Joining Leweston Prep School — Admissions for Reception to Year 6
- Prep
- Prep Admissions
Leweston Prep School welcomes pupils from Reception to Year 6, with boarding places from Year 4. Whether you are just beginning to think about independent education or ready to register your child now, our admissions process is straightforward, personal and designed to help both your family and the school make the right decision. The best first step is always a visit but if you have questions before then, our admissions team is happy to talk.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Leweston Prep, we offer a warm, nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and vibrant community ensure that each pupil receives the individual attention they need to flourish.
Whether you are joining us from our Nursery, moving up from another school, or starting your educational journey with us, we are here to guide you through every step of the admissions process. Explore what makes Leweston Prep a special place for your child to learn, grow, and discover their potential.
Experience Leweston for Yourself
The best way to appreciate what makes Leweston Prep distinctive is to visit us. We would be delighted to welcome you and show you what our school can offer. If you are unable to visit in person, we are very happy to meet you online; the Head of Prep regularly holds Zoom meetings with families who live further away or overseas.
How to Join Leweston Prep
Following your initial enquiry, if you wish to apply for a place at Leweston, we ask you to register your child for entry by completing our registration form. Registrations are considered in the order they are received, which may affect selection decisions if a year group moves to a waiting list. Once we have received your registration, we will acknowledge your application and you will receive ongoing updates and news from the school.
After registration, we invite all prospective pupils to attend a taster day to spend the day with their potential year group. There will be an informal assessment in literacy and numeracy at this time which typically forms part of a lesson. A ‘guardian angel’ (another pupil in their class who will stay with them all day) will look after your child and you will have the opportunity to meet and speak to their class teacher on arrival and collection. After a successful taster we will request a reference from your current school.
Following the taster day, if both you and the school wish to proceed, we will offer a place. We will email you our Parent Contract and Acceptance Form. To secure the place, you will need to complete the Acceptance Form and pay a deposit (refunded against your final school bill).
Joining information will then be shared with you well ahead of your child’s start date. All new pupils are invited to a 'Move Up Day' in June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Leweston Prep have an entrance exam?
No. We do not select by exam at Prep level. The taster day gives us the opportunity to meet your child and see how they engage with school life, and we may ask to see recent school reports or a reference from your current school. We are looking for children who are curious, enthusiastic and ready to make the most of what Leweston offers — not children who can pass a test.
When should we start the admissions process?
As early as possible but get in touch whenever you are ready and we will let you know about availability. There is no wrong time to make an enquiry. Register your child →
What is a taster day and what does it involve?
Your child spends a day at Leweston Prep as if they are already a pupil joining real lessons, having lunch and being accompanied throughout by a current Leweston child. Find out about taster days →
What wraparound care is available?
Leweston Prep offers wraparound care from 8.00 am and until 5.45 pm, available every day. No extra booking is required — it is available to all Prep pupils as part of school life. A breakfast and supper club is available to extend the day at extra cost. Find out about wraparound care →
What happens when my child reaches the end of Prep — do they automatically go to Leweston Senior School?
Prep pupils have a clear and well-supported path into Leweston Senior School, and the vast majority of our Prep pupils do continue. The transition is managed carefully, with dedicated Move Up Days and joining information shared well in advance. That said, the move to Senior School is not automatic families confirm their intentions during Year 5 and Year 6 and a place is formally offered. Find out about Senior admissions →
How much do Leweston Prep fees cost?
Current fee information is set out on our fees page, updated each academic year. Fees vary depending on year group. See current fees →
10 Things Parents Love About Leweston
We know that happy children learn best and so we consider it of the upmost importance that both pupils and parents are getting the most from their experience with us, so we thought we would ask them. Read, in their own words, the top ten things that our parents said they love most about our school.