Shortlisted | Tes Schools Awards 2025
We are incredibly proud that Cumnor has been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year by the prestigious Tes School Awards 2025!
Cumnor House Sussex offers an outstanding contemporary education, built on our commitment to individual opportunity, excellence and community.
We nurture individual, unique potential and believe every moment is an opportunity to unlock exciting new possibilities. Every child belongs.
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A Cumnor education prepares children for entry into the best senior schools in the country. Broad and rich, it is distinctly contemporary in its approach, designed to ignite a love of learning and lay foundations for life.
Teddy joined Cumnor at the beginning of Year 5 and immediately stole our hearts. Coming from a Steiner school, this amazing young woman, with her gentle smile, tangible warmth and eagerness to learn has accelerated academically. Within a few weeks, she was on the stage with a lead role in the Year 5 musical, where we realised just what talent she had modestly hidden from the world.
To hear her sing, to see her eyes light up, to feel the joy and emotion of performance flow through her is just wonderful. She’s thrown herself into everything here, and brings a sense of peace and togetherness to her friendships. But the stage remains her happy place, and we love seeing her there too.
Aggie is full of potential energy. Around school, she is relaxed, easy-going, affable; immensely popular, she is loved for her non-judgemental heart and her slightly goofy humour. Quietly diligent and conscientious, she has secured a place at Brighton College, testimony to her growing academic confidence and her great attitude.
But then you put her onto the sports pitch, and suddenly she transforms. Tall, athletic, powerful, she is brave, she is competitive and she exudes talent. An A team player across all the sports, she is a genuine all-rounder at this stage, as accomplished in a technical sport such as cricket or hockey, as she is on the athletics track or football pitch. And yet, despite all the medals and personal accolades, she comes off the pitch and is immediately her humble, kind and thoughtful self.
Rafe has been with us since Nursery, and even back then, you could tell just how bright and driven he is. He has an exceptional mind, but more than that, he loves to learn, and just loves to get better. He relishes exams and tests, embraces discussion and debate, is interested in the world around him and how it works. He loves to ask the big questions. He happens also to be quick, athletic, sporty; he is kind and sensitive, relishing his role as a peer mentor; and he doesn’t mind donning a tutu and making fun of himself on stage at a recent Variety Show!
He’s an excellent Head Boy, full of insight, empathy and practicality. Most importantly, he is a good person with great values and a humble heart.
It can be hard for most children to move schools, especially when you are so young, but imagine coming out of ‘lockdown’, having lived on a tropical Island, only to arrive in Sussex at a British Prep! Such has been Mia’s journey, joining us, as she did, from Mauritius in 2022.
Not surprisingly, Mia was initially tentative and shy, and found some of the formalities of the classroom hard to adjust to. Yet, through the loving care and support of her form teachers and TAs, as well as the warmth and fun of her peers, you will now find her earnestly beavering away with the broadest of grins on her face.
In fact, she is perhaps one of the most emotionally intelligent children in the year, and carries with her a deeply nurturing spirit, the first to welcome any new child into the classroom.
You will struggle to find a more willing, keen, enthusiastic learner than Hugo.
He is by nature diligent and very conscientious, and given his learning needs, he continues to show great perseverance and determination in all of his academic subjects. He is flourishing in our Kudos curriculum, where he has not only been able to demonstrate his skills and knowledge in different ways, but has also found opportunities such as our Entrepreneurship program that have harnessed his creativity and social intelligence, and earnt himself some money along the way!
Cheerful, eager, full of positivity and engagement, he is a much loved boy here at Cumnor. He has a fantastic attitude to life, always willing to put up his hand and ‘have a go’; he will certainly go a long way in life.
Nakiso arrived in 2023 as one of our Foundation Scholars. The first thing you notice about her is her smile, and wherever she is around the Cumnor campus, she exudes positivity. She never takes the opportunities on offer here at Cumnor for granted, and is utterly wholehearted in everything she does. She is strong, conscientious and engaged, with a diligent heart and mind that means that her progress in all areas of school life has been rapid.
What Nakiso loves most about Cumnor are her friends, whom she blesses with her kindness, steadiness and loyalty. All children deserve a place to put down their roots and blossom, and that is just what Nakiso is doing.
Ethan is a quietly impressive young man. His growth in confidence, maturity and aspiration over the past two years has been astonishing, chiefly fuelled by his love for Performing Arts.
Ethan has weekly LAMDA lessons at school, and is a prominent member of many Cumnor music groups and choirs. His main instrument is the French Horn, but he also sings and is teaching himself the piano. He has thrown himself into Cumnor productions and his growing confidence has helped him secure offers from all three of the top Sussex senior schools he applied for. Bright, creative, imaginative, sensitive, kind, determined, self-reliant, we suspect he will be a star of the stage or screen in the future.
Matilda is by nature very conscientious. In the classroom, her love of reading, her creativity and imagination, and her willingness to engage in new ideas and learning really shines through. She is mature, independent, but happy to collaborate.
Matilda is a keen contributor to all areas of Cumnor life, and has already hit some notable heights, whether it be a starring role as the Headmistress in our phenomenal Year 7 production of ‘School of Rock’, or bowling the critical over at Lords, helping to secure a bronze medal in the ECB National Finals.
Enthusiastic and curious, she literally brightens a room, and has a very positive influence on those around her, full of grace and warmth.
Teddy joined Cumnor at the beginning of Year 5 and immediately stole our hearts. Coming from a Steiner school, this amazing young woman, with her gentle smile, tangible warmth and eagerness to learn has accelerated academically. Within a few weeks, she was on the stage with a lead role in the Year 5 musical, where we realised just what talent she had modestly hidden from the world.
To hear her sing, to see her eyes light up, to feel the joy and emotion of performance flow through her is just wonderful. She’s thrown herself into everything here, and brings a sense of peace and togetherness to her friendships. But the stage remains her happy place, and we love seeing her there too.
Aggie is full of potential energy. Around school, she is relaxed, easy-going, affable; immensely popular, she is loved for her non-judgemental heart and her slightly goofy humour. Quietly diligent and conscientious, she has secured a place at Brighton College, testimony to her growing academic confidence and her great attitude.
But then you put her onto the sports pitch, and suddenly she transforms. Tall, athletic, powerful, she is brave, she is competitive and she exudes talent. An A team player across all the sports, she is a genuine all-rounder at this stage, as accomplished in a technical sport such as cricket or hockey, as she is on the athletics track or football pitch. And yet, despite all the medals and personal accolades, she comes off the pitch and is immediately her humble, kind and thoughtful self.
Rafe has been with us since Nursery, and even back then, you could tell just how bright and driven he is. He has an exceptional mind, but more than that, he loves to learn, and just loves to get better. He relishes exams and tests, embraces discussion and debate, is interested in the world around him and how it works. He loves to ask the big questions. He happens also to be quick, athletic, sporty; he is kind and sensitive, relishing his role as a peer mentor; and he doesn’t mind donning a tutu and making fun of himself on stage at a recent Variety Show!
He’s an excellent Head Boy, full of insight, empathy and practicality. Most importantly, he is a good person with great values and a humble heart.
It can be hard for most children to move schools, especially when you are so young, but imagine coming out of ‘lockdown’, having lived on a tropical Island, only to arrive in Sussex at a British Prep! Such has been Mia’s journey, joining us, as she did, from Mauritius in 2022.
Not surprisingly, Mia was initially tentative and shy, and found some of the formalities of the classroom hard to adjust to. Yet, through the loving care and support of her form teachers and TAs, as well as the warmth and fun of her peers, you will now find her earnestly beavering away with the broadest of grins on her face.
In fact, she is perhaps one of the most emotionally intelligent children in the year, and carries with her a deeply nurturing spirit, the first to welcome any new child into the classroom.
You will struggle to find a more willing, keen, enthusiastic learner than Hugo.
He is by nature diligent and very conscientious, and given his learning needs, he continues to show great perseverance and determination in all of his academic subjects. He is flourishing in our Kudos curriculum, where he has not only been able to demonstrate his skills and knowledge in different ways, but has also found opportunities such as our Entrepreneurship program that have harnessed his creativity and social intelligence, and earnt himself some money along the way!
Cheerful, eager, full of positivity and engagement, he is a much loved boy here at Cumnor. He has a fantastic attitude to life, always willing to put up his hand and ‘have a go’; he will certainly go a long way in life.
Nakiso arrived in 2023 as one of our Foundation Scholars. The first thing you notice about her is her smile, and wherever she is around the Cumnor campus, she exudes positivity. She never takes the opportunities on offer here at Cumnor for granted, and is utterly wholehearted in everything she does. She is strong, conscientious and engaged, with a diligent heart and mind that means that her progress in all areas of school life has been rapid.
What Nakiso loves most about Cumnor are her friends, whom she blesses with her kindness, steadiness and loyalty. All children deserve a place to put down their roots and blossom, and that is just what Nakiso is doing.
Ethan is a quietly impressive young man. His growth in confidence, maturity and aspiration over the past two years has been astonishing, chiefly fuelled by his love for Performing Arts.
Ethan has weekly LAMDA lessons at school, and is a prominent member of many Cumnor music groups and choirs. His main instrument is the French Horn, but he also sings and is teaching himself the piano. He has thrown himself into Cumnor productions and his growing confidence has helped him secure offers from all three of the top Sussex senior schools he applied for. Bright, creative, imaginative, sensitive, kind, determined, self-reliant, we suspect he will be a star of the stage or screen in the future.
Matilda is by nature very conscientious. In the classroom, her love of reading, her creativity and imagination, and her willingness to engage in new ideas and learning really shines through. She is mature, independent, but happy to collaborate.
Matilda is a keen contributor to all areas of Cumnor life, and has already hit some notable heights, whether it be a starring role as the Headmistress in our phenomenal Year 7 production of ‘School of Rock’, or bowling the critical over at Lords, helping to secure a bronze medal in the ECB National Finals.
Enthusiastic and curious, she literally brightens a room, and has a very positive influence on those around her, full of grace and warmth.
Cumnor is more than the sum of its parts. What makes us more is our community. A home from home, where every family is welcomed, supported and celebrated.
Cumnor is more than the sum of its parts. What makes us more is our community. A home from home, where every family is welcomed, supported and celebrated.
Cumnor’s staff are outstanding. They are more than skilled educators: they are compassionate individuals who get to know every pupil in their care. This is the Cumnor difference that your child will experience – an environment where they know they are valued, understood, and can learn in a way that works for them.
Henry is a dedicated, charismatic and dynamic teacher with a deep commitment to Prep school life. His extensive experience in pastoral care combined with honesty, warmth, integrity and a positive outlook means he is an outstanding role model for pupils. Under Henry’s care and attention, every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Having joined Cumnor nine years ago, Henry is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of Religion & Philosophy, Head of History and a Year 7 Form Tutor. Passionate about inspiring young minds both in and out of the classroom, he is currently training with the RFU for an England Rugby Coaching Award (ERCA).
Emma’s extensive teaching and consultancy background means she is ideally placed to guide our parents and children as they navigate Pre-Test preparation and senior school pathways. Her love of problem solving and passion for a range of subjects, combined with her down to earth approach, is instrumental in providing thorough and targeted academic support. You are in very capable hands!
Graduating with a BA in Linguistics and Phonetics, followed by a PGCE with English specialism, Emma spent four years advising parents as an Educational Consultant at Gabbitas before joining St Paul’s Juniors, London where she taught for 13 years, latterly as Head of Year 4 and overseeing 8+ entry. Emma joined Cumnor in 2018, teaching across the school, and has since held various roles on the Academic and Senior Management Teams.
Jacqui’s vivacity, warmth and humour permeate daily life at Cumnor. Working in close partnership with parents, Jacqui is quite simply what defines our school. Dedicated to instilling a love of learning and discovery in young children, she believes that the unique magic of childhood should be treasured and celebrated.
Taking an unconventional route into teaching, Jacqui’s career in the London museum sector inspired her to retrain, qualifying as a teacher in 2006. After eight happy years at Cumnor, and three years at Brighton College Pre-Prep, Jacqui returned to Cumnor in 2017 to lead the Pre-Prep and Nursery. Jacqui is also a hugely successful Director and her love of amateur dramatics has inspired some legendary performances!
At the heart of Annabel’s teaching philosophy is the unwavering belief that a happy child will learn best. The transition from Pre-Prep to Prep is one of huge opportunity and excitement. By supporting pupils to develop their growth mind-sets, building their self-esteem and setting high classroom standards, Annabel has created a truly inspiring, inclusive and nurturing environment, with great success, both pastorally and academically.
Annabel’s career in teaching spans 15 years in the private sector, including 12 at one of London’s top day schools, Wetherby. Moving to Cumnor in 2023, as a first-choice school based on its reputation and ethos, Annabel now leads Year 3.
The start of this academic year marks Fergus’ fifth year as Headmaster. Over the past five years he has led the school from strength to strength alongside the wider Leadership Team, building a supportive and inclusive community that deeply cares about the children here. Fergus is committed to excellence, challenging himself daily to innovate, driven by his belief in individual opportunity.
Joining Cumnor from St Andrew’s Prep School in Kenya, where he was also Headmaster, Fergus brings extensive experience having started his career at King’s Bruton and Haslemere Prep before spending ten years at Cheltenham College as Housemaster, Head of English and Drama. Fergus’ theatrical background and light-hearted personality means he is never short of a speech when needed!
As Director of Drama, Charley has gone back to her roots, embracing her true passion for Drama, Dance and the Performing Arts. A passionate believer in helping children find their voices to grow in confidence and build communication skills, she has created an inspiring and nurturing hub in our Theatre, where children are free to explore, perform and laugh.
Charley’s dedication to Performing Arts – both at Cumnor and on the stage herself – permeates everything she does. Having studied Performing Arts at Middlesex University and touring as an actress, Charley made a side step into fashion, as Geri Halliwell’s personal stylist. Relocating to Sussex with her family, Charley then set up the drama group ‘Storybox’, before retraining as a teacher in 2014 including four years as Head of Year 3 here at Cumnor.
Helen’s commitment to the early years shines bright. A specialist practitioner, Helen is passionate about supporting children to learn practically based on their interests, sharing in their awe, wonder and excitement. Combined with her kind, caring and compassionate nature, Helen makes Cumnor Reception a very special place for our youngest children to embark on their learning journey.
Graduating from Norland with a Distinction, Memorial Prize and Academic Award, Helen spent three years as a sole charge live-in nanny in London before gaining her Early Years PGCE and postgraduate certificate In Early Years Education. Helen spent six years teaching Reception, Year 3 and 4 in London before launching a private early years education consultancy. Helen joined Cumnor in 2022.
James’ empathetic, calm and patient approach, infused with plenty of good humour, has created a lab environment that enables our children to develop their talents to the fullest. Finding it immensely rewarding, and a huge privilege, to be able to share his passion for Science, James revels in inspiring our children, watching them grow in confidence and blossom into independent thinkers.
After completing his doctoral studies overseas, James worked as a research scientist at the Natural History Museum in London, before embracing the opportunity to enter the teaching profession. After seven years as Head of Science at a prep school in Sussex, during which time he obtained his PGCE, he joined Cumnor in 2020.
Nikki’s teaching strength comes from her empathy and direct experience of what it feels like to struggle with mathematical concepts and methodology. Having dedicated her career to supporting children on their personal learning journeys, she is truly passionate about making maths relevant to everyday life, embracing our Kudos curriculum, and mentoring our Young Entrepreneurs.
Dedicated to prep schools throughout her career, Nikki has taught in both the UK and Kenya as Head of Year 3, Year 4 and in Mathematics leadership roles. Graduating with a Mathematics teaching degree, specialising in KS2 and KS3, Nikki is highly experienced and on a mission to dispel the stigma around Mathematics!
Rosie’s commitment to the emotional wellbeing of our children is undeniable. As our dedicated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) for the Pre-Prep as well as Reception Teaching Assistant, Rosie supports the very youngest at Cumnor as they start their learning journey, building their sense of belonging and equipping them with strategies to build resilience as they move on through the school. Rosie’s calm, kind, open and warm nature means she is a much-loved and trusted member of our Pre-Prep team.
Rosie’s early career saw her specialise in sports coaching, particularly gymnastics, tennis and swimming. Following a year in South Africa where she taught English, Rosie started working in the classroom alongside swim coaching before joining Cumnor in 2021 as a full time Teaching Assistant and completing her ELSA training in 2024.
Henry is a dedicated, charismatic and dynamic teacher with a deep commitment to Prep school life. His extensive experience in pastoral care combined with honesty, warmth, integrity and a positive outlook means he is an outstanding role model for pupils. Under Henry’s care and attention, every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Having joined Cumnor nine years ago, Henry is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of Religion & Philosophy, Head of History and a Year 7 Form Tutor. Passionate about inspiring young minds both in and out of the classroom, he is currently training with the RFU for an England Rugby Coaching Award (ERCA).
Emma’s extensive teaching and consultancy background means she is ideally placed to guide our parents and children as they navigate Pre-Test preparation and senior school pathways. Her love of problem solving and passion for a range of subjects, combined with her down to earth approach, is instrumental in providing thorough and targeted academic support. You are in very capable hands!
Graduating with a BA in Linguistics and Phonetics, followed by a PGCE with English specialism, Emma spent four years advising parents as an Educational Consultant at Gabbitas before joining St Paul’s Juniors, London where she taught for 13 years, latterly as Head of Year 4 and overseeing 8+ entry. Emma joined Cumnor in 2018, teaching across the school, and has since held various roles on the Academic and Senior Management Teams.
Jacqui’s vivacity, warmth and humour permeate daily life at Cumnor. Working in close partnership with parents, Jacqui is quite simply what defines our school. Dedicated to instilling a love of learning and discovery in young children, she believes that the unique magic of childhood should be treasured and celebrated.
Taking an unconventional route into teaching, Jacqui’s career in the London museum sector inspired her to retrain, qualifying as a teacher in 2006. After eight happy years at Cumnor, and three years at Brighton College Pre-Prep, Jacqui returned to Cumnor in 2017 to lead the Pre-Prep and Nursery. Jacqui is also a hugely successful Director and her love of amateur dramatics has inspired some legendary performances!
At the heart of Annabel’s teaching philosophy is the unwavering belief that a happy child will learn best. The transition from Pre-Prep to Prep is one of huge opportunity and excitement. By supporting pupils to develop their growth mind-sets, building their self-esteem and setting high classroom standards, Annabel has created a truly inspiring, inclusive and nurturing environment, with great success, both pastorally and academically.
Annabel’s career in teaching spans 15 years in the private sector, including 12 at one of London’s top day schools, Wetherby. Moving to Cumnor in 2023, as a first-choice school based on its reputation and ethos, Annabel now leads Year 3.
The start of this academic year marks Fergus’ fifth year as Headmaster. Over the past five years he has led the school from strength to strength alongside the wider Leadership Team, building a supportive and inclusive community that deeply cares about the children here. Fergus is committed to excellence, challenging himself daily to innovate, driven by his belief in individual opportunity.
Joining Cumnor from St Andrew’s Prep School in Kenya, where he was also Headmaster, Fergus brings extensive experience having started his career at King’s Bruton and Haslemere Prep before spending ten years at Cheltenham College as Housemaster, Head of English and Drama. Fergus’ theatrical background and light-hearted personality means he is never short of a speech when needed!
As Director of Drama, Charley has gone back to her roots, embracing her true passion for Drama, Dance and the Performing Arts. A passionate believer in helping children find their voices to grow in confidence and build communication skills, she has created an inspiring and nurturing hub in our Theatre, where children are free to explore, perform and laugh.
Charley’s dedication to Performing Arts – both at Cumnor and on the stage herself – permeates everything she does. Having studied Performing Arts at Middlesex University and touring as an actress, Charley made a side step into fashion, as Geri Halliwell’s personal stylist. Relocating to Sussex with her family, Charley then set up the drama group ‘Storybox’, before retraining as a teacher in 2014 including four years as Head of Year 3 here at Cumnor.
Helen’s commitment to the early years shines bright. A specialist practitioner, Helen is passionate about supporting children to learn practically based on their interests, sharing in their awe, wonder and excitement. Combined with her kind, caring and compassionate nature, Helen makes Cumnor Reception a very special place for our youngest children to embark on their learning journey.
Graduating from Norland with a Distinction, Memorial Prize and Academic Award, Helen spent three years as a sole charge live-in nanny in London before gaining her Early Years PGCE and postgraduate certificate In Early Years Education. Helen spent six years teaching Reception, Year 3 and 4 in London before launching a private early years education consultancy. Helen joined Cumnor in 2022.
James’ empathetic, calm and patient approach, infused with plenty of good humour, has created a lab environment that enables our children to develop their talents to the fullest. Finding it immensely rewarding, and a huge privilege, to be able to share his passion for Science, James revels in inspiring our children, watching them grow in confidence and blossom into independent thinkers.
After completing his doctoral studies overseas, James worked as a research scientist at the Natural History Museum in London, before embracing the opportunity to enter the teaching profession. After seven years as Head of Science at a prep school in Sussex, during which time he obtained his PGCE, he joined Cumnor in 2020.
Nikki’s teaching strength comes from her empathy and direct experience of what it feels like to struggle with mathematical concepts and methodology. Having dedicated her career to supporting children on their personal learning journeys, she is truly passionate about making maths relevant to everyday life, embracing our Kudos curriculum, and mentoring our Young Entrepreneurs.
Dedicated to prep schools throughout her career, Nikki has taught in both the UK and Kenya as Head of Year 3, Year 4 and in Mathematics leadership roles. Graduating with a Mathematics teaching degree, specialising in KS2 and KS3, Nikki is highly experienced and on a mission to dispel the stigma around Mathematics!
Rosie’s commitment to the emotional wellbeing of our children is undeniable. As our dedicated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) for the Pre-Prep as well as Reception Teaching Assistant, Rosie supports the very youngest at Cumnor as they start their learning journey, building their sense of belonging and equipping them with strategies to build resilience as they move on through the school. Rosie’s calm, kind, open and warm nature means she is a much-loved and trusted member of our Pre-Prep team.
Rosie’s early career saw her specialise in sports coaching, particularly gymnastics, tennis and swimming. Following a year in South Africa where she taught English, Rosie started working in the classroom alongside swim coaching before joining Cumnor in 2021 as a full time Teaching Assistant and completing her ELSA training in 2024.
The results that Cumnor pupils achieve are remarkable, moving on to over 50 different senior schools in the past decade. Below are our 2025 scholarship highlights.
Art Scholarships
Pupils Awarded Scholarships
Sport Scholarships
Performing Arts Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
Art & DT Scholarships
Art Scholarships
Pupils Awarded Scholarships
Sport Scholarships
Performing Arts Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
Art & DT Scholarships
Ardingly College
Bedales
Bede’s
Benenden
Brighton College
Bryanston
Charterhouse
Christ's Hospital
Cranleigh
Eastbourne College
Eton
Harrow
Hurst
King's Canterbury
Lancing College
Marlborough
Millfield
Milton Abbey
Oundle
Roedean
Sevenoaks
Stowe School
Tonbridge
Wellington
Woldingham
Worth
Wycombe Abbey
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