Bourton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 8HZ
10 reasons to choose Pinewood School
Top line
Pinewood School has a Schoolsmith Score® of 92. It is one of the best independent prep schools in and around Swindon and one of the 3 best primary schools for 7 miles.
School fundamentals
Pinewood School is an independent prep day and boarding school for boys and girls (60%/40%) between the ages of 3 and 13 years. Boarding from Year 5 for the 30% of pupils who board. All are weekly or flexi boarders. It is a Church of England school, open to all faiths and none. The school has a non-selective admissions policy. It is a standalone prep school, not tied to any one senior school. Pinewood School fees range from £4,090 (Rec) to £7,865 per term (2024/25). Fees exclude VAT and lunches.
Average class size
Pinewood School has two classes per year to Year 2, three from Year 3, and an average class size of 17 pupils.
Leavers' destinations
Destinations for Pinewood School leavers are invariably one of 15 boarding schools. Cheltenham College and Marlborough College are the most popular, and with Stowe, Bradfield College, and St Edward’s Oxford, account for around 70% of leavers, on average. 30%-40% of pupils win awards and scholarships.
The Pinewood School curriculum
School curriculum based on the National and ISEB Common Entrance Curricula. Up to Year 6 the Pinewood Curriculum is creative, linking subjects through a common theme. ‘Enrichment’ sessions every week such as topical debate or STEM focus days to develop thinking skills. Bespoke skills-based humanities programme in Years 7 and 8. Curriculum also includes ‘Life Skills’, French, Latin. Each pupil may participate in over 10 different extra-curricular academic activities or hobby clubs.
More on the curriculum
There are regular educational trips for all year groups, visiting speakers, Forest School for pre-prep and ‘Pinewood Adventure’ residential trips from Year 3. Outdoor learning for all year groups and accredited by the Learning Outside the Classroom Council.
Specialist teaching
Specialist teachers for sport, music, art, drama, computing and languages throughout, and for most subjects from Year 5.
Sport at Pinewood School
4 Games sessions per week, with matches on Wednesdays and Saturdays. School is one of the 50 prep schools with the most extensive sports offers in the UK. Competitive teams in major sports from Year 3. In recent years the school has enjoyed national success in cross country.
The Arts at Pinewood School
Art, drama, and music are taught as discrete curricular subjects to all pupils. All pupils learn an instrument in class and three-quarters take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 3. 2 choirs (junior choir compulsory for Years 3 & 4, touring senior choir) and several instrument ensembles. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 different extra-curricular creative and performing arts clubs.
Wraparound care
Wraparound care from 7.50am to 6.30pm. Facility for occasional boarding. Minibus service.
Find another school near Pinewood School
St Hugh’s School, Faringdon (10.3 miles); Cricklade Manor Prep School (10.6 miles); Hatherop Castle School (15.6 miles); Cothill House (20.3 miles).
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Swindon (6.6 miles); Orchid Vale Primary School (8.3 miles); Shellingford Church of England School (8.4 miles).
Marlborough College (15.3 miles); Cokethorpe School (20.7 miles); The Unicorn School, Abingdon (21.2 miles); Abingdon School (21.5 miles); Rendcomb College (22.7 miles).
Faringdon Community College (6.7 miles); King Alfred’s (12 miles); Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (12.5 miles).