Our History

In September 1888 a Master from Winchester College, Mr A.H. Evans, established a new school in a house just south of Newbury, where 16 boys attended lessons.

That was the very beginning of Horris Hill School, which soon established itself in the highest rank of preparatory schools in the world. From this foundation, over 133 years ago, children have been educated in an unbroken tradition that very few schools can match. 

Horris Hill has always delivered academic rigour in an optimal setting, where children exercise their intellectual inquisitiveness, and are free to explore, build self-confidence and awareness in a safe and encouraging community.

We are privileged to be in a beautiful rural setting with 65 acres of woods and open space. What is the point of having trees and woods if they cannot be explored? Den-building, camping and outdoor learning are firm favourite year-round activities at Horris Hill.  No pupil ever feels confined! The school is also surrounded by sports’ pitches, a golf course, a kitchen garden and woods.

Our pupils have a history of success and when the time is right have made the seamless transition to the best senior schools  including Winchester, Harrow, Eton, Radley, Charterhouse, Marlborough and Sherborne. Our alumni include Watership Down author Richard Adams, cricketer Douglas Jardine, and Max Woosnam, considered by many to be the 'greatest British sportsman'.

In September 2023, Horris Hill became a fully co-educational school, welcoming girls and extending our excellence in education to the sisters of existing pupils, as well as the wider community.

Horris Hill, continues to make sure that every pupil makes the most of the opportunities available to them.  Your child, like many before, will be well prepared and excited for the next stage in their educational journey.