Age range. 3–11. Co-educational.
Number of pupils. 275.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £2,950–£5,515.
Kew College Prep is an independent prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 3–11. The main point of entry into the school is through the Nursery, from the age of 3. Nursery children are guaranteed a place in Reception and transition well into the prep school. Kew College Prep was established in 1927 and made into a charitable trust in 1985 by its founder, Elizabeth Hamilton-Spry, to ensure the long-term continuity of the school. The school has the singular agenda to do the best by each child, from all angles, to help them unlock their full potential. Kew College Prep provides children with a vibrant, well-balanced, broad and enriching educational experience at a high level, with children achieving outstanding academic results and enjoying the wide range of extracurricular pursuits on offer. There is a strong emphasis on areas such as art, music, drama and sport to develop the whole child. Children play netball, hockey, cricket, rugby and football as well as swimming, dance, athletics and gymnastics. The school participates in borough, ISA and London school events and all children, irrespective of sporting ability, get to experience the thrill and challenge of playing as team members. Music and drama are an essential part of the curriculum. There are summer plays, Christmas and Spring concerts, several choirs, including an audition-only chamber choir, string and wind groups and music technology.
Kew College Prep's style is described as traditional, yet creative and the atmosphere is happy and lively with a team of highly qualified, caring and enthusiastic staff who provide support and challenge for each individual child. Pupils enjoy excellent facilities including specialist ICT and science labs, a large music room and art studio. The ISI inspection in June 2024 stated that, ‘Pupils make good progress across all subjects, as demonstrated by their results and success at entry to a wide range of schools with challenging entry requirements.’ Kew College Prep has a unique 11+ programme providing a tailored programme of lessons that allow children to prepare for entrance exams in a positive, encouraging environment. There is a wonderful, nurturing community with The Good Schools Guide noting that the school is ‘warm-hearted’ and has an ‘effervescent learning environment’.
Beyond the core curriculum, pupils enjoy a wide range of weekly after-school clubs including chess, coding, debating, running, Inventors STEM Club, fencing, skateboarding, yoga, arts and crafts, and robotics. The school takes full advantage of its London location for educational visits. There are residential field trips in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. In their final term, Year 6 pupils enjoy a week-long stay at a château in France improving their language skills, cultural knowledge and doing outward-bound team activities.
At 11+, pupils not only achieve places through competitive entrance examinations to selective London day schools, but are regularly awarded scholarships. In 2024, scholarships (academic and other) were awarded to 32% of Year 6 pupils.
Overall, Kew College Prep is a purposeful, hardworking and nurturing school. As a small, supportive and vibrant community, Kew College Prep develops children into independent and critical thinkers with a natural curiosity to learn and discover.
Charitable status. Kew College Prep is a Registered Charity, number 286059.