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 Prep. He 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
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Rank: Top 100
Top 100 2026, UK Prep Schools