The 30 Best School in Southampton

“Our son has been with Highfield Nursery School and had loved every day there. The nursery is a home away from home and the children are treated like family. As parents, we think it is most important that we completely trust our child's carer, to know our child is safe and is receiving the best foundation that they can through carefully planned activities and play. It has been wonderful to see our child grow in skills and confidence since he's joined the nursery. Lynette and Alec have particularly been marvelous in the way they've handled safeguarding since coronavirus. We've not had any concerns about sending our child back. The intricate planning and co-working with parents made us truly feel involved in shaping decisions that involves our child. We totally recommend the nursery. You wouldn't need to think twice :)”

“Kingfishers is absolutely fantastic! My son started here following a different setting so he knew no one. I was so apprehensive but the staff were so welcoming and within weeks he had new friends which he still has to this day. They enrich the children with so many activities and styles of learning. There is something for everyone. My daughter has now recently started and she is thriving. I'm so greatful to say my children's journeys have been spent here. Would 100% recommend this setting to any parent who wants their child to love learning and exploring.”

“Bulgarian wine!!!! Absolutely loved this Bulgarian wine tasting, something a bit different with wine that was surprising and thought provoking and some great information on the areas the wine came from and a lesson in how to check the acidity of white wines and the tanins in the reds. Cecile is always fun, exuberant and really gets the group engaging. Over the years we have attended 4 different wine tasting sessions with this amazing school and had a fantastic time every time. Give it a go you won't regret it.”

“Great place to learn music : I have been taught here for 9 years. The owner is passionate about art in general and I have learnt lots - about to do grade 8 next year. Would highly recommend for younger children as the lessons are made fun and interesting and are tailored to each child’s individual needs. I enjoy my time here very much and is perfect for anyone who’s interested in music and art.”

“A Truly Exceptional After-School Club. Over the past five years, Dragonflies has been an invaluable part of both of our daughters’ growth and happiness. From the very beginning, we were struck by their openness and trustworthiness—qualities that put us at ease as parents. The team has always been transparent, keeping us informed while fostering a warm, welcoming environment where our children feel safe and valued. What truly sets them apart is their excellence in creativity and engagement. Every day, our daughters came home excited to share the imaginative activities, thoughtful projects, and playful learning experiences they provided. The staff’s ability to balance professionalism with genuine care created a space where children thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. We are deeply grateful for the love, dedication, and expertise shown by every member of the team. It’s rare to find a setting that feels so professional yet deeply human, and we couldn’t have asked for a better foundation for our daughters.”

“My 5 days preparation for Yachmaster Offshore exam was brilliant. Tim Aisher was a hell of a good instructor, universal sailing came highly recommended and made my week very special and my exam a success. Thanks to the Team, and Melanie”

“Just passed my driving test today! A huge thank you to Phil at Podium School of Motoring—couldn't have done it without you. I’m incredibly grateful for all the guidance, patience, and wisdom you’ve shared throughout my lessons. Highly recommend taking your driving lessons with Phil!”

“Ben W is a very good teacher with my son. He stood in for his normal teacher and my son immediately took to him. When the normal teacher left Ben took her place, and I was very pleased. He explains everything well, and makes it enjoyable for him to learn. He is very patient when my son doesn't understand and is happy to explain the task again. He is very friendly and gives praise when it's due.”

“Since I started classes at Urban Aerial 2 years ago; I am noticeably stronger, fitter, more confident and my mental health has improved massively. Charlie, Beccie and Claire are the most welcoming, friendliest instructors who really believe in everyone and help you progress so quickly. They are always there to help, even at open sessions. The students who attend the classes are also so friendly; it is like a big family where everyone is welcome. The studio is really well presented, thoroughly cleaned after every lesson and spacious. There is always a wide range of different activities to try including pole, hoop, stretch, flying pole, silks and more.”

“Lydia's coaching skills are truly exceptional, making her an outstanding coach. My son eagerly anticipates his weekly sessions and has developed a strong passion for swimming under her guidance. Thanks to Lydia's expertise, his swimming abilities have shown remarkable improvement.”

“My son as a nervous swimmer has gained in confidence during his time and really benefitted from the small classes. It was also great for him to be able to start going in without a parent from the age of 3 (with a helper instead).”

“This was our second time at River Studios and won’t be our last. We were lucky enough to have Will and the Black Room both times and cannot recommend them highly enough! This time we spent an awesome afternoon with Will working on two tracks with our two mini guitarists ! He was so enthusiastic and fantastic with both children . Nothing is too much trouble and we came out all having had a fab time and with two great tracks - we will be back for sure! Thanks so much to Will as we all really enjoyed our mini concert and the time you spent teaching the kids how to get the most out of their guitars was so lovely to see . We will see you again soon ! Sharon, Will, Jessica & James”

“We booked a two hour sailing session for my husband and my best friend's little girl - as her Christmas present - and it was absolutely brilliant. I've never seen her beam so widely seeing her get off the boat after an amazing session. The instructor was brilliant and both of them were pumped with adrenaline afterwards chatting about everything they'd learned. Highly recommend.”

“The team are amazing, friendly and great at their jobs. My daughter loves swimming each week and you can see the progress she's making!”

“A massive thank you to Malcolm and all of the hard work, time and patients he put into teaching me to drive. I am utterly grateful for how kind, compassionate and patient Malcolm was with me. Today I have passed my practical driving test first time with only 2 minors. Malcolm taught me everything from start to finish to help get me to this point and he was the best teacher throughout the process. I would highly recommend Malcolm to anyone!”

“All 3 of my children have attended Starcast over the last 6 or so years. They are all very different with different strengths and passions and there has been a fit for all 3 (including my teenage son). I now have just one left at Starcast and she is loving being part of Drama company and being given so many fabulous opportunities to perform.”

“Our daughters journey from babies to toddlers is everything we could wish for at Abbotswood. The staff are caring, passionate and have such a fantastic bond with our little one. They are always working to find new ways to engage and develop the children through play and activities and have the most incredible setting. We love the focus on being outdoors and allowing them to explore and use their imagination in a safe and loving environment. Thank you all Abbotswood staff for your hard work! ❤️”

“Freddie has been with Standen Swim Academy since he was just 4 weeks old and I cannot overstate how brilliant the sensory lessons with Sally are. He may have slept though his second ever lesson but 7 months on he is almost floating independently and is so happy in the water! We love our weekly sessions and feel we get such a personalised experience with Sally! Highly recommend!!”

“The POMS - pissed off mums - had a great session with Emma last week. 4 70+ yr olds & a baby - 66yr old had a great time. Dont let age or mobility put ypu off! It was great fun! Many thanks Emma”

“Had a fantastic couple of days with Alex doing the Day Skipper course at Hamble Sailing School. The whole weekend was a great experience — really well-structured, with a strong focus on practical learning. Alex’s teaching style was spot on: clear, patient, and encouraging, with plenty of good conversation along the way. He has a great coaching approach that helps refine skills and build confidence. The boat was well-maintained and very well provisioned.”

“I have just recently finished a short, but very useful course as a part of preparation for IELTS. It was the best learning experience I have ever had. Teachers were helpful as well as playful. The learning process was light and efficient. More over, atmosphere in a whole school was really friendly and made you feel accepted from the first day. There is just one sad moment. That this experience was so short. Thanks to all the members of this beautiful community for great time.”

“Really friendly and inclusive club with lots of activities throughout the year.”

“Our daughter has really thrived at Swish and it's great outlet for the all the built up energy she has . Zara has just completed her first theatre show and she was supported all the way to deal with any stage nerves and thoroughly enjoyed herself . We are looking forward to continuing our journey with Swish !”

“My youngest attends here and really enjoys her days at nursery! She goes in happy and the staff are always on hand for a cuddle if she needs it! They are so lovely and the range of activities on offer is brilliant!”

“Our family has known the team at Bright Horizons since our eldest started there in 2018. He spent three very happy years there and his development through the wide range of activities that the kids participate in daily was nothing short of astounding. Our second child is currently attending there and his development is progressing the same as his older brother's did. Our youngest starts after the summer. It was difficult back in 2018 to choose a nursery as there were a lot of choices and as new parents we were obviously apprehensive but within a very short space of time we realised we had made the right decision as each and every member of staff are very professional and hard working but also show a very genuine affection and interest in the children's wellbeing. We wouldn't hesitate in recommending Bright Horizons and will always be grateful to them for the peace of mind they gave us and the great care they took (and continue to take) of our children.”

“What a stunning place! Without doubt the most impressive school I've ever witnessed”

“My daughter attends gym tots on Tuesday mornings and has done from a very young age! The coaches are fab. The classes are well organised and we've never had any issues.”

“My went there for a year. He really struggeled at the beginning, with separation, but the staff was really patient and kind. He enjoyed every day afterwards. Overall we had a good experience. Would recommend.”

“A lovely riding school with even lovelier staff. My children are always well looked after and we are always greeted by friendly helpful staff. The ponies are looked after incredibly well, and clearly love their job! The yard is always tidy and the girls on the yard are always happy to help with any queries. The office staff are always very helpful in person & over the phone. Especially the manager Sam, who always looks out for everyone and is happy to help anyone, anytime… even on her days off! We very much look forward to our next visit & couldn’t recommend this establishment enough.”

“I wholeheartedly recommend this school. Since joining, the change in my daughter has been remarkable. She has simply flourished. It is indeed a 'Bespoke Education' - everyone of her teachers knows how to support, encourage and get the best out of her. She has a new-found confidence and leaves to school everyday with a spring in her step. She especially loves all of the Performing Arts opportunities and has signed up to the many clubs and extra-curricular activities the school offers. Sending our daughter to Ballard was one of the best decisions we have made as parents.”