Ages 
Wholesome, outdoorsy, happy, a touch old fashioned, the school now stands at something of a crossroads. St Andrew’s has always been known as a very happy place but ‘We want to smarten it up a bit,’ says the head. ‘It needs to choose whether it wants to be a very academic environment or to keep the magic,’ said a parent. So far, we think it’s managing both.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 321 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- Day £15,990 - £26,280; Flexi boarding + £62.40 per night
- Local authority
- West Berkshire Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head Master
Ed Graham
Since 2021, Ed Graham, previously deputy head at Westminster Cathedral Choir School in London. Educated at Ampleforth, he read ancient history at Edinburgh before joining Teach First directly after university, teaching in Lewisham for two years and
Entrance
Visit, register, taster day, school reports. No entrance exam but informal assessments in English and maths for prep school entry. Main points of entry are at ages 3 (children can join the nursery full-time in the term they turn 3), 4 and 7, although
- Open days
- As published on the school website
Exit
At 13 a large number move on to Bradfield and some to Pangbourne. In 2025 the rest headed to Abingdon, Marlborough, Radley, The Downs, The Oratory, Stowe and Wellington. St Edward’s, Oxford and King’s Canterbury often feature, and occasionally Eton.
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Mothballed during Covid, but the head is breathing new life into the boarding house. This is never going to be the school for expat Forces or diplomatic families, but if you’re looking for flexi-boarding, you won’t find better. Available Monday
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 permitted to have mobile phones (including hand held devices, watches or any other internet enabled device) brought on to the school site or at a school activity, and they must comply with the pupils’ ICT acceptable use policy and the school’s online safety policy.
Pupils
Money matters
Limited bursaries available, but as these are funded out of fee income, requests are scrutinised carefully. An independent company assists with the analysis and assessment of means. Pre-prep and nursery do not accept early years funding.
- Fee information
- Day £15,990 - £26,280; Flexi boarding + £62.40 per night
Our view
Low profile and hidden at the end of a drive. ‘You could drive by every day for 20 years and not know it’s there,’ said a teacher. Visitors encountering St Andrew’s for the first time are greeted by one of the most idyllic panoramas you are likely to
The last word
Wholesome, outdoorsy, happy, a touch old fashioned, the school now stands at something of a crossroads. St Andrew’s has always been known as a very happy place but ‘We want to smarten it up a bit,’ says the head. ‘It needs to choose whether it wants
