Windlesham House prep is where academic excellence meets adventure, creativity, and character development. Our pupils flourish in an environment that challenges them intellectually while nurturing their individual talents and passions.
Windlesham House prep welcomes pupils from Year 3 (age 7) through to Year 8 (age 13), providing 6 years of outstanding preparation for senior school. As the oldest prep school in the country, established in 1837, we combine rich tradition with innovative teaching approaches that prepare children for the modern world.
Our magnificent 70-acre campus in the South Downs National Park provides an inspiring backdrop for learning. State-of-the-art facilities including 4 science laboratories, a 25-metre swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, and performing arts centre enable us to deliver an exceptional all-round education.
What truly sets Windlesham House apart is our tangible sense of excitement, purpose, and energy. Academic subjects, creative arts, sports, and co-curricular activities are taught in well-equipped specialist areas by teachers with genuine passion for their subjects. Children are inspired and motivated every day within a caring, supportive community.
Our unique ACE Habits for Learning are embedded in all aspects of teaching and learning across the prep school. These habits help children develop essential skills and become independent learners who are ready to thrive in senior school and beyond.
Pupils engage fully with their education, taking responsibility for their own progress. They ask questions, seek feedback, and actively participate in lessons and discussions.
Children learn to analyse information, evaluate evidence, and form their own reasoned conclusions. They develop problem-solving skills applicable across all subjects.
We encourage intellectual curiosity and a willingness to venture beyond comfort zones. Pupils discover new interests, embrace challenges, and learn from both successes and setbacks.
Our semi-rural location in the South Downs National Park is more than just a beautiful setting. It provides space for children to learn, play, explore, and grow. The extensive grounds include woodlands for forest school activities, sports pitches, outdoor learning spaces, and quiet areas for reflection.
This environment allows us to offer experiences simply not possible in urban schools. From orienteering and mountain biking to nature study and outdoor art, children connect with the natural world while developing resilience, independence, and environmental awareness.
Prep pupils benefit from exceptional facilities across our campus. As children progress through the years, they access increasingly sophisticated resources matched to their developmental needs:
The foundation years where pupils transition from pre-prep to more specialist teaching. Children still have a form tutor for core subjects but increasingly work with specialist teachers for languages, sciences, arts, and sport. Class sizes remain small (typically 12 to 16 pupils), ensuring individual attention while building independence.
The consolidation years where academic expectations increase alongside growing independence. All subjects are now taught by specialists. Pupils begin the bring-your-own-device programme in Year 6, integrating technology across their learning. Leadership opportunities emerge through house responsibilities and representing the school in competitions.
The senior years featuring our distinctive Diploma Programme. Pupils take increasing responsibility for their learning while receiving targeted preparation for senior school entrance and scholarship examinations. The curriculum broadens with additional subjects and pupils choose areas for deeper study through diploma pathway options.
Class sizes vary by year group but typically range from 12 to 16 pupils. This ensures every child receives individual attention while benefiting from group dynamics and peer learning. For setting in subjects like mathematics and languages, groups may be smaller still.
Yes, we welcome pupils joining at any year group, subject to space availability. Main entry points are Year 3, Year 7, and occasionally Year 5. We conduct assessment sessions for new pupils to ensure we can meet their needs and they will thrive in our environment.
Absolutely. Form groups contain both day pupils and boarders, creating an integrated community. Day pupils may stay for activities and prep (homework) sessions, and many choose flexible boarding options to experience boarding life without full commitment.
To explore prep life at Windlesham House in more detail, please contact our admissions team at admissions@windlesham.com or call +44 (0)1903 874700. We warmly welcome visits during the school day so you can experience the energy and excitement of learning at Windlesham House.
