
Cognita
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Cognita is a leading global operator of independent schools, headquartered in the UK. Established in 2004, the group has grown rapidly through a strategy of acquisition and excellence, fostering a diverse global community of schools that maintain their individual identities while benefiting from shared expertise. Cognita's UK portfolio represents a significant portion of the domestic independent sector, providing a holistic education that blends academic rigour with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and character development.
Associated Schools(16)

Colchester Prep & High School is a co-educational independent day school in Essex, catering for pupils aged 2 to 16. Situated on an urban site on Wellesley Road, the school comprises a series of converted Victorian houses. It delivers an education focusing on global citizenship, social responsibility, and a digital, STEAM-powered curriculum. Founded to provide a comprehensive education, the school fosters a supportive community that helps develop balanced, confident young individuals prepared for the modern world. It provides continuity from nursery up to the senior stage.

Southbank International School (Kensington) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in the Notting Hill area of London. Housed in two adjoining Victorian villas, the campus follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, emphasising inquiry-based learning and global citizenship. With a diverse community representing nearly 40 nationalities, the school offers facilities including a STEAM room, a bespoke art studio, and a garden with play equipment. Pupils typically transition to the school’s Westminster campus at age 11 to continue their IB education within a multicultural environment.

Salcombe Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in Southgate, North London. Founded in 1916 by the Deakin sisters, the school operates across two sites: the Pre-Prep, housed in a Grade II listed 1930s building, and the Prep School, set in Victorian villas. Facilities include a purpose-built art studio and the Lord Winston Science Lab, named after alumnus Professor Robert Winston. The school emphasises strong academic foundations and holistic wellbeing, preparing children for transition to grammar and independent senior schools.

Little Downsend Epsom is a co-educational nursery and pre-prep for children aged 2 to 7, set within a leafy residential area of Surrey. Part of the Downsend School group, it provides a nurturing environment across two converted houses, featuring extensive outdoor spaces including grassy fields and a Forest School. The curriculum is built around a "Future Skills" vision, incorporating specialist teaching in French, music, and dance. Pupils also benefit from the facilities at the main Downsend site, including swimming lessons, before typically transitioning there for Year 3.

Charterhouse Square School is a co-educational day school and nursery for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in the City of London. Housed in seven interconnected Victorian buildings overlooking the historic Charterhouse Square Gardens, the school operates a progressive ethos where pupils and staff are on a first-name basis and no uniform is worn. Facilities include a rooftop learning deck with views across the City, while the curriculum balances academic rigour with a focus on kindness and individuality. The school prepares pupils for transition to competitive senior schools at age 11.

Brighton College Prep Kensington is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated in South Kensington. Housed in four Grade II listed Victorian townhouses, the school follows a curriculum aligned with the Brighton College family, prioritising the pillars of confidence, curiosity, and kindness. The site features a two-acre ‘Secret Garden’ used for outdoor learning and Forest School activities. Its location in the museum district facilitates an ‘extended classroom’ approach, utilising nearby institutions and Hyde Park. Pupils benefit from specialist facilities including a Makerspace and access to the Imperial College sports centre.

Downsend School is an independent co-educational day school located on a 13-acre site in Leatherhead, Surrey, catering for pupils aged six months to 18 years. Established in 1898, the school has evolved from a traditional preparatory foundation into a modern through-school. Specialist facilities include a state-of-the-art Creative Arts Centre with a 200-seat auditorium, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, and dedicated STEAM laboratories. The curriculum focuses on developing future-ready skills, supported by a holistic approach to education that encompasses competitive sport, performing arts, and an on-site Forest School.

Little Downsend Leatherhead is a co-educational day school and nursery in Surrey for children aged 2 to 7. Set within over an acre of grounds, it offers the largest outdoor learning environment of the three Downsend pre-preps, including a dedicated forest school and astro-turf sports area. The school follows a "Future Skills" ethos, delivering a broad curriculum with specialist teaching in French, music, and dance. Pupils benefit from a seamless transition to the main Downsend site, gaining access to facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool and a 200-seat performing arts theatre.

North Bridge House Prep is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 13, located near Regent’s Park in London. Housed in a grand former convent, the school features a striking chapel with an ornate ceiling and stained-glass windows. The curriculum emphasises specialist teaching and a 'high support, low pressure' approach, preparing pupils for transition to senior education at ages 11 and 13. Facilities include modern science laboratories and an art studio, while the school utilises the neighbouring Royal Park for sport and maintains a unique educational partnership with ZSL London Zoo.

Cumnor House Boys School is an independent day school for boys aged 2 to 13, located in South Croydon, Surrey. Established in 1931, the school operates across two sites and provides a curriculum focused on preparing pupils for the 11-plus and 13-plus entry into senior schools. Facilities include a swimming pool, music rooms, and extensive sports fields. The school emphasises a balance of academic rigour and character development, offering a variety of extracurricular opportunities in sport, music, and the arts to foster well-rounded individuals.

Long Close School is a co-educational independent day school located in Upton, Slough, providing education for pupils aged 2 to 16. The school operates an all-through curriculum, catering for children from nursery through to the completion of their GCSEs in Year 11. Situated in a residential setting, it emphasises small class sizes and a skills-first approach to learning. The institution provides a broad curriculum that supports personal development, sport, and the creative arts, aiming to prepare pupils for their subsequent stage of education.

Southbank International School (Westminster) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 11-18, spread across three central London sites. Established in 1979, it was the first school in the United Kingdom authorised to deliver all three International Baccalaureate programmes. The Westminster campus, which includes a Grade II listed building on Portland Place, focuses on the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Embodying a "school without walls" ethos, it utilises London's cultural landmarks as extended classrooms. Facilities include specialised science labs, a digital design lab, and a dedicated sports centre in Kilburn.