Castle Court
A small independent prep in Wimborne, Castle Court takes children from their earliest years through to age 13, with a roll of around 259. The school holds a Christian character and was judged excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which also rated its provision for personal development as excellent and confirmed that compliance standards were met. With fewer than 260 pupils, it offers the kind of close-knit environment in which staff can know children individually. It suits families seeking a continuous early-years-to-prep journey within a small, faith-rooted setting.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 17 June 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI's excellent rating reflects strong standards across the school's pre-prep and prep stages, which run all the way to the 13+ point at which pupils typically move on to senior schools. Around 16 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, a meaningful proportion that points to a willingness to work with a range of learning needs. Academic scholarships are available alongside awards for other strengths.
Head · Katie Johnson
Beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom, the school recognises talent through scholarships in sport, drama and art, signalling that these areas carry real weight in school life. The breadth of awards suggests a rounded offering for children with creative and sporting interests.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 16.22%
- EHC plans
- 0.39%
Mobile phone policy
Children are not permitted to have a mobile phone on site during the school day. If a phone is needed after school hours and needs to be brought into school in the morning then it needs to be handed into the school office for safe keeping before it is collected at the end of the school day.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £10,869 - £22,680
Schools nearby
Graduately Developing Futures
Lytchett Matravers, South West
Yarrells Preparatory School
Poole, South West
Dumpton School
Wimborne, South West
Canford School
Wimborne, South West
The White House School
Poole, South West
The Lion Works School
Poole, South West
The last word
A small, all-through prep with an excellent ISI verdict and a clear strength in pastoral care. A good fit for families who value a personal, values-led education from the early years to 13.
The Passmate verdict
Start preparing for Castle Court →Castle Court 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.