Copthorne Preparatory School
Crawley, West Sussex · RH10 3HR
Copthorne Preparatory School is a co-educational day and boarding prep school for ages 2–11 in Crawley, West Sussex, forming part of the award-winning Caterham Family of Schools. It emphasises curiosity, exploration, discovery and self-belief through a global curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. The school operates a through-offer to Caterham School for Years 5–6, creating a natural progression pathway for families seeking continuity into senior education.
- →Part of the prestigious Caterham Family of Schools with a guaranteed through-offer to senior school
- →Strong emphasis on early years provision (age 2+) with structured progression through pre-prep into upper prep
- →Global curriculum and experiential learning approach aligned with contemporary educational values
- →Flexible boarding and day options with wraparound care, catering to working families
Who thrives here
Curious, adaptable children who thrive in inquiry-based, hands-on learning environments and families seeking a seamless transition into Caterham School. Particularly suited to parents valuing a global perspective and outdoor/experiential education.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Effingham Lane, Copthorne
Crawley, West Sussex
RH10 3HR
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Copthorne Preparatory School?
Day fees at Copthorne Preparatory School are approximately £18,810 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Copthorne Preparatory School?
Copthorne Preparatory School 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 Copthorne Preparatory School a boarding school?
Copthorne Preparatory School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Copthorne Preparatory School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Copthorne Preparatory School “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Warm, nurturing environment with strong focus on wellbeing and individual development
✓Experiential learning approach engages younger children effectively and builds genuine curiosity
✓Excellent through-offer to Caterham School removes uncertainty at transition and provides educational continuity
✓Flexible boarding and day options with quality wraparound care support working families
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; limited external validation of academic and pastoral standards
!Small pupil cohort (203) may limit breadth of competition, challenge and peer diversity compared to larger preps
!Limited publicly available data on outcomes, progression destinations, and academic performance metrics