Thornton Preparatory School
Thornton is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls. It is one of the most successful non-selective schools in the UK and offers a warm and nurturing educational environment alongside a rigorous and exciting curriculum. At Thornton we get the very best out of every girl who joins us – not only in the classroom, but in creative and performing arts and on the sports field.
The school is set in 25 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Milton Keynes on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire border. It is within easy reach of Buckingham, Bicester and Northampton. Girls can join our school from 3 years of age and enter our pre-reception class to get the very best start to their school journey. We offer the girls the opportunity to aspire and achieve in a caring environment. Staff support and encourage each individual on their educational journey, celebrating their talents and nurturing their character so that they are able to be the very best version of themselves. We are a Catholic school with a strong Christian ethos. Children of all Christian denominations, of other faiths and of no faith are welcome in our school. All are equally valued and all are equally important.
Why Thornton College
Students receive an outstanding education and make excellent progress at Thornton. Your daughter would be encouraged and expected to achieve her personal best in all she does. We believe that teaching and learning should be both challenging and enjoyable for students of all abilities and we aim for the highest possible standards. Whether she is the most gifted academically, a good all-rounder or needs additional help in some areas, your daughter will receive a stimulating and rewarding educational experience suited to her needs. Our academic results are testament to the way the girls are challenged and motivated to give their best in all they do.
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Academic Curriculum
It is our aim that the girls at Thornton develop the skills that enable them to become lifelong learners. To do this, we must be sure to develop the whole child and encourage the confidence and self-belief that will lead to the success we wish for all our girls in every aspect of their lives. We are blessed with committed teachers who very quickly build close relationships with the girls. The bond of trust between all the staff and students is more than evident and allows their journey through our school to be a rich and rewarding one for us all.
The classes are small, a maximum of 20 in the Prep School, which means that your daughter will receive individual attention to her academic, social and creative development. The way we organise the curriculum and activities ensures that she will achieve personal success in all areas.
Single Sex Education
We are committed to single-sex education in the Prep School at Thornton. Based on educational research and our experience, we know that single-sex education offers girls the greatest chance to ignore stereotypes, develop strong self-worth, grow in confidence and achieve the best academic results of which they are capable. Our learning environment is tailored to their needs and interests, and our girls show fewer inhibitions, take on leadership roles and take more risks.
School Fees
Fees for Academic Year 2020/21
Prep Day Student
Reception and Year 1 – £3,515 per term
Years 2 & 3 – £3,840 per term
Years 4, 5 & 6 – £4,395 per term
Prep Weekly Boarder
Years 3 – 6 – £6,175 per term
Prep Termly Boarder
Years 3 – 6 – £7,680 per term
All fees are inclusive of school lunches and excludes any school extras such as, bus transport, wrap around care and exam fees etc. Boarding fees are inclusive of term time accommodation, meals and tuition, textbooks and laundry except for the occasional dry cleaning. This is not inclusive of weekend activities. English as a Foreign Language (ESOL) teaching is charged at £580 per term.