Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools
Thatcham, Berkshire · RG18 9UL
Brockhurst and Marlston House are twin preparatory schools in Thatcham, Berkshire, educating boys and girls aged 2–13 through a distinctive 'diamond model' combining single-sex teaching (Years 3–7) with fully co-educational sport, music, and extracurricular life. The schools emphasise nurturing, fearless learners in a rural estate setting with flexible boarding options and a 51-week nursery. Leadership is led by Headmaster David Fleming (MA Oxon, MSc), and the ethos centres on tailored pedagogy reflecting how boys and girls learn differently in the primary years.
- →Diamond model pedagogy: single-sex academic teaching combined with co-educational enrichment, research-backed to suit boys' and girls' developmental stages
- →Flexible boarding and 51-week nursery provision catering to busy professional families
- →Rural Berkshire estate setting with strong pastoral care and emphasis on individual flourishing
Who thrives here
Families seeking a structured, nurturing prep environment where boys benefit from dynamic, visual teaching and girls from focused academic rigour, with flexibility in boarding and term-time care. Pupils who thrive in smaller cohorts with tailored approaches to gender-differentiated learning.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Marlston House, Hermitage
Thatcham, Berkshire
RG18 9UL
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools?
Day fees at Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools are approximately £16,800 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools?
Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools a boarding school?
Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Distinctive diamond model delivering gender-differentiated teaching backed by developmental research
✓Warm, nurturing pastoral environment emphasising individual flourishing and confidence-building
✓Flexible boarding and 51-week nursery meeting working-family needs without compromising community
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; ISI report available but no regulatory inspection on record, which some parents seek for reassurance