Crewe, Cheshire · CW4 8BT
Terra Nova is a co-educational day and boarding prep school set in the Cheshire countryside, educating children from age 3 to 13. As part of the Shrewsbury School Family, it operates a dedicated 'Shrewsbury Pathway' offering pupils a natural progression route to Shrewsbury School at 13+. The school combines a nurturing prep-school ethos with genuine academic ambition, strong boarding provision, and a wide co-curricular programme designed to develop confident, well-rounded children.
Who thrives here
Children who thrive with structure and encouragement, and families seeking a boarding prep with a clear senior-school pathway. The school suits pupils who are curious and activity-driven, enjoying both academic challenge and a wide range of clubs and sports.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
Jodrell Bank, Holmes Chapel
Crewe, Cheshire
CW4 8BT
Nearest stations
Day fees at Terra Nova School are approximately £23,883 per year (2025/26).
Terra Nova 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.
Terra Nova School offers boarding as well as day places.
ISI rated Terra Nova School “Excellent” (2022).
Frequently praised
✓Warm, family-feel community where children are known individually by staff
✓Strong boarding provision and pastoral care for young boarders far from home
✓Clear and supported pathway to Shrewsbury School at 13+ valued by aspirational families
✓Excellent rural setting with space for children to roam and develop outdoors
Common concerns
!Small pupil numbers mean limited peer-group diversity and fewer friendship options for some children
!Rural location requires car dependency for most day families with limited public transport links