Ludgrove School
Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
Not provided
Boarding
£13,920
Compare Boarding Prep School Fees
Boarding often begins earlier than many parents expect, with some children joining boarding prep schools from as young as seven or eight. For families considering this route, understanding both the costs involved and the experience provided by different schools is an important part of the decision-making process.
Boarding often begins earlier than many parents expect, with some children joining boarding prep schools from as young as seven or eight. For families considering this route, understanding both the costs involved and the experience provided by different schools is an important part of the decision-making process.
Featured Schools in this Comparison
Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.
Dragon School
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£6,310 - £11,130
Boarding
£14,496 - £16,590
Summer Fields School
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£6,320 - £11,130
Boarding
£15,970
Cothill House
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£9,130
Boarding
£14,030
Caldicott School
Slough, Buckinghamshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£9,142 - £13,684
Boarding
£15,034 - £17,045
Sunningdale School
Ascot, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£10,584
Boarding
£13,548
Elstree School
Reading, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£5,580 - £10,680
Boarding
£11,490 - £13,530
Windlesham House School
Pulborough, West Sussex
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£4,409 - £10,580
Boarding
£13,243 - £13,627
Why Families Choose Boarding Prep School Fees
- Costs vary significantly between boarding prep schools.
- Boarding arrangements differ between schools.
- Facilities and extracurricular opportunities vary.
- Financial support options are not consistent across schools.
- Comparing fees helps families understand overall value.
About This Comparison
Boarding often begins earlier than many parents expect, with some children joining boarding prep schools from as young as seven or eight. For families considering this route, understanding both the costs involved and the experience provided by different schools is an important part of the decision-making process.
While fees are a key consideration, parents often compare schools based on boarding provision, pastoral care, academic preparation, facilities and the pathways available for progression to senior school. Additional costs, scholarships and bursaries can also influence the overall affordability of different options.
This guide compares boarding prep school fees across some of the UK's best-known preparatory schools, helping families explore fees and admissions information. Comparing schools side by side can help families identify the options that best match both their educational priorities and budget.
School Summaries
Ludgrove School
Ludgrove School is one of the UK's best-known boarding prep schools and is frequently included in fee comparisons by families seeking a traditional preparatory education for boys. The school's strong boarding culture, broad co-curricular programme and impressive senior school destinations contribute to its enduring popularity. Families often compare Ludgrove with schools such as Summer Fields, Cothill House and Caldicott School when assessing boarding provision, educational approach and overall value.
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Dragon School
Dragon School is renowned for its broad educational offering, co-educational environment and strong emphasis on developing confident, well-rounded pupils. Families comparing boarding prep school fees often consider Dragon alongside Summer Fields, Windlesham House and Elstree School, particularly when looking for a balance of academic preparation, boarding opportunities and co-curricular breadth. Its reputation for nurturing independent and engaged learners makes it a popular choice.
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Summer Fields School
Summer Fields School is one of England's most established boys' preparatory schools, combining strong academic preparation with a vibrant boarding environment. Families frequently compare its fees with those of Ludgrove, Cothill House and Sunningdale School when researching traditional boarding prep schools with excellent senior school pathways. The school's broad range of sporting, creative and enrichment opportunities adds to its appeal.
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Cothill House
Cothill House offers a distinctive boarding prep experience centred around independence, outdoor learning and all-round development. Families often compare Cothill with Ludgrove, Summer Fields and Caldicott School when assessing boarding-focused preparatory schools. Its emphasis on character development, alongside academic preparation and a strong sense of community, attracts families seeking a traditional boarding environment.
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Caldicott School
Caldicott School combines academic ambition with a strong boarding tradition and a wide-ranging programme of sport, music and co-curricular activities. Families researching boarding prep school fees frequently compare Caldicott with Ludgrove, Cothill House and Sunningdale School when evaluating schools that prepare boys for leading senior schools. Its balance of academic challenge and pastoral support appeals to many families.
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Sunningdale School
Sunningdale School is a small and highly regarded boys' boarding prep school known for its close-knit community and personalised approach to education. Families often compare its fees with those of Ludgrove, Caldicott and Summer Fields when considering traditional boarding prep schools. The school's emphasis on individual development and preparation for competitive senior school entry contributes to its strong reputation.
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Elstree School
Elstree School is a co-educational preparatory school with a long-established boarding tradition and a strong reputation for nurturing pupils both academically and personally. Families comparing boarding prep school fees frequently consider Elstree alongside Dragon School and Windlesham House School when evaluating co-educational boarding options. Its broad educational offering and supportive environment appeal to families seeking a balanced preparatory education.
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Windlesham House School
Cottesmore School is a well-established co-educational boarding prep school known for combining academic preparation with a strong emphasis on character development, creativity and pupil wellbeing. Families comparing boarding prep school fees often consider Cottesmore alongside Dragon School, Elstree School and other leading co-educational boarding preps when assessing boarding provision, educational approach and overall value. Its broad curriculum, supportive environment and strong senior school destinations make it a popular choice for families seeking a balanced preparatory education.
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
How much do boarding prep schools cost?
Boarding prep school fees vary depending on the school, age of entry and boarding arrangements offered. As a general rule, boarding prep schools are often less expensive than senior boarding schools, although costs can still be significant. Fees typically include tuition, accommodation, meals, pastoral care and access to a wide range of school facilities and activities. Families should also be aware that fees usually increase as pupils progress through the school. Comparing boarding prep school fees can help parents identify options that align with both their educational priorities and financial circumstances.
Why do boarding prep school fees vary between schools?
Fee differences often reflect factors such as location, facilities, staffing levels, class sizes, boarding provision and the breadth of opportunities available to pupils. Some schools offer extensive grounds, specialist sports facilities, performing arts programmes or outdoor education opportunities that contribute to higher operating costs. Others may focus on providing a more traditional boarding experience with different priorities. Comparing what is included within the fees can often provide a better indication of value than comparing headline costs alone.
What do boarding prep school fees usually include?
Most boarding prep school fees include tuition, accommodation, meals, pastoral care and access to many sports, clubs and co-curricular activities. Boarding pupils also benefit from supervision and support outside the classroom, including evenings and weekends. However, schools differ in what is included. Some may charge separately for music lessons, specialist coaching, educational trips or certain extracurricular activities. Families should review fee schedules carefully to understand the full cost of attendance and avoid unexpected expenses.
What additional costs should families expect?
In addition to boarding fees, families may need to budget for registration fees, deposits, uniforms, school trips, examination costs and optional extracurricular activities. Some schools may also charge separately for individual music tuition, specialist sports coaching or overseas trips. Understanding these additional costs is important when comparing schools, as headline fees do not always reflect the total amount a family is likely to spend during the school year.
Are boarding prep schools good value for money?
Value is highly subjective and depends on a family's priorities. Many parents feel boarding prep schools offer excellent value because they combine academic education with extensive pastoral support, character development and co-curricular opportunities. Smaller class sizes, specialist teaching and access to facilities that may not be available elsewhere are also frequently cited as benefits. The best value school is often not the cheapest, but the one that provides the right environment and opportunities for a particular child.
Do boarding prep schools offer scholarships?
Some boarding prep schools offer scholarships to recognise talent or potential in areas such as academics, sport, music, drama and art. Scholarship arrangements vary considerably between schools. While some awards provide meaningful fee reductions, others are primarily honorary and focus on recognising achievement. Families interested in scholarships should review admissions information carefully and understand any assessment or audition requirements involved.
Are bursaries available at boarding prep schools?
Many boarding prep schools offer means-tested bursaries designed to support families who may require financial assistance. Bursary awards vary in size and may cover a proportion of fees or, in some cases, a significant percentage of boarding costs. Eligibility criteria and application processes differ between schools. Families considering bursary support should begin researching options early, as funding can be limited and competition for awards may be strong.
How can families compare boarding prep school fees?
The most effective approach is to compare fees alongside the overall educational experience offered by each school. Families should consider academic provision, pastoral care, boarding culture, facilities, co-curricular opportunities and destination pathways as well as cost. It is also important to understand what is included within the fees and what may incur additional charges. Looking at overall value rather than headline price alone can help families identify schools that provide the best fit for their child and their budget.
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