The Manor Preparatory School
Abingdon, Oxfordshire · OX13 6LN
Pupils
381
Established
1,907
Day fees
£24k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
The Manor is a forward-thinking, day-only preparatory school for ages 2–11 set within a nine-acre Georgian estate on the outskirts of Abingdon-on-Thames. Founded in 1907, it combines traditional values with contemporary pedagogy, emphasising challenge, care, and inspiration across a relatively intimate cohort of 381 pupils. Recently integrated into the Abingdon Schools Group, the school benefits from stronger senior school pathways while maintaining its independent, warm community ethos.
- →Holistic pastoral approach with formal house system, 1:1 counselling, and mindfulness embedded across the curriculum
- →Integrated pathway into Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep, with clear senior school progression and a shared academic culture
- →Broad, balanced curriculum with specialist forest school provision, learning support, and accessible challenge for all ability levels
- →Beautiful, spacious nine-acre site in semi-rural setting offering outdoor learning and wraparound childcare (The Nest pre-nursery, holiday clubs)
Who thrives here
Families seeking a caring, academically sound prep school that prioritises individual flourishing over tunnel-vision achievement; pupils who benefit from structured pastoral support, outdoor learning, and a tangibly warm community atmosphere.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Faringdon Road, Shippon
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
OX13 6LN
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Manor Preparatory School?
Day fees at The Manor Preparatory School are approximately £24,411 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into The Manor Preparatory School?
The Manor Preparatory 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 The Manor Preparatory School a boarding school?
The Manor Preparatory School is a day school in Abingdon and does not offer boarding.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely warm, down-to-earth community culture that doesn't feel elitist despite independent school status
✓Strong pastoral care, wellbeing integration, and individual support model; children feel known and cherished
✓Excellent outdoor learning via forest school; spacious, beautiful site supports holistic development
✓Clear senior school pathway through Abingdon Schools Group reduces admissions anxiety; integrated curriculum benefits
✓Balanced academic offer: children challenged appropriately without excessive pressure; learning feels joyful
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; limited external validation available to prospective parents
!No comprehensive fee transparency on website; uncertain about value proposition relative to local alternatives
!Limited information on specialist facilities (science, music, sports); marketing focuses on ethos over concrete academic outcomes
!Potential lack of boarding or extended childcare may limit appeal to families with complex schedules despite holiday clubs