Prep School Kensington
It goes without saying that we all want the best for our children, and their education is no exception. Kensington is home to some of the best prep schools in London and the country, so it’s no surprise that more and more parents are choosing to send their children to school there. I’ve compiled a list of the best prep schools in Kensington and what you can expect if your child is to attend each one. (Fees as of March 2021)
1. Glendower Preparatory School
Term Fees: £6,700
Founded in 1895, Glendower Preparatory School for girls aged 4-11, prides itself on being one of the most prestigious prep schools in Kensington, and London itself. Its reputation for producing well-rounded, curious and competitive students, precedes itself, boasting a glowing record of 11+ examination results. Headmistress Mrs Kingsmill Moore has set herself the mission of making Glendower the “kindest school in the country”, speaking volumes about its focus on pastoral care as well as academic prowess. Girls are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities from knitting to woodwork, so rest assured that your child will have a lot of fun while learning in an environment conducive to their success.
2. Eaton Square School
Term Fees: Reception and Year 1: £7,020
Term Fees: Years 2 to 4: £7,485
Term Fees: Years 5 and 6: £7,555
Described by The Good Schools Guide as having an “innovative and exciting” education that “aims to draw out the genius in every child”, Eaton Square School is at the forefront of academia. Located in the heart of Kensington, this co-educational prep school takes pride in celebrating the individuality of each and every child, with a particular focus on intellectual, physical, artistic and musical development.
3. Queen’s Gate Prep School Kensington
Term Fees: £6,500
Queen’s Gate School is an independent prep school for girls aged 4-18. The Good Schools Guide describes it as a “Charming popular school...which does jolly well by its girls” and this is evident in their excellent exam results. While its academic reputation may be second to none, it’s the elegant Victorian Buildings where the learning takes place, that truly steal the show.
4. Bassett House Prep School Kensington
Term Fees:
Reception: £4,989 - £6,140
Years 1 to 2: £6,140
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: £6,400
Renown for its nurturing and inclusive ethos, Basset House School is one of the leading co-ed prep schools in Kensington. Fully understanding of the innate curiosity children have, they yearn to develop this into a “lifelong love of learning”. Mornings are spent focusing on the core subjects of English and Maths, while afternoons are for Art and Reading. In their 2020 Schools Guide, Tatler quoted Bassett House School as having “excellent” pastoral care with the students’ only complaint being that the school day ends too early! Sounds pretty good to me!
5. Hawkesdown Prep School Kensington
Term Fees:
Nursery: £5,450
Reception: £6,030
Years 1 to 3: £6,390
“Endeavour. Courage. Truth”. This is the motto for Hawkesdown School, a co-ed prep school in Kensington. Aiming to challenge both the mind and the imagination, it is a place where children are not only taught to be kind, but considerate and capable. Don’t just take it from me, but from the parents as well who have nothing but glowing reviews. One claimed it to be “one of the best discoveries [they] have ever made on the journey through parenting” and it’s easy to see why. With a particular focus on creating a fun and warm learning environment, Hawkesdown School is bound to please any parent.
6. Falkner House Prep School Kensington
Term Fees: £6,670
With girls and boys educated on separate sites of this family-owned preparatory school, Falkner House is one of the more competitive schools on this list with six applicants per place. Prioritising “well-being and happiness ahead of academic achievement”, the school prides itself on believing that your child really can have it all. In order to gain a place at this prestigious school, your child must demonstrate kindness, resolve and a genuine passion for all that is on offer both in and out of the classroom. Falkner House is also home to three school dogs which are sure to put a smile on the face of any child. However, the true pièce de résistance is the annual Founder’s Day Celebration which gives students the opportunity to dress up, express their creativity and become knowledgable on everything from the Roaring ’20s to Shakespeare. Learning has never been so fun!
7. Hyde Park Preparatory School
Term Fees:
Nursery: £3,640
Kindergarten: £4,690
Reception: £5,500
Welcoming children from 3-11 years old, this prep school in Kensington is home to confident, independent students who leave as “compassionate citizens of the world”. Following a recent SIS inspection in 2017, Hyde Park School was judged as excellent, cultivating an environment full of care and kindness where each child is valued as an individual. It is clear that the students respond extremely well to this high-level of pastoral care with their attitudes towards learning being “outstanding”. Parents of the school have nothing but praise, claiming it to be “very special”.
8. Redcliffe Prep School Kensington
Term Fees:
Reception to Year 6: £6,390
Nursery Full Day: £6,030
Nursery Mornings Only: £3,600
Nursery Afternoons Only: £2,400
One of the oldest and most established prep schools in Kensington, Redcliffe School is a co-education school for children aged 2 ½ to 11. Founded in 1948 by Lucy Daphne Edwards, the Good Schools Guide says that what truly sets it apart from other prep schools is “the genuine family atmosphere”. Perfect if your child is anxious about spending time away from home. Their contemporary and innovative approach to learning sees students focus on honing their problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Boasting fantastic on-site facilities and a wealth of extracurricular activities, Redcliffe School is the perfect all-rounder.
