PrepCo-educationalBoardingISI · Good

Cottesmore School

Crawley, West Sussex · RH11 9AU

Pupils

181

Day fees

£29k

Inspection

Good

Read report

Cottesmore School is a well-established co-educational prep school near Crawley, West Sussex, serving pupils from age 4 through to 13. The school combines traditional prep school values with a contemporary approach to pastoral care and co-curricular engagement. With 181 pupils and selective entry, it draws families from across South East England, particularly those seeking a boarding option in the region.

  • →Boarding provision integrated into a day school setting, allowing flexibility in boarding patterns
  • →Small, intimate community size facilitating strong pastoral relationships and individual attention
  • →Proximity to London and Gatwick with good transport links while maintaining a semi-rural campus

Who thrives here

Confident, socially mature children who thrive in structured, traditional environments and those whose parents value early boarding experience within a secure, values-driven community.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Boarding
Founded1894
Number of pupils181
Day pupils96
Boarders68
Age range4–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£28.5k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£35.4k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationExcellent rail connectivity via Crawley station (London Victoria ~40 mins); strong position for families with Gatwick commute patterns or international boarding.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage

Crawley, West Sussex

RH11 9AU

01293520648
Mr Tom Rogerson, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Crawley Rail Station8 min
Gatwick Airport12 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Cottesmore School?

Day fees at Cottesmore School are approximately £28,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Cottesmore School?

Cottesmore School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Cottesmore School a boarding school?

Cottesmore School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Cottesmore School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Cottesmore School “Good” (2019).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Strong pastoral care and boarding provision suited to working families

✓Traditional, structured approach to discipline and values

✓Close-knit community with low pupil numbers enabling individual attention

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited transparent performance data available to prospective families