Kids

Thorpe House School, Gerrards Cross

Muddy says: A small, friendly day school for boys aged 3-16 between Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter, set in 7 stunning acres and high on inclusivity.
Carrdus School, near Banbury, Oxon

Muddy says: A small, intimate, 'family' oriented prep school, Carrdus School near Banbury is a good option for those who resolutely don't want to hot-house their kids.
St Clare’s, Oxford

Muddy says: A collegiate-style day and boarding school for 14-19 year olds in central Oxford, with a huge international intake (40 nationalities!), a sole focus on International Baccalaureate and strong results.
St Mary’s School, Gerrards Cross

Muddy says: A caring, supportive, high-achieving all-through girls school (3-18 years) in elegant Gerrards Cross.
d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford

d'Overbroeck's in Oxford has a first name policy, progressive curriculum, a dedicated Sixth Form campus and a whole clutch of brilliant results. Impressed.
Leighton Park School, Reading

Muddy says: A progressive first-name-only Quaker school with 65 acres in the centre of Reading, with impressive results in STEM and creative subjects.
The Beacon School, Amersham

The largest single sex prep school in the UK, The Beacon still has an impressively inclusive, family feel to it, with a focus on pastoral care and turning out well-rounded boys.
St Edward’s School

Muddy says: Looking for a city school? St Edward's School in Summertown, Oxford is a corker, with half of the cohort taking the IB rather than A-levels. Read on for the Muddy verdict.
Thornton College, Milton Keynes

A peaceful rural setting and nurturing ethos underpins this high-achieving all girls school 3-18 in North Buckinghamshire
Godstowe

This small day and boarding school for girls strikes the perfect balance between a stellar academic record and a nurturing, inclusive environment.
How to manage back-to-school anxiety

With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school, it’s a tense time for everyone. So, how, as parents, should we control our fears? Muddy finds out.
10 books for younger kids

Kids have had a lot on their plates: no school, no play dates, and slim chance of a summer of fun in the sun. Here's 10 great book for ages 5-8 to create a fictional escape route from the madness.
Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
To school or not to school?

It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
Easter activities SORTED!

Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!
Sweetest summer fashion

There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.
Cute babywear

Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!