Cheam is the oldest prep school in the country, founded in 1645! It provides an excellent all-round education on a fabulous 100-acre site in Cheam, Berkshire. The school has approximately 400 pupils, boys and girls aged 3-13. The school is famous as being where Prince Charles, and his father Prince Philip, were educated, and it still caters for children from high profile families from the UK and elsewhere. Although mainly a day school, there are opportunities for children to board for up to five days a week and many do so in the older years.  

Cheam is academically selective and children progress to a range of top senior schools. The curriculum is very much geared towards preparing children for Common Entrance exams at 13+, and there is a scholarship class in the final two years for the brightest pupils.

The school day is long – 8.15am – 6.00pm in Year 4 - and there is Saturday school too. Yet, this is not a school where children feel under pressure and pastoral care and support is extremely good. There are many opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Children have games lessons every day, with a wide range of options available.