Beeston Hall School

Since September 2016, Fred de Falbe BA, whose time at Eton was spent alongside two recent prime ministers. After studying theology at Manchester, he spent eight months in Australia before working as a property manager in London. Started his teaching

Academically non-selective, with the head ‘proudly’ taking on ‘blank canvases’ to ‘allow them to flourish with confidence’. Most join in reception or year 3 – although in recent years, pupils have increasingly joined in other year groups, including

Almost all stay until the end of year 8, thence to ‘Gresham’s, Oundle, Norwich in that order’ – although 22 schools have featured over the last five years, most recently including Radley, Gordonstoun, Shrewsbury and Eton. A handful stay local, going

About a third of pupils board, mainly full-time – available from year 3, but most popular in year 8. ‘Boarding feels like a warm hug,’ one pupil told us – another that ‘it's just like being at home’. It no doubt helps that boarding is family run with

Scholarships in art, drama, academic, sport, music and all-rounder – worth up to 20 per cent of fees. Means tested bursaries available. Sibling discounts.

Overlooking the famous Beeston bump and north Norfolk coast, the school sits among beautifully kept but well-used grounds - the front lawn and log swing both popular breaktime choices. Pupils are encouraged to roam the grounds, climb trees and make

A traditional, outdoorsy and joyous prep where free range children simply thrive. Family and freedom are the buzzwords here – with pupils going on to do really well at their next schools. ‘Work hard, play harder,’ as one pupil summed up.