Ages 
Not a place for the sharp-elbowed. Outdoorsy, relaxed children, passionate about everything from tree-planting to Taylor Swift, run free in 30 glorious acres. ‘It’s just incredibly nurturing and kind,’ as one mum told us: a country prep doing what country preps do best.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 310 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- Day £16,236 - £27,216 pa; Boarding £60.00 per night
- Local authority
- Buckinghamshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mike Rickner
Since August 2025, Mike Rickner, who studied theology at Exeter and his PGCE (in RS) and a master’s (in teaching and learning) at Oxford. He is currently completing a postgraduate certificate in developing and leading cultural change in safeguarding.
Entrance
Intake into nursery or reception is first-come, first-served. For those joining later, taster day includes tests in maths and English; lots of those we met had come from village schools nearby. ‘Several’ year groups at capacity but places do come up.
- Open days
- Check school website
Exit
Most leave at 13+ - Bloxham is popular. For single-sex, girls to Headington and Oxford High (some at 11+) and boys to Abingdon. Stowe the most popular boarding destination. In the past, ones and twos to Cokethorpe, Kingham Hill, Marlborough,
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
A day school with boarding, designed to be flexible and fun; think grandmother’s footsteps and summers evenings in the pool. ‘You quickly learn it’s not a sleepover because you’ve got to do school the next day,’ school says. Flexi-boarding Monday to
Pupils
Money matters
No formal bursary support currently available; in the past, school has offered temporary assistance when needed.
- Fee information
- Day £16,236 - £27,216 pa; Boarding £60.00 per night
Our view
Cor, blimey: Dorton House, the 17th-century mansion which Ashfold calls home, is a spectacular pile, Grade I listed no less. ‘Don’t walk on the grass!’ children hollered from the upper windows as we pulled up, their shouts gloriously at odds with the
The last word
Not a place for the sharp-elbowed. Outdoorsy, relaxed children, passionate about everything from tree-planting to Taylor Swift, run free in 30 glorious acres. ‘It’s just incredibly nurturing and kind,’ as one mum told us: a country prep doing what
