Independent School Options

EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS

Broomwood Hall Lower School

A co-ed pre-Prep school in SW London for ages 4-7, the first stage of an excellent all-through prep education to either 11 or 13 via sibling schools, Northcote Lodge & Broomwood Upper School, also part of the Dukes Education family. Modern innovative teaching delivers outstanding education that excites, stimulates and nurtures the whole child. Our five learning powers: curiosity, communication, confidence, independence and resilience, combined with our mastery approach and the “Yeti” who teaches us we may not be able to do something “yet”, creates happy, resilient children with the confidence and skills they need to succeed in the future. www.northwoodschools.com/broomwood-hall-lower-school/about-us/head-s-welcome

Broomwood Hall Upper School

A prep school in SW London for girls aged 8-13. Academically ambitious, pastorally kind. Part of the Dukes Education family and sibling to Broomwood Hall Lower School and Northcote Lodge with whom we collaborate closely. Preparing for both 11+ and 13+ exits, offering an excellent and rounded education that nurtures and stretches in equal measure. Girls thrive in our busy yet friendly school which provides outstanding teaching that stimulates and develops individual strengths to prepare girls for entry to top secondary schools as well as for the wider world. Our mastery approach and innovative teaching coupled with an exciting enrichment programme result in happy, confident individuals who are well prepared for modern society and future success. Over 25% of leavers receive scholarships/awards at both London day and boarding schools. www.northwoodschools.com/broomwood-hall-upper-school/about-us/head-s-welcome

Cameron Vale School

Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, Cameron Vale is one of the top independent prep schools in Central London - with the addition of The Chelsea Nursery we provide outstanding education for children aged 2-11 – accepting babies from 3 months (planned from Spring 2023). At Cameron Vale we are driven by the belief that ‘no one size fits all’, and we strive to know every child as an individual, enabling us to support them to develop their own unique gifts and talents, allowing every child to shine, whether it be excelling in the classroom, the sports field or the stage.www.cameronvaleschool.com

Dolphin School

Dolphin School provides a wonderfully bespoke experience - for children and parents. From the moment you make contact with the school and step over the threshold you’ll encounter unexpected warmth and a personal touch which is rare in a London Prep School. With average class sizes of 16, we have developed our individualised curriculum - a personal wellbeing system which has evolved to cater for a modern British education. Children leave Dolphin to a secondary school which is right for them, not moulded to fit a particular environment. Strong academics, second-to-none pastoral care, extensive cocurricular activities and a personalised education programme for all. A green house, not a hot house. www.dolphinschool.org.uk

Eaton House Belgravia

Eaton House Belgravia has been in existence since 1897, and is part of the very fabric of Chelsea and Belgravia. It is a place where bright minds can excel in an environment which offers so many opportunities, opens minds to fluid thinking and instils a lifelong love of learning. Boys leave to join some of the best Prep and Senior schools in the country. Boys will experience a happy, confident, and ambitious start to their education, in a traditional yet modern and welcoming academic environment. Despite being non-selective at Nursery and 4+, in 2020 some 30% of 7+ and 8+ pupils received offers for Westminster and St Paul’s, with others choosing a range of other top schools, or remaining until 11+. www.eatonhouseschools.com/belgravia

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School offers a happy, confident and ambitious start to your daughter’s education. We are outstanding academically and warm and caring in tone. The school has now celebrated over a decade of success, academically and in every way, seeing a 12% increase in size in recent times and an impressive 30 scholarships have been won by this year’s leavers. Girls typically leave for a range of top schools including St Paul’s Girls’ School, Godolphin & Latymer, Wycombe Abbey, St Mary’s Calne, St Mary’s Ascot, James Allen’s Girls’ School, Putney High School, and many more. Beyond academics, the girls are happy, calm, emotionally intelligent, balanced and kind. www.eatonhouseschools.com/the-manor/girls

Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep

Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep is for boys aged 4–8. The School provides a happy, confident and ambitious start to their education in a traditional yet modern, fun and inclusive academic environment. It is based in modern buildings in the 1.5 acre grounds of Eaton House The Manor, directly opposite Clapham Common, with the Prep School (for boys aged 8–13) occupying the Georgian Manor House that gives the school its name. Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep Cambridge-educated Headmaster, Mr David Wingfield, joined the school in September 2020. A mathematics specialist, he has been hailed as one of ‘the most motivated teachers’ that the Tatler Good Schools’ Guide has ever met and who is passionate about Early Years Education and Maths Mastery. www.eatonhouseschools.com/the-manor/prep

Eaton House The Manor Prep

Eaton House, which is housed in a 1.5 acre Georgian manor house site opposite Clapham Common, has sent generations of boys to Eton, Westminster, St Paul’s, Winchester, Harrow, Dulwich, King’s College Wimbledon and others. Boys win scholarships each year, including, in 2020, academic scholarships to Dulwich College & Sherborne. The School has great aspirations for every child, and the progress they make in their five years at EHTM Prep School is remarkable. The Good Schools Guide comments that the Manor is a ‘friendly and happy’ school with pastoral care ‘high on the Head’s agenda.’ It concludes that, as a result, ‘This is a school with excellent academic outcomes, very good value added… and consequently a school of really high expectations.’ www.eatonhouseschools.com/the-manor/prep

Eaton Square Senior School

Located in Central London, Eaton Square Senior School is a co-educational day school from Years 7 – 11. As the only independent senior school in Mayfair, we provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in the heart of our bustling capital. We ensure each student feels valued and develops self-confidence, teamwork, and social responsibility: all of which are essential preparation for life beyond school. Students enjoy a vast range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. London is truly our classroom and we make the most of the many museums, galleries, theatres, sporting venues, historic buildings, and Royal Parks we have on our doorstep. We have also just recently announced the launch of our vibrant and modern new Sixth Form, opening in September 2022. www.eatonsquareschools.com

Emanuel School

An independent co-educational school situated a 10 minute walk from Clapham Junction station. Emanuel School is rooted in the local community with an ethos that promotes kindness and mutual respect. The academic offering is outstanding, with pupils obtaining excellent results in public exams and going on to top higher-education institutions. The cocurricular offering is broad and rich, encouraging pupils to develop life-long interests and passions. Entry points at 10+, 11+ and Sixth Form. www.emanuel.org.uk

Falcons School for Girls

Nestled in a leafy residential area in Putney, we are a small, nurturing independent girls’ school for ages 4-11. Rated ‘Excellent in all areas’ by the ISI in 2020, we pride ourselves in our expertise in educating girls. An accredited ‘Thinking School’ by the University of Exeter, with pupil wellbeing at the forefront of our ethos, we recognise that academic achievement is but one measure of a well-rounded education. Our pupils have numerous opportunities to learn from role models and develop interpersonal relationships and leadership skills, as well as an extensive co and extra-curricular provision. Both music and academic scholarships are available. Our Early Years provision, Peregrines Nursery, starts from 2-4 years, for both boys and girls based on site at Falcons School for Girls. falconsgirls.co.uk

Finton House School

Pastoral care is as much at the heart of a Finton education as the academic experience, and has been since the day the School was founded in 1987 as a charitable trust, because these things underpin our aim of teaching children how to lead a healthy life in its broadest sense. Happiness is in abundance here, and our academic achievements at 11+ speak for themselves: at Finton House, every child can shine. We are delighted to announce new bus routes from Earlsfield, Clapham and Wandsworth Town starting this September – we’re closer than you think! www.fintonhouse.org.uk

Garden House School

Garden House School is a Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Preparatory School based in Chelsea, London. Our girls and boys aged 3 to 11 years are educated separately in academic lessons except in Kindergarten. Our pupils are given the foundations to become independent, creative and critical thinkers by a team of dedicated teachers who celebrate each child as an individual. The Kindness Code, established in 1998, is central to our outstanding pastoral care. Sport, drama and music enhance the academic curriculum. Beyond the classroom clubs, concerts and performances, enrichment days, the School Garden and trips to London historic and cultural institutions complement their education. www.gardenhouseschool.co.uk

Godolphin and Latymer School

Academically selective independent day school for girls aged 11-18; girls sit the London 11+ Consortium entrance exam. Students pursue a wide range of extra-curricular activities, and the pastoral care programme encourages self-belief and resilience. Both the A Level and IB pathways are offered in the Sixth Form with an emphasis on choice and leadership opportunities, and students go on to study a wide-range of university courses in the UK and overseas. It is a caring and inclusive community with a means tested bursary programme that provides fee assistance for talented girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to come to the school. www.godolphinandlatymer.com

Hall School Wimbledon

Occupying a magical campus in the heart of Wimbledon, Hall School Wimbledon (HSW) is a non-selective, co-educational independent school for pupils aged 7 to 18. Under new leadership, led by experienced Headmaster and educational author, Andrew Hammond, HSW delivers a contemporary and inclusive education in a caring environment, empowering all pupils to flourish and become independent learners. An outstanding pastoral care system supports pupils’ health and self-worth, while an exciting and tailored curriculum, delivered by characterful teachers, encourages intellectual curiosity and the building of lifelong learning skills. www.hsw.co.uk

Hornsby House School

Hornsby House is a co-educational independent day school for 4-11 year olds between Balham and Wandsworth Common. There are three classes in each year group and entry at Reception is non-selective. The school is warm, nurturing and inclusive, yet there is real academic rigour, driven by the talented and committed teaching staff. Pupils also enjoy an extensive and creative co-curricular programme, with over fifty clubs on offer during the week. Visitors to Hornsby House often notice the confidence, good manners and exemplary behaviour of the children and they frequently comment upon the wonderful feel of the school. www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk

Hurlingham School

Hurlingham is an independent co-educational Prep School in London for ages 2-11. The School’s ethos is to provide a happy, secure atmosphere in which children can be the best that they can be. Our experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic staff provide opportunities for the children which strongly promote creativity and independence of thought; we feel these are essential attributes for a child growing up in the 21st Century. www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk

Ibstock Place School

Ibstock Place School (for pupils aged 4-18), based on the edge of Richmond Park in South West London. The School has a strong community ethos, and provides a rich variety of opportunity for all its pupils in a friendly, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere. Pupils thrive in an environment which fosters a sense of honesty, integrity, a genuine sense of tolerance, courtesy, and respect. The School has a long tradition of co-education and a strong emphasis on community, looking outward as well as inward. Beyond the formal curriculum, there is a wealth of opportunities for pupils. In a supportive, co-educational environment, each pupil can do something impressive and become someone impressive. www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

Kensington Park School

Kensington Park School is a small, independent, co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18, set in the heart of cosmopolitan London, where academic excellence and co-curricular provision are reinforced by strong community values. We aim to support the individual interests and talents of students within the formal curriculum, fostering pupils that are excited, challenged, and inspired to face the challenges of the ever-changing world around them. Our main points of entry are 11+, 13+, and 16+, though occasional places in other year groups may be available. www.kps.co.uk

Kensington Preparatory School

Kensington Prep School is an award-winning prep school for 4-11 year old girls in Fulham. Set in an acre of land with a spacious playground with netball and tennis courts, the school’s ethos is ‘growing great minds’ that are curious and creative, happy and healthy. There is a warm nurturing atmosphere and the school wins praise for its outstanding academic results and pastoral care. Facilities are cutting-edge with a multiscreen Explore Floor and fully equipped specialist rooms for Music, Science, Drama, Art and IT, and a large library stocked with over 10,000 books. Girls go on to some of the best senior schools in London and the country. Entry is selective by assessment. The main point of entry is 4+ with registration required up to a year before entry. www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net

Kew House School

Kew House School (KHS) is a co-educational, independent senior school for pupils aged 11-18 years. KHS takes a modern and pioneering approach to every aspect of school life. The school recognises and enhances the individual abilities of each child, welcoming pupils with varying academic profiles and placing emphasis on confidence, self-esteem and creativity. In September 2017, KHS opened a Sixth Form Independent Learning Centre, which benefits from a beautifully designed library, café, roof terrace, audio-visual suite, recording studio and seminar rooms. The school is also equipped with state-of-the-art studios for art, drama and DT as well as music, science and computing labs and onsite football and basketball facilities. Just a short walk from the River Thames, rowing is also part of the curriculum. www.kewhouseschool.com

King’s College School Wimbledon

King’s College School prides itself on being a forward-thinking and innovative school, offering outstanding academic and pastoral provision for boys aged 7-18 and for girls aged 16-18. Founded in 1829 by royal charter, the school is set opposite the beautiful Wimbledon Common, located in one of the most attractive and peaceful parts of London. The campus has recently undergone significant renovation as part of a £50m master plan, and it boasts a wealth of incredible sporting, musical and drama facilities. King’s recently retained its place in the Sunday Times 2022 Parent Power tables as the top boys’ or co-educational school in the UK for the fifth consecutive year. www.kcs.org.uk

Knightsbridge School

We are incredibly proud of our school and the happy, vibrant, and purposeful community that has been built here over the last fifteen years. When you walk through the blue doors you will be warmly welcomed into a friendly school where there is a palpable buzz; children chatting happily with one another and their teachers as they move between lessons, matches, or clubs, or heading off for a delicious lunch in the dining room. Exceptional pastoral care ensures that our children feel loved, and well supported by consistent messages based around the KS Code - both at school and at home. We are a non-academically selective school and encourage you to book a school tour to meet the team before registering your interest. www.knightsbridgeschool.com

Latymer Upper School and Latymer Preparatory School

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, it is one of the country’s leading coeducational, independent day schools. An academically selective school, it offers a continuity of outstanding learning and pastoral support for 1,400 children from 7-18 years old. The long-running bursary scheme ensures a first class education to academically able students from all walks of life. The world-class facilities enable this dynamic community of talented young people to combine the highest academic achievement with excellence in the performing arts and sport. Latymer values and respects diversity; it is modern and forward-thinking; it promotes a global outlook and prepares pupils to live lives of consequence as mindful citizens of the world. www.latymerprep.org www.latymer-upper.org

The Merlin School

The Merlin School is a creative and nurturing co-educational Pre-Prep School. You’ll find us in the heart of Putney, in a beautiful Victorian house. We offer a warm and homely atmosphere where all staff take time to engage with our children. Our school motto is ‘have a go’ and we evoke a thirst for learning, encouraging curiosity in the world around us. Whilst Maths and English underpin our syllabus, we very much delight in the breadth and depth of subjects taught here. Despite being non-selective, Merlin children make excellent progress and go on to a range of prestigious Prep Schools. www.merlinschool.net

Northcote Lodge

A prep school in SW London for boys aged 8-13. Academically ambitious, pastorally kind. Part of the Dukes Education family and sibling to Broomwood Hall Lower & Upper Schools with whom we collaborate closely. Preparing for both 11+ and 13+ exits, offering an excellent and rounded education that nurtures and stretches in equal measure. Boys thrive in our busy yet friendly school which provides outstanding teaching that stimulates and develops individual strengths to prepare boys for entry to top secondary schools as well as for the wider world. We really understand how to get the best out of boys and our philosophy of “the whole child is the whole point” means there is equal focus on core subjects as to preparing boys to be engaged, inspired, well-rounded, happy people in the wider world. www.northwoodschools.com/northcote-lodge/about-us/head-s-welcome

Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School

Prince’s Gardens, an independent preparatory school based in the heart of Kensington for children aged 3 - 11 years, features a high tech science lab and a Makerspace, as well as offering an exceptional learning environment for your child to grow in the arts, music, sport and drama. It is also the only central London preparatory school offering two acres of private gardens. At Prince’s Gardens we have one aim, to give each pupil an education which enables them to flourish. We want to foster a love of learning within each child, for them to be curious and ambitious so that they leave us confident and excited about the future. www.princesgardensprep.co.uk

Putney High Junior School

Putney High Junior School offers a vibrant and stimulating environment where no two days are the same and every girl is valued. Pupils are empowered with the kind of “bouncebackability” and “can-do” attitude that will give them strong foundations for the future. The Ignite programme encourages pupils to leap into the driving seat and become self-starters. Inquisitive, innovative and keen to embrace new challenges, they learn what to do when they don’t know what to do. Pupils thrive in an inclusive environment where they can open their minds and discover their strengths at the start of a lifelong learning adventure. www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

Putney High School

Academically high-achieving, rounded and responsible, Putney is as down-to-earth as it is dynamic. We have an ethos of ‘modern scholarship’ which makes learning challenging, fun, and relevant. Lessons are inspiring, exploring everything from entrepreneurship and oracy to designing a sustainable future. For us, wellbeing is key to everything, from innovative Biophilic Classroom design to our Breathe environmental programme. Whoever they are or want to be, students build friendships and develop their intellect knowing they are valued and have the opportunity to make a difference. www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

Queen’s Gate Junior School

We are a small, friendly school; both the Junior and Senior Schools take advantage of shared resources, and many lessons, such as Science, STEM and our six languages, are taught by specialist teachers. From 4 to 18, pupils of all ages mix happily and work together. From our historic corner of South Kensington, the whole of London is on our doorstep, and we make full use of the advantages this great city offers in our teaching and enrichment activities. www.queensgate.org.uk

Queen’s Gate Senior School

We welcome girls from the age of 11 to 18. Academic work at all stages at Queen’s Gate is essential, it is at the heart of our School, but our idea of education goes far beyond the classroom. We want to provide an education that is much more than just academic success. We aim to produce confident, self-disciplined and motivated young women who enjoy and excel outside the classroom. We offer a small, close-knit Sixth Form. We aim to create a happy, cohesive, and purposeful community which enables our girls to transform into confident, well-rounded individuals with the character and skill set to succeed in the next stage of their lives. www.queensgate.org.uk

Redcliffe Gardens School

Co-educational Nursery and Prep School for girls and boys aged 2 ½ -11. Since 2020, part of the Godolphin and Latymer School Foundation providing a broad curriculum with an emphasis on developing a love of learning. There’s a genuine family atmosphere and exceptional pastoral care is based on caring for every child and providing personalised support. Specialist teachers in all core subjects ensure pupils achieve exceptional academic results and gain places to top senior schools in London and beyond, including a number of academic and music scholarships. The March 2022 ISI inspection Report rated the school excellent in all areas. www.redcliffegardens.com

Snowflake School

Snowflake School is dedicated to providing a specialist education for pupils, aged 5–16 years, with a diagnosis of autism. Snowflake School addresses each pupil’s special educational need through the scientific application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behaviour (VB) methodology, and access to a highly individualised curriculum. Pupils also study subjects in line with the national curriculum, such as phonics, reading, English, Mathematics and, in Secondary, Life Skills and our preparing for adulthood curriculum. All pupils are funded, either by Local Authorities or privately, and the majority receive 1:1 provision. Snowflake School opened in September 2008 and has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in each of its three inspections to date. www.snowflakeschool.org.uk

St Paul’s Girls’ School

St Paul’s Girls’ School is a historic and thriving day school in London, welcoming students aged 11 to 18. The emphasis on liberal learning established by the first High Mistress, Frances Gray, and Director of Music, Gustav Holst, finds expression today in an academically adventurous curriculum, which encourages intellectual freedom, discovery, and the joy of scholarship. This is matched by supportive pastoral care, a vibrant cocurricular life and a busy programme of partnership and service activities, which demonstrate the importance of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, empowering the students to make a difference in the world beyond school. www.spgs.org

St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Juniors

St Paul’s is an independent school offering an outstanding, all-round education for gifted boys aged 7 to 18 years. Our founder, John Colet, opened the doors to St Paul’s School in 1509 to educate boys “from all nations and countries indifferently”, regardless of race, creed, or social background. We are committed to our founder’s vision and offer financial support for any boy who is successful in gaining a place at the school on academic merit and fulfils the means tested bursary criteria. We wish to admit highly able, committed, and curious boys at 7+ (Year 3), 8+ (Year 4), 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Year 12) and admission is following a successful examination process and interview. www.stpaulsschool.org.uk

The Study Preparatory School

The Study is a well-established prep school for girls in the heart of Wimbledon Village and we are proudly non-selective at Reception. Our four core values – compassion, curiosity, creativity and courage – encapsulate what it really means to be a Study girl. The best way to get a feel for life at our school is to come and visit us. We offer regular small group tours of Wilberforce House with our Head, typically on Tuesday mornings, to allow prospective parents to see our facilities and school life in action. Our next Open Morning will take place on Saturday 1 October 2022. www.thestudyprep.co.uk

Ursuline Preparatory School

Ursuline Preparatory School, Wimbledon, is an ‘EXCELLENT’ rated small and successful Roman Catholic Independent School for girls aged 3-11 with a co-educational Nursery. We welcome children of all faiths and none, in the belief that our Ursuline ethos will be of benefit to all. As a non-selective school, we are proud to produce exceptional academic results. Our children enjoy a rich diversity of experiences with our 11+ preparation curriculum, full sporting programme, music, art, drama, and developed range of extracurricular activities, ensuring a full and varied provision. Main entry points are Nursery, Reception and Year 3 with occasional spaces in other year groups. www.ursulineprep.org

Westminster School

Westminster is a progressive school on an ancient site in the heart of the world’s most vibrant city. The School’s reputation as one of the world’s foremost centres of academic excellence is built upon our pupils’ genuine enjoyment of open-minded enquiry, rigorous discussion, and the search for explanation well beyond any examination syllabus. Westminster is a safe, stimulating and supportive environment — pupils enhance their intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development by taking full advantage of the many opportunities in sport, music, art, drama, and community service. Together, these opportunities help our pupils to prepare themselves for a life well lived as informed and committed global citizens. www.westminster.org.uk

White House Preparatory School

Established in 1985 by Mary McCahery, The White House Prep located in between Clapham and Balham is a co-ed school for 3-11 year olds. The school boasts a strong family ethos, which runs throughout the whole school. There is a determinedness for every child to shine and the school is filled with engaged, happy children confident and secure in their environment. This helps children achieve fantastic results that deliver for every pupil’s needs. Their recent 11+ results saw a record number of offers for children, with every girl in Year 6 achieving an Academic scholarship. www.whitehouseschool.com

Wimbledon High School GDST

A school with each individual at its heart, where girls are known and nurtured, and where laughter fills the air… A thriving hub of intellectual activity, where cross-curricular links are fostered within a programme of innovative teaching and learning… A warm community in SW19, closely connected with partner schools, where students are encouraged to look up and out to find their way in bringing about change for the good. A through-school, our main entry points are into Year 7, Year 12 and Reception.4+. www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net