Kew House School

Since 2020, Oxford geography graduate Will Williams, previously senior deputy head at Pangbourne College in Berkshire. Headhunted for the role after a career, teaching and senior management, in leading selective schools. Made the decision to take the

Four form entry in year 7, around 90 places. School describes itself as ‘character selective’ rather than academically selective. ISEB results ‘helpful to us’ but more weight given to performance in interviews in groups of three, where children give

Around 10 per cent leave post-GCSEs for sixth form elsewhere. Over a third of year 13s head for Russell Group universities with Bristol, Bath, Southampton, UCL, LSE, King’s College London, Durham, Warwick and Nottingham featuring. Very wide range of

In 2025, 32 per cent 9-8 at GCSE; 64 per cent A*-B at A level. In 2024, 60 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 28 per cent A*/A at A level (62 per cent A*-B).

Proudly not academically selective, so a favourite with parents whose children have yet to reach their academic peak by year 7, but school attracts all abilities. Parents say that both highly academic and not-so-academic children thrive under a very

Around 18 per cent of students with ‘some degree of dyslexia’. At the time of our visit six pupils had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and 31 were receiving direct SEN support. School prepares pupils when still at their feeder school and

Students’ impressive professional-standard huge paintings hang throughout and there is a large, well-lit art room in the main building. Right from year 7, pupils are encouraged to do individual projects including clay and ceramics. From year 9 the

Pupils talk enthusiastically about sport, despite the lack of obvious on-site facilities, and are full of praise for their PE teachers. Rowing is the stand-out, with some in the upper years opting to train six days a week. ‘We are losing that

Parents say pastoral care is ‘excellent’ - down to ‘a group of teachers that really cares’. It's underpinned by the personal tutor system, where pupils join a personal tutor (PT) group in year 7 and maintain the same tutor until they leave. Groups

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Its office-block setting and non-selective ethos may make Kew House unattractive to elitists or those of the ‘Oxbridge or bust’ set. Parents describe themselves as ‘normal professional couples who are stretching to send their kids to private school’.

Fees are on a par with other secondaries in the area. Most parents thought this appropriate given very personalised teaching, but one questioned ‘value for money’ due to some less experienced staff. Five per cent sibling discounts for families with

Kew House offers children of all abilities something different in a competitive market. Personalised learning and 'incredible' teaching mean creative and more practically-minded students find their ‘thing’ and the academically able reach their