Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School
School summary
Feeding into the wider Sedbergh community, this small independent prep school in Carnforth takes children from age four through to thirteen, with boarding available alongside day places. Around 200 pupils benefit from a generously low pupil-to-teacher ratio of about eight, allowing close attention from staff. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school "excellent" for both education quality and pupils' personal development, and found all compliance standards met. Notably, just under a quarter of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting accustomed to working with a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 18 February 2025
Teaching & academics
With roughly eight pupils to each teacher, classes are kept small enough for individual progress to be closely tracked. The ISI's "excellent" judgement for educational quality reflects a strong academic standard across this 4-13 age range. The high proportion of pupils receiving SEN support points to a school willing to adapt its teaching rather than expecting every child to fit one mould.
Headteacher · Kate Martin
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships span a broad spread of talents, from academic and STEM to art, computer science, drama, music and sport, which signals genuine breadth in school life. As a boarding school, evenings are structured around activities, with pupils' phones returned only afterwards.
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 24.34%
- EHC plans
- 0.53%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones not permitted during school day. Day pupils leave phones at main office. Boarders' phones kept in boarding house offices during day, returned after activities in evening
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,168 - £24,978
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £31,572 - £37,908
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Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
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A small, nurturing prep with boarding and an "excellent" inspection record, well suited to families wanting close attention and a wide range of opportunities for children up to thirteen.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.