Independent Prep Schools in Greater London

Francis Holland Preparatory School, located on Manresa Road in Chelsea, is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 11. Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian building, the school opened in September 2024 following the relocation of the junior department from Sloane Square. The 20,000 square foot site features the historic former Chelsea library, a specialist STEAM laboratory, and an extensive outdoor play area. The school emphasises a broad curriculum focused on curiosity and creativity, providing a nurturing environment that prepares pupils for transition to leading senior schools while maintaining a strong pastoral ethos.

Wetherby Preparatory School is an independent day school for boys aged 7 to 13, located in Bryanston Square, Marylebone. Established in 2004 to build upon the traditions of the Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School, it provides a holistic education that prepares pupils for 11-plus and 13-plus Common Entrance examinations. The school balances academic rigour with a broad co-curricular programme, including music, the arts, and sports. Facilities include a dedicated sports ground in East Acton. The ethos focuses on nurturing individual potential and fostering a supportive, good-humoured environment for boys transitioning to leading senior schools across the country.

University College School is an independent day school situated in Frognal, Hampstead, for pupils aged 4 to 18. Founded in 1830 by University College London, it was established on Benthamite principles to promote liberal scholarship and intellectual curiosity. The main campus features a Grade II listed Edwardian building and includes facilities such as an 800-seat Great Hall and the Sir Roger Bannister Sports Centre. While the school is historically for boys, the Sixth Form is co-educational, offering a progressive environment that emphasises individuality and a breadth of academic and extracurricular pursuits.

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.

Hereward House School is an independent preparatory day school for boys aged 4 to 13, situated in Hampstead, London. Established in 1951, the school provides an intellectually demanding education within a disciplined yet supportive environment. The curriculum emphasises STEM subjects and music, alongside languages such as Latin and Mandarin. Named after the historical figure Hereward the Wake, the school’s four houses reflect this heritage. Boys are prepared for transition to prominent senior schools through Common Entrance and scholarship examinations, with the school utilising facilities at nearby Hampstead Heath for its sporting programme.

Vita et Pax Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school in Southgate, North London, for pupils aged 2 to 11. Founded in 1936 by the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, the school maintains a Catholic heritage while welcoming families of all faiths and none. The curriculum focuses on academic rigour and character development, preparing children for senior school transition. Set within a residential community, the school provides small class sizes and a nurturing environment. Its name, meaning 'Life and Peace', reflects an ethos of harmony and growth, supported by specialist teaching in music, art, and sport.

Ivy House School is a co-educational day preparatory school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, situated in Golders Green, North London. The school is housed in the historic Ivy House, overlooking Golders Hill Park, which was once the home of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova and the artist J.M.W. Turner. Emphasising a student-centred approach, the school focuses on individualised learning to prepare pupils for transition to leading senior schools. Facilities include a modern science laboratory and mature gardens, supporting a broad curriculum that includes fencing, ballet, and diverse musical activities.

Hendon Prep is a co-educational day school and preschool for children aged 3 to 11, situated in a leafy cul-de-sac in North London. Originally founded in 1873 as a boys' school, it now fosters an inclusive, multicultural community with an emphasis on balancing academic success and pastoral wellbeing. The school provides focused 11-plus preparation and integrates digital technology into its broad curriculum. Facilities include a science laboratory, music room, and art studio, while the outdoor grounds feature an astroturf pitch and an amphitheatre, facilitating a range of sporting and creative activities.

Dwight School London is a co-educational international day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, located in the North Finchley and Friern Barnet areas of London. With historical roots dating back to 1885, it was the first school in the UK to offer the full International Baccalaureate curriculum across all age groups. As a member of a global network of schools, it emphasises a personalised approach to learning and a commitment to international-mindedness. The school provides a multicultural environment for its diverse student body, focusing on individual development through a broad academic and extracurricular programme.

Rosemary Works School is an independent co-educational day school in Hoxton, London, for children aged 3 to 11. Situated alongside the Regent's Canal near Shoreditch Park, the school is housed in a renovated Edwardian building featuring vibrant interiors and flexible, modern learning spaces. The school maintains a progressive, non-selective ethos, providing a nurturing environment with a curriculum tailored to individual needs. On-site facilities include two playgrounds, a ball pitch, and a garden with a pond, while nearby leisure centres and parks are utilised for sporting activities.

North London Grammar School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in Hendon. Established in 2006 as the Wisdom School, it relocated in 2014 to its current 50,000-square-foot campus, a former police training centre. The school follows the motto Bonitas, Scientia, Disciplina, emphasising goodness, knowledge, and instruction. Its curriculum focuses on critical thinking and STEAM subjects, and the school is the global host of the International Greenwich Olympiad. Facilities include modern science laboratories and specialised boarding provision for senior boys.

Forest School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated on a 50-acre campus bordering Epping Forest in Snaresbrook, north-east London. Established in 1834, the school operates a "diamond structure," where boys and girls are taught in single-sex classes between the ages of 7 and 16. Notable architectural features include the Grade II listed Memorial Dining Hall and a chapel containing stained glass from the William Morris workshop. Facilities include the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, and the Martin Centre for Innovation.

Eaton House The Manor is an independent day school in Clapham for pupils aged 2 to 13. Set on a 1.5-acre site opposite Clapham Common, the school is housed within a Grade II listed Georgian manor house and purpose-built facilities. It comprises a co-educational nursery, a boys’ preparatory school, and a girls’ preparatory school, delivering single-sex education in a shared environment. The curriculum focuses on preparing pupils for entry to leading senior schools. Facilities include specialist science and design technology laboratories, an art room, a full-size theatre, and a dedicated wellbeing hub.

Orchard House School is an independent co-educational preparatory day school for children aged 3 to 11, located in Chiswick, London. Founded in 1993, the school occupies sites near Turnham Green, including a converted Victorian parish hall. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad education, preparing pupils for transition to competitive senior schools. Alongside academic subjects, there is a strong focus on the performing arts, music, and sport. The school’s ethos emphasises fostering curiosity and self-assurance within a supportive community, utilising local facilities to supplement its onsite resources.

Sarum Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 3 to 11, located in Belsize Park, North London. Founded in 1929, the school occupies award-winning, purpose-built premises designed by architects Allies and Morrison, which opened in 1995. The red-brick building features specialist facilities, including a science laboratory, art room, and food studio. The curriculum focuses on developing inquisitive minds and creativity, underpinned by the school's "Golden Values" of kindness, courage, and resilience. It aims to identify and nurture individual talents within a supportive environment.