April 2026
The White House Preparatory School's Year 2 Spring production was Mary Poppins performed to the whole school and parents of Reception, Year 1 and 2.
Prep school
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten
The White House Prep School and Woodentops was founded by Mary McCahery in 1985 and is a co-educational preparatory school for children aged 3 to 11 years.
Day fees
£7,710 – £25,068
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Joe Knight
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
191
75 girls, 106 boys
Location
Balham, Lambeth
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
3 to 11
Founded
1985
Entry points
3+, 4+, 7+, 11+
Ofsted inspection
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Available
Scholarships
Academic
Overview
About The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten offers education for children aged 3 to 11 years, with entry points at Pre Reception (3+), Reception (4+), Year 3 (7+), and occasional places in other year groups. The school is co-educational and day only. The school was founded by Mary McCahery in 1985, who remains involved with the school alongside an experienced senior leadership team. The Headmaster is Joe Knight. The school emphasizes a straightforward admissions process, sibling priority for Reception, and a buddy system for new pupils. The school offers scholarships at Year 3 entry and has a strong bursary provision.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed prep school in Lambeth for ages 3–11. Selective entry.
Best for
- Families looking for a prep school covering ages 3–11.
- 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.
- 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.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- May9Open dayPassedPrivate Open Morning
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£7,710 – £25,068per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
By entry point · 2026-27
Reception£10,200
7+£25,068
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Questions about The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten?
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Quick answers about The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten
Answered only from The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Super Curriculum
Nurture in Reception
Enterprise lessons
Choice
Futures programme in Year 6
Wrap around care 8am-6pm
14 weeks holiday camps
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Sports Day eventsAthletics (including javelin, hurdles, 100m sprint)Gymnastics CampSports CampAlternative SportsGymnastics
music
Choir House CompetitionsMusical Magic CampMusicChoir
drama
DanceDramaMovie Making
academic club
Design TechnologyChessLogic Puzzle ClubPublic Speaking11+ Preparation ClubDebate ClubEnterpriseSTEMArts
other
Art HistoryTreasured Times CampKingswood tripsBushcraftArty Crafty Camp
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Sports Facilities
arts
Music Studio and Recording StudioSchool Hall and Assembly Spaces
academic
Holiday Camp FacilitiesSchool LibraryMiniature AllotmentsSchool Site
wellbeing
Wraparound Care FacilitiesSensory GardenDedicated Sleep Rooms (Nursery)Gardens and Outside Play AreasOutdoor Learning Area including Forest School
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes
60
of children achieved a scholarshipCurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
Independent Prep School General Curriculum
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
February 2026
The White House Preparatory School held its annual House Song Competition themed "Brit Hits" with pupils performing songs and choreography in house teams.
February 2026
Ten pupils from Years 5 and 6 at The White House Preparatory School visited Tate Modern to explore the Nigerian Modernism exhibition.
Recommended next step
No open days listed yet
We'll email you when booking opens.
Fit for your child
Is The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn1 Sept 2026 → 18 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–23 Oct 2026
Spring4 Jan 2027 → 26 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 16 Jul 2027Half-term 24 May 2027–28 May 2027
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten term dates and holidays →
PathwaysWhere pupils go 2026 · 12 offers
Pathways
Where pupils go 2026 · 12 offers
1 offer
King's Wimbledon
1 offerEmmanuel
1 offer1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
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FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten best for?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten suits: Families looking for a prep school covering ages 3–11; 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 The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten?+
Day fees at The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten are £2,570 to £8,356 a term in 2026-27 (£7,710 to £25,068 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten?+
No dates are listed yet. Save The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten take?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten takes pupils from age 3 to 11.
Is The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten a day or boarding school?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten is a day school.
Is The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten co-educational or single-sex?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten?+
The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten is in Lambeth, SW12 0LF.
How do I contact admissions at The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten?+
Contact The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten by email at admissions@whitehouseschool.com or phone on 02086749514.
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