The White House Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school in London that is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children.

The school's philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and capable of achieving their full potential.

By fostering a strong sense of community, encouraging kindness and empathy, and emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education, The White House Preparatory School aims to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

History of The White House Preparatory School

The White House Preparatory School traces its roots back to 1985, when it was founded by Mary McCahery, a seasoned educator with a passion for early years development.

Under her guidance, the school has flourished, becoming a respected institution in the London area. Mary's dedication to education is evident in her continued involvement as the school's principal, supported by her daughters Grace McCahery and Laura Randall, who serve as Vice Principals.

The school's commitment to providing a high-quality education is further strengthened by the leadership of Headmaster Joe Knight, who works closely with Mary to ensure the school's continued success. Together, they lead a strong team of educators who are dedicated to nurturing young minds.

Education

Educational Approach at The White House Preparatory School

The White House Preparatory School is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning.

 The school’s philosophy is based on the following principles:

A Balanced and Comprehensive Curriculum

• Core Subjects: A strong focus on English, Mathematics, and Science.
• Languages: Early exposure to French, Spanish, and Latin.
• Creative Arts: Opportunities in music, art, drama, and dance.
• Humanities: A focus on history, geography, and religious studies.
• Technology: Integration of computing and technology throughout the curriculum.

A Child-Centered Approach

• Personalized Attention: Small class sizes (averaging 16 pupils) ensure individual focus and support.
• Fostering Curiosity: An inquiry-based approach that encourages a love of learning.
• Independence: Developing self-directed learning and problem-solving skills.

Character Development

• Values: Promoting respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Social Skills: Building teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Resilience: Cultivating a positive mindset and emotional strength.

Preparation for Future Success

• Academic Rigor: Challenging students to reach their full potential.
• Exam Preparation: Tailored support for entrance exams to top secondary schools.
• Life Skills: Teaching time management, organization, and other essential skills for personal and academic growth.

The White House Preparatory School Environment

The school caters to students from Reception through Year 6, with small, focused classes that promote a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

Alongside academic achievement, the school emphasizes emotional, social, and physical development, creating a well-rounded educational experience for all students.

By combining a strong academic foundation with rich extracurricular opportunities, The White House Preparatory School provides a stimulating environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

The White House Preparatory School Day Nursery: A Nurturing Start

The White House Preparatory School Day Nursery offers a warm and welcoming environment for children aged 6 months to 5 years old. The nursery is designed to support children's development and provide a loving atmosphere.

Key features of the nursery include:

• Homely Setting: Located in historic buildings, the nursery provides a comforting and familiar environment.
• Spacious Play Areas: Open floor plans, light-filled rooms, and outdoor spaces encourage exploration and play.
• Dedicated Staff: Highly qualified and experienced staff are committed to nurturing each child's potential.
• Individualized Care: The nursery offers personalized care to meet each child's unique needs.

The White House Preparatory School: A Day School

The White House Preparatory School is a traditional day school, providing a balance of academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

Students benefit from the advantages of a day school environment, including daily interaction with family and the opportunity to pursue a wide range of interests outside of school hours.

Facilities at The White House Preparatory School

The White House Preparatory School offers a wide range of facilities to enhance the learning experience of its students.

Academic Facilities

• Classrooms: Well-equipped classrooms designed for effective learning.
• Library: A well-stocked library with a wide range of books and resources.
• Science Lab: A dedicated science lab for conducting experiments and practical investigations.
• Art Studio: A creative space for art and design activities.
• Music Room: A room equipped with musical instruments for music lessons and practice.
• IT Suite: A computer lab with modern technology for digital learning.

Sports Facilities

• Outdoor Playing Fields: For sports like football, cricket, and athletics.
• Indoor Sports Hall: For indoor sports and physical education.

Extra-curricular Facilities

• Early Bird Club: For early morning childcare.
• Homework Club: For supervised study and light tea.

Performing Arts Facilities

• Specialist Arts Block: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art lessons.

The school also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including:

• Sports: Football, Rugby, Hockey, Tennis, Netball, Rounders, Cricket, Swimming, and Athletics.
• Arts: Music, Drama, Art, Dance, and LAMDA.
• Clubs: Engineering, Debate, Stock-broking, Lego, Karate, Gymnastics, Choir, and more.

The White House Preparatory School strives to provide a well-rounded education, combining academic excellence with a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Application Process

1. Initial Inquiry:

• Parents express interest in enrolling their child (ages 3-11).
• The school's Registrar schedules a visit, either during a Saturday Open Morning or a private tour with the Headmaster.

1. Registration:

• Parents complete a registration form and pay a £70 fee.
• This adds the child to the school's waiting list.
• Parents receive invitations to school events and open days.

1. School Visit:

• Parents tour the school with the Headmaster.
• This is an opportunity to discuss the child's needs and learn more about the school.

1. Offer of Place:

• If a place is available, the school will extend an offer, typically up to 24 months in advance.
• Priority is given to siblings and children from Woodentops Nurseries.
• Offers are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. Formal Offer and Deposit:

• Parents receive a formal offer letter.
• A deposit payment confirms acceptance of the offer.

1. Start Date Confirmation:

• Once the deposit is received, the school confirms the child's start date.
• Parents are added to the school's mailing list for newsletters and event invitations.

1. Settling-In Process:

• Before the child's first day, they are invited to meet their teacher and classmates.
• For older children (Year 1-6), a buddy system is in place to help with the transition.
• For Reception children, the school holds special events to ease the transition.

Note:

• The school accepts children in various year groups, subject to availability.
• Scholarships are available for entry into Year 3.
• Last-minute vacancies may arise, so it's advisable to contact the admissions office for inquiries.

White House Preparatory School Fees

Termly Fees

Pre-Reception Fees (2024-2025)

Additional Fees

• Registration Fee: £70 (non-refundable)
• Deposit: £3,000 (refundable 3 weeks after the child leaves the school)

Discounts

• Sibling Discount: 5% discount for siblings attending concurrently.

Included in Fees

• Tuition
• Games
• Swimming
• Art instruction and materials
• After-school clubs (excluding Karate, Drama Club, Gymnastics Club, Early Bird Club, and Miss Natalie's After School Club)

Not Included in Fees

• Lunch
• Trips (including residential trips)
• Individual instrumental lessons

Lunch

• Catered school lunch is provided for Reception to Year 6 students.
• This is invoiced separately from the main school fees.