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Prep school

Willington School

Willington Prep is a co-educational school for children aged 3 to 11, dedicated to providing an exceptional childhood rich with opportunities and experiences.

MertonPrepCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–11Day225 pupils
Day fees
£20,916
How competitive entry is
Non Selective + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
225
Founded
1885
Next deadline
Interview: TBC
Updated 3 months ago
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed prep school in Merton for ages 3–11. Selective entry.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • 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
Know before applying
  • 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.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

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

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Mar 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 202531 Mar 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 14 Nov 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm|Willington School
Dates to be confirmed
Nursery Session (pre-entry assessment)March prior to September of joining
Dates TBC
Individual Visits - Meet the Headmaster and TourMidweek visits by appointment
Dates TBC

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

Talks & tasters

Talks, tasters and other dated events
DateEventType
Sat, 14 Nov 2026Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£20,916per year · Day · 2026/27
VAT-inclusive estimate £20,916VAT status TBC7-year projection £165,201
vs London avg (£24,000)13% below
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

About the head

Kindness, honesty, respect, and humility

Mr Keith Brown is the current Headmaster, leading the school with a focus on delivering an exceptional childhood experience. He meets prospective families during visits and tours.

To cherish and elevate every moment of childhood, nurturing confident, compassionate, and culturally aware individuals through kindness, honesty, respect, and humility.

kindnesshonestyrespecthumility

Distinctive features

Co-educational 3-11

Family-oriented environment

Celebration of childhood

Multinational, multi-faith and multi-talented pupils

Activities & co-curricular

sport

PE (specialist lessons)

music

Orpheus Sinfonia music workshop (collaboration with Cranleigh School)Music (specialist lessons)

academic club

Willington Extended Project (post-11+ Year 6 curriculum)Maths Wizard CompetitionFrench (specialist lessons)

other

Art (specialist lessons)Outdoor learningFree enrichment (Nursery–Year 2, Tues & Thurs to 3:55pm)Year 6 Summer Fair (pupil-led enterprise project)Clubs programme (Nursery–Year 6)

Facilities

academic

Nursery (newly refurbished environment)

Recent coverage

Willington Prep, celebrating 140 years in 2025, continues to thrive as a co-educational school for ages 3 to 11 since embracing co-education in 2020. In 2026, the school achieved notable success with its Year 5 team winning first place in the Maths Wizard Competition among 20 local prep schools. Additionally, Year 6 pupils led a successful Summer Fair as part of their Extended Project, showcasing skills across multiple disciplines while raising funds for Outward Bound UK. The school also hosted a memorable music workshop with the Orpheus Sinfonia, enhancing its commitment to creativity and performing arts.

Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

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Fit for your child

How well does Willington School match?

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House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Inspection

Isi 7 Mar 2023

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

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025/26

spring5 Jan 20261 Apr 2026
summer20 Apr 20263 Jul 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026
spring4 Jan 202725 Mar 2027
spring4 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer12 Apr 20277 Jul 2027
summer12 Apr 20277 Jul 2027Half-term 1 Jun 2027–4 Jun 2027

Policies & documents

Schools like Willington School

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

72%

Hampstead Hill School

Camden · Pre Prep · Ages 2–11
£17,865 – £25,140
72%

West Lodge School

Bexley · Pre Prep · Ages 3–11
£2,400 – £14,728
71%

Hall School Wimbledon

Merton · All Through · Ages 7–18
£21,148 – £26,025
71%

Donhead Preparatory School

Merton · Prep · Ages 3–11
£6,420 – £20,103
70%

Wandsworth Preparatory School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 3–11
£18,582
69%

Oundle School

North Northamptonshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£24,150 – £38,085

Questions parents ask

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

What kind of child is Willington School best for?+

Willington School 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 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?+

2 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@willingtonschool.co.uk or phone on 02089447020. 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 Willington School — see the "Schools like Willington School" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 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 Willington School?
Day fees at Willington School range from £15,375 to £23,508 per year.
What ages does Willington School take?
Willington School takes pupils from age 3 to 11.
Is Willington School a day or boarding school?
Willington School is a day school.
Is Willington School co-educational or single-sex?
Willington School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Willington School?
Willington School is in Merton, SW19 7QQ.

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