London


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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/outside-space-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep outdoor space" class="wp-image-18180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/outside-space-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/outside-space-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/outside-space-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/outside-space.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Housed in a former library on Allfarthing Lane, Wandsworth Prep is one of those rare London schools that feels more extended family than institution. Partly due to its size (this co-ed, non-selective Prep educates under 100 pupils aged 3-11 yrs), but largely because of the vibe set by the head. We are greeted by the warmest of smiles on arrival and instantly feel at home.</p>



<p>Wandsworth Prep is a local school in the truest sense. Most families live within a two-mile radius and walk or scooter in, giving the place a distinct village feel despite its London postcode.</p>



<p>The defining feature here isn’t shiny facilities or headline results – it’s the feel. Children are confident, polite and openly friendly, and staff know every child (and family) inside out. When we visited, Year 1 pupils were filing out of the hall after PE, and each one made a beeline to high-five the head on the way past and stopped for a chat. Those interactions can’t be staged for a school brochure (or review!).</p>



<p>There’s also a strong community spirit, with parents keen to get involved and a growing PTA. Families support open days, spread the word and act as natural ambassadors – always a good sign. &nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“Small but mighty” is a phrase we hear more than once during our visit – and it fits.  From Forest School on Wimbledon Common to swimming at the local pool and performances in borrowed theatre spaces, the school makes brilliant use of its surroundings – and its scale.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/sportsday-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep sport" class="wp-image-18184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/sportsday-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/sportsday-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/sportsday-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/sportsday.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Sport is inclusive, accessible and very much part of everyday school life. PE happens twice a week, swimming lessons take place at the local pool, and there are around six fixtures each term against nearby schools.</p>



<p>There’s no elite-first culture and no A/B team hierarchy. Everyone has the chance to pull on a kit and represent the school. But don’t mistake that for a lack of ambition. Pupils compete in tournaments, including ISA fixtures, and Sports Day is a properly buzzy house affair with bragging rights firmly at stake.</p>



<p>Beyond traditional matches, there’s enrichment too – from climbing to padel, giving children the chance to discover what lights them up. It’s not a hyper-competitive sports factory, but nor is it tokenistic</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" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/music-garden-1024x683.jpg" alt=" Wandsworth Prep music" class="wp-image-18185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/music-garden-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/music-garden-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/music-garden-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/music-garden.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Music and drama play a visible role in school life. There are performances for parents throughout the year, and the choir has sung at community events, including the Northcote Road Christmas lights switch-on and Riverside Radio’s Christmas event.</p>



<p>Highlights include the Upper School production of <em>The Sound of Music</em> in summer 2025, seasonal performances supported by a local drama company, and weekly LAMDA classes (the school is a LAMDA-approved centre).</p>



<p>In art, pupils have recently been selected to enter the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2026.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/local-park-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep local park" class="wp-image-18181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/local-park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/local-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/local-park-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/local-park.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The school is housed in the former Alvering Library, and while on-site outdoor space is modest, the nearby park – just five minutes away – is used every day, so it feels like an extension of the playground.</p>



<p>The kids get an extra dose of fresh air at Forest School on Wimbledon Common, which runs for three half terms each year. This is getting grubby with purpose – building dens, lighting fires and problem-solving – in a natural (and very fun) environment. In the remaining half terms, children rotate through activities such as climbing, drama, cookery and gardening. Each activity runs for a full half term, allowing children time to build real skills and confidence.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/nursery-garden-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep nursery" class="wp-image-18186" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/nursery-garden-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/nursery-garden-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/nursery-garden-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/nursery-garden-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Nursery and Reception feel like a natural extension of the school’s family vibe. During our visit, we popped our heads in to see Wandworth Prep&#8217;s youngest members happily playing. It felt calm and secure, which is just what you want for your kid&#8217;s very first rung on the education ladder. Close links between Nursery and Reception ensure a smooth transition into “big school” without pressure.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classoom-wow-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep learning" class="wp-image-18183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classoom-wow-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classoom-wow-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classoom-wow-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classoom-wow.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Wandsworth Prep has long been recognised for its nurturing and child-centred approach. Under the new head, this strong pastoral foundation continues to flourish, alongside a clear and confident emphasis on academics. The result is a carefully balanced environment where children are both well supported and inspired to achieve their very best.</p>



<p>The curriculum is ambitious without being pressurised, with a clear focus on developing thinking skills, reasoning and problem-solving from an early age. Progress is tracked carefully, using CAT assessments to measure each child against their own potential rather than crude headline data. </p>



<p>Beyond the core subjects, learning is organised into six-week themed learning journeys that connect ideas across the curriculum. These often begin with a trip, workshop or hands-on experience, and finish with a chance for children to share what they’ve learned – through a parent showcase or practical project.</p>



<p>Enterprise is a standout feature. Each class is given a small budget and tasked with designing a product or game to sell at an enterprise fair, held at the end of each term. From personalised mugs and bookmarks to hot chocolate kits and games, projects are linked to current learning themes and teach children about teamwork, problem-solving and money – with profits often donated to charity.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The school supports children with mild to moderate additional needs, led by an experienced SENCo and supported by skilled staff delivering targeted interventions. Strengths lie in early identification, flexibility and speed of response – children don’t get lost in systems or wait months for help. That said, this is not a specialist setting for pupils with complex or high-level needs requiring intensive, ongoing support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep pastoral care" class="wp-image-18187" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The small size of Wandsworth Prep is a real plus point when it comes to pastoral care. Every member of staff knows every child – and vice versa – which means worries are picked up early, and support is put in place quickly, without layers of process or paperwork. Children are encouraged to speak to any adult they trust, or use worry boxes and classroom “worry monsters” if that feels easier.</p>



<p>Carla Ritchie, Assistant Head, leads on pastoral and safeguarding (as well as teaching reception), creating a genuinely joined-up approach. She works closely with staff to ensure every child is supported emotionally in the way that suits them best.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher.jpg" alt="Wandsworth Prep head" class="wp-image-18188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/head-teacher-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Jo Pache joined as Head in September 2025 – her first headship – bringing with her a solid track record. She has been in education&nbsp;for over 25 years, including 11 years at a larger Prep in Kew, six of those as Deputy Head, and eight years in an international school in Hong Kong. </p>



<p>She’s warm, down-to-earth and refreshingly open, with a leadership style that neatly blends strong pastoral instincts with clear academic ambition. Her decision to take on the role was driven by a strong alignment between the school’s ethos and her own values – and a belief that this was a place where thoughtful leadership could really make a difference. </p>



<p>Since arriving, Jo has been reassessing the school’s core values to ensure they’re lived rather than laminated. &#8216;Be Fearless&#8217;, for example, is being reframed with more nuance. As Jo tells us, on our visit, it’s okay to feel scared; what matters is how you manage those fears and learn from them.</p>



<p>This is a head who really cares about children being equipped for life, and not just exam-educated. And while she’s keen to preserve Wandsworth Prep’s reputation for nurture, she’s equally clear about improving its academic narrative.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classroom-smiles-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wandsworth prep children" class="wp-image-18189" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classroom-smiles-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classroom-smiles-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classroom-smiles-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/01/classroom-smiles.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>A simple but effective house system (Willow, Sycamore and Pine) gives children a strong sense of belonging. Siblings are placed in the same house, points are earned through everyday school life, sport and special events, and house days and lunches give children plenty of opportunities to work together across age groups.</p>



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



<p>Wraparound runs from 7.30am-6pm and is included in the fees – a big plus for working parents. It’s run in-house, so children know the staff, and activities include Lego, games, arts and crafts, reading corners and downtime. There are additional clubs, for an additional fee. School events are thoughtfully timed – often at drop-off – and parents get plenty of notice when time off is required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>Last inspected in 2024, you can read the ISI report <a href="https://www.isi.net/institutions/school/wandsworth-preparatory-school-8834?results=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Children are not allowed to have phones in school. Internet access is filtered and monitored, social media is not permitted, and online safety is actively taught.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>While most children walk, the school is well connected by public transport. Wandsworth Town station is a 10-15 min walk (with direct trains to Waterloo and Clapham Junction) and multiple bus routes run frequently to surrounding areas like Putney, Battersea, Wimbledon and Clapham.</p>



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



<p>Fees for Reception to Y6 for 2025/26: £6,194 per term (which includes VAT and that all-important wrap-around care ). Lunch is an extra £475 per term. Pre-school is £391.25 per week for mornings (8.30am-12.30pm), and includes lunch. Afternoon sessions are covered by Early Years Free Entitlements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Parents rave about Wandsworth Prep, with some describing it as “the best decision&#8221; they&#8217;ve made for their child. Forest School gets a lotta love, with families praising the outdoor learning and the way it builds confidence in a genuinely hands-on way. The Early Years provision is also a hit. Parents highlight the warm, welcoming staff and their obvious passion for teaching, alongside engaging, well-thought-through activities that children genuinely enjoy.</p>



<p>What comes through most strongly, though, is the atmosphere. Families talk about kindness, respect and empathy being lived values rather than buzzwords – and about seeing that reflected in their children’s confidence, behaviour and friendships. </p>



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



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Families seeking a small, warm Prep where children are known, nurtured and quietly stretched academically. Ideal for parents who value character and confidence alongside solid academic foundations.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> Those looking for a big, buzzy school, league-table bragging rights or specialist provision for complex SEND needs.</p>



<p><strong>DARE TO DISAGREE?</strong> There are regular small group tours with the Head and team. The next tour is on 23 April 2026. Arrange a visit <a href="https://www.wandsworthprep.com/admissions/visit-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.wandsworthprep.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wandsworth Prep</a>, 2 Allfarthing Lane, London SW18 2PQ. Tel:</em> 020 8870 4133</p>


Wandsworth Preparatory School

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