Turks Row, London SW3 4TW
Profile: If you have ever been shopping along King’s Road and seen stylish boys and girls in a elegant turquoise school uniform, you have had your first encounter with Garden House School. It consists of a kindergarten (for 3-4 year olds), a Girls’ School, and a Boys’ School. The Girls’ and Boys’ Schools are located in the same building, but girls and boys are taught separately, so if you like the single sex education model but would still like your child to establish friendships among both sexes, Garden House might be the right choice for you. Garden House is a relatively local school with most children coming from the Chelsea area, but it does draw some children from neighbouring places such as Parsons Green and South Kensington.
It is not an academic hothouse, but rather tries to develop happy well-rounded children with daily sports exercises and a wide range of afterschool clubs (fencing, Judo, Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Drama and even golf!). The school’s swim squad is highly competitive as well.
Though the school educates boys from 4 – 11, it does prepare for the 8+ exam as well as the 11+, which is an added benefit for those parents yet unsure about senior school choices. Sussex House is a popular 8+ destination, as is Westminster Under School.
Dan Jameson became Head of Garden House Boys’ School in September 2020. Following University, Dan taught in the state school sector, before becoming a class teacher and eventually Deputy Head at Kensington Prep School in London.
Garden House parents generally talk of the delight of picking up their happy and enthusiastic children after an action packed day at the school. It must be said that the school is not cheap, with termly fees of £7,500 in Reception it is one of the most expensive and exclusive preparatory schools in London.
Admissions: Garden House School carries out assessments a year prior to entry from all children on the waiting list for a Reception place. Preference is given to siblings of children already at the school. As it is a very popular school, it recommends early registration. Further details on the admissions policy can be found here. Because the school prepares boys for the 8+ exam, a fair number leave at that stage, so the school admit more boys at 8 to stay till 11+.
Exit Results
Garden House boys are very successful in the 8+ exam, with a large number moving on to Colet Court and Sussex House (a main feeder school to Eton College).