The Old School
Beccles, Suffolk · NR34 7LG
The Old School Henstead is a small, welcoming independent prep school in rural Suffolk serving children aged 2–11 on a day-only basis. With just 67 pupils, it offers a highly personalised learning environment where outdoor education and pastoral care are woven into daily life. The school emphasises confident, well-rounded development and maintains close connections with local senior school pathways.
- →Small class sizes and individualised attention in an intimate, family-like community
- →Strong emphasis on outdoor education and pastoral care reflective of its rural Suffolk setting
- →Flexibility for working families with breakfast club and after-school care provision
Who thrives here
Children who thrive in small, nurturing environments and benefit from close staff relationships; families prioritising outdoor learning and a less pressurised prep school experience.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Toad Row, Henstead
Beccles, Suffolk
NR34 7LG
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Old School?
Day fees at The Old School are approximately £10,500 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into The Old School?
The Old 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 Old School a boarding school?
The Old School is a day school in Beccles and does not offer boarding.
What is The Old School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated The Old School “Excellent” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Warm, family-like atmosphere and strong pastoral care
✓Outdoor education and residential trips valued by families
✓Small class sizes enable individual attention and flexible responses to learning needs
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; limited external validation of quality
!Very small pupil body may limit peer diversity and co-curricular breadth