Independent Pre-Prep Schools

Hurstpierpoint College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated on a 140-acre campus in Hassocks, West Sussex. Founded in 1849 by Nathaniel Woodard, the college is a member of the Woodard Corporation and is noted for its Gothic Revival architecture and Grade II listed chapel. The school provides a balanced education, integrating academic study with diverse sporting and creative activities. Facilities include a theatre, music school, and an on-site farm. Notably, the college maintains the oldest school Shakespeare society in existence, founded in 1854.

Longacre School is a co-educational independent day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, situated in the village of Shamley Green near Guildford. Set within over nine acres of grounds in the Surrey Hills, the school is housed in an original 1902 building supplemented by modern classrooms, a sports hall, and Astroturf. Founded in 1946 by Ursula Fairfax-Cholmeley, the school follows the motto “A happy heart goes all the way”. Its ethos emphasises a nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to explore the outdoors through woodland areas and an onsite forest school.

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery is a co-educational independent school for children aged 2 to 7, located in a leafy suburb of Guildford. Founded in 1945 by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, the school is based in Rydes Hill House, a striking 18th-century Georgian building featuring a Victorian clocktower. Now part of the Tormead family, the school follows a nurturing ethos where "happy children learn". Specialist facilities include a dedicated STEAM suite, a performing arts centre, and Forest School areas, supporting a broad curriculum delivered through small, individualised classes.

Aberdour School is a co-educational preparatory day school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in 12 acres of grounds in Tadworth, Surrey. Founded in 1928, the school emphasises a personalised approach to learning through its bespoke "Personalised Achievement Leaders" system. Facilities include a purpose-built nursery, modern science laboratories, and extensive outdoor space for sport and play. The curriculum is designed to identify and nurture individual talents, preparing pupils for transition to a wide range of senior schools while fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.

St Teresa’s Effingham is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 2 to 18, set within 55 acres of parkland in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1928 by the Religious of Christian Instruction, the school is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is centred around an 18th-century manor house. It maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths. Notable facilities include an on-site equestrian centre, a 300-seat performing arts theatre, and a tennis academy. Since 2019, it has formed part of the Effingham Schools Trust alongside Cranmore School.

St Christopher's School is a co-educational independent pre-prep and nursery in Epsom, Surrey, catering for pupils aged 2 to 7. Founded in 1938 and situated in an Edwardian house near Epsom Downs, the school focuses on creativity and independence within a nurturing atmosphere. Facilities include a dedicated Forest School, a sports field, and a multi-purpose hall for assemblies and sport. Now part of the Reigate Grammar School Group, the school provides specialist teaching in subjects such as French, Music, and Art, aiming to prepare children for their transition to junior schools after Year 2.

Saint Ronan's is a co-educational preparatory day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 13, located in Hawkhurst, Kent. The school is housed in Tongswood House, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion set within 250 acres of Wealden countryside. Founded in 1883 in Worthing, the school relocated to its current site in 1946. Facilities include an on-site farm, a chapel relocated brick by brick from Sussex, and extensive sports pitches. The school provides a broad education with a particular focus on music, sport, and outdoor learning within its expansive grounds.

Queen’s College London is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, occupying four Grade II listed townhouses on Harley Street in Marylebone. Established in 1848 by Frederick Denison Maurice, it was the first institution in Great Britain to grant academic qualifications to women. The college maintains a liberal ethos, focusing on developing intellectual curiosity and independence. Its central London location facilitates use of the capital’s cultural resources, while a broad curriculum emphasises the creative arts, music, and humanities. Facilities include modern science laboratories and art studios.

Grange Park Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school in Enfield, North London, for pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1924 by sisters Mary and Louise Billings, the school still occupies its original residential site. It consists of two main buildings: a historic house and a dedicated lower school facility. The school provides a broad, stimulating curriculum with an emphasis on small class sizes and individual progress. Alongside academic study, music, drama, and sporting programmes help develop well-rounded pupils, preparing them for a successful transition to secondary education.

Kingshott School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, situated on a 23-acre site on the outskirts of Hitchin. Founded in 1931, the school has recently expanded its provision to include a senior department for GCSE students. Facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall, an all-weather pitch, a salt-water swimming pool, and a dedicated performing arts centre. The school provides a broad curriculum with a focus on academic, sporting, and creative development. Its extensive grounds allow for a range of outdoor learning opportunities and diverse extracurricular activities within a supportive community.

Sydenham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated in South London near Crystal Palace. Established in 1887, the school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust and operates across two sites within walking distance of each other. The curriculum focuses on academic breadth alongside strengths in the creative arts, music, and sport. Facilities include a dedicated performing arts centre and a long-standing sports pavilion. The school's ethos encourages independence and self-belief within a supportive community setting.

Essendene Lodge School is a co-educational day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, situated in Caterham, Surrey. Founded in 1964, the school operates with small class sizes and offers a broad curriculum that includes specialist teaching in music, French, and physical education. The school is located in a residential setting and focuses on preparing pupils for the 11-plus examinations and the transition to various senior schools. Facilities include an on-site nursery and outdoor play areas.

Kew Green Preparatory School is a co-educational day school for children aged 4 to 11, situated overlooking Kew Green in Richmond. Established in 2004, the school utilises its proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as an outdoor learning resource. The curriculum is designed to be broad, preparing pupils for transition to various senior schools at age 11. Facilities include a dedicated art studio and music room, with physical education taking place at local sports grounds and the nearby Kew Cricket Club.

Devonshire House Preparatory School is a co-educational day school and nursery in Hampstead, London, for children aged 2 to 13. Established in 1989, the school is housed across four Victorian premises, including the former residence of illustrator Francis William Topham. The curriculum balances academic rigour with personal wellbeing, preparing pupils for transition at 11+ and 13+ to various leading senior schools. Facilities include specialist science and art rooms, two onsite all-weather pitches, and an integrated Forest School, all set within spacious grounds and walled gardens.

Junior King’s School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated on the Milner Court estate in Sturry, Kent. Set within 80 acres along the River Stour, the campus features a 16th-century manor house and a historic tithe barn. The school serves as the junior department of The King’s School, Canterbury, offering a curriculum that balances academic study with music, sport, and performing arts. Facilities include a dedicated music school, a sports hall, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.