Hereward House SchoolHampstead ยท Est. 1951
020 7794 4820 Book a visit
Independent boys' prep school ยท Hampstead, North London

A Hampstead prep school for academic ambition โ€” without losing childhood.

We prepare boys for London's leading senior schools without losing sight of the child in front of us. One form per year, around 170 boys, since 1951.

Book a visit Download the parent guide
2024/25 leaver destinations
WestminsterSt Paul'sCity of LondonHighgateUCSEton
Pascal Evans, Headmaster, with Hereward House boys on the steps of the school
A teacher working with a small group of Hereward House boys
One form per yearAround 170 boys, from Reception to Year 8.
A message from our Headmaster

Our size is deliberate.

Families looking for an independent boys' school in North London often value the care, clarity and individual attention of a small Hampstead community.

Since 1951 we have been a small, purposeful prep school built on close relationships. With one form per year and around 170 boys, we know each child properly: his strengths, his character, his friendships, his worries, and the moments when he needs either a little more challenge or a little more encouragement.

"We meet every family personally, because the best way to understand Hereward House is to experience it as it is."Pascal Evans, Headmaster
1951
Founded
170
Boys in the school
1
Form per year group
Book a visit
Why Hereward House

In a larger school, a quiet boy can disappear. Here, that isn't possible.

A lively boy can be misunderstood before he is properly known. A capable boy can be pushed before he is ready. Hereward House is built, on purpose, so that relationships shape the school day โ€” from Reception through to senior school preparation.

Individual attention, every day

One form per year, small class sizes, and a Headmaster who knows every boy. Care isn't a policy here โ€” it's part of the school day.

Academic stretch with care

A broad curriculum โ€” Debating, Mandarin, Careers, Chess, Music, Drama and Sport โ€” that keeps boys thinking widely and staying curious.

Prepared for leading senior schools

Boys move on with the confidence, character and academic foundation to thrive at the next stage.

Two Hereward House boys playing on a bench in the school garden
A Hereward House boy playing a wind instrument in a music lesson
Hereward House boys playing together outdoors
Request more information
Academic outcomes

Preparation with substance, not pressure for pressure's sake.

Our boys move on to leading London day and boarding schools. We want them to work hard, think deeply and take pride in their progress โ€” not simply perform.

Alongside a deliberately broad curriculum, every boy receives individual guidance for senior school entry, shaped around who he is, how he learns and where he is most likely to thrive next.

W
Westminster
SP
St Paul's
CL
City of London
H
Highgate
U
UCS
E
Eton
Book a visit See leavers' destinations
A Hereward House boy thinking during a lesson
Boys are encouraged to think widely and stay curious โ€” through Debating, Mandarin, Chess, Music, Drama and Sport.
Admissions

4+ and 7+ admissions at our Hampstead prep school.

Wherever you are in the process, we'd be very happy to talk with you. Our Admissions team will guide you through availability, timings and next steps โ€” clear, personal and unhurried.

Main entry point

4+ Entry

Transition ยท Reception

Where most boys begin. Families are welcome to register at any stage, though we recommend around a year before entry. Registered families are invited for a personal tour and a meeting with our Headmaster.

Register your interest โ†’
Limited places

7+ Entry

Form 3 ยท Year 3

A small number of places each year as boys move into the Middle School, with a wider range of specialist teaching, clubs, sport and opportunities.

Enquire about availability โ†’
Occasional

Mid-year places

Years 1โ€“8

Places sometimes arise as families relocate or circumstances change. We take great care to ensure boys joining part-way through feel settled from their first day.

Speak to our admissions team โ†’
Already decided? You can complete the online application form directly.
Apply now โ†’
What families say

In their words.

"My boys have woken up happy to go to school every day. The small teacher-to-student ratio is rigorous without being harsh โ€” and they were exceptionally well prepared for the demands of Westminster."

H
Hanaa
Parent of a Year 8 pupil

"Our two sons have grown in confidence and maturity, and we've always felt supported as a family. Academic standards are high, but what stands out is the commitment to kind, thoughtful young people."

B
Beth
Parent of a Year 5 pupil

"The quality of teaching and academic progress has been to a very high standard. We know our sons have a bright future from their time at Hereward House."

S
Stacey
Parent of a 2025 leaver
Come and see for yourself
The Independent Association of Prep Schools โ€” Excellence in Education
An accredited member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools.
Hereward House meets the IAPS standards for teaching, pastoral care and school leadership.
1951Founded
4โ€“13Years of age
NW3Hampstead
Free parent guide

Not ready to visit yet? Start with the guide.

Choosing a prep school is rarely just a practical decision. Our free guide helps you think it through with more clarity โ€” what to look for beyond results, and how to tell whether a school will really know your son.

  • Visible leadership and pastoral care
  • Academic stretch without pressure
  • The right questions to ask on a tour
  • Understanding the senior school pathway
  • The everyday signs a child will be happy there

Download the guide

Sent straight to your inbox.

We'll use your details to send information from Hereward House School. We never share them with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time. Cookies & Privacy Policy

Get in touch

Sometimes the next step isn't a decision. It's simply a conversation.

Request more information and our Admissions team will guide you gently through the next steps โ€” whether you're ready to visit, still comparing schools, or just beginning your search.

Request more information or book a visit

We'll use your details to respond to your enquiry and send information from Hereward House School. We never share them with third parties. Cookies & Privacy Policy

Visits run throughout the term. Meet the Headmaster and see the school as it is.
020 7794 4820 Request more information
We use cookies and other similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and the functionality of our site. By clicking "Accept All Cookies," you consent to the storing on your device of all the technologies described in our Cookie Policy. You can revoke your cookie attestation by clearing your browser session and clicking "Dismiss".