Age Range. Girls 3–13, Boys 3–7.
Number of Pupils. Preparatory: 334 (boarding and day). Pre-Preparatory: 115.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Day Children: £4,500–£6,995, Boarding Supplement: £3,500. Nursery: £2,175 (£435 per additional session, 5 minimum).
Since its foundation in 1900, Godstowe Preparatory School has been at the forefront of education. It has a distinguished tradition as the first British boarding preparatory school for girls, in a foundation that includes Wycombe Abbey, Benenden and St Leonards.
Today, Godstowe is a flourishing boarding and day school with around 450 pupils, enjoying an unparalleled academic reputation. It has a Pre-Prep department for boys and girls aged between three and seven, and a Preparatory School for girls from seven to thirteen years old. Class sizes are small allowing children to benefit from individual attention.
A new indoor swimming pool opened in May 2019. The school underwent an ISI inspection in June 2018 and was regarded as ‘excellent’ in every respect.
Academic Record. Godstowe enjoys an excellent and unparalleled academic reputation amongst British independent schools. Despite its non-selective entry policy, Godstowe consistently achieves unrivalled academic results. In 2019, 33 scholarships and distinctions were awarded. By the age of nine, pupils are taught by specialists in 16 subjects across the curriculum. Language teaching includes French, Spanish and Latin. Sport, ICT, Art and Music are all outstandingly taught within first-rate facilities.
Boarding. Girls’ boarding life is focused within three houses in the grounds, one of which is a dedicated junior house. Each has three resident staff and a warm and supportive atmosphere. A combination of professional and caring staff and beautifully refurbished accommodation ensures a safe and relaxing environment. Each house has its own garden, reinforcing the feeling of ‘going home’ at the end of the school day. Weekends are packed full of activity and fun, with many weekly boarders often choosing to stay at School for the weekend.
The Enrichment Curriculum offers 50 after-school activities each week, most of which run after school between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. The ‘E-Curriculum’ gives children the chance to try many exciting and challenging new pursuits including poetry writing, judo, cooking, Chinese Mandarin, football and debating. In addition, supervised homework sessions are offered every evening. Day children may join the boarders for breakfast and supper. Other than those sessions supervised by outside instructors all activities are offered free of charge. An Enrichment programme is also in place for Pre-Prep children.
Charitable status. The Godstowe Preparatory School Company Limited is a Registered Charity, number 310637. It exists to provide education and training for young girls and boys.