Bute House Prep School for Girls occupies a distinctive position in London's independent education landscape. Founded under the trusteeship of the Worshipful Company of Mercers—the same livery company behind St Paul's Girls' School—this all-girls preparatory school in Hammersmith educates around 320–330 girls aged 4 to 11. Entry at 4+ is determined by a ballot system, reflecting the school's popularity in a catchment area where demand significantly exceeds places. The school's most striking feature is its exceptional secondary school destination record: approximately 30% of leavers secure places at St Paul's Girls' School, 20% at Godolphin & Latymer, and 10% at Latymer Upper, with the remainder attending other highly selective London day schools or prestigious boarding schools including Wycombe Abbey, Downe House, and Cheltenham Ladies' College. Under the leadership of Head Sian Bradshaw since September 2021, Bute House has secured consistently strong ISI inspection outcomes, with the 2024 inspection highlighting effective leadership, an innovative curriculum, and exemplary pupil attitudes to learning from an early age.
Bute House describes itself as "a dynamic, exciting, rounded and rigorous environment in which girls flourish and thrive." This ethos is underpinned by seven "Learning Powers" that shape the school's educational approach: persistence, resilience, curiosity, integrity, flexibility, and two others embedded throughout the curriculum. These values are not merely aspirational; the 2024 ISI inspection noted that pupils display exemplary attitudes to learning from an early age, with perseverance and collaboration particularly praised.
The school's heritage as a Mercers' Company foundation links it institutionally to St Paul's Girls' School, and this connection is reflected both in the school's academic rigour and in the high proportion of pupils who successfully transfer to SPGS at 11+. Sian Bradshaw, who took up her headship in September 2021, brings extensive experience from the independent sector alongside earlier teaching in maintained schools. Her appointment was informed by her warmth and alignment with the school's unique ethos, and under her leadership the school has maintained its reputation for balancing high academic expectations with pastoral care and creativity.
The atmosphere is purposeful and supportive. The school operates one class per year group through to Year 2, then expands to three classes from Year 3 onwards, with an average class size of 21 pupils. This structure allows for individualised attention as girls develop confidence and independence in preparation for the demanding 11+ transfer process.
Bute House is an independent school and therefore does not participate in Key Stage 2 SATs or publish the standardised performance data required of state schools. However, the school's academic strength is evidenced by its destination schools and ISI inspection outcomes. The 2024 ISI inspection found that the curriculum supports high pupil attainment and achievement, with excellent outcomes and high results noted in most lessons. Pupils are well-prepared for entrance examinations to some of the most selective secondary schools in the country.
The school's approach to teaching and learning emphasises not only academic mastery but also the development of critical thinking and independent learning skills. The 2024 inspection highlighted the school's innovative curriculum, which balances rigour with breadth. Girls are encouraged to develop their seven Learning Powers, and this approach appears to equip them well for the competitive 11+ landscape.
For pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Bute House provides specialist support. The 2024 ISI inspection noted that SEND pupils make excellent progress with the help of specialist staff and experienced teaching assistants. This inclusive approach ensures that girls with learning differences receive tailored interventions while remaining integrated within the broader school community.
The school does not impose a one-size-fits-all approach to secondary destinations. As the school states, it works in partnership with parents to identify senior schools that suit the personality of each individual child, believing in "the best school for each individual child" rather than a single hierarchy of excellence. This philosophy is reflected in the diversity of destination schools, which range from highly academic London day schools to outstanding boarding schools across the country.
Bute House's campus on Luxemburg Gardens in Hammersmith includes a range of specialist facilities. Girls have access to dedicated science laboratories, computing labs, drama and dance studios, a library, music rooms, and spaces for PE and sports. A distinctive feature is the school's wilderness garden, which offers outdoor learning opportunities and reflects the school's commitment to providing a rounded education that extends beyond the classroom.
Extracurricular provision is extensive. The school offers individual music tuition and music ensembles, with many pupils working towards ABRSM examinations. Drama tuition is available, and clubs cover a broad spectrum of interests. The 2024 ISI inspection praised the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing, and extracurricular activities form an important part of the pastoral and developmental programme.
The school holds memberships with the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), the Girls' Schools Association (GSA), and EDIQM, and has been featured in publications including Tatler's School Guide, reflecting its standing within the independent sector.
For families considering Bute House, understanding the school's secondary transfer outcomes is crucial. On average, 85% of leavers proceed to London day schools, with 15% moving to boarding schools. Day school destinations are dominated by the most selective institutions in West and Central London. Approximately 30% of girls each year secure places at St Paul's Girls' School, a striking proportion that reflects both the schools' shared Mercers' Company heritage and Bute House's effective preparation. Around 20% move to Godolphin & Latymer, and 10% to Latymer Upper School. A further 5–10% attend each of Putney High School and the Francis Holland Schools.
Other popular day school destinations include St James's School, North London Collegiate School, and City of London School for Girls. Boarding school destinations are similarly impressive and include Wycombe Abbey, Downe House, St George's Ascot, Woldingham School, Queen Anne's Caversham, and Cheltenham Ladies' College.
Destination patterns vary year on year depending on each cohort, and the school emphasises that it prepares girls for a wide range of senior schools rather than channelling pupils toward a single institution. Nonetheless, the consistency of placements at the most competitive schools indicates that Bute House provides robust academic preparation and effective coaching for 11+ entrance examinations.
Admission to Bute House is highly competitive, with two entry points: 4+ and 7+. Entry at 4+ is determined by a ballot system. Approximately 400 names are entered into the draw, from which only 22–24 offers are made. This lottery-based approach reflects the school's commitment to fairness and accessibility at the youngest age, though it also underscores the intensity of demand. Families register through an online form, with published deadlines available on the school's website.
At 7+, the admissions process is more conventional, involving assessment and interview. Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% are available at this entry point. Families with gross joint income below £35,000 per annum are encouraged to apply, while those earning above £100,000 are unlikely to qualify. The registration fee for 4+, 7+, or an occasional place is £180 (including VAT).
Open mornings provide prospective families with the opportunity to tour the school and meet staff. Given the competitive nature of admissions, families are advised to register early and to visit the school's website for the most current information on application timelines and procedures.
Bute House is located on Luxemburg Gardens in Hammersmith, within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The school draws families from across West London, and its central location makes it accessible from a range of neighbourhoods. However, the ballot system at 4+ and selective assessment at 7+ mean that proximity to the school does not guarantee admission.
For families looking for a rigorous yet supportive girls’ prep in West London, Bute House is presented as a strong, well‑rounded option. The school's destination record speaks for itself: with approximately half of each cohort moving to St Paul's Girls' School, Godolphin & Latymer, or Latymer Upper, Bute House provides a proven pathway to the most selective secondary schools in London. The 2024 ISI inspection's findings—exemplary pupil attitudes, innovative curriculum, and excellent outcomes—confirm the school's educational quality.
The school's ethos, centred on seven Learning Powers and a commitment to developing the whole child, ensures that academic excellence is balanced with pastoral care and personal development. SEND provision is strong, and extracurricular opportunities are extensive. Facilities including the wilderness garden, specialist studios, and laboratories support a broad and creative curriculum.
Admission is highly competitive, and families should be prepared for the realities of a ballot at 4+ and selective assessment at 7+. However, for those who secure a place, Bute House offers a nurturing yet demanding environment that equips girls for success at 11+ and beyond. The school's partnership approach to secondary school selection, combined with its track record of placements at top-tier day and boarding schools, makes it an excellent choice for families who value academic rigour, strong pastoral support, and a demonstrable commitment to helping each girl reach her potential.
For families who prioritise all-girls education, small class sizes, and a school with deep institutional links to leading secondary schools, Bute House is well worth considering. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend an open morning, consult the school's website for current admissions information, and to engage early with the registration process given the level of demand.
Yes. Bute House is an excellent preparatory school with consistently strong ISI inspection outcomes, including praise in the 2024 inspection for effective leadership, an innovative curriculum, and exemplary pupil attitudes. The school's destination record is outstanding, with approximately 30% of leavers securing places at St Paul's Girls' School and significant proportions attending other highly selective London day schools such as Godolphin & Latymer and Latymer Upper. Pupils achieve excellent academic outcomes, and SEND provision is strong. The school's ethos, centred on seven Learning Powers, fosters resilience, curiosity, and integrity alongside academic excellence.
Bute House has two main entry points: 4+ and 7+. For 4+ entry, admission is determined by a ballot system; families register online, and approximately 400 names are entered into the draw for 22–24 places. The registration fee is £180 (including VAT). For 7+ entry, the process involves assessment and interview, and means-tested bursaries of up to 100% are available. Families are advised to register early via the school's online form and to consult the school's website for current deadlines and procedures. Open mornings are held regularly and provide an opportunity to tour the school and meet staff.
For the 2025/26 academic year, termly fees are £9,962.40 including VAT (£8,302.00 excluding VAT) for all year groups from Reception to Year 6. Fees are charged per term, and there are three terms per year: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Additional charges apply for extras, and VAT on extracurricular activities is subject to clarification. The registration fee is £180 (including VAT). Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% are available at 7+ entry for families with gross joint income below £35,000 per annum. Families are encouraged to consult the school's website for the most current fee information and bursary guidance.
Bute House has an exceptional destination record. On average, 85% of leavers proceed to London day schools, with 15% attending boarding schools. Approximately 30% of each cohort secures places at St Paul's Girls' School, 20% at Godolphin & Latymer, and 10% at Latymer Upper School. Other popular day school destinations include Putney High School, Francis Holland Schools (Sloane Square and Regent's Park), St James's School, North London Collegiate School, and City of London School for Girls. Leading boarding school destinations include Wycombe Abbey, Downe House, St George's Ascot, Woldingham School, Queen Anne's Caversham, and Cheltenham Ladies' College. The school works in partnership with parents to identify the best secondary school for each individual child.
Yes. The 2024 ISI inspection noted that SEND pupils at Bute House make excellent progress with the help of specialist staff and experienced teaching assistants. The school provides tailored interventions for pupils with learning differences, ensuring that girls receive individualised support while remaining integrated within the broader school community. Parents of children with SEND are encouraged to discuss their child's specific needs with the school during the admissions process to ensure that appropriate provision can be arranged.
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