St Anthony's School for Boys Review 2026: Catholic Preparatory Excellence in Hampstead

Founded in 1898 by the Patton family, St Anthony's School for Boys operates as an independent Catholic preparatory school for boys aged 4 to 13, alongside a co-educational nursery from age 2. Located on Fitzjohn's Avenue in Hampstead, the school moved to its current north London site shortly after World War II and has since established itself as a nurturing community that balances academic rigour with a commitment to developing well-rounded boys. In 2024, St Anthony's received an 'Excellent' rating across all categories from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, placing it at the top tier of independent preparatory schools. With 266 pupils on roll, the school operates across two sites in Hampstead and became part of the global Inspired Education Group in 2023.

St Anthony's distinguishes itself through its non-selective admissions policy combined with impressive academic outcomes, sending the majority of its leavers to leading London day schools and boarding schools. Under the leadership of Headmaster Richard Berlie, the school cultivates what he describes as "a greenhouse as opposed to a hothouse environment," where boys are encouraged to be intellectually curious and confident risk-takers within a supportive, morally grounded framework. The school maintains its Catholic character while welcoming families from various backgrounds and all faiths, embedding its values of kindness, resilience and service throughout school life.

Families should confirm current fees, VAT treatment, lunch inclusions and nursery charges directly with the school before applying.

St Anthony's roots stretch back to 1898, when the Patton family established the school in Eastbourne. The post-war relocation to Hampstead marked the beginning of the school's long association with one of London's most distinctive neighbourhoods. Today, the school occupies a pair of large houses at 90 Fitzjohn's Avenue and 1 Arkwright Road, creating separate Junior House and Senior House environments just a short walk apart. This split-site arrangement allows the school to tailor its pastoral and educational approach to different developmental stages while maintaining a cohesive community identity.

The Catholic ethos permeates every aspect of school life, though in an inclusive rather than exclusive manner. The curriculum is based on Roman Catholic teaching, and the 2024 ISI inspection noted that the school successfully promotes fundamental British values within the context of its Catholic character. This moral foundation underpins Headmaster Berlie's emphasis on helping boys "locate and be steered by a moral compass," which he views as essential to developing resilience. The school's philosophy that "happy children learn best" translates into a culture that values academic achievement without sacrificing pastoral care or childhood joy.

The ISI inspectors identified boys as "enthusiastic learners who display a real passion for learning and strive to give of their best," a sign of the school's success in creating an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives. Parents consistently report a warm, supportive atmosphere where individual boys are known and valued. The school's connection to the Inspired Education Group provides access to global networks, summer camps and guaranteed entry to Inspired boarding schools at secondary level, broadening horizons beyond the Hampstead campus.

As an independent preparatory school, St Anthony's does not publish statutory Key Stage 2 results, and the school's non-selective admissions policy means it serves boys across a broad ability range. The 2024 ISI inspection found that "pupils make strong academic progress here," with inspectors highlighting the effectiveness of teaching and the curriculum's breadth. The school introduces subject specialist teachers from Year 5 onwards, allowing boys to benefit from expert instruction in individual disciplines as they progress through the upper years.

The academic programme extends well beyond the core subjects of English, mathematics and science. From Year 1, boys study French and Mandarin, with Latin introduced in the senior years. The curriculum also includes religious studies, history, geography, art, design technology and ICT. Robotics has been integrated into the programme, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping pace with technological developments. Small class sizes, averaging 15 pupils with a maximum of 23, enable teachers to provide individualised attention and differentiated support.

St Anthony's preparation for 11+ and 13+ entry to senior schools is comprehensive and tailored. The school supports families through both exit routes, though the headmaster emphasises that the goal is to find "the senior school that best fits his needs" rather than funnelling boys toward any particular destination. For those pursuing 13+ entry, boys sit the Common Pre-Test in November of Year 6, a computerised adaptive assessment covering mathematics, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The school's track record speaks for itself: the overwhelming majority of boys secure places at leading boarding and London day schools.

Recent destination data shows that leavers have progressed to an impressive range of senior schools, including Mill Hill School (15-20% of leavers), Merchant Taylors' School (10%), City of London School (10%), and University College School (5-10%). Other regular destinations include Haberdashers' Aske's, Highgate School, St Paul's School, and Westminster School. Scholarship offers from top schools, including Haberdashers' Aske's, demonstrate the academic calibre the school achieves despite its non-selective intake.

The pastoral programme receives equal weight to academic development. The ISI report confirmed that boys are "happy and well supported at school," with effective systems in place for monitoring wellbeing and addressing individual needs. The school's size and split-site structure allow for age-appropriate pastoral care, with younger boys in Junior House receiving a nurturing introduction to school life before transitioning to the greater independence expected in Senior House.

The split-site campus in Hampstead provides distinct environments suited to different age groups. Junior House serves Nursery through Year 3, while Senior House accommodates Years 4 through 8. Though housed in converted residential buildings rather than purpose-built facilities, the school has invested in well-equipped learning spaces including dedicated rooms for science, art, design technology and music.

Sports provision extends beyond the school grounds to Brondesbury Cricket Club, a ten-minute bus journey away, which serves as the main sports ground. This partnership offers facilities for cricket, football, rugby and athletics, including equipment for high jump, long jump and javelin. On-site athletic clubs operate before and after school year-round, with options ranging from football and rugby to cricket, table tennis, basketball, swimming and dance. The school fields competitive teams from Year 3 onwards and has achieved national success in football in recent years.

Music occupies a central place in school life. All pupils learn an instrument in class, and two-thirds continue with extra-curricular instrumental lessons from Year 3. The school maintains three choirs, an orchestra and several instrumental ensembles, with singing proving particularly popular through various choirs including a mixed choir shared with St Anthony's Girls' School. Individual instrumental tuition prepares boys for ABRSM practical and theory examinations, with a number of pupils achieving Grade 5 theory before tackling practical exams at Grades 6, 7 and 8. Drama complements the musical programme, providing opportunities for both formal and informal performances.

The co-curricular programme caters to diverse interests through clubs including Lego Robotics, chess (highly subscribed), Ancient Mythology, Little House of Science, Minecraft and fencing. This breadth of offerings reflects the school's commitment to developing the whole child, allowing boys to explore passions beyond the academic curriculum. The school's membership in the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) provides access to wider networks and competitions.

St Anthony's operates a non-selective admissions process, distinguishing it from many London preparatory schools. The main entry points are Nursery (age 2), Reception (age 4) and Year 3 (age 7), though the school welcomes enquiries for occasional places throughout the year. This flexibility reflects the school's willingness to accommodate families at different stages rather than restricting entry to specific years.

For Reception and Year 3 entry, families should confirm the current application deadline, offer timing and acceptance deadline directly with the school. This helps parents coordinate applications across multiple schools. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school through tours and open mornings to assess whether the ethos and environment suit their child.

As an independent school, St Anthony's does not operate within local authority catchment areas. Families travel from across north London and beyond, drawn by the school's Catholic character, academic track record and supportive community atmosphere. The school's location in Hampstead provides excellent transport links, making it accessible from various neighbourhoods. Parking in the area can be challenging, typical of this densely populated part of London, though public transport connections are strong.

The admissions process emphasises finding the right fit between school and family rather than competitive selection. Parents should be prepared to engage with the school's Catholic ethos and values, as these form the foundation of the educational experience. The school's transparent approach to fees and its commitment to absorbing a significant portion of recent VAT charges demonstrate a family-friendly outlook, though financial accessibility remains limited compared to the state sector.

Securing a place appears more dependent on timing and alignment with the school's values than on competitive assessment. The school currently has 266 pupils on roll, and families interested in Nursery or Reception entry should initiate contact well in advance to allow time for visits and decision-making.

St Anthony's School for Boys offers a distinctive combination of academic ambition, Catholic values and nurturing pastoral care within the heart of Hampstead. The school's 2024 ISI 'Excellent' rating across all categories supports its reputation as a strong preparatory environment. The non-selective admissions policy makes this all the more noteworthy, with specialist instruction from Year 5 and a supportive community helping boys prepare for senior school across a broad ability range.

The school suits families who value a morally grounded education where kindness and character development receive equal attention to academic achievement. Headmaster Berlie's "greenhouse not hothouse" philosophy will appeal to parents wary of excessive pressure, while the track record of scholarships and places at top London schools reassures those concerned about maintaining academic rigour. The connection to Inspired Education Group provides international opportunities and guaranteed boarding pathways that may benefit globally minded families.

Limitations are primarily practical. The split-site arrangement, while offering age-appropriate environments, requires navigation between locations. Sports facilities, dependent on the partnership with Brondesbury Cricket Club, lack the on-site playing fields of some competitors. The converted residential buildings, though characterful and well-equipped, cannot match the specialist facilities of schools with modern purpose-built campuses. Families should also consider the limited diversity of a boys-only environment, though the co-educational nursery and collaborative activities with St Anthony's Girls' School provide some balance.

For Catholic families seeking a faith-centred preparatory education in north London, St Anthony's presents a compelling option. For families of other backgrounds or no faith comfortable with a Catholic ethos, the school's inclusive approach and academic strength make it worth serious consideration. The combination of excellent inspection results, strong destinations, supportive pastoral care and manageable class sizes positions St Anthony's as a solid choice for boys who will thrive in a structured yet supportive atmosphere where character and curiosity are cultivated alongside academic excellence.

Is St Anthony's School for Boys a good school?

St Anthony's is an excellent preparatory school, as confirmed by the 2024 ISI inspection which rated it 'Excellent' in all categories. Its non-selective admissions policy, specialist teaching from Year 5, extensive co-curricular provision and strong pastoral care make it a well-regarded option for families seeking a Catholic boys' preparatory school in north London. Families should ask the school for the latest senior-school destination and academic outcome information when comparing options.

How do I apply to St Anthony's School for Boys?

The school serves children from age 2 to 13, with families able to ask about Nursery, Reception, Year 3 and occasional places at other stages. For Reception and Year 3 entry, applicants should confirm the current deadline, offer timing and acceptance deadline directly with the school. Prospective families should begin by requesting a prospectus and arranging a school visit or attending an open morning to assess fit. The school operates a non-selective admissions process, focusing on alignment between the family and the school's Catholic ethos rather than competitive assessment. Contact the admissions office via the school website at www.stanthonysprep.org.uk to initiate the process.

What are the fees at St Anthony's School for Boys?

The fact pack does not provide a current fee schedule for St Anthony's School for Boys. Families should confirm termly fees, VAT treatment, lunch inclusions, nursery charges, deposit requirements, technology levies and any other extras directly with the school, as charges may be adjusted annually.

What secondary schools do St Anthony's boys go to?

St Anthony's boys progress to an impressive range of leading senior schools at both 11+ and 13+ entry. The most popular destinations include Mill Hill School (15-20% of recent leavers), Merchant Taylors' School (10%), City of London School (10%), and University College School (5-10%). Other regular destinations include Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Highgate School, St Paul's School, Westminster School, and various boarding schools. The school supports families through the admissions process for both 11+ and 13+ routes, with the aim of finding the senior school that best fits each individual boy's needs. Boys applying for 13+ entry sit the Common Pre-Test in November of Year 6. Many boys secure scholarships to top schools, demonstrating the academic strength achieved at St Anthony's.

Is St Anthony's School only for Catholic families?

While St Anthony's is a Catholic school with Roman Catholic teaching embedded in its curriculum and ethos, it welcomes children from various backgrounds and all faiths. The 2024 ISI inspection noted that the school successfully promotes fundamental British values within the context of its Catholic character, achieving this in an inclusive manner. Families should be prepared to engage with and respect the school's Catholic ethos, including religious studies, Mass celebrations and the moral framework that underpins school life. However, the school's approach emphasises kindness, service and character development in ways that resonate beyond specifically Catholic practice, making it accessible to families of other Christian denominations or those who value a morally grounded education even if not personally Catholic.