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School Name

Caldicott

Category

UK Prep Schools

Types

Prep school

Pupil type

Boys only

Boarding-Day

Day

Boarding

Curriculums

UK Curriculum

Pupil age range

7-13

Location

Buckinghamshire

Caldicott

Focus 

Balancing education with the joys of childhood

Day fees 2025/26

$31,200-$46,700

Boarding fees 2025/26

$58,100

Term dates

  • Term 1: 3 September to 10 December 2025
  • Term 2: 6 January to 26 March 2026
  • Term 3: 21 April to 2 July 2026

Ages

7-13

Pupil count

256

Spear’s Review

Set in South Buckinghamshire, within reach of west London, Caldicott is a preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13. Boarding at the school is encouraged rather than prescribed, allowing families to use it flexibly while still benefiting from the social and pastoral strengths of residential life.

Character education is taken seriously. Boys are encouraged to see failure as part of learning, a message reinforced through leadership roles and weekly pastoral assemblies where acts of kindness are recognised. A weekly wellbeing survey gathers data from every pupil, enabling staff to track patterns and intervene early.

With a rich array of extracurricular activities – including sports, music and the arts – Caldicott’s stated aim is clear: to send boys on to senior school with confidence, perspective and a sense of responsibility.

Head teacher

Jeremy Banks is the headmaster of Caldicott, a role he has held since 2018. With a strong background in education, he is dedicated to providing a well-rounded, high-quality learning experience for the pupils under his care. Prior to joining Caldicott, Banks had extensive experience in leading both preparatory and senior schools, including Beachborough School in Buckinghamshire and London’s Dulwich PrepHe is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, and previously served as chairman of the education committee. 

Senior school destinations

Pupils have gone on to study at top senior schools including St Paul’s School and Westminster School

Admissions

Prospective pupils typically begin in Year 3, although places may be available – but limited – in later years. The application process includes a visit to the school, where parents and children can meet staff and explore the facilities. Applicants are assessed through an informal interview and, for older year groups, academic testing in subjects such as English and maths. 

According to the school, while its admissions process is selective, it is ‘more about seeing how boys perform and behave in a classroom setting, rather than anonymous exam grades’. 

Notable alumni

  • Ben Castle (jazz musician)
  • Nick Clegg (former deputy prime minister of the UK)
  • Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah (regent and crown prince of Pahang, Malaysia)

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 30 minutes

Location


Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.

Rank: Top 100

Top 100 2026, UK Prep Schools

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