DirectoryCroydonPre PrepThe New School
Pre Prep school

The New School

The New School offers an alternative to mainstream education for young people aged 4 to 16, fostering agency through a balance of the National Curriculum and self-directed project based learning.

CroydonPre PrepCo EdAges 4–5Day102 pupils
Day fees
Fees TBC
How competitive entry is
Observation + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
102
Founded
2019
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026

We don't have enough verified data to publish a score for this school yet. Check back as we expand coverage.

How is this calculated? →

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Our take

Independent co-ed school in Croydon for ages 4–18.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 4–18.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees aren't published. Treat published external fee comparisons with caution and ask admissions directly before shortlisting.
  • 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

Headteacher of The New School. Contact: sally@thenewschool.org.uk

Our mission is to empower young people with the self-knowledge, practical skills, and conviction to design their own futures and contribute to a better world. We believe every young person can fulfil their potential and go on to lead happy lives by creating an educational space that allows for recognition and participation as equals.

Democratic education, self-determination, community of equals, agency, inclusivity, restorative justice, self-directed l

Activities & co-curricular

music

Music technology, composition and performanceMusic Tuition and Technology

academic club

School councilSelf-directed learning projects

other

Active School CouncilArt Exhibitions

Facilities

arts

Creative spacesMusic tuition and technology

Recent coverage

The New School, founded by Lucy Stephens, continues to innovate with its self-directed learning approach, emphasizing student autonomy and personalized education without traditional testing or behavior policies. In 2025, the school highlighted its commitment to educational equity by participating in the Fair Education Alliance and advocating for reforms through the Fair Education Manifesto. The school also offers therapeutic support such as play therapy and counseling, underscoring its focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

How well does The New 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 dayTBC
2026-03-31Expected window — exact date not yet publishedEvent
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
15 Jan 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 202515 Jan 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Dates to be confirmed
Event2026-03-31
Dates TBC
Event2026-04-15
Dates TBC
Event2026-01-31
Dates TBC

Fees

Fees TBCper year · Day · 2025-26
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
1
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

Inspection

Isi 25 Nov 2025

2 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi · Routine Inspection5 Nov 2024
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

spring6 Jan 20266 Feb 2026
summer13 Apr 202622 May 2026
autumn7 Sept 202616 Oct 2026
spring4 Jan 20275 Feb 2027
summer13 Apr 202728 May 2027

Schools like The New School

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

80%

Northstar New School

Barking and Dagenham · Ages 7–16
Fees TBC
72%

The Academy School

Camden · Prep · Ages 6–13
£31,840
70%

Side By Side School

Hackney · Ages 2–20
Fees TBC
68%

Greenwich Waldorf School

Greenwich · All Through · Ages 3–18
£8,922 – £12,900
68%

Urban Mission School

Lewisham · Senior · Ages 11–16
Fees TBC
68%

Broadhurst School

Camden · Nursery · Ages 2–4
Fees TBC

Questions parents ask

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

What kind of child is The New School best for?+

Independent co-ed school in Croydon for ages 4–18.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions style isn't fully documented in our profile. Contact the school directly using the details in the contact card.

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?+

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 admissions@thenewschool.org.uk or phone on 02045130505. 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 The New School — see the "Schools like The New 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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