DirectoryKensington and ChelseaPrepGarden House School
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Garden House School

Garden House School is an independent day school for girls and boys located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England.

Kensington and ChelseaPrepCo EdAges 3–11Day444 pupils
Day fees
£35,904
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
444
Founded
1950
Next deadline
Open day: Wed, 30 Sept 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed school in Kensington and Chelsea for ages 3–13. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 3–13.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • 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

Garden House currently lists Emma Studd as Head of Girls, Richard Lock as Headmaster of Boys, and Venetia Banbury as Head of Early Years. Christian Warland and Sophie Strafford are joint Principals/proprietors rather than the section heads.

An independent day school for girls and boys located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, encouraging unique personalities to thrive and personal confidence to grow.

individuality, confidence, academic excellence, performing arts

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Ballet / Dance (Cecchetti method)

music

ABRSM Music Examinations

drama

Drama ClubEnglish National Ballet Nutcracker MatineeLAMDA Entry Level Acting ExaminationPoetry Festival / World Arts DayShakespeare Project (MSII)Summer Shows (Royal Court / Chelsea Theatre)

academic club

English Speaking Board Examinations

other

After School Clubs (various durations)Carol Concerts and Church Services

Facilities

sports

Swimming Pool (implied by swimming uniform & lessons)

arts

Chelsea Theatre (Summer Shows venue)Royal Court Theatre (Summer Shows venue)

academic

School Shop

Where leavers go

2025
US Ivy0
Top universities (2025)
BC London1
Dulwich College4
Emanuel1
King's College School, Wimbledon2
Latymer0
St Paul's2
Sussex House6
Thomas's1

Recent coverage

In October 2024, Garden House School underwent an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, receiving commendations for its broad and balanced curriculum, which effectively prepares pupils for future success. The report highlighted that pupils made good progress across various subjects, particularly in developing advanced linguistic skills, and were successful in gaining places at selective schools in London and beyond. The inspection also noted that the school's leadership, comprising three headteachers, worked collaboratively to prioritize pupils' well-being and shared a common focus on the care and welfare of each individual. Leaders were described as clear and ambitious in evaluating the school's performance and planning for its future development. Regarding leadership changes, the school's website indicates that Emma Studd has been the Headteacher since 2025. (schoolscope.uk) The school does not have Key Stage 2 SATs results, as independent schools are not required to participate in these assessments. Specific details about building projects or notable achievements were not found in the available sources.

Notable alumni

Alex EvansLaura Scott nee Lambert (1996-2003) - BBC Sports News CorrespondentClementine Parrett (1995-2000) - award-winning brand/marketing/PR executiveCarlo Quadrio Curzio MA Oxford (2003-2007)Alec Brooke (2010-2012) - International and Commonwealth Gold Medalist FencingIsabella Cruickshank (2012-2019) - 2022 National Fencing Championships GoldViola Prettejohn - actress (The Nevers)Princess Delphine of Belgium (artist)Olivia Millard - Cambridge student featured in The TimesFlorence Morrissey - folk music singer/songwriter (1998-2006)
Recommended next step

Open day available

Garden House School has confirmed events. Book a visit, then save the school so you don't miss the registration window.

Fit for your child

How well does Garden House School match?

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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 opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesNot published
Not published
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentPassed
1 Feb 2026
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersPassed
1 Mar 2026
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-27TBCTBCTBCOpen

Open events

Open Morning
Wed, 30 Sept 2026
10:15 am
Open Morning
Thu, 26 Nov 2026
9:15 am
Open Morning
Wed, 20 Jan 2027
9:15 am
Open Morning
Thu, 18 Mar 2027
9:15 am
Open Morning
Thu, 29 Apr 2027
10:15 am
Open Morning
Wed, 30 Jun 2027
10:15 am
Dates to be confirmed
Open Mornings 2026-2027Various dates 2026-2027 academic year
Dates TBC
Open Mornings 2026-2027Various dates for 2026-2027 academic year
Dates TBC
Open Mornings 2026-2027Dates throughout academic year 2026-2027 (see website)
Dates TBC
8+ Assessment DaySpring term before entry year
Dates TBC
8+ Assessment DaySpring term before 8+ entry
Dates TBC

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

Talks & tasters

Wed, 30 Sept 2026Open MorningOpen Morning
Thu, 26 Nov 2026Open MorningOpen Morning
Wed, 20 Jan 2027Open MorningOpen Morning
Thu, 18 Mar 2027Open MorningOpen Morning
Thu, 29 Apr 2027Open MorningOpen Morning
Wed, 30 Jun 2027Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£35,904per year · Day · 2026/27 · est. (3 x term)
VAT-inclusive estimate £35,904VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £283,580
vs London avg (£24,000)50% above

Bursaries & Scholarships

Excerpts

While some independent schools choose to sit SATs, they are not required to do so and the UK government does not collect or publish their results.

Latest results
Latest results

This is an independent school and therefore does not have Key Stage 2 SATs results. While some independent schools choose to sit SATs, they are not required to do so and the UK government does not collect or publish their results. Find out more.

Learning support & SEN

0.22 % Students with a SEN EHCP View all data 5.39 % Students with SEN support View all data Pupils 450 Number of pupils View all data

House system

PoppyHollyDaffodilBluebell

Wellbeing

Pastoral Care menu close About Garden House School welcome to the school aims & ethos pastoral care history of the school GHS in motion alumni news & Contact school uniform term dates Houses Inspection Report Academic Early Years The Boys' School the Girls' School School Clubs Leavers' Destinations Parents at Garden House the parents' role teacher meetings PA Events Charities Admissions & Fees the admission process the school Prospectus fees & early years funding The Parents' Area Newsletters Tickets & Events school clubs

Inspection

Isi 8 Oct 2024

2 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi1 Jan 2022Excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025/26

summer21 Apr 20268 Jul 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026
spring6 Jan 202724 Mar 2027
summer20 Apr 20278 Jul 2027
springNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summerNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 31 May 2027
autumnNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 19 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026

Feeder schools

Policies & documents

Schools like Garden House School

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

73%

Sussex House School

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 8–13
Fees TBC
73%

Hill House

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 4–13
£5,670 – £28,980
68%

More House School

Kensington and Chelsea · Senior · Ages 9–18
£23,400 – £32,850
67%

Gatehouse School

Tower Hamlets · Prep · Ages 3–11
Fees TBC
64%

Kensington Park School

Westminster · Senior · Ages 3–18
£29,850 – £31,050
64%

Kew House School

Hounslow · Senior · Ages 3–18
£26,271 – £31,525

Questions parents ask

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

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

Independent co-ed school in Kensington and Chelsea for ages 3–13. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

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?+

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

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@gardenhouseschool.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)20 7730 1652. 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 Garden House School — see the "Schools like Garden House School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 15 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

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Parent reviews

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