The Lloyd Williamson School Foundation

Since 1999, Ms Lucy Meyer BSc, MPhil (Cantab). Ms Meyer (‘Lucy’ to all – first name terms used throughout the school) has qualifications in psychology of education (Reading and Cambridge) and has also written articles and books on maths and trained

Numerous possible starting points. Three nurseries, one on same site as the school, two others (not visited) nearby, take pupils from four months to pre-reception – though many families currently opt for other local primary schools (there are no

Can be prepared for exams at any point, some for the 11-plus, though majority now go to state schools (such as Holland Park). At the end of GCSEs, most have either moved to state or independent sixth forms or tutorial colleges.

In 2022, tiny first ever year 11 cohort, when just 15 per cent of GCSEs achieved grades 9-7. Even tinier in 2023 when just three pupils sat GCSEs. Better things anticipated in 2024.

Distinctive but perfectly mainstream (though competitor schools known to sidle up to parents in the street and try to persuade them otherwise, says Ms Meyer). All academic bases, though, are thoroughly covered. Approach is ‘holistic’, ‘genuinely

Website describes culture as ‘quirky, open… all about including, not excluding which benefits all students’. But stress that officially support mild needs only and that what there is is limited – visiting speech and language therapist, no OT offered

Don’t stint on ambition. Music homework might be writing song lyrics. Art teacher (also musician), resident polymath, exudes creativity from every pore of his sunflower-strewn dungarees (row of unnervingly convincing Cyborg masks made entirely from

Not the obvious choice for the super-sporty (facilities ‘rubbish’ says one parent, frankly) but better things widely anticipated once new senior school has opened, close to Westway’s many activities. In the meantime, do their best with limited

Size simultaneous blessing and curse, say parents and children. Limited pool of friends can make things tricky if there’s a falling out. Even with the option of staying on for A levels, pupils we spoke to in years 10 and 11 would prefer to move on

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

Not on the radar of Notting Hill financiers, but otherwise all sorts – creative types to scientists (recent careers talks featured a dentist, rocket scientist and civil engineer). Many parents work full time and praise ‘fantastic’ wraparound care.

Many bursaries in the past (to local children) and will be again but not well endowed and funding is currently at capacity.

Neither alternative nor a soft touch but a genuinely inclusive, perfectly mainstream school, underpinned by a personalised approach, small classes and a pragmatic kindness that helps everyone in the school community, from pupils to axolotls, to