Cricklade Manor Prep
Swindon, Wiltshire · SN6 6BB
Cricklade Manor Prep is a day-only coed prep and nursery school in the Saxon market town of Cricklade, Wiltshire, serving 234 pupils from age 3 to 11. The school emphasises high academic achievement alongside pastoral care and wellbeing, positioning itself as quality independent education at accessible price points. With a focus on outdoor learning, creative exploration (evidenced by annual art exhibitions and thematic days like 'Octopus Day'), and extracurricular breadth, the school aims to develop well-rounded, curious learners.
- →Positioning as 'high-quality private education needn't cost the earth' appeals to value-conscious families in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire
- →Outstanding facilities and strong academic outcomes without the prestige premium of London preps
- →Thematic, creative-led curriculum (art, nature, interdisciplinary projects) beyond conventional prep rigour
- →Convenient location in Cricklade with easy reach of Swindon and Cirencester
Who thrives here
Families seeking a nurturing, academically sound day prep with emphasis on creative and outdoor learning; pupils who respond well to project-based discovery and thematic teaching rather than drill-intensive approaches; local families unwilling to board or commit to long daily commutes.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Manor House, Calcutt Street, Calcutt Street
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN6 6BB
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Cricklade Manor Prep?
Day fees at Cricklade Manor Prep are approximately £12,600 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Cricklade Manor Prep?
Cricklade Manor Prep admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is Cricklade Manor Prep a boarding school?
Cricklade Manor Prep is a day school in Swindon and does not offer boarding.
What is Cricklade Manor Prep's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Cricklade Manor Prep “Sound” (2017).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Happy, nurturing environment combining rigour with child-centred approach
✓Creative, project-based curriculum and memorable thematic events (art, nature exploration)
✓Accessible fees relative to perceived quality (positioning as 'quality needn't cost the earth')
✓Strong transition support and welcoming community ethos
✓Outdoor and discovery-based learning appealing to families valuing broader education
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; no independent validation of academic standards or safeguarding practice
!Limited public information on SEND provision, specialist support, or outcomes data
!Day-only model means no continuity for families requiring extended childcare
!Relatively small school (234 pupils) may limit breadth of sport, music, or specialist facilities compared to larger preps
!Geographic isolation in rural Wiltshire; dependent on parental transport with no coach service advertised