Aldro was founded in 1898 and is now a leading preparatory school for 200 boys between 7 and 13 with outstanding academic results (65 scholarships to major senior schools in last 5 years) and fine facilities.
The school is in a stunning setting, almost 30 acres of rare beauty in the lovely village of Shackleford, within a mile of the A3 and 45 minutes from the centre of London, well placed for both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
Each unique individual is encouraged to glimpse his potential and begin to realise it in a happy family atmosphere where he can feel that he belongs, that he is cared for and valued and that his concerns are important. Characters and abilities are unfolded, not moulded. Interests are ignited in and out of class. Boys go on to do well. In 1994 four old boys were Head Boys of their Senior Schools.
Small classes and excellent teaching of each individual lead to confidence in academic work and subsequent success in exams.
There is a lovely chapel. Facilities include a theatre, music centre and sports hall, as well as a nine-hole golf course, six tennis courts (one covered), Art, Design Technology and Information Technology Centres and a swimming pool. There is a lake on which boys row and fish. A high standard is achieved in all major sports, with unbeaten teams in rugby, soccer, cricket, athletics and squash in 1994/5. Aldro featured in the Preparatory Schools' Tennis Doubles Final in 1992 (winners), 1993 and 1995 and reached the final stages of the Swimming Championships. Four boys have played chess for England and Aldro won the U.11 Schools' Competition in 1995. Hockey, rifle shooting and fencing are also available; boys enjoy their own gardens and surrounding woodland.
Music flourishes. Most boys learn an instrument or are members of one of three choirs. There is an orchestra of 30, a jazz band, a wind band, a junior orchestra and instrumental ensembles. Four music scholarships were awarded in 1997.
Drama is important with productions each term. There are Cubs, Scouts and a wide selection of activities including photography, printing, model railway, film-making, conjuring and a folk club.
