‘Ardvreck is a little bit of magic,’ enthuses one parent, who would ideally like to keep this non- selective Perthshire prep a secret. It’s nestled on the edge of the market town of Crieff, with deer running through the grounds. Children emerge from break times ‘wearing plenty of mud, with leaves in their hair and grins on their faces’. ‘It’s the embodiment of wholesomeness,’ says a recent visitor. Head Ali Kinge – a ‘trailblazer’ – is backed by a ‘solid and inspiring’ team of staff, and adored by parents and pupils. ‘Blissful, pink-cheeked and fun-loving’ children go on to top Scottish schools such as Fettes and Glenalmond, as well as big-hitter southern establishments like Eton and Oundle. Since 2019, more than 80 per cent of leavers have won scholarships, but Ardvreck believes the real value of an education lies in ‘the things remembered long after what was taught has been forgotten’.
Location: Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4EX
Website: ardvreckschool.co.uk
Head: Ali Kinge
Pupils: 142 day and boarding: 70 boys, 72 girls
Ages: 3–13
Term fees: Day: £5,690; boarding: £8,550
