DirectoryCroydonPrepCumnor House School
Prep school

Cumnor House School

A family of four schools – two nurseries, a girls’ school and a boys’ school – inspiring children aged 2 to 13 to aim high and excel.

CroydonPrepCo EdAges 2–13Day395 pupils
Day fees
£16,926
How competitive entry is
Non Selective + Taster DayCompetitive entry
Pupils
395
Founded
1931
Next deadline
Interview: TBC
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Croydon for ages 2–13. Selective entry.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 2–13) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

The Cumnor Way

Head of School since 2021. Emma Edwards BA QTS NASENCo SEN Dip. Raised in nearby Wallington; degree in early years teaching (Leeds).

Children are encouraged, challenged and supported to achieve their full potential, both in and beyond the classroom, within a values-led community promoting Endeavour, Compassion, Courage, Self Belief and Integrity.

EndeavourCompassionCourageSelf BeliefIntegrity

Distinctive features

Four schools from nursery to prep including boys’ and girls’ single-sex schools

Strong culture of high academic achievement

Exceptional success in Sports, Music and Academics

Quiet and green campuses with 10-acre playing fields

Forest School style outdoor learning in nurseries

Preparation and support for Common Entrance and scholarships

Activities & co-curricular

sport

AthleticsBalletBMX Riding (Olympic Track)CricketCross CountryFootballGymnasticsHockeyKS1 Multi-sportsNetballRoundersRugbyShort TennisSportsSwimmingSwimming lessonsSwim SquadsTable-tennisTennisTriathlon

music

Music

drama

BalletCreative & Performing ArtsDrama ClubDrama / LAMDA

academic club

11+ Practice Club (Years 5 & 6)Booster / nurture groupsChessChess ClubCurrent Affairs ClubLanguages ClubLEGO ClubPublic SpeakingScholarship groups

service

Charity Fundraising / Volunteering (Purley Food Hub, The Children's Trust)

other

Before and After School ClubsExtra-Curricular ClubsMindful LegoMindfulness ClubMindful YogaPhotographyStory Club

Facilities

sports

10-acre playing field10-acre playing field (Boys' School)10-acre playing fields10 acres Sports Ground (South Croydon)200m running track6-acre site (Girls' School)Dedicated sports hall (gymnastics, dance, PE)Heated swimming poolIndoor heated swimming pool (off-site)Indoor sports hallIndoor sports hallsMulti-use games areaMulti-use games area (MUGA)Multi-Use Games Area (newly built)Netball courtNetball courtsPlaying fieldsSports GroundSwimming pool (indoor heated)

arts

Art studiosMusic roomRaised stage performance venue / main hall

academic

Compact city campusDesign technology roomDining facilitiesFood technology roomInteractive whiteboards and iPadsLibraryNursery facilities PurleyNursery facilities South CroydonOne-to-one devices (Year 3 and above)Outdoor learning classroom (Early Years)Science laboratoryWebb Estate conservation site (Purley Nursery)

wellbeing

Nurture rooms

Recent coverage

In June 2024, Cumnor House School for Boys and Nurseries underwent an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) under the newly introduced Framework 23. The school excelled in all five evaluated areas, meeting the Standards with no statutory regulations or compliance issues identified. In November 2025, Cumnor House School for Girls received an inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The report highlighted that leaders prioritize pupils' mental health and emotional wellbeing, providing in-school support and maintaining effective links with external agencies. However, it noted that not all relevant Standards were met, particularly concerning attendance procedures and leadership oversight. In the 2024-2025 academic year, over 130 pupils participated in the school's second Dance Coffee Concert, which was attended by the Heads of Dance from Brighton, Hurst, and Ardingly. Additionally, the 'Strictly Cumnor Dancing' competition showcased dazzling routines across multiple year groups. On International Dance Day, the entire school participated in a show-stopping Charleston, fostering a sense of community through movement.

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

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Open dayNot published
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Registration closesNot published
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Bursary deadlineNot published
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AssessmentNot published
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InterviewNot published
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OffersNot published
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Acceptance deadlineNot published
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Open events

Taster DayThis week
Fri, 3 Jul 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stay & Play Session July 3rd

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Fri, 3 Jul 2026Stay & Play Session July 3rdTaster Day

Fees

£20,070per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £20,070VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £159,394
vs London avg (£24,000)16% below
By entry point · 2026/2027
Reception£16,188
4+£16,926

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Wellbeing

Cumnor House promotes a culture of understanding, integrity, compassion and empathy, with character virtues such as endeavour, belief and courage underpinning its ethos. Children are supported to 'bounce back' from adversity through core activities including residentials, public speaking and life skills work.

Inspection

Isi 4 Nov 2025

3 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi · Routine Inspection14 Oct 2025
  • Isi · Routine Inspection18 Jun 2024
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn4 Sept 202512 Dec 2025
spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026
summer21 Apr 202610 Jul 2026
autumn2 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer13 Apr 20272 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

INSET: 1 Sept 2026 · 4 Jan 2027 · 12 Apr 2027 · 5 Jul 2027

Policies & documents

Schools like Cumnor House School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

95%

Cumnor House Boys School

Croydon · Prep · Ages 4–13
£15,147 – £21,360
94%

Cumnor House Girls' School

Croydon · All Through · Ages 3–16
£10,440 – £21,360
68%

Croydon High School

Croydon · All Through · Ages 3–18
£12,747 – £25,548
66%

Elmhurst School

Croydon · Prep · Ages 1–11
£14,541 – £23,468
65%

Devonshire House Preparatory School

Camden · Prep · Ages 2–13
£9,000 – £35,619
65%

Connaught House School

Westminster · Prep · Ages 4–11
£24,786 – £26,934

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Cumnor House School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

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

Independent co-ed all-through school in Croydon for ages 2–13. Selective entry.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

3 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@cumnorhouse.com or phone on 0208 660 3445. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Cumnor House School — see the "Schools like Cumnor House School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 14 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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