Good School Guide Returns To Princethorpe To Update Their Review

The Guide, which selects schools to be included on merit alone, is famous for its unbiased and candid reviews of state and private schools and is trusted by families worldwide. Princethorpe is now one of just 1,300 schools currently reviewed by the Guide, out of over 30,000 schools in the UK.

An editor from the Guide visited the College in December 2024, interviewed the Headmaster, Grove du Toit, toured the campus, observed lessons and spoke to pupils, staff and parents.

The nearly 3,000-word review, which appears on the Good Schools Guide’s website and will be included in the next hard copy edition, includes a pen portrait of the Headmaster, plus insights into exam results, teaching and learning, co-curricular life, pastoral care and the College’s ethos and heritage.

Comments Grove du Toit, Headmaster, “After two years in post I was excited to welcome the Good Schools Guide back to Princethorpe to update their review. I am delighted with their findings, especially their recognition of our exceptionally strong pastoral care. Our ‘Spirit of Family’ approach shines through, along with the fact that while we are proud of our Catholic ethos and heritage, we are an inclusive community that welcomes all faiths and none. I am also heartened by the parental feedback on our positive and encouraging approach to teaching and learning, that engages creatively, sets high expectations and gently pushes pupils to achieve.” He continues, “It’s good to have our wonderful rural location and facilities highlighted, including our new Science Centre, and our commitment to developing our campus further, particularly in relation to improving and expanding our sporting facilities – we have very exciting projects planned. All in all, to me it feels a very fair picture of the school and I would encourage current and prospective families to read it.”

The very comprehensive and positive review concludes with a Last Word, which sums up the Guide’s findings:

"Scratch beneath the surface of Princethorpe’s majestic façade and landscaped beauty, and you’ll find pastoral care is its beating heart. Imbuing all disciplines and endeavours, it pumps pupils with confidence as they develop and learn. A picture-perfect pastoral idyll."

Thank you to all the parents, pupils and members of staff who kindly spoke to the Guide's editor about their experience of the school.

To read the Good School Guide’s review in full click here.