MixedIndependentBoarding

Hatherop Castle School

Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West · GL7 3NB

Set within a castle near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, Hatherop Castle is a small independent school taking boys and girls from the early years right through to age 13. With around 280 pupils, it offers an intimate setting where children are known as individuals, and the option of boarding alongside day places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Families seeking a nurturing prep-school experience with the choice of boarding will find much to consider here.

280

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£21,750

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 2-13
Pupils: 280
Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West
Website: https://www.hatheropcastle.co.uk/
Telephone: 01285 750206

Headteacher

Head Nigel Reed

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Teaching & academics

The ISI's top 'excellent' grade for the quality of pupils' achievements points to consistently strong teaching across the school. Around 7% of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting the school is geared to identifying and helping children who need it within its small classes. Academic scholarships are available, alongside awards in music, art, drama and sport.

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 7.14%
EHC plans: 1.79%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicMusicArtDramaSport

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships in music, art, drama and sport signal a breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom, with talent recognised and rewarded across the arts and on the games field. As a boarding school, it also offers a structured life outside lessons for those who stay.

Ethos & heritage

Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Pupils not allowed to bring or use mobile phones in school, except boarders who must follow specific rules: phones must be named, used only at prescribed times in boarding house, protected with PIN, and boarders must sign agreement. VPNs prohibited. Phones brought without permission confiscated and returned at end of day. Headteacher can intervene if phones used for bullying or intimidation in or out of school.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £12,540 - £21,750
Boarding fees (per year): £24,855 - £34,065

Offered for families or individual children on application

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 7 November 2023

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small castle-based prep school with an 'excellent' ISI verdict and the flexibility of day or boarding places. Day fees range from £12,540 to £21,750, with boarding up to £34,065, and bursaries and scholarships can help with the cost.

The Passmate verdict