Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School

An amazing school which combines the best of tradition with the best of the new. My three children have loved every moment and every opportunity afforded them and have developed into well-rounded young people, ready to take life in their stride. Forest School has proved a great addition to the curriculum and is possibly the highlight of the week! Sport, music and drama has been fabulous and we could not have chosen a better school to start our children's education.

I have four children, all of whom have been educated from age 2/3 at Barnardiston Hall. The school has provided a wonderful environment in which to develop and learn for all my children, who vary greatly in their interests and abilities. Barnardiston provides a close family feel, allowing the children’s independence to develop whilst they are safe and supported. The school fosters a strong, committed ethos in all of the staff (teaching, administrative and pastoral) and their combined experience and dedication is evident in the happy, thriving children throughout the school. Barnardiston offers a wide range of extra curricular activities in addition to their core academic, creative and sporting programme. Large grounds offer sports pitches, astroturf, formal playgrounds & play equipment, whilst out-buildings are home to the many pets with whom the children interact daily. Woodland areas are ideal for free play and den building as well as the ever expanding Forest School programme.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the school.

My children have been at Barnardiston since they were very young, going through the nursery, the Pre Prep and now the Prep School. They have been nurtured and taught so well, manners and kindness being at the forefront. I love the opportunities they’ve been given and we’ve been so happy with both the previous head and the new headmaster. The teachers really make it feel like a home from home and they can’t wait to go to school every day! That makes us very happy parents. I couldn’t fault Barnardiston, the education, the extra music and sports, it really has it all and works really well for our family. Just wish they went up to 18 as I don’t think my children will ever want to leave!

Our journey through this school was not planned, but we are so pleased that we kept both our children here. There is a real family feel to Barny and you will see young people of all ages mingling together. The resilience of the children here is incredible and they are encouraged to be independent. I'm sure most will leave with the attitude that they can accomplish anything having spent various school trips climbing mountains, camping, day trips to Eurodisney etc. Etc.
My children have been nurtured at the school and their strengths recognised, in a way they wouldn't have been at other schools. They have an excellent music department, which encourages pupils to participate at a young age and both my children have taken on further instruments following this introduction. They produce the most incredible end of year musical performances, which really deserve to be on a bigger stage with a wider audience.
Sport is also a big part Barnardiston, and whilst being a small school, they are able to hold their own. They are also inclusive of all abilities and the children will always encourage others to perform well.
The school are always looking at ways to modernise their teaching. They were incredible during lockdown where staff excelled to ensure that there was no break in education. Normal timetable continued throughout the whole of lockdown, showing just how resilient the school, and consequently the children are.
My children are dragged away from school on a daily basis and beg me to let them board, such is their affection for the school. At Barny children are at the heart of the school, and it the most fun place to be!

I would not recommend this school. The head of the school is narrow minded and unwilling to embrace new practices. Our son was bullied to the point where we removed both of our boys before the end of the year and reported them to the relevant authorities. Now they are both at Stoke College and are happy and thriving. I would highly recommend Stoke College if you would like a school with a modern outlook, great teaching but with good values.