Brookes UK is one of Suffolk’s most distinctive independent day and boarding schools for children aged 2 to 16. We run Cherry Trees Montessori nursery, a Lower School and Senior School for students up to year 11. We are located in Risby, just outside the market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, UK. We are one of seven dynamic schools that are part of the global Brookes Education Group.

Brookes is different to most schools in the area as we operate an inclusive entrance policy which brings unparalleled diversity into the classroom. There’s no entrance exam nor any tick-box criteria – we assess every child based on our ability to help them unlock their potential. Our local students therefore get to share learning experiences with boarders from around the world. We have children with a range of learning differences and educational needs who are supported to do their best by their peers.

This kind of diversity helps to enhance each child’s development – our small class sizes, tailored approach, close-knit family environment and culture of wellbeing truly sets us apart from other independent schools. Our 7-acre campus is simply and honestly designed to deliver the best environment for learning.

Above all, our children are relaxed and happy – the best foundation for learning and creativity.

Contact us and arrange a visit to see for yourself

Formerly known as Cherry Trees, the school was founded in 1982 by Mrs Wendy Compson. It started off as a small nursery in Wendy’s home three mornings a week.

After quickly growing in popularity, there was enough demand for Cherry Trees to move to a larger premises and to add pre-prep education. Whilst looking for new premises, they settled on our current site and moved here in 1984.

The house is still there today, but the school has expanded significantly, with the addition of an Early Years unit, a school hall and additional classroom space.

In 2015, the Brookes Education Group acquired Cherry Trees and the school became Brookes UK (we are also known as Brookes Cambridge internationally). Soon after, Gryphon House was built. This modern facility now acts as the front of the school and includes a boarding facility, a state of the art IT suite, an art studio and a science lab.

That year, Brookes moved into secondary education, and every year since, we have added an additional Year Group to the school. In September 2019, we had our first year of going from Year 1 to Year 11. Our senior school is now complete, and growing year on year with increasing educational opportunities.

In March 2020 the Nursery was relaunched as Cherry Trees, Montessori Early Years at Brookes.