Charterhouse Square School occupies seven interconnected Victorian buildings overlooking the historic Charterhouse Square in London's Barbican, offering a distinctive no-uniform, first-name-basis environment for 300 pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1985 and part of the Cognita Schools group since 2008, this independent, non-selective, mixed day school combines high academic standards with a nurturing pastoral approach, preparing pupils for competitive 11+ entry to leading London independent schools. Shortlisted for Independent School of the Year 2024 and accredited as an Allergy School by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Charterhouse Square balances traditional academic rigour with a progressive ethos emphasizing kindness, creative self-expression, and individuality. Fees for 2025 are £7,697 per term for Nursery and £8,736 per term for Reception to Year 6, with all educational trips, specialist tuition, and equipment included in the termly bill.
Charterhouse Square School was established in 1985 in the heart of the City of London, taking its name from the nearby site of a former Carthusian monastery. The school joined the Cognita family of independent schools in 2008, gaining access to a network of over 100 schools worldwide while maintaining its distinctive character and values. In September 2024, Tushi Gorasia became Headteacher, bringing over a decade of senior leadership experience across state, international, and independent sectors, including a four-year tenure at Hendon Prep School, another Cognita institution.
The school's ethos centers on confidence-building, individuality, and togetherness. Staff and pupils are on first-name terms, and there is no school uniform, creating an informal yet purposeful atmosphere. The emphasis on kindness permeates daily life, formalized through the Kindness Ambassadors program and reflected in the school's warm, family-oriented community. High academic standards sit alongside exceptional pastoral care, with pupils encouraged to express themselves creatively and develop as rounded individuals.
Located in Charterhouse Square, the campus comprises seven interlinked buildings offering spacious, vibrant learning spaces with access to Charterhouse Square Gardens. The area's rich history and central London location provide a unique backdrop, with the Elizabeth line, Farringdon mainline, and Barbican tube all within a five-minute walk. Recent expansion has brought new classrooms, indoor play areas, dining facilities, science and craft learning spaces, and additional music rooms.
Charterhouse Square School does not publish national curriculum test results, as independent schools are not required to participate in SATs. However, the school's 2016 inspection rated the curriculum and teaching as outstanding, and pupils consistently achieve results well above national averages in internal assessments. The school's academic approach is characterized by working the curriculum a year ahead where possible, ensuring pupils are thoroughly prepared for the rigorous 11+ entrance examinations to selective London independent schools.
The 11+ preparation process is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum from the early years rather than being confined to Year 6. Specialist teachers deliver sport, music, and languages throughout the school, with computing and drama specialists joining from Year 4. Notably, the same teachers instruct both Years 4 and 5, a deliberate choice to provide continuity during the crucial entrance exam preparation period. Oracy skills are prioritized through debating, philosophy for children, and current affairs discussions, with Year 6 pupils serving as tour guides on Nursery Viewing Days to build confidence in communicating with unfamiliar adults.
Pupils receive comprehensive support for school applications, with the Headteacher possessing extensive knowledge of all senior schools to ensure a tailored "best fit" for each child. Mock interviews and constructive feedback in Year 6 prepare pupils for the admissions process. The school sends one termly bill covering all equipment, trips, and specialist tuition in the class timetable, eliminating hidden extras.
Digital learning and coding workshops are woven through the curriculum, and the school emphasises staff continuity (minimising supply staff and external supervisors) so pupils are cared for by familiar adults throughout the day.
The seven interlinked buildings provide spacious, vibrant classrooms, indoor play areas, dining facilities, science and craft learning spaces, and music rooms. Pupils benefit from access to Charterhouse Square Gardens, a rare amenity in central London. The school's central location offers proximity to cultural institutions, museums, and theatres, enriching the educational experience.
Extracurricular provision includes wraparound care and clubs, sports and physical activity programmes, creative arts, digital learning, coding workshops, and music tuition. Regular educational trips for all year groups and visiting speakers enhance the curriculum, with Year 6 pupils enjoying a residential trip as part of their final year.
The school's Kindness Ambassadors program fosters a culture of empathy and mutual respect. As an accredited Allergy School, Charterhouse Square maintains specialized protocols to ensure a safe environment for pupils with allergies, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and care.
Year 6 pupils who travel independently to school may bring mobile phones to contact parents upon arrival. Phones are handed to staff at the school doors and returned at the end of the day, balancing safety with appropriate technology use.
Charterhouse Square School pupils transition to approximately 20 different London independent schools at the end of Year 6, with around 10% winning awards and scholarships. The City of London Schools (both the School for Girls and the main school), North Bridge House Schools, Channing School, Forest School, and Queen's College account for 70% of leavers. Other recent destinations include Alleyn’s and Highgate, South Hampstead High and Wetherby, plus St Mary Magdalene Academy.
The school's forward-thinking curriculum and emphasis on oracy ensure pupils are well-prepared for the competitive 11+ process, securing places at some of the capital's most prestigious institutions.
Charterhouse Square School is a non-selective independent school, welcoming pupils aged 3 to 11 without entrance examinations for initial entry. The school operates separate admissions processes for Nursery and other year groups, with open events and visits available for prospective families. Applications are submitted through the Cognita online portal at cognita.com.
As an independent, fee-paying school, Charterhouse Square does not operate within a local authority catchment system or apply distance-based criteria. Parents value the school's central Barbican location and excellent transport links, which make it accessible from across London. The school's capacity is 400 pupils, with current enrolment around 300, suggesting some availability, though popular year groups may have waiting lists.
Fees for the Spring and Summer Terms 2025 (inclusive of VAT) are £7,697 per term for Nursery and £8,736 per term for Reception to Year 6. For the 2025/26 academic year, fees are anticipated to be £8,714 per term, inclusive of VAT but excluding lunches. Parents may use School Fee Plan to spread payments monthly, though late payment incurs a 1.5% monthly surcharge from the first day of term. The termly bill includes all equipment, trips, and specialist tuition, with no hidden extras.
Charterhouse Square School offers a distinctive blend of academic ambition and pastoral warmth in the heart of London's Barbican. For families seeking a non-selective, independent prep school with a progressive, no-uniform ethos and strong 11+ track record, this is a compelling choice. The school's emphasis on kindness, individuality, and first-name-basis relationships creates an environment where children can thrive academically while developing confidence and self-expression.
The central location is both a strength and a consideration. Excellent transport links make the school accessible from across London, and proximity to cultural institutions enriches the curriculum. However, outdoor space is limited to access to Charterhouse Square Gardens, which may matter to families prioritizing extensive playing fields. The seven interlinked Victorian buildings offer character and charm, with recent expansion adding modern facilities, though the campus is compact by comparison to suburban or rural independent schools.
Academic preparation is thorough, with the curriculum taught a year ahead and 11+ readiness embedded from the early years. Staff continuity, specialist teaching from the earliest years, and the Headteacher's extensive knowledge of senior schools ensure pupils transition successfully to top London independent secondaries, with 10% securing scholarships. The absence of published SATs data reflects the school's independent status rather than a weakness, and the 2016 outstanding rating for curriculum and teaching provides external validation.
Fees are in line with London independent prep schools, with the inclusive termly bill offering transparency. The school's non-selective admissions make it accessible to a broad range of families, though the fee level remains a significant commitment. The Kindness Ambassadors program, allergy-aware accreditation, and wraparound care reflect a school attuned to the needs of busy London families seeking a nurturing, values-driven environment.
Charterhouse Square School is best suited to families who value a progressive, informal atmosphere with high academic standards, appreciate a central London location, and seek a school that prepares children for competitive 11+ entry while fostering individuality and kindness. It may be less appropriate for those seeking a more traditional, uniform-wearing prep school experience or extensive outdoor facilities.
Charterhouse Square School is a strong independent prep school with an outstanding rating for curriculum and teaching from its 2016 inspection. Around 10% of leavers secure scholarships to leading London independent schools, and the school was shortlisted for Independent School of the Year 2024. The no-uniform, first-name-basis ethos and emphasis on kindness create a nurturing environment, while academic preparation is rigorous, with the curriculum taught a year ahead to ensure 11+ readiness.
Applications are made through the Cognita online portal at cognita.com. The school operates separate admissions processes for Nursery and other year groups. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events and arrange visits. Charterhouse Square is non-selective, so initial entry does not require entrance examinations, though places are subject to availability.
For Spring and Summer Terms 2025, fees are £7,697 per term for Nursery and £8,736 per term for Reception to Year 6 (inclusive of VAT). For 2025/26, fees are expected to be £8,714 per term, inclusive of VAT but excluding lunches. Parents may spread payments monthly using School Fee Plan. The termly bill includes all equipment, trips, and specialist tuition, with no hidden extras.
Leavers transition to around 20 different London independent schools, with 70% attending City of London Schools (for Girls and Boys), North Bridge House Schools, Channing, Forest, or Queen's College. Other recent destinations include Alleyn’s and Highgate, South Hampstead High and Wetherby, plus St Mary Magdalene Academy. Around 10% of pupils win scholarships or exhibitions.
No, Charterhouse Square School does not have a school uniform. The school operates a non-uniform dress code, reflecting its informal, progressive ethos. Staff and pupils are on first-name terms, creating a relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere.
Charterhouse Square School serves pupils aged 3 to 11, from Nursery through to Year 6. The school has nursery provision and operates as a primary-phase independent prep school, preparing pupils for transition to independent secondary schools at age 11.
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