Papplewick School

Focus

Celebrating individuality

Day fees 2024/25

$29,100–$40,800 (incl. VAT)

Boarding fees 2024/25

$53,100 (incl. VAT)

Pupils

200

Ages

6–13

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’. Certainly, there is no shortage of opportunity for students; long days are filled with learning, activities, sports, clubs and well-earned breaks. Subjects include history, French, all sciences and classics, including study of Latin and Greek. 

Outside of the classroom, activities, societies and sports take up evenings and weekends, as well as dedicated times during the school day. Such activities 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.

Senior school destinations

Papplewick boys gain places at some of the most prestigious schools in the UK, including Harrow, Eton, Winchester, Wellington and Charterhouse.

Head teacher

Tom Bunbury has been head master 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. He lives on the school grounds with his wife and four children.

Admissions

Applicants are advised to complete a registration form and submit a copy of a 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 into later year groups. Prior to admission, students are invited to spend part of a day at Papplewick in order to be assessed for placing purposes.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 30 minutes

Location

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