Devonshire House Preparatory School 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 6AE 020 7435 1916

admissions@dhprep.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk Featured news and articles

School type	Co-educational Day Preparatory & Nursery
Founded	1989
Head of School	Mr H Keighley-Elstub
Co-ed Age Range	2-13 years
Number of pupils	433
Number of boys	266
Number of girls	167
Day fees per annum	£4,087 - £10,389 per annum (incl. VAT)
Average Class Size	20
Associations	IAPS, ISC

Devonshire House is a co-educational prep school, for girls and boys aged 2–13, offering unparalleled preparation for senior school and life thereafter. Our unwavering focus on individual growth, within an inclusive community, blends traditional values and modern practice to inspire fearless life-long learning.

At Devonshire House, we occupy a rare midground: academic rigour and a happy, balanced, nurturing childhood. Children fly academically precisely because they are known and loved as an individual through bespoke relationships.

Facilities

The school is situated in fine premises in the heart of Hampstead across four sites.

Our Nursery is a self-contained haven tucked away from the hustle of the main school. Completely refurbished inside and out in 2023, the beautiful, natural interiors are complemented by amazing outdoor spaces including: buggy park for parents, sustainable playground with sandpits, mud kitchen, climbing frame, pirate ship, a planting / sensory area and a covered area.

The Lower school (Reception – Year 2) is perfectly proportioned for younger children and include: our own Forest School, a reading hut, a multi-purpose hall, and a full-size Netball astro playground.

The Middle School (Year 3 – Year 5) facilities reflect the fact that your child starts to have subject specialist teachers. Spaces include a fully equipped science lab, an Art room, a Music room and several music practice rooms, a multipurpose hall with lighting / sound system for drama, a library, a Technology suite and two playground areas.

Finally, The Upper school (Year 6 – Year 8) is designed to bridge the gap between Prep and Senior school. Recently refurbished, our specialist spaces include the same facilities as our Middle School.

Our Teaching Team

Our high-qualified staff members share a drive and ambition for the school and its pupils. When coupled with their personal warmth, commitment to personalised learning and belief in individual growth and opportunity, the result is powerful.

Our Community

We are a diverse, non-denominational and inclusive community, reflective of our location in a global city. Yet the warmth of the community spirit has a village feel, bringing belonging, connection and a network for the whole family.

Our Senior School Preparation

Our approach to Senior School preparation at 11+ and 13+ is a bespoke and iterative one, which builds over time, until parents are comfortable with their decision-making.

The Head is heavily invested in guiding you to find the right fit, drawing on his extensive experience and strong relationships with the senior schools. At the same time, we are working closely with your child in the classroom to ensure they are thoroughly prepared when the time comes.

Our Governance

You have the peace of mind which strong leadership from an experienced and well-connected Head brings, underpinned by the quality, investment, security and training of belonging to the Dukes Governance family of schools.

Flexibility for working parents

You have the flexibility of an extended day and holiday clubs, aided by our location in the heart of Hampstead with ready access to transport links.

Our Admissions Process

Nursery (age 2 to 4)

At Devonshire House, our Nursery School comprises two groups: 'Acorns', for children starting at two years old, and 'Oaks', for those joining at three. Children can join each September, and for Acorns only, we offer a January intake for children who turn two between September 1st and December 31st.

There are no taster sessions or assessments required to secure a place. Offers for Acorns are made year-round for any upcoming academic years. For Oaks, offers are extended one year in advance.

Joining at 4+ (Reception)

At Devonshire House, we offer Reception places with no assessment required. However, your child will be invited to fun and inspiring Taster events several times during the year preceding the proposed academic year of entry. In the past, we've offered Winter Forest School tasters and Music and Movement sessions to registered children.

Offers for Reception are made in the Spring Term preceding the proposed academic year of entry. However, if you wish to receive an early offer, please contact our Admissions Team.

Joining at 7+ (Year 3)

Your child will be invited to a fun and inspiring Taster event. It's the perfect chance for your child to experience the unique blend of academic excellence and joyful learning that defines life at Devonshire House.

Offers for Year 3 are made in the Spring Term preceding the proposed academic year of entry. However, if you wish to receive an early offer, please contact our Admissions Team.

Joining at 11+ (Year 7)

Every year, new pupils join us in Year 7, at the age of 11, for the final two years of prep school, where they receive thorough preparation for entry into a variety of 13+ day and boarding schools.

Your child will be invited to a taster session that will include a small assessment.