There's a lot to consider when choosing a private school for your child, from admission costs to school culture — and while Gloucestershire has its own crop of nationally renowned independent schools, the surrounding counties offer more options for families willing to look further afield.
We've selected seven of the best independent day schools within a commutable distance from the Gloucestershire border, which each offer something different.
King's Worcester, Worcestershire
King's Worcester is a co-educational family of schools for pupils aged two to 18. Its senior school, Sixth Form and prep school, King’s St Alban’s, are set in the heart of Worcester, while King’s Hawford Prep sits on a rural 23-acre site on the outskirts of Worcester.
With over 500 years of academic success under its belt, King’s Worcester blends tradition with progress as a forward-thinking school with state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand-new Sixth Form centre and award-winning boathouse — home to its famous rowing club, which has helped earn its place among the best sporting schools in the UK.
See eight reasons to consider a King's Worcester education for SoGlos's highlights.
Where? Worcester city centre, approximately 25-minutes' drive from Tewkesbury.
Cricklade Manor Prep, Wiltshire
Part of the Wishford Schools group, Cricklade Manor Prep welcomes pupils aged two to 11 across its high-achieving nursery, pre-prep and prep divisions.
With wrap-around childcare from 7.30am to 6pm and up to three freshly cooked meals a day, as well as over 25 after school clubs and holiday clubs outside of term time, the school's commitment to supporting the whole family makes it a great choice for parents juggling work and childcare.
Where? Cricklade town centre, approximately 15-minutes' drive from Cirencester.
Stratford Prep School, Warwickshire
Open to boys and girls aged two to 11, Stratford Prep School's ethos is built around the happiness and confidence of its pupils.
Teaching methods, the school's chosen curriculum and culture are all geared towards developing pupils' resilience and self-assurance, preparing them for the progression to senior school — with many of its students receiving scholarship offers to local independent schools.
Where? Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, approximately 23-minutes' drive from Chipping Campden.
Tockington Manor School, South Gloucestershire
Tockington Manor School and Nursery offers a well-rounded preparatory school education in a rural setting, for pupils aged two to 13.
Set within 28 acres of South Gloucestershire countryside, the school makes use of its surroundings to encourage a love and respect for nature. With forest school, wildlife investigations and opportunities to get growing in the kitchen garden, welly boots are an essential part of the uniform!
Where? On the edge of Tockington village, approximately 25-minutes' drive from Wotton-under-Edge.
Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire
Welcoming pupils aged 11 to 18, Kingham Hill School is a co-educational day and boarding school in the Cotswolds — and one of the only schools in the country to offer a fully accredited US high school diploma alongside a British curriculum, making it popular with American families.
With a distinctive focus on SEN, Kingham Hill also offers specialist support to pupils with learning difficulties through its dedicated Greens department, combining specialist teaching with adaptive tech to help them thrive in a mainstream school environment.
Where? Five miles outside Chipping Norton, approximately 12-minutes' drive from Stow-on-the-Wold.
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, Monmouthshire
Boasting over 400 years of history, Haberdashers' Monmouth School is a co-educational day and boarding school for three to 18-year-olds, who benefit from the 'Haberdashers' Advantage' of extra support to help them excel academically and nurture their talents.
A top choice for children with creative spirits, the school has a vibrant performing arts department and its design, fashion and textiles provision benefits from none other than Jimmy Choo as patron.
Where? Monmouth town centre, approximately 15-minutes' drive from Coleford.
The Elms School, Herefordshire
Found at the foot of the Malvern Hills, The Elms School welcomes pupils aged three to 13 and stands out for its endearing quirks that have popularised the phrase, ‘Only at The Elms’!
With a dog in nearly every classroom and its own on-site farm and equestrian facilities — which the school celebrates each September with its version of a country show — The Elms preserves the magic of childhood while bringing out the best in every pupil with its greenhouse approach to education.
Where? Just outside Colwall, approximately 27-minutes' drive from Tewkesbury.
