Independent Pre-Prep Schools

Amesbury is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated within 34 acres of grounds in Hindhead, Surrey. The school is housed in a Grade II* listed building designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It offers a broad curriculum that balances academic study with creative and physical activities, supported by facilities such as a purpose-built visual arts centre and extensive sporting grounds. The school focuses on personal development and community, preparing children for transition to a variety of leading senior schools.

Pennthorpe School is a co-educational independent Pre-prep and Preparatory day school, catering to children aged 2 to 13. Situated in the village of Rudgwick, West Sussex, along the Surrey/Sussex border, it occupies a 25-acre campus that includes extensive facilities and 16 acres of woodland. The school's motto, "Non nobis solum nati" (Born not for ourselves alone), underpins its ethos, which claims to focus on nurturing, inspiring, and developing core values such as respect, tolerance, and contributing to others' lives. The school aims to be a centre of excellence for teaching and pupil outcomes.

Situated on a 70-acre country estate in Washington, West Sussex, Windlesham House School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 4 to 13. Founded in 1837, the school claims to focus on providing a relaxed, nurturing environment, supported by its long-standing policy of not requiring a school uniform. Facilities within the grounds include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, and extensive woodland for outdoor learning. The school aims to encourage intellectual curiosity and personal development through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme.

Howe Green House School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, set within 13 acres of rural grounds near Bishop’s Stortford. Founded in 1987, the school provides a nurturing environment that emphasises a broad curriculum with a creative focus. Facilities include the oak-framed Mulberry Lodge for Reception and Ladywell Field, which provides extensive space for sport and outdoor education. Specialist teaching in subjects such as music, art, and drama supports the school's ethos of fostering curiosity and preparing children for the transition to secondary education.

Bassett House School is an independent co-educational preparatory school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in Notting Hill, London. Established in 1947 by Sylvia Rentoul, the school operates across multiple sites in North Kensington. It follows the motto "Quisque pro sua parte" (For each the best), fostering a supportive environment that prioritises individual development. The curriculum is arts-rich, featuring music, drama, and the "Bassett Baccalaureate", which includes weekly equestrian studies. Facilities include a dedicated Early Years centre, Bassett Bear House, and the use of nearby performing arts and sports spaces.

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.

South Hampstead High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated in north-west London. Established in 1876 by the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school relocated to its Maresfield Gardens site in 1882. The Senior School campus features a contemporary seven-storey building designed by Hopkins Architects, incorporating a subterranean sports hall and a roof garden. Facilities also include the Waterlow Hall performance space and a four-acre off-site sports ground. The school’s ethos emphasises an outward-looking education, balancing academic rigour with music, drama, and competitive sport.

The Mead School is a co-educational independent preparatory day school and nursery for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated near the historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. Established in 1957 and housed in a Victorian villa, the school maintains a family-focused ethos founded on Christian principles. The curriculum provides specialist teaching in music, drama, and sport, alongside core academics. A member of the Wishford Schools group, the school prepares children for various senior destinations, including local grammar schools. Facilities include on-site playgrounds and a nearby playing field for outdoor education and sport.

Highgate School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in Highgate Village, North London. Founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley, the school features a campus of historic Victorian architecture alongside modern facilities such as the Mills Centre for Art and Design. Its ethos focuses on academic curiosity and intellectual rigour, alongside a commitment to community engagement. Pupils follow a broad curriculum and participate in varied extracurricular activities in sport, music, and the arts, supported by facilities including the Mallinson Sports Centre.

Great Ballard is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 16, situated near Chichester in West Sussex. Set within 30 acres of the South Downs National Park, the school is based in Eartham House, a Grade II listed building redesigned by Edwin Lutyens in 1905. Founded in 1924, the school prioritises a "Four H" philosophy focusing on the Head, Hand, Heart, and Health. Its curriculum integrates traditional academics with outdoor learning, technology, and the performing arts, taking advantage of its rural grounds and surrounding woodland.

St Martin’s School, Mill Hill, is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1920 and situated in a quiet residential area, the school fosters a nurturing community atmosphere guided by its motto, "From small things, great things grow." Its bespoke curriculum emphasises individual development and academic progress, with a dedicated focus on 11+ preparation. On-site facilities include a specialist music room and a refurbished playground, while local partnerships provide access to swimming and gymnasium facilities. This ensures a broad sporting programme alongside strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and the arts.

Cameron Vale School is a co-educational preparatory day school and nursery located in Chelsea. Serving pupils aged six months to 11 years, the school is housed in a Victorian building and emphasises an individualised approach to education. The curriculum features a Forest School programme and structured support for 11-plus transitions to senior schools. While based on a residential street with its own small garden, the school utilises the sports facilities at nearby Battersea Park. Founded in 1985, the school provides over 40 extracurricular clubs and maintains a small-scale, family-oriented environment.

St Christopher's School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Hampstead, North London. Established in 1883, the school is housed within Victorian villas on Belsize Lane. Its ethos balances academic rigour with creative imagination, encouraging pupils to be curious and analytical thinkers. Facilities include a dedicated music department and modern outdoor learning spaces. The school provides a nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to develop their own opinions and confidence, preparing them for a wide range of leading senior schools.

St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) is an independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 18. Established in 1889, the school operates across two Hertfordshire sites: the Senior School in central St Albans and the Preparatory School set within 18 acres of parkland in Wheathampstead. Rooted in the Church of England tradition, the school follows a "Teach to 25" philosophy. Facilities include a performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, and extensive sports grounds for lacrosse and tennis, alongside a modern Sixth Form centre.

Sherrardswood School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, located in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The school is housed in Lockleys, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, and set within 25 acres of parkland and woodland. Founded in 1928, the school maintains small class sizes across its prep, senior, and sixth form departments. The curriculum aims to provide a broad education, supported by facilities including dedicated art studios, science laboratories, and extensive outdoor sports grounds, fostering individual development in a rural setting.