DirectorySouthwarkPre PrepHerne Hill School
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.

SouthwarkPre PrepCo EdAges 2–7Day304 pupils
Day fees
£9,090
How competitive entry is
Observation + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
304
Founded
1976
Next deadline
No dates published
Updated 2 months agosource
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

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

Best for
Who thrives here
  • 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
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

Application timeline

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

Open dayNot published
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Registration opensNot 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

Open Morning
Thu, 1 Oct 2026
10:00 am – 12:00 pm|Main site at 127 Herne Hill and Kindergarten at 99 Herne Hill
Open Morning Autumn 2026
Open Morning
Thu, 1 Oct 2026
10:00 am|Both Kindergarten 99 Herne Hill and main site 127 Herne Hill
Open Mornings and In-Action Tours
Open Day
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
11:00 am
Open Morning
Deadline
Mon, 30 Nov 2026
Reception Registration Deadline
Dates to be confirmed
In-Action ToursTypically Thursday mornings at 10am during term-time
Dates TBC
Kindergarten 'Discover & Play' Sessions3, 4, 10 or 11 June 2026
Dates TBC
In-Action ToursMost Thursdays during term-time
Dates TBC
Open MorningOctober 2026
Dates TBC

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

Talks & tasters

Talks, tasters and other dated events
DateEventType
Thu, 1 Oct 2026Open Morning Autumn 2026Open Morning
Thu, 1 Oct 2026Open Mornings and In-Action ToursOpen Morning

Fees

£19,500per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £19,500VAT status TBC5-year projection £105,860
vs London avg (£24,000)19% below
By entry point · 2026/2027
Reception£13,935
4+£23,850
Nursery£9,090

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
40%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
4
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

About the head

We shape futures

Ngaire Telford is the current Headteacher of Herne Hill School, leading the school with a focus on expert Early Childhood Education and has been featured in multiple school videos discussing educational philosophy and leadership.

The school’s ethos is centred on Love, Care, and Excellence, with a strong commitment to kindness, nurture, and developing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

kindnessnurtureexcellencecuriosityresiliencesocial responsibilityleadership

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

The PlaygroundMulti-functional Hall

arts

Performing Arts StudioThe Bach

academic

The MansionVicarageLibraryMulberryOak

wellbeing

Woodland AreaThe GardenKindergarten Play Garden

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

Recent coverage

In June 2024, Herne Hill School underwent a Full Educational Oversight Inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which resulted in a strong endorsement of the school's ethos, staff, curriculum, and facilities. " In July 2025, 43 Year 2 pupils graduated from Herne Hill School, moving on to 16 different schools. The school highlighted that by the age of seven, a child's personality, strengths, and needs have developed sufficiently to enable them to advise parents on suitable future settings for their child. As of January 2026, Mrs.

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Fit for your child

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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 11 Jun 2024

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

Excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn1 Sept 202512 Dec 2025
spring7 Jan 202627 Mar 2026
summer21 Apr 20262 Jul 2026
autumn1 Sept 20266 Nov 2026Half-term 7 Sept 2026
spring6 Jan 202719 Feb 2027Half-term 7 Jan 2027
summer19 Apr 20274 Jun 2027Half-term 20 Apr 2027

Policies & documents

Schools like Herne Hill School

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

78%

Hereward House School

Camden · Pre Prep · Ages 4–13
£21,615 – £25,938
73%

Heath House Preparatory School

Lewisham · Prep · Ages 3–11
£18,672 – £21,651
72%

Hill House

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 4–13
£5,670 – £28,980
69%

Heathfield House School

Hounslow · All Through · Ages 3–11
£15,090 – £16,470
69%

Kensington Prep School

Hammersmith and Fulham · Pre Prep · Ages 3–11
£15,000 – £27,549
69%

Norland Place School

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 4–11
£28,722

Questions parents ask

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

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 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 section on this 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 office@hernehillschool.co.uk or phone on 02072746336. 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 Herne Hill School — see the "Schools like Herne Hill School" grid on this page. 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.

Reviews

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Data
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Exam results, fees, university destinations, inspections, peer schools and feeder preps — on one page.
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Frequently asked questions

How much are the fees at Herne Hill School?
Day fees at Herne Hill School range from £9,090 to £23,850 per year.
When is the next open day at Herne Hill School?
The next open day at Herne Hill School is on 15 October 2026.
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.

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