Danes Hill School – Oxshott
Danes Hill School, located in the picturesque village of Oxshott, Surrey, is a distinguished co-educational preparatory school that serves children aged 3 to 13. Since its establishment in 1947, the school has evolved into one of the leading prep schools in the country, renowned for its academic excellence, wide range of extracurricular activities, and holistic approach to education.
History and Ethos
Founded with just 16 students, Danes Hill has steadily grown in size and reputation. Originally offering boarding options, the school transitioned to a full day school by 1975, adapting to the changing educational landscape. Over the decades, it has expanded its facilities significantly, including the addition of state-of-the-art classrooms, a science centre, and extensive sports facilities. Despite this growth, the school has maintained its ethos of providing a well-rounded education, fostering both intellectual and personal development in each student [^6^].
The school places great emphasis on developing confident, articulate, and well-rounded individuals. Its motto, “Challenge and opportunity,” captures the spirit of the school’s approach, which encourages students to embrace both academic rigour and extracurricular involvement. The goal is to prepare students not only for their next schools but for life beyond education. [^7^].
Academic Excellence
Danes Hill boasts a strong academic track record, with pupils consistently achieving excellent results. The school offers a broad and engaging curriculum, which includes specialist subjects such as French, Spanish, STEM subjects, and the arts. One of the unique features of Danes Hill is the option for Year 8 pupils to sit GCSE-level exams in Modern Foreign Languages, with many achieving top grades [^7^].
Each pupil is provided with a personalised timetable, allowing the flexibility to develop individual strengths and address weaknesses. Teachers and tutors meet daily with their groups to ensure students receive ongoing support. In addition to traditional subjects, the school also runs innovative cross-curricular projects, such as the Independent Learning Project, which allows students to apply knowledge from multiple disciplines to real-world issues [^8^].
Extracurricular Activities and Facilities
The extracurricular programme at Danes Hill is exceptional, offering a wide variety of clubs and activities that range from music and drama to sports and engineering. The school’s facilities are equally impressive, with 15 sports pitches, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, and a full-size astro pitch. Pupils regularly compete in regional, county, and national sports competitions, with many excelling in sports like football, rugby, and hockey [^8^].
The arts are also a major focus, with over 360 students participating in music activities, including choirs, orchestras, and jazz bands. Drama is a key part of the curriculum, with major productions staged annually. Additionally, the school encourages creative pursuits like stop-motion animation, model-making, and young engineering clubs [^9^].
Outdoor learning is integrated into the school’s programme, with facilities like the Forest School for younger children, adventure playgrounds for older students, and a dedicated Eco-Committee that works on sustainability initiatives, such as the recent planting of 500 trees on the school grounds [^8^].
Admissions and Exit Schools
Danes Hill accepts pupils from age 3 into its nursery, with children progressing into the Pre-Prep at age 6. Admission to the school is based on a taster day and an informal assessment in English and Maths for Year 2 and above. While the school is popular and some year groups have waiting lists, it is generally not highly selective, making it accessible to a wide range of students [^7^].
Upon leaving at age 13, Danes Hill pupils move on to some of the top senior schools in the UK, including Epsom College, Charterhouse, St John’s School, and Cranleigh. Many students secure scholarships in a variety of disciplines, from academics to sports and the arts [^7^][^10^].
Parent Feedback and Reputation
Parents and students alike hold Danes Hill in high regard for its balanced approach to education, its nurturing environment, and the quality of its teaching. Reviews frequently highlight the school’s commitment to developing confident, well-rounded children who are not only academically prepared but socially aware and resilient. The school’s ability to cater to both gifted children and those needing additional support is also praised [^10^].
However, as with any high-performing school, some families mention that the school can feel academically demanding. Despite this, most parents appreciate the structured environment that Danes Hill provides, which helps prepare children for the rigours of senior school [^10^].
Conclusion
Danes Hill School offers an excellent preparatory education within a supportive and dynamic environment. Its commitment to academic success, combined with a rich extracurricular programme, provides pupils with a strong foundation for future learning and life. The school’s beautiful campus and outstanding facilities further enhance the overall experience, making it one of the top choices for families seeking a well-rounded education in Surrey.
Sources
[^6^]: Danes Hill School History and Facilities, www.daneshillschool.co.uk
[^7^]: The Good Schools Guide Review of Danes Hill, www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
[^8^]: Danes Hill School Activities and Curriculum, www.studyinternational.com
[^9^]: Danes Hill Pre-Prep and Forest School, www.daneshillschool.co.uk
[^10^]: Parent Reviews and Catchment Info, www.schoolguide.co.uk