Hurlingham School
122 Putney Bridge Road, London, SW15 2NQ
Pupils
355
Ages
2 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Simon Gould
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,715 to £6,425
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Hurlingham School
Hurlingham School, located in a vibrant area of London, is a proudly non-selective co-educational day school that caters to children aged two to eleven. The school has a unique approach to admissions, allowing parents to register their children for nursery when they turn two. Nursery pupils are guaranteed a place at the main school, joining children from other nurseries for a three-form intake. The admissions process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with sibling priority, ensuring a smooth transition for families.
The school takes great care to make children feel at home before they start, offering informal stay-and-play visits and providing a bespoke book, James and Emily go to Hurlingham, which introduces teachers’ faces and names to add familiarity. Occasionally, places arise for entry into older year groups, subject to informal assessment.
Most pupils stay until the age of 11, leaving for a wide range of academically selective senior schools. In 2023, students secured two academic awards, five sports scholarships, and two performing arts/drama scholarships. Popular co-educational options for leavers include Emanuel, Ibstock Place, Harrodian, Epsom, and St John’s, while girls often choose Godolphin and Latymer, Wimbledon High, and Putney High, and boys opt for Hampton and KCS. The head and the head of 11+ transfer work closely with parents to build trust and find the best possible fit for each child. The process has become more transparent, with frank conversations beginning earlier and exam preparation becoming more rigorous. Meetings with representatives from day and boarding secondary schools help reassure parents and open minds to wider possibilities.
The school has grown significantly since the family owners took over a small boarding school with 64 pupils in 2000. Today, it boasts a nursery nearby, complete with a show-stopping indoor slide. The school’s birthday is celebrated with enthusiasm, as demonstrated by year 4’s lively rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday to Ya! The duck-egg blue blazer, matching cap for boys and beret for girls, and the school emblem—a hunting horn and golden wings—are a nod to tradition. However, the school’s approach to learning is forward-looking, with a focus on intrinsic motivation.
The adaptive classroom model ensures that each child’s needs are met, whether they are quiet, fidgety, or somewhere in between. A bounce effect is encouraged, where children are motivated to generate discursive debate, and the reward system recognises individual successes. Teachers collaborate and move between classes as necessary to ensure every child is performing at the right level.
Technology is fully incorporated into children’s learning, with individual Chromebooks provided from year 4. This approach teaches children to be creators as well as consumers, preparing them for senior school. English, Science, and Design Technology come together in projects like recording, editing, and presenting a weather report video or creating a 3D scene for a storybook. Sustainability awareness is also cross-curricular, with pupils engaging in activities like making placards to draw attention to litter in the park and recycling efforts.
The school’s enrichment programme aims to develop problem-solving, team-building, and critical-thinking skills. Year 6 pupils have enjoyed activities like making tents in Wandsworth Park and learning Morse code. The new outdoor classroom provides a space for open-air performances or reading to younger children. In less favourable weather, enrichment activities may include debating, mindfulness, or community engagement.
Inclusivity is a key focus, with one-to-one support with a specialist teacher being a last resort. The Head of Learning Support emphasises the importance of adapting to meet children’s needs. Early Birds sessions offer extra maths or English catch-up, and high achievers are catered for with discreet extension work.
The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including music, sports, and creative arts. The sporty head has responded to parents’ requests for more sport with a co-ed approach, offering netball, football, touch rugby, hockey, and cricket. The school also boasts a vibrant arts programme, with children participating in choirs, drama, and creative projects.
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ISI Review
Hurlingham School, an independent co-educational day school founded in 1947, is located in London and serves children aged 2 to 11. The school operates from two sites: a prep school near Wandsworth Park and a nursery school acquired in 2017. Governed by a family-run board of directors, the school has undergone leadership changes since the last inspection, including the appointment of a new headmaster in September 2020. The school remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic for key workers' children and implemented remote learning for others. The inspection process was adapted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to ensure safety.
The school aims to create a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, independence, and a love for learning while engaging with the community and parents. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional backgrounds, and the school reports that their overall ability is above average. A small number of pupils receive additional support for special educational needs and English as an additional language.
The regulatory compliance inspection confirmed that Hurlingham School meets the standards set by the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The school has effective measures in place for safeguarding, health and safety, and the suitability of staff. The premises are well-maintained, and the school provides adequate facilities for pupils' medical needs. Information is effectively communicated to parents, and complaints are handled through a structured process. Leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met.
In terms of educational quality, the school excels in providing a high-quality education that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers a broad range of subjects, allowing for effective teaching and learning. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents to develop a policy that aligns with statutory guidance. The quality of education is further evidenced by the pupils' academic achievements, which are rated as excellent. Pupils demonstrate high levels of attainment across all areas of learning, with significant progress noted in their final years. Those with special educational needs and English as an additional language also make notable strides in their learning.
Pupils exhibit strong communication skills, actively participating in discussions and demonstrating effective listening abilities. They engage with technology confidently, utilizing individual laptops for various learning activities. The school promotes a love of learning, and pupils express enthusiasm for their lessons. The integration of different subjects within the curriculum allows pupils to make connections between their learning, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge.
The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They show strong moral development, understanding the difference between right and wrong, and exhibit courteous behavior towards one another. Pupils are reflective about their academic and social challenges, demonstrating a commitment to becoming responsible citizens. They develop collaborative skills and work effectively in teams, showcasing their ability to engage with peers and contribute positively to group tasks.
The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities from a young age, fostering a sense of pride and accountability. Initiatives such as the school council and various committees allow pupils to engage in community service and philanthropic efforts, reinforcing their understanding of social responsibility. The school promotes inclusivity, and pupils demonstrate sensitivity towards differences, valuing diversity and learning from one another's experiences.
Pupils are equipped with a strong understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise. They engage in mindfulness practices to manage stress and maintain emotional well-being. The school encourages open discussions about health and safety, ensuring that pupils are aware of potential dangers and how to stay safe in various situations.
Overall, Hurlingham School provides a supportive and enriching environment that promotes both academic excellence and personal development. The school’s commitment to high standards in education, welfare, and leadership ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors, fostering a love of learning and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and their community. The positive feedback from parents and the high levels of pupil engagement further highlight the effectiveness of the school's approach to education and personal growth.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024