It’s a true sign of an ‘incredible’ school when children ‘cry if they have to take the day off’– and that’s as much to do with Notting Hill Prep’s ‘warm and loving environment’ as it is its unique way of ‘cultivating curiosity and a love of learning’, without compromising on academic results.

Tatler Schools Guide

Full of energy and happiness, NHP is unique. Its philosophy won’t align with everyone, but from those it does, the message is clear. ‘We are so lucky to be part of the warmest, smartest, most interesting, silliest, most energetic and fun school there is,’ says one parent. ‘The children say NHP stands for No Happier Place – and that’s pretty much spot on.’

Talk Education

Impressive and creative. Underpinning the curriculum are De Bono’s thinking hats. These metacognitive tools encourage the kids to learn problem solving and critical thinking from a young age. Add the school’s four values – wonder, challenge, self-knowledge and community – into the mix and you get a teaching style that encourages pupils to deep dive into topics, consider wider implications and ask lots of questions.

Muddy Stilletos

You won’t find many schools that nurture children’s minds by following the principles of Edward de Bono’s theory of Six Thinking Hats, but Notting Hill Prep likes to do things differently….Head Maxine Shaw…is committed to the prep’s Thinking School status, believing it creates academic rigour while preserving the joy of childhood. It’s certainly no slouch on academics, with pupils leaving for the likes of Westminster, Eton and St Paul’s Girls.

Tatler Schools Guide

Life skills and mindfulness are just as important as passing exams – but these pupils are certainly no slouches on that front. Specialist teachers make learning fun, with loads of practical activities like ‘kung-fu maths’ and hands-on science experiments in the school’s superlabs. Everyone is prepped for 11+, when a few girls peel off to London day schools; the rest stay on till 13 and bag places at top spots including The Harrodian, Bradfield, Francis Holland and Brighton College.

Talk Education

…slap bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of W11 life, although once inside things are very different. Notting Hill Prep (NHP) is in a soundproofed bubble with a state-of-the-art air-filtration system, resident hens, rooftop beehives, and a woodland style adventure playground. When you add in the small class sizes – capped at 22, rather fabulous.

Muddy Stilletos