life. Take a look for yourself at the upcoming Open Day on Thu 8 Mar.  

Bryanston Prep, Durweston, Dorset

All the advantages of a small rural prep – nurturing family feel, individualised learning in an bucolic countryside environment (ponies, orchards, woodlands) – and access to the superb facilities and opportunities at one of the UK’s top senior schools. Every kind of boarding option is available from Y3: full, weekly (home at weekends), flexi (number of set nights a week) and occasional (invitation weekends for specific year groups and emergency). Next open morning on Fri 8 Mar. Prospective pupils can also attend taster days.

Hanford School, nr Blandford Forum, Dorset

This quintessentially English girls’ boarding and day school offers a true idyll of childhood with ponies, lots of quirky Hanford traditions and a strong family feel, but is also academically rigorous. This is true boarding school nirvana, with a mix of full, weekly and occasional boarders. Like a virtual tour?  Call Karen Mallinson, Head of Admissions, on 01258 860219 or email her at admissions@hanford.dorset. sch.uk. The next open morning is Sat 3 Feb.

Hazlegrove Prep, Sparkford, Somerset

The traditional country house exterior belies the forward-thinking, collaborative, empathatic and vibrant education within, with great sport, arts and extra curricular. Boarding from age 7 is in one girls’ and two boys’ boarding houses. The school was Highly Commended in the ‘Originality In Teaching Music And The Arts (Prep School)’ category in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2023. Book yourself onto an open day or call the school on 01963 442606 or email admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk to arrange a personal tour of the school.

Cheltenham Prep, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

If you want the best of both worlds – a progressive school with historic roots – the gently selective Cheltenham Prep is a top choice. A co-ed day and boarding school for ages 3 -13, it sits in a platinum location on 75 acres of prime Regency real estate. The younger sibling to the prestigious Cheltenham College (they share the same campus and some facilities), those looking for a town-based school with an endless stream of activities are in luck. A prestigious Prep that’s an impressive all-rounder.

The Downs Malvern, Malvern, Worcestershire

Looking for a close-knit, high-achieving school with award-winning eco values? The Downs Malvern is a charming prep you need on your radar. This small, gently selective, co-ed boarding school for ages 3 to 13, in the stunning Malvern Hills is renowned for being a caring home-from-home for kids. All that and there’s also an awards cabinet brimming with accolades, including Best Eco Initiative in the Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards 2023. Next Open Day is Sat 24 Feb.

Warminster Prep, Warminster, Wiltshire

A creativity-led prep school, just shy of Salisbury, Warminster is more than by-the-book academics (although pupils thrive in that too). Instead, self-expression takes top priority in subjects like music, drama, design technology, art and modern foreign languages. Drama is a big hit here, with everyone joining in the productions (seriously, they give Glee a run for its money). Home to 130 pupils, the prep promotes a tight-knit community and encourages older pupils to look out for the littlies. Boarders up to Year 8 share St Monica House in the boarding village, and they bask in a range of activities on the weekend, including cinema, trampolining and ice-skating excursions.

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More than 3 hrs away

Repton Prep School, Milton, Derbyshire

Set in 55 majestic acres of Derbyshire countryside, this rural co-ed day and boarding school is known for its sporting prowess and all-rounder ethos. Kids are academically well-catered for, but this isn’t an exam factory. It’s the type of school that will suit the energetic and curious and joiners-in. Book an open day here.

Millfield Prep, Glastonbury, Somerset

This famously sporty school isn’t only for future Olympians, it’s focused on finding brilliance in every child, whatever that might be: the opportunities are there for the taking. Pupils can board from Y3, both full-time and with flexi-options for occasional stays, in five single-sex boarding houses. Next Open Days are Fri 1 Mar (Pre-Prep) and Sat 2 Mar.

King’s College Prep, Taunton, Somerset

One of the UK’s top schools for cricket, you’ll be bowled over by the sport, academics and outdoor education at this co-ed day and boarding school for 2-13 year olds in the foothills of the Quantocks. Pupils can board from Year 3: full, max of five or up to three nights a week. Call 01823 328204 to arrange a personal tour or taster day or visit the school on one of its open days in spring and autumn. The next one is Fri 15 Mar. To reserve your place on the and get a prospectus, click here.

Gresham’s Prep, Holt, Norfolk

Gresham’s Prep is a co-ed day and boarding school which, together with its neighbouring Pre-Prep and Nursery, takes pupils from age 2 to 13. Its expansive grounds are located within the fashionable Georgian market town of Holt, just four miles from the beautiful North Norfolk coast. The Senior School continues the seamless educational journey until the age of 18. Open Morning on Fri 3 May.

For more reviews, head to the Muddy’s Best School’s Guide.