Ages 
Friendly, outdoorsy and forward thinking, Pinewood School is quietly producing happy, rounded pupils with a strong understanding of themselves as individuals and as valued members of the school community. Across all subjects, children are given both literal and metaphorical space to try, perhaps to fail and to try again. Pinewood understands that this is how to develop profound learning but also grit and character. Confidence comes with clear progression and there’s much fun to be had in the process. If you’re looking for a snooty hothouse or a formulaic, pristine approach, keep looking.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 400 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £13,935 - £26,820; weekly boarding + £7,219pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Neal Bailey
Since 2020, Neal Bailey. Read international business management at University of Newcastle then eight years in London as an investment manager. Delighted by his (teacher) wife’s accounts of fulfilling and diverse school days, Mr B decided to jump
Entrance
Non-selective and co-ed. Children can start nursery from the term they turn three but open toddler mornings on select Fridays (free of charge) are a good introduction beforehand. Two taster days for year 3 upwards with informal assessments in
- Open days
- Thursday 2nd October 2025
Exit
Vast majority stay until the end of year 8 but a small number leave after year 6 for independent day schools. Marlborough College is currently the most popular destination but others head to Radley, Bradfield, Cheltenham, Tudor Hall, Eton,
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Popular, especially by year 8, with about 90 per cent participation. Warm, caring and dynamic boarding staff alongside entertaining evening activities such as laser tag, as well as time-honoured spotlight and hide and seek are just some of the
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 Pupils are not allowed mobile phones at school.
Pupils
Money matters
Pinewood offers means-tested bursaries and support in securing continued financial assistance at linked senior schools. For more information contact the bursar.
- Fee information
- Day £13,935 - £26,820; weekly boarding + £7,219pa
Our view
Founded in 1875, Pinewood is one of the oldest prep schools in the country. Initially nomadic with a few different locations, it settled in the village of Bourton on the Wiltshire/Oxfordshire border in 1946. Set in 84 acres of rolling countryside,
The last word
Friendly, outdoorsy and forward thinking, Pinewood School is quietly producing happy, rounded pupils with a strong understanding of themselves as individuals and as valued members of the school community. Across all subjects, children are given both
