Durlston Prep & Senior School

Partner school

Becton Lane, Becton Lane Barton On Sea, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 7AQ

Key facts

Mr Richard May Headteacher

Co-ed Gender

254 Total Pupils

Town Location

Day Type

2 - 16 Age Range

Mainstream Mainstream/Special

Church of England Religious Ethos

About Durlston Prep & Senior School

At Durlston, we believe that every child’s educational journey should be filled with opportunity, encouragement, and discovery. As a leading independent day school for children aged 2–16, we are proud to provide a nurturing and ambitious environment where pupils are inspired to grow in confidence, develop their individual talents, and achieve their full potential. From the very earliest years through to GCSEs, Durlston offers a rich and carefully balanced education that combines academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care. Our dedicated teachers know every child as an individual, fostering a genuine love of learning while supporting personal growth, resilience, and wellbeing at every stage of school life. Small class sizes, specialist teaching, and a broad and engaging curriculum allow pupils to flourish both inside and beyond the classroom. Whether in academics, sport, music, drama, technology, leadership, or the creative arts, children are encouraged to explore their interests, embrace challenge, and discover where their strengths lie. At the heart of Durlston is a strong sense of community and belonging. We value kindness, respect, curiosity, and character as highly as achievement, creating a family-oriented atmosphere where children feel happy, secure, and confident to be themselves. By developing confidence and individual talents, we prepare our pupils not only for success in examinations and the next stage of their education, but for happy, purposeful, and successful lives beyond school.

Pupil information

Roll size, gender split and SEN provision.

Total Pupils

254 pupils

The total number of pupils enrolled at the school.

Boys

138 / 54.33%

Girls

116 / 45.67%

With SEN Support

79 / 31.10%

With SEN EHCP

15 / 5.91%

Open days

1 upcoming

Sep

Open Week

Date & Time

21/09/2026,

View all open days

Fees per term

Indicative termly fees including VAT where shown.

Day Fees

£3,025 – £8,330 (inc. VAT)

View fees information

Durlston Prep & Senior School, South East, Hampshire, BH25 7AQ

School bus

Dedicated school bus routes are available.

To make life easier for busy families, we offer a flexible minibus service: Pupils are collected from their door or a convenient pick-up point We offer pick-up from New Milton train station for those travelling from Southampton, Ashurst, Boscombe, Poole, and Bournemouth Our drivers are friendly, experienced, and fully qualified – truly part of the Durlston Family

View bus routes

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships

Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport

Bursaries

Means tested bursary support available

Academic subjects

Core and specialist subjects offered at Durlston Prep & Senior School.

Core subjects

Art & Design

Biology

Chemistry

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

History

Mathematics

Physics

Religious Studies

Spanish

Specialist subjects

Computer Science

Design Technology

Music

Sports Science

Facilities

Sports, arts and support facilities at Durlston Prep & Senior School.

Outdoor Pool

Tennis

All Weather Pitch

Gym

SEND Support

Popular leavers’ destinations

Senior schools and universities leavers commonly progress to

Mobile phone policy

Approach to mobile phone use at Durlston Prep & Senior School.

Durlston is a phone free school for all pupils. If pupils require a phone for their journey they are required to hand them in to reception during the day.

Inspection report

Read the latest report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Inspected by ISI. Independent schools in England are regulated through statutory inspection.

View inspection report

Parent reviews

What current and recent parents say about Durlston Prep & Senior School.

“ The school strikes a wonderful balance between high expectations and a calm, friendly environment where students feel comfortable and confident to be themselves. There are so many opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and develop their passions, while also being challenged and extended in their learning. This has helped our son grow in both confidence and independence. The teachers are approachable and accessible, always willing to offer guidance and encouragement, which makes a real difference to both students and parents. ”

Year 10 Parent · 2026

“Durlston made what could have been a very stressful transition feel smooth, supportive, and genuinely positive from the very beginning. Our experience has been nothing short of fantastic. Durlston is a truly nurturing school, and we feel so lucky that our children are growing and thriving in such a supportive environment. ”

Year 5 and Year 1 Parent · 2026

“Pre-Prep is a nurturing environment both emotionally and academically and our daughter comes home with an enthusiasm for learning and for being a part of the school community. ”

Year 1 Parent · 2026

Frequently asked questions about Durlston Prep & Senior School

What type of school is Durlston Prep & Senior School?

Durlston Prep & Senior School is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 2 to 16, located near New Milton in Hampshire. The school offers education from Nursery through to 16 years, with pathways leading to GCSEs.

How do I apply to Durlston Prep & Senior School?

We welcome new starters at any time - in any year group, at any point in the year (provided there is space available). Children settle very quickly at Durlston, making new friends and we pride ourselves on knowing all of our children well. We are a non-selective school and children can join our Kindergarten department when they have celebrated their second birthday. Other departments of the school are:

Pre-Prep - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (4 - 7 years old)
Middle Prep - Years 3 - 5 (7 - 10 years old)
Upper Prep - Years 6 - 8 (10 - 13 years old)
Senior - Years 9 - 11 (13 - 16 years old)
Contact us to book a visit

What are the fees at Durlston Prep & Senior School?

The cost of attending Durlston Prep & Senior School typically ranges around £3,104–£8,058 per term

Is Durlston Prep & Senior School a day or boarding school?

Durlston is a co-educational day school

Is Durlston Prep & Senior School selective?

Durlston Prep & Senior School is a non-selective independent school. Admissions may include assessments and interviews where applicable.