Trevor-Roberts School is an independent co-educational prep school for pupils aged 5–13, located in two Victorian houses on Eton Avenue in Primrose Hill, Camden. Founded in the early 1950s by Christopher Trevor-Roberts, the school remains family-run, with his son Simon Trevor-Roberts serving as headteacher and his daughter leading the junior department. The school motto, "Ex vita crea somnium, Ex somnio veritatem" (Make of life a dream and of that dream a reality), reflects an ethos that prioritises individual development, creativity, and self-confidence over league table rankings. With around 170 pupils and an average class size of 15, the school prepares children for entrance to selective London day schools and boarding schools, with Westminster and Francis Holland Regent's Park among the most popular recent destinations. Fees range from £6,600 to £7,350 per term. The school is not inspected by Ofsted but was reviewed by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in June 2024, which praised the quality of pupils' academic and personal achievements.
55-57 Eton Avenue, Primrose Hill, London, NW3 3ET
5–13
Mixed
Independent, Mainstream, Primary phase
180
None
Trevor-Roberts School was established in the early 1950s by Christopher Trevor-Roberts, designed to offer a stimulating environment where children develop through individualised attention and specialist subject expertise. The school's founding vision remains intact under the leadership of his son Simon, who joined the family enterprise in 1983 after reading English at Aberystwyth and attending Westminster School. Simon's sister heads the junior department, and together they continue a family-run model that attracts parents from media, creative, and professional backgrounds.
The school's ethos centres on nurturing confident, questioning learners who become active members of society. Academic and social self-confidence, along with a sense of responsibility, are built up in what the school describes as a happy atmosphere geared to increasing motivation and encouraging pupils to fulfil their potential. The 2024 ISI inspection found that pupils attain high standards in extra-curricular activities and that creativity is celebrated through music and art, with many opportunities for performance.
The campus comprises two adjacent, much-adapted late Victorian houses in Belsize Park, with the junior department (ages 5–9) occupying separate classrooms, play areas, and a lunch room, while the senior department (ages 9–13) shares the broader facilities. The integration of the two departments ensures continuity of the school's aims and spirit, while allowing younger children a distinct environment appropriate to their age.
Trevor-Roberts School follows the National Curriculum alongside the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum, incorporating PSHE, classical history, French, Latin, and Greek. The curriculum is broad and stimulating, designed to encourage critical thinking and independence across all year groups. Small classes and individual attention underpin the school's approach, with one class per year group up to Year 3, then two from Year 4, and one from Year 7 onward.
The 2024 ISI inspection noted that the quality of pupils' academic achievements is excellent. The school prepares children for either 11+ or 13+ examinations, depending on their chosen secondary destinations. Girls predominantly leave at 11, while most boys (and some girls) depart at 13. High success rates throughout the school are attributed to the close teacher-pupil relationships and the focus on motivation rather than narrow league table performance.
The school has identified 17 pupils as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with no pupils holding an education, health and care plan. Leaders are supported by external consultants in safeguarding and compliance, and the proprietors are advised by knowledgeable advisors who act as critical friends to school leaders.
Subject specialists teach across the curriculum, with art and music offered as discrete subjects to all pupils. Drama forms part of the co-curriculum. All pupils learn an instrument in class, and approximately half take extra-curricular instrumental lessons from Year 3. The school maintains two choirs, an orchestra, and several instrumental ensembles, reflecting the significant emphasis placed on creative subjects. Recent activities include a choir tour to Barcelona and participation in mindfulness clubs, theatre trips, and career talks with visiting professionals.
Beyond academics, Trevor-Roberts offers a range of extracurricular clubs including netball, fencing, chess, and jazz. The school's ethos of celebrating creativity extends to regular performances within the local community, with pupils encouraged to develop their talents through music, art, and drama.
The two Victorian houses provide a homely environment, adapted over time to meet the needs of a modern prep school. While the facilities are not extensive by the standards of larger independent schools, the intimate scale fosters close relationships among pupils and staff, and the Primrose Hill location offers access to nearby green spaces.
The mobile phone policy and specific details of pastoral care structures were not publicly detailed, but the ISI inspection confirmed that safeguarding practices are robust, with external consultants supporting the school's compliance and welfare arrangements.
The main entry point is age five, with children starting in the September of the year they turn five. Families are encouraged to register early (ideally soon after birth): the school reviews the first 50 registrations each September, ahead of the calendar year in which children turn five. Prospective pupils visit the school with their parents the year before provisional entry for an informal one-to-one meeting and assessment.
The school operates a non-selective admissions policy for this initial intake, prioritising early registration rather than competitive assessment. Demand for places is strong, consistent with the school's reputation and location in one of London's most sought-after neighbourhoods. There is no catchment area in the state school sense, and admissions are managed directly by the school rather than through the local authority.
Fees for 2024–25 are £6,600–£7,350 per term, excluding VAT and lunches. The school does not offer scholarships or bursaries, which narrows accessibility to families able to meet the full fee.
In 2024, the most common destinations were Westminster and Francis Holland Regent’s Park; other popular choices included City of London School for Girls, City of London School, Mill Hill, University College School and Godolphin & Latymer. This range of secondary destinations reflects the school's success in preparing pupils for selective academic environments.
Trevor-Roberts School is a family-run independent prep with a distinctive creative ethos, located in the heart of Primrose Hill. Its strength lies in small classes, individualised attention, and a curriculum that balances academic rigour with a strong emphasis on music, art, and drama. The 2024 ISI inspection confirmed excellent academic and personal achievements, and the school's track record of placing pupils at top London day schools and boarding schools is solid.
The school suits families who value a personal, nurturing environment over large facilities and a broad range of sports, and who are comfortable with the family-run governance model. The non-selective admissions at age five, combined with early registration requirements, mean that securing a place depends on planning ahead rather than competitive entrance exams at this stage. The absence of scholarships or bursaries limits accessibility, and parents should be aware that the school does not publish national standardised performance data, as it is outside the state sector.
For families drawn to a school with a creative heritage, a close-knit community, and a focus on developing confident, well-rounded children prepared for selective secondary education, Trevor-Roberts offers a coherent and consistent option in one of London's most desirable postcodes.
Trevor-Roberts School received a positive 2024 ISI inspection, which found the quality of pupils' academic and personal achievements to be excellent. The school's family-run ethos, small classes, and strong emphasis on creativity and individual development are distinctive strengths. Destinations to selective secondary schools such as Westminster, Francis Holland Regent's Park, and City of London Schools reflect solid academic preparation.
Prospective pupils visit the school with their parents for an informal one-to-one meeting and assessment. The main entry point is age five, with children starting in the September of the year they turn five. Contact the school directly via their website for the most current registration process and any occasional places at older year groups.
Fees for 2024–25 range from £6,600 to £7,350 per term, excluding VAT and lunches. The school does not offer scholarships or bursaries.
No. Trevor-Roberts School caters for pupils aged 5–13. Girls predominantly leave at 11, while most boys (and some girls) leave at 13 for selective secondary schools.
As an independent school, Trevor-Roberts does not have a catchment area. Admissions are managed directly by the school, and families from across London and beyond may apply. Early registration is strongly advised due to the school's popularity and limited places.
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