Ages 
A small school that takes children on a gentler, more nurturing path than some of the pushier local preps. That’s not to say the school isn’t academic – it is, and children do well. But the focus is on enjoying the ride, the wider education and family like atmosphere. The seamless move up to the high achieving senior school takes the pressure off at 11+.
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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.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 263 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £17,124 - £20,904 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Emma Maitland-Gray
Head of junior school since 2020, Emma Maitland-Gray BA MA FCCT (40s). Roald Dahl’s Miss Honey is responsible – ‘I think I am one of the rare folks who knew she wanted to be a teacher from about five.’ Teacher training took her about as far from home
Entrance
Mainly into nursery, reception and year 3. At nursery, there’s an informal assessment as part of a stay and play session – main focus at this stage is on spaces available. From reception up, pupils are assessed in English and maths, plus a taster
- Open days
- September and June
Exit
Most parents are in for the long haul, with the majority of pupils moving automatically up to senior school on the same site – although they still take the tests, sit the interview and apply for scholarships. Of the rest – usually up to 10 pupils a
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
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 may be brought to school by pupils from Year 7 upwards but use for any purpose including listening to music during the school day i.e. 8:00 – 18:00 including at break, lunch, supervised study is strictly forbidden. Phones, smart I-Watches and ear pods should be stored in a ‘Yondr’ pouch during school hours.
Pupils
Money matters
Clubs included in fees unless run by external staff. No scholarships or bursaries available until senior school.
- Fee information
- £17,124 - £20,904 pa
Our view
‘Deep breaths and don’t worry,’ reassured the head to our initially timid year 5 tour guide. ‘We’ve seen Covid affect youngsters in different ways - some are more egocentric, some are more scared to take risks, some are just less used to strangers,’
The last word
A small school that takes children on a gentler, more nurturing path than some of the pushier local preps. That’s not to say the school isn’t academic – it is, and children do well. But the focus is on enjoying the ride, the wider education and
