Hurlingham School

Our View

There is such an energy and drive about the place that it's almost palpable. The building is truly fantastic (you quite envy the pupils). There's a wonderful Astroturfed outside play area with every kind of equipment you could wish for including a horizontal rock climbing wall. Separated from it is a fabulous nature corner complete with herb garden, fruit trees, vegetables, bird table and pond. Head of sports likes children to have structure even at playtime and involves parents in all things sportive. Similar degree of enthusiasm seen in all the classrooms. The walls are myriads of brightly coloured, beautifully presented pupils' work, each piece carefully named and titled. 'Every child's work is exhibited. No selection.' The school's ethos is 'positive encouragement.' House points, 'we now have a house system which the children think is the best thing ever!' for all. Little ones have 'Stripey' the tiger who goes home each night with the best behaved or hardest working or most polite.

Music, singing and percussion are noisily enjoyed in class and assemblies. Individual music rooms available too. Ballet teacher is busy three mornings a week in a dedicated mirrored dance and drama studio. Warm and friendly furnishings impart a calm and peaceful aura to the Early Years' department. All new pupils are profiled and the resulting record presented to parents. Children are setted for maths only. The first three years have full time teaching assistants and there is a full time learning support co-ordinator who does lots of support work with many of the children and is available for any pupil identified as having minor learning difficulties. This is a school where children are celebrated, learning is encouraged, successes are rewarded. And, on top of all that, everyone looks as though they are having fun doing it. Hurlingham is looking good. Things can only get better.

Head

Since 2007, Mrs Val Willmott. Prior to this, 15 years' teaching experience in preparatory schools. Mrs Willmott believes in fostering an environment where the children and staff are happy, the pupils are valued for their own individual talents, and creativity and independence of thought are prioritised.
Leaving 2010. New head is to be Mr Jonathan Brough BEd NPQH, previously head of City of London Girls Prep.

Entrance

Non-selective. Actively promotes walking to school so preference given to those living within 1.2 km radius. Under 60 per cent of parents drive to school. Sibling priority. Otherwise it is first come first served. The school is co-educational from ages 4 to 11. There is a three form intake with 15 to 20 in each class.

Exit

Girls and boys are prepared for entrance to co-educational and single-sex London day schools and boarding schools at 11+.