Durlston Court School
School summary
A small independent school in New Milton, Hampshire, Durlston Court takes children from the age of two right through to 13, making it a natural choice for families seeking continuity in the prep years. With around 254 pupils on roll, it offers an intimate setting where individual children are easily known. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of "excellent" for both education and personal development, while compliance standards were fully met. Notably, more than three in ten pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to accommodating a range of learning needs.
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
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 September 2024
Teaching & academics
The ISI rated the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements as "excellent", the inspectorate's top judgement. The school's broad 2-13 age span allows learning to be built steadily over many years rather than rushed. With 31.1 per cent of pupils on SEN support, the teaching is geared towards adapting to individual needs across a mixed-ability intake.
Head · Mr Richard May
Beyond the classroom
An "excellent" rating for personal development points to a school that values character and wellbeing alongside lessons.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 31.1%
- EHC plans
- 5.91%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £9,750 - £20,085
Schools nearby
Ballard School
New Milton, South East
Hill House School
Lymington, South East
Connie Rothman School
Christchurch, South West
Southlands School
Lymington, South East
Walhampton School
Lymington, South East
The Stable School
South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A close-knit prep school for families who want their child known by name from the early years through to 13, backed by top ISI marks and a strong record of supporting individual needs.
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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Durlston Court School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.