Student numbers. 230.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Reception–Year 4: £9,600; Year 5 & 6: £10,524.
Admission & Curriculum. Francis Holland Preparatory School is a leading, two-form entry London Prep School for girls with 230 pupils aged 4-11; founded by Canon Francis Holland, a visionary in philanthropy and education, in 1881.
The Prep moved to its current site, a 20,000 sq ft Grade II listed Victorian building on Manresa Road, just off the King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea, in September 2024. The building, which dates back to 1890, combines heritage with modern learning spaces. The wealth of impressive facilities includes the old Chelsea library, a spacious School Hall with staging, a specialist STEAM facility and an extensive outdoor play area.
The school provides a warm and caring environment where pupils thrive on exciting, rigorous and ambitious learning from dynamic teachers. A focus on the 8 Cs of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, communication, confidence, compassion, commitment and craftsmanship makes lessons fun and engaging, encouraging pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning.
The Prep cultivates confident girls who feel a strong sense of belonging within a supportive environment, as we know that when girls feel truly known, loved and valued for who they are, they go on to achieve extraordinary things. Experienced and inspirational teaching staff provide an environment which inspires, encourages and, above all, cares for our girls as individuals. We aim to empower them through a rigorous, but balanced, curriculum complemented by a wealth of sporting, dramatic, musical and artistic opportunities.
Francis Holland Prep is a unique community that fosters an awareness of the needs of others and a desire to make a difference. This emphasis on what you can give rather than what you get results in an environment full of kindness, compassion, and a palpable warmth that all visitors comment on. Girls are encouraged to be brave and have a go, no matter how great the challenges before them. They learn to debate with gusto, reflect on the world around them with empathy, solve problems creatively, and appreciate the bigger picture.
The Prep is easily accessible via bus routes from all over London as well as by tube (a 12-minute walk from South Kensington and a 15-minute walk from Sloane Square). Its central location makes it easy to reach by public transport and, for its pupils and staff, this facilitates fast and easy access to London’s many famous cultural and historic attractions.
The school is part of Francis Holland Schools Trust with sister senior schools, Francis Holland, Sloane Square (founded in 1881), and Francis Holland, Regent’s Park (founded in 1878). The three schools share strong bonds and similar values. However, each school has its own individual characteristics and identity.
The Prep’s central location provides an outstanding platform for entry into leading Senior Schools, including our two Francis Holland Senior Schools. We expect many of our Prep pupils to join our senior school at Francis Holland, Sloane Square in Year 7 and we offer a ‘no surprises’ approach in this regard. Our high teacher-pupil ratio, along with our small class sizes, enable a high level of individual attention, providing the best possible preparation for 11+ entry. By the time the girls leave Francis Holland Prep at the end of Year 6, they are intellectually ready and excited to embrace life in their chosen senior school.
Extracurricular activities. Our broad curriculum is complemented by a rich and diverse range of co-curricular clubs and activities. There is something for everyone, ensuring that our pupils have the opportunity to discover and develop their unique abilities and interests beyond the classroom.
We offer a wonderful range of clubs (87 overall!) that foster a curiosity for learning, extending beyond the curriculum. Clubs range from performing arts (LAMDA), visual arts and creativity (ceramics and pottery), sport (fencing), STEAM (coding/finance), languages and classics, oracy and debating. Clubs are led by both FHP teachers and external providers.
We encourage our pupils to engage in charitable work in the local neighbourhood, as well as internationally, to instil a willingness to help and a deep awareness of the needs of others.
Charitable fundraising takes many forms, from cake sales and parent and pupil breakfasts, to enterprise fairs and even our Francis Holland Charity Dog Show!
Charitable status. The Francis Holland (Church of England) Schools Trust Limited is a Registered Charity, number 312745. It exists to provide high quality education for girls.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mr P Sherrington, LLB LLM FCI Arb
Head: Mrs S Dixon, MA King’s, BA Leeds, PGCE York
Senior leadership team:
Head Francis Holland, Sloane Square: Mrs A Haydon, MSc Oxford, BSc Durham, PG Dip Bath
Head Francis Holland Prep: Mrs S Dixon, MA King’s, BA Leeds, PGCE York
Senior Deputy Head: Miss C Smith, BA Oxford Brookes, PGCE London South Bank
Deputy Head: Mrs J Amin, MEd Exeter, BA Durham, PGCE Exeter [maternity leave]; Mr A Hart MSc Oxon, BMSci Nottingham, PGCE Cantab
Director of External Relations: Mrs V McKinley, BA London
Development Director: Mr T Robertson, MA Edinburgh
Director of Information Systems: Mr M Britland, BSc Gloucestershire