London


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Exterior-1000x667.jpg" alt="Exterior of Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82821" /></figure>



<p>Three schools under one umbrella: a co-ed Pre-Prep (ages 3-7 yrs), then two single-sex Prep sites (ages 7-13 yrs), all on neighbouring sites in leafy south-west London.</p>



<p>The set-up is the school’s headline act: children start together, then move into Broomwood’s ‘diamond model’ from Y3, splitting to boys’ and girls’ Preps a short walk away. It feels more thoughtfully engineered than gimmicky – social ease early on, then more tailored teaching as they grow. If you&#8217;re on the fence when it comes to single sex vs co-ed, this is the educational equivalent of having your cake and eating it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Library-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82833" /></figure>



<p>Broomwood is well established locally and academically ambitious. It’s non-selective at Pre-Prep, with informal taster/assessment mornings for children joining from Y3. There are 523 pupils in total (278 boys, 245 girls), class sizes typically 17-20, spread across three acres of Victorian buildings, playgrounds and sports spaces. Scholarships are a big deal here (39 last year; more than 155 over the past four years).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>Facilities are sensibly spread across the three sites, so children can spend most of the day in &#8216;their&#8217; building, dipping into shared specialist spaces when needed. All sites have age-appropriate adventure playgrounds plus libraries, music rooms and art rooms – giving the whole set-up a villagey, self-contained feel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Sport-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sports at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82834" /></figure>



<p>City schools often must do the sporting equivalent of squeezing a family of five into a two-door hatchback – but Broomwood avoids feeling cramped. PE and training happen on site, on the Common, and with regular use of Spencer Park, Tooting athletics track and King George’s Park for full-scale games (rugby, football, hockey, netball, athletics). Sport feels properly baked into school life rather than tacked onto the timetable.</p>



<p>The programme is ambitious, too: a rugby tour to South Africa (2025), a combined tour to Holland (Easter 2026: girls’ hockey and boys’ football), and a co-ed cricket tour to Sri Lanka planned for 2027. Not bad for prep-school age – serious experiences, but without taking itself too seriously.</p>



<p>It’s not just for the naturally sporty. Every child gets opportunities to represent the school; swimmers can join a weekly squad session from Y3; and Broomwood runs its own cricket and football festivals at Wellington College and Epsom College – unusually confident energy for a city Prep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-amp-performing-arts">CREATIVE &amp; PERFORMING ARTS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Drama-1000x667.jpg" alt="Theatre at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82819" /></figure>



<p>Music is a major strand: orchestras across the schools, choirs, and around 75% of pupils taking instrumental lessons. Pre-Prep children have two music lessons a week (theory plus singing), with bigger concerts held at St Luke’s Church near the Pre-Prep.</p>



<p>There are lots of chances to perform – boys’ and girls’ soirées, recitals, rock bands, plus a popular inter-house music competition. Drama is similarly lively, with recent productions including&nbsp;<em>Annie</em>,&nbsp;<em>Quelle Catastrophe</em>, an immersive Shakespeare summer show,&nbsp;<em>Jungle Book</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Matilda</em>. Younger children get their stage moment via year-group shows, poetry recitals and theatre trips, while older pupils can take LAMDA exams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school">SCHOOL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-DT-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School in art class" class="wp-image-82820" /></figure>



<p>The Prep sites are similarly well resourced, with a strong creative/practical lean on the girls’ site: an impressive DT room (an additional room at the boys), cookery room (boys come over to use it), bright art studio with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spacious drama suite with pull-out seating and rigging. Science is given proper prominence too, with three specialist labs across the sites.</p>



<p>There’s also an amphitheatre for outdoor assemblies and performances — a focal point for the wider school community. Over at the boys’ school, the art room has that pleasingly “this gets used” feel (paint-splattered tables, work everywhere), and the library has bay-window seating for quieter corners. The Year 3 classrooms beneath the hall are cleverly designed with a glass-roofed corridor that keeps things bright (no gloomy prep-school basement vibes).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Mud-kitchen-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82830" /></figure>



<p>Little Broomwood (Pre-School as part of the Pre-Prep) has its own spacious outdoor play area with mini pitch and mud kitchen, plus a multi-use hall for assemblies, lunch, music and drama. Both buildings have their own libraries and music rooms, which keeps the day running smoothly for younger children (minimal schlepping between sites).</p>



<p>Specialist teaching starts early. On the day we visited, a sports teacher was taking PE at Pre-Prep; French, music and art specialists also teach the younger years. By the end of Pre-Prep, children already know some Prep teachers and older pupils through house competitions and shared events. When they join Prep in Y3, they are assigned a Y8 buddy – a fab leadership opportunity for the older children and a friendly face for the newbies. Nice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Science-1000x667.jpg" alt="Science lesson and students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82825" /></figure>



<p>There’s no formal streaming until Y5 (then sets in both maths and English). Reception is divided by birthday into three classes to support the younger children. As pupils move up, forms are mixed so they build relationships beyond the same small group, while still being grouped by ability for certain activities where it helps. Latin starts in Y6 for boys and girls. Confident linguists can do Latin alongside French and Spanish, or opt for Core Skills for extra English/maths support.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Boys-Art-1000x667.jpg" alt="Art lesson and students painting at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82826" /></figure>



<p>The vibe is warm and inclusive – pupils look at ease – but make no mistake, this is academically driven. The walls are more likely to feature scholarships and achievement plaques than endless displays of pupil work (39 scholarships last year; more than 155 in four years. Yes, it&nbsp;<em>is</em>&nbsp;impressive). You’re here to go places, and pupils move on to a wide spread of London and beyond senior schools.</p>



<p>Once senior-school assessments are done, the school shifts focus towards keeping learning broad, enriching and motivating (not just exam grinding): life skills, wellbeing, and EPQ-style projects that build research, collaboration and presentation skills. Staff are clear there’s no single path to success – just the right path for each child. Forget 13+, they’re already coaching the kids in what employers will be looking for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEADS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="732" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-732x1024.jpg" alt="Michael Hodge Principal at Broomwood School London" class="wp-image-4654" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-732x1024.jpg 732w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-214x300.jpg 214w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-768x1075.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-1463x2048.jpg 1463w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2023/11/BB-First-day-back-2024-111-scaled.jpg 1829w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></figure>



<p>Broomwood has a head for each site. Michael<strong> </strong>Hodge has been boys’ Head and school Principal for over a year. With extensive experience in state and independent education, he focuses on happy, confident children, encouraging a love of learning and providing stimulating experiences.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Mrs-McCafferty-Head-of-Girls-1000x667.jpg" alt="Teacher with students at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82828" /></figure>



<p>Louisa McCafferty is Head of the girls’ school, and Caron Mackay leads the Pre-Prep. Together, the three heads work closely to provide a coherent and joined-up approach across the sites. The Broomwood diamond model allows children to progress through the Pre-Prep in a co-ed environment, splitting to single sex sites from Y3. </p>



<p>Children are brought together purposefully while still providing tailored teaching where boys and girls benefit from different approaches in the classroom. The schools combine strong pastoral support with traditional values – passion, aspiration, community, integrity, empathy, and respect – within a modern education framework.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-School-Library-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students in the library at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82824" /></figure>



<p>Pastoral care is a stated strength, with Broomwood recognised in 2024 as Independent School of the Year for Wellbeing. Form teachers check in daily, monitor progress, and liaise with parents. Counsellors are available when needed, alongside strong day-to-day pastoral support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEND</h2>



<p>Broomwood is inclusive and welcomes SEN applications where it can provide the right support. Learning Support is integrated across the school, working with teachers to provide one-to-one lessons, specialist therapy, and classroom strategies tailored to each pupil. Parents are treated as partners in the process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXTRA-CURRICULAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Girls-Garden-1000x667.jpg" alt="Students gardening at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82822" /></figure>



<p>Clubs are plentiful (staff and trusted external providers). Expect the classics – rugby, football, cricket, netball, gymnastics, karate – plus musical theatre, DT, art, cookery and creative writing. Popular this term: table tennis, Inkhead Creative Writing and Musical Theatre. Quirkier options include fencing, e-sports and film-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE </h2>



<p><strong>Pre-Prep:</strong>&nbsp;&#8216;Early waiters&#8217; from 7.30am; main arrival 8.15am-8.30am. Finish 3pm-3.30pm depending on year. Clubs until 4.35pm. Wrap-around until 5.45pm for pre-schoolers and 6pm for Reception–Y2.</p>



<p><strong>Prep:</strong>&nbsp;Drop-off 8am-8.15am; day finishes 5.20pm (with homework and enrichment included in the all-inclusive structure). Y3-Y4 can be collected at 4pm if needed. Clubs run until 6.20pm. Holiday camps also run on site (very handy for working parents).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Older pupils who walk to school can bring a phone, but it is handed in on arrival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h2>



<p>All fees are all-inclusive, covering residentials, lunches, trips, workshops, and the longer school day to support busy families in London. At the Pre-Prep, Little Broomwood is paid by session, but costs £3,376 if you opt for five mornings and £5,910 if you do five full days. From Reception – Y2 is £8,318 per term. Moving into the Prep sites, Y3-Y4 is £9,538 and Y5-Y8, is £10,180, which puts it in line with local independent schools when factoring in the all-inclusive structure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>A weekly &#8216;Golden Lock&#8217; award encourages eco-friendly travel (70% live locally, many arrive by bike/scooter). Boys’ traditions include a tie and a gong struck by scholarship recipients. Pre-Prep ends the year with Broomfest, while the girls’ school has an annual inter-house Pancake Race (relay + flipping = chaos, in the best way).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Broomwood-Pre-Prep-Science-1000x667.jpg" alt="Science lesson at Broomwood School" class="wp-image-82832" /></figure>



<p>Parents are highly engaged, via PTA and career talks (from Michelin-starred chefs to media pros to lawyers and bankers). Politeness, independence and organisation are big themes: pupils use prep diaries, take leadership roles and are encouraged to manage school life confidently.</p>



<p>Parents are highly engaged, contributing through the PTA or delivering career talks—from Michelin-starred chefs and media professionals to lawyers and bankers. Politeness, independence, and the development of organisational and life skills are central: pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their prep diaries, participate in leadership roles, and navigate school life confidently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p>A buzzy and successful Prep school that’s going in the right direction with an education that manages to bridge the best of both worlds with its mixed single sex and co-ed approach.</p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Bright, energetic kids who are joiners and thrive on a busy, opportunity-rich school life.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>Children who need a slower pace or very intensive, high-frequency support beyond the school’s standard Learning Support offer.</p>



<p>The next Open Mornings are: Fri 13 Mar (Pre-Prep) and Fri 20 Mar 2026 (Prep-Boys &amp; Prep-Girls) – see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broomwood.com/admissions/book-a-visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this page</a>&nbsp;for details. Bespoke tours also available.</p>



<p>There are also small group tours on one Friday every half term at the Pre-Prep (3-7 years old)&nbsp;9am-10.15am, though visitors can request to see the Prep sites afterwards.</p>



<p><em>Broomwood Pre-Prep, 192 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ;</em><br><em>Broomwood Prep &#8211; Boys, 26 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 6EL;</em><br><em>Broomwood Prep- Girls, 68-74 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR;</em><br><em>Tel. 0208 682 8830; Web: <a href="https://www.broomwood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broomwood.com</a></em>.</p>


Broomwood Pre-Prep & Prep Schools

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