Yarrells Preparatory School is proud to announce its inclusion in the prestigious The Good Schools Guide, recognising the school’s commitment to delivering an outstanding education for children aged 6 months to 11 years.
Located in Upton, near Poole, Yarrells is a co-educational independent day school set within a beautiful Georgian manor house and extensive grounds. The school provides a nurturing and inspiring environment where children can thrive from their earliest months through to the end of their preparatory education.
The Good Schools Guide highlights Yarrells’ strong reputation for offering a well-rounded education, combining academic excellence with a focus on personal development. With a personalised approach to learning, the school ensures every child is supported to reach their full potential, building confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning.
Yarrells is a family-run school that prides itself on its close-knit community. Small class sizes allow for highly personalised attention, ensuring that every pupil receives tailored support and guidance. The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care and a nurturing environment, where children are encouraged to develop socially and emotionally as well as academically. This approach consistently produces pupils who leave Yarrells confident, resilient, and ready to take on the next stage of their education with self-assurance and enthusiasm.
This recognition follows the school’s recent inspection by Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), where Yarrells was praised for its high standards, including the identification of a significant strength—a notable accolade awarded for exceptional practice. This commendation reflects the school’s dedication to providing an enriching educational experience and outstanding pastoral care for every pupil.
From its expanding nursery provision—welcoming children from 6 months old—through to Year 6, Yarrells offers a seamless educational journey. The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while equipping pupils with the skills and resilience needed for a successful transition to senior school. Pupils benefit from a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sport, music, drama, and outdoor learning.
Why Choose Yarrells?
Yarrells combines the advantages of a family-run ethos, small classes, and personalised pastoral care to create an environment where children feel valued, supported, and inspired. The school’s nurturing approach ensures pupils leave not only academically well-prepared but also confident, self-motivated, and ready to embrace life’s challenges.
Headteacher Clare Cunningham commented that the recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of both staff and pupils, as well as the supportive community that makes Yarrells such a special place to learn and grow.
Being featured in The Good Schools Guide, alongside the ISI’s recognition of a significant strength, further strengthens Yarrells Preparatory School’s reputation as a leading choice for families in Dorset seeking high-quality education from the earliest years through to age 11.
THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE TO YARRELLS SCHOOL AND NURSERY
Discover Yarrells for Your Child
To find out more about admissions, and to arrange a visit please contact our Admissions Registrar, Kristal Bowdler.
Email: admissions@yarrells.co.uk
Tel: 01202 622229
Or complete an online enquiry form below.