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Last reviewed: February 2026 · Rankings and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery is an independent co-educational day school in West Dulwich serving children from 2 to 11 years. Founded in the 1930s by Miss Dorothy Plumridge as a traditional Dame School emphasising the three Rs and small class teaching, the school has evolved into a modern institution while retaining its commitment to individual attention. Since February 2023, Rosemead has operated under the governance of St Dunstan's College, creating a seamless pathway for families from nursery through to age 18. The school runs across two sites in close proximity—one for Nursery to Year 2, another for Years 3 to 6—within the leafy streets of Dulwich. With a November 2023 ISI inspection confirming compliance across all standards and recent recognition as a TES Schools Awards 2025 finalist for Independent Prep School of the Year, Rosemead combines heritage with contemporary educational practice. Fees for 2024-25 stand at £6,848 per term for Reception to Year 2 and £7,237 per term for Years 3 to 6.
Rosemead's motto, "Inspiring Brilliant Futures," encapsulates its ambition to prepare children academically, socially and emotionally for the next stage of their education. The school's value system, known as the Roots of Rosemead, underpins all academic and pastoral work, promoting respect, confidence, self-awareness and a genuine love of learning. The ISI inspection praised these values for encouraging pupils' appreciation of diversity and strengthening their moral understanding. Starting life in a family home on Thornlaw Road in 1936 or earlier, Rosemead functioned as a traditional Dame School, preparing children for preparatory and public schools through strict discipline and individualised teaching in small classes. Nearly 90 years later, the institution maintains that founding commitment to knowing each child well while embracing a progressive, modern curriculum "structured around the Rose."
Following the 2023 merger with St Dunstan’s College, Rosemead families now receive automatic consideration for places at St Dunstan's Senior School, with a significant majority of Year 5 pupils securing places. Current headteacher Graeme McCafferty, who assumed his role officially in September 2023 after serving as acting head during the merger, leads a school community that balances academic rigour with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The ISI noted effective leadership in the early years and positive staff-child relationships throughout. Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to the school's identity; Rosemead won Best Improvements in EDIB at the 2024 Education Choices Awards and Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the 2024 ISA Awards. Parents report a joyful, supportive atmosphere where children's individuality is celebrated and their well-being is prioritised.
Rosemead does not publish state-style SATs data as an independent school, but its destination outcomes tell a compelling story. Year 6 leavers regularly secure offers from senior schools, with scholarship success across academic, music, sport, art and drama categories. The school reports strong progress in reading and writing, and its internal tracking systems, regularly reviewed by senior leaders, generate tailored support for individuals and groups, ensuring at least good progress across the curriculum.
The curriculum is broad and modern, incorporating early exposure to emerging technology and AI through dedicated themed weeks. Class sizes are capped at 22 in the Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2) and 20 in the Prep (Years 3 to 6), allowing teachers to deliver personalised attention. Specialist teaching enriches the timetable, and pupils benefit from a robust tracking and intervention system. For children with special educational needs, the school identifies 37 pupils with SEND, one with an education, health and care plan, and employs six learning support (enrichment) staff who provide one-to-one support for nearly 10% of the roll. Pupils with SEND and those with English as an additional language (ten pupils) receive individualised education programmes that the ISI found promoted rapid progress and maintained motivation. Applicants with diagnosed SEND or additional support needs must disclose these at application; the school then enters dialogue with parents to determine whether reasonable adjustments can be made within its setting, curriculum and facilities.
Assessment at entry varies by year group. Nursery and Reception applicants attend an informal two-hour play session, while those applying for Years 1 to 6 complete language and mathematical exercises over a morning. Year 3 entry, where around 20 places are available to join pupils moving up from the Pre-Prep, includes a small number of academic scholarships for high-achieving or high-potential children. The school describes itself as mixed-ability and seeks to identify children who will thrive within its supportive, values-led environment.
With 277 pupils on roll (including 40 in the early years), Rosemead offers an extensive co-curricular programme: over 80 activities each term and 40+ events during the annual Rosemead Festival. Music is a particular strength. The school runs 12 music groups spanning ukulele, jazz, strings, dance, brass and cello ensembles, stages five musical shows annually, and hosts four collaborative concerts with the wider St Dunstan's Education Group. Over 150 individual instrumental lessons are delivered weekly by peripatetic staff. Recent exam results include 45+ ABRSM music examinations with 15 distinctions and 17 merits, 14 Trinity College London examinations with 9 distinctions and 5 merits, and a 100% distinction rate among LAMDA participants.
Sport is equally vibrant. Rosemead has hosted ISA Cricket and Cross Country events for four consecutive years and boasts ISA National Cricket Tournament champions in 2023 and runners-up in 2024. Pupils have reached national finals in swimming, cross country, football and netball, and three sporting scholarships were awarded for 2024-25. The school offers 10+ sports clubs weekly. Facilities are split across the two sites in West Dulwich, with specialist spaces supporting science, the arts and physical education. The location in Dulwich provides green surroundings and proximity to cultural and sporting amenities.
Pastoral care is grounded in the Roots of Rosemead values system, with the ISI highlighting the school's commitment to pupils' physical, mental and emotional well-being. High staff ratios in the nursery and classroom assistants throughout ensure a supportive environment. Pupils are prepared carefully for the transition to senior school through a graduated programme beginning on entry and intensifying in Years 4 to 6, including workshops for interviews, examination preparation and scholarship programmes.
Rosemead provides targeted support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities through a team of six enrichment staff who deliver one-to-one interventions for nearly 10% of the school population. The school has identified 37 pupils with SEND and one pupil with an education, health and care plan. Individualised education programmes are designed to promote rapid progress, and the ISI inspection confirmed that pupils with SEND and those with English as an additional language remain motivated and focused due to effective, personalised support. The school's admissions policy requires all applicants with diagnosed SEND or those needing additional support for learning, behaviour or access to disclose this at the point of application. Rosemead then works with parents to assess whether it can reasonably accommodate the need within its current facilities, curriculum and staffing. Reasonable adjustments are made for entrance assessments where appropriate.
The school's support framework is designed to address a range of learning differences and additional needs, with specialist staff providing tailored interventions. Specific conditions supported include mild to moderate learning differences, though families are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss individual circumstances and confirm suitability.
The November 2023 Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection found Rosemead met all relevant standards for leadership and management, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health and emotional well-being, social and economic education, and safeguarding. Inspectors praised the school's tailored academic programmes in mathematics and English, its values-led approach, and the positive relationships between staff and children. The report highlighted effective early years leadership and noted that pupils of all abilities, including those with SEND and EAL, were motivated and making good progress. Rosemead's commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging was singled out for particular commendation. The school's seven nominations at the 2025 Education Choices Awards and shortlisting for Independent Prep School of the Year at the TES Schools Awards 2025 reflect ongoing recognition within the independent education sector.
Rosemead admits children at three main entry points: Nursery (from age 2), Reception (4+) and Year 3 (7+), with occasional places available in other year groups. The registration fee is £250 (non-refundable, including VAT) and the deposit is £2,500. Nursery fees are charged per session: £665 per term for each morning or afternoon session, with Pre-Nursery (two-year-olds) operating on flexible attendance from one to ten sessions weekly, and Nursery (three- to four-year-olds) requiring a minimum of five sessions weekly, rising to full-time attendance in the summer term before Reception. Full-time nursery (nine to ten sessions) costs £5,482 per term. The school accepts 15 hours of free childcare. Fees for Reception to Year 2 are £6,848 per term, and for Years 3 to 6, £7,237 per term. Payment must be made by direct debit, either annually at the start of each term or spread across 11 monthly instalments from September through July. Lump sum payments covering two to seven years attract negotiable discounts; families should contact the finance department for quotes. Fees are reviewed annually, typically with one term's notice for increases.
As an independent school, Rosemead does not operate within local authority catchment or distance criteria. Admission is selective in the sense that applicants are assessed, but the school describes itself as mixed-ability and welcomes children who will flourish in its values-driven, supportive environment. The 2023 merger with St Dunstan's College means a significant majority of Year 5 children receive automatic places into St Dunstan's Senior School, creating a clear through-route for families seeking continuity. However, the school also prepares pupils for a wide range of London senior schools, with strong recent placement records at institutions including Trinity School, Sydenham High, Streatham and Clapham High, Royal Russell School, Alleyn's and JAGS. Families typically begin thinking about senior school transitions in Year 4, supported by talks, shared assessment data and presentations from the school.
Rosemead Preparatory School offers families in Dulwich and the wider south London area an independent preparatory education characterised by small classes, strong pastoral care and a values-led ethos. The school's long history, stretching back to the 1930s, is balanced by a modern, progressive curriculum and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion that has won national recognition. Its 2023 merger with St Dunstan's College provides a clear pathway for families seeking continuity from age 2 to 18, with automatic consideration for senior school places significantly easing the 11+ transition for many. For those aiming further afield, recent scholarship successes demonstrate that Rosemead prepares pupils effectively for competitive entry to London's top senior schools.
Academically, the school's mixed-ability intake and robust tracking and intervention systems ensure pupils make strong progress, with internal data showing meaningful uplift in standardised scores and over half of Year 6 leavers working at greater depth in reading and writing. The enrichment programme is genuinely impressive: over 80 activities per term, five musical shows, national sporting success and a 100% LAMDA distinction rate speak to a well-rounded education extending far beyond the classroom. SEN provision, while serving a relatively small proportion of the roll, is individualised and effective according to ISI inspectors. Facilities across two sites in Dulwich are functional rather than lavish, but the location offers green spaces and proximity to cultural amenities.
Fees are in line with London independent prep school norms, and the lack of advertised bursaries or sibling discounts may limit accessibility for some families. However, for parents seeking a nurturing, inclusive environment with proven academic outcomes, strong pastoral support and a seamless pathway to secondary education via St Dunstan's or competitive entry to other senior schools, Rosemead represents a compelling option. The school's recent awards, ISI compliance and record scholarship numbers suggest it is a community on the rise, successfully blending heritage values with contemporary educational ambition.
Rosemead Preparatory School is a well-regarded independent preparatory school in West Dulwich. Its November 2023 ISI inspection confirmed compliance across all standards, including leadership, quality of education, and safeguarding. The school's recent recognition as a finalist for Independent Prep School of the Year at the TES Schools Awards 2025, alongside its scholarship record, demonstrates strong academic and co-curricular provision. Parents report high levels of satisfaction, and the school's values-led approach, small class sizes (maximum 22 in Pre-Prep, 20 in Prep), and robust support for SEND and EAL pupils contribute to a nurturing, inclusive environment. The 2023 merger with St Dunstan's College offers families a clear pathway from age 2 to 18.
Rosemead admits children at three main entry points: Nursery (from age 2), Reception (4+) and Year 3 (7+), with occasional places in other year groups. The registration fee is £250 (non-refundable, including VAT) and the deposit is £2,500. For Nursery and Reception applicants, the assessment is an informal two-hour play session. For Years 1 to 6, children complete language and mathematical exercises over a morning session, usually in November prior to entry. Applicants with diagnosed SEND or additional support needs must disclose this at application so the school can determine whether reasonable adjustments can be made. Families should contact the admissions office via the school website or by calling 020 8670 5865 to arrange a visit and begin the application process.
For the 2024-25 academic year, fees are £6,848 per term for Reception to Year 2 and £7,237 per term for Years 3 to 6. Nursery fees are charged per session: £665 per term for each morning or afternoon session, with full-time nursery (nine to ten sessions weekly) costing £5,482 per term. The school accepts 15 hours of free childcare for eligible families. Fees must be paid by direct debit, either annually at the start of each term or spread across 11 monthly instalments from September through July. Lump sum payments covering two to seven years attract negotiable discounts; contact fees@rosemeadprep.org.uk for quotes. Fees are reviewed annually, typically with one term's notice for increases.
Rosemead pupils regularly secure offers from senior schools. Since the 2023 merger with St Dunstan's College, many Year 5 pupils receive automatic places into St Dunstan's Senior School. Other popular destinations include Sydenham High, Trinity School, Streatham and Clapham High, Royal Russell School, Alleyn's and JAGS. Pupils also win scholarships and awards across academic, music, sport, art and drama categories. A minority of pupils leave for state schools. The school provides structured preparation for the 11+ process from Year 4 onwards, including workshops for interviews, examination practice and scholarship programmes.
Music and sport are central to Rosemead's co-curricular offering. The school runs 12 music groups, stages five musical shows annually, and delivers over 150 individual instrumental lessons weekly via peripatetic staff. Recent exam results include 45+ ABRSM examinations with 15 distinctions and 17 merits, and a 100% distinction rate for LAMDA participants. In sport, Rosemead has hosted ISA Cricket and Cross Country events for four years and celebrated ISA National Cricket Tournament champions in 2023 and runners-up in 2024. Pupils have reached national finals in swimming, cross country, football and netball, and three sporting scholarships were awarded for 2024-25. The school offers over 10 sports clubs weekly as part of its 80+ termly activities.
Rosemead identifies 37 pupils with SEND and one pupil with an education, health and care plan. Six enrichment staff provide one-to-one support for nearly 10% of the school population. Individualised education programmes promote rapid progress, and the ISI inspection confirmed that pupils with SEND and those with English as an additional language remain motivated and focused due to effective, personalised support. Applicants with diagnosed SEND or additional support needs must disclose this at the point of application; the school then works with parents to assess whether it can reasonably accommodate the need within its facilities, curriculum and staffing. Reasonable adjustments are made for entrance assessments where appropriate. Families are encouraged to contact the school to discuss individual circumstances.
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