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Pre-prep school

Wetherby School

Wetherby School is a prestigious independent education for boys in central London, specialising in pre-prep education with exceptional academic provision and holistic development.

Day fees
£34,620
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Mark Snell
Headmaster
Gender
Boys
Pupils
314
Location
Notting Hill, Kensington and Chelsea
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
3 to 8
Founded
1951
Entry points
3+, 4+, 5+, 6+, 7+
ISI inspection
Inspected 2024
Nearest station
Notting Hill Gate
School day
8.30am to 3.45pm
Wraparound care
Available
Show 2 more factsShow fewer facts
Bursaries
Up to 110% of fees
Scholarships
All-rounder
Overview

About Wetherby School

Wetherby School has built an unrivalled reputation over 70+ years for exceptional academic provision and inspiring success stories of alumni. It prepares boys to excel in their 7+ and 8+ exams with the best results in London. The school offers a meticulously planned curriculum that maximises each boy’s potential from an early age, with extensive opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils progress smoothly to the UK's top prep schools. The school has three locations in central London: Notting Hill, Kensington, and Marylebone, each with excellent learning facilities and experienced teachers. Wetherby School is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium schools, and offers a values-based education with a focus on transferable skills and practical competencies.

Our take

Independent boys school in Kensington and Chelsea for ages 3–8. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
  • Children aged 3–8.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • 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.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

No 3+ dates published yet.

Open events

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£34,620per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £34,620VAT TBC5 years: £187,513
vs London avg (£24,000)44% above
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Quick answers about Wetherby School

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

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
110%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
4
Scholarships→Bursaries→

Distinctive features

★

largest pre-prep school in London for boys

★

exceptional exam preparation for 7+ and 8+

★

three central London locations

★

part of Inspired Education group

★

guaranteed entry to Inspired boarding schools

★

global student exchanges & summer camps

★

extensive extracurricular options

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Martial Artsprofessional footballFootball/CricketOlympic athletics

music

performing and creative artsChoir

drama

Drama

academic club

DebatingCodingScienceChessTouch-Typing

service

School Council / Pupil Parliament

other

ArtCooking

Facilities

arts

HallMusic room

Latest exam results

Outcomes

Boys consistently obtain the best 7+ and 8+ exam results in London, leading to places at elite prep schools including St Paul’s Juniors and Westminster Under.

Qualifications offered

7+ Examinations8+ Examinations

Recent coverage

Wetherby School prepares boys for entry to UK prep schools including 90 admitted to St Paul’s Juniors and 67 to Westminster Under.

Notable alumni

William, Prince of WalesPrince Harry, Duke of SussexHugh GrantConstantine Louloudis MBEAndrew Lloyd Webber
Recommended next step

No open days listed yet

We'll email you when booking opens.

Fit for your child

Is Wetherby School right for your child?

Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.

Check fit for my child

House system

Notting HillKensingtonMarylebone

Wellbeing

wellbeing-respect_copy.png) The Perfect Environment for Maximising Boys’ Potential Strategic individualised learning plans and an ideal setting help each pupil to find and excel in his unique interest with exceptional opportunities. A Solid Foundation for Future Success

Inspection

ISI inspection, 26 Nov 2024

2 reports on file.

  • Isi1 Jan 2023excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2026/27

Autumn3 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer20 Apr 2027 → 9 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Wetherby School term dates and holidays →

Where pupils go 2026 · 173 offers

St Paul's Juniors
80 offers
Kings College Junior School
26 offers

Policies & documents

Schools like Wetherby School

90%

Wetherby Preparatory School

Westminster · Prep · Ages 3–13
£34,950
68%

Westminster Under School

Westminster · Prep · Ages 4–13
£15,000 – £33,339
67%

Pembridge Hall School

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 3–11
£33,870
66%

Broomwood Pre-Prep

Wandsworth · Pre-prep · Ages 3–7
£25,764
66%

Kensington Prep School

Hammersmith and Fulham · Pre-prep · Ages 3–11
£27,549
65%

Buckingham Preparatory School

Harrow · Prep · Ages 2–11
£10,155 – £16,215

Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Wetherby School best for?+

Wetherby School suits: Children aged 3–8; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.

How much are the fees at Wetherby School?+

Day fees at Wetherby School are £11,540 a term in 2026-27 (£34,620 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Wetherby School?+

No dates are listed yet. Save Wetherby School and we'll email you when booking opens.

How does admissions work?+

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

Does Wetherby School support SEND?+

We don't hold SEND details for Wetherby School. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.

What ages does Wetherby School take?+

Wetherby School takes pupils from age 3 to 8.

Is Wetherby School a day or boarding school?+

Wetherby School is a day school.

Is Wetherby School co-educational or single-sex?+

Wetherby School is a boys' school.

Where is Wetherby School?+

Wetherby School is in Kensington and Chelsea, W2 4ED.

How do I contact admissions at Wetherby School?+

Contact Wetherby School by email at admissions@wetherbyschool.co.uk or phone on 02077279581.

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