Prep schools in Tower Hamlets
There are 8 independent prep schools in Tower Hamlets. The median day fee is £16,578 a year. A prep (preparatory) school is an independent school for children up to 11 or 13, preparing them for entry to senior schools at 11+ or 13+. Many start at 3 or 4 with a pre-prep or nursery.
Updated September 2026
- Schools
- 8
- Day fees
- £8,100–£18,756 / year
- Ages
- 2–18
Best-ranked prep schools in Tower Hamlets
By Houseroom Index score
Compare prep schools in Tower Hamlets
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Every prep school in Tower Hamlets
All 8 independent prep schools in Tower Hamlets, A to Z.
- Al-Mizan SchoolCo-ed · Ages 7–11 · Day
- Brick Lane SchoolCo-ed · Ages 5–18 · Day
- Buttercup Primary SchoolCo-ed · Ages 4–11 · Day
- Daffodil Preparatory SchoolCo-ed · Ages 3–11 · Day
- Date Palm PrimaryCo-ed · Ages 2–11 · Day
- Faraday SchoolCo-ed · Ages 3–11 · Day
- Gatehouse SchoolCo-ed · Ages 3–11 · Day
- The Complete WorksCo-ed · Ages 5–25 · Day
Prep schools near Tower Hamlets
Top-ranked prep schools in neighbouring areas.
- Montessori on the ParkHackney
- The Lyceum SchoolHackney
- Alleyn's SchoolSouthwark
- Herne Hill SchoolSouthwark
- St Paul's Cathedral SchoolCity of London
Choosing a prep school in Tower Hamlets
11+ or 13+ leavers
Prep schools split by leaving age. Most London girls' and co-ed preps run to Year 6 and prepare for 11+ entry; many traditional boys' preps run to Year 8 and prepare for 13+ entry to schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Westminster, often via pre-tests in Year 6. Check which a prep is built for before you apply.
Entry points
The main entry points are 3+ or 4+ (nursery or reception), 7+ (Year 3) and, at some boys' preps, 8+. Entry at 4+ is usually by informal assessment or registration order; 7+ usually involves reading, maths and reasoning tests. Registration often closes well over a year before entry.
What to compare
Look at leavers' destinations over several years, not one; how many pupils win senior-school scholarships; class sizes; how much of the week goes to sport, music and drama; and whether the school supports 11+ or 13+ preparation in the timetable or expects outside tutoring.
Prep schools in Tower Hamlets: common questions
- What are the best prep schools in Tower Hamlets?
- The highest-scoring prep schools in Tower Hamlets on the Houseroom Index are Faraday School, Gatehouse School and Daffodil Preparatory School. The index weighs exam results, destinations, inspection and value.
- How many prep schools are there in Tower Hamlets?
- Houseroom lists 8 independent prep schools in Tower Hamlets.
- How much do prep schools in Tower Hamlets cost?
- Day fees at prep schools in Tower Hamlets range from £8,100–£18,756 a year, with a median of £16,578. Fees include 20% VAT since January 2025. Lunches, uniform and trips are usually extra.
- What age do children start prep school?
- Most prep schools take children from 3 or 4 into a pre-prep or nursery, with a second main entry at 7+ (Year 3). Some boys' preps also admit at 8+.
- What is the difference between a prep school and a pre-prep?
- A pre-prep teaches children from about 3 to 7. The prep school proper runs from 7 to 11 or 13. Many schools have both on one site, so children move up without a second admissions round.
- Do prep schools prepare for the 11+ and 13+?
- Yes. Preps that run to Year 6 prepare for 11+ entry to senior schools; preps that run to Year 8 prepare for 13+ entry, including the Common Entrance or a senior school's own assessment and any pre-tests in Year 6.




