Established in 1958, Broadhurst School is one of London's most distinguished independent nursery and pre-preparatory schools, catering exclusively to children aged 2 to 5 in West Hampstead. The school holds an 'Excellent' rating in all areas from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (2022) and maintains an outstanding track record of successful 4+ entry to prestigious London preparatory schools. Housed in a five-storey Victorian building on Greencroft Gardens, the school operates as a family-run institution under the leadership of Headmistress Ms Eilish Sleator and Proprietor Mr Brian Berkery. With a roll of approximately 115 pupils and a capacity for up to 135, Broadhurst delivers a bespoke accelerated curriculum integrating Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences approaches. Fees range from £7,070 to £7,500 per term (excluding VAT), with a registration fee of £150 and a deposit of £1,500.
Founded by Mrs Mary Berkery in 1958, Broadhurst School was among the first preschools of its kind in London and remains family-owned and operated more than six decades later. The school's mission centres on providing exclusive early learning through a structured accelerated curriculum whilst nurturing emotional intelligence, curiosity, and respect for others. The Victorian building setting creates an intimate, home-like environment that blends academic rigour with pastoral warmth.
The ethos emphasises preparation not just for school entry but for lifelong learning. Children are encouraged to develop resilience, empathy, and independence alongside academic prowess. The school's commitment to small class sizes and individualised attention reflects its philosophy that every child should be challenged to reach their full potential whilst being supported at their own pace. This approach has positioned Broadhurst as a trusted launching pad for families navigating the highly competitive independent school landscape in North London.
Broadhurst School does not participate in standardised national testing, as it serves children aged 2 to 5, well below the primary SATs age range. However, the school's academic credentials are evident in its ISI 'Excellent' rating across all areas and its exceptional track record of 4+ assessment success.
The curriculum is structured around daily phonics and mathematics lessons, supplemented by focus activities completed with one-to-one teacher or teaching assistant support. The accelerated learning programme is designed to prepare children for the rigorous entrance assessments required by London's leading prep schools. Subjects include phonics, early reading, communication and language, mathematics, and the arts, with teaching methods drawing on Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and schema-based learning theories.
Children attend standard hours from 9:00am to 3:15pm, with optional early morning club from 8:15am and after-school care until 6:00pm through Let's Leap. The school operates full-day and half-day options, with full-time attendance available from the second year. The curriculum integrates creative exploration, outdoor play, and imaginative discovery with structured academic learning, ensuring children develop both intellectually and socially.
Broadhurst's 4+ preparation programme is bespoke and comprehensive. Each child is individually supported through the competitive assessment process, with expert guidance provided at every stage. Recent destination data confirms the strength of this approach: in 2024, all pupils progressed to leading independent preparatory schools. Top placements included The Hall School (12 students), Highgate School (11 students), and Channing School (9 students). Other common destinations for girls include North London Collegiate School, South Hampstead Junior School, and St Christopher's; for boys, University College School, Arnold House, and St Anthony's; and coeducational options such as Devonshire House and Northbridge House.
The school occupies a five-storey Victorian building on a quiet residential street in West Hampstead, just a two-minute walk from Finchley Road station. The building houses eight pre-Nursery classes for children aged 2 to 3 and three Nursery classes for children aged 3 to 5. Classrooms are designed as centres for learning, with resources and layouts aimed at sparking curiosity and encouraging independent discovery.
Outdoor space includes a play area with climbing equipment and outdoor toys, accessed daily by all children. Physical activities move indoors during poor weather. The outdoor area supports creative activities such as painting, water play, and imaginative games. Recent educational visits have included the local fire station, Willows Farm, and the National Gallery, offering children enrichment beyond the classroom.
Extracurricular provision includes a summer school running from July to August, featuring arts and crafts, water fun, construction challenges, baking, and garden games. The school's small size and family-run character foster a close-knit community where children and families are well known to staff.
Broadhurst School is a non-selective independent nursery, but places are in exceptionally high demand. The school advises parents to apply for a place at the earliest stages of pregnancy, reflecting the intense competition for entry.
The admissions process requires completion of an enquiry form via the school's website or direct contact with the office on 020 7328 4280 or office@broadhurstschool.com. A registration fee of £150 is payable upon application. Following an offer of a place, families must submit a deposit of £1,500 to secure the spot. The deposit is refundable only if the child has attended Broadhurst for at least two complete academic years.
Fees for 2024/25 range from £7,070 to £7,500 per term (excluding VAT), depending on the child's age and attendance pattern. The school does not offer scholarships or bursaries. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school directly for detailed fee breakdowns and to arrange a visit.
The school draws families primarily from Camden, Westminster, and neighbouring North London boroughs. Its proximity to Finchley Road station and location in the West Hampstead, Hampstead, and Swiss Cottage triangle make it accessible to professional families across North West London. The school's strong reputation for 4+ success ensures demand consistently outstrips supply.
Broadhurst School is an outstanding choice for families seeking early years education with a clear pathway to London's most competitive prep schools. The school's ISI 'Excellent' rating, combined with its proven 4+ success record and bespoke accelerated curriculum, makes it one of the capital's most sought-after nursery settings. The family-run ethos, small class sizes, and individualised attention create an environment where young children can flourish academically and emotionally.
However, accessibility is limited by the school's high fees, lack of bursary provision, and intensely competitive admissions process requiring registration as early as pregnancy. Families must also be prepared for the demands of the 4+ assessment journey and the expectation of progression to fee-paying independent prep schools.
For families committed to the independent school pathway and able to meet the financial requirements, Broadhurst offers an unparalleled foundation. The school's long history, expert leadership, and consistent track record of placing pupils in top-tier London prep schools justify its reputation as one of the capital's elite nursery providers. Parents value the school's clarity of purpose, warm atmosphere, and proven ability to prepare children for academic success and social confidence in their next educational chapter.
Yes, Broadhurst School is rated 'Excellent' in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (2022) and maintains an outstanding track record of 4+ assessment success, with all pupils progressing to leading independent preparatory schools including The Hall, Highgate, Channing, North London Collegiate, and University College School.
Parents are advised to apply as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Applications are made via the school's enquiry form on the website or by contacting the office on 020 7328 4280 or office@broadhurstschool.com. A £150 registration fee is required, followed by a £1,500 deposit to secure a place.
Fees for 2024/25 range from £7,070 to £7,500 per term (excluding VAT), depending on the child's age and attendance. A registration fee of £150 and a deposit of £1,500 are also payable. The school does not offer bursaries or scholarships.
Broadhurst School accepts children from age 2 to 5, with eight pre-Nursery classes for ages 2 to 3 and three Nursery classes for ages 3 to 5.
All pupils progress to leading independent preparatory schools. Recent top destinations include The Hall School, Highgate School, Channing School, North London Collegiate School, South Hampstead Junior School, University College School, St Anthony's, Arnold House, Devonshire House, and Northbridge House.
Broadhurst School is now inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted. It was rated 'Excellent' in all areas by ISI in 2022. The most recent Ofsted report dates from 2014, when the school was rated Good.
Broadhurst delivers a bespoke accelerated curriculum integrating Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences approaches. Daily phonics and mathematics lessons are supplemented by focus on reading, communication, language, and the arts, with one-to-one support from teachers and teaching assistants.
Standard hours are 9:00am to 3:15pm. An early morning club runs from 8:15am to 9:00am, and after-school care is available until 6:00pm through Let's Leap. The school offers full-day and half-day options, with full-time attendance available from the second year.
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