Nestled in the leafy conservation area of The Downs, Hall School Wimbledon (HSW) offers a distinct alternative to the high-pressure academic hothouses of southwest London. Under the leadership of Mr Andrew Hammond, the school has redefined itself around the mantra of "Health, Scholarship, and Wonder", prioritising pupil wellbeing as the foundation for academic success.
Founded in 1990, HSW is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 7 to 18 (Year 3 to Year 13). It stands out in Wimbledon for its inclusive, broad-ability ethos, rejecting the ruthless selection processes common in the area. Instead, it offers a nurturing environment where children of mixed abilities learn together. The site feels more like a village campus than a city school, with a mix of period buildings and modern teaching blocks that create a welcoming, human-scale atmosphere.
The 2024 GCSE results, with an Attainment 8 score of 55, place the school in the national strong band (top 25% in England), proving that its non-selective approach delivers academic rigour alongside pastoral care.
Walk through the gates and the atmosphere is visibly different from the frenetic energy of some London day schools. There is a purposeful calm here. The school describes itself as "unashamedly non-selective" at entry, but this does not imply low standards. Rather, it reflects a belief that confidence fuels competence.
Mr Andrew Hammond, Headmaster since 2022, is a former author and educationalist whose philosophy permeates the school. He speaks of "health" (physical and mental), "scholarship" (love of learning, not just passing tests), and "wonder" (keeping curiosity alive). This isn't just marketing; the 2023 ISI inspection noted that leaders have created a culture where "pupils demonstrate appropriate confidence and humility".
The student body is diverse in talents. You are as likely to see a pupil carrying a cello as a hockey stick. The co-educational environment is seen as a preparation for real life, with boys and girls navigating adolescence together in a supportive community. The school is small enough—around 600 pupils capacity—for every child to be known by name, fostering a genuine sense of belonging.
Despite its inclusive intake, HSW delivers academic outcomes that rival many selective schools. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 55, significantly above the England average of 46.
This performance ranks the school 982nd in England for GCSEs, placing it in the top 25% of schools nationally. The average EBacc APS score of 5.06 (England average: 4.08) demonstrates strength across core academic subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.
The Sixth Form is growing, with the first A-level cohort completing their studies in 2024. Early results are promising, with 62% of grades at A*-C and 8% at A*. The school adds significant value to pupils' starting points, often helping those who might have struggled in larger, more impersonal environments to achieve strong sets of GCSEs and A-levels.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at HSW is designed to stretch and challenge without inducing anxiety. Class sizes are kept small, typically around 15 to 18, allowing teachers to provide individualised attention. The 2023 inspection found that "teaching stretches and challenges pupils to achieve their best" and that pupils "take ownership of their learning".
The curriculum is broad. In the Junior School (Years 3-6), the "Discovery" curriculum links subjects creatively, encouraging pupils to make connections between history, art, and science. By the Senior School, the focus tightens on GCSE preparation, but the breadth remains. Art, drama, and music are integral, not peripheral.
Support for neurodiversity is a key strength. The school is well-regarded for its Learning Support department, which is integrated into the main life of the school rather than sidelined. Teachers are trained to support pupils with mild learning needs within the mainstream classroom, ensuring that inclusivity is a practical reality, not just an aspiration.
For many, the journey is all-through, with Junior pupils moving seamlessly into Year 7 without the stress of the 11-plus. This continuity is a major draw for parents seeking to avoid the "cliff-edge" of Year 6 assessments.
At 18, leavers progress to a wide range of destinations. The first A-level cohort in 2024 secured places at a variety of universities. The school supports applications to Russell Group institutions as well as creative arts colleges, reflecting the diverse interests of the student body. The careers department focuses on "best fit", helping students identify the right course and institution for their specific talents, whether that be a traditional degree or a vocational pathway.
Admissions are refreshingly humane. The school welcomes pupils from Year 3 (age 7) upwards.
Entry is based on a taster day and review of school reports. There is no formal entrance exam for younger pupils; the focus is on social readiness and potential.
Candidates sit the school's own assessment in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, alongside a creative writing task. Crucially, every applicant is interviewed. The school looks for potential and character rather than just raw data.
Entry typically requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with higher grades required for A-level subjects.
The school is popular, and early registration is recommended. The registration fee is £174.
Pastoral care is the school's "USP". The structure is built around the form tutor, who sees pupils twice daily and acts as the primary link for parents. The house system provides vertical integration, allowing younger and older pupils to mix and support each other.
The school takes a proactive approach to mental health. "Pastoral check-ins" are regular, and the PSHE curriculum addresses modern challenges like social media and body image head-on. The 2023 inspection praised the "compassionate leadership" that fosters an environment where pupils respect each other.
The co-curricular programme is extensive. Sport plays a major role, with the school using its nearby Oberon Playing Fields for rugby, football, cricket, and athletics. The ethos is "sport for all", ensuring every child gets to represent the school, though elite pathways exist for talented athletes.
The arts are vibrant. Drama productions, concerts, and art exhibitions are regular fixtures in the school calendar. Clubs range from Warhammer and Coding to Debating and Gardening. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular in the Senior School, building resilience and independence.
Fees for the 2025/2026 academic year are inclusive of VAT and lunch.
£7,049.20 per term (£21,148 per year).
£8,169.38 per term (£24,508 per year).
£8,414.18 per term (£25,242 per year).
Bursaries are available for eligible families and are awarded on a means-tested basis. Scholarships are offered for academic, art, drama, music, and sport excellence, typically carrying a fee remission and recognizing talent.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Wraparound care is available for Junior pupils, with breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care until 6:00pm.
Lunch is included in the fees and is widely praised. The school is located a short distance from Wimbledon and Raynes Park stations, with school bus routes serving key areas of southwest London including Putney, Fulham, and Balham.
Year 3 Start: Unlike many all-through schools that start at Reception, HSW currently welcomes pupils from Year 3. Families with younger children will need alternative arrangements for the early years.
Urban Site: While The Downs is a green and pleasant location, the site is compact. Sports require travel to the off-site playing fields, which is common for London schools but adds travel time to the week.
Pace: For families used to the intense, highly selective atmosphere of some SW19 neighbours, the HSW pace may feel different. It is ambitious but not breathless. Parents should ensure this nurturing approach aligns with their child's needs.
Hall School Wimbledon is a breath of fresh air in a competitive market. It proves that a non-selective, inclusive approach can deliver strong academic results (top 25% nationally) without sacrificing childhood. With its focus on health, scholarship, and wonder, it produces grounded, confident young people who are comfortable in their own skin. Best suited to families who want a supportive, co-educational environment where their child is known, valued, and stretched in equal measure.
Yes. The 2023 ISI inspection found that the school met all standards, praising the quality of education and the confidence of pupils. Academically, it ranks in the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE results.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees are £7,049.20 per term for Years 3-6, £8,169.38 per term for Year 7, and £8,414.18 per term for Years 8-13. These fees include lunch and VAT.
The school describes itself as "broadly non-selective". While there are assessments for Year 7 entry to ensure pupils can access the curriculum, the school prioritises character and potential over raw test scores.
Yes. The school offers a co-educational Sixth Form. The first cohort of A-level students graduated in 2024, achieving 62% A*-C grades.
The school uses its own Oberon Playing Fields, located a short bus ride away, for major sports like rugby, football, and cricket.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
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