When Lady Anne Dacre founded Emanuel Hospital in 1594 with her cousin Queen Elizabeth I's blessing, she envisioned a school for just 20 children of humble means. Today, that Elizabethan charity has evolved into a thriving co-educational day school of over 1,100 students, perched on 12 acres on the edge of Wandsworth Common, metres from Clapham Junction. The transformation has been exponential. Academic results have climbed steadily; the school now ranks 45th in England for GCSE (FindMySchool ranking, elite tier, top 1%), and 87th for A-levels (top 3%). Within the independent sector, Emanuel ranks eighth among co-educational day schools in England according to The Times Parent Power 2026. Results tell a confident story: 71% of GCSE grades hit 9-8; 91% of A-level grades achieved A*-B. Yet numbers alone miss what makes Emanuel distinctive. This is a school with genuine mixed socioeconomic intake, serious arts credentials, rowing that has produced Olympic rowers, and a pastoral culture that genuinely welcomes students from Battersea, Notting Hill, and beyond.
The school occupies what was once the Royal Victoria Patriotic School for Boys, a red-brick Victorian orphanage dating to the 1850s. Walking across the campus, you encounter a layered architecture: the 1872 Saxon Snell building still forms the teaching heart; the 2017 Dacre Centre connects via glazed walkway to the Fiennes Theatre. The chapel (original and still central to school life) anchors the spiritual rhythm. Three times daily, bells mark the hours. Yet there is nothing austere or dated about the atmosphere. Recent investment has delivered a £10 million humanities building, a state-of-the-art film studio, newly resourced science labs, and a boathouse transformed into a gym. On a typical day, you notice: students moving purposefully between lessons; stained-glass windows catching light in corridors; the sound of music from multiple rehearsal spaces.
Mr Robert Milne, who has led the school since 2018, will hand over to Mr Ravi Kothakota from September 2025. Kothakota, the current Deputy Head, joined Emanuel from Hampton School as a Head of Year and has spent nearly six years overseeing the school's dramatic improvement in academic outcomes and sports success. The transition has been carefully orchestrated; Milne remains until summer 2025 to ensure continuity. Among staff, there is visible commitment to individual students. Teachers describe the school as affording genuine opportunity to pursue their own passions; parents speak of a place where pastoral care feels genuine rather than transactional.
The Christian character, rooted in the Anglican tradition, runs gently through daily life without pressure. Chapel attendance is expected but the tone is inclusive; families of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcomed. Emanuel School in Battersea, London has a purposeful day-to-day atmosphere, shaped by clear routines and expectations. What strikes most parents is the absence of a singular "type." This is demonstrably not a school for one demographic. It is something closer to what one parent described: a "something-for-everyone school."
The 2024 GCSE cohort achieved 71% grades 9-8, well above the England average of 54% (students achieving grades 9-7). Across all entry grades (9-7), 90% of pupils achieved these top grades. These results place Emanuel 45th for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the elite tier in England, the top 1% of independent schools. Locally within Wandsworth, the school ranks 2nd.
The school's Progress 8 measure indicates above-average progress from KS2 starting points, suggesting that pupils add genuine value during their secondary years. Subject results show particular strength in sciences, languages, and humanities; students regularly secure top grades across the English Baccalaureate suite (sciences, languages, maths, English, humanities, computer science).
The school entered all pupils in rigorous, broad subject choices. Approximately 89% of the cohort achieved grades 5-7 across English and mathematics, indicating a cohort with genuine academic fluency. Pupil motivation for learning appears high; internal data shows strong completion of coursework and revision protocols.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
90.75%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
90.21%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The sixth form cohort of 2024 achieved 91% grades A*-B at A-level, outperforming both England average (approximately 47% reaching A*-B) and independent school benchmarks. Specifically, 26% achieved A*, and 39% achieved A. The school ranks 87th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the high performance band, the top 3% of schools.
Wide subject breadth reflects student choice and staffing expertise. Facilitating A-levels (sciences, mathematics, history, English literature, languages, geography) sit alongside specialist offerings including Classical Greek, Government and Politics, and Theatre Studies. Music students regularly progress to conservatoires or music universities; several sixth formers have won choral scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge.
In the 2024 cohort, 62% of leavers progressed to university, 21% entered employment, 1% to further education. Within university destinations, 70% secured places at Russell Group universities. More specifically, eight students secured Oxbridge places from 17 applications (47% offer rate). Named non-Oxbridge destinations included Imperial College, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, Warwick, and UCL, indicating consistent access to Russell Group research universities. The school's commitment to Oxbridge mentoring extends to specific programmes for sixth form scholars; a dedicated Oxbridge Mentoring scheme supports students with sustained preparation.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
90.75%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
90.21%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum framework is traditional and broad. Core subjects (English, mathematics, sciences (taught separately), and languages (French, German, Spanish offered from Year 7; Latin and Greek available at GCSE/A-level)) sit alongside humanities (history, geography, religious studies), technology (computer science, design technology), and creative subjects (drama, music, art). Teaching appears structured and content-rich; pupil feedback consistently references engaged, knowledgeable teachers.
The school philosophy emphasises independent thought and curiosity. Lesson observation and ISI inspection data suggest teaching is characterised by expert subject knowledge, clear explanations, and high expectations. Classroom management is calm and purposeful. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions; teachers provide prompt written and verbal feedback.
Subject clinics (40 specifically academic support sessions) allow pupils to seek help or extension in areas of interest. The school invests in gifted and talented provision; academic scholars (selected for the school's scholarship programme) participate in termly Expo events exploring cross-curricular connections and intellectual depth. The Judt Group, a sixth form discussion forum, engages students in foundational texts and intellectual debate.
For pupils with learning differences, a small learning support unit (three teachers) provides targeted help. About 10-15% of the cohort have mild dyslexia or dyspraxia; the school reports that this support is discrete and effective, included within fees and not charged as an extra. The school has experience supporting students with ADHD and sensory needs; families should discuss individual requirements directly.
Drama is central to Emanuel life, not marginal. The school has won the National Independent Schools' Award for Performing Arts (2022) and the National School Theatre Award for Best Song in a Musical (2024). This is not a backdrop; it is a pillar of the school's identity.
The Fiennes Theatre (a dedicated two-storey performing space with professional-grade lighting and acoustics) serves as the stage for full-scale productions. Each year group participates. Year 6 students perform a devised pantomime in the Headmaster's Christmas Assembly. The Junior Play (Years 7-8) is hugely competitive and draws significant school and parental enthusiasm. Recent productions include Tuesday, Mam There's a Spaceship in our Backyard, and Wendy and Peter.
The hallmark of Emanuel drama is the annual large-scale musical. 2024 saw Sweeney Todd performed with a 16-piece live band; recent years have included Dracula (performed in the Fiennes Theatre with real wind, fog, and rain on stage), The Addams Family, and Oliver!. These are not small endeavours; they involve extensive rehearsal, professional-standard set and costume design, and participation from students across multiple year groups. Drama Club runs for each year group; the Technical Theatre Club trains students in lighting, sound, and stage management, several alumni have secured places at RADA, Rose Brufeld, and LAMDA.
The Musical Theatre Club (non-auditioned) explores the genre; recent cabaret performances featured songs from Hairspray, Tick Tick Boom, and Les Misérables. The Costume and Craft Club designs and constructs sets and props. Dance club (separate junior and senior groups) meets weekly with a West End professional choreographer. In 2024, the school received the National School Theatre Award alongside a nomination for Best Musical, external validation of exceptional creative standards.
Music at Emanuel traces back centuries. The Victorian concert hall (a beautiful vaulted space equipped with two grand pianos, state-of-the-art recording equipment, and the latest composition software) sits adjacent to the Chapel. The chapel itself houses a two-manual Bishop pipe organ; chapel services are held daily, and the Chapel Choir regularly performs evensongs at St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and other major churches.
There are over 30 musical ensembles and choirs: Symphony Orchestra, Senior Band, Junior Band, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and a Samba band. Approximately 25 students hold music scholarships at any given time; many more study music to a high standard without formal recognition. The school runs 40+ concerts annually: two major house music competitions, formal performances in the Concert Hall, masterclasses with industry professionals, and unique partnerships, notably the DJ night at XOYO nightclub where young Emanuel musicians performed to peers.
All Year 6 and Year 8 students receive class music lessons (double periods weekly). Year 7 receives weekly tuition. From Year 9, music becomes optional but popular. The department's 2024-25 calendar included a Broadway-focused trip to New York, evensong at St Paul's, rock and pop concerts at the Half Moon in Putney, and a "Night at the Musicals" concert at Clapham Grand with the school choir, parents' choir, and 16-piece professional band.
A 2024 innovation (the DJ evening at XOYO) showcases the school's commitment to blending tradition with contemporary culture. Students learned production skills; the headmaster's description captured the ambition: "transformative for the arts experience."
Emanuel's sporting reputation rests primarily on rowing. The School Boat Club, based at a transformed boathouse near Barnes Bridge, is one of the most successful junior rowing programmes in England. Students have won the Head of the River race 11 times; over 50 former pupils have gone on to become international or Olympic rowers. The boathouse now includes a gym, ergo room, and weights facility, a hub that attracts serious rowers and casual participants alike.
Core school sports include rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, and football (girls' football pathway expanding). The school also offers athletics, water polo, climbing, yoga, table tennis, tennis, and more. On-site facilities include a 25-metre heated indoor pool, three Eton Fives courts, netball and tennis courts, and extensive playing fields on the 12-acre campus. Off-site, the school has dedicated pitches at Raynes Park (recently renovated).
The sports programme emphasises both elite pathways and mass participation. Sport plays a visible role in school identity; a recent pupil testimonial noted: "The sport at Emanuel is one of its greatest assets." The school plays over 1,000 fixtures annually, suggesting intensive internal competition and external engagement.
The school offers computer science (GCSE and A-level), Design and Technology, and mathematics including Further Mathematics. In 2018, pupils won junior rowing composites at National Championships, demonstrating practical engineering and teamwork. The wider co-curricular programme includes subject-specific clubs: coding, robotics, and maths competitions feature, though specific named clubs require checking the school's societies list (which runs to 50+ options).
The school operates 50+ clubs and societies meeting during extended lunch periods and after school. Named examples include: Media Club, Bouldering Club, Dr Who Club, Costume-Making Club (linked to drama), Junior Equality Club (initiated by Year 6 pupils in 2018, demonstrating student agency), Law Club, World Film Club, Spinning Club, and LGBTQ+ community group. Duke of Edinburgh Award is exceptionally popular, with over 100 pupils participating annually in the programme.
The biodiversity garden (a recent addition) provides practical environmental education and includes a mini-waterfall and greenhouse. Pupils participate in community outreach through the Primary Ambitions scheme (Emanuel sixth formers teach Year 6 pupils from 18 state primary schools with high free school meal eligibility), strengthening both leadership skills and empathy among Emanuel students.
Current fees (2024-25) are £7,687 per term, equivalent to approximately £23,061 annually. Fees are reviewed annually by governors and can be paid termly or via monthly direct debit. Upon accepting a place, a deposit of one term's fees (£7,687) is payable in instalments: £2,000 in March of the entry year, then equal payments in June, July, and August. This deposit is refundable when the student leaves, provided at least one term has been completed and no outstanding charges remain (e.g., unreturned books). The first deposit instalment is non-refundable if the place is declined.
Fees include lunch, basic curriculum materials, and insurance. Additional costs arise for external exam fees, optional school trips, the Portcullis magazine (school publication), and membership in the Emanuel Parents' Association. Music lessons (instrumental tuition beyond class teaching) are charged separately.
The commitment to bursaries and scholarships is substantive. The school has explicitly targeted reaching 43 fully-funded places by 2024 (Emanuel's 430th anniversary). Families should visit the school website for detailed bursary application guidelines and contact admissions directly for personalised advice based on financial circumstances.
Fees data coming soon.
The school admits at four entry points: 10+ (Year 6), 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and 16+ (sixth form). The 10+ entry offers 48 places; the 11+ entry offers approximately 96 places (typical for competitive London day schools).
Entrance is via school-based examination and interview. All entry routes require registration (closing in October of the year prior to entry). Applicants sit entrance exams in English (1 hour), Mathematics (1 hour), and Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes computerised for 10+/11+). The school then conducts classroom-based activities and formal interviews to assess each candidate holistically. The pass mark is stated as approximately 60%, though competitive places are held by candidates scoring well above this threshold.
The school explicitly states that it does not restrict entry to academically gifted candidates alone; it seeks "uniqueness" and variety. Interviews probe motivation, curiosity, character, and fit, not solely attainment.
The school is explicit in its commitment to widening access. Scholarships (typically 10%, up to 50%) are available in academia, music, sport, drama, and art at all entry points. Registered candidates complete scholarship applications by mid-November; selected candidates attend auditions or assessments in person. Music scholars receive free tuition in two instruments (up to £1,500 value annually).
Fee assistance (bursaries) are means-tested and considerable. Approximately 25% of the cohort receives financial assistance; around 50 pupils attend on fully funded places. Any family with annual income below £26,000 can apply for bursaries. The school's stated aim is to ensure "no potential pupil is discouraged by financial circumstances." Scholarships and bursaries may combine to create fully funded places.
Pastoral structure is age-differentiated. Form tutors oversee academic progress and pastoral wellbeing; House systems encourage friendly competition and loyalty. The school emphasises "happy, confident, and kind" students as its pastoral outcome.
Staff report that the school excels at affording them space to pursue their own pedagogical interests, suggesting an institutional culture of trust and professional autonomy. This translates into teaching that feels engaged and responsive rather than box-ticking.
Pupil voice is taken seriously. The appointment of the new head (Ravi Kothakota) explicitly highlighted his championing of pupil agency; student leadership roles are genuinely influential. Year 6 pupils initiated the Junior Equality Club in 2018, evidence that student-led projects are encouraged.
Support for emotional wellbeing includes a trained counsellor visiting weekly. Learning support is discrete and integrated; many pupils report not realising peers receive support, suggesting the school's inclusive approach works tactfully.
8:50am to 3:20pm
All pupils are day students; no boarding.
Clapham Junction railway station is a 10-minute walk away. Bus routes 77 and 219 serve Spencer Park/Battersea Rise. The school permits cycling (bike storage provided) and walking. Some families drive, though traffic during peak times can be heavy; many local families benefit from proximity.
The 12-acre site offers playing fields, courts, gardens, and a boathouse 5 minutes away by shuttle. Most facilities are on-site or nearby.
Yes; compulsory blazer, tie, and uniform in school colours (navy and gold).
Entry is competitive. In recent years, entry at both 11+ and 13+ has become markedly harder. Families should prepare thoroughly and have alternative schools identified. The 10+ route sometimes offers slightly more accessible admission, but is equally subject to over-subscription. One tutor noted that Emanuel can "no longer be regarded as a secure back-up school" for London competitive entry.
Catchment and access. The school draws from across southwest London and increasingly central areas (Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Notting Hill). Transport is manageable for families within a 30-minute radius; those further afield may find commute demanding, particularly for evening activities and matches.
Mixed cohort expectations. The school prides itself on socioeconomic and cultural diversity. This is a genuine strength, but families expecting a purely top-attaining homogeneous peer group will find the mix less familiar than some independent alternatives.
SEN provision limitations. The school has a small learning support unit. About 10-15% of the cohort have mild dyslexia/dyspraxia and benefit from discreet support. For students with significant SEND, the school should be contacted directly. One parent source suggested the school's approach to SEN assessment and support policies may feel "old-fashioned" compared to some peers; families with additional needs should discuss carefully.
Emanuel has undergone a genuine renaissance. From a school with modest academic reputation 15 years ago, it now delivers elite GCSE results (top 1%), strong A-levels (top 3%), and sits 8th among co-educational independent day schools in England. The transformation reflects both excellent leadership (Milne's tenure) and substantive investment in facilities (Fiennes Theatre, Dacre Centre, boathouse, film studio). Yet the school remains distinguished not by academic achievement alone but by its commitment to inclusivity, arts excellence, and pupil agency.
This is a school for bright, ambitious families seeking a co-educational day school with genuine breadth, strong academics, exceptional arts and music, rowing heritage, and a sincere commitment to socioeconomic access. Entry is competitive; the pastoral culture is warm and purposeful; facilities are genuinely excellent.
Best suited to: Families within southwest London or accessible by transport; students who thrive in a mixed-ability, mixed-background cohort; those valuing arts alongside academics; families committed to Christian values or at least respectful of them.
Main consideration: Entry difficulty. Prepare thoroughly, start with realistic expectations, and ensure alternative schools form part of your shortlist.
Yes. The school ranks 45th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking, elite tier, top 1%), and 87th for A-levels (top 3%). In 2024, 71% of GCSE grades were 9-8; 91% of A-level grades achieved A*-B. The ISI inspection in 2023 praised the school's excellent curriculum, strong co-curricular offering, and respectful community atmosphere. The Times Parent Power ranked it 8th among co-educational independent day schools in England in 2026.
Fees are £7,687 per term (approximately £23,061 annually) and are paid termly or monthly by direct debit. Fees include lunch and basic curriculum materials. Additional costs apply to optional trips, music lessons, and examination fees. A deposit of one term's fees is payable on acceptance, in four instalments starting in March of entry. Upon departure, the deposit is refundable minus any outstanding charges.
Entry is highly competitive. In recent years, admissions at 11+ and 13+ have become markedly harder due to oversubscription. The school sits entrance exams (English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning) and conducts interviews. The pass mark is approximately 60%, but competitive places are held by candidates scoring significantly above this. The school explicitly seeks "uniqueness" rather than only top academic achievers. Families should prepare thoroughly and register early; the registration deadline is October of the year before entry. Alternative schools should form part of shortlist planning.
Both are exceptional. The school won the National Independent Schools' Award for Performing Arts (2022) and the National School Theatre Award for Best Song in a Musical (2024, with a nomination for Best Musical). The drama department produces an annual large-scale musical with live band (Sweeney Todd, Dracula, Oliver!, The Addams Family). The concert hall is Victorian, vaulted, and equipped with two grand pianos and professional recording facilities. There are 30+ musical ensembles; the Chapel Choir performs evensongs at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The school hosts 40+ concerts annually and offers unique opportunities such as DJ evenings at XOYO nightclub.
Rowing is the flagship sport. The School Boat Club has won the Head of the River race 11 times; over 50 former pupils have become international or Olympic rowers. The boathouse (near Barnes Bridge) has been transformed and now includes a gym and weights facility. Core sports are rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, and football. The school plays over 1,000 fixtures annually. Other sports include athletics, water polo, climbing, yoga, and tennis.
Yes, both extensively. Scholarships (typically 10%, up to 50%) are awarded for academia, music, sport, drama, and art at all entry points. Music scholars receive free instrument tuition (up to £1,500 annually). Bursaries are means-tested and generous; approximately 25% of the cohort receives financial assistance, with around 50 pupils on fully funded places. Any family with annual income below £26,000 can apply. Scholarships and bursaries may combine for complete fee coverage. Registered candidates apply by mid-November.
Emanuel School is Church of England (Anglican) in character. Daily chapel services are held; the chapel is actively used and centrally located. Christian values (aspiration, connection, empathy) are woven through school life. However, the school is explicitly inclusive and welcomes families from all backgrounds and beliefs. Pupils of all faiths (or no faith) attend the school. Chapel is part of the rhythm of school life, but the tone is respectful rather than exclusionary.
Clapham Junction railway station is a 10-minute walk. Bus routes 77 and 219 serve Spencer Park/Battersea Rise. Many families cycle (bike storage provided) or walk if local. Families further afield should factor commute time, particularly for evening activities, matches, and clubs. Some use family cars, though traffic can be congested during peak times. The school is well-serviced by public transport compared to many London independents.
Get in touch with the school directly
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