UK private prep school announces major new facilities

The investment at Cothill marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting provision and a step forward in expanding opportunities for pupils across all year groups.

Cothill, previously known as Cothill House, is a leading co-educational prep school for pupils aged seven to 13 who attend on a daily basis or board.

READ MORE: UK prep school is praised for sport

In March, the school was named “Great for Sport” and awarded Runner-Up for “Great for SEND” in the prestigious Best of the Best Prep Schools awards by The Week magazine.

The national awards recognise excellence across the UK’s leading preparatory schools, celebrating institutions that “go above and beyond in delivering outstanding educational experiences”.

The school said it was delighted to be recognised both for sporting excellence and for exceptional support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), adding that the accolades were a testament to the dedication of its staff and pupils.

Pupils at Cothill welcome the new astro pitch (Image: Cothill)

The new all-weather surface of artificial grass will allow pupils to train and compete in hockey on site for the first time, as well as in tennis and netball.

The facility will provide a high-quality playing surface throughout the year, supporting skill development, safer play, and increased participation in sport regardless of weather conditions.

The astro pitch will host training and inter-school fixtures, boosting the overall sporting experience for pupils and visiting teams.

The new astro pitch at Cothill school (Image: Cothill)

The development also opens up new opportunities for girls’ sport at Cothill.

The availability of an on-site astro pitch significantly expands the school’s capacity to deliver hockey and netball.

This development reflects Cothill’s ongoing commitment to widening participation and ensuring equal access to high-quality sporting facilities.

Rory Griffiths, Cothill’s director of sport (Image: Martin Phelps)

Rory Griffiths, the school’s director of sport, said: “This is a transformative moment for sport at Cothill.

“The new astro pitch not only enhances what we can offer our pupils day to day, but also strengthens our ability to grow hockey and girls’ sport within the school community. It is an exciting step forward and one that will benefit pupils for years to come.”

The astro pitch can be used for lessons, training sessions, and fixtures immediately.

Last year, Cothill and Chandlings Prep in Kennington became part of the Radley Schools Group, in conjunction with Radley School.

Cothill headteacher George May said at the time: “These are the most exciting developments in Cothill’s 150-year history.

“We are delighted that Radley recognises the shared values of resilience and purpose that underpin the educational provision at Cothill, and the commitment we have to a protected childhood, whilst preparing children for senior schools all around the UK.”