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Recommendations please for a good Prep school in the Berkshire area and surrounds.

8 replies

Timmette03 · 18/01/2026 14:54

We are moving to this area with our 10 year old dc, Year 5. Our priorities are food pastoral care, sturdy academics and an emphasis on well rounded kind children. We would need a school that can assist in moving on to decent senior boarding schools. Would love to hear any recommendations, I have seen a couple that seem ok on paper, such as Papplewick, and Wellington Prep. Obviously all schools look good on their websites, so any insider knowledge on any schools in the area would be invaluable.

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MidWayThruJanuary · 18/01/2026 18:56

Lambrook might be an option.

SchoolsMum · 19/01/2026 15:27

I know this area well - do send me a PM and we narrow down your search!

Keepthesmilegoing · 19/01/2026 22:08

Elstree is fab

Timmette03 · 05/03/2026 11:03

Would love to hear opinions on Wellington Prep or Elstree.

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Timmette03 · 05/03/2026 11:04

Also where is good to live within distance of Elstree?

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Perfidia · 05/03/2026 11:13

Boy or girl? If the former I’d suggest trying for Summer Fields and moving to Oxford instead. (Or would they be boarding?)

If it’s still as good as it was a few years ago I’m not sure it’s possible for a boy to have more fun anywhere else. (Whilst also gaining a fabulous education and superb preparation for the next stage.)

Can’t help with girls’ or co-ed, I’m afraid.

aster10 · 05/03/2026 11:26

Papplewick for Eton and many others, Caldicott for Wellington and many others, Cheam for Marlborough and some others. Cheam is on Hamshire/Berkshire border, technically in Hampshire. Have a look at all of them, see what you like. Note that the headmaster is about to change at Papplewick.

Also use the search function here and look at reviews, I did it when we were looking to move schools. You’ll find reviews on Wellington Prep (used to be called Eagle House) and Elstree. CORRECTION - I think it’s easier to search in google for “Mumsnet Elstree school” (for example).

Timmette03 · 05/03/2026 11:49

Boy aged 10, he will be a day pupil but wants to do some flexi boarding as he currently does. We have looked at Papplewick but I’m not convinced by the compulsory boarding and it seemed a little run down. Happy with co-ed or boys only. Thank you for the other suggestions, will investigate those.

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