Papplewick

Focus 

Celebrating individuality

Day fees 2025/26

$33,800-$47,300

Boarding fees 2025/26

$61,600

Term dates

• Term 1: 8 September to 13 December 2025
• Term 2: 6 January to 20 March 2026
• Term 3: 19 April to 4 July 2026

Ages

6-13

Pupil count

210

Spear’s Review

Papplewick is a day and boarding preparatory school for boys aged 6 to 13. Nestled within 15 acres of Berkshire countryside, Papplewick aims to nurture and prepare boys for senior school and beyond, inspiring creative and inquisitive minds.

Academics are taken very seriously at Papplewick, and teachers are there to ‘inspire boys’, not just to be ‘curriculum deliverers’. Subjects include history, French, all sciences and classics, including the study of Latin and Greek. 

Certainly, there is no shortage of opportunity for students; long days are filled with learning, activities, sports, clubs and well-earned breaks. Such breaks may include clay pigeon shooting, drama, cookery, board games, fishing and a ‘Harry Potter club’. The sports list is equally impressive, and boys can play water polo, table tennis, badminton, touch rugby and cricket, among others.

Papplewick takes a ‘modern, family-friendly’ approach to boarding. Teachers stay at the school during the weekends, meaning that there is a real sense of closeness and home at the school. Pupils are also treated to events and outings, such as sleepovers, day trips, activities and snacks such as hot chocolates after prep time during weekdays.

Head teacher

Tom Bunbury has been headmaster of Papplewick since 2004. He joined the school community in 1993, and has previously served as head of Papplewick’s maths department and as deputy head. 

Senior school destinations

Papplewick boys routinely secure places at leading schools such as Eton, Harrow and Winchester College.

Admissions

According to the school, applicants are advised to complete a registration form and submit a copy of their child’s most recent school report before coming to see the headmaster with their son. Parents can then complete their registration form. 

The majority of boys enter the school between the ages of 6 and 8; however, older boys do join the school in later year groups. Before admission, students are invited to spend part of a day at Papplewick in order to be assessed for placement purposes.

Notable alumni

• Ed Coode (Olympic rower)
  
• James Haskell (rugby player)
  
• Richard Curtis (screenwriter)
  

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 30 minutes

Location

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