Cottesmore School

Since 2008, Tom Rogerson, who took over from his father and before that his grandfather. Can be spotted in photos up around the school as a young pupil alongside his siblings and cousins – before moving on to Eton, then Cambridge to study education.

Academically selective but parents describe admissions as relatively relaxed, comprising an informal meeting with the head and taster day, apparently often involving water guns and climbing trees (some English and maths tests thrown in too). School’s

A quarter of boys to Eton and lots to Harrow and Radley. Top single sex choices for girls are Downe House, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Benenden. Mostly girls, but some boys, to Marlborough and Wellington. Parents trust the school’s advice and

Around 70 per cent of pupils are full boarders, the rest are ‘day boarders’ (staying up to three nights a week - Tuesdays and Fridays most popular). Spacious, personalised dorms in the main house accommodate between four to eight pupils. ‘Fab’,

Yes, there’s a Hogwarts aesthetic and yes, all say it’s magical, but what happens here is very real – summed up best as a meaningful education with connection at the heart and where the excellent academic results are never at the expense of

A wholesome education that balances tradition with progress, preparing pupils for the world beyond with a proactive and resilient mindset.