Ages 
This is a friendly prep that suits active children - encouraging them to move around in lessons, get bursts of fresh air between lessons and lots of wellie time. And while it’s no picnic academically, it’s no pressure cooker either - ‘the children get a long way without realising it,’ as head puts it, with challenging open-ended tasks given from the off ‘so they become critical thinkers’. It will be interesting to see how the school adapts to its new co-ed model.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 327 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £12,060 - £22,905 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Jonathan Wadge
Since September 2023, Jonathan Wadge, previously head at Woodford Green Prep for eight years and before that, deputy head at St Albans High School for Girls. He has taught a range of subjects across all primary school ages, and was a senior teacher
Entrance
Currently oversubscribed and ‘gently’ selective. Candidates at 3 and 4 assessed informally in small groups (‘a fun day,’ say parents) to check suitability and potential. Pupils entering higher up the school, some from state primaries and some new to
- Open days
- January, May and October
Exit
Around 25 per cent leave at 11+ (‘we are happy to prepare for 11+ and don’t get uptight about it,’ says head); the rest go at 13+. Recently, most to St Albans, Haileybury and Aldenham. Others to Ashmole Academy, Chancellors School, Dame Alice Owen,
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Lochinver House operates a no mobile phone policy.
Pupils
Money matters
- Fee information
- £12,060 - £22,905 pa
Our view
‘I didn’t realise it was quite so big,’ says practically every prospective parent. Located in an eight-and-a-half acre site tucked away in residential suburbia, Lochinver House won’t seduce you with its good looks, but in true ugly duckling style it
The last word
This is a friendly prep that suits active children - encouraging them to move around in lessons, get bursts of fresh air between lessons and lots of wellie time. And while it’s no picnic academically, it’s no pressure cooker either - ‘the children
