Papplewick is a day, weekly and full boarding preparatory school for boys aged 6 to 13. Situated on 15 acres of land opposite Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, Papplewick has an excellent record of academic achievement and regularly sends boys on to many of the UK's leading independent senior schools, including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Stowe and Bradfield. Scholarships across academic, sporting, musical and artistic disciplines are regularly achieved. The school combines small class sizes with a high level of individual attention, creating an environment in which boys are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

The Head of Papplewick is now Nina Kingsmill Moore, who took up the position in September 2026, succeeding Tom Bunbury, who had led the school since 2004. Nina joins Papplewick following a successful career in senior leadership at leading London preparatory schools. She was previously Head of Wetherby Preparatory School and, before that, Head of Glendower Preparatory School. She also held senior leadership roles at Lambrook. Her experience in boys' and girls' preparatory education, together with her strong relationships with senior schools, brings valuable experience to Papplewick as it begins this new chapter.

Nina is particularly committed to the benefits of single-sex education and to Papplewick's distinctive full-boarding model. She has spoken of her enthusiasm for the school's child-centred approach, describing Papplewick as a place where childhood, curiosity and exploration are at the heart of school life. She has also expressed her gratitude to Tom Bunbury for the legacy he leaves after more than two decades at the school and for the careful handover between the two heads.

Papplewick prides itself on its modern, family-friendly approach to boarding. Younger boys can remain as day boys until the summer term of Year 6, when all boys become boarders, giving them valuable preparation for life at their senior schools. The aim is that boarding should be fun as well as purposeful, with a comprehensive programme of evening and weekend activities ensuring that boys remain engaged, active and interested. Boys are encouraged to try a wide range of sports, while music, art and drama also flourish.

Papplewick offers a particularly broad range of activities beyond the traditional academic and sporting curriculum. The hugely popular herpetology club has more than 90 members, with boys caring for snakes, bearded dragons, geckos, tarantulas and other creatures, many of which are individual boys' pets. Polo and wall climbing are among the sporting opportunities available, while boys can also design and test rockets in the school grounds.

Alongside academic, sporting and cultural achievement, Papplewick places considerable emphasis on the happiness and wellbeing of its boys. The school's ethos is centred on helping boys develop the confidence and security they need to fulfil their potential, while encouraging enthusiasm for life, contribution to the community and, above all, kindness to others.

Papplewick's longstanding success is reflected in its strong record of scholarships and senior-school destinations. The school continues to maintain close relationships with leading senior schools, while its distinctive combination of day and boarding provision prepares boys for the next stage of their education.

With Nina Kingsmill Moore now at the helm, Papplewick enters a new chapter while retaining the traditions, values and distinctive family atmosphere that have shaped the school for generations.