The Manor Preparatory School review

Faringdon Road

Shippon

Abingdon

OX13 6LN

01235 858458

Oxford City Council

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Pupils

384

Ages

2 - 11

Gender

Mixed

Type

Other independent school

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NATIONAL AVG. 2.04

Independent inspection report

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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

£4,260
to
£5,190

Day Fees Per Term

Leaver Destinations

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NURSERY 2+

Co-educational nursery

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Manor prep 035 cc75e072 768d 4f77 80c5 903a343c6514

School Description

Founded in 1907 and situated in Abingdon, close to Oxford and within easy reach of London by train, The Manor Preparatory School is a thriving, happy school. The Manor became fully co-educational from September 2018, for boys and girls aged 2-11. Its beautiful Georgian Manor House sits in the centre of a 9-acre site. The Manor’s spirit, warmth and dynamism have made it thrive for over 100 years and it is very proud of its exceptionally happy, creative and colourful school. Children are delightfully self-confident and articulate, and there are many opportunities for one and all to shine. Above all, they strive to ensure that their children develop a love of learning and make the very most of their abilities, encouraging and challenging them to give of their best and to be the best that they can be.

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News & events from The Manor Preparatory School

Last update: 25 January 2019

Join us at one of our Open Mornings! Tour the school, meet the Head, our pupils and our staff. Booking not required.

Open Evening for Years 3-6
Thursday 28 February 2019, 7.30pm-9pm

Open Mornings 2019
Friday 15 March, 9.30am-11.30am
Friday 3 May, 9.30am-11.30am
Thursday 6 June, 9.30am-11.30am
Saturday 5 October, 10am - 12.30pm

Private Tours

It is always possible to visit the School at a time other than Open Morning, please contact Mrs Karen Copson to arrange an appointment, a tour of the school and a meeting with the Headmaster, Alastair Thomas by clicking the link below.

Mrs Karen Copson
Director of Admissions and Communications
01235 858462
[email protected]

Visit Us >>

NEW HEADMASTER ARRIVES AT THE MANOR

The Manor Preparatory School in Abingdon was delighted to announce the arrival of their new Headmaster, Mr Alastair Thomas, in 2018.

Mr Thomas has most recently been the Headmaster at The Elms School, Colwall, a co-educational boarding and day prep school for children aged 3 to 13. Prior to that he was Deputy Head Academic at Lambrook School, Ascot and in his earlier career covered a range of teaching roles including Head of French and Latin and teacher of Maths, English, History and Sport. Mr Thomas read French at King’s College London.

More School News >>

TOP GRADE OF 'EXCELLENT' IN ALL AREAS

We were delighted to be awarded the highest possible grade of 'excellent' in all areas in our recent ISI Report.

“Pupils’ personal development is strengthened by all staff
who set excellent examples as role models to pupils.”
ISI Report 2017

Click here to read the full report on our website or click on the link below for more information about out happy and successful school.

Our Aims & Ethos >>

Parent reviews

Average Rating:

BY PARENTS, FOR PARENTS

“Given my daughter confidence”

30 January 2019 AUTHOR: A Parent

With the support of all the staff our daughter has come into contact with, she has been given so much care and encouragement and her confidence has grown enormously. Her determination has also grown, as shown most obviously in the result she has achieved with the offer of a place at St Helens. Thank you for allowing her to flourish and develop in the way that she has. It is a credit to the school. It is a very special place with a very special culture. Long may it continue.

“Very Happy Former Parent”

05 March 2018 AUTHOR: A Parent

The school did so much to boost our daughter's confidence and self-esteem. She was so happy at The Manor. She was made to feel very welcome and within a couple of days of being there, she felt she really belonged. She loved every aspect of her time at the school and made the most of all the opportunities given to her. I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful school, the fantastic team of staff and all that they do for the children.

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Meet the Head: Alastair Thomas

Alastair Thomas took over the Headship at The Manor in January 2018 having previously been Head of The Elms School near Malvern. He began his teaching career almost twenty years ago having graduated with a degree in French from King’s College, London. Returning to his old prep school to complete the Graduate Teacher Training Programme, Alastair started as a Year 4 teacher, also teaching French to senior school children and Boys' games. He then moved on to The Downs Prep School in Colwall where he was Head of French and Latin before becoming Deputy Head (Academic) at Lambrook School near Ascot in January 2008. In September 2010 Alastair was appointed Headmaster of The Elms School, a co-educational day and boarding prep that has occupied the same site for almost 400 years. He is married to Hannah, a physicist who moved into education when she met him. They have two daughters, Milly (aged 11) and Martha (aged 6) who also both attend The Manor.

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?

My grandfather was a Primary School Headmaster in Sheffield and he was my greatest inspiration for becoming a teacher. In addition, I was inspired by some fantastic teachers during my time at school who not only gave me a great academic start, but also made learning a great deal of fun.

What achievement are you most proud of as Head?

In my first Headship the key was to maintain the special ethos of The Elms and yet also move the school forwards. With the support of the governors, staff, parents and children I managed to achieve this in all areas of school life, be it in the classroom or outside it.

What does a successful school look like to you?

A successful school is one where happy, confident children flourish through being challenged and cherished in all areas of life. It is about providing the opportunities for every child to find their strengths and treating them as individuals.

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

The most important quality for me is self-confidence. I also value kindness to others very highly. And why? If we know who we are and are confident in our own abilities, whatever they may be, without worrying about what others think or say about us, then we have the greatest chance of success in life.

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

Challenging, positive, nurturing, happy and warm.

Catchment information

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.

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