As the new school year commences and parents prepare to drop their children off, they seek the assurance that their little ones are in the best possible hands. Fortunately, Tatler, the esteemed society bible, has unveiled the country’s top prep and public schools. However, it should come as no surprise that these elite institutions come with a hefty price tag. Countless notable figures have graced their halls, including Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband, and the late comedian, Peter Cook, both alumni of Radley College. Even esteemed biologist Charles Darwin walked through the halls of Shrewsbury School at the tender age of nine. Allow FEMAIL to unveil the schools nominated as the cream of the crop according to Tatler…
BEST PREP SCHOOLS
St Hugh’s Oxfordshire
Term fees: Up to £8,350 per term
Located in Carswell Manor, Faringdon, St Hugh’s transitioned from a boys’ full boarding school to a co-educational institution in 1977. Spread across 45 acres, St Hugh’s boasts fields, outdoor classrooms, woodland, and adventure playgrounds. The fees range from £4,830 to £8,350 per term, depending on the age of the student. Recently, the school has expanded its resources, including the addition of a swimming pool, sports hall, and Dovecote Library.
Cottesmore School
Term fees: Up to £11,588 per term
Cottesmore School, nestled in the scenic Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, accommodates 155 boarding pupils and 43 day pupils in pre-prep. However, it’s the animals that truly steal the show at this impressive countryside school. From dogs in the classrooms to corn snakes, bearded dragons, Atlas moths, and guinea pigs, Cottesmore certainly knows how to captivate its students. Parents describe the school as “magical,” praising its unique blend of tradition, support, freedom, energy, and challenge. In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Cottesmore has adapted to the “new normal” by hosting webinars and organizing various activities for its students.
Ardvreck School
Term fees: Up to £10,540 per term
Located in Perthshire, Ardvreck School’s proximity to Glencoe makes it a hub for skiing enthusiasts. With an impressive academic track record and numerous scholarships, Ardvreck is known for nurturing exceptional talent. The fees range from £3,350 per term for five- to seven-year-olds and vary for the main school, depending on the chosen route. With a flexible boarding approach, Ardvreck offers options to cater to individual needs. Notable alumni include sport shooter Jonathan Hammond, an Olympic competitor and Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
Cumnor House Sussex
Term fees: Up to £7,790 per term
Situated in the heart of the picturesque Ashdown Forest, Cumnor House Sussex spans 60 acres of beautiful countryside. The school boasts a state-of-the-art building, The Peake, dedicated to STEM subjects, as well as a theater, arts studio, ceramics studio, and dance studio. Fees at Cumnor House Sussex range from £5,950 in Year Three to £7,790 in Year Eight.
Notting Hill Prep School
Term fees: £8,189 per term
Notting Hill Prep School operates across three buildings, catering to students from Reception to Year 8. Founded in 2003, the school values a strong partnership with parents. This esteemed institution charges £8,189 per term and welcomes both girls and boys aged four to 13.
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Radley College
Term fees: £16,025 per term
Renowned for its on-campus art gallery and array of extracurricular activities, Radley College in Oxfordshire offers everything from opera appreciation to wine tasting and flight simulation. The school also features a Countryside Centre that provides hands-on experience in animal husbandry. Notable alumni include former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband, and the late comedian Peter Cook. Prospective parents often describe Radley College as a London club.
Bradfield College
Term fees: Up to £15,100 per term
Bradfield College, located in the idyllic Berkshire countryside within an hour of London, offers a co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 13 to 18. The school prides itself on its diverse and interesting menus and its active involvement of students in shaping the culinary offerings. The termly fee for boarding students is £15,100 (£45,300 annual fee), while day school students pay £12,080 per term (£36,240 annual fee). Notable alumnus Sam Thompson, known for his appearances on shows like “Made in Chelsea,” is a former student of Bradfield College.
Shrewsbury School
Term fees: From £16,004 per term
Founded in 1552 by Edward VI, Shrewsbury School boasts an extensive history rooted in royal connections. Named Independent School of the Year in 2020, the school prides itself on its commitment to community outreach. Notably, one of the school’s most famous alumni is Charles Darwin, who attended at a young age. The fees at Shrewsbury School start from £16,004 per term.
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