Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH)

Partner school

Brettenham Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7PH

Key facts

Mr James Large Headmaster

Co-ed Gender

199 Total Pupils

Countryside Location

Day & Boarding Type

2 - 13 Age Range

Mainstream Mainstream/Special

Non-denominational Religious Ethos

About Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH)

Old Buckenham Hall (OBH) is where a traditional, phone-free childhood coexists with a forward-thinking global outlook. Set within 85 acres of Suffolk parkland, we provide an environment where children stay children for as long as possible. As a proud member of the Rugby School Group, OBH combines the warmth of a family-focused prep school with the prestige and resources of a world-class institution, and offering – for those that choose – an exclusive Boarding Pathway to Rugby School. While benefiting from this partnership, OBH remains an independent-minded preparatory school. We work individually with families to find the "right" step for every child. Our reach is truly national, with pupils consistently securing places and scholarships to Eton, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey, Rugby, Uppingham, and regional schools such as Oundle and Gresham’s School. Our results are sector-leading: in the past six years, pupils have secured 83 full scholarships. Notably, in 2025, a single cohort of 41 pupils earned 32 full scholarships. We believe these results are a direct product of pupils benefiting from an "adventure in education." For example, our Old Buckenham Explorers (OBEs) programme reinforces classroom learning through survival skills—such as mastering fire-building after studying combustion in the lab. This grounded approach, alongside our extensive academic and co-curricular programme, ensures pupils are prepared for the 21st century whilst enjoying an adventurous childhood.

Pupil information

Roll size, gender split and SEN provision.

Total Pupils

199 pupils

The total number of pupils enrolled at the school.

Boys

99 / 49.75%

Girls

100 / 50.25%

With SEN Support

56 / 28.14%

With SEN EHCP

1 / 0.50%

Fees per term

Indicative termly fees including VAT where shown.

Day Fees

£5,740 – £10,033 (inc. VAT)

Boarding Fees

£12,761 – £14,616 (inc. VAT)

Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH), East of England, Suffolk, IP7 7PH

Academic subjects

Core and specialist subjects offered at Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH).

Core subjects

Art & Design

Biology

Chemistry

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

History

Latin

Mathematics

Physics

Religious Studies

Specialist subjects

Classical Civilisation

Computer Science

Design Technology

Music

Philosophy

Facilities

Sports, arts and support facilities at Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH).

Campus size: 85 acres

Outdoor Pool

Tennis

Golf Course

Theatre

SEND Support

Popular leavers’ destinations

Senior schools and universities leavers commonly progress to

Rugby School

Ampleforth College

Charterhouse School

Culford School

Felsted School

Framlingham College

Gresham’s School

Haileybury

Ipswich School

King’s Ely

The Leys School

Oundle School

Radley College

The Royal Hospital School

Sedbergh School

Sherborne Boys

Eton College

St Mary’s School Ascot

Stowe School

Uppingham School

Malvern College

Benenden School

Downside School

Gordonstoun School

Harrow School

Marlborough College

Pangbourne College

St Edward's School, Oxford

Wellington School

Woodbridge School

Mobile phone policy

Approach to mobile phone use at Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH).

We are a phone-free school, meaning students are not permitted to use mobile phones during school hours. For our international boarding students, all mobile phones are securely stored at school. Phones are made available when students need to contact home and are promptly locked away again after use to ensure a focused and distraction-free environment.

Inspection report

Read the latest report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Inspected by ISI. Independent schools in England are regulated through statutory inspection.

View inspection report

Frequently asked questions about Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH)

What are the entry requirements for Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH)?

Entry requirements vary by year group and availability. Families should contact Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH) directly for current admissions criteria, assessments and deadlines.

Does Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH) offer boarding?

Yes, boarding is offered alongside day places.

What exams does Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH) prepare pupils for?

Exam pathways depend on year group and destination schools. The school can confirm the current curriculum and assessment routes for each cohort.

How much are fees at Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH)?

Day fees start from £5,740 per term (inc. VAT). Boarding fees start from £12,761 per term (inc. VAT).

What age range does Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH) cover?

Old Buckenham Hall School (OBH) educates pupils aged 2-13.