London · SW19 7QQ
Willington is a small, well-established day prep in Wimbledon serving pupils aged 3–11, founded in the 1880s and now celebrating 140 years of operation. The school converted to co-education in 2020 and positions itself as child-centred, prioritising happiness and self-assurance alongside academic rigour. Its ethos emphasises kindness, honesty, respect, and humility, with a focus on breadth of experience and a multinational, multi-faith community.
Who thrives here
Families seeking a nurturing, broad-based prep education that values childhood itself; pupils who benefit from smaller class sizes and a culture that balances academic achievement with personal development and co-curricular richness.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
Worcester Road, Wimbledon
London
SW19 7QQ
Nearest stations
Day fees at Willington School are approximately £19,500 per year (2024/25).
Willington School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Willington School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
ISI rated Willington School “Excellent” (2023).
Frequently praised
✓Warm, nurturing culture that genuinely celebrates childhood and play
✓Excellent pastoral care and strong sense of community, especially post-co-ed transition
✓Well-rounded approach to education balancing academics with arts, sport, and enrichment
✓Approachable leadership and strong parent engagement through POW and open communication
✓Diverse, inclusive community reflecting modern London demographics
Common concerns
!Limited public transparency on academic outcomes and SEND provision
!School size (225) may limit specialist facilities and offer compared to larger independent preps
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; no external validation of educational standards available
!Relatively recent transition to co-education (2020) means limited track record of mixed provision