Ashdown House Preparatory School

We believe education is a precious gift of adventure and wonderment – encapsulating everything we do

We ignite curiosity and nurture kind, confident independent learners, equipping them with the life skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Boarding & Day School for Boys & Girls 7-13

Ashdown House Prep School is one of the leading co-educational, boarding and day, preparatory schools in the country, founded in 1843, it is also one of the oldest. In our 175+ year history we have always nurtured the talents of our children, with a scholarship record that speaks volumes for the quality of our teaching. All our children successfully move on to the leading public schools.

We’re perfectly located for excellent transport links into London, the coast and both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports.

Our scholarship record speaks volumes for the quality of the teaching and all pupils are expertly prepared for entry into the leading public schools of their choice. As part of the Cothill Trust, we are also excited to offer the experience of visits to the Chateau de Sauveterre in France, providing an added richness to the children's learning.

There is a tremendous sense of community spirit in every aspect of school life at Ashdown House. Children are encouraged to express themselves with confidence. Whether it is climbing trees, playing chess, taking the resident dogs for a walk, building dens, looking after chickens, being creative in the Art and DT rooms, composing a hit pop song or digging a personal vegetable plot, opportunities abound outside the classroom. Children have the time and space to make the most of their varied days and this plays a vital part in encouraging them to be independent and thoughtful of others.

Ashdown House is renowned for its caring and nurturing pastoral care. The rapport between staff and children, and between the children themselves is an essential ingredient for the happiness and development of your child.

We are proud to base our ethos on sound Christian morals, and we also welcome children from all denominations and none. Blessed with magnificent and extensive grounds, we coach the major sports and compete successfully against local prep schools and in National tournaments; you will find our teams are encouragingly competitive! Our Art, DT, Music and Drama Departments are equally successful with each year group putting on at least one play a year and nearly every child in the school learns at least one instrument. The opportunities for children to be creative are as boundless as their own interests, enthusiasm and passion. Ashdown's rural situation belies the fact that it is in the busy South-East of England within easy reach of London, the coast and both Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

We offer full and flexi boarding and day places at Ashdown and there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to take part in the many opportunities the school offers outside the classroom. We are proud of our wide range of sport, art and extra-curricular activities. Please scroll down to find out more about Boarding at Ashdown and see a flavour of the things our pupils get involved in at the school.