Ages 
No leap of faith needed for this very solid prep, which stands out for being academic, nurturing and genuinely holistic. ‘I’ve already seen a massive development in his learning journey’, said the mother of a younger boy; another told us that her son was ‘quite quiet and would never put up his hand when he joined but now he’s really come out of his shell’. The boys come home tired but happy, we heard – ‘and you can’t ask for more than that.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 382 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £17,340 - £18,705 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Hillingdon
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Simon Dunn
Since 2019, Simon Dunn BEd (University of Liverpool), previously head of Bronte House School in Yorkshire. Both scholarly and fatherly, he struck us as tailor-made for the life of a headmaster, yet he laughs that teaching ‘was the last job I’d have
Entrance
About 80 sit for 35 places at 3+, and about 20 for a handful of places at 4+. Another four or five join at 7+, with up to three applications per place, and a small but growing number join at 11+. Occasional places in other years. Play-based
Exit
As the only truly standalone boys’ prep in the Northwood area, St Martin’s is also unusual for continuing to 13+ (the others are linked to Merchant Taylors’ which is becoming 11-plus entry only). Currently, around two-thirds of boys stay for years 7
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 St Martin’s School, the welfare and well-being of our pupils is paramount. To ensure a safe and focused learning environment, mobile phones are not permitted for children in school, with the exception of those in years 7 and 8. Pupils in these year groups may bring a mobile phone to school, but it must be handed in to the school office upon arrival and not collected until the end of the school day. This policy helps us balance the benefits of modern communication with the need to prevent distractions and protect against potential misuse.
Pupils
Money matters
Bursaries available in all year groups other than nursery. Scholarships in art, DTE, music and sport in years 7 and 8 – worth 25 per cent off fees.
- Fee information
- £17,340 - £18,705 pa
Our view
In an area peppered with academic boys’ preps of a similar size, parents say this one has the edge pastorally. ‘You see it when you go round the school,’ said one, ‘the caring teachers and happy, confident children who don’t seem all cut from the
The last word
No leap of faith needed for this very solid prep, which stands out for being academic, nurturing and genuinely holistic. ‘I’ve already seen a massive development in his learning journey’, said the mother of a younger boy; another told us that her son
