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

Broomfield House School, Richmond Open Day 9:00-10:15am - 09 October 2026 Stay and Play 4:00-5:00pm (18 months - 4 years) - 15 October 2026 A Kew institution since 1876, Broomfield House School is the area's oldest independent prep and, as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, remains a popular choice for local families seeking a traditional education with a refreshingly modern outlook. It's renowned for its strong academic record: Year 6 leavers move on to many of London's leading senior schools, often with scholarships in tow. But there's plenty beyond the classroom too, from a thriving music and arts programme to an eclectic club line-up that runs the gamut from Mandarin to LAMDA. The school's close relationship with neighbouring Kew Gardens is a real asset, with pupils regularly heading there for science workshops, environmental learning and Forest School.
Channing Junior , Highgate Open Day - 15 October 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.
Dallington School, Islington Open Day - 29 October 2026 Open Day - 26 November 2026 Open Day - 14 January 2027 Open Day - 25 February 2027 Open Day - 18 March 2027 Imagine a school where children can’t wait to run through the door on a Monday morning, where they learn in bright lofty classrooms and have their intellect and creativity set alight free from looming assessments. It may sound too good to be true, but Dallington School makes it a reality. Belying its location in the heart of London’s business district, it has a villagey family vibe and takes ‘warm welcome’ to the next level – head James Griffiths even has a soundtrack of happy music playing when he greets pupils and parents at the gate. Its innovative approach sees pupils of mixed ages learning alongside each other in easy equilibrium, working collaboratively and finding their own agency in the most nurturing environment. It’s no wonder they can’t wait to start each day.
Devonshire House Preparatory School, Hampstead Open Morning - 08 October 2026 Open Morning - 05 November 2026 Open Morning - 26 November 2026 Academically ambitious and renowned for doing a fantastic job of preparing children for the pick of London’s top senior schools, Devonshire House stands out in the crowded Hampstead prep landscape. It sits within the Dukes Education group yet retains a distinctly individual character, partly due to its three-site set-up, each with its own atmosphere. Children track their progress physically as they move from one building to the next, which gives a tangible sense of growing up within the school.
Durston House School, Ealing Open Morning - 08 October 2026 A founding member of the St Paul’s School Group, this west London prep is a warm, tight-knit place where everyone fits in and it’s cool to work hard and succeed. Pupil voice is strong and, in the words of one year 7 child, ‘we bounce off each other’. A period of change is seeing it move to boys-only from Year 3 and, as the St Paul’s family beds in, it feels like a school going from strength to strength. As head Giles Entwisle tells us, they are ‘holding the school by the horns and making good strides forward’.
Fairley House Junior Department, London Open Evening - 14 October 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 Evening - Palace Gardens - 19 November 2026 This nurturing prep exudes a warm, family atmosphere making it a wonderful enclave for children in a bustling London location. Following traditional prep school structures, the pre-prep provides the foundation for a one-stop education from nursery to Year 8 led by super-experienced head Thomas Lewis. ‘To learn to grow’ is their logo and it’s manifested by ‘happy children who are running into school, feeling safe, with pastoral wellbeing underpinned by staff who know every child and their family, their holiday plans, what they like to do’, as Mr Lewis so perfectly puts it. It’s hard to describe a more ideal school for London parents who want to keep their children close.
Ibstock Place Prep School, Roehampton Prep School Open Morning - 06 October 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.
Kensington Prep School GDST, Fulham Open Day - 08 October 2026 This gem of an all-girls school hidden behind trees in the heart of Fulham fully embodies the proverb ‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow’. The super nurturing environment breathes life into its ethos, ‘Growing Great Minds and Big Hearts’, with the values of integrity, joy, compassion and courage underlying the holistic education on offer. ‘We want the girls to learn grit, determination, resilience – the holy grail of education,’ says head Rachel Floyd. And they definitely do, with the majority of leavers winning places at top London day schools such as St Paul’s and Westminster.
King's House School, Richmond Visitors Morning - 13 November 2026 Visitors Morning - 27 November 2026 This in-demand prep in leafy Richmond went co-ed beyond nursery age in September 2024 and there are already girls in over half the year groups. The super popular nursery will no doubt mean a steady stream of girls continue to join and enjoy the wonderful child-led approach which sees lessons tailored to pupils’ interests and a real emphasis on co-curricular even in exam years.
Kneller Hall Junior, Richmond Open Day - 05 November 2026
Knightsbridge School - The Junior School, Knightsbridge Junior School Open Morning - 17 November 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.
L'Ecole de Battersea, Battersea Open Day - 21 November 2026 Open Day - 13 March 2027 This happy bilingual school will be celebrating two decades of delivering the best of British and French education to children next year. And fluency in both languages is just one precious gift it offers; just as valuable is the caring environment that means pupils thrive here without feeling like they’re under pressure. It is now also part of a cluster of schools in Paris and Morocco, having recently been acquired by Globeducate, which will no doubt enrich this London school’s already abundant offering.
Orchard House School, Open Day - 09 October 2026 Open Day - 29 April 2027 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.
Queen's College Preparatory School, London Coffee with the Co-Heads - 09 October 2026 With its central London location, this precursor to Queen’s College is a bustling hub of energetic, exuberant and purposeful pupils exuding a friendly, charming vibe.
St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing Nursery & Junior School Open Morning - 11 November 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 Event - 14 October 2026 Open Event - 18 November 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 Event - 10 October 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 Event - 10 October 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 & Dulwich Girls GDST - Junior School , Sydenham Hill Junior School Open Morning - 07 October 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 & Dulwich Girls 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 Cavendish School, Camden Open Morning - 05 November 2026 Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Camden, this all-girls day school in north London has a special vibrancy, generating its own unique community spirit within its walls. ‘The girls are just magnificent,’ says proud head Taryn Lombard. ‘They know themselves, they are spirited, they make a difference and are driven.’ All this empowerment doesn’t mean they’re not grounded and super inclusive, though – it’s a school where everyone is applauded, the faultless performers as well as those who make stops and starts.
The Lyceum School, London Open Morning - 13 May 2027 Open Morning - 24 June 2027 This small, community-minded prep is a welcoming childhood oasis in the heart of the City of London. It’s part of the Dukes Education family, and its foundation values of kindness, creativity, community and confidence are engraved in the four pillars of the school hall and wonderfully manifested in the warm, friendly atmosphere. Pupils are happy and enthusiastic, staff kind and committed and parents pleased as punch to find such a gem of a school that fits so perfectly into their workplace commute. Indeed, the location means many of them can say yes to invitations to lunch with their children and share treasured moments, as head Mike Stanley puts it, in the middle of their workday.
Wimbledon Common Preparatory School, Wimbledon Open Morning - 07 October 2026 Part of the King’s College School Corporation, this London pre-prep in leafy Wimbledon Village is a wonderfully caring school where all the staff have real knowledge of every boy and how they learn. And the exciting news for parents of daughters is that the longstanding ambition to go co-ed is finally going to be realised in September 2027. ‘There will be a carefully thought-out co-curricular offer for girls,’ says head Andrew Forbes, which will no doubt continue the school’s hugely successful approach of weaving fun into learning – and in turn, gaining spectacular results.

Senior Schools

Burlington House School, London Sixth Form Open Day - 15 October 2026 Open Morning - 12 November 2026 Sixth Form Open Day - 18 March 2027 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 Evening - 06 October 2026 Open Day - 03 November 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.
Ibstock Place School, Roehampton Senior School Open Morning - 14 October 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.
International School of London - Diploma College, London Open Evening - 15 October 2026 This international school in west London is one of the few in the UK to offer the International Baccalaureate from ages three to 18. Head Richard Parker describes the school as a ‘ticket to the broader world’, extolling the transferable benefits of IB: ‘It is a global passport.’ Career expats and local international families flock here for just that reason. And with the emphasis on personalised learning and a well-rounded holistic education, the ISL is a very compelling package.
King's College School Wimbledon, London 13+ Forum - 06 October 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 pupils are taught to think for themselves that is the real win. ‘We want to prepare our pupils for their lives at 25 plus,’ says head Dr Anne Cotton. 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.’
Queen's College, London, London School-in-Action Morning - 04 November 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.
Royal Russell School, Croydon Mini Open Morning - 06 October 2026 Cloistered in a green oasis in Croydon, Royal Russell School knows just how to stretch and challenge every child in the right way. There’s a wonderful culture of acceptance and, in the words of one sixth former, ‘something here for everyone, scholar or beginner’. ‘The Royal Russell experience is becoming more relevant at a time when academic selection is becoming less important,’ says head Chris Hutchinson. And the school is adapting to the changing landscape beyond school too, preparing pupils for pathways that don’t lead exclusively to university. Diverse and inclusive, with top-notch facilities, it’s a place where pupils can really grow, discover their strengths and find their passions.
St James Senior Girls' School, West Kensington Open Morning - 13 October 2026 Open Morning - 10 November 2026 High-spec tech is sensitively combined with significant teacher input at this gently quirky, spiritually-minded west London senior, where lessons begin with moments of stillness and 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 state and independent schools 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’.
Wimbledon High School GDST, Wimbledon Senior School Open Morning - 09 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

Aberdour School, Tadworth Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Proudly independent, this non-selective prep in Surrey protects the sanctity of childhood while seeking to discover the brilliance of every child. New head Phillip Makhouli is passionately committed to making pupils’ education ‘as magical, safe and joyful as possible’, and with its nursery and fabulous new pre-prep building, Aberdour delivers an incredible start to an education.

Abingdon Preparatory School, Abingdon Open Morning - 06 November 2026 The younger sibling of Abingdon School, which is one of the oldest in the UK with a history dating back to the 13th century, this high-achieving academic prep occupies its own site five miles away where the boys – and increasing numbers of girls – throw themselves into everything on offer in and out of the classroom. ‘Be kind, get involved, work hard’ is the school motto, and with new head Nicky Black at the helm, times are exciting for Abingdon Prep as it moves towards being fully co-ed by 2028.

Aldro, Godalming Open Morning 10am - 11.30am - 06 March 2027 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.

Boundary Oak Prep School, Fareham Whole School Open Morning - 16 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 29 January 2027 Whole School Open Morning - 23 April 2027 Junior Activity Morning - 08 May 2027 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.

Brambletye School, East Grinstead Brambletye - 09 October 2026 This outdoorsy school with its 140 acres of parkland, school in the woods and ‘science lab’ pond knows how to inspire children’s curiosity to learn about the world. The inspirational head Will Brooks takes a holistic approach to education, developing character traits such as emotional intelligence, kindness and teamwork as well as academics, and pupils leave ready to take on everything. Performing arts and sport are stellar and with the added bonus of an on-site nursery and pre-prep, Brambletye School really does have everything that you could want from a country prep.

Breaside Preparatory School, Bromley Widmore Road Open Morning - 08 October 2026 Orchard Road Open Morning - 15 October 2026 In the heart of Bromley, this forward-thinking prep is on the move – both literally and metaphorically. The recent opening – and planned organic expansion – of a second site has allowed Breaside Prep School to grow while keeping its small, family feel intact, and executive principal Karen Nicholson leads from the top with enormous energy. In the words of one teacher, Breaside is ‘a happy place, with curious minds and limitless futures’.

Caldicott School, Farnham Royal Open Morning - 10 October 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.

Caterham Prep School, Caterham Visitor Morning - 10 October 2026 Wellbeing comes first at this countryside prep in the beautiful Surrey Hills which shares the same down-to-earth values and spacious 200-acre campus as its big sibling Caterham School. Pupils are grounded in a global citizens curriculum that develops critical thinking, inspires debate and ditches stress. And because they’re outperforming pupils from other prep schools in the classroom from early years upwards, there’s no more need for the 11+, so it’s plain sailing to the senior school.

Chandlings Prep School, Oxford Pre-Prep Open Morning - 09 December 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 - 13 March 2027 A delightful positivity is at the heart of this high-punching Berkshire prep, one of the oldest in the UK, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that eclipses even its undeniably head-turning exterior. The happy, well-mannered pupils absorb the nurturing environment like sponges and the school’s winning mix of old-fashioned country values and progressive thinking sets them up for places at top senior schools all over the country. Here, grades are a given, and it’s character education that is front and centre.

Churcher's College Junior School and Nursery, Liphook Open Morning - Junior School & Nursery - 10 October 2026 Open Afternoon - Junior School & Nursery - 13 November 2026 Located within the South Downs National Park, this co-ed day school is a wellies-compulsory prep where, says head Ffion Robinson, ‘Children thrive on being outside.’ Much like its big sibling Churcher’s College, where most pupils sail on to, adventure sits at the heart of the school. In the head’s words, it is full of ‘sparky children with a can-do attitude to absorb the opportunities the school offers and the capacity to take on challenges’.

Claremont Fan Court Junior School, Esher Reception 2027 Open Morning - 06 October 2026 The whole child is the focus at this Surrey day school where dedicated staff perfectly choreograph pupils’ educational journeys, right down to the squeals of delight radiating from the playground at lunchtimes. Head Matthew Jelley arrived as the pre-prep and prep merged into a junior school, aligning itself even more closely with Claremont Fan Court senior where the warm environment and empowering ethos continue seamlessly. It’s no wonder families in Surrey and south-west London are lining up for the nursery to A-levels one-stop education.

Cothill, Cothill Open Day - 05 December 2026 Open Day - 06 March 2027 Open Day - 22 May 2027 There’s a character-first ethos at this rural Oxfordshire prep, now offering both boarding and day places, where traditional values and a down-to-earth approach combine strong academic outcomes with outstanding pastoral care and a genuinely nurturing environment. As part of its wave of change, girls recently joined the fold, so now families can give their daughters as well as their sons the same happy, educational environment, where looking for crayfish in the streams behind the school is as much a part of learning as lessons in the classroom.

Cranleigh Preparatory School, Cranleigh Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Open Morning - 10 October 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, 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 Sussex, Haywards Heath Open Week - 12 October 2026 As magical as its location on the edge of East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest (aka Hundred Acre Wood in Winnie-the-Pooh), Cumnor House Sussex has as much heart and wisdom as the characters in A. A. Milne’s timeless classic. Its school motto – ‘Aim High, Be Kind and Dare to be Different’ – is a clarion call to children to embrace their unique self, and each and every pupil is supported to do so every step of the way.

Dragon School, Oxford Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Pre-Prep Open Morning - 16 October 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.

Edgeborough, Farnham Reception Discovery morning - 16 October 2026 This unpretentious prep wears its merger with Charterhouse lightly; it’s still very much its own school but the partnership nevertheless sees around a third of leavers heading off to the prestigious senior school. Popular with London families looking for a more laid-back vibe than the bunfight of the capital, it’s easily commutable and offers acres of space for children to be children in.

Elstree School, Newbury Open Morning - 10 October 2026 This idyllic prep in Berkshire delivers the perfect combination of tradition and holistic thinking in a stunning 150-acre site, where academic endeavour, muddy knees and kindness are all embraced as equally enriching. ‘Parents don’t just send their children to Elstree, they join as a family,’ says Olivia Inglis, the head’s wife who is as integral to the ‘Elstree childhood’ the school creates for its pupils as her husband Sid who has been at the helm for 12 years. As a couple, they embody the strong family values at the heart of the school which has a wonderful waterfall effect on the whole school community. We’re not surprised that nearly all new joiners are word-of-mouth recommendations. A school this good is hard not to talk about.

Embley Prep School, Romsey Prep & Senior Open Morning - 13 October 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.

Feltonfleet School, Cobham Open Morning - 13 November 2026 Open Morning - 15 January 2027 Open Morning - 05 March 2027 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 Morning - 09 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 November 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 - 10 October 2026 This historic all-girls’ boarding prep celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, but 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.

Hall Grove School, Bagshot Open Morning - 08 October 2026 Log-cabin classrooms, a boating lake and stables are all part of the magic at this charming co-ed country prep near Ascot, where strong academics are a result of nurturing curiosity rather than hothousing for exams. Everywhere you turn there is something to capture the imagination – whatever your age – from Jaws the pony who gets dressed up for World Book Day to the most beautiful walled garden we’ve seen at a school. Boarding is an option too, which brings even more fun and magic with games such as Hunt the Headmaster, Spotlight and Lotions & Potions. In a nutshell: Hall Grove is idyllic.

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.

Highfield School, Liphook Open Morning - 20 November 2026 Highfield is flourishing – it’s got a gloriously family-friendly, homely feel, academics are top notch, and childhood is really valued. Children are happily busy being children, and are sweetly enthusiastic and proud of their school. All of this helps shape the school into one of the South East’s top non-selective preps.

Holmewood House School, Tunbridge Wells Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Early Years Private Tour - 16 November 2026 Open Morning - 07 May 2027 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.

Junior King's Canterbury, Canterbury Pre-prep Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Open Morning - 10 October 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.

Lancing Prep Hove, Hove Open Morning - 10 October 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.

LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School, Ascot Open Morning - 14 November 2026 This Berkshire gem hits all the right notes for families looking for an all-through, mixed-ability co-ed that offers endless opportunities outside as well as inside the classroom. With the senior school on the same site, the infant and junior school has access to its older sibling’s facilities, which include an indoor pool, a theatre and impressive sports fields. The small-feel, nurturing environment gives just the right amount of coddling so that when children leave for big school, they’re confident, happy and eager for the step up.

Notre Dame Prep School, Cobham Whole School Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 There’s a wonderful warmth to this all-girls Catholic school in Surrey where the nursery and prep nestle organically in the heart of the school. As heads Amélie Morgan (prep) and Anna King (senior) say, ‘We are Notre Dame for life, from nursery to university and beyond.’ ‘Love, Learn, Flourish’ is the prep school’s mantra, and the girls are given the tools to do just that. From magical story times in the delightful treehouse to cutting-edge tech in the brand new innovation centre, pupils grow and thrive in a super-caring environment.

Papplewick School, Ascot Open Morning - 06 November 2026 Open Morning - 14 November 2026 'Tapping into the fun and joy of childhood' is the philosophy that underpins this traditional, all-boys' country prep, where decency is embedded into pupils from day one. Non-selective at intake but very strong academically, Papplewick is a standalone school that drums to its own beat: positive values, enthusiasm, humour and superlative teaching. The boys are among the nicest and kindest we've met, the staff some of the most supportive, and the atmosphere one of the most charming.

Reddam House Junior School, Wokingham Whole School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 This all-through school in Berkshire may look like a Victorian grand dame, but behind the magnificent exterior is a diverse, international and thoroughly modern prep and senior school where pupils receive a happy mix of traditional English private school with a global modern outlook.

St Swithun's Prep School, Winchester Prep School Open Afternoon - 09 October 2026 This slick girls’ prep in Winchester shares a campus with its older sibling St Swithun’s School (the perfect – and seamless – next step for most pupils) but resides in its own state-of-the-art building, complete with theatre, gym and some of the lightest, brightest classrooms we’ve come across. ‘It’s a wonderful place to be,’ says head Liz Norris and pupils agree. Concentrated in their lessons and carefree in their playtimes and clubs, they tackle everything with gusto. Parents couldn’t be happier either, knowing their daughters are in ultra-capable hands from three to 18.

TASIS England - Lower and Middle School, Thorpe Open Day - 10 October 2026 Open Day - 20 March 2027 There’s a unique offering at TASIS England that you won’t find anywhere else. On a village-like campus across two sites that looks like it has been lifted from Greenwich, Connecticut, pupils aged four to 18 receive a top-drawer American-international education in the heart of the English countryside. Pupils love it for the small class sizes, ‘cool’ mix of nationalities (72, no less), myriad course options and super-happy community.

The Hawthorns School, Redhill Whole School Open Morning - 20 November 2026 “Picturesque” doesn’t do justice to this rural prep, which has the stunning Surrey Hills as its backdrop and a Jacobean mansion at its heart, majestically sitting among fields in every direction. There’s nothing grand about the atmosphere, though – the staff are among the friendliest we’ve met and treat pupils like family (indeed, quite a few are their offspring). Head Adrian Floyd takes a joyful, compassionate and human approach to education. ‘Learning is a place of fun, reflection, mistakes and deep thinking,’ he says, and it’s hard to imagine a better philosophy for setting children on the path to rich, happy and fulfilling lives.

The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon Whole School Open Day - 10 October 2026 Rated Excellent by ISI, this co-ed on the outskirts of Abingdon aims to challenge and cherish in equal measure (mindfulness is part of the curriculum and pastoral care is excellent). The most recent addition to the nine-acre site is a swanky sports hall, opened in 2018, which completes the comprehensive sports offering.

The Marist Prep , Ascot Open Morning - 06 November 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 New Beacon, Sevenoaks Open Morning - 09 October 2026 There’s a lovely family feel at this all-boys prep in Sevenoaks which has strong community ties, including with the local girls’ schools. Solidly academic with a great sporting reputation and excellent pastoral care, it mixes tradition and innovation with aplomb, producing happy, purposeful and well-rounded pupils. Now part of the Tonbridge group, boys can make use of the senior school’s fantastic facilities and many choose to go there when they leave, though the prep remains proudly independent.

The Pilgrims' School, Winchester, Winchester Open Morning - 06 March 2027 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.

Walhampton School, Lymington Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Open Morning - 12 March 2027 This standout day and boarding prep in Hampshire with its stately-home looks is as forward-thinking and innovative as they come. As inspiring head Jonny Timms says, ‘We are passionate about developing young people who will genuinely try to instil knowledge, habits of mind and values to thrive in this ever-complex world. This is at the heart of what we are about.’ It’s an ethos that translates into academics that encourage independent thinking, activities that offer endless opportunities for children to stretch and enjoy themselves and a super strong sense of belonging, not just within the school but with the wider New Forest community too.

Wellington College Prep, Sandhurst Open Morning - 13 November 2026 Founded in 1820, Wellington College Prep (formerly known as Eagle House) is one of the oldest prep schools in the UK and it’s not hard to see why it survives and thrives today. Set in 32 pretty acres surrounding a grand Victorian former hunting lodge, it’s an unpretentious place, holistic in approach, allowing plenty of tree climbing and outdoor exploring while maintaining an excellent academic record. Kindness, respect and courage are the trio of school values and children are expected to really take ownership of all three as they make the most of everything this ‘have a go’ environment has to offer.

Senior Schools

Abingdon School, Abingdon Discover Abingdon - 05 November 2026 Discover Abingdon - 25 November 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. In September 2026 the school started welcoming girls for the very first time, heralding an exciting new chapter in its rich history.
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 Open Morning - 16 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 29 January 2027 Senior School Experience Morning - 06 March 2027 Whole School Open Morning - 23 April 2027 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 Sixth Form Open Evening - 07 October 2026 Senior & Sixth Form Open Morning - 14 October 2026 Senior & Sixth Form Open Morning - 13 November 2026 Senior & Sixth Form Open Afternoon - 24 November 2026 This all-through Hampshire co-ed delivers academic results and adventure in equal measure, and the extent to which pupils are involved in school life sets it apart from most senior schools. Extracurricular activities certainly don’t tail off as pupils move up the school – quite the opposite, in fact, with a massive 400 doing DofE (with many achieving the gold award), a 300-plus CCF and sixth formers taking on kayaking marathons and expeditions to Peru. It’s character-building stuff for everyone who passes through the gates of Churcher’s College and leaves with an education that has perfectly prepared them for grasping adult life with both hands.
Claremont Fan Court School, Esher Senior School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Senior School Working Open Morning - 14 October 2026 ‘How can we enable pupils to be great, to be brilliant and to be themselves?’ is how Claremont approaches every day and every pupil. A co-ed day school just outside Esher, it wants to mould global citizens with good character – and it’s this kind of big-picture thinking that is cementing its flourishing reputation. Pupils are ‘empowered to be the best they can be, allowing them the space and time to flourish in the things that excite them,’ says head William Brierly. ‘There is a sense of warmth in all we do here; we are not a hot house, but we are not a cold house.’
Cranleigh School, Cranleigh Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Open Morning - 10 October 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 - 14 November 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.
Eastbourne College, Eastbourne Open Morning (Years 9-12) - 27 February 2027 Open Morning (Years 9-12) - 08 May 2027 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 Sixth Form Open Evening - 08 October 2026 Prep & Senior School Open Morning - 13 October 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 Morning - 09 October 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 13 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 November 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 Meet the Head - 13 October 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 pupil individual attention, and large enough to offer a full school experience in terms of academic options and co-curricular opportunities, while offering an astounding amount of flexibility to families. Over the last few years, this outstanding school has been completely reinvigorated, placing pupil wellbeing and value-added achievement at the forefront of its ethos, and introducing a stunning new sixth form centre that has transformed the A-level experience. Another exciting new chapter is now underway, with Heathfield now welcoming boys into the sixth form and beginning its transition to a fully co-educational school by 2031, with boys joining the lower years from September 2027.
Hurst, Hassocks Year 7 to Sixth Form - 10 October 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 just opened a £10 million swimming pool, with a new £7 million gym and sixth form centre next in the pipeline.
Lancing College, Lancing Year 9 Open Morning - 14 November 2026 Year 9 & Sixth Form Open Morning - 20 March 2027 Open Morning - 12 June 2027 ‘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.
Lord Wandsworth College, Hook Sixth Form Open Morning & Subjects Fair - 10 October 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 Morning - 12 November 2026 Open Morning - 21 January 2027 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.
Moon Hall School, Reigate Open Morning - 06 October 2026 Open Morning - 08 October 2026 This unique school in Reigate for children and teenagers with dyslexia offers a bespoke Year 3 to 11 education that gives pupils the perfect environment and all the tools they need to thrive. ‘These are the lucky kids,’ says executive head Michelle Catterson. ‘Those who are understood and whose needs are met. Not the norm in the UK classroom.’
Notre Dame Senior School, Cobham Whole School Open Morning - 09 October 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 This all-through, all-girls school in Surrey is impressive on many levels. Fabulous facilities include a state-of-the-art innovation hub and professional-standard theatre, there’s a busy enrichment programme that allows pupils to uncover their talents and passions, and the most academically able are stretched and challenged through the dedicated Above and Beyond the Curriculum programme. What really stands out is the genuine care that Notre Dame has for all its pupils, even after they’ve left. They are sent good-luck cards at the start of their first term of university and are invited back during the Christmas holidays with the year group above them so they can swap stories, share advice and generally feel supported and empowered. As the very switched-on head Anna King says, ‘We are Notre Dame for life, from nursery to university and beyond.’
Queen Anne's Caversham, Reading Sixth Form Open Evening - 13 October 2026 Open Morning - 26 February 2027 Open Morning - 08 May 2027 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 - 07 November 2026 Open Day - 28 November 2026 Open Day - 06 February 2027 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 Senior School, Wokingham Whole School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 This all-through school in Berkshire may look like a Victorian grand dame, but behind the magnificent exterior is a diverse, international and thoroughly modern prep and senior school where pupils receive a happy mix of traditional English private school with a global modern outlook. It’s part of the international schools group Inspired and there are also Reddams in Australia and South Africa.
RGS Surrey Hills, Dorking Open Morning - 13 October 2026 Open Morning - 03 November 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.
Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Open Morning - 19 June 2027 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.’
Sir William Perkins's School , Chertsey Open Morning - 08 October 2026 Stellar academics are combined with a fantastic co-curricular programme (it has a particularly fine reputation in rowing) at this day school in Surrey. Here, pupils’ individuality is firmly championed – there are no identikit students, just high-achievers in charge of their own future.
St Edward's School, Oxford, Oxford Open Day - 10 October 2026 Open Day - 28 November 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 - 09 October 2026 Open Morning - 28 January 2027 Open Morning - 27 April 2027 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.
Sutton Valence School, Maidstone Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Open Morning - 14 November 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.
TASIS England - Upper School, Thorpe Open Day - 10 October 2026 Open Day - 20 March 2027 There’s a unique offering at TASIS England that you won’t find anywhere else. On a village-like campus across two sites that looks like it has been lifted from Greenwich, Connecticut, pupils aged four to 18 receive a top-drawer American-international education in the heart of the English countryside. Pupils love it for the small class sizes, ‘cool’ mix of nationalities (72, no less), myriad course options and super-happy community.
The Duke of York's Royal Military School, Dover Open Morning - 14 November 2026 This state boarding school’s rich history and majestic location near the White Cliffs of Dover definitely have the wow factor, but even more impressive is the all-round education that instils perhaps the strongest sense of community we’ve encountered at a school. ‘We are one big Dukie family,’ the head boy told us. Military-inspired values of courage, integrity, respect, commitment, loyalty and self-discipline bind everyone together, and while academics are important, so is turning out thoughtful and well-motivated individuals who are ready to enter adulthood with resilience, rigour and leadership.
The Oratory School, Reading Senior School Experience Day - 19 November 2026 Now fully co-ed, this small school with a friendly community feel excels in value-added. In the sixth form, psychology and Mandarin have been added to the A-level offering and there’s a new ‘Loquitur’ programme that comprises enrichment, service (CCF, volunteering) and careers.
Tonbridge School, Tonbridge Junior Foundation Award Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Christmas Open Morning - 03 December 2026 It is with experience, passion and rigour that we strive to get under the skin of a school and help parents understand why they would send their children there. But at Tonbridge School, we have simply been left wondering ‘Why wouldn’t they?’ It’s hard not to roll out the superlatives when it comes to this all-boys’ wonder of a school in Kent that’s been acing it as one of the country’s top schools for aeons.
Wellington College, Crowthorne Visitor Day - 10 October 2026 Master's Reception - 16 October 2026 Master's Reception - 06 November 2026 A progressive school at the forefront of educational innovation, Wellington College was transformed by visionary head Sir Anthony Seldon and is soaring once again with James Dahl in charge. With its constant buzz, forward-facing attitude and so much for the taking, its pupils are brilliantly prepared to cope with the pressures of the modern world. There’s a palpable culture of inclusivity and ‘go-getting’ – it’s cool to be busy, and to make the most of life here, children need to be driven and willing to get involved.

South West England

Prep Schools

Dean Close Preparatory School, Cheltenham Open Morning - 06 March 2027 Open Morning - 15 May 2027 A co-ed prep with a family feel set in 50 acres near the centre of Cheltenham. Children here are championed and challenged through positive reinforcement and strong pastoral care and the school also educates the choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey as part and parcel of its offering. A pre-prep that takes children from two years old, as well as providing pupils with a seamless transition to the senior are massive boons for most – plus the expansive zoned campus gives prep pupils the best of both worlds with dedicated spaces just for them and a world of further opportunity on the doorstep.

Taunton Prep School, Taunton In-Person Open Morning - Prep & Senior - 06 February 2027 We love the unpretentious holistic approach at this all-through school where pupils move from prep to senior school free of the stress of passing exams. As head Ed Burnett says, ‘It’s about finding passions,’ and that’s something all the pupils do with gusto, whether it’s experimenting in the science lab, singing in the choir or swimming the English Channel (yes, the co-curricular is next level). Proudly inclusive, every pupil is valued as an individual, and in sharing the same site as the senior school – it sits in the middle of the campus – it offers children a seamless, one-stop education.

Senior Schools

Badminton School, Bristol Whole School Open Morning - 10 October 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.
Chafyn Godolphin, Salisbury Open Morning - 15 October 2026 Open Morning - 10 November 2026 Godolphin remains one of the most welcoming, utterly transparent, genuine and delightful schools out there. It’s refreshingly down to earth, parents work hard to send their children here and greatly value the opportunities it offers. Having delivered quality education and exemplary pastoral care to girls only for the past 300 years, in September 2025, Godolphin began sharing what they do so brilliantly with more young people, becoming co-ed throughout. It's a watershed moment that doesn’t change the school’s past but secures its future, signalling a clear direction and offering a coalition that is designed to strengthen and ensure that pupils will continue to benefit from everything that makes Godolphin special.
Dauntsey's , Devizes Sixth Form Discovery Day - 10 October 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.
Dean Close School, Cheltenham Open Morning - 06 March 2027 Open Morning - 15 May 2027 A fabulous educational oxymoron, Dean Close is a smallish big-hitter. With around 500 pupils, it has enough numbers to pack a punch, but it retains the family feel of its prep-school sibling. Facilities are fantastic and this is a school which seems very clear about its identity and purpose. It really is, as their strapline suggests, ‘Distinctly Dean Close’.
Kingswood School, Bath Senior School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 It comes as no surprise that Kingswood is the go-to school in this slice of south-west England. The all-through, Bath-based co-ed is the epitome of a polymath, with a cutting-edge new DTE (design, technology and engineering) department (one of just nine centres of excellence in the country) the latest string to its very impressive bow.
Marlborough College, Marlborough 13+ Afternoon Visit - 07 October 2026 13+ Afternoon Visit - 14 October 2026 13+ Afternoon Visit (all visits listed are for 2028, 2029 & 2030 entry) - 21 October 2026 There’s ‘a thread of ambition’ that runs throughout this hugely impressive Wiltshire school, says head Louise Moelwyn-Hughes. In academics: ‘We are academically selective, but love having the range; every child will reach their potential and surprise themselves.’ In co-curricular life: departments are ‘continuing to fly’ with their everyone-has-something-to-offer philosophy.
St Mary's Calne, Calne Open Day - 14 November 2026 Open Day - 05 February 2027 Open Day - 19 March 2027 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.
Taunton School, Taunton Sixth Form Open Evening - 09 October 2026 Virtual Open Event - Senior & Sixth Form - 07 November 2026 Down-to-earth, inclusive and as excellent in academics as it is in sports and the creative arts, this all-through co-ed ticks pretty much every box, unless it’s name-dropping you’re looking for. There’s no sense of pretentiousness or one-upmanship here and pupils are all the better for it, validated by four different pathways after GCSEs, each one as respected as the other. And with seamless movement from the prep that shares the same site, pupils can enjoy a one-stop education where they’re valued as individuals and looked after as well as they are at home.
West Buckland School, Barnstaple Sixth Form Open Evening - 07 October 2026 Set in nearly 100 acres of knockout Devon countryside, this all-through rural co-ed delivers a nurturing education that embraces the outdoors and focuses on the individual needs of every child. We love the progressive approach to academics, with its emphasis on entrepreneurship and future employment – pupils here are well prepared for life beyond school. And with incredible facilities to equal the setting and excellent co-curricular to match the academic ambition, it’s the complete package from ages three to 18.

East of England

Prep Schools

Beechwood Park School, St Albans Open Morning - 09 October 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 Prep & Pre-Prep In Action - 08 October 2026 This bustling co-ed prep certainly delivers on its aim of ‘creating joy’ for all the children who pass through its gates. The bumper campus it shares with the senior school gives pupils 100 acres of immaculate grounds to roam in. And from the outset, academic rigour and a holistic focus on learning life skills and encouraging independence mean they find their passions and hit the high notes inside and outside the classroom. It’s a popular all-through choice with locals, and with flexi, weekly and full boarding on offer in the senior school, it also attracts Londoners and overseas families in the upper years.

Chigwell Pre Prep & Prep School, Chigwell 7+ School in Action Morning - 04 November 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 Prep School Open Morning - 05 February 2027 Prep School Open Morning - 03 May 2027 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.

St Faith's, Cambridge Open Day - 10 October 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 - 13 October 2026 Open Morning - 04 March 2027 Open Morning - 11 May 2027 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

Bishop's Stortford College, Bishop’s Stortford Sixth Form Open Evening - 07 October 2026 This inspiring, all-through day and boarding school delivers on all fronts with strong academics, outstanding pastoral care and excellent co-curricular (swimming is a particularly big deal). The bumper campus is also impressive, with 100 acres of immaculate grounds where pupils from nursery age to sixth form all find their passions shepherded by some of the most dedicated and professional staff we’ve met.
Chigwell Senior School , Chigwell 11+ Daytime Tour - 16 October 2026 11+ Daytime Tour - 18 November 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2027 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 - 06 February 2027 Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning - 15 May 2027 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.
King's Ely, Ely Sixth Form Open Morning - 10 October 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.

Midlands

Prep Schools

Laxton Junior School, Oundle Whole School Discovery Afternoon - 01 February 2027 Whole School Discovery Afternoon - 27 April 2027 Reception Family Fun Afternoon - 12 June 2027 A brilliant starting point for anyone wanting to join Oundle School, this prep has close links with the senior, from using the facilities (including the fantastic new sports centre, which opened in September 2020) to meeting older pupils who help out at Laxton’s modern-language clubs as part of their community-action programme. We like the open-minded sports ethos too: instead of what’s played being determined by gender, children can choose for themselves (you’ll see girls playing cricket and boys on the hockey pitch); and for fixtures, the mixed teams are fielded according to ability.
The Downs Malvern, Malvern Open Day - 10 October 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 Elms, Malvern Open Morning - 10 October 2026 We’ve visited hundreds of country preps over the years, and every one is a joy in its own way. But The Elms is truly special and never fails to impress us with its super-polite pupils who sprint ahead to open doors, the stunning setting on the edge of the Malvern Hills and the (sometimes gently bonkers) celebration of all that is best about childhood.
The Prep at Denstone College, Uttoxeter This outdoorsy Staffordshire prep shares the same expansive campus as Denstone College, making it a compelling all-through option for parents. Children, meanwhile, are delighted to come to school with woods to explore (there are zip lines and climbing frames), a huge garden to play in and lots of outdoor learning. Pupils receive a wonderfully wholesome education here which instils curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning, not to mention laying the foundation for an easy transition to senior school.
Witham Hall Preparatory School, Stamford Open Morning - 07 November 2026 A country prep with a modern outlook, this non-selective Lincolnshire school knows how to light a spark in its pupils. They have uninhibited fun, throwing themselves into lessons, sport, music, art, drama, eating (the food is legendary) all the while soaking up learning and life skills and achieving their best (the number of leavers who head off to top public schools with a scholarship in hand is remarkable). It’s no wonder parents travel up to an hour each day to send their children here.

Senior Schools

Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove Senior School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Bromsgrove is an eye-catching place filled with happy juxtapositions: down to earth but with knockout facilities; traditional and values-oriented but with forward-thinking staff and a modern approach to learning; and a 100-acre campus with a warmth more often found in a smaller environment. Breadth is writ large, and pupils here will have the opportunity to challenge themselves and try something new in every facet of the curriculum.
Hallfield Seniors, Birmingham Seniors Open Evening - 08 October 2026 In an educationally competitive marketplace, Hallfield School in Birmingham had already carved out a niche with its ‘three months to 13 years’ offering and a headmaster whose enthusiasm for educating the whole child is infectious. With a surprising 22 acres, it’s a city school with a rural feel, and a palpably friendly vibe that envelops a core of solid academic achievement.
Oundle School, Oundle 13+ Entry Open Day - 10 October 2026 13+ Entry Open Day - 30 January 2027 13+ Entry Open Day - 08 May 2027 11+ and 16+ Entry Open Day - 19 June 2027 With just shy of 1,120 pupils, Oundle is one of the biggest boarding schools in the UK – but you’d never know it from the way it blends into the beautiful Northamptonshire market town from which it takes its name. A winning combination of academic achievement, sporting superiority and creative success, it has a real reputation for being ahead of the game.
Rugby School, Rugby 13+ Day Open Evening - 13 October 2026 13+ Boarding Open Day - 07 November 2026 13+ Boarding Open Day - 30 January 2027 13+ Day Open Morning - 06 February 2027 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 Year 7 and 8 Exploration Day - 10 October 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.

North of England

Prep Schools

Aysgarth School, Bedale Prep School Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Pre-Prep Open Morning - 06 November 2026 This outdoorsy rural prep at the foot of the Yorkshire Dales is now fully co-ed, with boys and girls (and 17 school dogs) all enjoying the 50 glorious acres of fields, woodland and gardens. The enduring school values of respect, endeavour and courage anchor pupils as much as the setting, and the addition of girls in September 2024 has been seamless – in fact, it feels like they’ve always been here. There’s been more exciting change, too - last year, Aysgarth joined the Rugby School Group, which, says head Jonathon Anderson, is a great fit as it shares a ‘sense of all-round ambition’ and will open up even more opportunities for pupils.

Senior Schools

Ampleforth College, York Open Morning - 23 January 2027 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.

Scotland

Prep Schools Senior Schools

Global Schools

Tanglin Trust School, Singapore Senior School Information Morning - 08 October 2026 Sixth Form Information Evening - 05 November 2026 The oldest British international school in south-east Asia, not-for-profit Tanglin Trust School does an excellent job of combining an English curriculum with a truly global outlook. Renowned for its strong academics and happy, confident students, it is well regarded in the UK both by schools and universities. For new arrivals in Singapore, it should be high on the educational hit list.

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), 55000 Kuala Lumpur Open Day - 19 January 2027 There are endless opportunities for students to find their passions at this all-through, co-ed school that sits in its own spacious campus on the edge of Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1965 by Robert Fendley, with just 48 pupils, this private, not-for-profit school was Malaysia’s first accredited IB World School and today offers a blend of the US and international curricula. The community feel here is exceptionally strong: this is a school where students are put front and centre and given every opportunity to shine.