Address: Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD
Website: www.cheamschool.co.uk
Founded: 1645
Number of Pupils:400
Fees: £7,395 – £8,985, Boarding £9,675 – £11,515
Ages: 3–13
Head Teacher: (Acting) Mr Nick Milbank, BA (Nottingham Trent)
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Entrance Procedure: Cheam is non-selective but prep school pupils are invited to attend a ‘familiarisation day’ or ‘stay and play session’ for early years prior to an offer.
Contact: Mrs Julliette Moore, Registrar
Email: [email protected]
School Visits: Open Morning – Friday 7th March 2025, 9.45am – 12pm. Individual tours and appointments with the Headmaster and Head of Pre-Prep available by appointment with the registrar.
The Curriculum
The school curriculum is geared towards preparing pupils for Common Entrance and scholarship exams at 13+. We endeavour to provide as broad a curriculum as possible, embracing the key examining subjects whilst including art and design, drama, music, PE, ICT, STEM and PSHE.
Games & The Arts
Cheam’s reputation for sport remains extremely strong and all children regularly play in competitive matches for rugby, football, netball, hockey and cricket. The school has a strong drama and musical tradition with many extracurricular groups, including choirs, orchestra and jazz band.
Pastoral Care
Tutors, mentors, school counsellor, house system, boarding staff are all there to support the children. Daily meetings with tutors; form time; taught PSHCEE lessons by all tutors with syllabus tailor-made by staff to meet needs of the children. Emphasis on emotional resilience, e-safety, and healthy eating. The school prides itself on the staff-pupil links and it is without doubt a USP.
Recent Scholarships
Year on year Cheam achieves between 15 and 20 scholarships to leading senior schools for academic, sport, music, the arts, IT and all-round awards.
Philosophy
Cheam was founded in 1645 and while we are proud of our heritage and traditions, we are a progressive and forwarding thinking community. Our Character Education programme sets us apart from many other prep schools. We put character development centre-stage and see it as the key to unlocking our children’s full range of potential. With confidence in their character children can succeed at anything they put their minds to.
Outstanding Characteristics
Cheam enjoys outstanding facilities; set in a beautiful 100 acre estate with formal gardens, woodland and extensive playing fields. The nine hole golf course and astro turfs are open all year round.
