Profile: The Hall is one of London’s most academic and selective prep schools for boys aged 4 to 13. Established in 1889 in the Belsize Park area, the school has 450 pupils spread across its Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Judging from parent reviews and other reports discussed below, The Hall is probably the most academic of all the prep schools, although it provides a broad and rich education in a wide range of areas – music, drama and sport are emphasised as much as academic rigour. It proudly details awards and scholarships its boys have won over the last years, and the list is certainly nothing short of impressive. The school caters well to students of very high academic ability, with an unsually large number of boys of far above average ability.
The school’s chess team is very successful and potentially second only to the Westminster Under chess team. The boys also win plenty of medals in the Primary Maths Challenge. Despite these achievements, Headmaster Chris Godwin is committed to leading a school where all boys can be happy and secure and are prepared for an uncertain future. It is important to note that Mr Godwin has announced he is stepping down at the end of the 2023/2024 academic year and the school is currently recruiting a new Head to take up the helm from September 2024.
The Hall School has published a fantastic video that will give you an in-depth look into the school.
The Hall School from The Hall School on Vimeo.
Admissions: The Hall admits approximately 50 boys into two Reception classes only (aged 4+) every September. Assessments for these places are held in the preceding Spring Term. Please note that there is no other major intake into any year group in the school after Reception.
Due to the high current rate of applications to the school, parents are recommended to register their son as early as possible and are required to do so before his first birthday. Admission is based on performance in the 4+ assessment. Children assessed on their level of development and school readiness. It might be helpful to check our article “what to expect in the 4+ assessment“.
Exit Results: Boys leave at the 13+ stage and go on to the most selective London Day schools and leading boarding schools.
The 2022 leavers moved on to the following schools: City of London (6), Eton College (7), Haberdashers’ Aske’s (2), Harrow (1), Highgate (1), Marlborough (1), Marylebone Boys’ (1), Merchant Taylors’ (3), Mill Hill (2), Radley College (1), St Paul’s (13), UCS (5), Westminster (6), Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill (1). Four academic and five music scholarships were gained.
In 2021, places were won at Aldenham (2), Brighton College (1), City of London (9), Eton College (2), Haberdashers’ Aske’s (1), Haileybury (3), Harrow School (1), Highgate (1), Merchant Taylors’ (3), Mill Hill (1), St. Paul’s (9), St George’s (1), UCS (5), Westminster (14). Seven music scholarships were gained in 2021.