Ages 
No picture-perfect children here, just happy, articulate ones. Uncompromisingly loyal to its founding principles, school is progressing seamlessly towards its first quarter of a century. Not for the exam-driven conformist, it offers a visionary approach underpinned by impassioned staff. From straight under the M40 emerge decent, enquiring, kind and free-thinking members of society. Who would have thought?
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 400 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £30,306 pa
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council
Headteacher
Head
Maxine Shaw
Since September 2024, Maxine Shaw, previously head of Danes Hill. Degree in environmental science from QMUL, PGCE from Lincoln. Spent first 10 years teaching in the maintained sector, moving into the independent sector in 2001 when she became deputy
Entrance
Academically non-selective, in keeping with founding philosophy. Early registration encouraged. Vast majority start in reception. About 20 in each of three classes. Priority to siblings and children from Acorn Nursery, also part of Dukes. Waiting
- Open days
- Monthly
Exit
Two-thirds leave at 11+, progressing to eclectic assortment of schools both in central London and out in all directions. For girls, Francis Holland, Regent’s Park perennially popular, as is Godolphin and Latymer and South Hampstead. Both boys and
Latest results
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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 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!
Pupils
Money matters
Slightly cheaper than similar schools. 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. Impressively,
- Fee information
- £30,306 pa
Our view
Started in 2003 by Jane Cameron, with aim of ‘creating a local co-educational prep school with strong partnerships between the school and the parents’ – and these boxes are still ticked, according to parents. Occupies three sites just off Ladbroke
The last word
No picture-perfect children here, just happy, articulate ones. Uncompromisingly loyal to its founding principles, school is progressing seamlessly towards its first quarter of a century. Not for the exam-driven conformist, it offers a visionary
