Muddy Stilettos Review

Muddy Stilettos is the UK’s leading lifestyle platform outside London. A prominent and highly respected part of their platform is the Best Schools Guide, which provides in-depth, independent reviews of pre-prep, prep, senior, and sixth-form independent schools across England and Wales.

Below you can read the full review that was carried out by Muddy Stilettos earlier this year or you can read it on Muddy Stilettos website.

Merchant Taylors’ Prep is an independent day school for boys 3-13 years old (changing to 3-11 from Sept 26) set on the historic Moor Farm site in Northwood, a five-minute drive from Merchant Taylors’ Senior school. There are 333 pupils with a maximum class size of 20.

Originally known as Northwood Prep, it merged with Merchant Taylors’ to form Merchant Taylors’ Prep in 2015. Set within historic grounds with links to Henry VIII (yes, really) the school feels warm and inviting rather than grand and stuffy. The school is made up of converted barns that form light, modern classrooms that are neatly arranged around a courtyard setting. Facilities are bang up to date, class sizes are a comfortable 18, and the generous 20-acre site has been well thought out, with plenty of outdoor play areas, sports fields and an on-site Forest School for muddy-booted adventures. Worth noting: the newly refurbished Early Years department is based over at the Senior School.

Facilities

Facilities are impressively strong, with class teachers in place up to Year 4, and a mix of additional tutors and subject specialists stepping in from Years 5 and 6. Digital and computing skills are strong here with boys frequently taking part in coding and design competitions – last year (2025) the school took part in the UK Bebras Coding Challenge with 18 boys scoring top marks.

In terms of buildings, there’s a lovely library with a dedicated librarian, two science labs (one newly refurbished), and a computing suite with AI taught from Y3.

The outside space is extensive with a courtyard playground, extensive playing fields, a peaceful memorial garden, and an apple orchard (yes, the boys can pick the apples). Nursery and Prep have their own Forest Schools and of course, the boys have access to the 25-metre swimming pool and athletics track at the Senior school.

The school’s extra-curricular programme is wide-ranging, with both lunchtime and after-school clubs available from Year 1. Alongside the usual sports, there’s Chess, Lego Robotics and even Warhammer – plus pupils are actively encouraged to set up clubs of their own. Better still, many of these come at no extra cost, which parents will very much appreciate.

Sports

Sports wise there’s pretty much everything catered for here with a slew of specialist sports teachers. There’s a courtyard playground where the pupils can play football, table tennis and basketball and a large indoor sports hall with climbing apparatus. And that’s not all: cricket, football, hockey and rugby are major sports with large playing fields and a multi-surface, floodlit astro pitch on site. The school isn’t scared of a good competition either and has its fair share of successes with pupils regularly reaching national finals in cricket and hockey competitions. Access to the Senior school facilities mean pupils can enjoy swimming, athletics and more.

Music, Art and Drama

In terms of music, over 70% of pupils learn an instrument and the Music Department has its own teaching and practice rooms, plus a 200-seat theatre that is used for concerts and theatre productions. Boys can also receive instrument tuition from visiting specialists.

LAMDA is taught as part of the curriculum and every pupil is part of the annual theatre production – no wallflowers here. There’s a full-time Director of Drama plus industry professionals come in to help with costume and lighting making these annual performances feel more West End than school hall.

Art & Design is equally well resourced, with a well-equipped studio boasting a 3D printer, kiln and plenty of scope for drawing, painting and printmaking. Specialist art teaching starts in Year 3, while younger pupils can dip their toes via a popular lunchtime art club – creative confidence is encouraged from the get-go.

Pastoral Care

The class teacher is the bedrock of the pastoral attention. From Y2 onwards there is a house system with Heads of House also supporting pupils throughout their time at the school, ensuring every child is genuinely known, understood and supported. There’s also access to an on-site school counsellor for those who need the help. The school boasts an array of spaces for children to relax and be calm in such as the memorial garden, library and orchard.

In addition, pupil wellbeing is built into the curriculum to help children understand their emotions, build resilience and look after themselves and others.

Wrap Around Care

Breakfast Club (run by the Prep) is from 7.30am and has been welcomed by working parents dashing for the train. Early drop off is at 8/8.30am and there is a mixture of extra-curricular activities and wrap around care until 6pm.

SEND

The school is proudly inclusive and the Learning Support Team work closely with teachers and parents with tailored intervention where necessary.

Headmaster

Miles Chester took over the reins in Sept 2024. Previously Head of Thomas’ Academy, London he later moved into an Executive Head role. Prior to that, he was a primary school teacher at a number of inner-London schools. Known and valued by staff and pupils for his down-to-earth and positive approach, Miles is leading the school through an exciting period of change. From September 2026, the school will move from a 13+ school to an 11+ one supported by a newly adapted curriculum designed to prepare pupils seamlessly for Senior School.

This change gives pupils earlier access to Merchant Taylors’ Senior School specialist facilities, while those progressing from Prep to Merchant Taylors’ Senior School are no longer be required to sit an entrance examination.

Outdoor learning is also a key priority under Miles’ leadership, with a specialist Forest School now established and plans in place to develop the on-site nature reserve and outdoor theatre.

Academics

Excellent. Merchant Taylors Prep is a highly academic school with a haul of scholarships every year. Most leavers go on to the Senior School.

Word On The Ground…

Very positive. Merchant Taylors’ Prep has a well-earned reputation for academic and sporting excellence plus extra-curricular success. It’s a warm, welcoming school with specific areas for specific age groups and parents who send their children here very much buy into the school community.

Quirks

Banjo the friendly Labrador roams the reception area and is a big hit with the boys. So much so, that every Friday a group of boys are invited to book club where they read a book with Banjo.

Where next?

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