Independent Prep Schools in Greater London

The Villa School and Nursery is an independent co-educational day pre-prep and nursery for children aged two to seven, situated in Peckham, South East London. Housed in Victorian buildings featuring modern classroom extensions and mature walled gardens, the school provides a nurturing environment with a family-oriented ethos. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, focusing on holistic development through a balance of play and structured learning. Maintaining small class sizes, the school emphasises personal growth and academic readiness for the transition to subsequent schools at age seven.

Tennis Avenue School, situated in New Malden, is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 18. The school specialises in integrating high-level tennis training with a full academic curriculum, designed for students pursuing professional sporting careers. Facilities include multiple tennis courts where pupils undergo intensive daily coaching alongside their classroom studies. The school maintains small class sizes to support academic development, providing a structured environment that balances athletic performance with educational achievement. It offers a specialised pathway for young athletes to excel in both fields simultaneously.

St James Preparatory School is a co-educational day school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, situated in West Kensington. Established in 1975, the school is located within modern, courtyard-centred grounds near Kensington Olympia. It is defined by a unique philosophical ethos that integrates regular "Pauses" for mindfulness and reflection into the school day. The broad curriculum includes the study of Sanskrit and philosophy from an early age. Facilities include a state-of-the-art gym and a dedicated art room, while the school maintains a distinctive whole-school vegetarian diet.

Al-Sadiq School is an independent Shia Islamic day school located in Queen’s Park, London. Established in 1991 by the Al-Khoei Foundation, the school provides a co-educational setting for pupils aged three to seven, before transitioning to single-sex education for boys up to age 16. Named after Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq, the school integrates the National Curriculum with Islamic studies, Arabic and Qur'anic tuition. Its ethos is built upon the pillars of knowledge, faith and action, aiming to foster moral character and spiritual development. Facilities include specialist science and ICT laboratories.

City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 11-18, located in the Barbican. Founded in 1894 following a bequest by William Ward, the school occupies a Grade II listed building set between ancient Roman walls and iconic brutalist architecture. Its ethos is intellectually rigorous yet "unstuffy", fostering a culture of curiosity and pioneering spirit. The school makes full use of its central London location for cultural partnerships, while facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a theatre. It remains part of the City of London Corporation.

Avenue Pre-Preparatory School & Nursery is an independent co-educational day school in Highgate, London, catering for children aged two to seven. Established in 1977, the school is set within a large Victorian house featuring a substantial garden for outdoor play and social development. The non-denominational ethos focuses on providing a nurturing and secure environment to support early years education. Alongside core subjects, pupils benefit from specialist instruction in music, French, and drama. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including swimming and pottery, to encourage well-rounded personal development.

Eaton Square Prep School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in Belgravia, London. Occupying three Grade II listed Georgian townhouses overlooking Eccleston Square, the school combines a traditional British ethos with a modern curriculum. Academic study is supported by specialist teaching in STEAM, music, and art, while character development is fostered through core values such as integrity and empathy. The school utilises nearby sporting facilities and private gardens, preparing pupils for transition to leading senior schools.

Westminster Under School is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13, established in 1943. Situated in central London at 27 Vincent Square, it overlooks the Westminster School playing fields. The school claims to focus on a liberal education, fostering a love of knowledge, inquisitiveness, and a desire to serve others. It also aims to develop compassionate and intellectually enriched pupils. The school is known for its strengths in music, sports, drama, chess, and Latin, with choristers often serving St Margaret's Church in Westminster Abbey.

The King Alfred School is a co-educational independent day school in North London for pupils aged 4 to 18. Established in 1898, the school is situated on a wooded site adjacent to Hampstead Heath. It follows a progressive educational philosophy, characterised by an informal environment where students and staff are on first-name terms and there is no school uniform. The curriculum emphasises the development of the whole child through a child-centred approach, supported by facilities for outdoor learning and the creative arts. Its history is rooted in providing a non-denominational, secular education.

Pembridge Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Notting Hill, London. Housed in two white Georgian buildings on Pembridge Square, the school offers a broad curriculum with a particular focus on the arts, music, and sport. Facilities include specialist art and drama studios, and pupils have access to extensive offsite sports grounds. Originally established in 1979, the school emphasises the development of well-rounded individuals and prepares pupils for entry into a variety of senior day and boarding schools.

The Children's House School is an independent co-educational day school in Islington, North London, for pupils aged two to 11. Founded in 1973 by a group of local parents, the school operates across two sites: an early years centre in Elmore Street and a prep school housed in a Victorian building on King Henry’s Walk. The school follows a thematic curriculum designed to develop creative and independent thinkers. Facilities include light-filled classrooms and an astro-turf playground, with students also benefiting from regular outdoor learning in nearby community gardens.

Knightsbridge School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, situated in the heart of London. Founded in 2006, the school occupies two grand redbrick townhouses in Lennox Gardens, formerly the Danish Embassy. Its ethos is centred on an "ecosystem of happiness" and the "KS Code," promoting a balanced approach to academic and personal development. The school offers a broad curriculum alongside a diverse extracurricular programme, utilising local facilities such as Battersea Park and Imperial College to support its sporting and creative activities.

Norfolk House School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in Muswell Hill, North London. Founded in 1897, the school operates across two sites housed in Victorian buildings. The curriculum balances academic study with character development, including a structured 11+ preparation programme. Pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, such as Forest School sessions in Highgate Woods. The school maintains a maritime heritage, with house names—Victory, Warrior, and Challenger—honouring historic naval vessels, and a weekly newsletter known as The Anchor.

St Anthony's School For Boys is an independent Catholic preparatory day school in Hampstead, London, for boys aged 4 to 13, with a co-educational nursery. Founded in the late 19th century, the school occupies two historic properties: a Victorian villa, previously an ambassador's residence, and a former nursing home. Its ethos balances academic development with spiritual awareness and creativity, welcoming pupils of all faiths. Onsite facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a science laboratory, and specialised art and music rooms. The school provides a broad education within a traditional and supportive setting.

The Cavendish School is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, situated in Camden Town, London. Established in 1875 by Cornelia Connelly, the school moved from Cavendish Square to its current site in 1970 and operates as a charitable trust. Occupying a blend of Victorian and modern buildings near Regent’s Park, the school provides an inclusive environment for pupils of all faiths. Facilities include a 200-seater auditorium, a science laboratory, and a dedicated art studio. The broad curriculum emphasises individual development, incorporating languages such as French, Mandarin, and Latin.