Bookmark

Save Me

Please sign in to view your Saves

School Reviews

Unique, independent, honest.

No boring fusty reviews here! Our informal guides give a genuine insight into each school we visit across the UK, and super-useful ‘insider’ advice to our readers – parents, just like us.

Search

Filter by:

  • Gender overlay-arrow
  • Age Group overlay-arrow
  • Type overlay-arrow
  • County overlay-arrow
  • Other Features overlay-arrow
Apply Filters Clear Filters
Showing 1 through 88 out of 88 reviews
  • school pupils peaking round trees

    Hot schools news!

    The new term has started and Muddy is here to bring you all the happenings at our fave schools - new Heads, Open days, school productions and our latest reviews. Get your diaries out now!

  • Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford

    This is no ordinary girls’ school. After my visit, I feel calmer and lighter. What I take away with me is a dose of optimism and a boost of creativity. Welcome to Bedford Girls’ School (Muddy Herts editor, Sandra).

  • stone

    Reading Blue Coat, Sonning

    It's hard to find fault with this boys day school in Sonning. Inclusive and amazing results. Impressed.

  • Wellington School, Wellington

    Muddy says: an academic curriculum, an innovative approach to sport and fitness, ace art and music – it all makes for a genuine good all-rounder independent school for 2–18 year olds

  • The Abbey School, Reading, Berkshire

    Muddy says: One of the top day prep and secondary girls' schools in the UK, The Abbey School in Reading is unusual for its central city location.

  • The Oratory School, Woodcote, South Oxon

    Muddy says: A pastorally strong Catholic day and boarding school for boys 11-18, with a lovely Queen Anne mansion amidst 120 acres. The art and design departments are particularly impressive here.

  • Hurst (Hurstpierpoint College)

    Muddy says: One of the best-known schools in Sussex, set on a large site and with a ‘have a go’ ethos that seeks to enthuse pupils to excel beyond their books.

  • A Georgian stately home.

    West Hill Park School

    Muddy says: A happy, romping countryside school, where children develop in a kind, secure, environment & gain regular scholarships to top public schools.

  • Long Close School Slough Berkshire Victorian mansion house

    Long Close School

    Muddy says: A highly-regarded co-ed day school in the Slough suburbs with fantastic SIS reports (excellent across the board) for 3-16 year olds. Fancy a nose around?

  • Cumnor House School Nurseries, Surrey

    Muddy says: This pre-prep nursery will set good foundations for your little one's learning in a positive and nurturing environment.

  • Akeley Wood School, Nr Buckingham

    Muddy says: 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.

  • The Manor School, Abingdon, Oxon

    Muddy says: A highly-regarded day school in Abingdon with fantastic IPI reports (excellent across the board) for boys 2-7 years, and girls 2-11 years old.

  • children riding white horses

    Knighton House School, Blandford

    Muddy says: A girls' day and boarding prep (with boys up to Year 2) in an idyllic rural location, Knighton House has a wonderfully cosy feel while reaching for the stars

  • oratory school outside garden green timber frame

    The Oratory Prep School

    Muddy says: Academically strong with excellent pastoral care, The Oratory Prep School in Oxfordshire is a co-ed Catholic day and boarding school set in 65 pretty acres.

  • senior pupils sitting on the lawns of Rendcomb

    Rendcomb College Senior School, Cirencester

    Muddy says: It’s in a former stately home, has grounds fit for royalty and fosters happy pupils who achieve all their dreams – this mixed boarding school is like a fairy tale!

  • thorpe house school red brick building victorian black panels boys in uniform standing in front

    Thorpe House School, South Bucks

    Muddy says: A small, friendly day school for boys aged 3-16 between Gerrard's Cross and Chalfont St Peter, set in 7 stunning acres and high on inclusivity.

  • white house autumn leaves and grass

    Trinity School, Teignmouth, South Devon

    Muddy says: A warm, friendly, family-oriented school, highly rated for its individual approach. A bit of a hidden gem in South Devon.

  • Queen's Anne's School one of the UK's oldest girls' school in Caversham Berkshire

    Queen Anne’s, Caversham

    Muddy says: A top girls' school with cracking facilities and a stunning 34 acres in a semi-urban location.

  • Eagle House School co-ed prep Berkshire Victorian Hunting Lodge

    Eagle House School

    Looking for a non-selective co-ed school with a strong all-rounder reputation? Well, whaddya know!

  • boys playing cricket with Salisbury Cathedral in background

    Leehurst Swan School, Salisbury

    Muddy says: Want a one-stop, pastoral education for your family? This friendly, co-ed, all through to 16 day school with a pre-school on site is small but perfectly formed.

  • aerial view of Warminster school buildings

    Warminster School, Warminster

    Muddy says: A co-ed, all-through day and boarding school on the edge of Salisbury Plain that prides itself on nurturing happy, confident and community-spirited pupils.

  • our lady's building exterior blue sky lawn

    Our Lady’s Abingdon, South Oxon

    Muddy says: A nurturing, supportive, pastorally outstanding co-ed catholic day school in a compact central Abingdon setting, for kids from 3-18.

  • Abbot’s Hill, Hemel Hempstead

    Muddy says: Looking for an all girls' school that prides itself on pastoral care and promotes the importance of work life balance? Abbot's Hill could be the place.

  • Hampshire Collegiate School, Romsey

    Muddy says: A new Head, palpable energy, passionate teaching staff, stonking grounds and a fleet of boats moored just down the road. If you haven’t considered HCS yet, here’s why you should.

  • Bloxham School, nr Banbury, North Oxfordshire

    Muddy says: 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.

  • Chinthurst School, Tadworth

    Muddy says: A small high-achieving prep school set in a rural location with a strong family-friendly vibe and a big emphasis on community.

  • Edge Grove, Aldenham Village

    Muddy says: This friendly co-ed day and boarding prep school has a family ethos and a creative and dynamic approach to learning. Close to St Albans and Watford, and with 28 acres, it feels both town and country.

  • Main building with fields in front and hills in the distance

    Wycliffe Prep School, Stonehouse, near Stroud

    Muddy says: Looking for a nurturing school with strong academic, sporting and extra-curricular form? This non-hot-housey co-ed for ages 2-13 could be just the ticket.

  • changelings school village green trees shrubs foreground

    Chandlings School, Bagley Wood, Oxford

    Muddy says: 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?

  • Bedford School, Bedfordshire

    Muddy says: One of the top independent boys’ schools in the country, Bedford School excels in the arts, empathy and sport, in addition to its outstanding academic results.

  • attractive old stone school building with green lawns to the front

    Winchester House School, Brackley

    Muddy says: A non-selective co-ed day and boarding school (3-13 yrs) on the Bucks/Oxon/Northants borders with a strong all-rounder reputation.

  • Westbrook Hay Prep School, Hemel Hempstead

    Muddy says: This outdoorsy and nurturing co-ed prep has stunning facilities and isn't scared of healthy competition.

  • Moulsford School, Moulsford

    Muddy says: A highly-regarded boy’s prep school in South Oxon in a stonkingly lovely setting on the Thames, with a strong reputation for sport and extracurricular activities.

  • Cambirdge International School, Cherry Hinton Hall

    Cambridge International School

    Muddy says: A school with a huge emphasis on pastoral care, nurturing and a non-hothousy environment? Say hello to this bijou co-ed junior and senior school that reflects the international community of Cambridge.

  • Reddam House, Wokingham

    Muddy says: Reddam House in Wokingham has a progressive curriculum, wow facilities and a clutch of brilliant results. Impressed.

  • Ashfold School, Dorton, Mid Bucks

    Muddy says: 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.

  • Manicured gardens and manor house of Cheam School on the Berkshire Hampshire border

    Cheam School, Nr Newbury

    A top co-ed prep near Newbury with whopper facilities, surrounded by 100 stunning acres. What's not to love?

  • Georgian building

    Twyford Prep

    Facilities? Tick. Pastoral care? Tick.

  • Port Regis Prep School, Dorset

    Muddy says: A co-ed day and boarding school for ages two to 13 - one of the great Prep schools where you'll find outstanding facilities and results, and a huge amount of fun

  • Colourful artwork and light flood into the glass atrium at Meadowbrook Montessori School in Warfield, Berkshire

    Meadowbrook Montessori

    Muddy says: A tiny school in leafy Warfield offering a bespoke education for kids to flourish. I've never reviewed anywhere like it!

  • Hatherop pupils running in front of school

    Hatherop Castle Prep School, Cirencester

    Muddy says: A co-ed day and boarding prep school near Cirencester with a strong family ethos for ages two to 13 that feels straight out of the pages of a children’s storybook.

  • aerial view of Horris Hill Prep School – a collection of large red brick houses set in 85 acres of wooded heathland

    Horris Hill Prep, Newbury

    Muddy says: A small, high-achieving rural prep with a family-oriented vibe and an emphasis on 'joining in'.

  • Imposing red brick victorian former convent now one to St Joseph's College Reading

    St Joseph’s College, Reading

    Muddy says: St Joseph's College is an impressive co-ed day school for ages 3-18 in Reading, with deliciously low fees.

  • school in cotswold stone with green fields surrounding it

    Kingham Hill School, North Oxon

    Muddy says: An idyllically placed co-ed, non-selective secondary school with a strong Christian ethos, set in 100 acres of Cotswolds countryside.

  • Chafyn Grove School, Salisbury

    Muddy says: Looking for a school with a huge emphasis on pastoral care, with strong sports and academics in a non-hothousy environment? Say hello to this impressive co-ed Prep

  • Sandroyd Prep School, Wiltshire

    Muddy says: We were blown away by this co-ed prep school on the stunning Rushmore Estate - acres of bucolic grounds, impressive results and lots of old-fashioned fun

  • light and airy library with lots of glass and big windows with trees

    Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford

    Muddy says: Bedford Girls' School is refreshing. It's spacious, beautifully designed and full of light, and a place where you can feel grounded and confident.

  • Downsend Pre-Prep Schools, Surrey

    Muddy says: If you're looking for a small pre-prep school with a strong family feel, take a look at the Downsend pre-preps at Ashtead, Epsom or Leatherhead. They're hard to fault.

  • Rendcomb College, Cirencester

    Muddy says: An outdoorsy co-ed junior school for ages 3-11 with small pupil numbers but whopper facilities, hidden away in 230 stunning acres in the heart of the Cotswolds.

  • pupils walking in front of Wycliffe Senior School in Stonehouse, sunny day, flag flying, green grass

    Wycliffe College, Stonehouse, near Stroud

    Muddy says: A nurturing, co-ed boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18 near Stroud that's big on fostering individualism and helping kids find their niche in life.

  • Summer Fields School, North Oxford

    Muddy says: A top pre prep and prep day and boarding school for boys with small pupil numbers and whopper facilities, hidden away in 70 stunning acres leading to the Cherwell River.

  • All Hallows Prep, Cranmore

    Muddy says – a small co-ed Catholic prep school with a family feel, very good results, Famous Five forest school and a cutting edge design studio

  • Truro High School for Girls, Truro, Cornwall

    Muddy says: An exciting education for girls awaits at this high achieving Truro independent. If you have daughters between two and 18, I highly recommend you take a look.

  • Sunningdale School, Ascot

    Muddy says: Small and perfectly formed, Sunningdale is a superb family-run prep that is proudly non-selective.

  • Beachborough front of house exterior blue sky brown bricks

    Beachborough School, near Brackley

    Muddy says: 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.

  • D’Overbroeck’s School, Oxford

    Muddy says: d'Overbroeck's School in Oxford has a first name policy, progressive curriculum, an incredible new Sixth Form campus and a whole clutch of brilliant results. Impressed.

  • Stormont School, Potters Bar

    Muddy says: Have a go at something different, and celebrate the fact that you’ve tried something new. Stormont School is a breath of fresh air.

  • Millfield Prep, Glastonbury

    Muddy says: this famously sporty school isn't only for future Olympians but if you have the potential, the opportunities are there for the taking. Whatever your talent, the school aims to winkle it out and help it flourish

  • The red brick mock jacobean mansion that is Brookhurst and Marston Prep school set in 60 glorious acres of Berkshire countryside

    Brockhurst & Marlston House

    Brockhurst and Marlston is a traditional country prep with acres of space to blow off steam.

  • Edgeborough School, Farnham

    Muddy says: Edgeborough is non-selective day and flexi boarding prep school set amid 50 acres of stunning countryside just out of Farnham.

  • Truro School, Truro, Cornwall

    Muddy says: An inclusive and forward-thinking co-ed, day/boarding school in beautiful Cornwall, with amazing results and a seriously impressive co-curricular programme.

  • St Andrew’s, Pangbourne

    Muddy says: This bucolic co-ed prep school in the rolling hills of Berkshire is family-oriented with great results.

  • honey coloured stone school building cloudy sky

    St Hugh’s School, Faringdon, South Oxon

    Muddy says: A warm, friendly, non-selective co-ed day and boarding school in gorgeous grounds in rural South Oxfordshire that hits 100% success at Common Entrance.

  • Luckley House School, Wokingham

    Muddy says: Luckley House co-ed school is bang in Wokingham. It's small, selective, fits in with family life with superb results.

  • Wellingborough School, Northants

    Muddy says: One of Northamptonshire's best private schools full of energy and enthusiasm for Art, Sport, Academia and pupil welfare. And the musicals are brilliant too.

  • Rye St Antony School, Nr Headington, Oxford

    Muddy says: A non-selective day/boarding school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 years a mile from central Oxford with a reputation for friendliness and a non-hothousy environment.

  • Tudor Hall, Banbury, North Oxon

    Muddy says: An small, friendly girl’s secondary boarding/ day school in North Oxon in a beautiful location, there's a welcome emphasis on 'joining in' and good manners.

  • Carrdus School, near Banbury, Oxon

    Muddy says: A small, intimate, 'family' oriented prep school, Carrdus School near Banbury is a good option for those who resolutely don't want to hot-house their kids.

  • Sidcot School, Winscombe, nr Bristol

    Muddy says: this is a Quaker school but you don't have to be a Quaker – or even religious – to come to this progressive, outward-looking school which values independent thinkers of all abilities

  • victorian building with formal gardens, manicure lawns, stone steps. cedar tree and rainbow private school north perrott crewkerne

    Perrott Hill Prep, nr Crewkerne

    Muddy says: this small co-ed prep school combines traditional prep values with a 21st century outlook – and has stonking views over the Somerset countryside

  • Rupert House School, Henley-on-Thames

    Muddy says: A small, high-achieving prep school bang in the centre of beautiful Henley, with good off-site amenities and a friendly, family-oriented vibe.

  • Elstree, Woolhampton

    If you are looking for a school where boys can be boys, have a nose at this bucolic prep in Berks.

  • Private school gates with stone lions on top

    Hazlegrove Prep, Sparkford

    Muddy says: a traditional good all-round school with a nurturing, friendly family feel, sporty and with lots of extra curricular activities – like its own mini farm and go-kart track

  • Lockers Park, Hemel Hempstead

    Muddy says: A fun and inspiring boys' day and boarding prep school (with pre-prep for both girls and boys) that celebrates the individual and encourages parents to get involved.

  • Wychwood School, central Oxford

    Muddy says: Looking for a school that puts huge emphasis on pastoral care, nurturing and personal development? Say hello to this bijou day and boarding school for girls in central Oxford.

  • St Edward’s School, Summertown, Oxford

    Muddy says: One of the very few city-based boarding schools in the UK, with a reputation for friendliness and inclusivity. A major school for IB in the UK.

  • trees with green leaves blue sky shadows on road light stone building

    St Francis’ College, Letchworth Garden City

    Muddy says: This wonderfully nurturing day and boarding school for girls has an empowering can-do ethos and is located in the world's first Garden City.

  • Aylesbury Grammar School (Sixth Form)

    Muddy says: This high-achieving boy's grammar school in Aylesbury, mid Bucks, has recently extended its Sixth Form offering, and is on the look out for new recruits from Y12 & Y13.

  • Aylesbury Grammar School, mid Bucks

    Muddy says: This all boys' Aylesbury Grammar School in mid Bucks for kids 11-18, has an strong reputation for academia, music and sport, particularly rugby.

  • Dorset House, Bury

    Muddy says: A friendly family-feel co-ed prep and pre-prep school for 4-13-year-olds with flexi-boarding possible.

  • Bishop’s Stortford College, East Herts

    Muddy says: A top co-ed day and boarding school in East Herts with a dazzling array of facilities and a focus on the individual.

  • Sunningdale School, Ascot, Berks

    Muddy says: A tiny, idyllic, non-selective family-run boarding boys' prep school in leafy Ascot. Quirky and traditional in equal measure, I've never reviewed anywhere like it!

  • Sibford School, near Banbury

    Muddy says: A 50 acre Quaker co-ed day/boarding school for kids 3-18 near Banbury, with excellent SEN provision and a large intake of international students.

  • Cumnor House School for Girls, Purley

    Muddy says: This small independent school for girls is within the exclusive and gated Webb Estate in Purley. It's a small school with a strong community feel.

  • side angle view of orange building lined with bushes and cut grass

    Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

    Muddy says: Lights, Camera, Action - and very likely international fame. This awesome local performing arts school has a to-die-for alumni list and a healthy, sensible work ethic for its young talent.

  • Cumnor House School for Boys, South Croydon

    Muddy says: Cumnor House Boys' School is an independent prep school in South Croydon for boys aged 2-13 with a reputation for academic excellence.

  • Downsend School, Leatherhead

    Muddy says: Downsend School is a selective independent co-ed prep school in Leatherhead with a strong sense of community and family.

  • Leighton Park School, Reading

    Muddy says: A progressive, non-selective, first-name only Quaker school with huge grounds in the centre of Reading, and out-of-this-world facilities.

Home icon Back home

The Urban Guide to the Countryside

We use cookies to understand what you love most on the site, so that we can give you more of what you want!