WHAT? WHERE?

Sandwiched between Ipswich and Newmarket Roads, you’d never guess that Town Close Prep School sits less than a mile from Norwich city centre. Set within a gorgeous 15-acre wooded site, it instantly transports you to what feels like the middle of nowhere – the trees cocoon the grounds and soak up any hint of nearby traffic noise. Despite its central location, access is easy, with well-managed drop-off areas and a campus that feels safely enclosed. Home to 437 pupils aged 3 to 13 (248 boys and 189 girls), Town Close has a genuine family feel and strong sense of community, something I picked up on the moment I arrived.

Town Close is centred around two photogenic period houses – one Georgian and one Victorian – giving the campus its distinctive charm. Over time, a series of modern additions and stand-alone classrooms have expanded the school to harmonious effect, and the interiors feel bright, contemporary and well cared for, with cheerful displays and calm, airy spaces.

There’s a strong emphasis on fresh air and freedom. Children are encouraged to roam the school’s pretty woodland walk – open year-round and dotted with adventure play equipment – and plenty of lessons spill outdoors into open-air classrooms or onto the front lawn. Alongside this, the grounds include generous playgrounds, well-tended gardens and dedicated sports areas, giving pupils space to run, explore and breathe – something that’s clearly woven into school life.

FACILITIES

Pretty punchy for a school in a busy corner of inner Norwich, Town Close has an impressive line-up of facilities. Children enjoy a huge, high-spec sports hall with sprung timber floors (ideal for backflips, dance and all that jazz). From the outside, its curved roofline is almost Zaha Hadid-esque, and inside there’s generous gallery seating so parents can cheer from above.

Town Close, also, boasts its own swimming pool – a real draw – complete with a seated spectator gallery. All pupils enjoy swimming lessons with specialist teachers from renowned local swimming club, Swans; such a relief for parents who have experienced sweltering in leisure centres while their kids learn to swim! There’s even a separate “baby” pool for total beginners, which I loved.

The pool is in the same building as Read Hall, the school’s impressive performance space featuring professional sound and lighting rigs and tiered seating for up to 220, with room for an additional 100 at floor level when needed. A dedicated drama studio is located nearby, providing another specialist space for lessons and rehearsal time.

Outside, children are encouraged to make full use of the big school lawn, used for PE and athletics throughout the summer months. Off-site, just a short walk away, the school uses two sports pitches – one graced with a picturesque thatched cricket pavilion, cricket nets and a 400m athletics track. The Town Close minibus ferries pupils to the school’s floodlit Astro turf pitch, too.

Academically, the facilities are equally impressive. There’s a spacious DT room, well-equipped science labs, a state-of-the-art Cookery Room, a computer room (brilliantly dubbed the CTRL Centre), dedicated music rooms, a welcoming library with eye-catching displays, and airy art studios where pupils learn everything from batik silk painting to iPad photography. Modern languages are another real strength, with children able to study French, Spanish, German or Mandarin. It’s also worth noting that many teachers at Town Close are subject specialists – not a term used loosely here, but a genuine whole-staff commitment to expert teaching.

SPORT

pupils playing rugby at Town Close School

Sport is very much centre stage at Town Close, with all Prep pupils taking part in four hours of organised games each week and encouraged to be active whenever possible. Hockey, cricket, netball and, unsurprisingly, swimming are taken particularly seriously by both boys and girls, and the results speak for themselves. Recent highlights include Norfolk county wins in hockey and cricket, personal bests at the IAPS National Swimming Finals for the boys, and the girls bringing home bronze, silver and gold across various hockey and netball tournaments. The well-stocked trophy cabinet speaks for itself.

Other sports on offer include cross country, athletics, gymnastics, and a range of racket sports alongside a wide variety of additional activities through the school’s extensive clubs programme – from dance and football to golf and pickleball. Teams run from A to F, so every child has the chance to represent the school, while the more competitive athletes benefit from top-notch coaching: one cricket coach is a county youth coach, and the hockey coach even boasts an Olympic gold medal.

THE ARTS

DRAMA

Town Close is strong across the arts, but drama is where it truly shines. From Nursery upwards, every child gets the chance to tread the boards in a variety of productions – and even learn to work the modern sound and lighting rigs in the performance hall. The Year 4 musical is a compulsory highlight, designed to build confidence and teamwork, while the Year 6 “straight” play (often Shakespeare) is open to anyone keen to give it a go.

The real razzle-dazzle comes with the auditioned Senior Production for Years 7 and 8, which alternates between a straight play and a musical. Matilda most recently stole the show, captivating pupils, staff and families across the school. Performances take place in Read Hall, but the new drama studio – complete with mirrored walls – provides extra space for rehearsals and read-throughs. What struck me most was the school’s wonderfully creative use of space: this studio also doubles as an art room for self-portrait sessions, a venue for poetry readings and loads more. Every corner here is put to clever, creative and purposeful use.

MUSIC

All pupils at Town Close — from Nursery right through to Year 8 — enjoy group music lessons with specialist teachers, and from Year 1 onwards they can also opt for private tuition. It’s clearly a musical place: just over half the pupils play an instrument with pretty much everything from drums to violin available.

pupil playing the cello at Town Close School

Instrumentalists from across the Prep school are invited to join the full school orchestra, while singers can choose between the Prep and Pre Prep choirs. There are also plenty of smaller ensembles for guitars, flutes and wind players, plus a pupil-formed rock band for those with star power. Budding maestros are encouraged to explore everything from film soundtracks to classical favourites, with regular concerts throughout the year giving pupils the chance to perform both solo and as part of a group.

ART

Pupil artwork adorns the corridors throughout Town Close, and it’s seriously impressive – I spotted some particularly brilliant responses to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Every other year the school hosts a whole-school exhibition showcasing work from every pupil, and there’s plenty of external success too: a recent Year 4 pupil scooped third place in the national IAPS iArt Competition.

Creativity starts early here. In Pre Prep, children get stuck into everything from collage and paint to clay and mixed media – and that exploratory approach carries right through the school. When I dropped into an art lesson, pupils were busy creating festive pieces for the upcoming school carol concert programme. Each year group submits one artwork, and pupils can use whatever medium they fancy: lino cutting, silk painting, collage… you name it. I had a peek at last year’s programme and the standard of work was incredibly high across the board.

ACADEMICS

Academically, Town Close is strong – particularly impressive given that it’s a non-selective school. In the 2025 Year 8 cohort, a remarkable 22 scholarships, exhibitions and awards were achieved across the year group, and 100% of pupils moved on to their first-choice secondary school. Many head to excellent local options such as Norwich School or Norwich High, both of which have warm, long-standing relationships with Town Close. Others go slightly further afield to respected Norfolk schools like Gresham’s, on the North Norfolk coast, or Langley, just outside Norwich, while some make the leap to prestigious boarding schools such as Oundle and Uppingham.

The current Year 8’s will be the last to sit the traditional Common Entrance exams before Town Close makes the switch to the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB). The decision followed thoughtful consultation between the Head, staff, parents and senior schools – and won unanimous support. Under the new system, pupils will continue to take Common Entrance in English and maths, while following the PSB framework for all other subjects.

The aim? To give children a broader academic diet, develop the skills that make them confident, independent learners, stretch them well beyond what’s typically expected of Years 7 and 8; and turn them into great, well-rounded people. Early signs are very promising, and I’m genuinely excited to see how the transition unfolds.

Also new this year is the electives programme, where pupils in Years 7 and 8 choose a short course each term from a smorgasbord of off-syllabus subjects. I’m talking architecture, Latin, classics, content creation and even cookery – which this term saw pupils whipping up every component of a full Christmas dinner, from cranberry sauce to roast turkey. The electives give children space to explore new interests and broaden their horizons, while also allowing staff to teach in areas they’re genuinely passionate about. A real win–win if you ask me.

It’s clear that pupils here genuinely connect with their teachers – the atmosphere between staff and children feels warm, respectful and full of energy. Popular figures include Mr Kendrick, the history teacher (his classroom is packed to the rafters with extraordinary models the students have made); Mrs Hale, who teaches Year 3 and girls’ games; and Mr Buck, the dynamic Head of DT who, also, runs the F24, electric car club.

Also worth noting is the school’s very own Adventure and Skills Academy (ASA), where pupils in Years 4, 5, 6 and 7 are encouraged to run (sort of) wild. They learn archery, fire building, Trangia cooking and orienteering, and all take part in an annual, UK-based camping trip filled with classic team-building challenges and plenty of joyous outdoor pursuits – think sailing, canoeing and den building. It’s exactly the kind of confidence-boosting, mud-splattered fun children remember for years.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care at Town Close feels thoughtful, approachable and genuinely child-centred. The school has its own on-site counsellor and operates an “open door” classroom policy, and you really do get the sense that pupils here trust their teachers – and would feel completely comfortable confiding in them. As I walked around, staff greeted pupils by name at every turn, which says a lot about relationships here. Children who need a little extra support can pop into the “Talk and Share” lunchtime group in the Learning Support department, or join the wonderfully named “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” club.

While the school doesn’t implement AS (Affective Social) Tracking, Year 5 pupils follow the Paws B mindfulness programme to help develop emotional awareness and coping strategies, complementing the PSHE curriculum. Town Close, also, uses CPOMS safeguarding software to ensure concerns are logged and followed up promptly.

Another lovely touch is the use of mixed-age, “vertical” tutor groups, giving younger pupils friendly older role models and a sense of belonging beyond their year. And with long lunch breaks encouraged for running, climbing and roaming the grounds, Town Close is refreshingly committed to letting kids be kids for as long as possible.

THE HEAD

Nick Tiley-Nunn took the helm at Town Close in September 2024. Previously Head of Ashford Prep School in Kent, he’s returned to familiar territory: he spent several happy years just across the road as Head of the Prep School and Nursery at Norwich High School for Girls. Norfolk is very much home turf.

Nick is a doer – not the sort to sit around waiting for big-budget building projects to (possibly) materialise. Instead, he’s focused on smart, creative improvements using the space and resources the school already has. It was Nick who spearheaded the addition of the new cookery room and the transformation of underutilised locker rooms into the drama studio, an additional science lab and a Year 8 common room. He was, also, the driving force behind the new electives programme (a mathematician, he will be teaching an elective in mathematical curiosity next year) and the school’s transition to the PSB. Achieving all this in just a year is, frankly, pretty impressive. A visible presence, he is at the school gates daily, attends regular sports fixtures, concerts and school productions and hosts an assembly once a week.

He has also reenergised the Town Close Way, a set of values – Cares, Acts, Respects, Supports, Enjoys – that underpins school life and the wider community. It provides a clear, consistent framework that formalises the spirit already so evident around the school.

LITTLIES

The Pre Prep is based in a handsome Georgian building, with a bright, cheerful nursery for three- and four-year-olds just next door. Not a Forest School as such, but with so much woodland and open space at their fingertips, Town Close makes full, joyful use of it – especially in Pre Prep. If there’s a chance to take learning outdoors, they seize it.

Inside, the classrooms are colourful and inviting, full of imaginative displays and walls plastered with the children’s work. Despite the buzz of little people whizzing around, everything was impressively neat and orderly – Town Close pupils learn the basics of tidying up after themselves and being considerate from a young age, and it clearly shows. The school doesn’t follow a Montessori approach, but there are definitely some areas of overlap in feel and ethos.

When I visited, the whole Pre-Prep was immersed in an “Into the Woods” theme, with displays and lessons exploring every angle. The topic has taken the children out to Thetford Forest, The Bug Parc in Lenwade, and of course into the school’s own wooded areas to learn about nature, habitats and sustainability. Over the term they’ve also welcomed a stream of visiting experts, most recently a representative from a hedgehog hospital who was bowled over by the children’s knowledge. The pupils were genuinely absorbed in their learning – it was a delight to see.

THE QUIRKS

Town Close seems to revel in any opportunity for fun, quirky or full-blown celebratory moments. Recent highlights include a fireworks spectacular complete with stilt walkers and fire artists, and the school’s annual House Welly-Wanging Competition on the front lawn – a firm favourite with pupils.

The school, also, makes wonderfully imaginative use of its woodland. In previous years, the trees have been transformed into an enchanting Christmas light trail complete with real reindeer, a Father Christmas grotto and even a mini festive steam train. Magical doesn’t cover it.

A few other features – which I’m calling quirks because I’ve not seen them elsewhere – include the school council’s annual charity selection. Each year, charities pitch to the pupil council, who then debate and vote on whom to support. It’s an impressive introduction to advocacy, decision-making and empathy. There’s, also, an excellent PTA shop with a consistent stock of second-hand uniform, which feels both practical and very in keeping with the school’s family-centred atmosphere. I, also, loved the tree mural in the canteen: children can add a leaf or animal with their name on it whenever they uphold the Town Close Way and act responsibly (clearing away their meal trays and so on).

And of course, I can’t forget Bailey the dachshund, who potters happily around the school spreading joy wherever he goes.

WRAPAROUND CARE

The school day runs from 8am to 4pm, but pupils can arrive from 7.45am in Prep, where they can practise their table tennis skills or relax and read in the library, and stay on until 6pm for hobbies and After School Care. Many clubs are included within the termly fees, while After School Care starts from £4.50. There’s, also, the Activate Holiday Programme – a super-handy, multi-activity scheme that runs for three weeks during the summer holidays and is open to all children, in school and the wider community.

I was especially impressed by the school’s innovative drop-off system. Nicknamed ‘click and collect’, Town Close has created a clever one-way route that takes parents in through one gate, loops them through the playground, and sends them out through another. The result? No queues, no sitting in traffic, and a smooth, stress-free drop-off or pick-up every time.

SEND

Town Close has a dedicated Learning Support Department which provides for the 15 per cent of pupils with SEND. Children here have a range of needs, including specific learning difficulties and other social and communication issues.

The school employs a committed Head of Learning Support, as well as a Speech and Language Therapist who visits from outside. Pupils receive support in class, within small groups or during one-on-one sessions (depending on their individual needs).

ISI REPORT

Town Close received another really positive ISI report this year. All standards were met, with the inspector highlighting the positive impact The Town Close Way has on pupils by awarding a highly sought-after ‘significant strength’ accolade, the only school in Norfolk to hold the honour. You can read the full report here.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Any mobile phones brought into school must be left in the Prep Office during school hours.

TRANSPORT

Town Close is a half hour walk from Norwich Station, which has services from Sheringham and Great Yarmouth (as well as London).

There are two school bus services, covering Long Stratton and Wymondham routes into Norwich, with public bus stops, also, just outside the grounds, and many parents from further afield opting for a car share option.

FEES

Termly fees are comfortably competitive, currently standing at £5,950 + VAT for Years 3-8, £5,090 + VAT for Reception and Years 1-2 and £3,925 + VAT for the Nursery. This includes all food, books and the majority of after-school activities and trips (excluding residential holidays).

A 20 per cent sibling discount applies for third (and subsequent) children if you have at least a trio of kids at the school. The school also offers means-tested bursaries, extending to up to a full fee remission in certain cases.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Norfolk parents rate Town Close in such high regard because they love that it’s a stand-alone prep school for children of all interests, with a family-style atmosphere that means all kids feel known, listened-to and supported. The pupils I spoke to were clearly proud of their school and felt that the school supports them to find their own talents without putting them under undue academic pressure.

MUDDY VERDICT

kids with trophies skiing at Town Close Prep

Good for: Living or working in Norwich who want a fun, friendly and supportive all-rounder with strong pastoral care and academic inclusivity – all kids are encouraged to find the things they enjoy and excel at.

Not for: Children who would benefit from a smaller, slower-paced environment.

Dare to disagree: Have a look for yourself and book a private tour here.

Town Close Preparatory School, 14 Ipswich Rd, Norwich NR2 2LR; 01603 620180

Town Close Prep School, Norwich

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