School History
Wellesley Prep School (formerly Daneshill Prep School) is an independent school with a proud heritage and history of co-educational learning based on strong values, nurturing key skills and fostering happy, confident children.
Discover the story of our Hampshire school from 1950 to present day.
1950 Daneshill School is founded under the name St. Salvators.
1954 St Salvators moves from its original site in Sherborne St. John to the Lutyens designed Daneshill House (originally built in 1903). The School changes its name to reflect its new home.
1973 The school moves again, this time to Dogmersfield Park, near Odiham, a large, historical building on the border between Hampshire and Surrey.
1979 ‘Bylands’ is acquired from the Duke of Wellington’s Estate. A spacious and characterful building in a beautiful rural setting close to the Hampshire – Berkshire border becomes home to Daneshill Preparatory School.
1992 Under the proprietorship of the Spencer family Daneshill becomes one of the leading preparatory schools in Hampshire.
2018 Following the sad death of Simon Spencer in 2016, Daneshill is acquired by the Wellesley family and becomes part of the Wellington Estate. The Wellesley family have a specific expertise and experience in education and are committed to Daneshill’s long-term future as an independent prep school with a continued focus on the core values that established its reputation.
2020 New sports Astro pitches are created to be used for a range of sports including hockey, tennis, football, cricket, rugby and netball.
2021 A Woodland Classroom is built in the Daneshill Woods, providing an inspirational setting from which to explore the surrounding woodland and learn about nature and the environment.
2022 The newly constructed Copenhagen building officially opens in October. With six classrooms, kitchen, spacious dining room and changing facilities, the hi-tech, eco-friendly building transforms the school site.
2023 At the start of the Michaelmas term, Daneshill Prep School formally rebrands as Wellesley Prep School to reflect its standing at the heart of the Wellington Estate. A new Headmaster, Angus McDonald, is appointed.