Located on the edge of Andover in Hampshire, Rookwood School offers a distinctive educational proposition: a small, co-educational environment that serves children from the age of two right through to nineteen. While many independent schools are expanding into large corporate entities, Rookwood has retained the intimate scale that allows every pupil to be known by name.
The school is non-selective at entry, prioritising character and potential over raw test scores. This inclusive ethos creates a diverse ability range in the classroom, yet the school maintains a calm, purposeful atmosphere. With the recent addition of a Sixth Form, Rookwood now offers a complete educational journey on a single site, removing the anxiety of transition points that can disrupt a child's progress elsewhere.
The campus on Weyhill Road feels less like an institution and more like a sprawling family estate. The architecture is a mix of the original main house, which retains its period charm, and functional modern additions that house specialist facilities. It does not pretend to match the architectural grandeur of the major public schools, but the grounds are green, well-maintained, and spacious enough for the community they serve.
Mr Paul Robinson took up the Headship in September 2024, succeeding Mr Anthony Kirk-Burgess. His leadership focuses on maintaining the school's warm, family-centric ethos while driving academic ambition. The prevailing atmosphere is one of gentleness and mutual respect. Visitors often remark on the politeness of the pupils; this is not a forced formality but a natural byproduct of a community where anonymity is impossible.
The school motto, Sapere Aude (Dare to Know), underpins an approach that encourages pupils to question and explore rather than simply absorb facts. This is balanced by a strong pastoral framework that prioritises mental health and resilience, recognising that academic risk-taking requires a secure emotional foundation.
Rookwood's academic results reflect its broad intake and focus on value-added progress. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.7, placing it slightly above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Andover for GCSE outcomes, reflecting solid performance in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools in England).
For a non-selective school, these outcomes represent significant success. Teachers focus heavily on individual support to ensure pupils of all abilities maximise their grades. The published figures suggest that while the school may not be an exam factory churning out endless strings of top grades, it effectively supports pupils to achieve credible passes that keep doors open.
The Sixth Form is a newer and much smaller entity. In the reported cohort, class sizes were exceptionally small, often in single figures, which allows for tutorial-style teaching but makes statistical analysis volatile. While A-level attainment figures may fluctuate due to tiny cohort sizes, the value here lies in the bespoke attention rather than the headline statistics.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
28.57%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and balanced. In the Prep school, the focus is on building core literacy and numeracy skills while keeping the timetable rich with art, music, and sport. Specialist teaching is introduced early, giving younger pupils access to facilities and expertise often reserved for secondary students.
In the Senior school, class sizes remain enviably small. This allows teachers to identify gaps in understanding immediately; there is no back of the class at Rookwood to hide in. Lessons are interactive and conversational. The teaching style tends to be supportive rather than high-pressure, which suits pupils who might find larger, more competitive environments overwhelming.
Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a recognised strength. The Learning Support department is integrated into the life of the school, offering both in-class support and one-to-one interventions. This is not a special school, but it is a mainstream school that handles mild to moderate learning differences with expertise and dignity.
The destination list is as individual as the pupils. Leavers progress to a wide range of universities, art colleges, and apprenticeships. The Sixth Form team provides personalised guidance on UCAS applications, ensuring that students choose courses that match their genuine interests rather than simply following a herd mentality.
Recent leavers have secured places at universities including Exeter, Winchester, and Bournemouth, studying diverse subjects from Psychology to Business Management. The school also supports students pursuing vocational pathways and degree apprenticeships, reflecting a pragmatic approach to careers advice.
Admissions are designed to be accessible and low-stress. The main entry points are Nursery, Reception, Year 7, and Year 9, though occasional places may arise in other year groups.
For Reception entry, the process involves a relaxed stay-and-play session where staff observe the child's social interaction and readiness for school. There is no formal academic testing at this stage.
For Senior School entry (Year 7 and Year 9), candidates sit an entrance assessment. This includes papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, the school emphasises that this is used to identify potential and support needs rather than to rigorously select only the academic elite. A reference from the current school and an interview with the Headmaster are equally important components of the application.
Pastoral care is the spine of Rookwood School. The small size means that changes in a pupil's demeanour are spotted quickly. The form tutor is the first point of contact and plays a pivotal role in the pupil's daily life, monitoring not just academic progress but social integration and emotional health.
The school operates a house system that cuts across year groups, fostering mentoring relationships between older and younger pupils. Bullying is rare, and when it occurs, it is dealt with swiftly through restorative approaches. The school's commitment to mental health is evidenced by the presence of trained staff and quiet spaces for reflection.
For a small school, the extracurricular offering is surprisingly diverse. The school operates on the belief that busy children are happy children.
Sport is inclusive. While elite performance is celebrated, the primary aim is participation. The school fields teams in football, netball, rugby, hockey, and cricket. The on-site facilities include a sports hall and playing fields, with use of local facilities for swimming and athletics. Fixtures against local independent and state schools provide competitive experience.
Drama and Music are central pillars of school life. The performing arts department puts on regular productions that involve pupils from across the age range. Whether on stage or behind the scenes in lighting and sound, there is a role for everyone. The art department is particularly vibrant, with a kiln for ceramics and varied media explored in lessons and clubs.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels. Clubs change termly but often include coding, chess, gardening, and debating. Trips are frequent, ranging from local geography fieldwork to overseas residential visits that broaden horizons.
Fees for the 2023-2024 academic year were set at £3,354 to £4,310 per term for Prep pupils and £5,418 to £6,265 per term for Senior pupils. Full boarding fees ranged from £8,848 to £10,565 per term. Families should note that fees are reviewed annually, and the 2025-2026 schedule will reflect inflationary adjustments.
The school offers means-tested bursaries to widen access for families who could not otherwise afford the fees. Scholarships are also available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9, rewarding excellence in Academic subjects, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. These awards typically carry a percentage fee remission and are highly competitive.
Fees data coming soon.
Rookwood offers boarding for pupils from age 10 upwards. The boarding community is small and familial, housed in dedicated accommodation that feels more like a large family home than a dormitory.
Boarding options are flexible, catering to modern family lives. Full boarding is available for international and UK students who want the immersive experience. Weekly boarding suits families who live slightly further afield, allowing pupils to go home on weekends. Flexi-boarding is a popular option for day pupils who need to stay over occasionally due to parental commitments or school activities.
Houseparents live on-site and create a routine that balances homework (prep) with relaxation and weekend activities. Sunday outings might involve trips to the cinema, bowling, or local cultural sites.
The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:45pm for the Senior School, with slightly earlier finishes for younger years. Wraparound care is comprehensive; breakfast club is available from 7:45am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm, providing vital support for working parents.
The school is located on Weyhill Road (A342), providing easy access from Andover town centre and the A303. Andover railway station is a short drive away, offering links to London Waterloo and Salisbury. The school operates its own network of minibuses covering surrounding villages in Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Small cohort sizes. The Sixth Form and some GCSE option classes are very small. While this guarantees attention, it limits the social breadth of the peer group. Teenagers who crave a bustling, large-college atmosphere might find it too quiet.
Facilities scale. While adequate and well-maintained, the facilities do not rival the vast campuses of larger, more expensive public schools. There is no Olympic pool or professional theatre complex here.
Fees vs. Value. Families must weigh the fees against the offer. The value proposition is the personalised care and small classes, not grand infrastructure.
Limited subject breadth. Due to its size, the school may not be able to run every minority subject at A-level if demand is insufficient in a specific year.
Rookwood School offers a sanctuary of sanity in a high-pressure educational landscape. It proves that academic progress does not require hot-housing and that a school can be ambitious for its pupils without losing its heart. Best suited to families seeking a gentle, nurturing environment where their child will be confidently known rather than quietly lost. The main challenge is the limited scale of the Sixth Form, but for those who stay, the bespoke support is exceptional.
Yes. Rookwood is widely regarded for its nurturing environment and strong value-added performance. While not an academic hothouse, it consistently helps pupils achieve grades that exceed baseline expectations. The ISI inspection in March 2023 rated the quality of pupils' academic achievements and personal development as Good.
For the 2023-24 academic year, Senior day fees were approximately £6,265 per term, and full boarding fees were around £10,565 per term. Fees are subject to annual review; please verify the latest figures directly with the school for 2025-26 entry.
Rookwood is not academically selective in the same way as a grammar school. The admissions process looks for potential and character. While there are entrance assessments for the Senior School, the school prides itself on being accessible to a broad range of abilities.
Yes. Rookwood has a small, growing Sixth Form offering A-levels and BTEC qualifications. Class sizes are typically very small, often offering near-tutorial style teaching.
As an independent school, there is no catchment area. Pupils travel from Andover and the surrounding villages in Hampshire and Wiltshire. The school provides minibus routes to facilitate transport for families living further afield.
Yes. The school offers scholarships for entry into Year 7 and Year 9. These are typically awarded for Academic excellence, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. Means-tested bursaries are also available for eligible families.
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