About us

Sandroyd is a wonderfully unique family school, set in an idyllic environment, that ‘prepares’ children in the very broadest sense – offering academic excellence, and so much more. Sandroyd nurtures a child’s confidence and self-esteem whilst encouraging each individual pupil to fulfil all aspects of their potential: academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and social.

Childhood should be relished, enjoyed and remembered fondly. That’s why pastoral care is absolutely central to everything that we do at Sandroyd – in both our pre-prep, the Walled Garden (for children aged 2-7), and in our prep school (for children aged 7-13). Our friendly and nurturing boarding environment equips children with the confidence and skills to really challenge themselves, to be happy, and to succeed.

We are unequivocally proud of being a small school and the benefits it offers to all of our pupils. Our size creates a wonderfully unique family atmosphere, and it allows us to properly focus on the individual needs of each child at every stage of their education. Indeed, teachers and pastoral staff meet every morning to discuss how to best support each pupil that day. It allows us to ensure that no child slips under the radar and everyone is challenged on a daily basis.

Sandroyd offers an academically rich and rigorous education that goes far beyond preparing pupils to just pass entrance exams to the country’s leading senior schools. We inspire interests and develop talents - both inside and beyond the classroom - from music, dance and drama, to a variety of sports (which pupils play every day).  Pupils are encouraged to develop the qualities and skills they’ll need for life beyond their school days. We explicitly teach pupils to reason and think, and our challenging ‘Thinking Friday’ questions encourage them to form and express their own opinions. The result is that Sandroyd pupils really do stand out from the crowd.

Don’t just take our word for it; we’re repeatedly told that our pupils are better prepared to successfully face the demands of senior school. Not just in their academic abilities, but, far more importantly, in the vital ‘soft skills’ of confidence, resilience and self-motivation. All of this takes place in our idyllic rural location, set in 60 acres, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border. There’s always time in the day for pupils to just play and enjoy their childhood – be it riding horses or riding bikes, playing with pets or paints – or perhaps adventuring in the playgrounds or in the woodlands!

Latest news

09 Oct 2023

Sandroyd wins esteemed Independent School Parent of the Year Award 2023!

Sandroyd has been acknowledged with the school being named Independent Boarding School of the Year 2023 at the Independent Schools of the Year.

09 Oct 2023

Sandroyd wins esteemed Independent School Parent of the Year Award 2023!

Sandroyd is thrilled to have won such a tremendous accolade, shortlisted as one of eight finalists, and then recognised above all senior and prep schools in the UK.

Whilst centred around the boarding provision, the award identifies achievements across all areas of the school, including the academic value-added results, which last year were the highest ever achieved, the unbeaten seasons on the sports pitches, as well as the quality of the performing and creative arts. The Sandroyd teaching and support staff continually show great energy, professionalism, and passion, and this award is a true reflection of their diligence and determination.

“This is a significant achievement for Sandroyd and I am absolutely delighted that all of the hard work of the staff has been recognised on a national level.” Headmaster Alastair Speers comments.

These prestigious national awards, organised by Independent School Parent Magazine, are designed to showcase schools’ success stories and celebrate the extraordinary and compelling student experience they provide.

This year the awards were designed to reflect the breadth and diversity of life as a student in the independent education sector. The School merits its award win as a result of its combined successes in the classroom (its high academic results and, more importantly, the strong value added both inside and outside the classroom), as well as its ongoing development of boarding - notably its pastoral care initiatives, and its commitment to providing a full and varied range of engaging boarding opportunities. The awards are based on evidence and data submitted for the year 2021/22.

“It has been wonderful to build on Sandroyd’s excellence, from both an academic perspective and in our boarding offering too. This accolade is a great reflection of the whole Sandroyd community working together“ continues Alastair. “The Sandroyd staff continually look for improvements in all areas of the school and I am delighted that this has been acknowledged. We are continuing to adapt our academic curriculum and boarding offering, and this is an exciting time for the school moving forward.”

Dr Helen Wright, international Education Adviser and past Vice Chair of the ISC, comments:

“The awards provide the independent schools sector with an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary student experience our pupils receive and demonstrate beyond doubt that the sector is worthy of recognition and support.”

The winners were revealed at a gala awards evening at the Law Society, Chancery Lane, London on Tuesday 10th October 2023.

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