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Compare Independent Schools in Hampshire

Hampshire offers one of the most diverse independent school landscapes in the South of England. From globally recognised boarding schools and highly regarded day schools to outstanding prep schools and all-through educational environments, the county provides families with an exceptional range of choices across every stage of education.

Hampshire offers one of the most diverse independent school landscapes in the South of England. From globally recognised boarding schools and highly regarded day schools to outstanding prep schools and all-through educational environments, the county provides families with an exceptional range of choices across every stage of education.

Featured Schools in this Comparison

Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.

Winchester College

Winchester College

Winchester, Hampshire

Age range
13–19
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
734
Type
Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £14,800
Boarding £20,000
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Churcher's College

Churcher's College

Petersfield, Hampshire

Age range
2–18
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,332
Type
Day

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,150 - £7,996
Boarding Not provided
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Bedales School

Bedales School

Petersfield, Hampshire

Age range
3–19
Gender
Co-educational
Pupils
768
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £4,420 - £14,717
Boarding £13,058 - £19,000
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St Swithun's School
Age range
3–18
Gender
Girls
Pupils
715
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,639 - £10,847
Boarding £18,332
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The Pilgrims' School

The Pilgrims' School

Winchester, Hampshire

Age range
4–13
Gender
Boys
Pupils
229
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,155 - £9,792
Boarding £12,455
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Farleigh School

Farleigh School

Andover, Hampshire

Age range
2–14
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
448
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,600 - £10,486
Boarding £11,428 - £13,890
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Twyford School

Twyford School

Winchester, Hampshire

Age range
2–13
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
422
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,524 - £9,850
Boarding £10,751 - £12,466
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Why Families Choose Independent Schools in Hampshire

  • Exceptional choice across boarding schools, day schools, prep schools and senior schools.
  • Home to some of the UK's most respected schools, including Winchester College and Bedales.
  • Strong emphasis on outdoor education, sport, creativity and personal development.
  • Broad range of educational philosophies, from highly academic to more progressive approaches.
  • A balance of academic ambition, pastoral care and all-round education that appeals to a wide range of families.

School Summaries

Winchester College

Few schools are as closely associated with scholarship and academic tradition as Winchester College. The school attracts families seeking an intellectually ambitious environment where pupils are encouraged to think independently, engage deeply with their subjects and contribute fully to wider school life. Alongside its academic reputation, Winchester offers extensive opportunities across music, sport, drama, leadership and co-curricular activities, helping pupils develop both inside and outside the classroom. Families often compare Winchester College with Eton College, Radley College and Westminster School when considering academic culture, boarding provision and overall school experience.

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Churcher's College

A reputation for strong academic outcomes within a grounded and community-focused environment makes Churcher's College a popular choice for families across Hampshire. Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while also participating fully in sport, music, drama, leadership and wider school life. The school's balance of achievement, opportunity and personal development appeals to families seeking a co-educational school where pupils can thrive without losing sight of the importance of individual wellbeing and character. Families often compare Churcher's College with Portsmouth Grammar School, King Edward VI School Southampton and Reading Blue Coat School when considering educational approach, school culture and overall school experience.

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Bedales School

A distinctive educational philosophy and a strong emphasis on creativity have helped make Bedales School one of the UK's most recognisable alternative independent schools. The school encourages pupils to think independently, explore their interests and develop their own strengths through a broad educational experience that extends well beyond the traditional curriculum. Its progressive approach and focus on individual growth appeal to families seeking a senior school that values curiosity, self-expression and personal development alongside academic achievement. Families often compare Bedales School with Frensham Heights School, King Alfred School and Wellington College when considering educational approach, school culture and overall school experience.

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St Swithun's School

For families seeking a girls' school that combines academic ambition with a supportive and forward-looking environment, St Swithun's School is often high on the shortlist. Girls are encouraged to develop confidence in their own abilities while embracing opportunities across academics, sport, music, drama, leadership and wider school life. The school's reputation for helping pupils achieve highly while maintaining a strong sense of balance and wellbeing appeals to families looking for an education that prepares girls for future success without losing sight of individual development. Families often compare St Swithun's School with Downe House, The Abbey School Reading and St Mary's School Ascot when considering girls' education, school culture and overall school experience.

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The Pilgrims' School

Few prep schools offer an educational experience quite like The Pilgrims' School. Closely connected to Winchester Cathedral, the school is particularly well known for its chorister tradition while also providing a broad preparatory education that helps boys develop academically, socially and personally before senior school. The school's distinctive heritage, strong sense of community and emphasis on character development appeal to families seeking a prep school experience that combines tradition with strong preparation for the future. Families often compare The Pilgrims' School with Twyford School, Ludgrove School and Farleigh School when considering school culture, educational approach and senior school pathways.

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Farleigh School

For families seeking a prep school where community and character are given as much importance as academic progress, Farleigh School is often a natural choice. Pupils are encouraged to contribute fully to school life while developing strong foundations for the future through academics, sport, music, drama and a wide range of wider activities. The school's values-led approach and supportive environment appeal to families looking for a balanced preparatory education that nurtures both personal growth and future success. Families often compare Farleigh School with Twyford School, The Pilgrims' School and Wellesley Prep School when considering educational approach, school culture and senior school preparation.

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Twyford School

As one of the UK's oldest preparatory schools, Twyford School has long been associated with preparing children for the next stage of their education within a traditional prep school environment. Pupils are encouraged to develop strong academic foundations while participating fully in sport, music, drama, outdoor learning and wider school life. The school's combination of established traditions, broad opportunities and focus on future progression appeals to families seeking a preparatory education that balances achievement, character development and childhood experiences. Families often compare Twyford School with The Pilgrims' School, Farleigh School and Ludgrove School when considering educational approach, senior school pathways and overall prep school experience.

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Wellesley Prep School

A strong sense of community and a focus on helping every child flourish make Wellesley Prep School an attractive option for families seeking a supportive preparatory education. Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and independence while building strong academic foundations and participating fully in sport, music, drama and wider school life. The school's nurturing environment and emphasis on individual development appeal to families looking for a prep school where children are known well and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Families often compare Wellesley Prep School with Farleigh School, Prince's Mead School and Twyford School when considering school culture, educational approach and preparation for senior school.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best private schools in Hampshire?
Hampshire is home to a wide range of highly regarded private schools, including prep schools, senior schools, day schools and boarding schools. The best school for any child will depend on age, academic profile, personality, interests and family priorities. Some families focus on academic outcomes and university destinations, while others place more weight on pastoral care, boarding provision, sport, music, drama or the overall feel of the school community. Comparing schools side by side can help parents understand how options differ and build a shortlist that reflects both their ambitions and their child's individual needs.
Why do families choose private schools in Hampshire?
Hampshire offers one of the broadest independent school markets outside London, with strong prep, senior and boarding options. Families are often attracted by the combination of academic opportunity, pastoral support, facilities and co-curricular breadth available across the region. Schools differ significantly in character, selectivity and educational philosophy, so parents should consider more than reputation alone. For many families, the appeal lies in finding a school that offers strong teaching, a supportive culture and opportunities beyond the classroom while remaining practical for location, travel and family life.
Are there boarding schools in Hampshire?
Yes, Hampshire includes private schools with boarding provision, although the range of full, weekly and flexible boarding options varies between schools. Boarding can be an important consideration for families looking for greater independence, access to wider activities or a more immersive school experience. Parents should compare boarding accommodation, house structure, weekend provision, pastoral care, location and fees before deciding whether a school is the right fit. Visiting boarding houses and speaking to boarding staff can be particularly helpful when evaluating options.
How much do private schools in Hampshire cost?
Private school fees in Hampshire vary depending on the school, age group and whether pupils attend as day students or boarders. Prep school fees are usually lower than senior school fees, while boarding fees are typically higher because they include accommodation, meals and residential care. Families should also consider additional costs such as registration fees, deposits, uniform, trips, transport and extracurricular activities. Fee levels can change annually, so parents should always check the latest figures directly with each school when comparing options.
Which private schools in Hampshire achieve strong academic results?
Several private schools in Hampshire are known for strong GCSE, A Level or equivalent outcomes, but academic results should not be viewed in isolation. Families should also consider teaching style, subject choice, university destinations, pastoral care and the level of support provided to pupils. A school with excellent results may not necessarily be the best environment for every child. Comparing academic performance alongside school culture and wider opportunities can help parents identify schools where their child is most likely to feel challenged, supported and motivated.
Do private schools in Hampshire offer scholarships and bursaries?
Many private schools in Hampshire offer scholarships, bursaries or both, although availability and eligibility criteria vary. Scholarships may recognise achievement or potential in academics, music, sport, drama, art or other areas. Bursaries are usually means-tested and designed to support families who may not otherwise be able to afford full fees. Parents should review each school's admissions and financial assistance information carefully, as deadlines, assessment processes and award levels can differ significantly.
What age can children join a private school in Hampshire?
Private schools in Hampshire usually offer a range of entry points, often including nursery, Reception, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. The available entry stages depend on whether the school is a prep, senior or all-through school. Some schools may also accept occasional place applications in other year groups where spaces are available. Families should check admissions timelines carefully, as popular entry points can require registration well in advance and may involve assessments, interviews or school references.
How can families compare private schools in Hampshire?
Families comparing private schools in Hampshire should consider academic approach, admissions requirements, fees, location, school culture, pastoral care, facilities, co-curricular opportunities and destination outcomes. It is also important to think about how well the school matches a child's personality, interests and learning style. Open days, school visits and comparison tools can help parents move beyond reputation and understand the practical differences between schools. The best choice is usually the school where a child is most likely to thrive academically, socially and personally.

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