Private Co-Educational Pre-Prep School in Kensington, London

Strong Foundations at Our Pre-Prep School in Kensington

For more than 75 years, the Wetherby name has been synonymous with exceptional early education, outstanding academic foundations, and progression to some of the UK’s most prestigious schools. At Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep, children aged 4 to 8 benefit from this proven heritage through an ambitious co-educational experience designed to give every child the strongest possible start.

Commended as Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year 2026 and recognised for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational excellence, the school combines an accelerated, aspirational curriculum with highly personalised teaching and specialist subject expertise.

As a non-selective school, we are proud that 87% of pupils are working above average in mathematics, while 66% exceed expectations. Preparation for 7+ and 8+ entry is carefully integrated throughout, building the knowledge, assessment skills, and confidence pupils need to progress successfully to their next school.

Female student in Wetherby uniform writing at a desk

Excellent Academic Outcomes

87% of Pre-Prep pupils achieve above-average outcomes in Mathematics, demonstrating how effectively the curriculum challenges young learners. Strong attainment at this stage provides children with a solid foundation for increasingly complex academic work.

Boy in a grey blazer with red trim holding a stair railing beside a red door

Expert 7+ and 8+ Preparation

Preparation develops the subject knowledge, assessment techniques, and interview skills pupils need for competitive entry. Children become familiar with the demands of the process, helping them perform with greater composure when it matters.

Two pupils in school uniform running across a sunny lawn

Leading Prep School Destinations

Our pupils progress to highly regarded schools, including Westminster Under, King’s College School, and St Paul’s. These destinations reflect the strength of the foundations laid here and the readiness pupils bring to the next phase of their education.

Four pupils hugging and laughing together on a garden bench

Personalised Pre-Prep Learning in Kensington

Small-group teaching creates more opportunities for meaningful feedback, targeted questioning, and deeper classroom participation. This helps Pre-Prep teachers extend learning further and respond quickly when a child is ready for more.

Pupils in uniform coming down white steps in front of the red school door

Why Choose Our Pre-Prep School in Kensington?

Families choose our Pre-Prep school in Kensington for an education that combines exceptional academic preparation with the individual attention of a close-knit school community. Pupils are well known to their teachers, closely supported as they progress, and challenged at the right level to help them achieve highly without losing the enjoyment of learning.

With non-selective entry at Reception, our pupils’ strong 7+ and 8+ exam results and progression to some of the UK’s leading schools are a testament to the high-quality teaching and care we provide.

Recent destinations include St Paul’s Juniors, Westminster Under School, King’s College School, Wimbledon, Highgate School, City of London School, and University College School (UCS), alongside other highly regarded London and UK schools.

Small-group teaching, individual guidance, and close pastoral oversight ensure that support is tailored to each child, equipping pupils with the knowledge, confidence, and maturity to approach competitive entry successfully and move on, ready to thrive.

Academic Stages

Students reading a magazine together in the library

Reception & Year 1

Ages 4 to 6

Learn More

Two pupils smiling in the fork of a silver birch tree

Years 2 & 3

Ages 6 to 8

Learn more

Teacher and three pupils in uniform at the school's red front door

75 Years of Wetherby and Pembridge Hall Excellence

Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall School have long shared a home on Pembridge Square, each building a distinguished reputation in boys’ and girls’ education respectively. Their histories bring together decades of academic ambition, individual attention, and care, forming the heritage behind the Wetherby Pembridge name.

Founded by Margaret and Gerald Russell in 1951, Wetherby has spent 75 years preparing generations of boys for some of London’s most prestigious schools. Its distinctive red doors, long-established customs, and high expectations reflect an approach that encourages pupils to pursue excellence while developing their own strengths.

Wetherby’s legacy is visible in the achievements of its former pupils. They include William, Prince of Wales; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; actor Hugh Grant; Oscar-winning screenwriter and novelist Julian Fellowes; renowned cellist and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber; and Olympic gold medallist Constantine Louloudis MBE.

Pembridge Hall’s story began in 1979, when the Sisters of Sion founded a small school on Chepstow Villas. Originally named Our Lady of Sion, it moved to 18 Pembridge Square in 1980 and became Pembridge Hall. From these modest beginnings, it grew into one of West London’s most prominent independent preparatory schools for girls, later expanding to a second building at 10 Pembridge Square.

Over the decades, Pembridge Hall has established its own proud tradition of academic preparation and personal development. As a leader in girls’ education, it nurtures pupils’ confidence, independence, and individual talents, preparing them to flourish at leading senior schools.

Learn More

Three pupils in blazers smiling in front of a red double door

A Pre-Prep in Kensington Rich in Opportunity

A broad school experience gives children the space to discover where their strengths, interests, and enthusiasms lie. Specialist teaching in music, art, computing, and sport introduces pupils to different ways of thinking, creating, and expressing themselves.

Opportunities to take part in debating, entrepreneurship, Pupil Parliament, and other areas of school life help children learn how to contribute ideas, work with others, and take increasing responsibility within their community. Learning extends beyond the classroom through regular use of green spaces, museums, cultural institutions, and educational destinations across London.

This breadth matters because it gives children more opportunities to discover what engages them, develop their talents, and become more adaptable learners. By the time they move on, they are better prepared to participate fully in the academic, creative, sporting, and social opportunities of their next school.

A World of Opportunity Through an Inspired Education

As part of Inspired Education, Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep combines the character and heritage of the Wetherby family with the opportunities of a leading global group of premium schools. Pupils benefit from teachers who engage in ongoing professional development and draw on international educational expertise, strengthening the quality of learning they experience every day. Being part of Inspired also opens doors to opportunities beyond a single school. As children progress, they can access a wider network of premium day and boarding schools, international exchanges, and specialist summer programmes that enable them to explore new interests, develop their talents, and broaden their experience of the world.

Wetherby Kensington Accreditations

⠀

Discover a leading Pre-Prep school in Kensington where ambitious learning, individual attention, and exceptional opportunities give every child strong foundations for the future.

Enquire Now

A Leading Co-Educational Pre-Prep School in Kensington

Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep

Academic Stages

75 Years of Wetherby and Pembridge Hall Excellence

Wetherby Kensington Accreditations