1. Parkside School is a well-known independent prep school set within 45 acres of countryside and historic grounds near Cobham in Surrey.
2. The school teaches children from nursery age through to Year 8 and has traditionally been known as a boys’ prep school, although it is now moving towards full co-education.
3. Parkside has a strong reputation locally for preparing pupils for leading senior schools in Surrey and beyond, including schools such as Charterhouse, Cranleigh and Reed’s.
4. The school is often described as having a warm community atmosphere with a more down-to-earth feel than some highly competitive prep schools nearby.
5. Academic standards are strong, with small class sizes and a child-centred teaching approach helping pupils build confidence as well as academic ability.
6. Sport plays a huge role in life at Parkside, with rugby, cricket, football, swimming and athletics all forming a major part of the school experience.
7. The school’s grounds and facilities are often compared to those of a boarding school, despite Parkside being a day school.
8. Forest School and outdoor learning are important parts of the curriculum, particularly in the younger years, helping pupils develop independence and resilience.
9. Music and drama have grown significantly in recent years, with increasing opportunities for performances, productions and creative activities.
10. The Manor building at the centre of the school site is a historic Grade II listed property located beside the River Mole.
11. The school has a reputation for producing confident and well-rounded pupils who are prepared for the transition to senior school life.
12. Parkside was shortlisted as one of the UK’s best independent boys’ schools in 2020.
13. Specialist teaching starts early, with subjects such as computing, PE, swimming and languages taught by specialist staff from a young age.
14. The school places a strong emphasis on character development, teamwork and encouraging children to take risks in their learning.
15. Parents often praise the communication between staff and families, particularly during transitions to senior schools.
16. The location near Cobham means pupils benefit from a countryside setting while still being close to London and major Surrey towns.
17. One of the biggest attractions of Parkside School is the balance it offers between strong academics, outdoor learning, sport and a friendly prep school atmosphere.

Find out more at Parkside School Surrey