MixedIndependent

Notting Hill Preparatory School

London, Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London · W11 1QQ

Founded in 2003, Notting Hill Preparatory School is a small, co-educational independent prep taking children from age 4 through to 13, in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea. With 383 pupils and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 14, it offers a personal scale of education where staff can know children well. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its most recent inspection a rating of excellent, including for personal development, and found the school compliant with regulatory standards. Notably, more than a quarter of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to meeting a range of needs.

383

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£27,755

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 4-13
Pupils: 383
Pupil:teacher ratio: 14
Location: London, Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Website: https://www.nottinghillprep.com/
Telephone: 020 7221 0727

Headteacher

Head Maxine Scully

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Teaching & academics

As a prep school running to age 13, the focus is on preparing pupils for senior school entry, and the ISI's overall excellent judgement points to strong teaching and outcomes. The roughly 14:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio allows for close attention in the classroom. The substantial proportion of pupils on SEN support indicates that academic provision is built to accommodate differing learning profiles rather than a single mould.

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 27.15%
EHC plans: 0%

Beyond the classroom

A bursary reserved for a child of exceptional talent in the creative arts, joining in Year 4, signals that artistic ability is valued and nurtured here. The school's ISI excellent rating for personal development reflects a wider commitment to helping children grow in independence and character.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 2003
Religious character: None
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

At NHP, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible preparation for the world our young people are going into. Mobile phones are undoubtedly a huge part of that world, but we know that while they are learning and maturing, a smartphone is often much more of a hindrance than a help. We want our older pupils to be independent and this extends to travelling to and from school by themselves – but we stipulate that they must have a 'dumbphone' for the journey. This helps NHP families hold off from handing over a smartphone until their children are ready.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £27,755
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Up to four Foundation bursaries up to 100 per cent available to children joining year 7 from maintained sector. One bursary to child starting year 4, with exceptional talent in creative arts.

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 28 January 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small, well-regarded West London prep with an excellent ISI rating and a thoughtful, considered approach to growing up - including a notable 'dumbphone' policy for older pupils. Worth a close look for families seeking a personal-scale education through to 13.

The Passmate verdict