Welcome to Old Buckenham Hall (OBH). Set within 85 acres of private Suffolk countryside, OBH is a premier co-educational boarding prep school for pupils aged 2 to 13 in England. We offer international families an authentic, traditional British prep school experience—where children enjoy a safe, happy childhood while achieving extraordinary academic and co-curricular outcomes.

As a proud member of the Rugby School Group, OBH combines the warmth, individual care, and charm of a boutique countryside prep school with the global prestige, educational certainty, and world-class standards of one of Britain’s founding public schools.

Why International Families Choose OBH

No Exeat Weekends: We offer full term-time boarding with no compulsory exeat weekends, allowing international pupils to stay comfortably on-site and fully engaged throughout the term.

Rapid Academic Transition: We specialise in helping international pupils adapt swiftly to the UK curriculum, ensuring they build confidence and excel in 11+, 13+, Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations.

Direct Rugby School Pathway: As part of the Rugby School Group, our pupils benefit from an aligned entrance assessment and an exclusive 10% boarding fee reduction at Rugby School. Please see here for further details: Boarding Pathway to Rugby School.

UKVI & Visa Support: OBH is a licenced UK Student Visa sponsor, offering full guidance for international pupil applications and AEGIS-accredited guardianship support.

Proven Pathways & Senior School Success

OBH holds a national reputation as a trusted launchpad to the UK’s most competitive senior schools. Our non-selective, highly supportive environment unlocks extraordinary personal potential.

Following 2025's remarkable wave of 32 scholarships, our 2026 graduating cohort achieved an astonishing 21 senior school scholarships from a class of just 26 pupils across Academics, Sport, Music, Art, Design Technology, Drama, and Dance.

Our pupils secure places and scholarships to premier senior destinations, including:

• Boys' Boarding: Eton College, Charterhouse, Harrow School, Radley College & Winchester College
• Girls' Boarding: Benenden School, Tudor Hall & Wycombe Abbey
• Co-Educational Boarding: Rugby School, Wellington College, Marlborough College, Sevenoaks School, Oundle School, Uppingham School, Sedbergh School & Brighton College
• Regional Destinations: Gresham's, Framlingham College, Culford School, Ipswich School, The Leys, King's Ely

Virtual Tour & Admissions Enquiries

Discover life at OBH from anywhere in the world. Watch our virtual tour below to explore our 85-acre grounds, historic main house, and world-class facilities.

To find out more or to schedule a call with our admissions team, please contact [email protected] 

Download International Admissions Guide

Information for Education Agents

Old Buckenham Hall works in close partnership with a select group of accredited education agents globally. We provide streamlined admissions support, rapid document turnaround, and dedicated assistance for international educational consultants.

Agent Enquiries: Contact the Admissions Department at [email protected].

Agent Guidance: Families seeking advice on selecting an accredited representative may refer to the British Council's student and parent guide to choosing an education agent.

Compliance Note: Families with concerns regarding the conduct of an education agent are encouraged to contact our Admissions Department directly.