Open-day season is here: a chance for parents to hear the head, see the dorms, meet the pupils and generally get a sense of whether a school might suit their child. Keep scrolling for our handy list of all upcoming open days in each area of the country, and get booking – spots fill up fast...

And remember: if you can’t snag a place at any of these open events, don’t panic. Schools will always be as accommodating as possible to prospective parents, so our advice is to pick up the phone and contact the school to arrange a visit.

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Prep Schools

Bancroft's Prep School, Woodford Green 7+ Open Morning - 09 May 2026 Younger sibling to the mighty Bancroft’s, this delightful prep is a successful fusion of academics and co-curricular, results and facilities, embracing and celebrating the wide variety of cultures it represents. The school is cohesive and high-functioning, and there’s a robust sense of both tradition and transformation here. Popular among locals, not least because it offers automatic entry into the thriving senior school at 11+, it was established in 1990 and now flourishes with a 260-strong cohort.
Burlington House School Prep, London Open Day - 14 May 2026 Open Day - 16 June 2026 This small and nurturing school in Fulham has an empowering ethos when it comes to delivering education to children with specific learning needs including dyslexia and dyspraxia. ‘We want them to bloom, not just cope,’ says executive head Nicola Lovell. And bloom they do with targeted help from specialist staff every step of the way. The school goes up to Year 8, and a sibling senior school and sixth form on different sites means pupils get educational continuity at the same time as experiencing the rite of passage of joining a new school.
Channing Junior , Highgate Open Day - 21 April 2026 Open Day - 28 April 2026 Open Day - 09 June 2026 There’s a lovely caring and friendly environment at this inspiring all-girls school in north London. It takes a ‘character education’ approach to learning, with teaching values and virtues beautifully embodied by specially commissioned cartoon woodland characters – Empathy Rabbit, Bravery Mole and Respectfulness Hedgehog among them – alongside the usual classroom subjects. Pastoral care is spot on and, with a seamless transition to Channing Senior, girls are free to enjoy being sponges for knowledge without the pressure of testing.
Chepstow House School, Notting Hill Open Day - 18 June 2026 A breath of fresh air amidst the sometimes high-pressured London prep school scene, Chepstow House provides an education focused on producing happy, confident learners, rather than setting children off on a pre-planned trajectory to a particular senior school. With the recent opening of Wetherby Pembridge – which, like Chepstow, is part of the Inspired Education group – pupils now have the option to sail through from nursery to sixth form with no entrance exams at all. But don’t be fooled into thinking this gives the children an easy option. The school’s expectations for the children are high and their results are fantastic – and it’s all achieved with a gentle, nurturing touch.
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres Prep, Kentish Town Open Day - 09 May 2026 Children at this nurturing north-London school seamlessly learn both French and English in a warm and friendly environment where a multicultural buzz wraps everyone in a cloak of inclusivity. Harmony is everything here, and perfectly balanced classes see native English and French teachers sharing lessons in a 50:50 split. It’s as popular with London-based French families as it is with British parents looking to give their children the gift of bilingualism and international families keen to embrace the global atmosphere at the school, where there are currently 60-plus nationalities.
Dulwich Prep & Senior - Prep, London Open House - 01 May 2026 Open House - 08 May 2026 Open House - 15 May 2026 Open House - 22 May 2026 This all-boys prep in dreamy Dulwich has a storied 135-year history, but is bang up-to-date in its holistic approach to education. A school unafraid of doing things differently, it is proving itself once again by extending its remit to Year 11. The first cohort of Year 9s started in September 2025, and year groups capped at 60 mean small classes and the opportunity to sit GCSEs early. ‘We want to offer a more bespoke personal journey,’ says the school.
Fairley House Junior Department, London Open Evening - 06 May 2026 This leading London SEN school scoops up children struggling with specific learning difficulties – dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia – and gives them exactly what they need to succeed. They call it their ‘magic formula’ and indeed it is – although it is firmly rooted in deep knowledge and expertise. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach and teaching is impressively ability-sensitive, meaning that each and every pupil gets the bespoke learning they need to return to mainstream school. As the school puts it: ‘Pupils leaving Fairley House School is a happy day,’ as it means they now have the tools to succeed wherever they are going.
Fulham Prep School, London Open Morning - Full School - 19 May 2026 Open Evening - Queens Gardens - 10 June 2026 This busy prep in a prime London location is filled with charming pupils who have a real sense of purpose as they go about their days. It’s part of an all-through offering, with a wonderful sense of continuity – executive head Bex Tear describes the Fulham family as the ‘perfect incubator for learning’. Ideal for London parents who want to keep their children close, Fulham Prep is ticking all the boxes.
Hampton Court House Prep, Richmond-upon-Thames Open Morning - 22 April 2026 Open Morning - 06 May 2026 Open Morning - 13 May 2026 A gloriously relaxed and happy school that runs all the way through from nursery to A-levels, Hampton Court House is inspiringly innovative with its nurturing, holistic ethos that wraps curiosity-driven academics and emotional intelligence around everything it does. It is renowned as an educational trailblazer, with a pioneering French immersion programme and a ‘purposefully informal’ approach (no uniforms, pupils address teachers by their first names) that sets the tone for every child to feel they’re respected, autonomous and loved for who they are.
Ibstock Place Prep School, Roehampton Open Morning - 19 June 2026 Kindness, curiosity and courage lead the way at this nurturing all-through day school on the edge of Richmond Park where the prep’s campus nestles neatly in a corner of the senior school and pupils of all ages mix easily, which makes the assessment-free step up to Year 7 even more seamless. A real all-rounder, the excellent academics, sport, creative arts and enrichment mean pupils get a truly holistic education.
Kew College Prep, Richmond Open Morning - 25 September 2026 We love this smart London prep that combines academic success with a happy and warm atmosphere. Creativity is as important as classroom learning with pupils throwing themselves into the arts, music and sport, enjoying their school days without a long shadow of exams hanging over them. It’s no wonder places are competitive, especially as it offers wraparound care and full-time nursery provision (and a guaranteed place in reception).
King's College Junior School, Wimbledon Junior School Admissions Forum - 30 April 2026 Already a much-coveted prep for boys – not least for its guaranteed entry to King’s College School, Wimbledon, which is one of the top-ranking senior schools in the country – from 2029, girls will be able to benefit from King’s College Junior’s superlatively good education. The acquisition of the nearby site of the recently closed, all-girls’ prep The Ursuline means a bespoke, world-class school building is underway and the countdown to a dedicated co-ed prep with state-of-the-art facilities has well and truly begun.
Merchant Taylors' Prep , Rickmansworth Open Morning - 08 May 2026 This highly academic boys’ prep minutes away from Merchant Taylors’ senior doesn’t just get things right in the classroom. A wealth of co- and extracurricular means pupils get every opportunity to explore and excel in all areas. This holistic approach is inspiring and, with most boys whizzing up seamlessly to the senior school at 13 (soon to be 11 as the school transitions to finishing at Year 6), it’s an excellent all-through option for pupils that is situated conveniently close to London.
Orchard House School, Chiswick Open Morning - 30 April 2026 This happy, busy prep had a seamless merger with Chiswick and Bedford Park Prep in September 2024, and with its now-wider scope offers an even-stronger mix of forward-thinking academics and a homely nurturing environment. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with chatty, smiley pupils and staff, and a head who shakes everyone’s hand when they arrive in the morning.
Royal Russell Junior School, Croydon There’s much to recommend this co-ed, all-through school that sits in spacious grounds just a stone’s throw from Croydon. Pupils are happy and confident, encouraged academically and supported emotionally, and they have automatic entry into the senior school which is equally excellent. It’s a place where passions are nurtured and pupils are treated as individuals. A beautifully-designed new building due to open in 2026 will be the icing on the cake.
St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing Nursery & Junior School Open Morning - 03 June 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 An all-through Catholic school grounded in Benedictine values, this west London co-ed offers one-stop education from age three to 18. A love of learning is instilled in pupils through madcap scientific experiments, dressing up as Tudors, Egyptians or whatever the topic may be and plenty of exciting trips, including the much-anticipated Year 5 residential to Seville.
St James Preparatory School, West Kensington Open Morning - 13 May 2026 Every school likes to harp on about happiness, but there’s an all-pervading sense of joy at this unconventional west London prep, where every lesson starts and finishes with a mindfulness pause, Sanskrit is on the curriculum from nursery and lunches are vegetarian-only. St James offers a traditional British education laced with Eastern wisdom, and its academics are strong – and pastoral care even stronger.
Surbiton High Boys' Prep School, Surbiton Open Morning - 13 May 2026 If you need convincing of the advantages of a single-sex setting for boys’ first experience of school, look no further than this popular south London prep. From keeping them grounded by giving them transition time between every lesson (which always includes a couple of minutes reading), to incorporating plenty of movement throughout the day to let them expend their energy, Surbiton High Boys’ Prep knows exactly how to shape learning to suit its pupils. As new head Byron King says, ‘Support is a normal part of life here, be it academic or emotional. All the boys are on a slightly different journey.’ And, thanks to close ties with Surbiton High Girls’ Prep, the boys get the best of both worlds with shared, co-ed moments when the two schools join forces for clubs and activities.
Surbiton High Girls' Prep School, Kingston upon Thames Open Morning - 15 May 2026 Open Morning - 09 June 2026 This all-girls’ prep in south London fully embodies its school motto: May Love Always Lead Us. ‘It’s a special place in terms of its heart,’ says new head Paula McIntyre. ‘Girls here are so lovely, as is the strength of the school community and the kindness – it’s magical how they blend here.’ It’s the ideal environment for young girls to find their feet in their first school experience, fully supported and nurtured by staff who always go the extra mile. And, thanks to close ties with Surbiton High Boys’ Prep, the girls get the best of both worlds with shared, co-ed moments when the two schools join forces for clubs and activities. Moreover, they have automatic entry to the superlatively good all-girls’ high school, meaning they can stay grounded and be supported in a nurturing education all the way to 18.
Sydenham High Prep School GDST, Sydenham Hill Open House - 23 April 2026 This all-girls day school in a leafy corner of south-east London is a real haven of happy learning, with a creative approach to educating girls that sees every pupil acquire a life-long thirst for knowledge. It’s part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), and there’s a wider sense of belonging to a group that dates back to 1872, as well as to the school community itself – it’s inclusive and supportive, with the older girls acting as big sisters to the younger ones, and the girls at Sydenham High School providing role models. The incredible head, Gillian Panton, wants her girls to ‘use their voice and knowledge that everything they need is within them to be the trailblazers and problem-solvers of the future’. The school certainly does everything to make that happen and, with automatic entry to the similarly forward-thinking senior school up the road, this is a compelling all-through, all-girls option for south London families.
The Lyceum School, London Open Day - 13 May 2026 Open Day - 24 June 2026
Tower House School, East Sheen Open Event - 01 May 2026 This all-boys’ London prep is a shining example of the way kindness and careful nurturing can shape boys into charming and delightful young men. It is ‘a very happy school’, says head Neill Lunnon, where the offer is clear – ‘stretch, challenge and love the boys’. Pupils’ individual needs are at the heart of everything and they’re given as many opportunities as possible, from learning how to launch a start-up to exhibiting in the annual art fair. Proudly non-selective, the academics and co-curricular offering mean everyone thrives (the scholarship haul is impressive), but perhaps its hope-for-the-future magic is seeing the way the boys all support each other across the year groups. Much like its Tardis-like campus, there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye here.

Senior Schools

Bancroft's School, Woodford Green 11+ Open Morning - 06 June 2026 Ambitious, competitive pupils (and parents), splendid buildings, an admirable academic output, towards the top of London’s Central line: Bancroft’s School could be said to have it all. Diversity is key here – economic, cultural, national – with an emphasis on scholarship in the widest sense: CCF and DofE, house drama, jazz band, art and design, a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, and a healthy, happy attitude to learning.
Burlington House School Senior & Sixth Form, London Open Day - 14 May 2026 Open Day - 16 June 2026 Part of the Cavendish Education Group, this Fulham school expertly helps children and young people with specific learning needs including dyslexia and dyspraxia to realise their academic potential. Alongside its prep sibling, it gives each pupil bespoke care to support their learning, boost self-esteem, grow skills and allow their natural abilities to flower. Caring, dedicated staff are a real feature; one pupil tells us, ‘This school has made me a lot happier. The teachers are so nice.’ Praise doesn’t get much higher than that.
Channing, Highgate Open Day - 17 April 2026 Open Day - 23 June 2026 A visionary all-girls school full of extremely confident, capable and engaging young women, this north London gem knows just how to create a vibrant learning environment where no one gets left behind and everyone is inspired to embrace the school’s ‘10 per cent braver’ approach to life. Channing is big in size and heart with stellar facilities – there’s a lot to love here.
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres, Kentish Town Open Day - 09 May 2026 This bijou bilingual school in north London offers a unique immersive education to its 250 pupils, who switch seamlessly between French and English in and out of the classroom. Academics are strong, with a curriculum that takes the best of the French system and brilliantly adapts it to a bicultural setting, preparing pupils for both French lycée and English senior school when they leave at 15. It’s as popular with London-based French families as it is with British parents looking to give their children the gift of bilingualism and international families keen to embrace the global atmosphere at the school, where there are currently 60-plus nationalities.
Dulwich Prep & Senior - Senior, Dulwich Open House - 01 May 2026 Open House - 08 May 2026 Open House - 15 May 2026 Open House - 22 May 2026 Opened in September 2025, this brand-new senior school has been designed to become a natural extension of hugely popular all-boys Dulwich Prep. The change aims to help provide more options for families, and the opportunity to find the right senior school or sixth form at the right time for their son.
Halcyon London International School, Marylebone Open House - 23 April 2026 This central London school is unique in being the only not-for-profit IB world school in the capital, offering the Middle Years Programme as well as the Diploma. A cosmopolitan pupil body, seriously state-of-the-art tech and a roster of innovative co-curricular make it stand out from the crowd too. And it’s hard not to get behind its mission of delivering a human-centred education to maximise the potential of every pupil.
Hampton Court House Senior, Richmond-upon-Thames Open Morning - 22 April 2026 Open Morning - 06 May 2026 Open Morning - 13 May 2026 A progressive school that runs all the way through from nursery to A-levels, Hampton Court House is inspiringly innovative with its nurturing, holistic ethos that wraps curiosity-driven academics and emotional intelligence around everything it does. It is renowned as an educational trailblazer, with a pioneering French immersion programme and a ‘purposefully informal’ approach (no uniforms, pupils address teachers by their first names, sixth-formers have a late start) sets the tone for every pupil to feel they’re respected, autonomous and valued for who they are.
Ibstock Place School, Roehampton Open Evening - 06 May 2026 There’s so much to recommend at this all-through school on the edge of Richmond Park where pupils are given the confidence to voice their views, find their passions and develop lifelong critical thinking skills. It’s a compelling holistic package with all-rounder appeal and robust pastoral care that ensures every individual has the best chance to thrive.
King's College School, Wimbledon, London 16+ Open Evening - 08 June 2026 11+ and 13+ Open Evening - 09 June 2026 This high-flying London senior school consistently ranks in the top ten schools in the country – and it’s easy to see why. But while the results are stupendous, it’s the holistic effect of how the boys (and girls in the sixth form) are taught to think for themselves that is the real win. ‘We want to prepare our pupils beyond school to 25 plus,’ says head Dr Anne Cotton. ‘How do we do that? We enable them to be in a happy place.’ This is achieved both in the classroom and out, with a co-curriculum that allows pupils ‘to be yourself and create your future’ and an admirably outward-looking community that encourages kindness, acts of service and advocacy for all. In short, as Dr Cotton says, ‘The school really helps you, actively looks after you and you are in the community for life.’
Knightsbridge School - The Senior School, Knightsbridge Open Morning - 30 April 2026 ‘Work hard, play hard, go and be great’ is the clarion call to pupils past and present at this nursery to Year 11 co-ed located in one of London’s most exclusive enclaves. Founded in 2006 by its charismatic principal Magoo Giles, it originally went up to Year 6, then Year 8, and in summer 2023 its first GCSE cohort graduated. Strong values and a supportive, confidence-building community are at the heart of Knightsbridge School, resulting in an ‘ecosystem of happiness’ where everyone is celebrated and encouraged to carve their own unique path.
Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood Open Morning - 09 May 2026 An all-boys school that has an atmosphere that’s calm, not hectic, with pupils who are caring and not macho, MTS confounds stereotypes. With a head who promotes asking the big questions such as ‘What is it to be human?’, the school offers so much more than the stellar academics and world-class facilities it’s renowned for. As the head says, ‘Humans are a musical, running, communicative, social, sophisticated, cultured, conceptually thinking, competitive, featherless biped,’ and this school makes sure it’s always got that 360-degree vision in mind.
Queen's College, London, London 'School in Action' Morning - 22 April 2026 Times have certainly changed at this traditionally liberal, non-competitive school. Queen’s College is a calm, warm, friendly place that now ranks alongside the best of the London day schools, firmly on the 11+ list for many parents. With a broad church of ability, academic results are rising, the quality of teaching across the curriculum is excellent and there is a real sense that this is a school that is going places.
Radnor House Twickenham, Twickenham Whole School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 What a knockout location, right on the River Thames in Twickenham. Academically selective, but with an encouraging rather than pushy approach (this is absolutely not a hothouse), this school is flying high. And there are some exciting plans afoot: work is currently underway on Radnor House's very own senior school, Kneller Hall. For now, pupils can join this site from the ages of 11-18, but when Kneller Hall opens, it will become a dedicated prep (running from Reception to Year 6), with pupils hopping across to Kneller Hall for Years 7-13. The migration promises to be seamless, with most of the senior-school pupils and Radnor’s winning formula of academic excellence for the sake of pupils, not league tables, coming too. With Radnor House already oversubscribed, it's exactly what this pocket of southwest London needs – so watch this space.
Royal Russell School, Croydon Senior School Mini Open Morning - 13 May 2026 Senior School Mini Open Morning - 03 June 2026 This school is a real oasis, not just for its surprisingly spacious campus that makes it hard to believe that Croydon is a stone’s throw away, but for the wonderful culture of acceptance that allows pupils’ confidence to soar. Individuality is celebrated and, in the words of one sixth former, there’s ‘something here for everyone, scholar or beginner’. Diverse and inclusive, with top-notch facilities, it’s a place where pupils can really grow and find their passions.
St Benedict's School, Ealing Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning - 30 April 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 A school where ‘you really can have it all’ says the head. Expect good academic results, coupled with an all-round education and a pastoral system underpinned by the Benedictine ethos that values every child as an individual. Staff are interested in their pupils and demonstrate that they care – building a rapport that supports student growth, even when it’s tricky. Parents and children are encouraged to learn together by attending lectures exploring themes such as parenting and PSHE or simply enjoying a soprano recital together.
St James Senior Girls' School, West Kensington Open Morning - 12 May 2026 Meditation, vegetarianism, mindfulness and Sanskrit are all embraced at this gently quirky, spiritually minded west London senior. Here, lessons begin with moments of stillness, and high-spec hi-tech is sensitively combined with significant teacher input – in return, girls blossom into happy, hardworking, humble sophisticates. It’s selective and small, with half the 11+ intake arriving from the on-site prep (pupils move seamlessly between the two, with boys heading to St James Senior Boys’ School) and the rest from a smattering of states and independents across London. All benefit from the singular ethos at the heart of St James, which in the words of one sixth-former has ‘a unique talent for letting us express ourselves and be individual with our own specific talents’.
Surbiton High - Senior School & Sixth Form, Kingston upon Thames Open Morning - 29 April 2026 Sixth Form Open Event - 11 May 2026 ‘I want everyone to find something they love and really want to do it,’ says the new principal of this super south London girls’ school Matthew Shoults. ‘The school is large so economies of scale mean we can provide a wealth of opportunities for everyone to grab hold of their own thing. The girls really get stuck in.’ Spread across five buildings in Surbiton, it’s certainly big – there’s also a 39-acre sports facility a few miles away and a boathouse on the Thames – and with its ‘Nourish to Flourish’ charter for wellbeing it’s the perfect environment for girls to find their passion and grow in confidence. One pupil describes it as ‘like a safety blanket’ where ‘everyone can excel in their own way’. There’s no stigma to SEND, no glass ceiling on achievement – the girls row and play football at national level and nearly all of them head off to Russell Group universities or other specialist destinations – and the pastoral support and practical life-skills lessons mean they leave with all the tools they need for adult life.
Sydenham High School GDST, Sydenham Hill Open House - 23 April 2026 Located in a leafy corner of south-east London, Sydenham High School is rightly proud of its on-point, 360-degree approach to educating girls, producing impressive results as well as confident, eloquent and ambitious young women. It’s part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), and there’s a wider sense of belonging to a group that dates back to 1872, as well as to the school community itself. Head Antonia Geldeard says that seeing the older girls celebrate key achievements ‘sows the seeds of new ambition’ for the younger ones. Value-added is very high and, while everyone’s individual talents are recognised, all the girls are celebrated for their all-round abilities and character. The nearby prep is similarly forward-thinking and, with automatic entry to the senior school, the two offer a compelling all-through, all-girls option for south London families.
Wetherby Pembridge, London Open Day - 19 May 2026
Wetherby Senior School, London Open Evening - 29 April 2026 This all-boys senior school in the heart of London is now in its tenth year – and it just keeps getting better and better. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and academically rigorous, it turns out charming, high-achieving and well-rounded young men equipped with the kind of emotional intelligence that only the best educators know how to foster. New head Robert Garvey’s vision is for Wetherby Senior ‘to be the top choice of boys’ school in London over the next few years’ – and we have no doubt he’ll achieve his ambition.
Whitgift School, South Croydon Open Afternoon - 21 April 2026 Open Afternoon - 30 April 2026 Successful, popular and a real contender on the London day-school circuit, Whitgift has wowed us. Academic results are stellar, sport and co-curricular spectacular, the pace of change and innovation terrific and the social conscience inspiring.
Wimbledon High School GDST, Wimbledon 11+ school tour and head's talk - 29 April 2026 11+ school tour and head's talk - 19 June 2026 Senior School open day - 03 October 2026 It’s all about being comfy in your own skin at Wimbledon High. Stellar academics (and we mean stellar – Wimbledon High is up there with the best of the best) come easily in the school’s open and forward-thinking atmosphere. In this nook of well-located Wimbledon, head Fionnuala Kennedy and her team play a key role in shaping the next generation of well-rounded girls. With Wimbledon High Junior School sharing the same site, this is the perfect one-stop shop for south-west London parents.

South East England

Prep Schools

Aldro, Godalming Open Morning - 06 June 2026 This traditional day and boarding country prep just outside Guildford has charm in bucketloads, with its Swallows and Amazons-style boating lake and beautiful old perimeter walls encircling spacious grounds. It almost feels like it’s from a bygone age, but while lots of lovely traditions remain (such as sport every day after lunch), pupils receive a 360-degree modern education – and where it was once boys only, now girls make up 36 per cent of pupils. There’s a delightful quirkiness to Aldro, which is proudly independent and impossible to pigeonhole. If you’re planning a visit, prepare to be smitten.

Amesbury, Hindhead Open Morning - 08 May 2026 This picture-perfect Surrey prep has a fantastic reputation locally and deserves to be on every parent’s radar for its on-point pastoral care, down-to-earth atmosphere and all-round sound attitude to educating its pupils. Wellbeing is paramount and the school sees itself as ‘green-housing rather than hot-housing’ its young charges, with staff going above and beyond, and new head Gavin Franklin very much leading by example.

Ardingly College Preparatory School, Haywards Heath Lower School Open Morning - 18 September 2026 The passion for educating children at this rural prep in West Sussex is inspirational. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful environment, the happy pupils all add up to a school it’s hard not to fall in love with. A nurturing approach sees each child celebrated for who they are with the four Ardingly ‘us’ values – be adventurous, generous, ingenious and curious – weaved seamlessly into the curriculum to equip pupils with skills for now and for life. All-through to age 18, the school offers a seamless transition to Ardingly College; for the past two years, almost every pupil has calmly sailed into the senior school without missing a beat.

Barfield Prep School, Farnham Open Morning - 08 May 2026 The individual is everything at this lovely Surrey day school whose incredible use of outdoor space – including woodland activities, a ‘sandy play’ playground, and play equipment galore – takes centre stage. Nature serves to nurture the whole child, building confidence, resilience and a sense of adventure. Parents tell us they feel their children are ‘in a really safe pair of hands’; pupils just love having school days packed full of fun.

Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill Open Day - 25 April 2026 We love the child-centred ethos at this East Sussex prep, where a holistic approach knits together learning in a way that piques natural curiosity and allows pupils to feel they’re really achieving. New head Jon Elms is passionate about preparing pupils for the future, getting them to ‘think across the curriculum’ and shore up critical-thinking skills. If you’re looking for a small, very caring school where pupils are known individually and allowed to be carefree while they learn, Battle Abbey ticks all the boxes.

Bede's Prep School, Eastbourne Open Day - 26 September 2026 School days are about more than hitting academic targets at this lovely day and boarding school perched on a clifftop in Eastbourne. Head Leigh-Anne Morris is passionate about children building ‘a bank of memories and friendships and leaving with lasting memories of happy moments’. This holistic ethos serves the 250 or so boys and girls well: ‘Pupils have a sense of joy to pursue their own brilliance; there is something for every child,’ says Mrs Morris. And with a nursery (for babies from six months) and senior school (which encompasses the Legat School of Dance) all part of the same charitable trust, it’s a compelling one-stop educational journey.

Bishopsgate School, Egham Open Day 10am to 12 noon - 19 September 2026 This Surrey prep on the edge of Windsor Great Park espouses the ethos of Harmony, King Charles’s long-held philosophy that ‘by understanding the balance, order and relationship between ourselves and the natural world we can create a more sustainable future’. Non-selective and wonderfully inclusive, it’s a school where pupils can enjoy their childhood and, says head Peter Thacker, ‘every day is as magical as it can be’. It’s an offering that is attracting more and more families and numbers are booming. We’re not surprised.

Boundary Oak Prep School, Fareham Whole School in Action Open Morning - 15 May 2026 This all-through-to-16 day and boarding school in Hampshire sits in beautiful woodlands, offering a wholesome childhood sanctuary where a love of learning grows organically under the caring eyes of staff and senior pupils looking out for their younger peers. Under the steady, pupil-first leadership of Sophie Savage, Boundary Oak has grown in numbers, breadth and self-assurance, all without losing the close-knit, outdoorsy spirit that makes it feel so distinctive.

Caldicott School, Farnham Royal Open Morning - 16 May 2026 There’s a wonderfully wholesome feel to this all-boys’ prep that sits in 40 acres of beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside. An imaginative approach to academics engages pupils with real-life projects that expand their minds and horizons in equal measure, while on the sports field everyone is challenged to excel – which they do, in spades. Parents love that boys are ‘tired not wired’ at the end of the day, and with school minibuses stepping in for the commute, Caldicott offers the complete country prep package within easy reach of London.

Chandlings Prep School, Oxford Whole School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This country prep just outside Oxford is a bit of a hidden gem – but expect that to change very soon with new head Adam Mallins at the helm. ‘We need to sing from the rooftops,’ he tells us. And there’s certainly a lot to show off about. The school grounds are a childhood dream with a riding school, a nine-hole golf course, a dedicated woodland camp-out space and an enormous outdoor learning area where subjects are brought vividly to life. Curiosity, fun and adventure form the backbone of learning here (‘championing childhood’ is the school’s joyful ethos) and academic results speak for themselves, with pupils heading off to super-competitive local day schools, many with a scholarship or two to choose from.

Cheam School, Newbury Open Morning - 16 May 2026 Undisputedly smart on the outside, delightfully down to earth on the inside, this impressive Berkshire prep is one of the oldest in the country – and wears its history and heritage with pride. It’s a winning mix of old-fashioned country values and progressive thinking, where academic standards are sky-high and children hop off to top boarding schools all over the country. This is a school brimming with good eggs (yes, they do have an award for that!), and both children and staff are exceptionally well-mannered and kind. An exciting place to be.

Churcher's College Junior School and Nursery, Liphook Open Afternoon - 08 May 2026

City of London Freemen’s School Junior, Ashtead Junior School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 An all-through school from ages seven to 18, City of London Freemen’s in Surrey has stayed true to its benevolent roots (it was set up for orphaned children of Freemen in the City in 1854), with altruism still very much its heart and soul. It’s an ethos that resonates strongly with families, which means places are at a premium – especially as junior-school pupils move straight up to the senior school with no hurdles. And being on the same tucked-away, peaceful site within easy reach of London means it’s an increasingly strong magnet for parents in the capital seeking an all-through option away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Cranleigh Preparatory School, Cranleigh Open Morning - 13 June 2026 It’s a big year for this Surrey country prep, which has just introduced Years 1 and 2 into its cohort, with Reception and Nursery children due to join in September 2026. It’s all part of a growth plan that will offer more children the opportunity to benefit from its sterling all-round, all-through education; it’s an easy and well-trodden step up to the senior school across the road. Indeed, new head Will Newman and his counterpart at Cranleigh Senior Samantha Price are both of one mind that ‘Cranleigh is a through school with clear steps in a journey via different sides of the road – one for prep, one for senior, each one a new chapter but all in the same book’.

Cumnor House Boys' School , South Croydon Open Morning - 23 April 2026 Beneath its suburban Croydon setting, Cumnor House Boys’ School offers a traditional focus on manners and values alongside a challenging and robust curriculum that keeps academic rigour and preparation for senior school at the forefront. The facilities are impressive, the teaching inspired and the community close-knit — all anchored by a genuine warmth that radiates from staff and pupils alike. With a new head at the helm, the school feels poised for an exciting new chapter – and with two nursery sites, plus a girls’ school as part of the family too, there’s a Cumnor for everyone.

Cumnor House School for Girls, Purley Open Morning - 24 April 2026 A fantastic all-rounder, Cumnor House School for Girls is small enough for every girl to be known and nurtured, yet ambitious in what it offers. The atmosphere is warm, open and refreshingly transparent. Parents speak of a genuine partnership with staff, and with its strong links to the boys’ school, broad co-curricular offering and a head who listens as much as he leads, Cumnor House’s girls’ school is carving out a distinctive place for itself on the Surrey prep-school map.

Dorset House School, Pulborough Open Day - 15 May 2026 Childhood isn’t just protected at this West Sussex prep, it’s positively championed. The scenes here are achingly idyllic: children racing gleefully around the 20-acre grounds, scuttling into the woods (usually with a school dog or two in tow) and larking about on rope swings, with a 12th-century manor house and awe-inspiring Tudor barn at the centre. But for all its history, Dorset House is far from stuck in the past. Academically, it has shed unnecessary pressure in favour of a future-ready curriculum that prepares pupils with enviable maturity for their senior schools. It’s now part of the Lancing family of schools, and its outlook has become increasingly broad. One pupil summed it up succinctly for us: ‘Pretty unique, full of history and the best views ever.’

Dragon School, Oxford Pre-Prep Open Morning - 08 May 2026 Prep Open Morning - 16 May 2026 A real high-flyer, this big, buzzy, hugely popular Oxford prep fully deserves its outstanding reputation as an academic powerhouse that sets pupils on a path to top senior schools and, even more impressively, a lifelong love of learning. Innovative teaching methods that inspire children’s thirst for knowledge and super-nurturing pastoral care ensure pupils thrive and feel valued as individuals. And despite the school’s huge size, the experience is warm and friendly where everyone feels part of the Dragon family.

Dulwich Cranbrook - Prep School, Cranbrook Senior School Open Morning - 01 May 2026 This progressive school nestled in the beautiful Weald of Kent is as caring and nurturing as it was when it was founded by the headmaster of Dulwich Prep London, who evacuated his pupils here after the outbreak of the Second World War. What was originally a group of huts in the orchards surrounding the main manor house has grown into a thriving, incredibly open and welcoming place that now goes all the way through to Year 11, making it an even more compelling option than ever.

Edgeborough, Farnham Whole School Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Easily commutable, yet leaps and bounds less pressured than London schools, this laidback, co-ed prep brims with green space and traditional values.

Embley Prep School, Romsey Prep School Open Morning - 07 May 2026 This rural Hampshire school has a stately demeanour that could audition for a period drama and delivers an all-through educational journey that would win a gold medal for putting children first. As charismatic overall head Cliff Canning succinctly puts it, ‘Education should happen through children and not to them.’ It’s an inspiring approach and one which Mr Canning and prep school head Sheina Gibb have finessed – although there’s no resting on their laurels for either of them. Both strive tirelessly to provide pupils with so much more than squirreling away knowledge. ‘We have a very “beyond the classroom” approach,’ says Mrs Gibb. It’s an approach that sees pupils’ curiosity piqued, horizons broadened, and abilities stretched whether they’re in the classroom, on the sports field, performing on stage or going on confidence-building trips. From its nursery through to its sixth form, Embley offers a superb one-stop education.

Farleigh School, Andover Open Morning 11.30am - 16 May 2026 Fr Simon Everson was the chaplain at non-selective Farleigh before being made head in 2004 – and we hear that he’s a huge hit with pupils and parents alike. The setting is a Georgian house surrounded by woodland in Hampshire’s Test Valley. Catholic values are embedded in daily life here (worth noting that only around 40 per cent who attend are Catholic), with ‘shepherds’ appointed to look after newbies and voluntary mass three times a week.

Feltonfleet School, Cobham Open Morning - 30 April 2026 Open Morning - 05 June 2026 A quick minibus ride from the London suburbs, Feltonfleet has a serious lick of Surrey sheen. This prep has countryside charm in bucketloads, with acres of beautiful grounds, a treehouse classroom and woods for sleepouts. Pastoral care is top-notch – it’s a school where ‘your child is front and centre’, says head Shelley Lance. And when it comes to academics, the school never stops innovating – it’s currently creating an Intelligence Curriculum that will look at human intelligence, who we are and how we learn, with AI literacy integrated into it. Its proximity to London makes it a prime choice for capital dwellers so competition for places can be intense, especially for the on-site nursery.

Frensham Heights Junior School, Farnham Whole School Open Evening - 08 May 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 ‘We ditch the lanes other schools make kids walk in,’ says head Ben McCarey of this Surrey co-ed that has been a beacon of progressive education since it was founded 100 years ago. The focus here is on championing creativity and individuality, and with its liberal and non-punitive approach, first-name terms and absence of uniform, it allows children to show up as themselves knowing they’ll be valued and respected for who they are. The school continues to 18, with boarding from Year 7, making it a compelling all-through option.

Godstowe School, High Wycombe Open Morning - 16 May 2026 As this historic all-girls’ boarding prep heads towards its 125th anniversary year, it’s clearly lost none of the magic that has made it so successful since the turn of the last century. And while it might not have changed much on the outside over the years (it’s not hard to believe the rumour that it was Enid Blyton’s inspiration for Malory Towers), Godstowe’s inner workings are bang up-to-date, with confident, happy and successful girls energetically embracing everything each new day at school has to offer.

Hazelwood School, Oxted Whole School Open Morning - 07 November 2026 The ethos of sparking creativity in children and teaching them how to think for themselves means pupils at this co-ed prep nestled in the Surrey Downs are met where they are, rather than where a textbook says they should be – and the result is everyone thrives. Newly consolidated onto one campus (reception was previously a six-minute drive away with the nursery), and with a staff who are always thinking outside the box to fulfil the pupil-chosen motto, Spiritu Inspiratus (Lungfuls of Inspiration), we’re not surprised numbers are booming.

Holmewood House School, Tunbridge Wells Open Morning - 15 May 2026 This progressive school near Tunbridge Wells is a real trailblazer in its visionary, holistic approach spearheaded by dynamic head Ruth O’Sullivan who is passionate about education being fluid and child-centred and never stops asking, ‘How can we achieve this?’ Everyone’s answers are listened to – pupils, staff, parents – and the inclusivity, respect and warmth of the school community really shines through. Most pupils stay through to 13, thriving in an environment where they feel valued and trusted, and leaving for senior schools with the kind of well-rounded self-assurance you can’t put a price on.

Hurst Preparatory School, Hassocks 11+ Open Morning - 08 May 2026 This is a school where children are really given an opportunity to lead their own learning and be creative right from the get-go, however little they are. Much like its big sibling Hurst College which it shares a campus with, the school’s ‘have-a-go’ mentality is evident in and out of the classroom. We love the sound of Hurst Sparks which sees pupils getting stuck into themes and exploring every corner of them – from creating an oil painting to writing a poem to feeding their interpretations of a story into AI. It’s creative educating at its best, and with no exams to sit to get into the College, pupils get to continue loving every minute of being at school in a seamless transition.

Junior King's Canterbury, Canterbury Nursery and Pre-Prep Open Morning - 08 May 2026 Junior School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This younger sibling of The King’s School Canterbury is ‘a confidence-building machine’ according to head of the senior school Jude Lowson, who tells us the two schools are closer than ever, with some 95 per cent of younger pupils moving up seamlessly. The transition hardly feels like one when the time comes, with pupils enjoying plenty of integration days and even taking part in projects that straddle Years 7, 8 and 9. Junior King’s has got a wonderful boarding culture too: flexi-boarding is thriving (and with on-the-day sleepover decisions possible, it’s easy to see why), as is the new 7.30am breakfast club for day pupils. It’s a lovely, tight-knit community and it’s no surprise it’s becoming an increasingly hot ticket with Londoners wanting to swerve the intensity of the capital and take the stress out of senior school next steps.

King's School Rochester Junior, Rochester Open Day (Nursery - Year 3) - 08 May 2026 The oldest cathedral choir school in the world is no small boast, but King’s School Rochester is so much more than its awe-inspiring history, which stretches back to AD604, and its stunning campus with its views of Rochester’s castle and cathedral. This is a holistic, forward-looking place that nurtures not just musical excellence, academics and sport, but also kindness and a sense of community.

Lancing Prep Hove, Hove Open Day - 09 May 2026 A gentle co-ed day prep with a family feel set on seven leafy acres in Hove, this is a natural feeder for Lancing College a few miles along the coast (about 75 per cent of pupils move up to it). Head Kirsty Keep has made plenty of improvements since taking charge in 2016, including overseeing the completion of a new multi-purpose hall, which is used for music and drama performances as well as assemblies, and the Snell Library.

Lancing Prep Worthing, Worthing Open Morning - 09 May 2026 Previously known as Broadwater Manor School, this prep, housed in a Georgian manor house on a two-acre site in the Broadwater area of Worthing, became part of the Lancing College family in 2014 – and numbers have been on the rise ever since. It’s well equipped, with its own sports field, cricket nets and netball courts, and a newish Foundation Library (children are encouraged to get lost in a book through the Drop Everything and Read scheme) and drama studio.

Reddam House Berkshire Junior School, Wokingham Open Morning - 25 April 2026

Somerhill, Tonbridge Open Morning - 09 May 2026 A stunning school that offers the best of both worlds, Somerhill School mixes co-ed and single-sex education under one (rather splendid) Jacobean roof. Pupils are divided into four teaching groups: Saplings, a fully-hybrid outdoor nursery for children from two to four, co-ed Somerhill Pre-School for Reception to Year 2, Yardley Court for boys from Years 3 to 8 and Derwent Lodge for girls from Years 3 to 6 – it sounds complicated at first, but once you wrap your head around it, the genius of the set-up is revealed.

St Andrew's Prep Eastbourne, Eastbourne Open Day - 08 May 2026 Open Day - 09 May 2026 From weekly classes on the beach to forest school in an adventure playground, this East Sussex prep knows how to instil children with a lifelong love of learning. Its dynamic approach holistically integrates academics, pastoral care and co-curricular, with the school values of kindness, honesty and excellence running through everything pupils do. As head Tom Gregory says, this is a place ‘full of opportunity, challenge and fun’.

St Lawrence College Junior School, Ramsgate Junior School Open Day - 24 April 2026 It’s not often you hear a head saying their focus is on ‘increasing the frequency of moments of joy’. But what better focus? At this all-through Kent school just a mile from the golden sands of Ramsgate beach, joy is already plentiful, but new head Matthew Brown wants it to be even more abundant. Its campus certainly has everything pupils need to find it: light, bright classrooms, an onsite pool, playing fields, an adventure playground… but, most important, is the tangible warmth and kindness that permeates the environment. And with a senior school that pupils can move up to automatically, it means children can start age three and fly through a superlative uninterrupted education to 18.

Summer Fields, Oxford Pre-Prep Open Morning - 08 May 2026 Prep Open Morning - 09 May 2026 A breathtaking 70-acre secret garden behind high walls and iron gates right in the centre of north Oxford’s Summertown, Summer Fields is a modern yet traditional prep with high standards and impressive results. While still a boarding school at heart, it has moved with the times and embraced a more versatile offering – and the relatively new pre-prep has only served to strengthen its already significant appeal.

The Hawthorns School, Redhill Open Morning - 24 April 2026

The Marist Prep , Ascot Whole School Open Morning - 06 June 2026 There’s a lovely nurturing family feel at this prep, where academics are impressive but not at the expense of fostering curiosity and creativity. Outdoor learning is embedded in the curriculum, and it’s got one of the best forest schools we’ve seen with teepees, dens and endless woods for exploring. Close ties with the senior school complete the package, with most girls heading there in Year 7 to continue a fabulously grounded education underpinned by strong values. The school tells parents to ‘trust us’ – and we feel that faith is not misplaced.

The Pilgrims' School, Winchester, Winchester Open Morning - 16 May 2026 An ambience of calm envelops this magical boys’ prep school that sits in Winchester Cathedral’s Close. Known for nurturing gifted musicians, it’s also academically robust and not too shabby on the sports field either. Winchester College next door is an aspirational presence (about 40 per cent of the boys go on to the college), while the magnificent cathedral where the choristers sing offers daily inspiration.

Westbourne House School, Chichester Open Morning - 16 May 2026   Pupils get to fully enjoy their childhood at this West Sussex gem where learning is ingeniously weaved into play, stretching children to learn on every level. From navigating the Viking ship climbing frame and sharing their favourite book with the head to mucking about in boats on the school lake and running the lighting and sound for assembly, pupils are inspired every minute of the day whatever they’re doing. By the time they leave, their brains are trained to be very good learners indeed – and they’ve had a wonderful time in the process.

Windlesham House, Pulborough Whole School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 22 May 2026 Windlesham House is one of those schools that evokes an incredible emotional response, with many parents themselves having spent Elysian childhoods here. In the heart of rural West Sussex, this is the oldest prep in the country, yet in recent years there has been an injection of fresh energy into the school, which has brilliantly adapted to the needs of modern families and a vibrant local market too. There’s a wow factor here, with parents and pupils alike bowled over by everything it offers.

Senior Schools

Abingdon School, Abingdon Discover Abingdon - 30 April 2026 One of the oldest schools in the country with a history dating back to the 13th century, Abingdon is unashamedly academic, with some 1,000 bright-spark pupils hard at work – and play – within its beautiful grounds. They’re all boys at the moment, but from September 2026 the school will start welcoming girls for the very first time, heralding an exciting new chapter in its rich history.
Ardingly College, Haywards Heath Sixth Form Open Evening - 23 September 2026 There’s a real magic to this creative, all-through school in rural West Sussex where an idyllic setting is matched by fabulous pastoral care and excellent academics. With the nursery and prep on the same site, it’s a compelling one-stop education from age three to 18 with a real focus all the way through on equipping pupils with skills for now and for life.
Bede's School, Hailsham Open Day - 10 October 2026 ‘This school lets you be yourself,’ says one pupil at this exceptional co-ed day and boarding school in Sussex where pupils thrive and shine in all areas, from the classroom to the playing field, the art studio to the stage (the Legat Dance Academy is part of the St Bede’s School Trust, as is the nursery and prep). Proudly non-selective, the school is interested in the child not league tables and, says head Peter Goodyer, is ‘mindful we sit as a part of a journey for education rather than as the end. We are responsible for preparing pupils so they can do whatever they want to do in the best shape they can be in.’ It’s a holistic approach that pays dividends, with happy and engaged pupils living in the moment and embracing everything that comes their way.
Boundary Oak Senior School, Fareham Whole School in Action Open Morning - 15 May 2026 This all-through-to-16 day and boarding school in Hampshire sits in beautiful woodlands, offering a wholesome childhood sanctuary where a love of learning grows organically under the caring eyes of staff and senior pupils looking out for their younger peers. Under the steady, pupil-first leadership of Sophie Savage, Boundary Oak has grown in numbers, breadth and self-assurance, all without losing the close-knit, outdoorsy spirit that makes it feel so distinctive.
Churcher's College, Petersfield Open Afternoon - 11 May 2026 Open Morning - 05 June 2026 Whole School Summer Open Day - 04 July 2026
City of London Freemen’s School, Ashtead Senior School Working Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 10 September 2026 Senior School Open Day - 19 September 2026 An all-through school from ages seven to 18, City of London Freemen’s in Surrey has stayed true to its benevolent roots (it was set up for orphaned children of Freemen in the City in 1854), with altruism still very much its heart and soul. It’s an ethos that pupils genuinely feel – ‘Teachers support us so much,’ says one sixth-form pupil – and, combined with a liberating focus on learning for its own sake, it brings real joy, with grades soaring as a result. Junior-school pupils enjoy automatic entry into Year 7, and with both schools sharing the same tucked-away, peaceful site within easy reach of London, it’s an increasingly strong magnet for parents in the capital seeking an all-through option away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Cranleigh School, Cranleigh Senior Welcome Morning - 23 April 2026 Senior Welcome Morning - 30 April 2026 Open Morning - 13 June 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 17 June 2026 There’s a real buzz at this co-ed boarding school, with a sense that it’s surging to even greater heights than it’s already reached. The new head Samantha Price, who possesses passion, ambition and energy in equal measure, has been in post a year now and already a spanking new sixth form centre has opened in the middle of the school, complete with library and café. Part of ‘a global family of schools’ – with one in Abu Dhabi and two in China – sixth formers can now spend a term in any of them, so the world really is their oyster. A real family atmosphere pervades, and pupils’ and parents’ love for and investment in the school can be felt at every turn.
Downe House, Thatcham Open Day - 18 April 2026 Open Event for Day Pupils - 28 April 2026 Open Day - 16 May 2026 Tradition and innovation are expertly entwined at this all-girls powerhouse that achieves enviable results but never at the expense of pupils’ wellbeing. There’s a refreshing balance of work and play here, something the head Emma McKendrick (who is something of a doyenne in the world of education) is rightly proud of. Sixth formers leave with all the tools they need to succeed (including a mini-MBA) and a tight-knit community that stays with them for life.
Dulwich Cranbrook - Senior School, Cranbrook Open Morning - 01 May 2026 The new senior arm of this welcoming and wonderfully nurturing school in the Weald of Kent opened its doors in September 2023, which means pupils can now enjoy an all-through experience from two to 16. On the same glorious 50-acre campus as the prep, the senior school offers a bespoke approach to GCSEs, with timetables built around each pupil and a grown-up space to learn and be – they even have their own café. ‘The central vision of the senior school is for GCSE cohorts to be treated more as adults,’ says head Sophie Bradshaw. It’s a contemporary approach and it really feels like Dulwich Cranbrook is once again breaking the mould of traditional schooling.
Eastbourne College, Eastbourne Open Morning (All Years) - 09 May 2026 This school has all bases covered: academics are impressive and getting more so every year, sport serves all, from those looking for fun and fitness to elite athletes (watch out for future female cricket stars) and blue sky thinking runs through everything, from taking learning to the beach and becoming a mobile phone-free school to offering transformational bursaries and outreach programmes to the local community. Once a hidden gem, numbers are now higher than ever, with a waiting list in operation. No wonder. Cosmopolitan and diverse, this co-ed senior boarding school has a modern mindset and knows how to inspire young people.
Embley Senior School & Sixth Form, Romsey Senior School Open Evening - 21 May 2026 This rural Hampshire school has a stately demeanour that could audition for a period drama and delivers an all-through educational journey that would win a gold medal for putting children first. As charismatic overall head Cliff Canning succinctly puts it, ‘Education should happen through children and not to them.’ It’s an inspiring approach that sees Mr Canning and his staff brilliantly challenging pupils and breathing belief into them in equal measure. From fostering their independence (there are no school bells so pupils have to take responsibility for their own timekeeping) to nurturing a lifelong love of learning, pupils receive a 360-degree education in stunning surroundings.
Frensham Heights School, Farnham Whole School Open Evening - 08 May 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 ‘We ditch the lanes other schools make kids walk in,’ says head Ben McCarey of this Surrey co-ed that has been a beacon of progressive education since it was founded 100 years ago. The focus here is on championing creativity and individuality, and with its liberal and non-punitive approach, first-name terms and absence of uniform, it allows children to show up as themselves knowing they’ll be valued and respected for who they are. The school continues to 18, with boarding from Year 7, making it a compelling all-through option.
Heathfield School, Ascot Open Morning - 16 May 2026 ‘The merit of one is the honour of all’ is the school motto here – and there is certainly much to be merited at Heathfield. Cast aside any preconceptions you may have, and prepare to be bowled over, Heathfield hits that rare sweet spot of being small enough to give every girl individual attention, and large enough to offer a full school experience in terms of academic options and co-curricular opportunities, whilst offering an astounding amount of flexibility to families.  Over the last few years, this outstanding school has been completely reinvigorated, placing pupil well-being and value-added achievement at the forefront of the unashamedly girls-first ethos, and introducing a stunning new sixth form centre, transforming the A-level experience.
Hurst, Hassocks Senior School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This powerhouse of an all-through, day and boarding co-ed in West Sussex is as popular as it’s ever been and it’s easy to see why. Pupils are instilled with a love of learning – and everything else – the minute they walk through the gates and the encouragement to have a go, both in and out of the classroom, is phenomenal. Alongside the get-stuck-in attitude, they’re also taught to be responsible for their own choices and be self-motivated to pursue their passions, invaluable attributes when they head off out into the world. Facilities are first-class too, from the historic chapel to the state-of-the-art theatre. And because this is a school that never sits still, it’s currently building a £10 million swimming pool due to open towards the end of 2025, with a new £7 million gym and sixth form centre next in the pipeline.
Kent College Pembury, Tunbridge Wells Senior School Open Morning - 30 April 2026 This down-to-earth school on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells is laser-focused on getting the best out of everyone. Creative subjects are a real strength, as is its talent for nurturing confidence and instilling the Methodist ethos of altruism (its values are rooted in the movement). It’s a compelling package  – and as Kent College gets ready to welcome boys in September 2026 (the prep is already co-ed), a perfectly balanced co-ed powerhouse won’t take long to emerge.
King's School Rochester, Rochester Open Day (Year 4 - Sixth Form) - 09 May 2026 The oldest cathedral choir school in the world is no small boast, but King’s School Rochester is so much more than its awe-inspiring history, which stretches back to AD604, and its stunning campus with its views of Rochester’s castle and cathedral. This is a holistic, forward-looking place that nurtures not just musical excellence, academics and sport, but also kindness and a sense of community. It’s tantalisingly close to London on the high-speed train (just 30 minutes). We’re not surprised there are lots of ‘lifers’ – children who join at three and stay all the way through to 18.
Lancing College, Lancing Open Event (Year 9 & Year 12 entry) - 06 June 2026   ‘There is a warmth and kindness to Lancing; it sings in the corridors but doesn’t take itself too seriously,’ says new head Dr Scott Crawford, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s a school community that feels more like a big, happy family, with whole-school hikes, strong friendships across year groups and even free sleepovers for day pupils if they’re there after 9pm. The king of the hill setting in the South Downs and grand architecture (there are more quads than an Oxford college) might look exclusive, but inclusivity and the freedom to be who you are is the beating heart of Lancing, and every pupil is nurtured to reach and then exceed their potential.
Leighton Park School, Reading Open Morning - 01 May 2026 There is something in the air at Leighton Park. The school’s long-standing focus on values, character and community alongside academic achievement now feels very relevant, zeitgeisty even, and it has quietly become a real contender for both local and international parents. Pupils genuinely love their school and thrive on the creative and analytical approach to their studies, alongside the emphasis on personal development where all pupils are encouraged to become ethical changemakers.
Lord Wandsworth College, Hook Summer Open Evening - 16 June 2026 Sixth Form Open Morning - 23 June 2026 Philanthropy sits front and centre at this Hampshire school, which was established upon the death of its eponymous founder, Lord Wandsworth, 104 years ago. Originally built for the bereaved children of agricultural workers, Lord Wandsworth College has educated 2,500 ‘Foundationers’ in its first century, with more than 55 pupils on supported places currently at the school and a separate bursary fund for means-tested places. Very much a boarding school in spirit (even for the many local families who take full advantage of the flexible model), the result is a tightly knit, all-in community where pupils throw themselves into opportunities. Under the energetic leadership of Adam Williams, academics have sharpened, co-curricular options have multiplied and pastoral care remains exemplary. LWC feels like a school with strong roots and real momentum - and alumni are fiercely proud of being Sternians (a term derived from their benefactor Sydney Stern, Lord of Wandsworth).
Marymount International School London, Kingston Upon Thames Open Day - 21 April 2026 This unique offering in Kingston upon Thames (it’s the first all-girls school in the country to adopt the IB from Middle Years to Diploma) is full of laughter and hard work, says its head Margaret Giblin who tells us ‘students become the best version of themselves’. Girls hail from over 55 countries creating a great cultural mix and truly global outlook. Results exceed worldwide averages and pupils stride off confidently to the likes of LSE, Imperial College and Ivy League institutions.
Mayfield School, Mayfield Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Open Morning - 26 June 2026 In the words of the newly appointed head Deborah Bligh, Mayfield School helps to shape its pupils but does not seek to change them: ‘A Mayfield girl’s voice has real value.’ Integrity, compassion and joy anchor the pupils, and it’s clearly evident in the close bonds between the girls and with staff. Pastoral care is spot on, academics are impressive and the setting is idyllic. It’s no wonder it’s one of the UK’s leading all-girls Catholic schools.
Prior's Field, Godalming Meet the Head - 29 April 2026 Meet the Head - 30 April 2026 This small, super-nurturing, all-girls school in Surrey puts academic progress, wellbeing and happiness first. No one gets lost here – rather, they’re encouraged in all directions from academics and sports to creative arts (which they’re particularly strong at). Softly selective and the opposite of brash, it’s a school that is full of warmth and respect, and a place where girls achieve by being happy, not intimidated. Aldous Huxley’s mother, Julia, founded it in 1902 with the aim of producing ‘confident young women, ready to make their mark on the modern world’; more than a century later, it’s still doing just that.
Queen Anne's Caversham, Reading Open Morning - 09 May 2026 A strong sense of purpose pervades this all-girls day and boarding school in picturesque Berkshire. Super-friendly girls exude confidence not arrogance, happy in their own skin and enthusiastically throwing themselves into endless opportunities. All bases are covered, so whatever a pupil’s passion, from sport to drama, music to modern languages, this school is brilliant at everything. It’s a sure-fire alternative to the higher-pressure London scene, and we can see why urbanites are flocking here. Kind Hearts, Fierce Minds, Strong Spirits is the school’s motto – and we really got the sense that girls here were genuinely living by this mighty triumvirate.
Radley College, Abingdon Open Day - 18 April 2026 Open Day - 25 April 2026 Open Day - 09 May 2026 Steeped in tradition but not stuck in the past, it’s hard not to be bowled over by Radley. It’s hugely impressive with its glorious grounds, Who’s Who list of alumni and peerless opportunities offered to all who go there. It’s no wonder parents rush to register their sons’ names on the famous Radley List at birth. But while it maintains its all-boys, full-boarding model, this is no hallowed ground institution preserved in aspic – today’s pupils are as passionate about robotics as they are about debating, access has widened with more fully-funded places and scholarships, and innovation continues to thrive under the steady hand of John Moule who’s now led the school for a decade. It’s safe to say that the days of Radley being seen as a bit stuffy and stuck in the past are well and truly over.
Reddam House Berkshire Senior School, Wokingham Open Day - 25 April 2026
Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Open Day - 06 May 2026 Open Day - 21 May 2026 Open Day - 15 June 2026 Open Day - 16 June 2026 This beyond-impressive co-ed in Surrey’s bustling market town of Reigate rightly deserves its excellent reputation. Seriously scholastic, it punches above its weight across theboard, from the sports field to the stage, with excellent pastoral care to boot. As head Shaun Fenton tells us, it strives for pupils to belong, not to fit in: ‘Fitting in means conforming and belonging means being yourself.’ It’s no wonder the 150 places at 11+ are so hotly contested.
RGS Surrey Hills, Dorking Open Event - 22 April 2026 Open Event - 09 June 2026 Open Event - 24 June 2026 Sixth Form Open Event - 26 June 2026 Formerly Box Hill School, the newly named RGS Surrey Hills is now a part of the Reigate Grammar School fold, which brings more heft to its offering while not losing any of its small-school family atmosphere. This is a school where every member of staff knows every pupil and their story, and they’re all invested in helping every single child become the best they can be, both academically and emotionally. This mission is rooted in its history; indeed, it is a co-founder of Round Square, a global network of innovative schools united by their commitment to character education. No wonder that it’s increasingly catching the eye of families in London and beyond, and as the flexi and weekly boarding provisions grow, expect a place here to become an ever-hotter ticket.
Roedean School, Brighton Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This warm and friendly girls’ boarding school gazes over Brighton Marina from its 42-acre site at the top of a cliff on the Sussex Downs. It is a place, one pupil tells us, where ‘everyone finds their tribe’. Girls enjoy a top-drawer education and outstanding co-curricular, all the while making friends for life, learning strong moral values and discovering and finding confidence in who they are. Head Niamh Green, who has 25 years’ experience of working in different schools, says, ‘Roedean is amazing. I feel this school is where the girls are their most ambitious. They aim high, and they get involved with everything.’
Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Open Morning - 13 June 2026 This superlatively good school in Kent is one of the top IB schools in the world with knockout facilities and a prime location within easy distance of London, Heathrow and Gatwick. With the academic results it gets, you’d expect it to have a higher profile but that’s not the way Sevenoaks rolls. Down-to-earth, with a cosmopolitan feel, it just gets on doing what it does, superbly well. Pupils are encouraged to be the best version of themselves in all different roles and to live their best lives, says head Jesse Elzinga: ‘There is no typical Sevenoaks student, they find their own thing and find their environment.’
St Edward's School, Oxford, Oxford Sixth Form Open Morning - 25 April 2026 Open Morning (2029 Entry) - 16 May 2026 Open Day - 06 June 2026 It’s safe to say that this formerly unsung hero has found its voice. St Edward’s, Oxford is on fire – academic ambition is at an all-time high, but none of the school’s characteristic warmth and roundedness has been sacrificed in the pursuit.
St George's Ascot, Ascot Open Morning - 23 April 2026 Open Morning - 07 May 2026 The girls at this smaller day and boarding school in the centre of Ascot are seriously impressive in pretty much all arenas – in the classroom, on stage, on the sports field, out in the community doing outreach work. How do they do it? ‘The girls can be themselves; they don’t have to conform to a model,’ says new head Hannah Fox. Individuality is celebrated, giving everyone the confidence to chase their passions, while an emphasis on kindness and responsibility to others keeps everyone grounded. We were struck by how at ease all the girls are across the year groups; the superbly supportive community here feels just as important as grades and gongs.
St James Senior Boys' School, Ashford Open Morning - 07 May 2026 Year 5 Taster Day - 24 June 2026 This boys-only school in Ashford, Surrey takes a holistic approach to education, with a focus on philosophy, wellbeing and individualised learning. The end result is well-rounded young men who have been encouraged to work outside their comfort zone and grow as learners, as well as people. It’s also the only school in the country to offer Sanskrit to GCSE.
St Lawrence College, Ramsgate Senior School Open Week - 27 April 2026   There’s a wonderfully inclusive, warm and kind ethos at the heart of this all-through day and boarding school located just a mile away from the golden sands of Kent’s Ramsgate beach. And it’s from this nucleus that everything flows – the exceptional academics, outstanding sport (there’s an elite programme for gifted pupils and the school has been in the top 100 schools for cricket for six years running), and fantastic facilities for budding actors and musicians. ‘At St Lawrence, we set high standards and believe in encouraging every pupil to achieve more than they thought possible,’ says head Matthew Brown. This kind of nurturing is priceless, and with a nursery and junior school to boot, it means children can start age three and fly through a superlative education uninterrupted to 18.
St Swithun's School, Winchester TASTER & INFORMATION MORNING FOR YEAR 7 2027 ENTRY - 16 May 2026 SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING - 20 June 2026 There’s a down-to-earth attitude at this all-girls day and boarding school in Winchester. Pupils love how they’re encouraged to try new things and feel comfortable doing so because ‘no-one judges’, and they have a brilliant role model in super head Jane Gandee, who’s a big fan of feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Academic results are stellar and luxurious is no overstatement when it comes to describing the building and grounds, but there’s nothing intimidating about St Swithun’s; achievement is high, but the route is relaxed. It’s also home to St Swithun's Prep School and Preschool, meaning girls can soak up knowledge here from age three to 18.
Sutton Valence School, Maidstone Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This co-ed school in the picturesque Kent countryside has a work hard, play hard attitude. All-through in the truest sense of the term (the nursery and prep are a mere 800m away), it offers acres of green space, a holistic approach to academics and pastoral care, and an uplifting, joyful mindset. In the words of head James Thomas: ‘It’s a great package: cracking staff, motivated pupils in a beautiful environment, good grades and exhausted kids at the end of the week.’ You couldn’t ask for more.
The King's School Canterbury, Canterbury Open Morning - 16 May 2026 It’s hard not to be bowled over by this famously historic school that sits in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral. As head Jude Lowson says, ‘It worms into your DNA, sits in your soul.’ With its campus woven into the heart of the city, there’s an air of an Oxbridge college about it, and pupils have a beyond-their-years confidence carefully nurtured by the fantastic staff who afford them trust and respect that pupils more than return in kind. Add in the baked-in ethos of working hard and reaching your goals and it’s no wonder pupils soar, heading off to top institutions ready to take on the world.
The Marist School, Ascot Principal's Reception - 04 June 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 06 June 2026 This all-girls’ school is a perfect combination of phenomenal academics, exceptional pastoral care, stand-out sport and, thanks to new ownership under The Concept Group, a secure future. Not a school to sit still, it’s offering entirely flexible boarding from January 2026, has a state-of-the-art engineering and robotics centre in the pipeline and is introducing CCF for the first time. But one constant is the strong values at the heart of the school, eloquently written on a wall in the inspiring, open-plan learning centre: ‘Simplicity, love of work, family spirit, Marist Way, presence’.

South West England

Prep Schools

Badminton School Prep, Westbury-on-Trym Whole School Open Morning - 01 May 2026 This diverse Bristol prep where more than 40 nationalities are represented is a real oasis of calm with pupils happily and purposefully enjoying their school days learning, creating and having fun with their peers. Numbers gradually grow as children go up through the years, so the new pre-reception group of eight organically grows to two forms of no more than 20 per class in the upper years. High-achieving academics are seamlessly woven into a wonderfully secure pastoral setting, and with Badminton senior a natural next step, girls can enjoy a super, all-through education to launch them into adulthood.
Chard Prep School, Chard Open Morning - 17 June 2026 A traditional co-ed prep school in Chard town centre that puts the three Rs first. Assemblies take place in the chapel; Reception children make regular forest-school visits; and the sports teams have a noteworthy track record, with hockey, cross country, running, swimming, netball and football all clocking up successes.
Clayesmore Preparatory School, Blandford Forum Whole School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 Housed in a turreted mansion between Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury, Clayesmore Prep shares the same gloriously rural surroundings as the senior. Its dedicated facilities are topped up with the bonuses of the main school’s large sports centre, full-sized Astroturf, dance studio, theatre and chapel. There is a real emphasis on older pupils mentoring and supporting younger ones.
Clifton College Preparatory School, Clifton Preschool to Year 6 Open Event - 01 May 2026 Year 6 to Year 9 Open Event - 08 May 2026 Preschool to Year 6 Open Event - 25 September 2026 There’s no ‘one size fits all’ at this unstuffy Bristol prep (which includes a preschool and pre-prep too), part of the Clifton College stable. The intake is refreshingly broad – and so is what’s on offer.
Exeter Junior School, Exeter Summer Open Evening - 07 May 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 24 June 2026 Located in the centre of Devon’s historic cathedral city, Exeter Junior offers inspiring teaching that gets children thinking for themselves and a creative co-curricular programme that allows everyone to find their passions. The warm environment means children feel supported, happy and eager to throw themselves into all the activities on offer. ‘If we’re not busy, we’re doing something wrong,’ says the head. And with the pre-prep (on a different site) and senior (on the same site) it’s a compelling all-through option.
Exeter Pre-Prep School, Exeter Pre-Prep Open Morning - 04 June 2026 Exeter Pre-Prep offers inspiring teaching that gets children thinking for themselves early, laying the foundations for academic success. The warm environment means children feel supported, happy and eager to throw themselves into all the activities on offer. And with the tremendous sense of teamwork, with every teacher involved with every pupil, little ones are ready to fly when they reach junior school.
Hazlegrove Prep School, Yeovil Open Day - 16 May 2026 This historic Somerset school has enviable film-set looks, but it’s the pupils who give it soul, belting around its 200 acres on bicycles and scooters and clomping through forests in brightly coloured wellies. Bursting with creativity and innovation, plans are afoot for rewilding and solar panels, and the superlative academics (achieved without being selective) and enlightened pastoral care mean parents are clamouring to get their children’s names down from birth.
Port Regis School, Shaftesbury Open Morning - 15 May 2026 There’s such a happy vibe at this dynamic school in rural Dorset which has become the talk of the town, thanks to its strong vision and energetic staff who always go above and beyond for the whole school community. Bucking the nationwide trend, numbers are growing and the future looks bright. It might be set in the heart of rolling countryside but if you’re expecting a sleepy country school, prepare to be blown away.
The Oratory Prep School, Reading Whole School Open Day - 15 May 2026 This small Oxfordshire prep makes no apology for making kindness the beating heart of school life – and what a beautiful butterfly effect this has. The warmth and good manners of everyone create such a relaxed and happy environment that it’s impossible not to feel completely at ease inside the glorious 65-acre campus. It’s the perfect space for young minds to flourish, and with pupils’ curiosity piqued at every step of their educational journey – there’s even an actual ‘corridor of curiosity’ complete with code-breaking boxes, plasma balls and distorting mirrors – Oratory Prep girls and boys can’t help but gain heaps of self-confidence, a strong moral compass and bags of enthusiasm for learning.

Senior Schools

Badminton School, Bristol Whole School Open Morning - 01 May 2026 There’s a calm and purposeful feel to this non-pretentious, all-girls’ school in Bristol where diversity thrives and pupils happily work hard to achieve their goals. Its small size allows strong relationships to be forged and a real culture of tolerance and respect to be fostered. This is a hugely democratic sort of place, where girls are encouraged to be proactive in and outside school. And with an integral prep on the same site, it’s no wonder parents from Bristol and around the UK, as well as the world, are keen to bag a place for their daughters.
Canford, Wimborne Open Morning - 25 April 2026 This Dorset boarding school is a real treasure trove. It’s easy to feel as though you’ve landed in another world where an actual castle forms the centrepiece of enormous, picture-perfect grounds. But when you get to the heart of Canford, you soon realise it’s the striking pupil culture where everyone supports and challenges each other that makes it so rich. It’s a school that gets good results because it believes in itself, says new head Chris Wheeler, and that’s its real trump card. And with its fantastic new sixth form hub now open, with boarding wings to follow next year, soon there will be even more precious places up for grabs.
Clayesmore School, Blandford Forum Whole School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 Top-notch academics paired with a family vibe make this rural Dorset school a happy place to be. And with a prep school on the same site, it offers an excellent all-through option. Leaving the prep feels seamless (95 per cent of its pupils join the senior school), and with the stress of being drilled for exams to get into senior school eliminated, the inclusive holistic approach established at the prep continues organically – pupils don’t even need to change uniform, bar a couple of items.
Clifton College, Clifton Sixth Form Open Event - 02 October 2026 Years 7-11 Open Event - 03 October 2026 Clifton College hits the sweet spot of individual care and attention, with the numbers and resources to offer everyone a multitude of options. There is no set path here and, as pupils grow and develop, it becomes the school they need to maximise their potential both in the classroom and beyond. And with the adjacent preparatory school available as a seamless build-up, Clifton really does have it all.
Dauntsey's , Devizes Open morning - 09 May 2026 Dauntsey’s never loses sight of the importance of childhood as pupils move up through the years, throwing themselves into all the opportunities on offer. Academics are strong, but perhaps more notable is the way pupils enjoy learning and the holistic weaving in of co-curricular. This year, the school introduced the Dauntsey’s ABCs, the three things that they ask of all pupils:  Be Ambitious, Be Brave and Be Compassionate – qualities that are all very much on display when you visit the school.
Exeter School, Exeter Summer Open Evening - 07 May 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 24 June 2026 This academic all-through school in the centre of Devon’s historic cathedral city offers inspiring teaching that gets children thinking for themselves and a mind-expanding co-curricular programme that means every child finds their passion. They also learn strong moral values – service is a virtue here – and are nurtured with sensitive pastoral care. Facilities are excellent, too – from a brand new, grown-up sixth form centre to a brilliant indoor pool and a snazzy D&T workshop.
Marlborough College, Marlborough 13+ and 16+ Open Day - 25 April 2026 16+ Open Day - 13 May 2026 16+ Open Day - 03 June 2026 13+ Open Day - 06 June 2026 With its formidable reputation as one of the country’s top boarding schools (it’s also one of the very few genuinely seven-days-a-week schools left in the UK), Marlborough College might be forgiven for resting on its laurels. But that’s not the Marlborough way. Recent initiatives include a new method of teaching and learning that places health and mental wellbeing at the centre of everything, while the College’s continuing drive to increase accessibility has seen a boom in bursaries. A new day house is also set to open in September 2026, opening up the school to talented local children. As the inspirational head Louise Moelwyn-Hughes says: ‘We are changing the face of Marlborough College through diversity, and access is at the heart of what we do.’
Sexey's School, Bruton Boarding Open Day - 16 May 2026 This Church of England state day and boarding co-ed set in the beautiful Somerset countryside is a wonderfully family-orientated school that makes boarding more inclusive as the tuition is free. Academically, it ranks number three in Somerset and it’s in the top two per cent of ‘happiest schools’ in the country, which reflects its excellent pastoral care. Newly arrived head Steve Clayson is as passionate about nurturing pupils emotionally, morally and spiritually as he is about their intellectual and physical development – a holistic approach that feels just right for the times.
St Mary's Calne, Calne Open Day - 16 May 2026 Open Day - 18 September 2026 With its first-class facilities, exceptional teaching and wonderful pastoral care, St Mary’s Calne ticks every box. Yes, this Wiltshire girls’ school is academically selective but, as head Anne Wakefield says, it’s also academically supportive. ‘Win your own race: be courageous, be bold, be you,’ she tells pupils. And with the motto ‘Calne Girls Can’ ringing in their ears, they find their passions and their talents and fly.

East of England

Prep Schools

Bedford Prep School, Bedford Open Morning - 09 May 2026 There’s a strong boarding ethos at this all-boys’ school in Bedford that embraces day pupils equally into its kind and tight-knit community. Led by the incredibly relaxed and super friendly head Ian Silk, every member of staff not only looks out for each pupil’s academic progress, but also their social, emotional, ethical and physical development, ensuring every boy is happy and successful. Located in the same grounds as Bedford Upper School, it’s consistently at the top of the leaderboard in academics, sport, music, drama and technology and it shares the same pride among pupils, parents and staff as the senior school – and with most boys moving up to the upper school with no Common Entrance to stress about, it offers an all-through education parents can feel confidence in.

Beechwood Park School, St Albans Open Morning - 15 May 2026   It’s not just the idyllic setting in rural Hertfordshire that makes this co-ed day and boarding prep a strong contender for anyone’s shortlist. Top-grade academics, sports and performing arts create a true all-rounder, and with the school’s wholesome approach to wellbeing – no phones, and free time is spent roaming the 60-acre grounds – it’s no wonder that pupils are confident and happy. It’s a relatively large place with almost 500 pupils, but there’s a real sense that everyone feels valued here, and the nurturing way the older children interact with the little ones is heartwarming.

Bishop's Stortford College Prep School, Bishop’s Stortford Pre-Prep & Prep School Open Day - 25 April 2026 Whole College Open Day - 19 September 2026

Chigwell Pre Prep & Prep School, Chigwell Whole School Open Morning - 13 June 2026 This award-winning Essex school has a stellar reputation for academic excellence, which probably unfairly eclipses its performing arts and sports offering. In truth, it’s fantastic in all areas, pastoral included. ‘Everyone has a tribe here,’ says head of the whole school Damian King. And yes, it’s seamlessly part of the senior school too, with younger children nestled in a self-contained oasis where they can grow their wings knowing exactly where they’re flying on to. And it combines the convenience of a town school with the spaciousness of a country prep. In an area jostling with good schools, we think this might just be one of the best.

Framlingham College Prep School, Woodbridge Open Morning - 04 May 2026 From its riverside location to its innovative, pupil-led approach to learning (what child could resist a book-tasting café?), this happy and bustling Suffolk prep delivers the kind of idyllic childhood experience that so many schools can only aspire to. And with the excellent Framlingham College providing the final destination for 97 per cent of pupils, it also offers an all-through journey that equips pupils with all the skills and knowledge they need to blossom in the world.

Gresham's Prep School, Holt Open Morning - 01 May 2026 A traditional education is the focus at this Norfolk prep school, but just as important is allowing children the freedom to thrive and find their own way. The happy atmosphere and fully engaged pupils attest to the success of this approach, and with new, state of the art premises on the horizon in 2026, the future at Gresham’s is looking very bright indeed.

Heath Mount School, Hertford Open Morning - 08 May 2026 Open Morning - 24 September 2026

Ipswich Preparatory School, Ipswich Spring Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Autumn Open Event - 26 September 2026 Pupils can’t wait to run through the gates of this super prep in Ipswich – when your school is designed like a ship, who wouldn’t want to be there? Once inside, they receive a stellar education that adeptly steers them towards a life-long love of learning. The dedication of the entire staff and the elevated quality of teaching and pastoral care – plus a seamless transition to the senior school just across the road – makes this school the complete package.

King's Ely Prep, Ely Open Day - 09 May 2026 Open Day - 26 September 2026 It’s hard not to be bowled over by this thriving prep in Ely with its confident and positive culture that shines through in every area of school life, from academics to sports to the arts. The values of compassion, courage, confidence and integrity are fully embedded and on show in the delightful pupils, most of whom sail on up to the senior school to continue their stellar education through to the sixth form.

Oakfields Preparatory School , Upminster Open Morning - 14 May 2026 With its Grade II-listed main building and wide playing fields, Oakfields looks like a traditional prep, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a school buzzing with energy and ideas fit for the 21st century. The new head, Matthew Booth, has swept in with a raft of new ideas that have been embraced by children, staff and families alike. The school has a strong academic track record, with consistently high exam results and a great reputation for getting children into their next school of choice. Now staff are making the most of the outdoors, with the little ones getting mucky in forest school, a new ‘Planet Oak’ scheme and commercial gardening for the older years all on the school site.

St Faith's, Cambridge Pre-Prep & Year 3 Open Morning - 25 April 2026 In the race for best prep in Cambridge, St Faith’s is a front-runner. With stellar academics – STEM provision in particular is incredible – plus sporting, musical and artistic prowess, no wonder parents can’t stop raving: 90 per cent of enquiries come from enthusiastic word of mouth, while parental demand has led to the opening of a new three and above pre-school class. For innovative and engaged teaching, with a strong focus on the importance of tech, St Faith’s is a cut above.

St John's College School, Cambridge Open Morning - 07 May 2026 Originally founded to educate the choristers of Cambridge University’s St John’s College, this academic prep takes a brilliantly innovative approach to education, treating each child as unique and weaving learning and wellbeing together to suit them. It’s an approach that sees mainstream practice put to one side if the school thinks it will benefit the pupils, and it has gained such a great reputation that London families are upping sticks and moving to Cambridge just to send their children here.

Senior Schools

Bedford School, Bedford Open Morning - 09 May 2026 There’s a strong boarding ethos at this all-boys’ school in Bedford that embraces day pupils equally into its warm, tight-knit community. Pupils enjoy a holistic and tailored approach that sees academics, co-curricular and pastoral care wrapped around each boy – the perfect recipe for them to grow into confident and considerate young men, fired up and knowledgeable about their passions, and ready to take on the world. This is a truly dynamic school where ideas are turned into action at every turn and with the arrival of a new head in September 2026, an exciting new chapter awaits.
Chigwell Senior School , Chigwell Whole School Open Morning - 13 June 2026 This award-winning all-through, co-ed school in Essex is, as its dynamic head Damian King says, ‘academically excellent without being exclusively academic’ - and even more so now, with the last couple of years’ huge expansion of the co-curricular offering resulting in more and more pupils choosing sport and the creative arts at GCSE and A level. ‘Everyone has a tribe they can find here,’ Mr King tells us. Pupils and parents also value the focus on skills such as problem solving and debating. Hot house it is not – even though its results are up there with the best of them.
Framlingham College, Framlingham Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning - 16 May 2026 This warm and friendly school in Suffolk has its feet on the ground – which gives its pupils the space to reach for the stars without feeling the pressure. There’s no sense of academic snobbery or chasing top billing on league tables here; rather, kindness is the driving ethos and individuality is nurtured, with achievements celebrated in and out of the classroom. A fully integrated prep means pupils can grow up here acquiring skills and knowledge to equip them for the future.
Gresham's School, Holt Open Morning - 02 May 2026 There’s a wonderfully laid-back and friendly atmosphere at this historic school that has a deservedly excellent reputation for tradition, solid teaching and good old-fashioned manners. Refreshingly unflashy, it’s quietly impressive with fabulous academics (without being overly selective) and fantastic facilities, particularly in STEAM and music. The only school in Norfolk to offer the IB (alongside A-levels), it sits in the Top 250 for value-added, and you get the feeling that every pupil knows they are getting the absolute best education for them.
Ipswich School, Ipswich Spring Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Year 7 Discovery Day - 09 May 2026 Autumn Open Event - 26 September 2026 This high-flying day and boarding co-ed with its own feeder prep across the road has been crowned the most academic school in Suffolk for several years running, but there’s so much more. It’s phenomenal when it comes to sport – in fact, many pupils are attracted by the professional-level coaching staff – and it’s also renowned for its musical prowess. Boarding is growing now that flexi is on offer, and the school ‘family’ is a lovely mix of UK and international pupils. It seems the school’s deep roots – which go back to 1399 – are growing ever stronger.
King's Ely, Ely Open Day - 09 May 2026 Open Day - 26 September 2026 There’s a great sense of community at King’s Ely, with a generous championing of one another that means pupils are in the perfect environment to find, own and pursue their passions. And as one of the oldest schools in the world and with the stunning Ely Cathedral at its heart, pupils also get a unique sense of grounding as they regularly file into the cathedral for assemblies, services, and choristers’ choir practice. Indeed, the school is brilliant at embedding strong values and helping pupils understand what it is to be human – and with the prep on the same site and nursery and pre-prep five minutes’ walk away, it offers an all-through option which is hard to beat.
Royal Hospital School, Ipswich Open Morning - 25 April 2026 There’s a unique naval heritage at this knockout co-ed day and boarding school in East Anglia whose rich history spans four centuries. And while today it’s no longer a military school, it still pays homage to its roots with regular all-school parades in naval uniform (‘Divisions’ in navy speak), a four-service CCF and an outstanding sailing academy. Add in seriously grand buildings and vast grounds, and you’ve got a school with gravitas where pupils feel part of a strong community.
The Leys School, Cambridge Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This gem of a co-ed day and boarding school in Cambridge inspires intense loyalty among pupils and parents, and it’s not hard to see why. The teaching is superb, the atmosphere warm and supportive and the academic and cultural connections to the university unique. Every child is known here – their strengths, their challenges, their aspirations – and The Leys caters to them all, offering pupils a wealth of opportunities to allow them to thrive. Unsurprisingly, places are at a premium.

Midlands

Prep Schools

Bilton Grange, Rugby 90-Acre Open Morning - 09 May 2026 This country prep’s burgeoning profile continues apace, with numbers now at nearly 400 and a spectacular, state-of-the-art new boarding house due to open in 2025. The merger with Rugby School in 2020 thrust it into the spotlight and both schools share the same educational philosophy of developing breadth of character, which means that while Bilton Grange pupils don’t have guaranteed places at Rugby (unless they're joining the school's new all-through boarding pathway – more on that below), the active learning approach at the prep neatly dovetails into the IB style of teaching at Rugby.
Bromsgrove Preparatory School, Bromsgrove Prep School Open Morning - 09 May 2026 It may be a relatively big school with a correspondingly broad range of opportunities, but there’s also a distinct family feel to Bromsgrove Prep. Pupils can start their journey at the pre-prep from age two in what one staff member describes as ‘a village school with incredible facilities’, before they move to the main school site for Year 3 and beyond.
Edgbaston High Preparatory School, Birmingham Pre-Prep & Prep Open Afternoon - 29 April 2026 We were floored by the pace, variety of life and buzzing sense of activity at this aspirational and inspirational multicultural all-girls day school in leafy Edgbaston, just to the south of central Birmingham. Girls zip in all directions across the compact campus, out along the 10-minute walk to the sports fields and move seamlessly up to the senior school. It’s an academically ambitious place where standards are achieved by nurture, care and attention.
King's Hawford, Worcester Open Morning - 15 May 2026 Breadth, adventure, outdoors, experiences and gusto – that’s King’s Hawford in a nutshell. One of two King’s Worcester Foundation preps, the school offers a distinctive experience, fostering a passion for outdoor education in a calm, unhurried environment that nurtures childhood exploration. In kindergarten (from age two) and reception, every child gets a weekly forest-school session in woodland with space to plant trees, build shelters and learn about wildlife. These outdoor activities give boys and girls the self-confidence and independence of mind that supports achievement in the mainstream curriculum. There’s a quietly dynamic evolution going on here, and we love it.
King's St Alban's , Worcester Open Morning - 08 May 2026 Open Morning - 26 September 2026 Part of the King’s Foundation – which includes sibling prep King’s Hawford and senior school King’s Worcester – King’s St Alban’s sits with ‘Big King’s’ adjacent to the grounds of Worcester Cathedral. A brilliant blend of small-scale, prep-school nurturing with the fully shared knockout facilities of the senior, this place is a highly attractive proposition. It’s down to earth, hardworking and hardwired to make education as valuable as possible for both pupils and parents. We came away feeling that it is a great choice for any child, with a tailor-made preparation for King’s Worcester built right in.
The Downs Malvern, Malvern Open Day - 09 May 2026 Child first is the mantra here; a tweak to the curriculum, an adaptation to the uniform, an expansion of pupil voice – it’s all done with a view to benefitting the pupils who inhabit this charming, wholesome, friendly and energetic prep. And it’s this very same mantra that has shaped the bold and exciting plans to take The Downs to the other side of the picturesque Malvern Hills and onto the Malvern College site from September 2027. ‘Somewhat like moving house’, says the head, ‘all the elements that make the school special will move too’ - but with the added windfalls of some brand-new purpose-built facilities of its own and a bonus dollop of Malvern College’s bells and whistles on top.
The Prep at Denstone College, Uttoxeter Open Morning - 16 May 2026
Winterfold, Kidderminster Whole School Open Morning - 24 April 2026 Part of the Bromsgrove family of schools, this small, co-ed Worcestershire prep has an ethos that is rooted in Roman Catholic values but warmly welcomes children of all faiths or none. There’s a lovely family atmosphere, and children can start their journey from two years old. Their happiness is central to school life, and the muddy knees, Enid Blyton vibe-ometer is cranked up to 11.
Witham Hall Preparatory School, Stamford Open Morning - 09 May 2026 ‘A quintessential country prep school with a bit of ambition,’ is how head Will Austen describes Witham Hall. We think he’s being modest. This co-ed in rural Lincolnshire seems to have cracked the formula for providing a near-perfect education, with pupils gaining scholarships left, right and centre to the country’s top public schools. It’s no wonder parents travel up to an hour each day to send their children here.

Senior Schools

Denstone College, Uttoxeter Open Morning - 16 May 2026
Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham Senior & Sixth Open Afternoon - 18 June 2026 We were floored by the pace, variety of life and buzzing sense of activity at this aspirational and inspirational multi-cultural all-girls day school in leafy Edgbaston, just to the south of central Birmingham. Girls zip in all directions across the compact campus, out along the 10-minute walk to the sports fields and, once their time to leave has come, off to an impressive range of universities.
King's Worcester, Worcester Senior & Sixth Form Open Morning - 06 June 2026 An upbeat, modern school with a storied history reaching back to the 7th century, King’s Worcester has a uniqueness that not only stems from its historic location at the heart of the city’s cathedral, but also from the caring atmosphere shaped by centuries of Christianity. A modest day school with all the breadth and opportunity of a boarding giant, King’s is down to earth, ticks every box and is well worth a look.
Malvern College, Malvern Open Day - 03 October 2026
Rugby School, Rugby 13+ Day Open Evening - 21 April 2026 Steeped in history and heritage, Rugby is an old, well-established school with strong traditions and a big foundation – and probably best known as the birthplace of the game that shares its name. Thousands of visitors and sports fans flock here each year from all corners of the globe to nose around the school museum and the blockbuster ancient buildings. But behind all the rugby hullabaloo, you’ll find a terrifically down-to-earth, unpretentious place that’s been educating pupils since 1567 (the school went fully co-ed in 1992). It’s a friendly place, renowned for producing glittering exam results while maintaining that all-important balance for life – we’re big fans of this Midlands legend.
Uppingham School, Uppingham Visiting Day - 25 April 2026 Sixth Form Visiting Day - 09 May 2026 With a brand new Year 7 and 8 intake that launched in September 2025, 11- and 12-year olds can now also enjoy everything this co-ed, all-rounder boarding school has to offer. Still faithful to the holistic principles of the great educationalist Edward Thring who was headmaster here in the 1850s, the school adeptly celebrates and nurtures pupils’ talents – while pupils embrace a healthy work hard, play hard attitude that sees them achieving ever-better grades while enjoying magical school days playing sport, dashing off to alternative music events or just throwing snowballs in the quad.
Wolverhampton Grammar School, Wolverhampton Inside WGS Event - 20 April 2026 Inside WGS Event - 07 May 2026 This is a school with an infectiously purposeful and upbeat feel. It focuses every energy on obtaining the best for its pupils without the need for swanky window dressing. Tech integration is some of the best we’ve seen, with devices cleverly used to extend and inspire learning throughout.

North of England

Prep Schools

Ackworth School Coram House, Pontefract Whole School Open Morning - 04 May 2026 The younger sibling to Ackworth, this prep shares the same wonderful grounds as the senior school, with acre after acre of beautiful Yorkshire countryside for pupils to explore and learn in. Playing in mud kitchens, building dens and cooking outdoors are all part of the holistic education here that makes sure the magic of childhood is never lost. Its ‘excellent in all areas’ ISI ranking is richly deserved. Transition to ‘big’ school is easy, with the shared site and Quaker ethos making Coram House and Ackworth feel like one big family.
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School, Manchester Open Day - 17 October 2026 With a passion for music at its heart, Chetham’s unique offering of gold-standard music tuition alongside a full academic curriculum is what catches the headlines, but the 300-odd musically gifted pupils also get holistic pastoral care and the opportunity to spend their school days and nurture their talent in a truly diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can flourish regardless of sex, race, sexuality and faith. The central Manchester site may have a history that goes back hundreds of years, but attitudes here are thoroughly modern.
St Peter's Junior School, York Whole School Open Morning - 16 May 2026 Junior School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 This venerable co-ed never stops evolving to meet the needs of its pupils and as it approaches its 1,400th anniversary, the current three-school structure will soon become two to better deliver a perfectly cohesive journey from nursery to sixth form. Driving the process is senior head Jeremy Walker, who is a consummate pro when it comes to making choices ahead of the curve, with junior school head Phil Hardy his accomplished right-hand man. Already regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, this revamp of its all-through education will no doubt make it an even hotter ticket.
St Peter's York 2-8, York Junior School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 Widely regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, St Peter’s is certainly a hot ticket. The all-through education is a real draw and with its three-school structure moving to two-schools from September 2027, you get the sense there’s no resting on laurels here, with the question, ‘how can we be better?’, always front of mind.

Senior Schools

Ackworth School, Pontefract Whole School Open Morning - 04 May 2026 There’s a strong sense of community at this inspiring school set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside where pupils’ needs as human beings are front and centre, chiming with its Quaker values. Staff and pupils enjoy a relationship of mutual respect, rather than a ‘them and us’ mentality, and the Quaker tradition of silent reflection fosters admirable self-awareness and thoughtfulness towards others. Known for the excellence of its SEND department and its burgeoning football academy that attracts gifted players from all over the world, it offers an exceptionally nurturing and diverse environment that brings out the best in individuals in and out of the classroom. Its ‘excellent in all areas’ ISI ranking is richly deserved.
Ampleforth College, York Open Morning - 02 May 2026 It’s a new dawn for this high-profile public school in North Yorkshire. In the words of the school, it’s time to move on from ‘being good’, something the school has tirelessly worked on to restore its reputation, to ‘doing good’. We were struck by how happy and confident the pupils are and the genuinely warm and friendly environment. The evergreen Benedictine ethos of serving each other, tolerating differences and living harmoniously as a community is alive and well, and the school’s motto, ‘A Compass for Life’, couldn’t ring truer right now.
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form, Manchester Open Day - 17 October 2026 With a passion for music at its heart, Chetham’s unique offering of gold-standard music tuition alongside a full academic curriculum is what catches the headlines, but the 300-odd musically gifted pupils also get holistic pastoral care and the opportunity to spend their school days and nurture their talent in a truly diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can flourish regardless of sex, race, sexuality and faith. The central Manchester site may have a history that goes back hundreds of years, but attitudes here are thoroughly modern.
St Peter's School York, York Whole School Open Morning - 16 May 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 16 September 2026 Senior School Open Morning - 19 September 2026 This venerable co-ed never stops evolving to meet the needs of its pupils and as it approaches its 1,400th anniversary, the current three-school structure will soon become two to better deliver a perfectly cohesive journey from nursery to sixth form. Driving the process is head Jeremy Walker who is a consummate pro when it comes to making choices ahead of the curve. Already regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, this revamp of its all-through education will no doubt make it an even hotter ticket.

Scotland

Prep Schools Senior Schools

Global Schools