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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London

Prep Schools

Channing Junior , Highgate Open Day - 10 September 2026 Open Day - 22 September 2026 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.
Chepstow House School, Notting Hill Open Day - 18 June 2026 A breath of fresh air amidst the sometimes high-pressured London prep school scene, Chepstow House provides an education focused on producing happy, confident learners, rather than setting children off on a pre-planned trajectory to a particular senior school. With the recent opening of Wetherby Pembridge – which, like Chepstow, is part of the Inspired Education group – pupils now have the option to sail through from nursery to sixth form with no entrance exams at all. But don’t be fooled into thinking this gives the children an easy option. The school’s expectations for the children are high and their results are fantastic – and it’s all achieved with a gentle, nurturing touch.
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres Prep, Kentish Town Open Day - 26 September 2026 Open Day - 02 October 2026 Children at this nurturing north-London school seamlessly learn both French and English in a warm and friendly environment where a multicultural buzz wraps everyone in a cloak of inclusivity. Harmony is everything here, and perfectly balanced classes see native English and French teachers sharing lessons in a 50:50 split. It’s as popular with London-based French families as it is with British parents looking to give their children the gift of bilingualism and international families keen to embrace the global atmosphere at the school, where there are currently 60-plus nationalities.
Durston House School, Ealing Open Morning - 08 October 2026
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 Stay & Play (Nursery & Reception) - 24 June 2026
Ibstock Place Prep School, Roehampton Whole School Open Day - 19 September 2026 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.
Kew College Prep, Richmond Open Morning - 25 September 2026 We love this smart London prep that combines academic success with a happy and warm atmosphere. Creativity is as important as classroom learning with pupils throwing themselves into the arts, music and sport, enjoying their school days without a long shadow of exams hanging over them. It’s no wonder places are competitive, especially as it offers wraparound care and full-time nursery provision (and a guaranteed place in reception).
King's College Junior School, Wimbledon Whole School Open Morning - 12 September 2026 Already a much-coveted prep for boys – not least for its guaranteed entry to King’s College School, Wimbledon, which is one of the top-ranking senior schools in the country – from 2029, girls will be able to benefit from King’s College Junior School’s superlatively good education. The acquisition of the nearby site of the recently closed, all-girls’ prep The Ursuline means a bespoke, world-class school building is underway and the countdown to a dedicated co-ed prep with state-of-the-art facilities has well and truly begun.
Merchant Taylors' Prep , Rickmansworth Open Morning - 01 October 2026 This highly academic boys’ prep minutes away from Merchant Taylors’ senior doesn’t just get things right in the classroom. A wealth of co- and extracurricular means pupils get every opportunity to explore and excel in all areas. This holistic approach is inspiring and, with most boys whizzing up seamlessly to the senior school at 13 (soon to be 11 as the school transitions to finishing at Year 6), it’s an excellent all-through option for pupils that is situated conveniently close to London.
Orchard House School, Chiswick Open 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.
Royal Russell Junior School, Croydon There’s much to recommend this co-ed, all-through school that sits in spacious grounds just a stone’s throw from Croydon. Pupils are happy and confident, encouraged academically and supported emotionally, and they have automatic entry into the senior school which is equally excellent. It’s a place where passions are nurtured and pupils are treated as individuals. A beautifully-designed new building due to open in 2026 will be the icing on the cake.
St Benedict's Junior School, Ealing Whole School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 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.
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls GDST - Junior School , Sydenham Hill Whole School Open Day - 26 September 2026 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 Lyceum School, London Open Day - 24 June 2026

Senior Schools

Channing, Highgate Open Day - 23 June 2026 Open Day - 24 September 2026 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.
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres, Kentish Town Open Day - 26 September 2026 Open Day - 02 October 2026 This bijou bilingual school in north London offers a unique immersive education to its 250 pupils, who switch seamlessly between French and English in and out of the classroom. Academics are strong, with a curriculum that takes the best of the French system and brilliantly adapts it to a bicultural setting, preparing pupils for both French lycée and English senior school when they leave at 15. It’s as popular with London-based French families as it is with British parents looking to give their children the gift of bilingualism and international families keen to embrace the global atmosphere at the school, where there are currently 60-plus nationalities.
DLD College London, South Bank Open Morning - 26 September 2026
Highgate Senior School, Highgate Senior School Open Day - 03 October 2026 This fast-paced, progressive north London powerhouse has it all – passionate staff, charming students, top-notch academics and a visionary head who has been at the helm for almost two decades – and there’s no sign of his popularity slowing down. Educating north Londoners the whole way from four to 18 (the pre-prep and wondrous state-of-the-art junior school share the same large leafy campus as the senior) in the heart of village-y Highgate, a nicely traditional curriculum is bolstered by committees and societies for everything under the sun, while a rock-solid house system sets the pastoral care apart. This is a place where everyone can find their niche - but sitting still isn’t an option.
Ibstock Place School, Roehampton Whole School Open Day - 19 September 2026 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.
London Park School Clapham , Clapham South Open Morning 9.15am - 01 July 2026 This exciting new school from the Dukes Education stable opened in September 2023, bucking the trend for super-sizing with just 107 pupils on the roll meaning that every pupil really does receive bespoke attention. ‘In a small school we can know every child and their strengths, maximise their passions while looking at the individual’s areas for growth and maximising that growth,’ says head Susan Brooks. Its prime location overlooking Clapham Common is top-notch too, as is the wellbeing provision, with mindfulness lessons and one-to-one counselling sessions all part of the school’s mental fitness programme.
London Park School Mayfair, Mayfair Open Morning 9.15am to 10.45am - 26 June 2026 This innovative school enviably located opposite London’s Green Park offers a dynamic approach that combines a traditional British education with a modern global outlook. Part of the LPS family – the other siblings are LPS Sixth, LPS Hybrid (based at LPS Mayfair) and LPS Clapham – it’s also in the fold of the excellent Dukes Education group, so there’s plenty of collective power in the engine room. Stellar results go hand in hand with a positive and nurturing work ethic, and with automatic entry into LPS Sixth along with the Hybrid offering, it’s a compelling option in the busy London market.
Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood Open Morning - 26 September 2026 An all-boys school that has an atmosphere that’s calm, not hectic, with pupils who are caring and not macho, MTS confounds stereotypes. With a head who promotes asking the big questions such as ‘What is it to be human?’, the school offers so much more than the stellar academics and world-class facilities it’s renowned for. As the head says, ‘Humans are a musical, running, communicative, social, sophisticated, cultured, conceptually thinking, competitive, featherless biped,’ and this school makes sure it’s always got that 360-degree vision in mind.
Queen's College, London, London 11+ 2027 Taster Day for Year 5 pupils - 29 June 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.
St Benedict's School, Ealing Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning - 17 September 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 24 September 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 A school where ‘you really can have it all’ says the head. Expect good academic results, coupled with an all-round education and a pastoral system underpinned by the Benedictine ethos that values every child as an individual. Staff are interested in their pupils and demonstrate that they care – building a rapport that supports student growth, even when it’s tricky. Parents and children are encouraged to learn together by attending lectures exploring themes such as parenting and PSHE or simply enjoying a soprano recital together.
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls GDST, Sydenham Hill Year 10 Sixth Form Experience Day - 17 June 2026 Whole School Open Day - 26 September 2026 Located in a leafy corner of south-east London, Sydenham & Dulwich Girls is rightly proud of its on-point, 360-degree approach to educating girls, producing impressive results as well as confident, eloquent and ambitious young women. It’s part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), and there’s a wider sense of belonging to a group that dates back to 1872, as well as to the school community itself. Head Antonia Geldeard says that seeing the older girls celebrate key achievements ‘sows the seeds of new ambition’ for the younger ones. Value-added is very high and, while everyone’s individual talents are recognised, all the girls are celebrated for their all-round abilities and character. The nearby prep is similarly forward-thinking and, with automatic entry to the senior school, the two offer a compelling all-through, all-girls option for south London families.
Whitgift School, South Croydon Open Morning - 19 September 2026
Wimbledon High School GDST, Wimbledon 11+ School Tour and Head's Talk - 19 June 2026 Senior School Open Day - 03 October 2026 It’s all about being comfy in your own skin at Wimbledon High. Stellar academics (and we mean stellar – Wimbledon High is up there with the best of the best) come easily in the school’s open and forward-thinking atmosphere. In this nook of well-located Wimbledon, head Fionnuala Kennedy and her team play a key role in shaping the next generation of well-rounded girls. With Wimbledon High Junior School sharing the same site, this is the perfect one-stop shop for south-west London parents.

South East England

Prep Schools

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 - 25 September 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 - 03 October 2026 This traditional day and boarding country prep just outside Guildford has charm in bucketloads, with its Swallows and Amazons-style boating lake and beautiful old perimeter walls encircling spacious grounds. It almost feels like it’s from a bygone age, but while lots of lovely traditions remain (such as sport every day after lunch), pupils receive a 360-degree modern education – and where it was once boys only, now girls make up 36 per cent of pupils. There’s a delightful quirkiness to Aldro, which is proudly independent and impossible to pigeonhole. If you’re planning a visit, prepare to be smitten.

Amesbury, Hindhead Open Morning - 02 October 2026 This picture-perfect Surrey prep has a fantastic reputation locally and deserves to be on every parent’s radar for its on-point pastoral care, down-to-earth atmosphere and all-round sound attitude to educating its pupils. Wellbeing is paramount and the school sees itself as ‘green-housing rather than hot-housing’ its young charges, with staff going above and beyond, and new head Gavin Franklin very much leading by example.

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

Barfield Prep School, Farnham Open Morning - 18 September 2026 The individual is everything at this lovely Surrey day school whose incredible use of outdoor space – including woodland activities, a ‘sandy play’ playground, and play equipment galore – takes centre stage. Nature serves to nurture the whole child, building confidence, resilience and a sense of adventure. Parents tell us they feel their children are ‘in a really safe pair of hands’; pupils just love having school days packed full of fun.

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

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

Breaside Preparatory School, Bromley Orchard Road Open Morning - 18 June 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.

Chandlings Prep School, Oxford Whole School Open Morning - 19 September 2026 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 - 26 September 2026 Undisputedly smart on the outside, delightfully down to earth on the inside, this impressive Berkshire prep is one of the oldest in the country – and wears its history and heritage with pride. It’s a winning mix of old-fashioned country values and progressive thinking, where academic standards are sky-high and children hop off to top boarding schools all over the country. This is a school brimming with good eggs (yes, they do have an award for that!), and both children and staff are exceptionally well-mannered and kind. An exciting place to be.

Claremont Fan Court Junior School, Esher Whole School Open Day - 12 September 2026 Reception 2027 Open Morning - 06 October 2026 At this prep on the edge of Esher, educating the whole child is paramount – and judging by the sense of purpose and happy faces of the pupils, it’s a recipe that works. Staff are super dedicated and there’s a well-organised feel to the whole of Claremont Fan Court School. In September 2024, the pre-prep and prep joined together to become juniors and a new head arrived; it’s an exciting time and the school feels like it’s genuinely thriving. For families in Surrey and south-west London, the all-through option from nursery to A-levels makes it a strong contender.

Cothill, Cothill Open Day - 19 September 2026 Open Day - 05 December 2026 Open Day - 06 March 2027 Open Day - 22 May 2027 This 150-year-old school is comfortable in its own skin and doesn’t feel the need to shout about itself. Cothill House is traditional and quirky at the same time, plus it puts a high priority on giving boys time to enjoy being boys.

Dragon School, Oxford 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 Open Day - 02 October 2026 Reception Discovery morning - 16 October 2026 Easily commutable, yet leaps and bounds less pressured than London schools, this laidback, co-ed prep brims with green space and traditional values.

Elstree School, Newbury Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Stunning grounds, fabulous facilities and a classic, traditional experience underpin life at this real gem of a prep school. Loved for its family values, Elstree School boosted its already significant appeal by opening its doors to girls in 2020 – a brilliantly planned and executed move.

Farleigh School, Andover Open Day - 26 September 2026

Frensham Heights Junior School, Farnham Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 September 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.

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 and Brookham , Liphook Open Morning - 18 September 2026 Highfield and Brookham 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.

Hurst Preparatory School, Hassocks Open Morning (Reception to Year 6) - 02 October 2026 This is a school where children are really given an opportunity to lead their own learning and be creative right from the get-go, however little they are. Much like its big sibling Hurst College which it shares a campus with, the school’s ‘have-a-go’ mentality is evident in and out of the classroom. We love the sound of Hurst Sparks which sees pupils getting stuck into themes and exploring every corner of them – from creating an oil painting to writing a poem to feeding their interpretations of a story into AI. It’s creative educating at its best, and with no exams to sit to get into the College, pupils get to continue loving every minute of being at school in a seamless transition.

King's School Rochester Junior, Rochester Open Morning: Nursery - Year 3 - 28 September 2026 The oldest cathedral choir school in the world is no small boast, but King’s School Rochester is so much more than its awe-inspiring history, which stretches back to AD604, and its stunning campus with its views of Rochester’s castle and cathedral. This is a holistic, forward-looking place that nurtures not just musical excellence, academics and sport, but also kindness and a sense of community.

LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School, Ascot Open Morning - 27 June 2026

Papplewick School, Ascot Open Morning - 06 November 2026 Open Morning - 14 November 2026 We’re not surprised this Berkshire school that sends around a third of its leavers to Eton every year is currently oversubscribed. A Swallows and Amazons nirvana (without the boats), it’s a traditional all-boys country prep but with added quirk, fun and an extremely kind heart. Non-selective at intake but very strong academically, you won’t find in-your-face grandeur here, but you will find positive values, enthusiasm, humour and teaching beyond compare.

St Andrew's Prep Eastbourne, Eastbourne Open Morning - 03 October 2026 From weekly classes on the beach to forest school in an adventure playground, this East Sussex prep knows how to instil children with a lifelong love of learning. Its dynamic approach holistically integrates academics, pastoral care and co-curricular, with the school values of kindness, honesty and excellence running through everything pupils do. As head Tom Gregory says, this is a place ‘full of opportunity, challenge and fun’.

St Swithun's Prep School, Winchester Early Years Stay and Play Session - 19 June 2026 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.

Summer Fields, Oxford Pre-Prep Open Morning - 18 September 2026 Prep Open Morning - 19 September 2026 A breathtaking 70-acre secret garden behind high walls and iron gates right in the centre of north Oxford’s Summertown, Summer Fields is a modern yet traditional prep with high standards and impressive results. While still a boarding school at heart, it has moved with the times and embraced a more versatile offering – and the relatively new pre-prep has only served to strengthen its already significant appeal.

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 Beacon School, Amersham Open Day - 26 September 2026 Tradition and forward-thinking dovetail seamlessly at this busy Buckinghamshire prep, which after 93 years as an all-boys school will be accepting girls from September 2026. The phones haven’t stopped ringing since the announcement, and registrations doubled almost immediately. We’re not surprised. The Beacon is as well known for its ethos of kindness and inclusivity as it is for preparing pupils for top public schools, often with a scholarship in hand. We imagine they’re an asset wherever they go – we’ve seldom met such a convivial bunch.

The Pilgrims' School, Winchester, Winchester Open Morning - 03 October 2026 An ambience of calm envelops this magical boys’ prep school that sits in Winchester Cathedral’s Close. Known for nurturing gifted musicians, it’s also academically robust and not too shabby on the sports field either. Winchester College next door is an aspirational presence (about 40 per cent of the boys go on to the college), while the magnificent cathedral where the choristers sing offers daily inspiration.

Walhampton School, Lymington Open Morning - 09 October 2026

Wellington College Prep, Sandhurst Open Morning - 11 September 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 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.

Windlesham House, Pulborough Open Morning - 10 October 2026 Open Morning - 13 November 2026 Windlesham House is one of those schools that evokes an incredible emotional response, with many parents themselves having spent Elysian childhoods here. In the heart of rural West Sussex, this is the oldest prep in the country, yet in recent years there has been an injection of fresh energy into the school, which has brilliantly adapted to the needs of modern families and a vibrant local market too. There’s a wow factor here, with parents and pupils alike bowled over by everything it offers.

Senior Schools

Abingdon School, Abingdon Discover Abingdon - 17 June 2026 One of the oldest schools in the country with a history dating back to the 13th century, Abingdon is unashamedly academic, with some 1,000 bright-spark pupils hard at work – and play – within its beautiful grounds. They’re all boys at the moment, but from September 2026 the school will start welcoming girls for the very first time, heralding an exciting new chapter in its rich history.
Ardingly College, Haywards Heath Sixth Form Open Evening - 23 September 2026 There’s a real magic to this creative, all-through school in rural West Sussex where an idyllic setting is matched by fabulous pastoral care and excellent academics. With the nursery and prep on the same site, it’s a compelling one-stop education from age three to 18 with a real focus all the way through on equipping pupils with skills for now and for life.
Battle Abbey School, Battle Senior School Open Day - 12 September 2026 ‘The school feels like we are in a family, everyone knows everyone,’ says one pupil at this unique East Sussex day and boarding school that looks across the very battlefield where the Battle of Hastings took place. Classes are held in a former monastery and a clutch of historic 13th-century buildings, and in the winter, the famous ruins of William the Conqueror’s abbey are used for teaching and singing by candlelight. It’s spine-tingling stuff to have 1066 woven into your day-to-day school life, but for all its history, this is an all-through school with an impressive forward-thinking mindset. Pupils are celebrated for their individuality, cheered on to find their passions and as a result they burst with creativity.
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.
Bradfield College, Reading Open Morning - 19 September 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 For years, Bradfield has been the go-to for sporty, grounded families who want their children to thrive without pressure. Lately, though, something new is stirring: academics have stepped up smartly and there’s a dynamic new head, alongside a renewed focus on individual progress and wellbeing. The school thrums with quiet self-assurance. Wrapped in beautiful Berkshire countryside, this popular co-ed boarding school isn’t flashy or full of itself. The pupils we met were relaxed, funny and articulate – clearly proud of Bradfield but refreshingly unshowy about it. Life here feels well balanced: plenty of drive, yes, but also a strong sense of belonging and a good dollop of common sense.
Caterham School, Caterham Open Morning - 19 September 2026 Fizzy lessons, innovation and wellbeing combine at this country senior school in Surrey to make it a truly one-of-a-kind educator. As head Ceri Jones puts it, ‘Wellbeing is not a gimmick; it is done all the time through teaching emotional literacy, self-regulation and building relationships based on emotions.’ From that, pupils are in the best place to engage creatively with lessons, letting curiosity and critical thinking lead the way, while innovation naturally weaves through and grows from everything. It creates a ‘sense of purpose beyond grades, grades with new purpose’. It’s a rare offering and with the prep sharing the same innovative approach as well as the same campus, and pupils guaranteed a place at the senior school, it’s an all-through option that is about as compelling as they get.
Churcher's College, Petersfield Whole School Summer Open Day - 04 July 2026
City of London Freemen’s School, Ashtead Sixth Form Open Evening - 10 September 2026 Senior School Open Day - 19 September 2026 An all-through school from ages seven to 18, City of London Freemen’s in Surrey has stayed true to its benevolent roots (it was set up for orphaned children of Freemen in the City in 1854), with altruism still very much its heart and soul. It’s an ethos that pupils genuinely feel – ‘Teachers support us so much,’ says one sixth-form pupil – and, combined with a liberating focus on learning for its own sake, it brings real joy, with grades soaring as a result. Junior-school pupils enjoy automatic entry into Year 7, and with both schools sharing the same tucked-away, peaceful site within easy reach of London, it’s an increasingly strong magnet for parents in the capital seeking an all-through option away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Claremont Fan Court School, Esher Whole School Open Day - 12 September 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 22 September 2026 Senior School Working Open Morning - 02 October 2026 This school is booming thanks to its reputation for inclusivity and celebrating children for what they enjoy and excel at, not what the school wants them to be. The curriculum is very broad, allowing pupils to find their thing and fly with it, whether it’s in the creative, sporting or academic sphere. No one is pushed in a direction that doesn’t align with them. An ethos of kindness supports this ambition, and with Claremont Fan Court School’s nursery, pre-prep and prep (the latter two will come under one juniors umbrella soon) offering the same holistic education from the age of two, it’s no wonder more and more families are lining up for places.
Cranleigh School, Cranleigh Sixth Form Open Evening - 17 June 2026 There’s a real buzz at this co-ed boarding school, with a sense that it’s surging to even greater heights than it’s already reached. The new head Samantha Price, who possesses passion, ambition and energy in equal measure, has been in post a year now and already a spanking new sixth form centre has opened in the middle of the school, complete with library and café. Part of ‘a global family of schools’ – with one in Abu Dhabi and two in China – sixth formers can now spend a term in any of them, so the world really is their oyster. A real family atmosphere pervades, and pupils’ and parents’ love for and investment in the school can be felt at every turn.
Downe House, Thatcham Open Day - 12 September 2026 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.
Frensham Heights School, Farnham Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 September 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 - 11 September 2026 Meet the Head - 29 September 2026 Meet the Head - 02 October 2026 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 girl individual attention, and large enough to offer a full school experience in terms of academic options and co-curricular opportunities, whilst offering an astounding amount of flexibility to families.  Over the last few years, this outstanding school has been completely reinvigorated, placing pupil well-being and value-added achievement at the forefront of the unashamedly girls-first ethos, and introducing a stunning new sixth form centre, transforming the A-level experience.
Hurst, Hassocks Year 7 to Sixth Form - 26 September 2026 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.
Kent College Pembury, Tunbridge Wells Senior School Taster Day for Year 7 Students - 25 June 2026 This down-to-earth school on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells is laser-focused on getting the best out of everyone. Creative subjects are a real strength, as is its talent for nurturing confidence and instilling the Methodist ethos of altruism (its values are rooted in the movement). It’s a compelling package  – and as Kent College gets ready to welcome boys in September 2026 (the prep is already co-ed), a perfectly balanced co-ed powerhouse won’t take long to emerge.
King's School Rochester, Rochester Open Morning: Year 4 - Sixth Form - 26 September 2026 The oldest cathedral choir school in the world is no small boast, but King’s School Rochester is so much more than its awe-inspiring history, which stretches back to AD604, and its stunning campus with its views of Rochester’s castle and cathedral. This is a holistic, forward-looking place that nurtures not just musical excellence, academics and sport, but also kindness and a sense of community. It’s tantalisingly close to London on the high-speed train (just 30 minutes). We’re not surprised there are lots of ‘lifers’ – children who join at three and stay all the way through to 18.
Leighton Park School, Reading Open Day - 26 September 2026
Lord Wandsworth College, Hook Sixth Form Open Morning - 23 June 2026 Philanthropy sits front and centre at this Hampshire school, which was established upon the death of its eponymous founder, Lord Wandsworth, 104 years ago. Originally built for the bereaved children of agricultural workers, Lord Wandsworth College has educated 2,500 ‘Foundationers’ in its first century, with more than 55 pupils on supported places currently at the school and a separate bursary fund for means-tested places. Very much a boarding school in spirit (even for the many local families who take full advantage of the flexible model), the result is a tightly knit, all-in community where pupils throw themselves into opportunities. Under the energetic leadership of Adam Williams, academics have sharpened, co-curricular options have multiplied and pastoral care remains exemplary. LWC feels like a school with strong roots and real momentum - and alumni are fiercely proud of being Sternians (a term derived from their benefactor Sydney Stern, Lord of Wandsworth).
Marymount International School London, Kingston Upon Thames Open Morning - 02 October 2026 This unique offering in Kingston upon Thames (it’s the first all-girls school in the country to adopt the IB from Middle Years to Diploma) is full of laughter and hard work, says its head Margaret Giblin who tells us ‘students become the best version of themselves’. Girls hail from over 55 countries creating a great cultural mix and truly global outlook. Results exceed worldwide averages and pupils stride off confidently to the likes of LSE, Imperial College and Ivy League institutions.
Mayfield School, Mayfield Open Morning - 26 June 2026 In the words of the newly appointed head Deborah Bligh, Mayfield School helps to shape its pupils but does not seek to change them: ‘A Mayfield girl’s voice has real value.’ Integrity, compassion and joy anchor the pupils, and it’s clearly evident in the close bonds between the girls and with staff. Pastoral care is spot on, academics are impressive and the setting is idyllic. It’s no wonder it’s one of the UK’s leading all-girls Catholic schools.
Queen Anne's Caversham, Reading 16+ Open and Taster Day - 23 June 2026 Open Morning - 19 September 2026 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 - 19 September 2026 Open Day - 07 November 2026 Steeped in tradition but not stuck in the past, it’s hard not to be bowled over by Radley. It’s hugely impressive with its glorious grounds, Who’s Who list of alumni and peerless opportunities offered to all who go there. It’s no wonder parents rush to register their sons’ names on the famous Radley List at birth. But while it maintains its all-boys, full-boarding model, this is no hallowed ground institution preserved in aspic – today’s pupils are as passionate about robotics as they are about debating, access has widened with more fully-funded places and scholarships, and innovation continues to thrive under the steady hand of John Moule who’s now led the school for a decade. It’s safe to say that the days of Radley being seen as a bit stuffy and stuck in the past are well and truly over.
RGS Surrey Hills, Dorking Open Event - 24 June 2026 Sixth Form Open Event - 26 June 2026 Formerly Box Hill School, the newly named RGS Surrey Hills is now a part of the Reigate Grammar School fold, which brings more heft to its offering while not losing any of its small-school family atmosphere. This is a school where every member of staff knows every pupil and their story, and they’re all invested in helping every single child become the best they can be, both academically and emotionally. This mission is rooted in its history; indeed, it is a co-founder of Round Square, a global network of innovative schools united by their commitment to character education. No wonder that it’s increasingly catching the eye of families in London and beyond, and as the flexi and weekly boarding provisions grow, expect a place here to become an ever-hotter ticket.
Roedean School, Brighton Open Morning 11+ and 13+ entry years - 12 September 2026 This warm and friendly girls’ boarding school gazes over Brighton Marina from its 46-acre site at the top of a cliff on the Sussex Downs. It is a place, one pupil tells us, where ‘everyone finds their tribe’. Girls enjoy a top-drawer education and outstanding co-curricular, all the while making friends for life, learning strong moral values and discovering and finding confidence in who they are. Head Niamh Green, who has 25 years’ experience of working in different schools, says, ‘Roedean is amazing. I feel this school is where the girls are their most ambitious. They aim high, and they get involved with everything.’
Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Mini Open Morning - 19 September 2026 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.’
Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames Sixth Form Open Morning - 19 September 2026 Selective but aimed at a broad range of abilities, Shiplake College is an authentic and unpretentious place that takes a holistic approach to educating ‘good eggs’. Previously boys only until sixth form, Shiplake has made the decision to organically grow into a totally co-ed school with meticulous planning and preparation resulting in the first mixed Year 7/8 cohort already nicely balanced with 40 per cent girls - a remarkable opening gambit.
Sir William Perkins's School , Chertsey Open Morning - 26 June 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 23 September 2026 Open Morning - 25 September 2026 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 George's Ascot, Ascot Sixth Form Open Evening - 29 September 2026 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.
St James Senior Boys' School, Ashford Year 5 Taster Day - 24 June 2026 This boys-only school in Ashford, Surrey takes a holistic approach to education, with a focus on philosophy, wellbeing and individualised learning. The end result is well-rounded young men who have been encouraged to work outside their comfort zone and grow as learners, as well as people. It’s also the only school in the country to offer Sanskrit to GCSE.
St Swithun's School, Winchester Senior School Open Morning - 20 June 2026 Sixth Form Virtual Q&A - 23 June 2026 Senior School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 There’s a down-to-earth attitude at this all-girls day and boarding school in Winchester. Pupils love how they’re encouraged to try new things and feel comfortable doing so because ‘no-one judges’, and they have a brilliant role model in super head Jane Gandee, who’s a big fan of feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Academic results are stellar and luxurious is no overstatement when it comes to describing the building and grounds, but there’s nothing intimidating about St Swithun’s; achievement is high, but the route is relaxed. It’s also home to St Swithun's Prep School and Preschool, meaning girls can soak up knowledge here from age three to 18.
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 King's School Canterbury, Canterbury Open Day - 12 September 2026 It’s hard not to be bowled over by this famously historic school that sits in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral. As head Jude Lowson says, ‘It worms into your DNA, sits in your soul.’ With its campus woven into the heart of the city, there’s an air of an Oxbridge college about it, and pupils have a beyond-their-years confidence carefully nurtured by the fantastic staff who afford them trust and respect that pupils more than return in kind. Add in the baked-in ethos of working hard and reaching your goals and it’s no wonder pupils soar, heading off to top institutions ready to take on the world.

South West England

Prep Schools

Chard Prep School, Chard Open Morning - 17 June 2026
Clifton College Preparatory School, Clifton Preschool to Year 6 Open Event - 25 September 2026 There’s no ‘one size fits all’ at this unstuffy Bristol prep (which includes a preschool and pre-prep too), part of the Clifton College stable. The intake is refreshingly broad – and so is what’s on offer.
Exeter Junior School, Exeter Whole School Open Morning - 24 June 2026 Located in the centre of Devon’s historic cathedral city, Exeter Junior offers inspiring teaching that gets children thinking for themselves and a creative co-curricular programme that allows everyone to find their passions. The warm environment means children feel supported, happy and eager to throw themselves into all the activities on offer. ‘If we’re not busy, we’re doing something wrong,’ says the head. And with the pre-prep (on a different site) and senior (on the same site) it’s a compelling all-through option.
Pinewood School, Shrivenham Open Morning - 01 October 2026 There’s real heart at this rural Wiltshire school, where children thrive academically and beyond without sacrificing the freedoms and unbridled joys of childhood. It’s a place that champions growth, curiosity and individuality, encouraging pupils to discover and pursue their passions. This spirit perfectly sums up this 84-acre nirvana, where, in the words of the passionate, inspiring and hands-on head Neal Bailey, ‘quiet confidence outshines loud insecurities’.
Taunton Prep School, Taunton In-Person Open Morning - Prep & Senior - 03 October 2026 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 Sixth Form Open Evening - 25 September 2026 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.
Canford, Wimborne Sixth Form Information Evening - 23 September 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 This Dorset boarding school is a real treasure trove. It’s easy to feel as though you’ve landed in another world where an actual castle forms the centrepiece of enormous, picture-perfect grounds. But when you get to the heart of Canford, you soon realise it’s the striking pupil culture where everyone supports and challenges each other that makes it so rich. It’s a school that gets good results because it believes in itself, says new head Chris Wheeler, and that’s its real trump card. And with its fantastic new sixth form hub now open, with boarding wings to follow next year, soon there will be even more precious places up for grabs.
Clifton College, Clifton Sixth Form Open Event - 02 October 2026 Years 7-11 Open Event - 03 October 2026 Clifton College hits the sweet spot of individual care and attention, with the numbers and resources to offer everyone a multitude of options. There is no set path here and, as pupils grow and develop, it becomes the school they need to maximise their potential both in the classroom and beyond. And with the adjacent preparatory school available as a seamless build-up, Clifton really does have it all.
Exeter School, Exeter Whole School Open Morning - 24 June 2026 This academic all-through school in the centre of Devon’s historic cathedral city offers inspiring teaching that gets children thinking for themselves and a mind-expanding co-curricular programme that means every child finds their passion. They also learn strong moral values – service is a virtue here – and are nurtured with sensitive pastoral care. Facilities are excellent, too – from a brand new, grown-up sixth form centre to a brilliant indoor pool and a snazzy D&T workshop.
St Mary's Calne, Calne Open Day - 18 September 2026 With its first-class facilities, exceptional teaching and wonderful pastoral care, St Mary’s Calne ticks every box. Yes, this Wiltshire girls’ school is academically selective but, as head Anne Wakefield says, it’s also academically supportive. ‘Win your own race: be courageous, be bold, be you,’ she tells pupils. And with the motto ‘Calne Girls Can’ ringing in their ears, they find their passions and their talents and fly.
Taunton School, Taunton In-Person Open Morning - Prep & Senior - 03 October 2026 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.

East of England

Prep Schools

Bedford Prep School, Bedford Discover Boarding at Bedford School - 18 June 2026 Discover Creative Arts at Bedford School - 25 June 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 There’s a strong boarding ethos at this all-boys’ school in Bedford that embraces day pupils equally into its kind and tight-knit community. Led by the incredibly relaxed and super friendly head Ian Silk, every member of staff not only looks out for each pupil’s academic progress, but also their social, emotional, ethical and physical development, ensuring every boy is happy and successful. Located in the same grounds as Bedford Upper School, it’s consistently at the top of the leaderboard in academics, sport, music, drama and technology and it shares the same pride among pupils, parents and staff as the senior school – and with most boys moving up to the upper school with no Common Entrance to stress about, it offers an all-through education parents can feel confidence in.

Beechwood Park School, St Albans Open Morning - 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 Whole College Open Day - 19 September 2026

Chigwell Pre Prep & Prep School, Chigwell 4+ School in Action Morning - 15 September 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 26 September 2026 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 - 02 October 2026 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.

Gresham's Prep School, Holt Prep School Open Morning - 18 September 2026 A traditional education is the focus at this Norfolk prep school, but just as important is allowing children the freedom to thrive and find their own way. The happy atmosphere and fully engaged pupils attest to the success of this approach, and with new, state of the art premises on the horizon in 2026, the future at Gresham’s is looking very bright indeed.

Heath Mount School, Hertford Open Morning - 24 September 2026

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

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

Saint Felix Prep Department, Southwold Open Morning - 19 June 2026

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

Senior Schools

Bedford School, Bedford Discover Boarding at Bedford School - 18 June 2026 Discover Creative Arts at Bedford School - 25 June 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 There’s a strong boarding ethos at this all-boys’ school in Bedford that embraces day pupils equally into its warm, tight-knit community. Pupils enjoy a holistic and tailored approach that sees academics, co-curricular and pastoral care wrapped around each boy – the perfect recipe for them to grow into confident and considerate young men, fired up and knowledgeable about their passions, and ready to take on the world. This is a truly dynamic school where ideas are turned into action at every turn and with the arrival of a new head in September 2026, an exciting new chapter awaits.
Bishop's Stortford College, Bishop’s Stortford College Open Event - 19 September 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 07 October 2026
Chigwell Senior School , Chigwell Whole School Open Morning - 26 September 2026 Sixth Form Open Evening - 01 October 2026 This award-winning all-through, co-ed school in Essex is, as its dynamic head Damian King says, ‘academically excellent without being exclusively academic’ - and even more so now, with the last couple of years’ huge expansion of the co-curricular offering resulting in more and more pupils choosing sport and the creative arts at GCSE and A level. ‘Everyone has a tribe they can find here,’ Mr King tells us. Pupils and parents also value the focus on skills such as problem solving and debating. Hot house it is not – even though its results are up there with the best of them.
Framlingham College, Framlingham Senior School & Sixth Form Open Morning - 03 October 2026 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.
Gresham's School, Holt Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning - 19 September 2026 There’s a wonderfully laid-back and friendly atmosphere at this historic school that has a deservedly excellent reputation for tradition, solid teaching and good old-fashioned manners. Refreshingly unflashy, it’s quietly impressive with fabulous academics (without being overly selective) and fantastic facilities, particularly in STEAM and music. The only school in Norfolk to offer the IB (alongside A-levels), it sits in the Top 250 for value-added, and you get the feeling that every pupil knows they are getting the absolute best education for them.
Ipswich School, Ipswich Autumn Open Event - 26 September 2026 This high-flying day and boarding co-ed with its own feeder prep across the road has been crowned the most academic school in Suffolk for several years running, but there’s so much more. It’s phenomenal when it comes to sport – in fact, many pupils are attracted by the professional-level coaching staff – and it’s also renowned for its musical prowess. Boarding is growing now that flexi is on offer, and the school ‘family’ is a lovely mix of UK and international pupils. It seems the school’s deep roots – which go back to 1399 – are growing ever stronger.
King's Ely, Ely Open Day - 26 September 2026 There’s a great sense of community at King’s Ely, with a generous championing of one another that means pupils are in the perfect environment to find, own and pursue their passions. And as one of the oldest schools in the world and with the stunning Ely Cathedral at its heart, pupils also get a unique sense of grounding as they regularly file into the cathedral for assemblies, services, and choristers’ choir practice. Indeed, the school is brilliant at embedding strong values and helping pupils understand what it is to be human – and with the prep on the same site and nursery and pre-prep five minutes’ walk away, it offers an all-through option which is hard to beat.
Royal Hospital School, Ipswich Open Morning - 03 October 2026 There’s a unique naval heritage at this knockout co-ed day and boarding school in East Anglia whose rich history spans four centuries. And while today it’s no longer a military school, it still pays homage to its roots with regular all-school parades in naval uniform (‘Divisions’ in navy speak), a four-service CCF and an outstanding sailing academy. Add in seriously grand buildings and vast grounds, and you’ve got a school with gravitas where pupils feel part of a strong community.
Saint Felix School, Southwold Open Morning - 19 June 2026
The Leys School, Cambridge Sixth Form Open Evening - 22 September 2026 Open Morning - 03 October 2026 This gem of a co-ed day and boarding school in Cambridge inspires intense loyalty among pupils and parents, and it’s not hard to see why. The teaching is superb, the atmosphere warm and supportive and the academic and cultural connections to the university unique. Every child is known here – their strengths, their challenges, their aspirations – and The Leys caters to them all, offering pupils a wealth of opportunities to allow them to thrive. Unsurprisingly, places are at a premium.

Midlands

Prep Schools

Bilton Grange, Rugby Open Day - 03 October 2026 This country prep’s burgeoning profile continues apace, with numbers now at nearly 400 and a spectacular, state-of-the-art new boarding house due to open in 2025. The merger with Rugby School in 2020 thrust it into the spotlight and both schools share the same educational philosophy of developing breadth of character, which means that while Bilton Grange pupils don’t have guaranteed places at Rugby (unless they're joining the school's new all-through boarding pathway – more on that below), the active learning approach at the prep neatly dovetails into the IB style of teaching at Rugby.
Edgbaston High Preparatory School, Birmingham Whole School Open Morning - 19 September 2026 We were floored by the pace, variety of life and buzzing sense of activity at this aspirational and inspirational multicultural all-girls day school in leafy Edgbaston, just to the south of central Birmingham. Girls zip in all directions across the compact campus, out along the 10-minute walk to the sports fields and move seamlessly up to the senior school. It’s an academically ambitious place where standards are achieved by nurture, care and attention.
Hallfield Prep, Birmingham Open Day - 26 September 2026 In an educationally competitive marketplace, Hallfield School in Birmingham has 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.
King's St Alban's , Worcester Open Morning - 26 September 2026 Part of the King’s Foundation – which includes sibling prep King’s Hawford and senior school King’s Worcester – King’s St Alban’s sits with ‘Big King’s’ adjacent to the grounds of Worcester Cathedral. A brilliant blend of small-scale, prep-school nurturing with the fully shared knockout facilities of the senior, this place is a highly attractive proposition. It’s down to earth, hardworking and hardwired to make education as valuable as possible for both pupils and parents. We came away feeling that it is a great choice for any child, with a tailor-made preparation for King’s Worcester built right in.
Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School, Wolverhampton Whole School Open Day - 03 October 2026

Senior Schools

Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham Senior & Sixth Open Afternoon - 18 June 2026 Whole School Open Morning - 19 September 2026 We were floored by the pace, variety of life and buzzing sense of activity at this aspirational and inspirational multi-cultural all-girls day school in leafy Edgbaston, just to the south of central Birmingham. Girls zip in all directions across the compact campus, out along the 10-minute walk to the sports fields and, once their time to leave has come, off to an impressive range of universities.
Hallfield Seniors, Birmingham Open Day - 26 September 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.
Malvern College, Malvern Open Day - 03 October 2026
Rugby School, Rugby 16+ Open Day - 12 September 2026 13+ Boarding Open Day - 03 October 2026 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.
Wolverhampton Grammar School, Wolverhampton Sixth Form Open Evening - 18 June 2026 Whole School Open Day - 03 October 2026

North of England

Prep Schools

Argyle House Prep School, Sunderland Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 Tucked away in the heart of Sunderland, this small and family-focused school prizes hard work while encouraging every child to give their best. It’s very much an all-through school in spirit as well as structure, with the nursery, prep and senior pupils all sharing the same buildings, facilities and playgrounds, so that transitions at each stage feel effortless. A new head has brought fresh energy and a clear sense of direction, and Argyle House is evolving – smartly and gently, without ever losing sight of its roots.
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.
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School, Manchester Open Day - 17 October 2026 With a passion for music at its heart, Chetham’s unique offering of gold-standard music tuition alongside a full academic curriculum is what catches the headlines, but the 300-odd musically gifted pupils also get holistic pastoral care and the opportunity to spend their school days and nurture their talent in a truly diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can flourish regardless of sex, race, sexuality and faith. The central Manchester site may have a history that goes back hundreds of years, but attitudes here are thoroughly modern.
St Peter's Junior School, York Junior School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 This venerable co-ed never stops evolving to meet the needs of its pupils and as it approaches its 1,400th anniversary, the current three-school structure will soon become two to better deliver a perfectly cohesive journey from nursery to sixth form. Driving the process is senior head Jeremy Walker, who is a consummate pro when it comes to making choices ahead of the curve, with junior school head Phil Hardy his accomplished right-hand man. Already regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, this revamp of its all-through education will no doubt make it an even hotter ticket.
St Peter's York 2-8, York Junior School Open Morning - 03 October 2026 Widely regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, St Peter’s is certainly a hot ticket. The all-through education is a real draw and with its three-school structure moving to two-schools from September 2027, you get the sense there’s no resting on laurels here, with the question, ‘how can we be better?’, always front of mind.

Senior Schools

Ackworth School, Pontefract Open Morning - 18 September 2026 There’s a strong sense of community at this inspiring school set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside where pupils’ needs as human beings are front and centre, chiming with its Quaker values. Staff and pupils enjoy a relationship of mutual respect, rather than a ‘them and us’ mentality, and the Quaker tradition of silent reflection fosters admirable self-awareness and thoughtfulness towards others. Known for the excellence of its SEND department and its burgeoning football academy that attracts gifted players from all over the world, it offers an exceptionally nurturing and diverse environment that brings out the best in individuals in and out of the classroom. Its ‘excellent in all areas’ ISI ranking is richly deserved.
Ampleforth College, York Open Morning - 19 September 2026 It’s a new dawn for this high-profile public school in North Yorkshire. In the words of the school, it’s time to move on from ‘being good’, something the school has tirelessly worked on to restore its reputation, to ‘doing good’. We were struck by how happy and confident the pupils are and the genuinely warm and friendly environment. The evergreen Benedictine ethos of serving each other, tolerating differences and living harmoniously as a community is alive and well, and the school’s motto, ‘A Compass for Life’, couldn’t ring truer right now.
Argyle House Senior School, Sunderland Whole School Open Morning - 19 June 2026 Tucked away in the heart of Sunderland, this small and family-focused school prizes hard work while encouraging every pupil to give their best. It’s very much an all-through school in spirit as well as structure, with the nursery, prep and senior pupils all sharing the same buildings, facilities and playgrounds, so that transitions at each stage feel effortless. A new head has brought fresh energy and a clear sense of direction, and Argyle House is evolving – smartly and gently, without ever losing sight of its roots.
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form, Manchester Open Day - 17 October 2026 With a passion for music at its heart, Chetham’s unique offering of gold-standard music tuition alongside a full academic curriculum is what catches the headlines, but the 300-odd musically gifted pupils also get holistic pastoral care and the opportunity to spend their school days and nurture their talent in a truly diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can flourish regardless of sex, race, sexuality and faith. The central Manchester site may have a history that goes back hundreds of years, but attitudes here are thoroughly modern.
St Peter's School York, York Sixth Form Open Evening - 16 September 2026 Senior School Open Morning - 19 September 2026 This venerable co-ed never stops evolving to meet the needs of its pupils and as it approaches its 1,400th anniversary, the current three-school structure will soon become two to better deliver a perfectly cohesive journey from nursery to sixth form. Driving the process is head Jeremy Walker who is a consummate pro when it comes to making choices ahead of the curve. Already regarded as one of the top schools in the north of England, this revamp of its all-through education will no doubt make it an even hotter ticket.

Scotland

Prep Schools

Gordonstoun Prep School, Elgin Prep School Taster & Scholarship Assessments - 02 October 2026 Prep School Taster & Scholarship Assessments - 03 October 2026   This uniquely active and interactive prep school shares a colossal 200-acre campus with the senior school, so it’s an ideal choice for parents looking for a character education for their child right from the start. Gordonstoun Prep School embraces service and internationalism and throws itself into a fully holistic, all-round education – which means every pupil learns how to sail, heads out on hearty outdoor expeditions, learns a musical instrument and benefits from outstanding facilities.

Senior Schools

Gordonstoun, Elgin Year 9 Taster & Scholarship Weekend - 28 August 2026 Hearty outdoor activities and soul-stiffening adventure are still very much the order of the day at Gordonstoun but so is developing a sense of wisdom, self-belief and compassion. Pupils certainly learn through challenge and collaboration here, but they also meet for coffee in the nearby town and study hard for exams like students at ‘normal’ schools do. They embrace service and internationalism and throw themselves into a fully holistic, all-round education, equipped with an extraordinary enthusiasm you’d be hard pushed to find elsewhere. The school motto Plus est en vous (There is more in you), says it all – this is a place where gung-ho, give-it-a-go children will thrive.

Global Schools

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), 55000 Kuala Lumpur Open Day - 22 September 2026 Open Day - 19 January 2027