As a High Performance Learning world-class school, the Prep provides an educational journey from Preschool through to the end of Key Stage 2, and the majority of our pupils make the transition to St Swithun’s Senior School at 11+.
Pupils at St Swithun’s Prep enjoy the lively learning environment where excellence is a tradition, success is a habit, and laughter and fun are an integral part of every day. We believe girls' education is key to a thriving community. Our state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes and personalised attention ensure each pupil gets the support they need.
We look forward to welcoming you into the school – we believe you will find a community where our core values – Caritas, Humilitas and Sinceritas – guide everything we do; caring, inspires us to create a warm and supportive environment; humility, keeps us grounded and always learning; sincerity, means we value honesty and integrity in all we do.
Head
Liz Norris
Age range. Girls 4–11, with a co-ed pre-school.
Number of pupils. 207 pupils. Average class size 18.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Pre-school: £4,819.37 (all day); Reception, Years 1 & 2: £5,638.80; Year 3: £7,549.20; Years 4–6: £7,657.20. Fees include VAT.
Profile. Welcome to St Swithun’s Prep School, a school in which every child is known, cherished and at the same time encouraged to be fearless.
Our modern, purpose-built prep school provides a simply spectacular and inspiring teaching and learning environment. It is an environment in which pupils and staff have warm, respectful relationships. The building includes specialist teaching rooms, a Science laboratory, an Art studio, a media/computing room, a performing arts space and a gym. Prep school children also have access to the school's athletics track and indoor swimming facilities, including a teaching pool. Swimming is part of the curriculum for all students. There is also a Forest School on campus. 39% of the Prep school’s energy is generated from solar power.
While united in their enthusiasm and energy, the children are all individuals and we encourage them to sample a wide range of experiences so that they each develop individual passions. We look always to celebrate characteristics such as the ability to bounce back from disappointment, to show compassion for others, to rise to challenges and to keep a sense of perspective. We believe a child’s education should be about discovery, a sense of adventure and a spirit of excitement and fun. With this foundation, academic success, friendships, creativity and a great deal more is achieved here. We are committed to finding and building upon individual talents and skills, and growing self esteem. We embrace fearlessness, resilience, self-confidence, intellectual curiosity, compassion, a sense of community and a sense of humour. Bright starts mean bright futures here at St Swithun’s.
Entry. From 3.
Curriculum. Usual subjects taught plus French, Art, Technology, Drama, ICT, Music and PE, with due regard for National Curriculum requirements.
Leavers. Girls go on to a range of senior independent schools, with the majority going to St Swithun’s Senior School.
Consultation. Biannual reports, regular parents’ evenings and PTA.
Sports. Gymnastics, netball, pop lacrosse, rounders, tag rugby, tennis, short tennis, swimming, football and athletics.
Activities. There are many clubs to choose from and include tennis, art, drama, gymnastics, judo, chocolate club, science, cookery, swimming, football and dance.
Musical concerts and productions are regularly held. Three annual residential trips in Years 4–6, and regular day trips for all years.
Special needs. Qualified Learning Support teacher.
Charitable status. St Swithun’s School Winchester is a Registered Charity, number 307335.