Independent Pre-Prep Schools

Westminster Cathedral Choir School is an academically selective, Roman Catholic preparatory school for boys aged four to 13, situated in central London. Founded in 1901 by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the school is dedicated to training the choristers of Westminster Cathedral, who reside as boarders from Year 4. The school offers a broad 'liberal arts' education alongside a strong tradition in music and competitive sport. As one of only two Catholic cathedral schools in the United Kingdom, it maintains a unique focus on liturgical music and academic excellence within a faith-centred environment.

Keble Prep School is a co-educational day school in Winchmore Hill, North London, for pupils aged 3 to 13. Founded in 1929 and part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school moved to its current site, an Edwardian villa, in 1930 and became fully co-educational in 2023. The school focuses on a well-rounded education underpinned by the motto ‘Puritas, Veritas, Probitas’. Situated on a hill with views across the city, the grounds feature a large playground, a climbing wall, and green spaces for outdoor learning and sport.

Coworth Flexlands School is a co-educational independent day preparatory school and nursery for pupils aged two and a half to 11, situated on a 13-acre site in Chobham, Surrey. Formed by the merger of Coworth Park and Flexlands School, the institution emphasises outdoor learning through its on-site Forest School and outdoor classrooms. The curriculum balances academic study with STEM subjects, music, and drama, while the grounds provide facilities for sports such as football and tennis. Since 2023, the school has transitioned to a fully co-educational model for all year groups.

The Lyceum is a co-educational independent day school in the heart of the City of London, catering for pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1997, the school occupies a five-storey former industrial building near Shoreditch, which features purpose-built facilities including a dedicated STEAM studio and outdoor play areas. The curriculum is characterised by a thematic and creative approach, often utilising London’s cultural landmarks as an extension of the classroom. Part of the Dukes Education group, the school focuses on a well-rounded education with a particular emphasis on the arts and sustainability.

Micklefield School is a co-educational independent day school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in Reigate, Surrey. Established in 1910, the school is housed in a Victorian building complemented by modern facilities, including a dedicated sports hall and performing arts studio. The curriculum focuses on providing a broad education that prepares pupils for entry into a variety of local senior schools. Micklefield School emphasises a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop their individual talents across academic, sporting, and creative disciplines.

Duncombe School is a co-educational independent day school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, situated in Bengeo, Hertford. Established in 1939, the school occupies a 19th-century Palladian-style mansion set within four and a half acres of woodland. The curriculum covers academic, musical, and sporting development, with a significant emphasis on outdoor education. Facilities include "The Dell," an accredited Forest School site featuring a sunken garden, alongside a floodlit Astroturf pitch and specialised studios for art, science, and music.

Windlesham School, an independent co-educational primary school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, is situated at 190 Dyke Road in Brighton, East Sussex. Established in 1957, the school claims to blend tradition with innovation, aiming to foster happy, confident, and well-rounded individuals. It offers a holistic education within a supportive community, emphasizing strong pastoral care and equipping children with critical thinking skills. The school is located on a spacious site and provides facilities including modern teaching blocks and an indoor swimming pool.

Solefield School is a co-educational day preparatory school in Sevenoaks, Kent, for pupils aged 3 to 13. Established in 1948, the school is housed in a former Victorian residence and is situated near the site of the 1450 Battle of Solefield. It maintains a nurturing ethos with small class sizes and a focus on the development of the whole child. Facilities include a music school, art studio, and science laboratory. The curriculum balances academic study with music, drama, and sport, preparing pupils for transition to senior schools at both 11+ and 13+.

Dallington School is an independent co-educational day school and nursery for children aged 3 to 11, located in Clerkenwell, London. Established in 1978 by Mogg Hercules MBE, the school follows a progressive, child-centred ethos that prioritises creativity and natural progression over formal testing. The curriculum is topic-based and features an urban Forest School programme, with regular visits to local galleries and museums. Housed in a bright, open-plan converted building, the school offers a nurturing environment with an informal atmosphere where there is no requirement for a school uniform.

St Catherine's Preparatory School Bramley is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, situated on a 25-acre campus in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1885, the school provides a Church of England education that focuses on the personal and intellectual development of its pupils. The grounds feature a Grade II listed school house and a Victorian chapel with Kempe stained glass windows. Specialised facilities include the WonderLab science centre and Soundscape music suite, alongside extensive outdoor learning spaces such as a cottage garden and woodland areas.

St Augustine's Priory is an independent Catholic day school in Ealing, West London, primarily for girls aged 3 to 18, with boys admitted to the nursery and prep sections. Founded in Paris in 1634 and established at its current site in 1915, the school is set within 13 acres of grounds that include a wildflower meadow, an orchard, and a working farm. Academic and extracurricular facilities include a chapel, a modern science block, and floodlit sports pitches. The school focuses on providing a well-rounded education based on values of truth and compassion.

The Gower School is an independent, co-educational Montessori day school and nursery located in Islington, London. Established in 2000 by Emma Gowers, it provides education for children aged six months to 11 years across two dedicated sites. The school follows the Montessori method, prioritising individualised learning, self-discipline, and independence. Its curriculum integrates Montessori principles with the National Curriculum, supported by facilities such as specialised art and science rooms. Pupils also benefit from local amenities for sports, including swimming and football, alongside a broad programme of music and creative arts.

Newton Prep is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 13, located in Battersea, London. Established in 1991 by Dr Farouk Walji, the school occupies an extensively renovated Edwardian building near the Nine Elms development. The curriculum emphasises academic rigour alongside music, drama, and sport, designed to prepare children for entry into leading senior schools. Facilities include a 300-seat auditorium, specialist science laboratories, and an all-weather sports pitch. The school provides a broad education that balances high academic expectations with a diverse range of extracurricular and creative opportunities.

Tormead School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, located in Guildford, Surrey. Established in 1905, the school combines high academic expectations with a focus on personal development through its "ACHIEVE" ethos. The campus features a dedicated performing arts centre, an Olympic-standard sprung gymnasium, and the Urnfield Sports Ground. As an Apple Distinguished School, Tormead employs a 1:1 iPad scheme to support its digital learning strategy. The school provides a broad curriculum alongside a variety of extra-curricular activities in music, drama, and competitive sport.

TASIS The American School in England is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, located on a 46-acre campus in the village of Thorpe, Surrey. Established in 1976, the school is housed in a mix of modern facilities and historic buildings, including a Grade II listed Georgian manor house. It offers an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Advanced Placement courses. The campus features a dedicated arts centre, multiple sports fields, and specialised science labs, catering to a diverse, international student body.