PrepCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
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Terra Nova School

Crewe, Cheshire · CW4 8BT

Pupils

277

Established

1,951

Day fees

£24k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Terra Nova is a co-educational day and boarding prep school set in the Cheshire countryside, educating children from age 3 to 13. As part of the Shrewsbury School Family, it operates a dedicated 'Shrewsbury Pathway' offering pupils a natural progression route to Shrewsbury School at 13+. The school combines a nurturing prep-school ethos with genuine academic ambition, strong boarding provision, and a wide co-curricular programme designed to develop confident, well-rounded children.

  • Formal link to Shrewsbury School via the Shrewsbury Pathway, offering a clear and supported 13+ progression route
  • Genuine boarding provision from prep age in a safe rural Cheshire setting, unusual at this level
  • Broad co-curricular offer spanning sport, performing arts, and creative arts on a spacious countryside campus

Who thrives here

Children who thrive with structure and encouragement, and families seeking a boarding prep with a clear senior-school pathway. The school suits pupils who are curious and activity-driven, enjoying both academic challenge and a wide range of clubs and sports.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Boarding
Founded1951
Number of pupils277
Day pupils285
Boarders12
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£23.9k/yr (inc. lunch)
AssociationsIAPS, ISC, BSA
Settingrural
LocationThe school sits near Holmes Chapel in rural Cheshire, approximately 15 minutes from Crewe station which has direct trains to Manchester and London Euston. Good road access via the M6.
Ethosnon-denominational Christian

Contact & visit

Jodrell Bank, Holmes Chapel

Crewe, Cheshire

CW4 8BT

www.tnschool.co.uk
01477571251
Mrs Christabel Westall, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Holmes Chapel5 min
Crewe15 min

Recent investment

Campus developments associated with integration into the Shrewsbury School Family
Ongoing investment in boarding house facilities and pastoral infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Terra Nova School?

Day fees at Terra Nova School are approximately £23,883 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into Terra Nova School?

Terra Nova School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Terra Nova School a boarding school?

Terra Nova School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Terra Nova School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Terra Nova School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Warm, family-feel community where children are known individually by staff

Strong boarding provision and pastoral care for young boarders far from home

Clear and supported pathway to Shrewsbury School at 13+ valued by aspirational families

Excellent rural setting with space for children to roam and develop outdoors

Common concerns

!Small pupil numbers mean limited peer-group diversity and fewer friendship options for some children

!Rural location requires car dependency for most day families with limited public transport links