Just minutes from Kew Bridge and the River Thames, Kew House School occupies a light-filled modern campus that opened in 2013 as a distinctly non-traditional vision of secondary education. The school was founded by qualified teachers Maria and Edward Gardener, who built the Gardener Schools Group on the premise that an independent secondary need not choose between academic ambition and genuine pastoral care. Today, with around 550 students aged 11 to 18, the school ranks 362nd in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8%, and first locally within Hounslow. The curriculum spans 53 specialist subject classrooms across a purposefully designed four-building campus. Entry is selective but character-focused; candidates sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test and attend interview, but the school explicitly welcomes pupils with varying academic profiles, selecting cohorts for personality and potential rather than test score alone. This is an independent school for families seeking academic rigour without the pressure-cooker ethos, delivered by specialist teachers in a warm, collaborative setting.
The physical environment signals a break from tradition. The main building is modern brick and glass, with high ceilings, light-filled corridors, and a thoughtfully designed roof terrace. Students move through the campus with visible ease and familiarity. The school day runs from 8.30am to 4.00pm with 90-minute lessons, an intentional choice to allow deeper exploration of subjects and reduce the churn of traditional class changes. Mr Will Williams, appointed Headmaster in 2020, arrived from a London day school headship and has sustained the school's core ethos of individual recognition alongside intellectual challenge. His predecessor, Mark Hudson, established much of the foundational culture, and both leaders share a conviction that education serves both mind and character.
The stated philosophy centres on confidence, self-esteem, and creativity. Parents have their own dedicated space, The Parent Café, and the school operates an open-door policy. Staff know students by name across year groups, aided by vertical tutor groups where Year 7 through Year 11 pupils meet in mixed-age groups daily for pastoral check-ins and reflection. One distinctive curriculum element is the "Individuals in Society" course, a timetabled personal development programme that runs throughout a pupil's time at the school, touching on emotional resilience, practical life skills, and intellectual growth. The school describes itself as a family and social hub rather than an examination machine, and teachers appear to take that seriously.
Entry is non-selective academically but carefully selective on character. The school seeks interesting, able, and engaging students. Potential applicants sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test (an adaptive online assessment) and are invited for interview, where they present a three-minute talk on any topic of their choosing. The interview process emphasises personality and intellectual curiosity over pure attainment. Once at the school, the teaching follows clear structures and high expectations, but the environment feels collaborative rather than competitive.
In 2024 (the most recent published data), Kew House achieved an Attainment 8 score of 70.3, compared to the England average of around 46.9. This represents notably above-average GCSE attainment. The school ranks 362nd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8%, and ranks first locally among secondary schools in Hounslow. At the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 46% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above, versus the England average entering EBacc of 41%, indicating solid progress in the broad academic suite. These are strong results achieved without overt tutoring cultures or pressure-cooker selectivity, suggesting the school's approach of selecting for character and interest, combined with skilled teaching, translates into solid examination outcomes.
The school structure allocates six hours of teaching per school day, one hour more than most UK secondaries. Key Stage 3 ends after Year 8, leaving three full years for GCSE study from Year 9 onwards, which the school argues provides time for consolidation and depth. The extended curriculum includes languages (Spanish, French, Latin, German), Design and Technology, Music, Food Preparation and Nutrition, and Art from Year 7, alongside core Humanities, Maths, English, and Science.
The sixth form (opened internally in 2016) shows a different profile. The school ranks 763rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% nationally, and ranks fifth locally in Hounslow. In 2024, 60% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, against the England average of 47%, indicating above-average sixth form attainment. The school offers 30 A-level subjects, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art, alongside traditional core subjects. The breadth suggests students have genuine subject choice rather than being funneled toward the most academically prestigious routes.
Sixth form students benefit from a dedicated independent learning centre, a sixth form café, library space, roof terrace, audio-visual suite, recording studio, and seminar rooms. The structure and resources signal serious academic intent alongside the pastoral emphasis.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
59.91%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teachers are subject specialists with clear expectations. Lessons follow the 90-minute timetable structure, which observations suggest allows for deeper work, class discussion, and consolidation time that shorter periods might prevent. The school's website emphasises creative thinking and problem-solving, and curricula across departments include elements beyond traditional examination content. For instance, the Design and Technology department runs a Formula 24 Kit Car Club (a national Greenpower racing competition), Stained Glass workshops, and CAD training. Science departments offer Olympiad pathways alongside standard courses, indicating differentiation for those seeking extension.
The "Gardener Award" framework is mentioned in some materials; it appears to be an internal recognition system for broader learning and achievement beyond grades. The school explicitly rejects being an examination factory, and the teaching tone appears to reflect that. Pastoral tutors meet with students regularly to discuss progress, and parents receive monthly class progress reports alongside traditional academic feedback, aiming to give a holistic picture of how students are developing.
The school opened its own sixth form in 2016. Internal progression is not guaranteed; students must meet entry requirements (typically GCSE grades 5 and above in relevant subjects, though some subjects require higher grades). External students apply separately. The sixth form attracts both day and occasional boarding pupils, though boarding is not a significant feature of the school's identity.
In the 2023-24 cohort, 54% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, 17% entered employment, 3% pursued apprenticeships, and 3% went to further education. The destination data is limited but suggests a significant majority pursue higher education. The school does not publish specific Russell Group or Oxbridge numbers on its public website, and only one Oxbridge acceptance in the measurement period (2024: 1 acceptance from 8 applications across Oxford and Cambridge combined), indicating Oxbridge progression is modest. This is realistic for a non-selective independent school; most leavers progress to solid regional universities rather than elite institutions. The school's careers programme and sixth form guidance appear focused on helping each student find an appropriate pathway rather than chasing prestige university destinations.
The school curriculum is notably broad. Lower school (Years 7-8) students study:
The emphasis on languages and the inclusion of classical subjects reflects a consciously academic curriculum. From Year 9, pupils choose GCSE options, with guidance provided throughout Year 8. The school offers 30+ GCSE subjects, giving genuine breadth.
A-level subject offerings span sciences, humanities, languages (including Russian and Classical Greek), arts, and specialist areas like History of Art and Law.
The extracurricular programme is extensive, with clubs running before school, at lunch, and after school. The school's Clubs & Societies Booklet (Autumn 2025) lists over 60 named activities, far exceeding typical school provision. This section highlights the most distinctive and substantial offerings.
Music is a defining strength. The school operates multiple choirs (Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Musical Theatre Troupe for all years), and a comprehensive ensemble system:
Jazz and rock bands include the Junior Jazz Ensemble, Senior Jazz Ensemble, Y11 Soul Band, and Y9 Rock Band. A separate musical theatre programme stages annual school musicals with choruses for all and auditioned soloists. For those not formally trained, music clubs include Jazz Club, Choir ensembles, and Rock Band Club, all included in core fees. The school has three music rehearsal rooms, a music studio, and dedicated flexi music spaces, indicating serious instrumental provision. Peripatetic instrumental lessons are available (invoiced separately), and the breadth of ensemble work suggests a genuine culture of musical participation.
Drama centres on the whole-school musical production (usually staged in winter), open to all for chorus roles and by audition for leading roles. Rehearsals occur across three sessions per week. Beyond this, LAMDA Speech and Drama Lessons run on Mondays, with students working toward annual graded examinations. The school notes that pupils often reach LAMDA Grade 8 (equivalent to UCAS points and A-level qualification) by Year 10. A separate Winter Production rehearsal programme runs by audition for more advanced students. Drama facilities include a theatre and dedicated drama studio, and the school mentions a whole-school approach to drama as part of the curriculum.
Sport is compulsory and extensive. Key offerings include:
Rowing is prominently featured, with junior (Years 9-10), senior (Year 11), and sixth form (Years 12-13) training at local venues including Quintin Boat Club and Pier House Gym, with Saturday sessions and timetabled extended games. Rowing fees apply (£160 per term for juniors, £185 for seniors).
Football is well established, with training for Years 7-8, Years 9-10, and girls' football at external venues (Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre). The school recently progressed a strong team through national cup competitions.
Netball training occurs at Brentford Leisure Centre for Years 7-10 (sign-up format, some fee-based). Additional sports include basketball, swimming, running (through the Running Club), badminton, and fitness. The school operates Junior and Senior Top Performing Athletes' Programmes (TPAP) for identified athletes, with strength and conditioning facilities.
Fee-paying external clubs include boxing, futsal (indoor football, competitive squad model at £5 per session), karate, and table tennis. The overall sport programme suggests serious provision from grassroots participation to performance pathway, without boarding-school intensity.
Design and Technology features a standout club: the Formula 24 Kit Car Club, where students build and race Greenpower vehicles in national competitions. The D&T workshop also hosts a Stained Glass Club and CAD Club, indicating hands-on engineering and digital skills.
Science clubs include a KS3 Science Club (by invitation), Biology Olympiad (Year 12), Physics Olympiad (Year 12), Chemistry Olympiad (Years 12-13), a Y13 Oxbridge PAT (Physics Admissions Test) prep group, and Y9-10 CREST Silver Award Club (a STEM recognition programme). These clubs suggest a pathway for scientifically gifted students without narrowing the science curriculum.
Computing clubs include Python Programming Club (Years 8-9), Office Skills Club (Years 7-8), Micro:Bit Club (Year 7), and Computer Building Club (Year 7, by invitation). These range from foundational to competitive coding, indicating inclusive engagement.
Geography offers Twilight Lectures for sixth form, a Young Geographer of the Year competition, and the KHS Geography Department Magazine (Atlas), run fortnightly.
History includes Getting History Published (all years) and The Articulate History Club (Years 7-8, public speaking focus).
English offers Handwriting and Calligraphy Club, KS3 Book Group, KS4 Book Group, and KS4 Short Story Group, suggesting sustained engagement with literature and written expression.
Business, Economics & Politics encompasses an Introduction to the Stock Market Club (sixth form, by invitation), Politics Club (all years), and Debating Club (all years, drop-in). The debating culture is noteworthy; public speaking and argumentation are actively fostered.
Art and Design clubs include Art Club (Years 7-8), Biological Art Club (all years, combining art and science observation), and Drawing Club (Years 7-8). The school's open-plan art studio and specialist teaching suggest art is taken seriously.
Duke of Edinburgh runs for Years 9-13 with Bronze, Silver, and Gold pathways. The Kew Gardeners Club (gardening, on the roof terrace) serves Years 7-8. Dungeons & Dragons Club caters to recreational gaming enthusiasts. Chinese Language & Culture Club offers extension in Mandarin. The school mentions a strong mental health and wellbeing focus, supported by on-site counselling.
The breadth is genuinely striking. More than 60 named activities, with skilled leadership, suggest the school does not regard extracurriculars as peripheral. Clubs run at accessible times (before school, lunch, after school until 5.30pm), and most are free. Fee-paying clubs (music lessons, some sports) are clearly signposted. The emphasis on ensemble work, creative expression, and subject enrichment aligns with the school's stated philosophy of pursuing excellence in all areas, whether examinable or not. For families seeking a school where curiosity is encouraged beyond the exam hall, this is a major strength.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
Pupils apply in Year 6, registering with the school (£180 non-refundable registration fee). Entry is based on the ISEB Common Pre-Test (an adaptive online examination), followed by interview and a three-minute presentation on any topic. The school explicitly states it welcomes candidates with varying academic profiles and emphasises the interview process over raw test scores. An acceptance deposit of £3,000 is required, held until the student leaves the school (returnable with full term's notice if the student withdraws early).
The admissions process is character-selective; the school aims to build a cohort of interesting, curious, engaged students rather than the highest scorers. This deliberate approach means entry is competitive but more open to personality and potential than pure academic ranking schools.
Sixth form entry at Year 12 requires GCSE grades 5 and above in most subjects, higher grades in STEM subjects. Both internal and external candidates apply. The sixth form centre and dedicated facilities suggest the school takes upper secondary seriously.
The school is oversubscribed; places are competitive. The ISEB test was redesigned to reduce tutoring advantage, though some tutoring is common in independent school entry. Families should assume selection is genuine and prepare candidates for both test and interview, but also recognise that academic ability alone does not guarantee entry; schools seeks rounded, engaged students.
Termly tuition for 2025-26 is £8,757 (£10,508.40 inclusive of VAT). On an annual basis, this equates to £26,271 (or £31,525 inc VAT). This is at the mid-range for London independent schools; notably less than traditional boarding schools or elite day schools in central London, yet significantly more than state education.
Fees include all standard textbooks and stationery. Most after-school clubs are included in core fees. Peripatetic instrumental lessons, fencing, boxing, and some external sports coaching are additional and invoiced separately. Lunch costs £6.80 per day and are not included in tuition.
The school operates a sibling discount: families with three or more children in any Gardener Group school (which includes Ravenscourt Park Preparatory, Kew Green Preparatory, and Maida Vale School) receive a 5% discount on each child's fees.
A fees-in-advance scheme allows lump-sum payment for all or part of tuition, earning a guaranteed 2% p.a. commutation rate (approximately 3% p.a. for 40% rate taxpayers).
Notably, the school does not advertise scholarships or bursaries. This is significant; unlike many independent schools, Kew House does not appear to offer means-tested financial assistance or merit scholarships at this time. Families should verify this directly with admissions, but current published information suggests entry is available to those meeting the full fee.
Personal Tutor groups are vertical (mixed-age, Years 7-11) and meet daily. Tutors provide academic oversight and pastoral support. The school employs a dedicated counsellor (visited weekly) for students needing additional emotional support. Monthly progress reporting to parents aims to give frequent, honest feedback without waiting for formal reporting periods.
The school explicitly markets itself as a safe, supportive community with high expectations. Behaviour appears calm and positive. Student voice is encouraged through the open-door policy and student-led whole-school plays. The "Individuals in Society" curriculum is designed to build resilience, and the house system (vertical tutor groups) fosters peer support across age groups.
Wellbeing is presented as integral, not bolted-on. The school's non-selective approach and emphasis on individual recognition may reduce the comparative pressure present in some high-performing schools, though expectation and rigour remain clear.
The school was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in April 2022, with results published that same year. The school was rated Excellent in all key areas assessed, meeting and exceeding the independent school standards. This is the most recent formal external validation and supports the school's own assessment of quality.
School Hours & Facilities
School begins at 8.30am and concludes at 4.00pm. Clubs run from 4.15pm to 5.30pm daily; sixth form students may remain in the independent learning centre until 6.00pm. Students can arrive from 7.30am for early clubs or breakfast; breakfast is available for purchase. The school day includes a 20-minute morning break and an hour-long lunch break.
Facilities span four buildings across approximately 66,000 square feet. Core facilities include 53 subject-specialist classrooms, a library, a basketball court, roof terrace, open-plan art studio, dedicated drama and dance studio, a strength and conditioning gym, design technology and CAD workshop with 3D printers, theatre, dining room, food technology kitchen, three music rehearsal rooms, music studio, computer laboratory, and three science laboratories (chemistry, biology, and general). The breadth of specialist space suggests the school invests in learning environments.
Transport & Location
The school is situated at 6 Capital Interchange Way, Brentford, TW8 0EX, a short walk from Kew Bridge Overground station (1 minute walk) and Gunnersbury Underground station (12 minutes walk). Local buses serve the site (routes 65, 110, 267, 237). The location is accessible across West London via public transport, though not in central London. For families in the Hounslow, Richmond, or western Greater London boroughs, commuting is feasible; for families further east, daily travel may be onerous.
Non-selective academic entry with competitive placement. The school does not use pure academic selection, instead choosing candidates on character and interview impression. This is refreshing in principle; in practice, places remain competitive, and families should assume strong ability and engagement are expected. Those seeking a less pressured entry process should note that even non-selective independent schools still receive many more applications than places available.
No published scholarship or bursary support. Unlike many independent schools, Kew House does not advertise bursaries or scholarships. This means families must meet the full fees (£26,271 annually) without institutional financial assistance. For families unable to meet this, the school may not be accessible regardless of academic or personal suitability. Families are advised to confirm current financial aid policies directly.
The sixth form is significantly smaller and younger than the main school. The sixth form opened only in 2016, meaning it lacks the established reputation and alumni network of long-established schools. Students considering sixth form entry should be aware that the upper school, while academically rigorous, is less developed and smaller (around 300 students) than the lower school, with fewer established traditions.
Location requires transport. While accessible by public transport, the Brentford location is not central London. For families in East London, North London, or Surrey commuting daily may be tiring. Families should verify realistic travel times before committing.
Character-selective approach means finding the cultural fit is important. The school emphasises community, creative expression, and individual development. Families whose values align will thrive; those seeking a traditional, highly competitive, purely academically-driven environment may find the school's ethos at odds with their expectations.
Kew House School succeeds at a rare balance: delivering strong academic results without the pressure-cooker intensity of many elite independents. The school provides rigorous teaching, broad facilities, and an extensive extracurricular programme, all housed in a physical environment designed for learning and wellbeing. Character-selective admissions, the open-door ethos, and the commitment to fostering curiosity and resilience make this a genuinely different proposition. For academically able families seeking a school that takes both mind and character seriously, values creative engagement, and offers genuine community rather than mere league-table chasing, Kew House is compelling.
The constraints are real: fees are substantial (£31,525 annually including VAT), with no published financial assistance; location requires transport; and the sixth form is newer and less established than the main school. Families must be confident in the school's philosophy and realistic about accessibility.
Families within reasonable commuting distance of Brentford; those who value creative, collaborative learning alongside academic rigour; pupils with genuine intellectual curiosity and engagement; those comfortable with a non-traditional independent model that balances high expectation with individual recognition and pastoral care. It is less suited to families seeking purely prestige-driven institutions, those requiring significant financial assistance, or those preferring classical boarding-school traditions.
The main challenge is getting in: places are competitive, and character-selective admissions mean a good test score alone does not guarantee acceptance. Prepare seriously, ensure your child is genuinely interested and engaged with the school's approach, and be ready to articulate why Kew House, specifically, is the right fit.
Yes. Kew House was rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in April 2022, meeting and exceeding all independent school standards. At GCSE, the school ranks 362nd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8%, with an Attainment 8 score of 70.3 against the England average of 46.9. At A-level, the school achieves 60% grades A*-B, above the England average of 47%. The school is first locally among Hounslow secondaries. Results are achieved without selecting purely on academic grounds; the school prioritises character and engagement. For families seeking strong academics combined with genuine pastoral care and creative opportunity, it performs very well.
Termly fees for 2025-26 are £8,757 (£10,508.40 including VAT), equating to approximately £26,271 annually (£31,525 inc VAT). Fees include textbooks and stationery; most after-school clubs are included. Lunch (£6.80 per day) is additional. Peripatetic instrumental lessons, some sports coaching, and external club fees (e.g., boxing, karate) incur extra charges. A 5% sibling discount applies to families with three or more children in any Gardener Group school. The school does not currently advertise scholarships or means-tested bursaries; families must meet the full fees. Verify current financial aid directly with admissions.
Application begins with registration (£180 non-refundable fee). Candidates sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test (an adaptive online exam), typically in autumn of Year 6. Successful candidates are invited for interview and present a three-minute talk on any topic. The school is character-selective; it seeks interesting, able, and engaged students rather than the purely highest scorers. Places are competitive and oversubscribed. There is no formal catchment; entry is UK-wide. Internal progression to sixth form requires GCSE grades 5+ in most subjects. Families should begin their application process two years before desired entry (i.e., Year 4 for Year 7 entry).
The school emphasises community and individual recognition. Students are placed in vertical tutor groups (mixed-age, Years 7-11) that meet daily; a personal tutor provides academic oversight and pastoral support. The school employs a dedicated counsellor for students needing additional emotional help. An "Individuals in Society" curriculum, running throughout a pupil's time at the school, focuses on emotional development, resilience, and intellectual growth. Parents receive monthly progress reports in addition to formal reporting. The open-door policy welcomes parental involvement. The non-selective, community-focused ethos tends to reduce the comparative pressure present in some academic schools.
The school occupies a 66,000 sq ft four-building campus with 53 subject-specialist classrooms, a library, theatre, art studio, drama/dance studio, strength and conditioning gym, three music rehearsal rooms, computer laboratory, and three science labs. Extracurricular provision is extensive: over 60 named clubs spanning music (choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles), drama (school musical, LAMDA tuition), sport (rowing, football, netball, basketball, swimming, running), STEM (Formula 24 racing, Olympiad pathways, computing), and humanities (debating, history, geography, politics). Most clubs are free; fee-paying clubs (music lessons, boxing, karate) are clearly marked. The school encourages all students to participate in at least two clubs per week.
Yes, Kew House opened a sixth form in 2016. Internal progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic; students must meet GCSE entry requirements (typically grades 5+, higher for STEM). The sixth form also accepts external applicants. The sixth form centre includes an independent learning centre, library, café, roof terrace, and seminar rooms. A-level subject offerings span 30 subjects, including classical languages. In the 2023-24 cohort, 54% of sixth form leavers progressed to university. The sixth form is newer than the main school and smaller (around 300 students); it lacks the established reputation of traditionally long-established schools.
Entry is character-selective, not purely academically selective. Candidates sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test and attend interview; the school states it welcomes candidates with varying academic profiles and emphasises personality and engagement over raw test scores. Tutoring is not required and not officially recommended. In practice, some tutoring is common in independent school entry; families may choose to offer preparation support, but strong ability, genuine interest in the school, and articulate communication in interview are the key success factors. The ISEB test has been redesigned to reduce tutoring advantage.
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