The Elms

The Elms is a co-educational school for children ages 3-13, where childhood is preserved, potential is nurtured, and military families feel genuinely understood. For generations, we have supported Service families through postings, mid-term moves and deployments—providing a steady, caring environment where children feel secure and their education continues smoothly, wherever duty calls. As the oldest prep school in the UK still on its original site, The Elms blends a rich heritage with a forward- looking educational philosophy. Through our well-known greenhouse approach, we focus on the whole child—cultivating academic progress, emotional development and personal confidence. Children benefit from an exceptional childhood experience: space to explore, fresh air, friendship, and a broad curriculum enriched by daily sport, outdoor learning, and time on our working farm and equestrian centre.

For Service families, The Elms offers boarding that feels like home—warm, nurturing and designed to help children flourish through every transition and continuity through change —supported by staff who truly understand military life and its unique demands. The Elms also offers individual attention in small classes, ensuring every child is known and supported, as well as meaningful financial support, including CEA top-ups so eligible families contribute just 10% of fees, plus discounts for those not claiming CEA.