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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.
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School Description
News & events from The Manor Preparatory School
Join us at one of our Open Mornings! Tour the school, meet the Head, our pupils and our staff. Booking not required.
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]
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.
We were delighted to be awarded the highest possible grade of 'excellent' in all areas in our most 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.
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.
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