St Swithun’s Prep School

At St Swithun’s Prep School we believe a child’s education should be about discovery, a sense of adventure and a spirit of excitement and fun; that good academic success and a great deal more is achieved as a result of this ethos.

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    St Swithun’s Prep School

    St Swithun’s Prep is a gently selective school and its academic success is achieved through good teaching in small groups, excellent resources and facilities, supportive parents and motivated children who enjoy coming to school. It is the children that we are most proud of and we spend a lot of time building their self-esteem. All children have different talents and skills and we are committed to finding and developing these. Success in one area leads to a boost in confidence elsewhere and this helps our pupils feel secure enough to explore and take risks.

    Category: Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory

    Pupils: Co-Education

    Type: Day

    Religious Affiliation: Church of England

    Roll: 9 Boys / / 217 Girls

    Age Range: Girls aged 4-11 Years with a coeducational pre-school

    Founded: 1884

    Location Description

    St Swithun’s Prep is set within 45 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Winchester, overlooking the Hampshire Downs.

    School Contact Details

    Headteacher: Mrs Liz Norris

    Contact for enquiries:Mrs Sara Mathieson, Registrar

    Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA

    Tel: 01962 835750

    Email: prepadmissions@stswithuns.com

    www.stswithuns.com

    Facilities

    Since opening its doors on its new site in 2015, St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester has become a vibrant and thriving educational community, where pupils and staff enjoy the outstanding facilities of their purpose-built building. The school offers a light, bright, and modern space that provides an inspiring environment for both learning and play.

    The Performing Arts space and gym, are exclusively for the use of the prep school children, enhancing their educational experience. These facilities, alongside the state-of-the-art specialist teaching rooms—including a science laboratory, art studio, and media/computing room—allow for smaller class sizes and more personalised attention for each student.

    Designed with a focus on natural light, the building features expansive glass windows that overlook the surrounding trees and fields, creating a connection with the outdoors. Inside, light wood finishes, oak floors, and modern furnishings contribute to a calm and spacious atmosphere that supports comfortable and enjoyable learning.

    At the heart of the school lies the inspiring library, with bespoke curved shelving and soft seating that invite children to explore the world of books in a peaceful setting. The tranquil ambiance extends throughout the school, complemented by the beautiful naturalistic planting outdoors, where floor-to-ceiling glass allows the gentle breezes and scents of lavender and rosemary to fill the space.

    The school’s facilities also include sports courts, expansive playing fields, and an indoor swimming pool, providing extensive opportunities for sport and recreation. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, from Netball, Hockey, and Football in the winter to Rounders, Kwik Cricket, and Athletics in the summer. Swimming, Gymnastics, and Dance are integral parts of the curriculum throughout the year.

    Music is a vibrant part of school life at St Swithun’s Prep, with thriving ensembles including string and chamber orchestras, wind bands, choirs, and even two steel bands. Individual tuition is available in a wide range of instruments, nurturing the musical talents of each child.

    Beyond the classroom, a diverse range of clubs and activities are offered, from core sports and Judo to Golf, Science, ICT, and creative pursuits like Watercolour Painting and Calligraphy.

    For those who need additional support, the school provides access to a specialist Learning Support teacher, offering tailored assistance either individually or in small groups.

    To support busy families, the school offers both before and after school care, ensuring that children are well looked after throughout the day. St Swithun’s Prep School continues to be a place where children flourish, with a curriculum and environment designed to inspire, challenge, and nurture every student.

    Entrance Requirements

    Gently Selective

    Fees

    2024/2025

    Years 4, 5 and 6: £6,354 per term.

    Year 3: £6,264 per term.

    Reception, Years 1 and 2: £4,679 per term.

    Pre-School: (all day, including lunch) £4,679 per term.

    Downloadable Resources

    OPEN DAYS

    All visits are welcome, please contact the school

    For details, please contact Mrs Sara Mathieson on 01962 835792 or email prepadmissions@stswithuns.com

    RECENT NEWS

    What’s been happening at the School?

    All posts by St Swithun’s Prep School
    • Liz Norris to join St Swithun’s...

      Liz Norris to join St Swithun’s Prep School as new Head  St Swithun’s is thrilled to announce the appointment of Liz Norris...

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    • St Swithun’s Prep celebrates World...

      St Swithun’s Prep celebrates World Book Day Over 200 students at St Swithun’s Prep School dressed up and took part in a day of fun filled activities as part of World Book Day. The day started with a book themed assembly with all the students showing off their costumes inspired by their favourite characters from...

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    • St Swithun’s Prep School appoints...

      St Swithun’s Prep School is delighted to have appointed Rebecca Jackson as their new preschool lead. Rebecca joins St Swithun’s from St Helen’s School in Northwood where she was responsible for the Early Years phase for the last 8 years, teaching nursery and reception. Born and raised in Canada Rebecca has always aspired to be...

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    • St Swithun’s appoints new pre-prep...

      St Swithun’s Prep school in Winchester is delighted to announce the appointment of a new leader for its pre-prep provision, managing the early years and key stage 1 departments. Cari Hookes-Gosney who held similar posts at schools in Wiltshire, Kent and Surrey, brings a wealth of experience and practice to her leadership. Cari began her...

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    • Student recognised by prestigious poetry...

      Cameron Brookes, a 10 year old year 6 pupil from St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester, has been recognised by the prestigious Stephen Spender prize for poetry translation. Cameron was one of only 35 children nationally in the 14-and-under category to receive a commendation from the judges, and one of only a handful in this...

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    • Students swap jumpers for Save...

      Pupils at St Swithun’s Prep in Winchester raised money for Save the Children through an innovative recycling scheme to extend the life of their Christmas jumpers. The initiative was the combined idea of two of the school’s pupil committees – charity fundraising and ecological sustainability - both of which represent children from Reception to Year...

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    • St Swithun’s launches storybook to...

      St Swithuns’s Prep School, Winchester has launched Alice and Sophia go to St Swithun’s Prep, a picture storybook especially produced to appeal to young people who are about to start school. Jonathan Brough, who took up the headship of the school in September this year wrote the book from the perspective of people for whom...

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    • St Swithun’s prep school teacher...

      Jenny Davies, year 3 teacher at St Swithun’s prep school in Winchester, has been appointed a High Performance Learning (HPL) Global Lead Teacher. HPL is a philosophy which recognises that all children have the potential for high-level achievement, regardless of ability. It is an approach embedded across the curriculum and all areas of school life...

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    • Accomplished sportsman joins St Swithun’s...

      St Swithun’s Prep School, Winchester, has appointed Mark Heffernan as Head of Sport. Mr Heffernan took up his new post at the start of the summer term. An accomplished cricketer and cricketing coach, Mr Heffernan currently plays for the Southern Premier Cricket League. He is also an endurance athlete with eight marathons and an ultra-marathon...

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    • New head appointed at St...

       St Swithun's, Winchester has appointed Jonathan Brough as head of the prep school with effect from the start of the autumn term 2020.  Mr Brough has been headmaster at Hurlingham School in London since 2010 with full responsibility for all aspects of educational life. Prior to this, he was head of prep at City of...

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    • Olympic champion visits St Swithun’s...

      St Swithun’s Prep School was thrilled to welcome British athlete Mark Lewis-Francis, MBE for a recent visit. Mark is perhaps best known for his role anchoring the Great Britain and Northern Ireland 4 x 100 metres relay team to a famous gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. During his visit to St...

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