* Read Country Life's Autumn 2013 School Life supplement in full
We know all about Eton, Ludgrove and Downe House, but what about those schools that offer an equally excellent education on less eye-watering fees? Catherine Austen lists the schools you should know about but probably don't.
Abbotsholme, Derbyshire 01889 590217
Small, country-focused school pupils) which promotes individuality and consideration for others. Prep and senior departments in a 140-acre Derbyshire set- ting; about 40% boarding. The farm is a prominent part of daily life-pupils can take Environmental and Land Based Science GCSE. Pupils wear the symbolic Abbots- holme star, created by the school's founder, the reforming educationalist Dr Cecil Reddie, on their jumpers. Good on SEN.
Brooke Priory, Oakham 01572 724778
Founded in 1989 by headmistress Elizabeth Bell-also a joint master of the local Cottesmore hunt-and her mother, Susan Allen, Brooke Priory has swiftly grown into a force to be reckoned with in Leicestershire and Rutland. ‘Welly Days' ensure children are educated about the countryside. Cricketer Stuart Broad is a former pupil.
* See the best schools in the West of England
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The Country Life guide to Somerset: What to do, where to stay and how to eatSomerset is rich in natural beauty and history, but it is its wealth of small-scale food and drink producers, farmers and makers that really set it apart from the competition. Find out how to make the most of it all with our indispensable guide.
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How to make a gloomy city garden into a haven of colour and natureTiffany Daneff discovers how to transform a typically dark London back garden into a light-filled green haven that is always in use. Photographs by Clive Nichols.
