Stover School Review 2026: Countryside Education with a Global Outlook

Set in 64 acres of rolling parkland at the foot of Dartmoor, Stover School offers a distinctively laid-back alternative to the high-pressure academic hothouses of the South West. Founded in 1932, this co-educational day and boarding school for ages 3 to 18 operates with a gentle, inclusive ethos that stems from its Christian foundation. While the Grade II listed mansion provides a traditional backdrop, the school has recently carved out a niche for "Research Based Learning," prioritising critical thinking over rote memorisation.

Turn off the A38 and the noise of the dual carriageway fades instantly, replaced by the calm of Stover Park. The main building, a grand white-stuccoed country house, overlooks grounds that feel more like a country estate than a school campus. The atmosphere is notably unpretentious. Students here, from the Nursery through to the Sixth Form, share the site comfortably, creating a genuine family feel where Year 13s are visible role models for the Prep pupils.

Mrs Caroline Ward took up the post of Executive Head in 2024, succeeding Mr Richard Notman. She leads a school that has grown in confidence, moving away from being a "hidden gem" to a school with clear specialisms in outdoor education, golf, and tennis. The ethos is underpinned by the motto Caritas (Charity), but religion here is a moral compass rather than a rigid doctrine; the environment is welcoming to families of all faiths and none.

Stover is non-selective and prides itself on adding value to students of broad abilities rather than just cherry-picking the academic elite. In 2024, 27.7% of GCSE entries achieved the top grades (9-7), a solid result for a mixed-ability cohort. The school ranks 1277th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top tier locally (1st in Newton Abbot) and aligning with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the picture is similar. In 2024, 50.8% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1042nd in England for A-level outcomes, again reflecting a "national typical" performance band that serves a wide range of academic starting points well.

The curriculum follows the national framework but is delivered through the school's specific "Research Based Learning" (RBL) philosophy. This approach encourages students to ask questions and investigate answers rather than passively receiving knowledge.

Class sizes are small, ensuring individual attention. In the Prep School, outdoor learning is not an add-on but a core part of the week, utilising the extensive grounds for Forest School. In the Senior School, the focus shifts to structured independence. Support for SEND is a recognised strength; the Learning Support department is well-resourced and integrated, ensuring students with dyslexia or other needs can access the full curriculum.

Destinations are diverse, reflecting the broad intake. While many proceed to university, there is a healthy appreciation for creative and vocational pathways. In 2024, 38% of the cohort progressed to university, while 31% entered employment or gap years, often related to the school's strong sporting academies.

Academic ambition is present for those who seek it. In the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Oxbridge (Cambridge). The school supports applications to Russell Group universities alongside specialist colleges for sport and the arts.

Stover is broadly non-selective academically. The process begins with a visit and a meeting with the Head, followed by a taster day where the prospective student joins their year group.

For the Senior School (Year 7 entry), candidates sit an assessment, but this is primarily for setting purposes and scholarship identification rather than a pass/fail entrance exam. The school looks for potential and character fit. Scholarships are available for Academic, Art, Music, Sport, and Drama, with assessments typically taking place in January for the following September.

The Nursery and Prep School operate on the same site, allowing for a seamless transition. The Nursery takes children from age 3, offering a blend of child-led play and structured phonics. The "Stover minimal" uniform in the early years signals the school's practical approach, allowing for messy, active play. By Prep School, the RBL curriculum is introduced early, and pupils benefit from specialist teaching in music, languages, and sport, utilising the Senior School facilities.

Pastoral care is central to the Stover offer. The school creates a "home from home" environment, crucial for the mix of day students and boarders. The House system provides the framework for competition and camaraderie, but the real support comes from the close relationships between staff and students.

The latest ISI inspection in 2024 noted that the school is a "happy and busy community" where leaders promote an inclusive and supportive environment. The wellbeing team is proactive, and parents report that the school is particularly good at rebuilding the confidence of children who may have felt overlooked in larger or more aggressive environments.

This is where Stover arguably shouts loudest. The facilities are exceptional for a school of this size. The Golf Academy is a standout feature, utilising the 9-hole golf course on site, and offering elite coaching that attracts players regionally and internationally. The Tennis Academy is similarly high-level, providing year-round training.

It is not all sport, however. The Cantabile Choir and various ensembles perform regularly in the Clockhouse Music Centre. Drama productions are inclusive, often involving large casts. Weekend activities for boarders and day pupils alike take full advantage of the Devon coastline and Dartmoor, from surfing trips to Ten Tors expeditions.

Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year include VAT. Senior School day fees are £6,900 per term for Years 10-13 (£20,700 per year) and £6,780 per term for Years 7-9 (£20,340 per year). Prep School fees range from £3,725 per term in Reception to £5,485 per term in Years 4-6.

Full boarding fees are £13,660 per term (£40,980 per year) for Year 5 upwards. Weekly boarding is available at £11,850 per term.

The school offers means-tested bursaries to widen access, alongside scholarships for Academic, Art, Music, Sport, and Drama. Forces families can access specific packages designed to work alongside the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Boarding is available from Year 5 upwards. The boarding community is a mix of UK and international students, fostering a global outlook in a quiet corner of Devon. Park House (for girls) and Turkey Hall (for boys) provide comfortable accommodation. Flexi-boarding is a popular option for local families, helping busy parents manage work commitments or allowing students to stay over after late sports fixtures.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm, but wraparound care is extensive. Breakfast club is available, and prep/activities run until 5:30pm or later. A fleet of school minibuses covers a wide area including Exeter, Torbay, Plymouth, and across Dartmoor, making the school accessible to day pupils from across the county.

Transport logistics. While the bus network is good, the school's rural location means independent travel by public transport is difficult for students. Parents missing the school bus will find themselves driving deep into the countryside.

Mixed ability results. Families seeking a "hothouse" environment with exclusively A* outcomes may find the pace too gentle. The results are strong for the ability profile, but the cohort is mixed.

Faith foundation. The Christian ethos is visible in assemblies and grace, which might be a consideration for families seeking a strictly secular education, although the approach is inclusive.

Stover School offers a refreshing definition of success, one that values mental health, outdoor resilience, and sporting excellence as highly as exam grades. It is a nurturing, grounded school that produces confident, well-balanced young people rather than exam robots. Best suited to active children who will thrive on the golf course or in the forest as much as in the classroom, and families who value a supportive, non-selective community.