Choosing the right prep school is one of the most important decisions families face. An open morning is often the first step families take after exploring websites and prospectuses, offering the chance to see what daily life really looks like for pupils.
At Pinewood School, we believe nothing captures the spirit of our community quite like walking through our doors.
During our open mornings, families begin with a welcome from Headmaster Mr Neal Bailey, followed by tours led by our Year 8 pupils who share their experiences with genuine enthusiasm. You will have opportunities to meet current parents and speak with members of our Senior Leadership Team, giving you multiple perspectives on school life.
Here are a few suggestions for what to look for during any prep school open morning, to help you make the right choice for your child.
The atmosphere during an open morning tells you everything. You will quickly sense whether children are genuinely engaged and enthusiastic about their learning. Take time to observe the energy in classrooms and around the School, so you can gauge the all-important culture.
At Pinewood School, on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border, you will notice something special from the moment you arrive. The atmosphere feels purposeful but relaxed; a place where children are comfortable being themselves.
Every child learns differently, and it’s worth understanding how a school approaches this during your visit. You might notice how teachers encourage quieter children alongside confident speakers, or how they offer different ways to tackle the same problem.
The best prep schools know each child as an individual. At Pinewood, this means specialist support through our Wellbeing team, with nurturing spaces like the “Nurture Hut” and “Breathing Space” available when children need them. It is also about academic stretch, ensuring children who grasp concepts quickly are given enriching challenges while supporting those who need more time or a different approach.
Pinewood’s individual Heads of Pre-Prep, Lower, Middle and Upper School create smaller communities within the larger school. This means families benefit from excellent specialist facilities and teaching while ensuring each child is known and supported within their age group community.
Academic learning is important, but families increasingly value schools that nurture the whole child. During your visit, ask about enrichment opportunities and observe how they are woven into daily life.
Strong schools offer genuine choice and challenge. Pinewood’s S.K.I.L.L.S. programme with over 90% pupil participation and 50+ activities across six areas, exemplifies this well. Children might learn sign language, build models, ride woodland trails, or visit local care homes – developing independence, curiosity, and empathy alongside academic skills.
Looking for performing arts that include every child, not just the naturally confident, is also something to consider. At Pinewood, nearly three-quarters of pupils learn an instrument and all participate in drama from Early Years. Our recent 150th Anniversary Choir, uniting 150 pupil and staff voices, showed how inclusive creativity can bring a whole community together.
Understanding a school’s approach to pastoral care is crucial, though it may not always be immediately visible during an open morning. It is worth asking about the support systems in place and how the school nurtures children’s wellbeing.
The best schools integrate wellbeing thoughtfully into school life. At Pinewood, our Kindness Café recognises daily acts of compassion among our pupils, while our Wellbeing and Emotional Support team provides expert guidance when needed.
Outdoor learning has never been more important for children’s development and wellbeing. We are incredibly fortunate at Pinewood to have the space and facilities to make this a natural part of daily life. The Squirrel Classroom and Mud Kitchen Café buzz with creativity regardless of weather – children learning through play, naturally and imaginatively.
Understanding the support available is important: What happens when a child struggles academically or socially? How does the school handle friendship challenges? What systems exist to support families during difficult times? How does the school make each family feel that they truly belong in the school? These conversations with staff can give you valuable insights into the school’s values and approach.
Do not overlook logistics. The most wonderful school becomes stressful if daily arrangements do not suit your family’s needs.
Consider location and transport links. Pinewood, positioned between Marlborough and Cirencester with five school minibuses covering a wide area, demonstrates how prep schools can serve families effectively across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
Ask about wraparound care, pick-up times, and how clubs and activities fit into the school day. If boarding interests you, spend time understanding how this fosters independence while maintaining support – at Pinewood, almost 80% of our Upper School pupils benefit from boarding in warm, screen-free environments where friendships flourish.
While choosing a prep school focuses on the immediate years, consider how well the school prepares children for their next steps.
A truly independent school is able to support families in finding the right senior school for each individual child. Pinewood pupils progress to over 20 different senior schools, with 21 scholarships awarded this year.
Ask how the school develops resilience and independence. Do children leave confident in their abilities and comfortable with challenges? Are they kind, curious individuals ready to contribute positively wherever they go next?
Use your open morning visit to focus on what matters most to your family:
Take time after your visit to reflect with your family. The right prep school should feel like a place where your child would be excited to start each day. Whether you are looking for a prep school in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, or the surrounding areas, finding the right fit is essential for your child’s happiness and development.
Discover what independent reviewers from Talk Education, The Good Schools Guide, and Muddy Stilettos think about Pinewood School.
General
As we close 2025, Pinewood School celebrates not just another successful year, but an absolutely remarkable milestone, our 150th anniversary. A year of exceptional achievements, joyous celebrations, and unmistakable Pinewood spirit have made this anniversary year one we will remember for generations.
Learning Outside The Classroom
Outdoor learning represents more than fresh air and exercise. It is about developing confident, capable young people who understand what they are actually capable of.
Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Pinewood has been chosen as a Finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025, in the category Pre-Prep School of the Year.
