PrepCo-educationalISI · Excellent

St David's School

Purley, Surrey · CR8 3AL

Pupils

147

Day fees

£13k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

St David's School is a small, friendly coeducational day prep in Purley, Surrey, serving children from age 3 to 11 across nursery, reception, and junior years. With 147 pupils, the school emphasises individualised attention and a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere typical of South London independent preps. As an unregistered Ofsted provider, the school operates outside routine inspection but maintains traditional prep values of academic progress, character development, and pastoral care.

  • Small class sizes and individualised attention suited to mixed-ability cohorts
  • Convenient day-only format with flexible hours appealing to working families in Purley and surrounding suburbs
  • Holistic focus on pastoral care and confidence-building alongside academic foundations
  • Accessibility and competitive fees for a quality independent prep in South London

Who thrives here

Pupils who benefit from smaller class environments, strong pastoral oversight, and a calm, inclusive ethos. Families seeking a traditional prep without the pressure of high-stakes entrance exams will find St David's supportive.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports30th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing70th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Founded1912
Number of pupils147
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£12.6k/yr
Settingsuburban
LocationPurley rail station (8 mins walk) offers frequent services to London Bridge, Victoria, and East Croydon; good bus links via local routes.

Contact & visit

23-25 Woodcote Valley Road

Purley, Surrey

CR8 3AL

www.stdavidsschool.co.uk
02086600723
Mrs Sarah Syradd, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Purley8 min
Purley Oaks12 min
Coulsdon South10 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at St David's School?

Day fees at St David's School are approximately £12,600 per year (2024/25).

How do you get into St David's School?

St David's School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is St David's School a boarding school?

St David's School is a day school in Purley and does not offer boarding.

What is St David's School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated St David's School “Excellent” (2018).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Caring, inclusive environment where all children feel known and valued

Strong pastoral foundation and confidence-building approach

Accessible, uncomplicated schooling without excessive academic pressure

Small, stable community fostering genuine friendships and family ethos

Common concerns

!No recent Ofsted inspection means external validation of quality is unavailable

!Limited transparent data on academic progress, achievements, and onward transitions

!Smaller scale may limit breadth of facilities or specialisms compared to larger independent preps