LGS Stoneygate Review 2026: A Compassionate Path to Academic Success

Set within the leafy surroundings of Great Glen, LGS Stoneygate offers a distinct alternative to the high-pressure environments often associated with independent education. As part of the Leicester Grammar School Trust, it provides an all-through experience for pupils aged 4 to 16. The school is defined by its manageable scale, with a current capacity of 363 pupils, ensuring that the transition from the prep phase to senior years is personally supported.

Under the leadership of Mrs Christina McCullough, who was appointed as Headmistress in September 2023, the school has refined its focus on individualised progress. The campus, featuring the historic Stoneygate House and the purpose-built Millennium Building, provides a backdrop where pupils are encouraged to be curious rather than merely competitive. While it shares resources and governance with Leicester Grammar School, Stoneygate maintains a softer, more intimate atmosphere that suits children who flourish in smaller class sizes.

The atmosphere at LGS Stoneygate is one of purposeful calm. Without the presence of a sixth form, the Year 11 students are the natural leaders of the school, a responsibility they take on through various prefect and mentoring roles. This structure creates a community where younger pupils look up to approachable teenagers rather than distant young adults.

The school motto, Carpe Diem (Seize the Day), is reflected in a curriculum that prizes active participation. Historically, the school was founded in 1856 in the Stoneygate area of Leicester before moving to its current 40-acre site in 2003. This heritage of longevity combined with the space of the Leicestershire countryside allows for a childhood that feels both traditional and unhurried.

Relationships between staff and pupils are a clear strength. Because the senior school is smaller than many local competitors, teachers have a granular understanding of each student's emotional and academic profile. This is a school where it is difficult for a child to fade into the background.

LGS Stoneygate provides a broad academic platform, though its results profile differs from the ultra-selective entrance model of its sibling school, Leicester Grammar. In the latest available data, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 43.8. This reflects a diverse intake where progress is measured against individual potential rather than just raw grade averages.

The school ranks 3,251st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 43rd position within Leicestershire. These rankings place the school’s performance in the tier that sits within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting solid performance.

In the primary phase, the school does not participate in the standard state SATs, instead using internal tracking and standardized assessments to monitor progress. This allows for a curriculum that focuses on depth of understanding in core subjects like reading and mathematics without the distraction of primary league table preparation.

Class sizes are a significant draw for families, typically ranging between 12 and 18 pupils. This allows for a conversational style of teaching where students are frequently called upon to contribute. In the Prep school, the focus is on a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, bolstered by specialist teaching in Music, Physical Education, and Modern Foreign Languages from an early age.

As students move into the Senior years, the curriculum remains broad. Science is taught in dedicated laboratories, and the school places a strong emphasis on the humanities and creative arts. The goal is to prepare students for a wide variety of post-16 options, whether they choose to transition to the Leicester Grammar Sixth Form or other local colleges.

Digital literacy is integrated into the school day, with students using technology to enhance research and presentation skills. However, this is balanced by a traditional emphasis on handwriting and structured essay writing, ensuring students are well-prepared for the rigours of GCSE examinations.

A significant number of students choose to continue their education within the Leicester Grammar School Trust, moving to the Sixth Form at the nearby Great Glen campus. This transition is managed carefully, with bridge programmes designed to familiarise Stoneygate students with the larger environment.

For those seeking different pathways, students frequently secure places at various local independent sixth forms and high-achieving state colleges in Leicester and the surrounding county. The school's careers department begins working with students in Year 9 to identify suitable A-level subjects and vocational routes, ensuring that every student has a clear plan by the time they reach their final GCSE term.

LGS Stoneygate is a selective school, but it looks beyond mere test scores. The admissions process for Year 7 typically involves an entrance assessment in English and Mathematics, alongside an interview with a senior member of staff and a report from the candidate's current school. Registration for September entry typically closes in the preceding December.

For entry into the Prep phase, assessments are more informal and focus on a child’s readiness to engage with the curriculum and their social compatibility with the peer group. The school encourages prospective families to attend its open mornings, which typically take place in October and March.

While there is no strict catchment area, the school's location in Great Glen makes it a popular choice for families living in Market Harborough, Oadby, and the southern suburbs of Leicester. Parents interested in the competitive nature of local entries can use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to view these results side-by-side with other nearby options.

Wellbeing is the cornerstone of the Stoneygate experience. The house system provides a vertical layer of support, where pupils from different year groups interact and compete in friendly events. Each student is assigned a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for parents, ensuring a consistent dialogue between home and school.

The school employs a proactive approach to mental health, with staff trained to recognize early signs of anxiety or social struggle. There is a strong emphasis on the whole child, meaning that sporting achievements or artistic contributions are celebrated with the same weight as academic success. The 2024 ISI routine inspection confirms that the school meets all regulatory standards, particularly regarding the quality of education and the health and safety of pupils.

The 40-acre site allows for an expansive sports programme. The school's facilities include extensive playing fields, an all-weather pitch, and access to the impressive sporting infrastructure of the Leicester Grammar Trust. Hockey, rugby, and cricket are the core sports, but there is also provision for cross-country and tennis.

STEM Excellence

The STEM curriculum at Stoneygate is designed to foster a practical understanding of how the world works. Students participate in the CREST Awards and various robotics competitions, utilizing a well-equipped design and technology suite. This hands-on approach is particularly effective for students who may find abstract concepts more accessible through physical experimentation.

Music and Drama are also central to school life. The music department offers a range of ensembles, including a choir and various instrumental groups, with regular performances in the school hall. Drama productions are inclusive, encouraging students who may be shy to build confidence through stagecraft and performance.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:25pm for Pre-Prep and Prep pupils. After-school care is available for Reception to Year 4 until 5:20pm, costing £7 per session, with light tea available for an extra £2.20. For students in Year 5 and above, supervised Prep is available until 5:30pm in the classrooms of the senior building.

Transport is a key consideration for many families; the school operates a comprehensive bus network that covers much of Leicestershire and parts of Northamptonshire. For those driving, the school's location on the A6 near Great Glen offers easy access, though drop-off times can be busy.

Fees & Financial Aid

Fees for the 2025/2026 academic year vary by year group. Reception tuition is £4,323 per term, while Year 7 to Year 11 tuition is £5,888 per term (£17,664 annually). These figures exclude VAT and lunch fees. Including lunch and VAT, Year 7 to Year 11 fees are approximately £7,338 per term.

Bursaries are available from Year 7 upwards and are strictly means-tested. These awards can cover up to 100% of tuition fees depending on a family's financial circumstances. Scholarships are also awarded from Year 7 for Academic, Music, Art, Drama, and Sport potential. These are merit-based and typically provide a 5% to 10% reduction in the termly fee.

• No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. While this creates a nurturing environment for younger teens, it does mean every student must undergo a transition at age 16.
• Small Peer Group: With a capacity of 363, the social group is intimate. This is excellent for individual attention but may offer less variety than larger independent or state schools in the area.
• Academic Comparison: Stoneygate has a more inclusive entry profile than its sibling school, Leicester Grammar. This results in a less pressured environment, but raw exam averages may appear lower than highly selective alternatives.
• VAT on Fees: Fees listed by the school are now subject to VAT. Families should verify the final inclusive amounts, as the addition of 20% VAT and mandatory lunch fees significantly increases the termly invoice.

LGS Stoneygate is a sought-after choice for families seeking an independent education that prioritizes the individual child's journey over league table dominance. It successfully bridges the gap between a traditional prep school and a modern senior department, all within a beautiful rural setting. It is best suited to pupils who require a setting where they are known, valued, and encouraged to develop at their own pace. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.