PrepboysISI · Excellent
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Arnold House School

London · NW8 0LH

Pupils

372

Established

1,905

Day fees

£32k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

Arnold House is a day-only boys' preparatory school founded in 1905, located in the leafy St John's Wood area of central London. The school combines traditional values with modern, boy-centred pedagogy across ages 3–13, emphasizing whole-child development and strong pastoral care. A distinctive feature is access to Canons Park, a rare amenity for a London prep school that provides outdoor learning and wellbeing opportunities. Boys typically progress to leading independent senior schools at 11+ and 13+.

  • Specialist all-boys education with teaching methods tailored to how boys learn
  • Unique access to Canons Park for outdoor learning and character development alongside city-centre convenience
  • Established track record of successful senior school placements to top independent schools
  • Strong pastoral care and commitment to nurturing confidence and values alongside academic rigour

Who thrives here

Boys who benefit from single-sex education and active outdoor learning; families seeking a traditional prep school ethos with modern boy-centred teaching; pupils who thrive in a well-resourced, community-focused environment with clear pathways to leading senior schools.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Founded1905
Number of pupils372
Age range3–13
GenderBoys
Day fees£31.5k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingurban
LocationLocated in St John's Wood, NW8; excellent tube access; popular with families across central and north London.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

1-3 Loudoun Rd, St John's Wood

London

NW8 0LH

www.arnoldhouse.co.uk
02072664840
Mr Giles Tollit, Headmaster

Nearest stations

St John's Wood (Circle/Jubilee Line)5 min
Baker Street (Circle/District/Hammersmith & City/Jubilee/Metropolitan/Bakerloo)10 min
Paddington (Circle/District/Hammersmith & City/Bakerloo)12 min

Recent investment

Canons Park facility development and integration into curriculum
Enhanced facilities supporting outdoor and experiential learning

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Arnold House School?

Day fees at Arnold House School are approximately £31,536 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into Arnold House School?

Arnold House School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Arnold House School a boarding school?

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

What is Arnold House School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Arnold House School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong pastoral care and individual attention to each boy's development

Unique outdoor learning at Canons Park sets school apart; excellent for wellbeing

Successful track record of senior school placements to leading independent schools

Boy-centred teaching approach; specialist staff who understand how boys learn

Friendly, inclusive community with strong parental engagement

Excellent facilities and prime central London location

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited independent validation of quality compared to inspected peers

!All-boys education not suitable for families preferring co-education

!Day-only model may not suit families requiring flexibility or extended hours