Wimbledon Common Preparatory School
113 Ridgway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4TA
Pupils
170
Ages
4 - 7
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Andrew Forbes
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£5,330
ISC Associations
IAPS
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Check school website
About Wimbledon Common Preparatory School
Wimbledon Common Preparatory School, affectionately known as The Squirrels, is a boys’ school that has long been a favoured choice for parents seeking a nurturing yet academically focused environment for their young sons. Situated in a charming Victorian property with vibrant yellow shutters, the school boasts an impressive outdoor space and a strong connection to the nearby Wimbledon Common, reflected in the class and house names inspired by local natural features.
The school has recently trialled a new selective system, acknowledging the challenges of identifying potential in very young children. The headmaster recognises that the current process may not be significantly more effective than a random selection in identifying the brightest boys. However, there is an indication that a revised system focusing more on personal, social, and emotional development could be introduced in the future.
Once a place is secured, the school is committed to supporting boys who may face challenges, although there are candid discussions about the potential drawbacks of sitting competitive 7+ examinations. Some families choose to leave earlier than planned, but the school remains a popular choice for many.
Boys from the school move on to a variety of prep and junior schools, predominantly single-sex, with over 30 different schools offering places in the past five years. A significant number of boys progress to King’s College Junior School, with others heading to St Paul’s Junior and Westminster Under. Schools like Shrewsbury House, Rokeby, and Milbourne Lodge are also popular choices for those preparing for the 11+ or 13+ exams, with Hampton Prep gaining traction as a preferred option.
The school is part of the Corporation of King’s College School, sharing a governing body and collaborating on key policy and development issues. The proximity to King’s College School provides WCPS boys with access to extensive grounds and top-notch facilities, a significant draw for many parents.
The staff at the school are described as dedicated and helpful, with a mix of new and long-standing members. The headmaster is praised for effective delegation and promoting a healthy work-life balance among staff, including successful job-sharing arrangements. The introduction of two deputy heads, one pastoral and one academic, reflects a shift in the school’s ethos towards ensuring happy outcomes for all students. The staff are particularly attuned to mental health and neurodiversity issues, with a new Head of Learning Support ensuring any difficulties are promptly addressed.
The boys are encouraged to express their feelings and develop coping strategies, with a new play partnership with Wimbledon High Junior School providing opportunities for social development alongside academic progress. The boys are well-mannered, friendly, and enthusiastic, with a curriculum that balances learning through play with more structured academic activities.
The school day has been extended with staggered start times, morning football clubs, and after-school extra-curricular activities, making logistics easier for working parents. Parents appreciate initiatives like termly online parenting workshops and social media updates, as well as ‘make and stay’ sessions that involve them in their children’s education.
The school is not a hothouse; instead, it focuses on learning through play, with a curriculum that becomes more rigorous in year 1. Staff provide honest advice about the 7+ exams, emphasising the importance of finding a school where each boy can flourish. Preparation for exams is thorough, with formal tests, mock interviews, and activity days.
Sport is on an upward trajectory, with inclusive offerings like forest school and exploration society alongside traditional sports. A new head of music is bringing fresh energy to the subject, with a choir and peripatetic lessons on the horizon. Plays, concerts, and assemblies are regular occurrences, with larger productions held at King’s College School.
In conclusion, Wimbledon Common Preparatory School has evolved from its traditional roots to prioritise fun and wellbeing while maintaining impressive results. To receive updates about this school, including exam results, senior staff changes, and open days, please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Wimbledon Common Preparatory School is an independent pre-preparatory institution for male pupils, established in 1919. Originally founded as a preparatory school for King's College School and other independent schools, it relocated to its current site in Wimbledon Village in 1957. The school became part of the foundation of King's College School in 2006 and is governed by its board of governors. The school has seen growth in its enrollment and has appointed new leadership since the last inspection. The current headteacher, Mr. Andrew Forbes, assumed his role in January 2022.
The school aims to create a safe and stimulating environment that fosters a relevant and challenging curriculum, enabling pupils to feel secure, happy, and motivated to reach their potential. Emphasis is placed on independence, respect, and cooperation between home and school. The pupil demographic primarily consists of children from professional families living within a 10-mile radius. The school reports that its pupils generally exhibit above-average abilities compared to national standards. A small number of pupils are identified as having special educational needs, and additional support is provided to ensure their success.
The inspection conducted in March 2022 focused on regulatory compliance and educational quality. The Independent Schools Inspectorate is responsible for assessing schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council. The inspection evaluated the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The findings indicated that the school meets all relevant standards, with no further action required.
The quality of education provided at Wimbledon Common Preparatory School is deemed good, with a well-documented curriculum that supports effective teaching and learning. The school has established a framework for assessing pupil performance, which confirms that pupils make good progress. Relationships education is included in the curriculum, and the school has consulted with parents to ensure compliance with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has implemented measures to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, including effective behavior management and health and safety protocols. The school maintains appropriate supervision and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behavior.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who display a strong desire to learn and succeed. Pupils show remarkable progress across all areas of the curriculum, with particularly high standards in mathematics. The school fosters a love of learning through well-planned and engaging lessons, which are supported by enthusiastic teaching.
Pupils exhibit high levels of self-confidence and resilience, demonstrating excellent personal development. They are courteous and respectful towards one another and adults, showing a keen awareness of the needs and feelings of others. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities and engage in charitable activities, promoting a sense of community and service.
The inspection also noted that pupils develop strong analytical skills and are able to apply their knowledge in practical situations. They engage in collaborative tasks, demonstrating effective teamwork and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge pupils, allowing them to thrive academically and personally.
Overall, Wimbledon Common Preparatory School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the holistic development of its pupils. The school successfully combines academic rigor with personal growth, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The commitment to high standards of teaching and learning, alongside a strong emphasis on values and character development, contributes to the school's reputation as a leading independent preparatory institution. The positive feedback from parents and the community further underscores the school's effectiveness in meeting the needs of its pupils and fostering a culture of excellence.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024