PrepCo-educationalISI · Excellent
West Lodge School logo

West Lodge School

· DA15 7DU

Pupils

172

Day fees

£15k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

West Lodge is a suburban day prep school in Sidcup serving ages 3–11 with a contemporary focus on character, resilience, and 21st-century skills alongside strong academics. The school emphasises a 'skillset for success'—digital literacy, metacognition, problem-solving, and AI literacy—woven into daily learning. Leavers consistently secure places at selective senior schools with scholarship awards, suggesting rigorous but supportive teaching. The ethos balances traditional core subjects with modern competencies and a stated commitment to individual development within a 'strong family atmosphere.'

  • Proven track record of selective senior school places and scholarships for leavers
  • Explicit curriculum integration of 21st-century skills (digital literacy, AI understanding, metacognition) alongside traditional academics
  • Day-only format with wraparound care suiting local professional families; strong pastoral emphasis on character and resilience

Who thrives here

Articulate, academically engaged pupils from professional families who benefit from small-school attention and value holistic development. Suits families seeking a rigorous but nurturing prep with contemporary educational philosophy and no boarding pressure.

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
Founded1940
Number of pupils172
Pupils with SEND12
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£14.7k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationSuburban Sidcup location; mainline rail access to London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross. Car-dependent for families outside immediate catchment.

Contact & visit

36 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent

DA15 7DU

www.westlodge.org.uk
02083002489
Mr Robert Francis, Head Teacher

Nearest stations

Sidcup8 min
Eltham12 min
Charing Cross (via Sidcup)35 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at West Lodge School?

Day fees at West Lodge School are approximately £14,700 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into West Lodge School?

West Lodge 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 West Lodge School a boarding school?

West Lodge School is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.

What is West Lodge School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated West Lodge School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong track record of selective senior school entry and scholarships

Holistic approach to character, resilience, and 21st-century skills

Small school with family atmosphere and individual attention

Contemporary curriculum balancing tradition with innovation (digital literacy, AI, metacognition)

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted (as of data collection), limiting independent external validation

!Limited published evidence of sport or music facilities and programme scale