· CB8 7AA
Fairstead House is a small, welcoming coed preparatory day school in rural Cambridgeshire serving children from age 3 to 11. With just 209 pupils, it offers an intimate, family-oriented environment where individual attention and pastoral care are central to its mission. The school emphasises traditional academic foundations alongside creative and outdoor learning, positioned as a gentle introduction to formal education in the early years.
Who thrives here
Children who benefit from a calm, nurturing environment with clear routines and consistent adult relationships; families seeking a non-pressurised pathway through primary education before transition to senior school.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
Fordham Road, Newmarket, Suffolk
CB8 7AA
Nearest stations
Day fees at Fairstead House are approximately £14,400 per year (2024/25).
Fairstead House 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.
Fairstead House is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.
ISI rated Fairstead House “Good” (2020).
Frequently praised
✓Warm, family-like atmosphere with strong staff–pupil relationships
✓Unhurried approach to early learning with emphasis on play and exploration
✓Close-knit community with good communication between home and school
Common concerns
!Limited facilities and activities compared to larger preparatory schools
!No on-site senior school; families must navigate external 11+ transition