Hatherop Castle School
Hatherop Castle School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, educating pupils aged 2 - 13 and founded in 1947. Boarding fees are £10,008 - £13,470 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 7 - 13
- Ethos
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Hatherop Castle
The story, ethos and character of Hatherop Castle.
- Setting
- Rural
- Head
- Mr Nigel Reed
"The Adventure of Childhood" - A Truly British Boarding Experience in the Heart of the Cotswolds Hatherop Castle School offers a distinctive British prep school experience that blends academic ambition with the warmth and care of a true family environment.
A Celebration of Childhood We believe that childhood is an adventure to be cherished. Our pupils are encouraged to explore, play, and learn in a safe and stimulating environment that values creativity, curiosity, and confidence. At Hatherop, children have the time and space to grow - developing character, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Academic Excellence and Innovation Our forward-thinking curriculum combines traditional academic rigour with creativity and critical thinking.
Outstanding Pastoral Care Hatherop is renowned for its nurturing and inclusive community. Every child is known, valued, and supported - ensuring they feel at home from the moment they arrive. Our dedicated pastoral team works closely with families and guardians to ensure each pupil's wellbeing and happiness.
Boarding: A Home from Home Our boarding house, De Mauley, provides a warm and welcoming environment where children quickly feel part of a -knit family. Boarders enjoy the perfect balance of structure and freedom, with supervised study, enriching weekend activities, and opportunities to relax and have fun with friends.
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Academics at Hatherop Castle
What pupils study at Hatherop Castle — and where it takes them.
This section provides information on: The curriculum, performing and creative arts, English as an additional , and special educational needs (SEN). About the curriculum At Hatherop Castle, we provide a broad and stimulating curriculum that aims to inspire and cater for every child, instilling a love of learning that will remain with them for life.
We also aim to challenge our pupils to achieve their very best, as well as developing as fully as possible the particular talents that are unique to every child. Programmes of study are in that combine high academic and teaching standards with a creative and imaginative approach to learning.
Programmes offered
Where our leavers go
Choosing the next school for your child is an important decision and one we at Hatherop take very seriously. Hatherop Castle feeds into a wide range of the region's top senior schools.
Our carefully tailored Common Entrance programme ensures that all children leaving us at the end of year 8 go to their first choice of senior school often with scholarships and awards. While the majority of our pupils leave at 13 we do prepare and children who leave us to join State and Grammar schools at the end of Prep 6.
Different schools suit different children depending on their strengths and personality. At Hatherop we know our pupils very well and work with parents to advise on which Senior Schools is right for their child.
In 2025, we sent prep 8 pupils to the following schools: Bloxham, Marlborough College, Westonbirt School, Dean Close, Cheltenham College, Malvern College, Stowe, Roedean School, Rendcomb College, Monkton Combe School and Pikeroad High School, Alabama. Scholarships obtained in 2025Roedean School - Academic Scholarship Rendcomb College - Academic Scholarship Westonbirt School - Academic Scholarship Westonbirt School - Sports Scholarship Stowe - Sports Scholarship Tudor Hall - Music Scholarship Rendcomb College - Art Scholarship Schools where our students have achieved scholarships: St Edwards Cheltenham, Eton, Radley College, Sir Thomas Rich's Grammar School, Dean Close, Kingham Hill, Cheltenham College, Malvern College, Westonbirt, Stowe, Millfield, Marlborough College, Wychwood, Headington, Marlborough, Abingdon, Repton, Roedean, Rendcomb, Tudor Hall.
Leavers' Destinations: Abingdon School, Bradfield College, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Cokethorpe School, Dean Close School, Downe House School, Eton College, Heathfield School, Kings Gloucester, Malvern College, Malvern St James, Marlborough College, Radley College, Rendcomb College, St Edward's Cheltenham, St Edward's Oxford, Westonbirt School, Wycliffe College, Wycombe Abbey
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Hatherop Castle
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Hatherop Castle.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 1, Boys 1, Mixed 0
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- No
A resident Gap Student further supports the house, spending time with the boarders and contributing to the friendly, family-orientated atmosphere. As Houseparents, Mr and Mrs Usher are passionate about placing each child's individual needs at the heart of boarding.
As a small school, we are able to recognise and respond to every child as an individual, ensuring they feel secure, confident and supported to thrive. During their time in the boarding house, pupils enjoy a balanced weekday routine with opportunities to socialise with friends, take part in sporting and co-curricular activities, practise musical instruments, complete supervised prep, and relax in a homely setting.
A genuine home away from home
De Mauley House is a vibrant and integral part of the school, nestled on the top floor of the main building at the very heart of campus life. Here, the House Parents, alongside the Headmaster and his family, create a nurturing and home-like environment where students thrive.
With dedicated routines and activities carefully overseen by the House Parents, every boarder is encouraged to grow, take on responsibility, and develop valuable life skills within a supportive and structured setting. Our boarders enjoy cosy, comfortable dormitories-four for boys and five for girls-designed to foster friendships and personal growth.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Hatherop Castle admissions
How children join Hatherop Castle, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
The school tries to be as flexible as possible but feels that a stay of less than 2 weeks does not provide the pupil with a good range of opportunities. Special notes to agents about entry to the school Hatherop Castle School is committed to ensuring that the entry process is as seamless as possible for agents interested in enrolling their students.
While we require prospective pupils to submit academic reports, write a letter, and undertake one of our assessments, these steps are primarily for evaluation purposes. They help us ascertain whether the student's level of English is sufficient to engage effectively with our curriculum and facilitate a smooth integration into the school community.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Hatherop Castle fees & funding
What Hatherop Castle costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Hatherop Castle.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Hatherop Castle against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Hatherop Castle location & travel
Where Hatherop Castle is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Hatherop Castle School, Hatherop, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NB, England Airport transfer Airport transfers are included in the termly fee when they occur on specified days - ie the day before term starts and most usually the end of term.
Travel time to London by train Less than 2 hours Telephone 01285 750206 Website https://www. hatheropcastle. co. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Bristol 58 75 2. London Heathrow 71 90 3. Birmingham 90 100 4.
Hatherop Castle — frequently asked questions
Where is Hatherop Castle?
How much are Hatherop Castle boarding fees?
What ages does Hatherop Castle take?
Is Hatherop Castle co-educational?
When was Hatherop Castle founded?
Does Hatherop Castle require a UK guardian?
How many pupils study A-levels at Hatherop Castle?
What qualifications does Hatherop Castle offer?
Does Hatherop Castle support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Hatherop Castle have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Hatherop Castle?
Does Hatherop Castle have Saturday lessons?
How do I apply to Hatherop Castle?
Does Hatherop Castle accept international students?
How much does Hatherop Castle cost?
What's included in Hatherop Castle's fees?
Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Where exactly is Hatherop Castle?
Considering Hatherop Castle for your child?
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