Donhead Preparatory School
School summary
A small Roman Catholic preparatory school in Merton, Donhead educates around 305 boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 11. Its size lends it an intimate feel, and the most recent ISI inspection rated the school excellent overall, with personal development also judged excellent and all compliance standards met. The Catholic ethos shapes daily life, and the school works towards the entrance examinations that follow at age 11. Around one in nine pupils receives some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting attentive to a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 11 March 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI's top rating of excellent points to strong outcomes across the curriculum during these formative primary years. With a single-form intake and just over 300 pupils, classes are likely to be manageable in size, allowing teachers to know children well. The school's purpose as a prep is firmly geared towards preparing pupils for selective senior school entry at 11.
Head · Ms Catherine Hitchcock
Beyond the classroom
An excellent judgement for personal development indicates that wellbeing, character and pupils' wider growth are taken seriously beyond the classroom.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 10.82%
- EHC plans
- 2.62%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £16,074 - £16,752
Schools nearby
Wimbledon Common Preparatory School
London, Greater London
The Rowans School
Wimbledon, London, Greater London
Willington School
London, Greater London
Blossom House School
Surrey, Greater London
Rokeby School
Kingston, Greater London
Holy Cross Preparatory School
Kingston, Greater London
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, faith-rooted prep with an excellent ISI verdict, well suited to families seeking a close-knit Catholic environment and a clear path towards 11+ entry.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Donhead Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.