Full-boarding here is described as ‘a fantastic escape from the London rat-race’. Head Simon Barber (‘charm personified’) and his wife Sophie, who leads pastoral care, are a dream team and oversee all that goes on at this ‘heaven for boys’. Although Ludgrove is non-selective at entry, boys consistently move on to publics like Eton and Radley. Sustainability is on the agenda, a wellbeing hub has been introduced for parents and pupils, and every boy in Years 7 and 8 has his own Microsoft Surface Go device to enhance learning. One hundred per cent-plus bursaries are on offer, and the hope is to increase the number of recipients. Ludgrove also funds an extracurricular coordinator for some local state schools, who they furnish with a budget for events.
Location: Wokingham, Berkshire G40 3AB
Website: ludgrove.net
Head: Simon Barber
Pupils: 189 boys, all boarding
Ages: 8–13
Term fees: £10,300
