“I think the main thing driving us to Sompting Abbotts was the class size. The scholarship record was also amazing but not massively highlighted, nor the sporting opportunities (there’s a variety of sports not possible at state school) and fact that everyone is on the team (not possible at state school).”

“I put my eldest daughter in our local primary but felt she was lost among 30 children. She and her sister have noticeably gained confidence since being here.”

“The academic standards here are really high but they cater for all standards and abilities. My son does have special educational needs (SEN) which are perfectly catered for.”

“We moved our son from his state primary because he was being bullied most days and it was being brushed off. He came home crying a lot but seemed okay in school. The confidence of my son has shot up almost immediately since joining Sompting Abbotts. He’s just so much happier in himself.”

“My son especially likes art. He never liked art before. The art teachers here are superb.”

“If you’ve had a poor state school experience, most likely it was due to teachers who are one-year qualified and shattered. Most of the teachers here are highly experienced and part-time and full of enthusiasm.”

“Our daughter was due to finish her state infant school and go to the local junior school. We felt it was too large, with six classes of over 30 per year. Our daughter was lacking confidence and I liked how small the school was and the traditional values it promotes. I loved the freedom the children have to play and develop academically. She has now regained much of her confidence and loves her new school. We feel very proud of her and happy with our choice.”

“Love that school lunches are eaten together with other children and teachers and served by the children. Love the wrap-around care and that I see the children using Late Room time to relax or play ping pong, practice musical instruments, read, or watch sport with Mr Mac, the sports head.”

“Why do we like Sompting Abbotts? The grounds, relaxed atmosphere and sense of adventure created by the school. Plus, children are actually allowed to climb [safe] trees!”

“At a state school I don’t think my son would be in many sports teams, plays or music concerts but Sompting Abbotts is so inclusive that everyone gets to do these things. These opportunities teach the children the importance of getting on with stuff no matter your natural talent, always making an effort, having confidence and coping when things go wrong. These softer skills are probably more important in future life than many academic qualifications. ”

“We were not happy with our state school. My daughter was getting bullied but they didn’t really deal with it and I was always anxious. We looked at Sompting Abbotts and could see the value of the small classes and space to explore. Joining the school has changed her life ... she adores this school with a passion! Her reading/writing and love of sport has developed tremendously and she takes HUGE pride in being part of the SA community.”

“I really appreciate the free wrap-around care because I work full-time. It means I can drop off my son at school from 7.30am and know he’s safe and happy until I pick him up at 5pm or later if I get held up. He loves it - I often find it hard to get him to go!”

“I knew the incredible grounds and outside country lifestyle would capture my children’s sense of fun and adventure. No other school in our area encourages den building, conkers and exploring copses. My children can now identify Sparrow Hawks and Buzzards; they know the sound of a Song Thrush and Blackbirds.”

“A wonderful environment, a caring and attentive school that strives to educate children based upon their individual strengths. Children are free to be children, while learning traditional values of empathy, respect and kindness.”

“We moved our daughter from her state school due to rough children, cramped classes and the teaching quality. Her sporting activities have come along immeasurably. Her love of nature and outdoors activities is embellished by her school day. There has been a change from rote learning to learning everywhere. She now so obviously loves learning - her geography and history lessons now get repeated to us verbatim at home! I could not be happier with her academic achievement and her new joy of reading, learning and sharing.”

“It’s an extremely well run school. Mrs Sinclair’s experience and her patience are evident in all areas of school life. The staff have adopted her ethos and it’s clear she values every single one of them. Sompting Abbotts Prep School is in a lovely setting and the facilities are great. The teachers are dedicated, interested and go the extra mile. ”

“Small, friendly and family orientated school encompassing traditional values allowing your child to develop and flourish as an individual to reach their potential. The beautiful extensive grounds are an added extra, giving the school a special touch and are greatly used and loved by the children and parents.”

“I like that Sompting Abbotts’s independent from the senior schools and will help us find the right ones for our children. Like the traditional values and family feel. The grounds are beautiful and give the children plenty of room to let off steam. Parking’s easy for drop-off. Liked that during our first visit we saw different children working on different things within a class, depending on their ability.”

“It’s an exceptional family run school. The headmaster is gregarious and hard working and the owner and her son have exemplary manners and charming personalities. It would be hard not to like the school.”

“My children are so happy at school, both thriving at lessons and growing into kind considerate children.”

“Unique and like a big family however suitably challenging on the academic side.”

“Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School’s a delightful, special place and I’m sure that every parent that discovers it feels a huge sense of relief that they’ve found this wonderful place where their children will receive the best start in life … a proper education full of encouragement, ambition, manners and friendships.”

“Beautiful setting, outdoor learning experiences, friendly caring feel, lots of exciting extra-curricular clubs and activities (cookery etc.). Small class sizes, focus on traditional values like communicating well, courtesy and respect, that children play across years and show exceptional manners.”

“High standard of teaching with staff teaching their specialised subjects. Personalised education for all abilities. Small class sizes.”