Ages 
‘Childhood is a joy,’ says school; Cheam has been giving children a glorious start to life since 1645, sending them – muddy-kneed and ruddy-cheeked – off to top public schools at the end of it all. Life here just as exciting as it always was but now with softer edges. The best of a modern, yet traditional, British education: jolly hockey sticks optional, stiff upper lips firmly a thing of the past. Bravo.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 322 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £16,140 - £31,740; Boarding £34,050 - £37,515 pa
- Local authority
- Hampshire County Council
Headteacher
Head
Nick Milbank
Since January 2025, Nick Milbank, who joined the school 25 years ago as a form tutor and progressed through the ranks, most recently as acting head. He grew up in Yorkshire and lives with his wife, Kirsten, and two teenage children, both Cheam
Entrance
Entry by date of registration. Not selective at 4+ but older applicants attend taster day before place confirmed. Fifteen places in year 3, 10 in year 4, the odd place in years 5, 6 and 7. School will try to accommodate siblings; always worth calling
- Open days
- Saturday 7th March 2026 and Saturday 16th May 2026
Exit
Vast majority at 13+. Almost exclusively boarding, with Marlborough and Bradfield most popular. Others to Eton, Radley, LWC, Wellington, Winchester, Cheltenham, Abingdon, Dauntsey, Downe House, IPS Cascais, St Edward's and Pangbourne. Forty senior
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Just under a third currently flexi boarding, naturally weighted towards years 7 and 8. Friday nights the most popular amongst pupils and parents (much easier than getting a babysitter for that kitchen supper). ‘Wild Wednesdays’ organised for
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 No mobile phones allowed on school premises.
Pupils
Money matters
Fees comparable with similar preps. Partial as well as transformational bursaries offered; works with Springboard charity every year. Four per cent currently on bursaries, though school aims to bring this to 10 per cent.
- Fee information
- Day £16,140 - £31,740; Boarding £34,050 - £37,515 pa
Our view
‘Opportunity, friendship and an enormous house to rattle around in’: that’s what the school reckons brings them in. Parents highlighted ‘traditional values’, ‘beautiful manners’, ‘amazing results’. We saw them all in spades: bright-eyed children
The last word
‘Childhood is a joy,’ says school; Cheam has been giving children a glorious start to life since 1645, sending them – muddy-kneed and ruddy-cheeked – off to top public schools at the end of it all. Life here just as exciting as it always was but now
