Rydes Hill Pre-Prep and Nursery School
School summary
Small by design, Rydes Hill Pre-Prep and Nursery School educates around 101 boys and girls from the age of three through to eleven in Guildford, Surrey. The school holds a multi-faith character and earned an 'excellent' judgement from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the watchdog's highest rating. With pupil numbers kept low, it is the kind of setting where children are likely to be known individually rather than as a face in a crowd. Around 6.5 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, a modest proportion in keeping with the school's size.
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
- 5 November 2024
Teaching & academics
The ISI rated the school 'excellent' overall, and its provision for personal development received the same top mark, suggesting strong outcomes across both attainment and character. Its compliance obligations were also met. As a pre-prep and nursery, the focus falls on building secure foundations across the early years and primary stages.
Headteacher · Mrs Faye Messinger
Beyond the classroom
Drama and Sports Scholarships point to areas the school particularly nurtures, giving talented children a route to recognition in performance and on the field.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- Multi-faith
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 6.54%
- EHC plans
- 0.65%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones, iPads and other personal electronic devices are not allowed to be brought into school by children. Staff may confiscate personal equipment being used during the school day and return to parents. All pupils and staff expected to adhere to internet safety charters. Sanctions imposed for misuse of internet, mobile phones and electronic devices.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £5,600 - £15,018
Schools nearby
Guildford High School
Guildford, South East
Prior's Field School
Godalming, South East
Knowl Hill School
Woking, South East
Aldro
Godalming, South East
Hoe Bridge School
Surrey, South East
St Hilary's School
Godalming, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, multi-faith pre-prep with an across-the-board 'excellent' ISI verdict. It suits families seeking an intimate early-years and primary start in Guildford.
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.
Free month · No payment needed
Rydes Hill Pre-Prep and Nursery School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.