A quick introduction to Kitebrook
Kitebrook is a well-established and well-loved independent Preparatory school for boys and girls from the age of 3 to 13. We are open to day pupils, weekly boarders and flexi-boarders. We are located in a substantial Cotswold stone country house, just off the A44 between Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh. The pupils range freely through 20 acres of grounds, including sports fields, a swimming pool, wild flowers, sheep and chickens. The house is surrounded by beautiful views.
Multimap details of our location.
The main house was built in 1820 but the school came into being in 1959 when Anne McDermott moved her proprietor-owned establishment to Kitebrook from Somerset. There were 6 pupils initially and Mrs McDermott taught all subjects. Partly as a result of her own education, which taught her ‘academics’ and not much else, Mrs McDermott wanted her school to be progressive. In other words, Kitebrook was operating child-centred education (where children are to be nurtured and therefore excel academically because they are happy and want to learn) many years before such ideas became fashionable. Kitebrook has always been a school without pomp (no crests, no mottos, few speeches) and one that gently offers a balanced, rural, outstanding education.
An OFSTED inspection report in 2007 commented that: "Relationships between staff and pupils are often outstanding and these promote a positive and productive working atmosphere". So children from Kitebrook emerge at 13 as rounded and energetic young people, and go on to great success at a wide range of senior schools, including Bryanston, Tudor Hall, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Stowe, Badminton, Cheltenham College . . .
By 1983 the school had grown to the point where it needed more space and Hillside, a large house only a mile away from Kitebrook, was purchased which now operates as a pre-Prep department. Here the younger children have their own space to explore, play and develop before moving down to the main site at 7.
In 2007 the school became part of the Cothill Educational Trust and in January 2009 Pippa Quarrell, Anne McDermott’s great-niece, took over as Head. Pippa was educated at Kitebrook. Her mother, Vanessa, taught at the school for many years. Pippa and her family lived, at various stages, on site at both Kitebrook and Hillside. Pippa is passionate about continuing the traditions and principles of Kitebrook while also drawing on her experience within other schools, state and independent.
Parents, in recent years, made it clear that they wanted their sons to enjoy the same educational and flexi-boarding opportunites that Kitebrook has always offered to their daughters. Also, times have changed, and parents are perhaps more reluctant to send boys away to full board at 8. It seemed unfair that boys weren't allowed. So Kitebrook, having always taken boys in the pre-Prep, now welcomes boys as well as girls at 7+. The transition to full co-education, though still in its early stages, has been a great success - just ask the boys to show you their dorms, their football and cricket pitches, and their favourite places to play in the woods.
The school’s prospectus, re-launched in October 2009, contains fuller explanations of our ethos and practice.