Choosing the right school for your child in London is a critical, as is finding a London school that balances academic rigor with holistic development. One school that excels in this regard is Notting Hill Prep School. Renowned for its innovative approach to education and commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, Notting Hill Prep stands out as a leading choice for families seeking an exceptional primary education
Notting Hill Prep School is recognised as the only Advanced Thinking primary school in England. This distinction translates into their teaching methods, which emphasise how to think rather than what to think. The school incorporates mindfulness practices and tools like Thinking Hats, aligning with a broader educational movement focused on teaching conceptual and independent thinking. This forward-thinking ethos is evident in their proactive stance on new policies, such as a recent smartphone ban. By limiting device use to simpler forms of communication, the school addresses concerns about smartphone addiction and misinformation, reflecting its commitment to creating a healthier learning environment.
Notting Hill Prep has a strong academic rigour, particularly in science and technology. Specialist teaching begins at an early stage, and initiatives like ‘Kindness Week’ and strong local community engagement emphasise the school’s commitment to holistic education. The term theme of compassion reflects a philosophy of integrating personal growth with academic success. The school takes a personalised approach to each child’s education, ensuring that their individual needs and strengths are recognized and nurtured.
Notting Hill Prep excels in fostering a strong sense of inclusion and empathy among its students. The school’s commitment to community is demonstrated through initiatives such as a student council, which actively collaborates with staff to implement policies that are important to the pupils. Environmental consciousness is also a key focus; students have been instrumental in improving the school’s recycling practices, which are now clearly labelled throughout the building. For those needing a moment of calm, ‘the snug’ provides a peaceful retreat where students can read or relax, further showcasing the school’s dedication to creating a supportive environment.
The termly theme when we visited was around compassion in education. Teachers reflect and coordinate on their own childhood experiences, looking at the problems they faced in their own childhoods when implementing caring support throughout the school. They encompass a philosophy of asking, ‘what could we tell our younger selves?’. They have a partnership with the ideas advocated for by Action for Happiness, a charity that provides the backbone to Notting Hill’s educational outlook.
Entering Notting Hill Prep, one immediately feels a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The school’s design, with all classrooms located along a single corridor, enhances the sense of community, bridging connections across different year groups. This layout not only facilitates ease of movement but also encourages interaction and camaraderie among students of varying ages
Age Groups
Notting Hill Prep educates children from 4 to 13 years old, divided into three sections: Early Years (Reception to Year 2), Middle Years (Years 3 to 5), and Upper Years (Years 6 to 8). Reception is non-selective, though the school recommends that families starting after September spend a day in the school to get a feel for the environment. In the upper years, pupils are encouraged to grow into their independence, whilst maintaining a positive support structure. This structure ensures that teaching methods and curricular focus are tailored to the developmental stages of the children.
Where Do Families Travel From
Families come primarily from Notting Hill, Kensington, Bayswater and Holland Park. The school’s excellent reputation and nurturing environment attract families who are willing to commute to ensure their children receive the best possible education. Additionally, at least one means-tested bursary is given per class for children who are strong in the creative arts – music, dance and so on. The strong sense of community is exemplified here as pupils welcomed into the school on these bursaries have returned later to work in the school. There are strong family linkages between the school and parents with many families returning to Notting Hill.
Languages
French is introduced from Reception with the help of specialist teachers, while Latin instruction begins in Year 6. Greek is available on a selective basis to students in Years 7 and 8. While a strong foundation in vocabulary and grammar is crucial, students also delve into foreign cultures and histories to contextualise their learning and give it a broader significance.
After School Clubs
Notting Hill Preparatory School offers a diverse range of after-school clubs and activities designed to complement academic learning and promote a balanced education. Sports options include football, gymnastics, martial arts, street dance and touch rugby. The school’s emphasis on creativity is evident in its robust music, art, and drama programmes, featuring multiple choirs, instrumental lessons and integrated drama from Reception.
Clubs like chess and coding foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Community engagement and personal development are also prioritised through initiatives like Kindness Week and the Oppidan mentoring scheme, ensuring students grow both academically and socially in a nurturing environment.
Outdoor Space & Facilities
Notting Hill Prep boasts a beautiful location just off Portobello Road, including a playground and garden areas. These spaces are integral to the school’s philosophy of combining academic rigour with the joy of childhood. Notting Hill also enjoys the London rarity of a small Woodland and an area with much-loved school chickens.
The school also hosts a beautiful library and children are able to choose books to take home each week. This helps to foster a sense of literature as a joy rather than a chore, encouraging higher-level reading as pupils progress.
Conscience of Notting Hill Prep’s busy London location, and their use of three separate sites, the school maintains a stringently enforced health and safety policy. Teachers will always accompany pupils when crossing the road between sites.
Feeder Schools
Getting into Notting Hill Prep can be competitive, with a fair ballot determining most places. Siblings and applicants from the Acorn Nursery have an advantage, and new entrants in Year 7 are well-supported.
Almost all students move on to independent secondary schools at 11+ or 13+. Recent leavers have attended Lambrook, Godolphin and Latymer, Harrodian, and other prestigious institutions. The school offers comprehensive support for secondary school admissions, including interview practice and data-informed advice, ensuring that each child finds the right fit for their continued education.
In summary, Notting Hill Prep School offers a nurturing and academically rigorous environment that supports students’ growth and development in all areas. Its holistic approach, combined with strong community ties and a commitment to creativity, makes it a standout choice for families in London. With a focus on both academic excellence and personal well-being, Notting Hill Prep prepares students for future success while fostering a love for learning and a sense of compassion.
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