A joyful school and, amazingly, the only full prep option within the ‘golden triangle’, a phrase coined and beloved by estate agents to describe this hallowed patch of the Cotswolds between Chipping Norton, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. As it stands, this is ‘not the right place for someone who’s very pushy or wants everything immaculate,’ parents reckon; but the school is working on it.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 315 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £15,330 - £22,020 pa; Boarding + £72 per night
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Interim head
Ms Christine Cook - Interim Head
From September 2025, Mrs Christine Cook, previously head of Chandlings prep school.
From September 2026, Tim Knapp, currently deputy head at Pinewood School, will become head of the school. After completing his degree and PGCE at Exeter
Unlock this review instantly
Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
Non-selective and first come, first served. Most join in nursery or reception but as families relocate or come out of village primaries, joiners are welcome in every year group depending on availability. Scholarships at year 7 cover academics, drama,
- Open days
- No open days, but all parents are welcome to arrange a bespoke private tour
Exit
The majority stay until 13+ and school continues to work on retention. No pattern to 11+ destinations (recently Wycombe Abbey, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, state secondaries); 13+ destinations becoming broader. Bloxham, Kingham Hill, Cheltenham
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Capacity of 65 and school hopes to grow that to 100, though currently numbers are smaller. Anything from ad hoc one-offs, great for parents who might find themselves late back from London, to weekly boarding. School accommodates full boarding 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
No mobile phone site, including pupils, parents and staff. Boarders may have a phone on site and these are kept in boarding during the day. No phones on residential trips.
Pupils
Money matters
Fees have increased recently, even before VAT, but remain lower than other local or London options. Prep Schools Trust bursary programme starts in year 3 and a handful of families are on means-tested support.
- Fee information
- Day £15,330 - £22,020 pa; Boarding + £72 per night
Our view
This is English country life at its most bucolic: a year 2 trip to Daylesford Organic? Pretty nice, even by prep school standards. Our guides point out an area in the woods known as ‘blackberry heaven’ (Enid Blyton, eat your heart out – though
The last word
A joyful school and, amazingly, the only full prep option within the ‘golden triangle’, a phrase coined and beloved by estate agents to describe this hallowed patch of the Cotswolds between Chipping Norton, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. As it stands,