Ages 
A happy school where pupils of all abilities are stretched and nurtured and offered countless opportunities in a glorious outdoorsy setting. ‘It’s what childhood should be,’ said one delighted parent.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 295 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £16,530 - £22,899 pa; Boarding + £240 per week
- Local authority
- Cheshire East Council
Headteacher
Headmistress
Christabel Westall
Since 2022, Christabel Westall BA. Degree in marketing and French from Huddersfield, followed by early career in marketing. After her two children arrived, she worked part-time supporting a pupil at Casterton (now part of Sedbergh School) where ‘I
Entrance
Most pupils join at nursery (from age 2 and a half), but spaces available in most year groups. Two form entry with max class size of 18 (smallest currently 12). Admission following taster day and informal maths and English assessment, plus reference
- Open days
- November
Exit
Most leave at 13+ when around three quarters go onto boarding school. Shrewsbury, Sedbergh and Repton most popular, others to Eton, Rugby, Marlborough, Millfield or Denstone College. School has partnership with Cheadle Hume, Manchester Grammar and
Latest results
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Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Small handful of weekly boarders, the rest flexi boarders - around 16 to 20 takers a night. Very popular taster nights for whole year groups. Pupils told us about exciting games of capture the flag and movie nights with popcorn and hot chocolate. The
Pupils
Money matters
A handful of bursaries (worth 60 to 100 per cent of fees).
- Fee information
- Day £16,530 - £22,899 pa; Boarding + £240 per week
Our view
There’s a definite touch of grandeur to Terra Nova, the only traditional 13+ boarding prep in Cheshire, but parents love the lived-in homely atmosphere. ‘Not too glossy,’ said one. Fairy lights are twined in fireplaces and exposed beams decked with
The last word
A happy school where pupils of all abilities are stretched and nurtured and offered countless opportunities in a glorious outdoorsy setting. ‘It’s what childhood should be,’ said one delighted parent.
