King Edward VI Preparatory School
Catchment Area, Reviews and Key Information

Primary

PUPILS

263

AGES

2 - 11

GENDER

Mixed

TYPE

Other independent school

Compare To Nearby Schools

King Edward VI Preparatory School Key Information

How Does The School Perform?

Inspection

NATIONAL AVG. 2.09

Independent Schools Inspectorate

(08/02/2024)

Overall grade included

Ofsted Report · All Reports

PREP

Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.

Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.

Day

Boarding Type

Available

Scholarship Status

£1,968
to
£9,900

Day Fees Per Term
(excluding VAT)

14.8%

NATIONAL AVG. 15.0%

Pupils with SEN support

NURSERY

Co-educational nursery

View website

School Video

School Prospectus

Request prospectus

Highwood House

Highwood Lane

Romsey

SO51 9ZH

+44 (0)1794 513231

Hampshire

Visit School Website

See News and Open Days from King Edward VI Preparatory School

School Description

King Edward VI Preparatory is a true preparatory school, set in beautiful, rural Hampshire. When you visit us, expect to see pupils who are happy, respectful and honest. These three fundamental attributes ensure that our leavers are fully prepared to move on to the next stage of their education and the start of their young adult lives.

King Edward VI Preparatory School Parent Reviews

Average Parent Rating

“Breadth of opportunities – Year 2 Parent”

29 March 2026 AUTHOR: A Parent

Our daughter has embraced the huge range of clubs and activities on offer. One term she chose ballet, the next it was snorkelling and drama – and every experience has been so positive. It’s such a joy to see her exploring new interests in a safe and encouraging environment. The breadth of opportunities means there’s something for every child, and it has really helped her discover passions we didn’t even know she had.

“Wonderful environment”

13 January 2026 AUTHOR: A Parent

Our daughter settled into Nursery so quickly thanks to the caring staff and the wonderful environment. She loves spending time in the orchard and Little Meadow outdoor classroom, and every day comes home with muddy boots and a huge smile. It’s wonderful to see her developing confidence and independence while still feeling so secure and cared for.

“Genuine focus on pupil wellbeing”

25 November 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

What stands out to us most is how much the school genuinely cares for every child’s wellbeing. Our daughter knows she can always find support if she needs it, whether that’s through her form tutor, a friendly member of staff, or the Wellbeing Centre. She feels listened to and valued, and as parents that reassurance is priceless. It’s clear that emotional development is just as important as academic success at KES Prep.

“Excellent Sports Ethos”

20 October 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

My son is absolutely thriving in sport at KES Prep. What we really value is the inclusive approach – everyone is given the chance to play and represent the school. He particularly loves cricket, and it has been fantastic to see girls and boys encouraged equally. The sports staff strike the perfect balance between competition and enjoyment, and our son has developed resilience, teamwork and pride through the many fixtures he’s been part of.

“Happy Year 3 Parent”

11 September 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

Our son has always been curious, and we’ve been amazed at how the school feeds that natural curiosity. The lessons are creative, engaging and fun, and we love that learning goes far beyond simply remembering facts. He is encouraged to ask questions, to think for himself, and to collaborate with his classmates. He comes home full of enthusiasm and is genuinely excited about going to school each morning.

Review this school Log in

Your rating:

I have read the review guidelines Receive School Guide's newsletter

Review guidelines

Do explain who you are and your relationship to the school e.g. ‘I am a parent…’
Do back up your opinion with examples or clear reasons but, remember, it’s your opinion not fact.
Don’t use bad or aggressive language.
Don't go in to detail about specific staff or pupils. Individual complaints should be directed to the school.
Do go to the relevant authority is you have concerns about a serious issue such as bullying, drug abuse or bad management.

Read the full review guidelines and where to find help if you have serious concerns about a school.

We respect your privacy and never share your email address with the reviewed school or any third parties. Please see our T&Cs and Privacy Policy for details of how we treat registered emails with TLC.

News, Photos and Open Days from King Edward VI Preparatory School

School Login »

Last update: 24 July 2026

OPEN DAYS

Happy smiling pupils at King Edward VI Prep School in Romsey

We offer our Unlock KES Prep Open Evening once a term – an evening with a twist. Children can take part in puzzles and games around the school while parents explore KES Prep, meet our teachers, hear from Head Becky Smith and enjoy some dinner treats together in the dining hall.

Whole School In Action Open Morning — Friday 16 October 2026, 9:30–11:00am

You can also arrange a personalised visit to our Nursery, Pre-School or Prep School at any time. Please email [email protected] or call 01794 528360 and our admissions team will be delighted to help.

Book an open day

YEAR-ROUND NURSERY PROVISION (AGES 1-4)

King Edward's Prep now offers extended Nursery provision by offering childcare throughout the holidays.

Full and part-time Nursery places are now available for 51 weeks of the year, alongside term-time only places, in its wonderful Early Years setting.

The Nursery will remain in the purpose build and newly-refurbished Early Years building. And in addition to the new provision, Stroud is very excited to offer a new and bespoke natural area, with a covered outdoor classroom, orchard and access to the wider 'wild side' of the School.

During the school holidays, children will continue to access the School grounds and facilities, including the large sports hall, Forest School area, farm and swimming pool, alongside activities in the Early Years setting.

Discover more about our Nursery

Meet the Head: Mrs Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith has been Head of King Edward VI Preparatory School since 2020. Having taught at KES Prep earlier in her career, she was delighted to come back and lead the school she knows and loves so well. Her career has taken her from a state school in her hometown in the Midlands to six memorable years teaching in the Philippines, before returning to Hampshire where she has held leadership roles in several prep schools. With a lifelong love of the outdoors, Rebecca relishes KES Prep's 22-acre setting and the chance to lead a school where wellies and curiosity are part of daily life.

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?

I come from a teaching family – my mum was a primary school teacher and my dad a maths teacher, later a college lecturer and eventually a management consultant. I was determined to forge my own path and not simply follow in their footsteps, but I think teaching has always been in my blood. After finishing my degree, I realised that a PGCE and a career in teaching might not be such a bad idea after all. Watching the way my parents inspired their pupils and knowing the joy that comes from helping children discover their strengths, confirmed that teaching was my true calling.

What achievement are you most proud of as Head?

One of my proudest achievements has been steering us through our rebranding to King Edward VI Preparatory School, while keeping the soul of what makes us special alive. This has meant aligning more closely with our senior school —sharing values, purpose, and an identity — without losing the warmth, joy and community that define our Prep. I am proud of how we have deepened our sense of belonging across all year groups, invested in our people and spaces, and enhanced every child's journey so that they flourish academically and personally. Seeing our pupils grow in confidence, kindness, curiosity—and knowing that they feel known, encouraged, and free to explore outdoors—means everything to me.

What does a successful school look like to you?

To me, a successful school is one that combines excellence with happiness. It's traditional enough to value strong academics and broad curriculum pathways yet wild at heart. Adventure, outdoor learning, and discovery are woven into everyday life. A successful school is one where children are encouraged to be ambitious but also to be themselves; where the forest, stream, ponds, farm, and open space are part of learning, as much as the classroom. It is a place where kindness, values, and character matter as much as results. It is about preparing children not just for the next school, but for a richly fulfilled life.

What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?

I want every child to leave KES Prep with confidence in who they are. Confidence to try new things, to persevere when faced with challenge, and to be kind and compassionate in the way they treat others. With that self-belief and sense of purpose, they are ready not only for senior school, but for life beyond, knowing that they have something special to contribute to the world.

Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.

Curiosity • Kindness • Confidence • Adventure • Belonging

King Edward VI Preparatory School Catchment Area Map

This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.