Age range. Co-educational, 7–13.
Number of pupils. 280 (Day), 40 (Boarders).
Fees per term (2024-2025). Day: £5,125–£6,675; Boarding: £10,025–£10,770 (full), £9,515 (3-night), £8,885 (2-night).
Admission is by entrance examination at all ages, though the majority of pupils enter at age 7 or 11 and scholarships are available at 11+.
Culford Prep School has its own staff and Head, but remains closely linked to the Senior School. This allows the School to enjoy a significant degree of independence and the ability to focus on the particular needs of Prep-School-age children while benefitting from the outstanding facilities and community spirit of Culford.
Facilities. Culford Prep School is situated in its own grounds, within Culford Park. The heart of the School is the impressive quadrangle at the centre of which lies the Jubilee Library. Other facilities include two recently renovated science laboratories and two state-of-the-art ICT suites which, in common with the rest of the Prep School’s classrooms, have networked interactive whiteboards.
Outside, Prep has a mix of playing fields for all the major sports and the perennially popular adventure playground.
Teaching and learning. Prep School pupils are given a thorough grounding in the essential learning skills of mathematics and English and the enhanced curriculum broadens beyond the confines of the National Curriculum. Work in the classrooms is augmented by an extensive Activities Programme which offers pupils a wide range of opportunities and experiences, including trips out and visits from guest authors and experts in their field.
Music & Drama play a significant part in Culford Prep School life, and a variety of theatrical performances, choirs and ensembles are performed each year, either in the Prep School hall or in Culford’s purpose-built Studio Theatre. Specialist music and speech and drama lessons are also offered.
Sports facilities. Culford Prep School has access to the fantastic Sports and Tennis Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, which comprises a four-court, championship-standard Indoor Tennis Centre, a 25-metre heated indoor pool, gym, strength and conditioning suite, golf swing studio, golf short game area, driving range and a large sports hall with a climbing wall and indoor cricket nets. Outside there are further tennis courts, two of which are seasonally covered, two artificial turf pitches (one in partnership with Bury Hockey Club) and numerous rugby and hockey pitches. Pupils can also pursue athletics, horse riding, archery and other outdoor activities. Culford launched a new Football Academy programme to sit alongside its already well-established tennis, golf and swimming programmes.
Boarding. Prep School boarders live in Cadogan House, a mixed boarding house located next to the School overlooking the playing fields. Boarders are able to take advantage of a comprehensive programme of weekend activities and are looked after by a team of dedicated staff under the direction of the Housemaster. Recent trips have included visiting Harry Potter World, the Oasis Camel Park and the North Norfolk Coast.
Religious affiliation. Methodist: pupils from all faiths, and those of none, are welcome.
Charitable status. Culford School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, which is a Registered Charity, number 1142794.