PrepCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
Aldro logo

Aldro

· GU8 6AS

Pupils

233

Day fees

£31k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Aldro is a coeducational prep school in rural Surrey serving ages 7–13 with full, weekly, and flexible boarding options. Set in the village of Shackleford, it cultivates a tight-knit community ethos emphasising pastoral care, academic aspiration, and breadth of opportunity across academics, arts, and sport. The school markets itself as independent and unbounded to any single senior destination, with a reputation for placing pupils into selective senior schools and securing scholarships.

  • Strong track record of entry to academically selective senior schools and scholarship awards
  • Flexible boarding model (full, weekly, flexible) suited to commuting families and international pupils
  • Rural setting with village-like community feel; emphasis on belonging and pastoral care
  • Breadth of curriculum balancing academic rigour with exceptional arts and sports opportunities

Who thrives here

Intellectually curious, well-rounded pupils who thrive in small, supportive communities and benefit from flexible boarding. Families seeking a rural prep environment with strong academic outcomes and a focus on character alongside achievement.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports70th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Boarding
Number of pupils233
Day pupils160
Boarders74
Age range7–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£31.1k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£47.3k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC
Settingrural
LocationLocated 30 miles southwest of London near Guildford; accessible by rail via Godalming or Guildford stations. Rural location suits day pupils from commuting distance and full boarders.

Contact & visit

Lombard Street, Shackleford, Surrey

GU8 6AS

www.aldro.org
01483813530
Mr Chris Carlier, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Godalming12 min
Guildford15 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Aldro?

Day fees at Aldro are approximately £31,050 per year (2026/27). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Aldro?

Aldro admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Aldro a boarding school?

Aldro offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Aldro's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Aldro “Excellent” (2023).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong pastoral care and sense of community; children feel secure and belonged

Excellent track record of scholarships and entry to selective senior schools

Flexible boarding model meets diverse family needs

Breadth of curriculum balances academics with creative and sporting opportunity

Small class sizes and individual attention; children not overwhelmed

Common concerns

!Not yet Ofsted inspected, limiting independent validation of safeguarding and quality

!Rural location may be less accessible to families in outer London commuter belt

!Limited publicly available detail on SEN/SEND provision or staffing ratios