Bedales Pre-prep and Bedales Prep
Founded in 1902, Bedales Pre-prep and Bedales Prep occupies the early years of one of the country's longer-established independent schools in Petersfield, Hampshire. With around 209 pupils across its pre-prep and prep stages, it is a deliberately small, non-denominational setting that offers both day and boarding places. The standout figure is a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly four to one, far closer than parents will find almost anywhere, suggesting a model built around individual attention. Leadership is split between Fiona Read at the Pre-prep and Clare Kirkham at the Prep.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
Teaching & academics
An exceptional staffing level of about four pupils per teacher underpins the school's approach, allowing close support through the foundational years. Provision is inspected by the ISI, the body responsible for independent schools. With such small numbers, teaching can readily be tailored to individual children.
Head · Fiona Read (Bedales Pre-prep) / Clare Kirkham (Bedales Prep)
Beyond the classroom
Boarding is available alongside day places, giving older children the option of a residential experience during these formative years. Evening and weekend routines are structured for boarders, including a managed approach to devices.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1902
- Religious character
- Non-denom
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Day students must hand phones to reception upon arrival. Boarders allowed phones in evenings/weekends; stored in boarding office during day, signed out in evening, returned by 8:15pm. Electronics contract required.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £19,995 - £28,083
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £33,696 - £37,848
Schools nearby
Bedales School
Petersfield, South East
Churcher's College
Petersfield, South East
Elysian, Liss
Liss, South East
Ditcham Park School
Petersfield, South East
Brockwood Park School
Alresford, South East
Highfield and Brookham School
Liphook, Hampshire, South East
This isn’t a question bank. Watch it decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, intimate prep environment with an unusually generous teacher ratio, suited to families who value close attention and the flexibility of day or boarding places.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Bedales Pre-prep and Bedales Prep 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.