Danes Hill Preparatory School
Leatherhead Road, Oxshott, Leatherhead, KT22 0JG
Pupils
686
Ages
3 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Ms Maxine Shaw
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,050 to £7,500
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Danes Hill Preparatory School
Danes Hill Preparatory School, located in Leatherhead, is a popular choice among parents, though it is not currently oversubscribed. Some year groups are full, and waiting lists are in place. The school is virtually non-selective, with taster days for children entering Year 1 and above, observation for Year 1 pupils, and a 30-minute English and Maths assessment for Year 2 and above. The headteacher considers these assessments and detailed feedback from teachers when offering places to families. External entrants into the prep school mainly come from local and London primaries and preps, with some London families moving out, although extensive bus routes now go as far as Wimbledon and Putney to cater for those who stay put. Priority in all year groups is given to siblings, children of former pupils, and staff children. The school has a healthy number of international pupils, with the highest numbers from America and Korea, and a total of 30 nationalities represented.
The school boasts an impressive track record of sending pupils to a wide range of secondary schools. Local favourites include Epsom College, St John’s Leatherhead, Reigate Grammar, and Reed’s, as well as those further afield like Charterhouse, Cranleigh, Wellington College, RGS Guildford, and Brighton College. In 2023, the school achieved 23 scholarships, resulting in a glut of honours boards. Depending on the year group, anywhere between 20-35% of pupils follow the siren call of the 11+, and the school is much happier to support them than in the past, doubtless helped by most of those seats being so easily filled.
The school site, at 55 acres, is not huge compared to others but is lavish by London standards. Pupil numbers are simply jaw-dropping, and the car park, though seemingly large, is necessary to accommodate the queues of black Range Rovers and other cars. Contrary to popular opinion, most parents are not footballers, celebs, and other high net-worth families but increasingly public sector workers, post office employees, and car mechanics.
The grounds are impeccably maintained, with manicured hedges, immaculate lawns, and well-ordered teaching buildings. Even the dead trees have been carved into beautiful wooden sculptures. The reception is corporate and slick, and classrooms are spotless. The whole place is so well maintained that it feels like stepping into a glossy prospectus. In such impeccable surroundings, it’s no wonder that pupils are expected to strive for the best, putting as much effort and dedication into their various endeavours as the gardeners do tending to the topiary. Yet, the pupils appear reassuringly at ease, with tidy but not obsessively so uniforms and hairstyles, and lively, animated lessons.
The school’s super-sized scale is mostly to the pupils’ advantage, with highlights including a vast dining hall, extensive sports amenities, a science area, and a stunning library located in the middle of the school. The library features great vistas, comfy beanbags, a huge book-themed mural, and a librarian who often dresses up. The history classroom deserves a mention for its rubber duck wall of fame, featuring figures like Mary Tudor, Cleopatra, and Trump.
Friendships blossom easily, with all new pupils assigned buddies, and there’s room for quirkiness. The curriculum is broad, with specialist staff more numerous, and speech, music, art, and drama more ambitious in scope. The summer concert is a real treat, and school trips are plentiful, including destinations like Paris, Prague, Tenerife, and the Battlefields. Language teaching is broad, with French and Spanish from nursery, and German and Mandarin among the extra-curricular offerings. There’s even the opportunity to take an early GCSE in Spanish by Year 8 scholars. The club list is extensive, including clay pigeon shooting, dry skiing, archery, film making, and debating.
The school is effectively split into lower, middle, and upper schools, with each year group having its own area and small class sizes, usually around 10 and rarely exceeding 20. Setting starts in Year 2 with English and Maths, with more subjects added from Year 5. Music, food tech, drama, and DT are also taught in half-classes. The site structure is well considered, with numerous outside play areas, ensuring that even break times don’t feel congested.
Inclusivity for mild to moderate SEN is well-regarded, with a well-staffed team providing extra help to around 90 children. The site is wheelchair accessible. Sport is a significant focus, with extensive facilities and a wide range of sports on offer. The school accommodates children who need time off to compete in professional circuits or appear in the West End. Individual and team sporting successes are impressive, with the hockey U11s and U12s currently national champions.
Music is for all, with over 300 pupils learning instruments and 13 ensembles on offer. Drama is also a strong focus, with each year group putting on an annual performance. The art studios are spacious, with evidence of talent across a range of genres.
The pre-prep section features a resident reading therapy dog, Bella, and a beautifully designed building centred around a lovely library. The house system fosters a sense of togetherness, and the school council petitions for changes, with the Year 8 common room being a notable win.
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ISI Review
Danes Hill Preparatory School, located in the village of Oxshott, Surrey, is a co-educational day school catering for pupils aged three to thirteen. The school is divided into distinct sections: a self-contained site for younger pupils aged three to six, and a main school for older pupils, which is further divided into lower, middle, and upper school segments. The headmaster, Mr. William Murdock, has been in position since 2007, during which time the school has undergone significant changes, including a senior management restructure and the addition of new classrooms in the pre-prep area. The school is owned by the Vernon Educational Trust, which operates under a board of governors.
The school’s mission is to foster independence and confidence in its pupils, encouraging them to contribute positively to both the school community and the wider society. It aims to provide a broad-based education that supports all pupils, regardless of their academic abilities, ensuring that both stronger and weaker students can achieve their full potential. The school emphasizes the importance of developing talents in various areas, including sports, music, and drama.
Pupils at Danes Hill come from a diverse range of backgrounds within a ten-mile radius, and the school has identified a significant number of students with special educational needs and disabilities. The school provides tailored support for these pupils, including those with English as an additional language. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, allowing for modifications to meet the needs of gifted and talented students as well as those requiring additional assistance.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Danes Hill meets all required standards, with no further action needed following the inspection. The school has established effective measures for safeguarding, promoting good behavior, and ensuring the health and safety of its pupils. The arrangements for staff suitability are robust, and the school maintains appropriate records as required by regulations.
In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, which is separate from the national framework. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by comprehensive plans and schemes of work, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching methods employed are effective, with a focus on behavior management and the use of suitable resources. The school has established a solid framework for assessing pupil performance, ensuring that the standards related to educational quality are met.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, with principles and values that encourage responsible citizenship. Pupils are taught to be tolerant and law-abiding, contributing positively to their communities. The school fosters an environment where pupils can develop their personal skills and social awareness, preparing them for future responsibilities.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with comprehensive arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school promotes good behavior and has effective measures to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and first aid is adequately provided. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate attendance records.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, ensuring that all individuals in contact with pupils are appropriately vetted. The school provides suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, and the premises are maintained to a high standard, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment. Adequate outdoor space is available for physical education and play.
Danes Hill also excels in providing information to parents and stakeholders, ensuring transparency regarding the school’s ethos, curriculum, and policies. The school has established a clear complaints procedure, which is effectively managed through a structured process. Records of complaints are maintained appropriately, ensuring that any issues raised are addressed in a timely manner.
Leadership and management at Danes Hill are characterized by strong governance, with the proprietor ensuring that the leadership team demonstrates effective skills and knowledge. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils and ensures that all standards are consistently met.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who are described as articulate and confident communicators. They display outstanding skills in various subjects and demonstrate a strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Pupils make excellent progress over time, achieving high levels of knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.
The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent, with students showing high levels of self-awareness, self-discipline, and social skills. They contribute positively to the school community and engage in various activities that promote their personal growth. The school encourages pupils to make independent choices and decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership from an early age.
Pupils at Danes Hill are recognized for their exceptional attitudes towards learning, displaying perseverance and commitment in their studies. They engage actively in lessons, demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm for their education. The school’s emphasis on collaborative learning enhances their communication skills and fosters a supportive learning environment.
Overall, Danes Hill Preparatory School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to high standards of education, combined with its focus on the holistic development of each child, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive feedback from inspections reflects the school’s dedication to maintaining a high-quality educational experience for all its students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024