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Donhead Preparatory School

Donhead Preparatory School is a leading independent co-educational Catholic preparatory school in Wimbledon, London, offering education from Preschool (3+) to Year 6 (11+).

MertonPrepCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–11Day305 pupils
Day fees
£19,293
How competitive entry is
Taster Day + ObservationCompetitive entry
Pupils
305
Founded
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed prep school in Merton for ages 3–11. Selective entry.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families looking for a prep school covering ages 3–11.
  • 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.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

AMDG

Jesuit schools strive to give a first-class education while being places committed to outstanding character formation, believing in ‘cura personalis’ – development of the whole person based on interests, talents, choices, and personality.
cura personalischaracter formationacademic excellenceindividual growthspiritual developmentcommunity

Distinctive features

Jesuit ethos

Catholic education

guaranteed Reception place for pre-school pupils

focus on whole child development

wide range of extracurricular activities

strong music, art and drama programmes

strong sports provision

small class sizes (max 22)

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Elements (Year 6) Sports TourInter-house matches and competitionsPre-season Cricket Training

music

Individual Music TuitionInter-House Music CompetitionMusic Groups and EnsemblesSinging Practice Assemblies

academic club

Cambridge University Raspberry Pi Foundation Coding ChallengeCHAMP Emotional Regulation Workshop

service

Girl GuidingScouts

other

Arts ClubsEsports Teams (Minecraft Build Challenge)France Visit (Year 6)House System ActivitiesOutward Bound Course at Kingswood Activity Centre (Year 5)Residential Trips

Facilities

sports

Donhead Sports Ground (off-site)

arts

Art RoomGalleryMusic Practice Room 2Music Room

boarding

Dining Hall

Latest exam results

Outcomes

Donhead is proudly non-selective at entry but achieves outstanding 11+ results with recent leavers winning 26 scholarships across academic, music and sport and progressing to highly selective senior schools.

Recent coverage

In March 2025, Donhead Preparatory School underwent an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, confirming that all relevant Independent School Standards were met, with safeguarding described as effective. (findmyschool.uk) In September 2024, the school transitioned to a co-educational model, admitting children from the age of 3. In 2025, Year 6 pupils secured 26 scholarships, including 11 academic, 9 sport, and 6 music awards.

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Mar 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202531 Mar 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Dates to be confirmed
Senior School Information Evening (for parents of Years 4 and 5)early Michaelmas Term
Dates TBC
Personal ToursArrange at any time by appointment
Dates TBC
New Parents’ Welcome EveningTrinity Term
Dates TBC

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

Fees

£20,103per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £20,103VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £158,779
vs London avg (£24,000)16% below
By entry point · 2026-27
7+£20,103
4+£20,103
Reception£19,293

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

CampionLoyolaXavier

Inspection

Isi 11 Mar 2025

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-2026

autumn1 Sept 202520 Dec 2025Half-term 20 Oct 2025–24 Oct 2025
spring7 Jan 202625 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer15 Apr 20269 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–29 May 2026
autumn7 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 26 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer13 Apr 20278 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Where pupils go 2023 · 62 offers

Epsom College
6 offers
Reed's School
6 offers
Whitgift School
5 offers
Reed's School
5 offers
Richard Challoner School
4 offers
Ewell Castle
4 offers
Trinity School
4 offers
Trinity School
3 offers
Hampton School
3 offers
Epsom College
3 offers
King's College
3 offers
Whitgift School
3 offers
Danes Hill School
2 offers
Richard Challoner School
2 offers
Kingston Grammar School
2 offers
Wimbledon College
2 offers
Wallington County Grammar School
2 offers
Claremont Fan Court School
1 offer
Wimbledon College
1 offer
City of London Freeman's School
1 offer

Schools like Donhead Preparatory School

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

81%

Heathside Preparatory School

Camden · Prep · Ages 3–11
£13,071 – £25,089
79%

Salcombe Preparatory School

Southgate · Prep · Ages 3–11
£2,040 – £16,218
79%

Wandsworth Preparatory School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 3–11
£18,582
77%

Twickenham Preparatory School

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 3–11
£16,344 – £19,440
77%

Hendon Preparatory School

Barnet · Prep · Ages 3–11
£3,795 – £24,927
77%

Woodford Green Preparatory School

Redbridge · Prep · Ages 3–11
Fees TBC

Questions parents ask

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

What kind of child is Donhead Preparatory School best for?+

Independent co-ed prep school in Merton for ages 3–11. 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?+

SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has identified needs, contact admissions early to discuss capacity.

Are there open days?+

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

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@donhead.org.uk or phone on 020 8946 7000. 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 Donhead Preparatory School — see the "Schools like Donhead Preparatory 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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