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Pre-prep school

Herne Hill School

Herne Hill School offers expert Early Childhood Education from Kindergarten through Year 2 with a focus on nurturing curiosity, joy of learning, and social-emotional development.

Day fees
£9,090 – £23,850
Entry
Observation + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Mon 30 Nov 20264+ registration closes
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Ngaire Telford
Headteacher
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
304
139 girls, 148 boys
Location
Herne Hill, Southwark
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
2 to 7
Founded
1976
Entry points
3+, 4+, 5+, 6+
ISI inspection
Inspected 2024
Nearest station
Brixton
Average class
15 pupils
School day
8.30am to 4pm
Show 3 more factsShow fewer facts
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Up to 40% of fees
Scholarships
Other, Academic, All-rounder
Overview

About Herne Hill School

Herne Hill School specialises in Early Childhood Education from age 2 to 7, ending at Key Stage 1. The school provides a loving, caring environment with small classes and high adult-to-child ratios. It incorporates extensive outdoor learning and prepares children thoroughly for transition to Year 3. The school offers a bespoke experiential learning approach evolving to structured teaching by Year 2. Specialist teachers in French, music, PE/sports and dance enrich the curriculum. The school values the lasting impact of high quality early education on future academic and personal success.

Our take

Independent co-ed school in Southwark for ages 2–7. Selective entry.

Best for
  • Children aged 2–7.
  • 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
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

  1. TBC
    Open dayTo be confirmed
    Typically Thursday mornings at 10am during term-time
    In-Action Tours
  2. Jan31
    Registration closesPassed
  3. TBC
    AssessmentTo be confirmed
    Last year: 1 Jan 2026
  4. Jun3
    InterviewPassed
    Kindergarten Discover & Play

Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, offers, acceptance deadline.

Registration windows
EntryOpensClosesReply byStatus
TBCTBC31 Jan 2026TBCClosed
TBCTBCTBCTBCOpen

Open events

Open DayNext week
10am
Open Morning
Deadline
Reception Registration Deadline

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£9,090 – £23,850per year · Day · 2026-27
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Quick answers about Herne Hill School

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

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
40%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
4
Scholarships→Bursaries→

Distinctive features

★

Early Childhood Education specialist

★

small class sizes with high adult to child ratios

★

extensive outdoor learning with woodland area

★

seamless continuity from age 2 to 7

★

specialised Reception Cycle experience

★

endorsed as ‘Excellent’ by ISI in all categories

Facilities

sports

Multi-functional HallThe Playground

arts

Performing Arts StudioThe Bach

academic

LibraryMulberryOakThe MansionVicarage

wellbeing

Kindergarten Play GardenThe GardenWoodland Area

Latest exam results

Outcomes

The school's Key Stage 1 results are far above the national average, with pupils demonstrating high levels of attainment in maths, reading, and writing, as verified by external moderation.

Where leavers go

2025
Cohort43
US Ivy0
Top universities (2025)
Sydenham High GDST8
Rosemead Preparatory School3
Dulwich College Junior School3
Dulwich Prep & Senior6
Alleyn’s Junior School1
Streatham & Clapham GDST1
St. Dunstan’s College1
JAGS Junior School0

Qualifications offered

Key Stage 1

Recent coverage

Herne Hill School planned to open its dedicated Kindergarten facilities at 99 Herne Hill from spring 2021.

Recommended next step

Registration closes 30 Nov 2026 (4+)

Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.

Fit for your child

Is Herne Hill School right for your child?

Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.

Check fit for my child

Wellbeing

Safeguarding

## URL: https://hernehillschool.co.uk/ (src=bd) Herne Hill School: Independent Kindergarten to Pre-Prep [Skip to primary navigation](#genesis-nav-primary) [Skip to main content](#genesis-content) [Herne Hill School, London Herne Hill School, London](/ "Home") [Home](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/) [Contact us](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/contact-us/) [Work with us](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/vacancies/) [Search](#search-popup) Search this website ' [Our school](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/our-school/) [We shape futures](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/our-school/) [Aims, ethos and safeguarding](https://hernehillschool.co.uk/our-school/aims-and-ethos/) [50 years of.

Inspection

ISI inspection, 11 Jun 2024

Excellent
Read full ISI report →

Policies & documents

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Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Herne Hill School best for?+

Herne Hill School suits: Children aged 2–7; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.

How much are the fees at Herne Hill School?+

Day fees at Herne Hill School are £3,030 to £7,950 a term in 2026-27 (£9,090 to £23,850 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Herne Hill School?+

The next open day at Herne Hill School is on 15 October 2026. Booking is usually required.

How does admissions work?+

Herne Hill School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.

Does Herne Hill School support SEND?+

Herne Hill School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.

What ages does Herne Hill School take?+

Herne Hill School takes pupils from age 2 to 7.

Is Herne Hill School a day or boarding school?+

Herne Hill School is a day school.

Is Herne Hill School co-educational or single-sex?+

Herne Hill School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.

Where is Herne Hill School?+

Herne Hill School is in Southwark, SE24 9LY.

How do I contact admissions at Herne Hill School?+

Contact Herne Hill School by email at office@hernehillschool.co.uk or phone on 02072746336.

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