Jonathan Bramwell
Tens of thousands of children failed to get into their first-choice primary school on national offer day in England last year; in London, where demand for places is highest, one in six families didn’t get a place for their child at their preferred primary. For those unlucky families, a number will consider moving out of London to be near a good, country prep school.
At any time of year, however, at least half of our buyers who are moving out of London to the countryside are motivated by schools. As London independent day schools become more and more competitive–with children as young as four and five being subjected to weekly tutoring for 7+, 8+ and the dreaded 11+ exam (often said to be more stressful than A levels), the option of extracting children from the hot-house environment and letting them have a more well-rounded education with sports and extra-curricular activities on the doorstep becomes ever more appealing.
One of our key recommendations for clients who want to make just one move is to look within the triangle formed by Hungerford, Newbury and Oxford. From there, you’re within an hour of some of the most popular public schools in the country, as well as some of the best prep schools.
These are the most sought-after prep schools for The Buying Solution clients in the countryside:
OXFORDSHIRE, COTSWOLDS & SURROUNDING AREA
Summer Fields School, Oxford
Why? Traditional boys’ day and boarding prep school
The Dragon School, Oxford
Why? World-famous co-ed day and boarding prep school
St Hugh’s, Faringdon, Oxon
Why? Much talked about day, flexi- and weekly-boarding co-ed prep favoured by parents wishing to avoid Oxford city traffic
Cothill House, Abingdon, Oxon
Why? Traditional, family-run boarding school for boys
Abingdon Prep, Abingdon, Oxon
Why? Well-respected day and boarding boys’ prep in easily-accessible countryside
Beaudesert Park, Minchinhampton, Glos
Why? Happy, day, flexi- and weekly boarding co-ed prep school
Kitebrook, Glos/Oxon borders
Why? Family-run, small and friendly co-ed day and boarding school
Dean Close School, Cheltenham, Glos
Why? Co-ed, all-through day and boarding school with an excellent drama department
Cheltenham Prep, Glos
Why? Co-ed day and boarding school which feeds into both Cheltenham Ladies & Cheltenham College
Winchester House, Brackley, Northants/Oxon/Bucks borders
Why? Day and boarding prep school which offers a broad curriculum including a ’tinker shed’
Bruern Abbey, Bicester, Oxon
Why? Day and boarding prep school for boys with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties
Moulsford Prep, Wallingford, Oxon
Why? All-boys day and boarding prep school set in 30 acres which is popular with London commuters
Godstowe, High Wycombe, Bucks
Why? Day and boarding prep school for girls which feeds into Wycombe Abbey
Caldicott School, Farnham Royal, Bucks
Why? Excellent, boys-only day and boarding prep school
The Beacon, Chesham Bois, Bucks
Why? Good, boys-only day school
SOUTHERN COUNTIES (HAMPSHIRE, WEST BERKSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, DORSET & SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE)
Cheam School, Thatcham, Berks
Why? Oversubscribed co-ed day and boarding school
Elstree School, Newbury, Berks
Why? Boys-only day and boarding prep school set in 150 acres
Horris Hill, near Newbury, Berks
Why? Traditional boarding and day prep school for boys
Ludgrove, Woking, Berks
Why? Traditional boys’ boarding prep school
Farleigh School, Andover, Hants
Why? Fashionable, co-ed boarding prep school with a traditional Catholic history
Twyford School, Winchester, Hants
Why? Traditional co-ed boarding and day school
Pilgrim’s, Winchester, Hants
Why? Academic boys’ choir school which offers day and boarding
Churches College, Liphook, Hants
Why? All-round co-ed day school in the heart of the South Downs
Dunhurst, Petersfield, West Sussex
Why? Co-ed day and boarding feeder prep school for Bedales
St Margaret’s, Calne, Wilts
Why? Co-ed day and boarding prep which feeds girls to St Mary’s Calne
Pinewood School, Shrivenham, Wilts
Why? Friendly co-ed day and boarding school
Port Regis, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Why? Co-ed day and boarding school with excellent facilities
