Independent Prep Schools

Great Walstead School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated within 260 acres of woodland and parkland near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1925, the school moved to its current site in 1927 and is now a member of the Woodard Corporation. Its educational approach, known as the "Mud π" philosophy, emphasises outdoor learning and discovery. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, floodlit Astroturf, a drama studio, and a distinctive octagonal chapel. The school operates with a Christian ethos, focusing on the development of independent and engaged learners.

Feltonfleet School is a co-educational preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, set within 25 acres of landscaped grounds in Cobham, Surrey. Accommodating both day and flexi-boarding, the school is centred around a handsome Grade II listed neo-Gothic mansion. Its values-driven ethos focuses on honesty, responsibility, respect, and kindness. Pupils benefit from extensive facilities, including a 400-seat performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, and specialist sports pitches. The curriculum follows the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate, emphasizing critical thinking and resilience to prepare children for transition to leading senior schools.

West Lodge School is a co-educational day school in Sidcup, Kent, for pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1940, the school occupies a Victorian building modernised to include an all-weather sports pitch, a specialist art room, and a computer suite with 3D printers. The curriculum emphasises literacy and numeracy alongside a growth mindset philosophy. By maintaining one class per year group, the school fosters a small, family-focused environment. Pupils have access to a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and various sporting disciplines.

St Paul's Cathedral School is a co-educational preparatory school for pupils aged 4 to 13, situated in the heart of the City of London. Tracing its origins back to 1123, the school was founded to educate cathedral choristers and maintains this link today, providing boarding for the choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral. The school offers a broad curriculum within a Christian ethos, frequently utilising the cathedral for assemblies. Housed in 1960s purpose-built facilities, the school provides a holistic education with an exceptional focus on music alongside strong academic and pastoral foundations.

Saint Christina's School is a co-educational Catholic independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated in St John's Wood, London. Established in 1949 by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it belongs to an international network of schools inspired by Ignatian spirituality. The school provides a broad curriculum with a particular emphasis on STEM, languages, and music, supported by specialist facilities for science and dance. Its proximity to Primrose Hill and Regent's Park allows for an extensive outdoor and sporting programme, including the use of Lord's Cricket Ground.

Copthorne Prep is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 13, situated within 55 acres of countryside and woodland in West Sussex. Founded in 1902 as a feeder for Winchester College, the school is housed in a 19th-century country house and features a chapel converted from a former observatory. The curriculum follows an enquiry-led pathway alongside a range of extracurricular activities. Facilities include a 17-metre swimming pool, a climbing wall, and floodlit sports pitches. Since 2023, the school has been a member of the Caterham Family of Schools.

The King's School Harpenden is an independent, co-educational Christian day school for pupils aged 4 to 16. Established in 1982, the school moved in 1987 to its current location within the leafy grounds of the historic Highfield Oval. The main building is a Grade II listed structure that provides a characterful setting for its community-focused education. Guided by a distinct Christian ethos, the school emphasises character development and individualised learning through small class sizes. The curriculum combines academic study with a variety of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, music, and the creative arts.

Notre Dame Prep School Surrey is an independent Catholic day school for girls aged 2 to 11, with a co-educational nursery for boys up to age four. Situated in Cobham, the school occupies 26 acres of Surrey countryside and is centred around Burwood House, a Grade II listed 18th-century manor. Founded in 1937, the school belongs to the international Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a theatre, and a forest school, supporting a curriculum that balances academic development with music, drama, and sport.

Queen's Gate School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, located in South Kensington, London. Occupying five Victorian terrace houses near the capital’s major museums, the school provides an urban learning environment that utilises local landmarks as an extended classroom. Founded in 1891 by Eleanor Beatrice Wyatt, the school emphasises individuality within a supportive atmosphere and is notable for its lack of a prescribed uniform. The broad academic curriculum is enhanced by the regular use of nearby facilities, including the Royal Albert Hall and Imperial College.

Greenfields School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated in Forest Row, East Sussex. Established in 1981, it provides education for students aged 3 to 18, from nursery through to Sixth Form. The school claims to follow a holistic ‘Education for Life’ philosophy, utilising ‘Study Technology’ methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard to support individual learning and comprehension. Its non-denominational curriculum combines academic study with practical life skills and character development, aiming to prepare pupils for their chosen professions in a multi-cultural environment.

St Faith's Prep is a co-educational independent day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, located in the village of Ash, Kent. Set within five acres of grounds overlooking the countryside, the school is housed in a handsome Victorian villa. Facilities include a nature garden, a multi-purpose sports hall, and a heated saltwater swimming pool. Guided by the motto 'I Can & I Will', the school provides a broad curriculum with specialist teaching in music, art, computing, and sport. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as choirs and orchestras, are also available.

Wellesley Haddon Dene is a co-educational independent day preparatory school situated in the seaside town of Broadstairs, Kent. Formed in 2022 following the merger of two historic local institutions, Wellesley House and Haddon Dene, the school educates children aged 2 to 11. It is set within six acres of grounds and features a Victorian main building dating from the late 19th century. Part of the Alpha Schools group, the school offers a curriculum that includes regular "Beach School" sessions on local sands, combining academic preparation for senior school entrance with a strong focus on pastoral care.

Russell House School is a co-educational preparatory day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in the village of Otford near Sevenoaks. Founded in 1938, the school moved to its current site in 1947 and maintains a distinct family-oriented ethos. It provides a broad education with a particular focus on preparing pupils for 11-plus transitions to grammar and independent schools. The school’s facilities include outdoor learning spaces and a dedicated music recital room. There is a strong emphasis on individual development across academics, music, and sport within a nurturing environment.

Bronte School is a co-educational day preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in Gravesend, Kent. Established in 1957 and housed in a Georgian building near the town centre, the school is founded on the twin pillars of a family-orientated environment and academic focus. The broad curriculum is delivered in small classes and supported by specialist teaching in music, sport, and languages. Facilities include specialist rooms and outdoor spaces for play and sport. The school maintains a Christian character while welcoming children of all faiths.

Benedict House Preparatory School is a co-educational day school in Sidcup, Kent, for pupils aged two and a half to 11. Founded in 1989 and situated on a tree-lined residential road, the school is housed within several Victorian buildings and recently refurbished facilities, including a STEAM classroom and library. The school operates with an ethos of “towards the future as a family,” focusing on a nurturing environment and small class sizes. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for the 11+ transition, supported by specialist instruction in music, drama, and sport.