NEXT OPEN MORNING: Thursday 15th May 2025. Book your place.

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS: Apply by Wednesday 23rd April for 2025 entry. Learn more here.

Insight and inspiration from our Headteacher: Read his latest blogs.

About Prep School

Our Prep School pupils are urged to think for themselves and to be inquisitive about the world in which they live. We cherish their natural curiosity and do our utmost to develop their thirst for knowledge through our small classes and broad curriculum.

As an independent primary school,  we strive to develop our pupils’ academic capabilities in every way possible. However, we are equally committed to ensuring that every single member of the Prep School feels supported and cared for – a helping hand is always nearby! As a result, as our Year 6 pupils transition to Year 7, they are equipped, not only with the very firmest of academic foundations but also with confidence, independence and self-esteem.

Excellent pastoral care

Our Prep School places pastoral care at the heart of everything we do. As an independent primary school, we proudly offer small classes and a welcoming, safe environment, where we get to know every child. We follow the Emotional Assertiveness programme, which teaches children the importance of respecting their own emotions and those of others. For those times when a child needs some extra support, they are able to visit our ELSA-trained Pastoral Support Assistant, Mrs Lambourne, in The Nest.

By providing a nurturing framework based on individual respect and understanding, Rookwood pupils develop compassion, emotional resilience, and a positive sense of community.

pastoral care

Children from Rookwood's Lower School are smiling whilst sat on a bench in the playground surrounded by other children.

“Rookwood School has great teachers and lovely parents. I have never felt more welcomed by a
school.”

Current parent (2024)

Wide range of opportunities

In the Prep School, children have a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. Whilst form tutors will oversee the majority of a child’s learning, French, Music and PE are taught by specialist teachers from Reception Class and, by Year 5, children will also have specialist Art, German, DT and Food Technology lessons.

Wraparound care is available from 7.30am through to 5.30pm. Indeed, prep school students can stay even later and join us for supper in the boarding houses. Extracurricular clubs start in Year 1 and cover a wide variety of interests, including sport, computing, music, drama and chess.

school life

Two Rookwood Lower School pupils listening in a science class.

News & Events

Youth Speaks district winners with Mayor and Mayoress

Mayor of Test Valley congratulates Youth Speaks district winners

  We recently celebrated success in the Youth Speaks District Final, where both our intermediate and senior teams delivered outstanding…

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Yaviin Jayasoma

Yaviin Jayasoma: Former pupil and rising star

We were thrilled to recently welcome back Yaviin Jayasoma, a former Rookwood pupil from Reception to Year 11, whose journey…

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Sixth Form Scholarship Week: 28th April to 2nd May

We are delighted to announce our upcoming Sixth Form Scholarship Week taking place from Monday 28th April to Friday 2nd…

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Rookwood welcomes new Head of Prep

Meet Mrs MacKrell at our Meet our Head of Prep event taking place from 08.30 – 09.45 on Thursday 3rd…

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Rookwood's school dog

Meet Betty!

We are delighted to introduce Betty, our newest (and fluffiest!) member of the Rookwood family. Betty is a Sprocker Spaniel…

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Young Writer competition participants

Rotary Young Writer success for Rookwood students

Rookwood School had a fantastic evening at this year’s Rotary ‘Young Writer’ presentation, held at Andover’s Guildhall. With 28 outstanding…

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Pupils with tennis ball

Rookwood News February 2025 Issue 8

  Rookwood News Issue 8 Welcome to issue 08 of our newsletter Go to this Sway

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Place2Be children's mental health week

Beyond grades: Why mental health matters in education

As we mark Children’s Mental Health Week at Rookwood, it’s an important moment to reflect on how we support the…

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Students in a classroom

Year 9 Drama students explore realities of homelessness

On Thursday 16th January, Year 9 drama students at Rookwood School took part in an eye-opening session led by The…

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