Ages 
A prep school with strong traditions and an even stronger belief in human kindness and values. Children are nurtured and grow here through exposure to an environment rich in opportunity and challenge, both physical and mental. And they love it.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 200 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £12,168 - £24,978; Boarding £29,460 - £37,908 pa
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headteacher
Kate Martin
Since January 2025, Kate Martin, previously head at Mowden Hall School, where she has also been deputy head and director of sport. She has 25 years’ experience in the independent sector, in both day and boarding schools, including as head of girls’
Entrance
Pre-prep and prep admissions are non-selective, via a taster day. Suitability and any school references are considered. Also entry from year 7, when there may be online tests in English and maths, mainly to inform setting.
- Open days
- One each term: usually October, March and May. Please see website for the next date
Exit
Very rare not to move up to the senior school automatically – recently 95 per cent. Occasional students to state schools in Penrith, Windermere or Lancaster. CE available if needed but no longer on curriculum as senior school runs its own entrance
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
The sense of belonging is powerful, particularly in the boarding houses. All spoke about strong house allegiance and an enthusiasm to board. Day parents had children ‘desperate’ to board. Around 80 boarders, starting from year 3, including full,
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones are not permitted to be used in school during the day. Day pupils leave their phones at the main office upon arrival and collect them when they leave. Boarders’ phones are kept in the boarding house offices during the day and returned to pupils after activities in the evening, to allow them to call home, before being collected back in by boarding staff. We think it is really important that our boarders learn the important life skills of socialising, spending time with friends, creating memories and enjoying the ‘now’ whilst at school.
Pupils
Money matters
Scholarships are awarded at the head’s discretion on entry into year 7, related to academia, art, computer science, STEM, drama, music and sport. Like bursaries, there is a ‘limited number’ awarded; varies dependent on cohort but around two-thirds
- Fee information
- Day £12,168 - £24,978; Boarding £29,460 - £37,908 pa
Our view
Broad curriculum on offer, where the non-selective intake all ‘mosh in together’, as one parent put it. Until year 7, that is, when there is setting in STEM, English and humanities. Top sets get Latin and classics, the rest get extra English and
The last word
A prep school with strong traditions and an even stronger belief in human kindness and values. Children are nurtured and grow here through exposure to an environment rich in opportunity and challenge, both physical and mental. And they love it.
