Ages 
The winds are changing outside Newbury. Parents here are delighted by the new leadership, welcoming the overdue move to co-ed whilst relieved that Horris Hill isn’t as glitzy as some of its neighbours: ‘It’s not perfect,’ says one, ‘but that’s exactly what makes it perfect to me.’ Undoubtably still a classic little prep school – some will wear shorts throughout the winter – but now with kindness and modern family values at its heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 109 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £13,116 - £28,536; Boarding £25,230 - £43,920 pa
- Local authority
- Hampshire County Council
- School ownership
- Forfar Education
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mrs Helen Wilkinson
Since January 2025, Helen Wilkinson.
Entrance
First come, first served for nursery and reception. Taster day for lower school joiners including ‘assessment of their needs’; candidates for year 4 upwards take a cognitive ability test. All are interviewed.
Steady trickle from local primaries as
- Open days
- See website for details
Exit
Majority here until year 8; no pattern to the handful who leave earlier. Full-fat boarding for most, with Winchester and Harrow most popular, and the rest to Marlborough, Rugby, Oundle, Sevenoaks and Clifton College. Destinations will broaden as
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Flexi boarding from year 3. Weekly and full boarding available as children get older. Co-ed junior house is The Hill, for years 3, 4, 5 (‘We can hear the boys chatting and stomping,’ say girls with loving eye-rolls). From year 7, boys into The Wood
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 for day pupils. Boarders must hand in all mobile devices upon arrival or return to school, where they are securely stored. Devices are only returned for exeats and holidays, following a sign-out process. Boarders may make calls home using designated school telephones. The use of Kindles or similar e-readers is permitted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval. This policy supports a focused, respectful learning environment and safeguards student wellbeing while on site.
Pupils
Money matters
Generous bursarial support for alumni children and military families. Fees in line with other big-name preps, but not a showy crowd: ‘Private education is a privilege not a foregone conclusion,’ says one.
- Fee information
- Day £13,116 - £28,536; Boarding £25,230 - £43,920 pa
Our view
Tucked away up an unassuming lane through pretty woodland, it’s hard to fault the heavenly rural setting. ‘The acreage to pupil ratio is unique,’ as one dad puts it; fewer than 120 pupils have 65 acres through which to roam, perfect for celebrating
The last word
The winds are changing outside Newbury. Parents here are delighted by the new leadership, welcoming the overdue move to co-ed whilst relieved that Horris Hill isn’t as glitzy as some of its neighbours: ‘It’s not perfect,’ says one, ‘but that’s
