Data profile

Ivy House School

Independent co-ed prep school in Barnet for ages 2–11. Non-selective intake.

Rank #133
ISI Standards met
Fees £23.9k/yr
co-ed
Golders Green, Barnet

Entry points & fees

Entry	Year	Places	Assessment	Day fee (max)
3+	Nursery	—	Observation	£23.9k
4+	Reception	—	Interview · Observation	£23.9k
7+	Year 3	—	School's own exam · Interview	£23.9k

Houseroom Index

Our composite score, broken down by pillar.

Index score

/ 100

National rank #133

Academic70

Destinations73

Future-ready62

Pastoral82

Value-add60

Access & breadth75

External consensus70

Inspections

ISI

Standards met

Inspected 2025-06-17

The curriculum, school values and positive relationships serve to support pupils' personal development and successful academic outcomes. Leaders are ambitious for pupils to achieve and ensure that pupils' efforts in the classroom are balanced with a range of extra- curricular activities. Leaders place an emphasis on pupils' wellbeing through a clear and consistent 2.

Read full ISI report →

Editorial verdict

ethos

Head Donal Brennan was previously head at Hampshire School, Chelsea and undermaster at Hill House, Knightsbridge. His philosophy centres on 'wonderment in learning' and children taking ownership of their educational journey. He teaches English, rides the school bus each morning, joins trips, and plays with younger pupils. Deputy Raffaella Merolla teaches maths and English and oversees the 11+ programme. Together they foster a culture of openness; parents are asked not to discuss anxiety-inducing topics such as senior-school destinations at home. Inspirational speakers are invited to talk to Year 6 pupils.

teaching

The curriculum is broad, topic-based and holistically cross-curricular — e.g. when the Year 1 topic is Egypt, related books form part of the literacy programme. Specialist teachers for all subjects; streaming for English and maths but sets are fluid to accommodate differing development times. Class sizes range from 6 to 17. An occupational therapist visits weekly; daily whole-class movement breaks are built into lessons. A robust 11+ programme begins in Year 5; the school asks parents not to commission extra private tuition, promising to hand-hold the process while maintaining breadth of curriculum. Senior schools receiving leavers include North London Collegiate, Francis Holland, South Hamp…

pastoral

Pastoral care is guided by the Tooled Up programme, which supports emotional development at each stage. A counsellor visits every Friday; pupils can request an appointment via a post box in reception. Every pupil is known by all staff. Children nominate a 'teacher of the week' from any member of staff including the head and cook. Parents receive a weekly newsletter, are invited to weekly assemblies, and can attend regular workshops on numeracy and reading. Holiday camps support working families; grandparents' teas are also held.

Open days, bursaries and how to apply: Ivy House School profile →