Salterford House School
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire · NG14 6NZ
Salterford House is a small, rural preparatory school near Nottingham set across four acres of woodland, serving pupils aged 2–11 with a family-centred ethos. The school emphasises pastoral care, all-round development, and small class sizes, recently establishing a Special Needs Hub for children with EHCPs. Founded in 1981, it positions itself as a nurturing alternative to larger preps, combining traditional curriculum subjects with music, sport, and drama in a carefully curated natural setting.
- →Small class sizes and genuinely pastoral, family-feel environment
- →Integrated SEND provision with a dedicated Special Needs Hub for EHCP pupils
- →Rural woodland setting on four acres; emphasis on discovery and outdoor learning
- →Non-selective entry and word-of-mouth reputation; local, accessible alternative to Nottingham's larger independents
Who thrives here
Families seeking a nurturing, smaller-scale prep experience in a rural setting; parents who value outdoor learning and integrated SEND support; pupils who thrive in close-knit, less formal environments rather than highly competitive academic cultures.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Salterford Lane, Calverton
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
NG14 6NZ
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Salterford House School?
Day fees at Salterford House School are approximately £11,700 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Salterford House School?
Salterford House School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is Salterford House School a boarding school?
Salterford House School is a day school in Nottingham and does not offer boarding.
What is Salterford House School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Salterford House School “Good” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuine pastoral care and family atmosphere; every child known and nurtured
✓Small class sizes enabling differentiation and individual attention
✓Integrated SEND provision with specialist hub; inclusive approach
✓Beautiful natural setting and outdoor learning opportunities
✓Non-selective, welcoming ethos; local reputation built on personal recommendation
Common concerns
!No Ofsted inspection yet; limited external validation of educational quality
!Very small cohort size (66 pupils) may limit peer diversity and friendship networks
!Day-only school; no boarding or wraparound provision for working families
!Limited visible evidence of selective senior school placements or academic achievement data
!Modest co-curricular infrastructure relative to larger Nottingham independents