Next Open Morning
Exciting
Young
Minds
Twin Schools Combining the Best of Single-Sex & Co-Education 51 Week a Year Nursery 'The Most Exciting Schools In Berkshire'
Next Open Morning - Saturday 3rd October
Welcome
Brockhurst and Marlston House are twin preparatory schools for boys and girls aged 2 to 13, set within a beautiful Berkshire estate near Newbury.
As the oldest family-owned and family-run prep schools in England, we have been inspiring children for more than 140 years. Today, families from Newbury, Hermitage, Bucklebury, Chieveley, Cold Ash and across Berkshire choose Brockhurst & Marlston House for an education that combines academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care.
We offer a unique Diamond Model of education, combining the best of single-sex and co-education, with single-sex teaching from Year 3 to 7. This approach allows children to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. A co-educational sport, music and co-curricular programme runs for three hours each afternoon, helping every child flourish as an individual.
Whether you are seeking an Independent Prep School, a Private Prep School or a Preparatory School that offers something genuinely different, Brockhurst & Marlston House provides an environment where children are encouraged to be curious, confident and fearless in their willingness to try new things.
David Fleming, MA (Oxon), MSc
Headmaster
The Best of Both Worlds – Our Diamond Model
At Brockhurst and Marlston House, we understand that boys and girls learn differently. That’s why, from Year 3 to Year 7, we teach them separately in single-sex classes while maintaining a fully co-educational environment beyond the classroom.
This approach, supported by academic research, allows us to tailor teaching to their distinct learning needs. Girls tend to be more mature in the primary years, often excelling in literacy, independent work, and written presentation. Boys, on the other hand, are often visual learners who thrive on variety, practical activities, and a dynamic pace. They may struggle with handwriting and focus but respond well to structured, engaging lessons. In mixed classes, boys can sometimes find it discouraging when their presentation skills affect their ranking, while girls may lack confidence in maths.
By adapting our teaching methods to suit these differences, we help every child build confidence and reach their full potential. In Years 7 and 8, pupils return to mixed classes, well-prepared for both co-ed and single-sex senior schools.
With the social benefits of a co-ed school and the academic advantages of single-sex teaching, our ‘diamond model’ truly gives children the best of both worlds.
Why Brockhurst & Marlston House Schools
51 week nursery
BOYS & GIRLS, 2 - 4 YEARS
PRE-PREP
BOYS & GIRLS, 4 - 6 YEARS
Brockhurst
BOYS, 6 - 13 YEARS
Day & Boarding
Marlston House
GIRLS, 6 - 13 YEARS
Day & Boarding
Destination Schools
A Prep School Serving Families Across Berkshire
Situated in Hermitage near Newbury, Brockhurst & Marlston House welcomes children from across Berkshire and the surrounding area. Many of our families travel from Bucklebury, Chieveley, Cold Ash and neighbouring villages to benefit from an education that combines academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and outstanding opportunities beyond the classroom.
As both an Independent Prep School and Private Prep School, we are proud to provide a learning environment where children are known as individuals, encouraged to pursue their interests and supported to achieve their full potential.
Choosing the right Prep School is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent.
We warmly invite you to visit Brockhurst & Marlston House and experience the atmosphere of the school for yourself. Book an Open Morning, arrange a personal tour or speak with our admissions team to discover what makes our Preparatory School such a special place for children to learn, grow and thrive.
