Private schools in Wandsworth
PrepCo-educationalOfsted · Not yet inspected
Hornsby House School logo

Hornsby House School

London · SW12 8RS

Pupils

441

Established

1,988

Day fees

£23k

Inspection

Not yet inspected

School website

Hornsby House is a warm, inclusive non-selective day prep in south London (SW12), founded in 1988 by speech and language therapist Professor Bevé Hornsby. The school blends genuine academic rigour—evidenced by outstanding 11+ results placing it among the highest-performing preps in the area—with a nurturing, community-centred ethos. Known for a broad, creative curriculum and strong pastoral care underpinned by mental health training, it offers families a purposeful alternative to more selective prep models.

  • →Outstanding track record of 11+ outcomes to top London day schools, without selective admissions at entry
  • →Warm, inclusive culture emphasising wellbeing and the 'Hornsby Habits'; all staff trained in mental health first aid
  • →Access to premium sports facilities (Trinity Fields, Battersea Ironsides 4G pitch) and Artsmark Gold curriculum recognition

Who thrives here

Pupils who benefit from a structured, academically rigorous environment that simultaneously prioritises emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and a broad education. Families seeking a non-selective entry point but with genuine academic ambition suit the school's ethos well.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Founded1988
Number of pupils441
Pupils with SEND111
Age range4–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£22.6k/yr
Settingsuburban
LocationLocated between Balham and Wandsworth Common in south-west London; good bus and rail connectivity; families typically draw from SW12, SW11, SW17, and surrounding postcodes.

Contact & visit

Hearnville Road, London

London

SW12 8RS

www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk
02086737573
Mr Edward Rees, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Balham8 min
Wandsworth Common10 min
Clapham South12 min

Recent investment

✓4G all-weather pitch at Battersea Ironsides Rugby Club (recent)
✓Expanded partnership and outreach network including Kang Daek School, Cambodia

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Hornsby House School?

Day fees at Hornsby House School are approximately £22,590 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into Hornsby House School?

Hornsby House School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Hornsby House School a boarding school?

Hornsby House School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.

Further reading

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Warm, nurturing, genuinely inclusive culture; strong sense of community and belonging

✓Excellent 11+ outcomes and academic rigour without perceived pressure or overly early specialisation

✓Strong pastoral care, wellbeing focus, and mental health awareness embedded in staff training

✓Good co-curricular breadth, particularly sport and arts; well-resourced facilities partnerships

Common concerns

!No Ofsted inspection yet; families must rely on school's own claims and word-of-mouth rather than external validation

!Not ranked on Parent Power or major league tables, limiting comparative data for families

!Fees not published on excerpt; transparency on financial accessibility and bursary provision unclear