Age range. 2–13.
Number of pupils. 468; 251 Boys and 217 Girls.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Prep: Full and Weekly Boarding £13,932; Day £5,233–£9,056; Flexi Boarding £1,616 (2 nights); £2,415 (3 nights); £3,232 (4 nights); Occasional boarding £86 per night. Pre-prep: Day £4,123.
The school is administered by the same Board of Governors and on the same principles of small-group teaching as Millfield (made possible by a staff to pupil ratio of approximately 1:8) which ensures breadth and flexibility of timetable. It has its own attractive grounds of 185 acres some four miles from the Senior School, and its extensive facilities include games fields, art, design and technology centre, drama hall, music school, science laboratories, sports hall, astroturf, gymnasium, golf course, tennis courts, squash courts, sport pavilion, equestrian centre, 25-metre indoor swimming pool, three IT laboratories and chapel. The pupils also have access to some of the specialist facilities at Millfield including a water-based astro, Olympic-sized swimming pool, tartan athletics track and indoor tennis centre.
Small class sizes allow the individual pupil to be taught at his or her most appropriate pace. The range of ability within the school is comprehensive and setting caters for both the academically gifted and those requiring additional learning support. The curriculum is broadly based and provides a balance between the usual academic subjects and the arts. Junior pupils study French and in Year 6 there is a choice of Spanish or French, plus a taster in Latin for more able pupils. In Years 7 and 8 there is a choice of French, Spanish and Latin. Children may choose either one or two foreign languages, dependent on ability. Pupils are also given a choice of extracurricular languages which vary depending on demand. Science is taught throughout the school and as three separate subjects from the age of 10. In 2024, Millfield was named Co-Educational Independent School of the Year at the annual Independent School of the Year Awards, recognised for a determinedly inclusive approach in every area of education.
There is a full games programme organised by qualified teachers of physical education, with the help of other staff. The programme includes athletics, basketball, climbing, cross country, cricket, fencing, football, golf, hockey, netball, riding, rugby, sailing, squash, swimming, tennis, outdoor pursuits and multi-sports, to name but a few. Over 70 different clubs are available.
Within music the offering includes multiple choirs and orchestras, wind band and an exciting and ever-expanding range of ensembles, ranging from rock bands and brass bands to percussion ensembles and a guitar group. Over 250 pupils learn at least one musical instrument. There are regular opportunities for performance and all pupils are coached in performance and presentation skills. Highlight events include themed large ensemble evenings such as the annual Rock and Pop Concert, Summer Concert, Saturday morning breakfast masterclasses with visiting international artists and the whole-school House Singing competition.
Admission usually depends on interview, assessment and reports from the previous school. A number of academic, art, drama, music and sports scholarships are awarded each year for entry into Years 6, 7 and 8. Drama scholarships were awarded for the first time in September 2024, recognising candidates who want to actively engage in all areas of the subject and who have an obvious flair and enthusiasm for drama. The Millfield Prep Award was launched last year, recognising Prep pupils who are talented all-rounders.
There are five boarding houses for pupils aged 7 years and above (three for boys and two for girls). Each house is under the care of resident house parents and assistant house parents. The Medical Centre is staffed by three qualified nurses, a physiotherapist, and the School Doctor attends daily.
Charitable status. Millfield is a Registered Charity, number 310283. The Millfield Schools provide a broad and balanced education to boys and girls from widely differing backgrounds, including a significant number with learning difficulties, and many for whom boarding is necessary.