• Somerhill is confident, expansive and child focused, and aims to combine secure academic foundations with happiness, opportunity and readiness for the next stage.

• Will suit families seeking a substantial Kent prep where setting, breadth and a distinctive educational model all matter.

Admissions at Somerhill are warm, visit led and well suited to families seeking a substantial Kent prep in a grand rural setting, with an unusual model that is co-educational in the early years and single-sex in classrooms later on. The school should suit parents who value a prep environment where happiness, breadth and a very distinctive campus are all part of the draw.

Scholarships are not the main draw at this age. Families choose Somerhill for its unusual educational model, broad facilities and strong prep-school journey rather than for awards alone, even if later scholarships may form part of the onward picture.

The overall picture is expansive and distinctive, with the school foregrounding its 'best of both worlds' model, its extraordinary setting and a clear belief that happy children learn best. Parents should still visit because the decisive question is whether that particular mix of scale, style and structure feels right for their child.

Assessment at Somerhill is structured and carefully staged, with secure tracking of core skills alongside thoughtful support as children move from the early years into the prep phase. Parents should expect clear communication, regular progress monitoring and enough stretch to prepare children well for senior school without making assessment dominate daily life.