Cheam School
Headley, Newbury, Berkshire, Hampshire, South East · RG19 8LD
Tracing its history back to 1645, Cheam School is a small co-educational prep school in Headley, near Newbury, taking boarders and day pupils aged 3 to 13. With around 322 pupils and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly four to one, classes are intimate and the level of individual attention is unusually high. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education quality and personal development, with compliance requirements met. Under Head Nick Milbank, it functions as a traditional all-through prep, preparing children for the next stage of independent schooling.
322
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£31,740
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-13
- Pupils
- 322
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 4
- Location
- Headley, Newbury, Berkshire, Hampshire, South East
- Website
- https://www.cheamschool.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 01635 268381
Headteacher
Head Nick Milbank
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Teaching & academics
An ISI "excellent" judgement and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of about four to one point to closely supervised, well-supported learning across the age range. Notably, around a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to adapting its teaching to a range of needs. Academic scholarships sit alongside awards in sport, art, drama, design and technology, and music, rewarding strength across several disciplines.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 25.74%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships in sport, art, drama, music and design and technology reflect a breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom. As a boarding prep, the school also offers a full residential life for those who choose it.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1645
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
No mobile phones allowed on school premises.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £16,140 - £31,740
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £34,050 - £37,515
Partial as well as transformational bursaries offered
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 3 February 2026
The last word
A long-established prep with tiny class sizes and strong pastoral marks, suited to families wanting a nurturing, all-round preparation for senior school. Phones stay off-site, and bursaries from partial to transformational widen who can attend.
The Passmate verdict
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Cheam School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Cheam School located?
Cheam School is located at Headley, Newbury, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 8LD.
What type of school is Cheam School?
Cheam School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Cheam School?
Cheam School has approximately 322 pupils on roll.
What is Cheam School's inspection rating?
Cheam School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 3 February 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.