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Arnold House School

Arnold House is a leading independent London preparatory school for boys aged 3 to 13, combining tradition and academic rigour with a modern, boy-centred approach to education.

Day fees
£23,652 – £31,536
Entry
Group Assessment + InterviewSelective
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Mr Giles Tollit
Headmaster
Gender
Boys
Pupils
359
Location
St John's Wood, Westminster
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
3 to 13
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1905
Entry points
3+, 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+
Nearest station
St John's Wood
School buses
No
Average class
20 pupils
Show 4 more factsShow fewer facts
School day
8.30am to 5pm
Saturday school
No
Wraparound care
Not offered
Scholarships
Academic
Overview

About Arnold House School

Founded in 1905, Arnold House is a central London school with exceptional facilities. A thriving school, fully committed to outstanding pastoral care allowing each boy to reach his full potential both in the classroom and beyond. The school offers a 10-year journey nurturing each boy academically, socially and emotionally from Reception to senior school preparation at 11+ and 13+. Arnold House is all-boys by choice, with specialist teaching methods and outstanding facilities. Boys enjoy weekly days at the Canons Park site for outdoor learning, sports, arts and creative exploration. The school has strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating, sport, and community engagement, supporting whole-boy development and a values-led approach.

Our take

Independent boys prep school in Westminster for ages 3–13. Selective entry.

Best for
  • Families looking for a prep school covering ages 3–13.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

  1. TBC
    Open dayTo be confirmed
    3rd March (fully booked)
    Open Morning
  2. Feb1
    Offers
  3. TBC
    Acceptance deadlineTo be confirmed
    Last year: 1 Mar 2026

Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, interview.

Registration windows
EntryOpensClosesReply byStatus
TBCTBCTBCTBCOpen
September 2027TBCTBCTBCOpen
September 2028TBCTBCTBCTbc
September 2029TBCTBCTBCTbc

Open events

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£23,652 – £31,536per year · Day · 2026-27
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Quick answers about Arnold House School

Answered only from Arnold House School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Distinctive features

★

Forest School

★

Strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating and sport

★

Two parallel forms in each year group

★

Early years tailored curriculum with exemption from statutory EYFS

★

Inclusive Learning Support

★

Transition from Pre-Prep to Prep with structured pastoral support

Activities & co-curricular

sport

KickboxingFootballRugbyCricketGamesAFL (Aussie Rules Football)BasketballTaekwondoRunningGymnasticsDodgeball

music

Jazz bandIndividual musical instrument tuitionMusic EnsemblesChapel choirSenior orchestraCello groupString ensemblesWind bandString quartetRock groupMusicBrass, Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Drums, Classical Guitar, Piano, Singing, Violin, Cello, Guitar

drama

Technical TheatreDramaAnnual plays and musicals

academic club

DebatingChessGlobal Location LeagueTouch TypingZoologyGreek Gods SocietyPoetryLanguages

service

Community engagement

other

Cookery ClubMindfulness Colouring ClubLego AnimationCarpentryForest School (outdoor learning)YogaPhotographyCookeryRoman Model Building

Facilities

sports

Canons Park sports site with 8 acres of outdoor space and 18 sports surfacesSports pitches at Canons Park (off-site)Canons Park outdoor activity centre with 8 acres of outdoor space and weekly outdoor learningCanons Park (off-site)18 Sports SurfacesPre-Prep Outdoor PlaygroundLoudoun Road campus sports facilities

arts

Canons Park Theatre (off-site)Drama StudioMusic facilities including rehearsal spaces and recital venues at Canons ParkMusic facilitiesTheatre with 120 capacity

academic

Classrooms upgraded and extendedForest School Area (off-site)Science facilitiesClassrooms at Canons Park (off-site)IT resources and teachingClassrooms

wellbeing

Outdoor learning days at Canons ParkExceptional pastoral care

Qualifications offered

11+13+ Common Entrance

Recent coverage

September 2025

Arnold House School underwent an Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection which confirmed that all inspected standards, including safeguarding, were met. The report noted leaders provided purposeful and precise direction to staff, prioritising pupils’ academic preparation and pastoral wellbeing.

Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

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Wellbeing

Founded in 1905, Arnold House is a central London school with exceptional facilities. A thriving school, fully committed to outstanding pastoral care allowing each boy to reach his full potential both in the classroom and beyond. We are proud to offer a 10-year journey that nurtures each boy academically, socially and emotionally — from his very first day in Reception to senior school preparation at 11+ and 13+. Every step is shaped by our commitment to whole-child development, exceptional pastoral care, and a strong sense of community. Our boys enjoy weekly time at our Canons Park site — a rare offering for a London prep school — giving them the chance to explore, create, and thrive in the outdoors. These days build confidence, wellbeing and joy, complementing the pace of city life with fresh air and freedom.

Inspection

ISI inspection, 23 Sept 2025

Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2026/27

Autumn3 Sept 2026 → 9 Dec 2026Half-term 23 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
Spring7 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer20 Apr 2027 → 9 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Arnold House School term dates and holidays →

Where pupils go 2026 · 15 offers

Policies & documents

Schools like Arnold House School

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Westminster Under School

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£21,579 – £27,144

Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Arnold House School best for?+

Arnold House School suits: Families looking for a prep school covering ages 3–13; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.

How much are the fees at Arnold House School?+

Day fees at Arnold House School range from £23,652 to £31,536 per year in 2026-27. Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Arnold House School?+

No dates are listed yet. Save Arnold House School and we'll email you when booking opens.

How does admissions work?+

Arnold House School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.

Does Arnold House School support SEND?+

Arnold House School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.

What ages does Arnold House School take?+

Arnold House School takes pupils from age 3 to 13.

Is Arnold House School a day or boarding school?+

Arnold House School is a day school.

Is Arnold House School co-educational or single-sex?+

Arnold House School is a boys' school.

Where is Arnold House School?+

Arnold House School is in Westminster, NW8 0LH.

How do I contact admissions at Arnold House School?+

Contact Arnold House School by email at registrar@arnoldhouse.co.uk or phone on 02072664840.

Updated 14 May 2026. Sources: school website, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, Sunday Times Parent Power and Wikipedia.