Heathside Preparatory School

Heathside Preparatory School occupies a distinctive position in the independent school landscape as a proudly non-selective yet academically ambitious prep school in the heart of Hampstead. Founded in 1986, this small, independent day school for 105 pupils aged 2–11 (with provision extending to Year 8 for some) draws its character from an exceptional asset: Hampstead Heath, which serves as the school's outdoor classroom several times a week. The school's three guiding values—knowledge, nature, and nurture—permeate every aspect of school life, from first-name terms between staff and pupils to the absence of uniform, encouraging a progressive, inclusive environment. Fees range from £6,988 per term for Nursery to £8,049 per term for Years 1–6. Since January 2025, Heathside has been led by Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan, formerly Head of Falcons School in Putney, bringing fresh leadership to a school that has steadily improved its standing—earning a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2022 after a 'Requires Improvement' judgement in 2019. The school joined the Dukes Education family in 2019, providing additional governance and financial stability.

Heathside Preparatory School was established in 1986 as an independent, non-denominational day school, and has remained steadfastly committed to nurturing the whole child. Situated at 84A Heath Street, the school sits central to Hampstead Village, a neighbourhood famed for its literary heritage, leafy streets, and strong sense of community. The school's philosophy centres on three core values: knowledge, nature, and nurture. These are not mere slogans but tangible principles woven into the fabric of daily life. Pupils are encouraged to call teachers by their first names—a practice designed to remove hierarchical barriers and foster a sense of community. The absence of school uniform further underscores the school's progressive ethos, allowing children to express themselves comfortably and authentically.

Heathside is unashamedly child-centred, believing that children should enjoy their childhood in a supportive atmosphere while simultaneously bringing out their academic potential. The proximity of Hampstead Heath is central to the school's identity. Pupils venture onto the Heath several times a week for "Heath School" sessions, where subjects from art to PSHE, English to science are explored in an outdoor setting. This commitment to outdoor education gives Heathside a uniquely outdoorsy character, rare among London prep schools.

In 2019, Heathside joined Dukes Education, a family of schools that includes boarding colleges, secondary schools, preparatory schools, and nurseries supporting over 3,000 pupils. This affiliation has brought financial stability, governance support, and strategic direction, without diluting the school's distinctive ethos. The school's Ofsted journey reflects its trajectory: rated 'Requires Improvement' in March 2019, Heathside responded with determination and by early 2022 earned a 'Good' rating, with inspectors noting that the improvement was exceptional and predicting the school could reach 'Outstanding' across all areas within six months. The arrival of Mrs Sara Williams-Ryan in January 2025 marks a new chapter, bringing leadership experience from Falcons School in Putney and a background spanning Spain and Switzerland.

Heathside Preparatory School does not publish statutory performance data, as independent schools are not required to report Key Stage 2 SATs results in the same way as state schools. The school is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted for EYFS and early years provision, with a routine inspection scheduled for 2025. However, the school's academic ambition is evident in its track record of destinations and scholarship success.

Despite its non-selective admissions policy, Heathside regularly sends pupils to some of London's most competitive independent day schools. Recent leavers have secured places at University College School (UCS), City of London School, Channing School, and South Hampstead High School, among others. In recent years, pupils have received over 60 offers across more than 20 schools at 11+, and have progressed to top London day schools and prestigious boarding schools at 13+. Between 10% and 15% of pupils win awards and scholarships, a sign of the school's ability to nurture academic excellence without selective entry.

The school's academic programme is underpinned by small class sizes, allowing teachers to tailor their approach to each child's needs and learning style. Heathside has adopted High Performance Learning methodology, which encourages pupils to develop higher-order thinking skills, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. The curriculum is broad and ambitious: all pupils learn an instrument in class, and two-thirds take additional individual music lessons from Year 3. Art and music are taught as discrete curricular subjects, and drama is embedded in the extra-curricular programme.

The school offers comprehensive support for the 11+ and 13+ exam processes, with early morning classes, enriching holiday sessions, and in-depth guidance for parents. The 11+ exams are typically undertaken at the end of the Autumn term in Year 6, and the school's holistic approach has been refined over more than 25 years. For families who prefer not to participate in competitive school entrance exams, Heathside offers a preferential route through Eaton Square Senior, a Dukes Education partner school, allowing seamless progression from the end of Year 8 through GCSE and A level.

Heathside is an inclusive school with a very experienced SEND department, led by SENCo Louise Shotton. The school emphasises early identification of needs and effective, tailored support. While the school does not operate a specialist unit, it can accommodate a range of learning differences and, on a case-by-case basis, will consider arrangements for parents who wish to employ a teaching assistant to support their individual child. Parents are encouraged to disclose any additional needs on the Registration Form to ensure appropriate support is in place from the start.

Heathside's location in Hampstead Village offers an enviable blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The school benefits from newly refurbished early years facilities and state-of-the-art playgrounds. The main site is complemented by Hampstead Heath, which functions as an outdoor extension of the campus and is central to the school's ethos of nature-based learning.

The school offers an extensive array of extracurricular clubs designed to ignite curiosity and a passion for exploration. Activities span arts, academics, and athletics: Art, Athletics, Capoeira, Chess, Choir, Code Club, Dance, Debating, Drama, Fencing, Fitness, Football, Gymnastics, Photography, Science, Warhammer, Band, Basketball, Card Club, Chinese, Design & Technology, Drawing, Guitar, Italian, Maths, Netball, Philosophy, Spanish, Tap Dancing, Yoga, and Write & Recite. This breadth ensures that every child can find something that sparks their interest.

Sport is taken seriously, with specialist teachers delivering programmes in football, cricket, rounders, basketball, and netball. Physical activity also encompasses swimming, cross-country running, gymnastics, athletics, music and movement, karate, yoga, and capoeira. Representative teams begin from Year 3 for major sports. Heathside's prowess in chess is particularly notable: the school has been English Primary Schools Chess Association Champion for the last two years and held the National Small School Champion title for eight consecutive years.

Music and the performing arts thrive at Heathside. The school has three choirs, an orchestra, and several instrumental ensembles. LAMDA lessons have been introduced, giving even the quietest pupils confidence to express themselves. The drama programme is vibrant, with almost twenty annual productions, including Upper School performances of Shakespeare, Gilbert & Sullivan, and major classical and modern plays and musicals.

The school encourages a global outlook through international partnerships: Heathside is twinned with a primary school in Soweto and supports a nursery in the Cape Flats in Cape Town and a special school in Uganda. Older students participate in an exchange programme with students in the Brittany region of France, and Italian and Japanese students visit in the summer, enriching the cultural diversity of the school community.

Heathside Preparatory School operates a non-selective admissions policy, unusual for an independent school with such strong academic outcomes. There is no defined catchment area; pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes across London and beyond. The admissions process is designed to assess fit rather than academic aptitude.

Prospective families are invited to attend a school tour, guided by the Admissions Manager. After the tour, if parents wish to proceed, they register their child and pay a non-refundable registration fee of £120 (inclusive of VAT for Reception upwards; £100 plus VAT for older year groups). The child is then invited to join for a taster day or session, depending on age, to experience a typical day at Heathside. The school finds this approach provides the best opportunity to determine whether there is a good fit between the child and the school. The school may request a previous school report and other relevant information, and may contact the child's current school for further context.

Once an offer is made, parents have two weeks to complete the acceptance form and pay the deposit. If relocation plans are uncertain or more time is needed, the Admissions team will try to accommodate. It is essential for parents to mention any additional needs on the Registration Form so the school can respond quickly and connect families with the appropriate staff.

Occasional places become available mid-year depending on waiting lists, and the school provides an entry year calculator tool on its website to help parents discover and select the ideal educational pathway for their child. Between 15% and 25% of pupils stay on to Year 8, taking advantage of the school's extended primary education before transitioning to senior schools.

As an independent school, there are no formal first preference or subscription metrics, but the small roll of 105 pupils suggests selective demand balanced by the school's ethos and non-selective admissions philosophy.

Heathside Preparatory School is a rare gem in the independent sector: a non-selective prep school that achieves academically ambitious outcomes without the pressure of entrance exams or uniform conformity. It is best suited to families who value individuality, outdoor education, and a progressive, nurturing ethos, and who are prepared to invest financially in a small, cohesive community.

The school's unique selling point is its commitment to childhood itself—children learn in an environment where nature, nurture, and knowledge are genuinely balanced. Hampstead Heath as a classroom is not a marketing gimmick but a lived reality, offering weekly opportunities for experiential learning in one of London's most beautiful green spaces. The absence of uniform and first-name terms between staff and pupils reflect a deeply held belief in removing barriers and fostering authentic relationships.

Academically, Heathside punches well above its weight given its non-selective entry. Regular progression to highly competitive London day schools (UCS, City of London, Channing, South Hampstead High) speaks to effective teaching, small class sizes, and a holistic approach to exam preparation. The school's improvement trajectory—from 'Requires Improvement' in 2019 to 'Good' in 2022—demonstrates institutional resilience and a commitment to continuous enhancement. The arrival of a new head in January 2025 brings fresh energy and leadership experience.

For families seeking a small, inclusive, progressive prep with strong SEN support and a distinctive outdoor character, Heathside is an excellent choice. It will particularly appeal to parents who want their children to be known as individuals, to develop independence and curiosity, and to secure competitive school places without the pressure of selective entry. The partnership with Dukes Education offers reassurance of governance and financial stability, while the preferential route to Eaton Square Senior provides an alternative pathway for families who prefer to avoid competitive 11+ or 13+ exams.

However, prospective families should be aware that the school is small (105 pupils), which may suit some children beautifully but may not offer the breadth of peer groups or facilities of larger preps. The fee commitment is substantial, and while sibling discounts and government funding for early years are available, the school does not advertise a means-tested bursary scheme. Families should also be prepared for a progressive, informal environment; if you value traditional structure, uniform, and formality, Heathside may not be the right fit.

Is Heathside Preparatory School a good school?

Yes. Heathside Preparatory School is a good school with a strong reputation for nurturing, progressive education. It was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022, reflecting significant improvement from a 'Requires Improvement' judgement in 2019. The school's non-selective admissions policy combined with its track record of sending pupils to highly competitive London day schools and securing 10–15% scholarship awards demonstrates effective teaching and a supportive environment. The school's ethos—rooted in knowledge, nature, and nurture—is distinctive and well-embedded, with Hampstead Heath serving as an outdoor classroom several times a week. Small class sizes, experienced SEN support, and a broad extra-curricular programme contribute to a well-rounded education.

How do I apply to Heathside Preparatory School?

To apply to Heathside Preparatory School, begin by booking a school tour through the Admissions team (admissions@heathsideschoolhampstead.com or +44(0)20 3058 4011). After the tour, if you wish to proceed, register your child and pay the non-refundable registration fee of £120 (inclusive of VAT for Reception upwards). Your child will then be invited to a taster day or session to experience a typical day at Heathside. The school may request a previous school report and contact your child's current school for further information. Once an offer is made, you have two weeks to complete the acceptance form and pay the deposit. Parents are encouraged to disclose any additional needs on the Registration Form so the school can provide appropriate support from the start.

What are the fees at Heathside Preparatory School?

Heathside Preparatory School publishes fees by year group and nursery attendance pattern, with additional costs for items such as residential trips, breakfast club, wraparound care, peripatetic music lessons, external clubs, and individual learning support. Families should check the school's latest fee schedule directly before budgeting, including registration fees, sibling discounts, and any early years funding or childcare support that may apply.

Does Heathside Preparatory School have a nursery?

Yes. Heathside Preparatory School offers nursery provision for children from age 2. The nursery operates on a flexible basis, with options for full-time attendance (5 full days per week at £6,988 per term) or part-time arrangements (for example, 5 mornings at £6,358 per term, or 3 full days at £4,193 per term). Pre-Reception requires a minimum of 4 full days per week, increasing to 5 full days in the Summer term in preparation for Reception. Nursery and Pre-Reception fees are VAT-exempt, and the school accepts 15 Universal Free Hours for 3- and 4-year-olds and tax-free childcare vouchers.

What schools do Heathside pupils go to after Year 6?

Heathside Preparatory School pupils regularly progress to competitive independent day schools, including University College School (UCS), City of London School, Channing School, and South Hampstead High School. The school supports both 11+ and 13+ preparation, with some pupils staying on to Year 8 before transitioning. For families who prefer not to undertake competitive entrance exams, Heathside offers a preferential route to Eaton Square Senior, a Dukes Education partner school, allowing seamless progression through GCSE and A level.

Is Heathside Preparatory School selective?

No. Heathside Preparatory School operates a non-selective admissions policy. Unlike many London prep schools, Heathside does not require entrance exams or assessments of academic ability. Instead, the admissions process focuses on fit: prospective pupils are invited to a taster day or session to experience school life, and the school assesses whether there is a good match between the child and the school's ethos. This inclusive approach does not compromise academic ambition—the school's track record of competitive school placements and scholarship success demonstrates that effective teaching and small class sizes can deliver strong outcomes without selective entry.

Does Heathside Preparatory School support children with special educational needs?

Yes. Heathside Preparatory School is an inclusive school with a very experienced SEND department, led by SENCo Louise Shotton. The school emphasises early identification of needs and tailored support for a range of learning differences. While Heathside does not operate a specialist unit, it can accommodate many types of SEN and, on a case-by-case basis, will consider arrangements for parents who wish to employ a teaching assistant to support their individual child. It is essential for parents to disclose any additional needs on the Registration Form so the school can respond quickly and put families in touch with the appropriate staff. The school's small size and inclusive ethos mean that children with SEN are well known and supported by staff.