Ages
Many parents are attracted to Vinehall as a rural prep school, but it’s more than this. ‘I had to send my children there,' said one mum. 'It was the combination of intellectual curiosity and [their] interest in the children.'
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.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 220 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- Day £13,368 - £25,920; Boarding £32,199 - £35,787 pa
- Local authority
- East Sussex County Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Joff Powis
Since 2017, Jonathan (Joff) Powis (BSc geography, Leeds) married to Liz, with four children at Vinehall. Previously deputy head at Papplewick. A family man - we saw assorted wellies lying on their sides in his study. Opens school doors to families
Entrance
Taster day or overnight stay, as relevant. Testing in English and maths from year 3 to ensure academic needs can be met.
- Open days
- Private weekly tours Monday to Friday throughout the academic year
Exit
Recent destinations include Battle Abbey, Bede’s, Benenden, Brighton College, Claremont, Cranbrook, Eastbourne, King’s Canterbury, King’s Taunton, Lancing, Roedean, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. Nine scholarships in 2024.
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
It’s a small boarding contingent, but one to which the school is committed; of the 35 full-time boarders, 25 are from overseas. ‘[The] mixture of culture and languages adds a lot to the community,’ says the head. ‘It’s the future workplace.’ Most
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
Children are not allowed mobile phones in school, though boarders can use them to contact parents during the evening and at weekends under supervision; staff are not allowed mobiles when on duty and cannot use personal devices to take any photos of children.
Pupils
Money matters
Bursarial awards of up to 50 per cent available from year 3. Scholarships (from year 3 to year 7 entry) of up to 10 per cent.
- Fee information
- Day £13,368 - £25,920; Boarding £32,199 - £35,787 pa
Our view
Vinehall is non-selective, but feeds a number of the big-name senior schools by focusing, the head says, on high-quality teaching, small classes (around 18) and high expectations.
The head has shaken up the curriculum, replacing CE humaniti
The last word
Many parents are attracted to Vinehall as a rural prep school, but it’s more than this. ‘I had to send my children there,' said one mum. 'It was the combination of intellectual curiosity and [their] interest in the children.'
