Mander Portman Woodward (MPW)
School summary
Founded in 1973, Mander Portman Woodward occupies a distinctive niche in the independent sector: a college-style school in Kensington and Chelsea built around older pupils, taking students from 14 through to 20. With 601 on roll and 509 of those in the sixth form, the atmosphere leans towards focused, near-university study rather than a traditional school environment. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated MPW excellent for both education quality and personal development, and found it fully compliant. Notably, more than a third of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting attentive to individual learning needs.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
34%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
38%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
66%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 18 March 2025
Teaching & academics
Teaching centres on GCSEs, A-levels and the EPQ, with strong subject breadth led by Mathematics, the sciences, Psychology, Economics and English Literature. Results are solid rather than stellar: 38% of A-level entries reached A*-A and 66% A*-B, while 34% of GCSE grades were 9-7. Modern and classical language provision is unusually wide, spanning French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese. The small, sixth-form-heavy structure points to a school that suits motivated students wanting close attention in the run-up to university.
Languages
Principal · Dr Sally Powell
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 509
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1973
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 35.17%
- EHC plans
- 1.42%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £43,077
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An academically serious, sixth-form-focused London college for students who thrive on individual attention; scholarships, including a Woodward award covering up to full fees for English Literature, can ease day fees of up to £43,077.
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.
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Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.