Pre-Prep typically covers the early primary years (Reception to Year 2), focusing on building strong academic and social foundations. Prep School continues from Year 3 to Year 6, moving into a more ambitious, subject-specialist stage of learning that prepares pupils for senior school entry, including the 11+. At Orchard House, we welcome children from Nursery through to Year 6, so children progress through our Early Years, Pre-Prep and Prep as part of one community.
Nurturing Curious Learners
Orchard House School is leading Pre-Prep and Prep School in Chiswick, West London, where academic excellence is nurtured through an inspiring and broad curriculum that engenders a genuine love of learning.
We welcome children to our Pre-Prep from Year 1, and guide our pupils through to Year 6 where we prepare them for the 11+ and entry into leading Senior Schools. With small class sizes, highly qualified teachers and a dedicated team of teaching assistants, we ensure every child receives the personal attention they need to thrive.
Intellectual curiosity and in-depth learning are encouraged through our bespoke curriculum, The Learning Orchard, enriched by our High Performance Learning philosophy. Our curriculum is stimulating and challenging, whilst nurturing our pupils’ skills and passions from their very first day with us to their last.
We have an extensive range of specialist teachers covering:
“The curriculum’s emphasis on creativity, thinking and adaptability helps the children grow, preparing them for real life and to be curious and entrepreneurial.”
Understanding Our Pre-Prep and Prep Structure
At Orchard House we provide children with tailored support at every stage of their academic journey.
| Stage | Ages | Year Groups | Focus |
| Early Years | 3–5 | Nursery & Reception | Building foundations of confidence, curiosity and independence |
| Pre-Prep | 5–7 | Year 1–Year 2 | Building strong academic foundations through inspiring, hands-on learning |
| Prep | 7–11 | Year 3–Year 6 | Ambitious teaching and learning preparing pupils for senior school and the 11+ |
Each stage builds deliberately on the one before it, so children progress with confidence rather than experiencing sudden change. Pupils are taught by the same specialist teachers from Nursery through to Year 6, maintaining strong relationships and a genuine understanding of each child as an individual.
Pre-Prep: Years 1 & 2 (Ages 5–7)
In Pre-Prep, children build on the strong start they’ve had in Early Years, growing in confidence, independence and curiosity. Lessons are designed to nurture a love of learning through rich stories, hands-on exploration and specialist teaching in subjects including Art, Music, PE, French and Drama, alongside core skills in English, Maths and Science.
Pupils benefit from small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, ensuring the personal attention every child needs to build a genuinely strong foundation before moving into Prep.
Prep: Years 3–6 (Ages 7–11)
As pupils move into Prep, they enter a more ambitious, academically focused stage of learning. Our bespoke Learning Orchard curriculum blends Powerful Knowledge, Holistic Learning, Leadership and World Readiness, encouraging pupils to think deeply, question confidently and develop a genuine love of learning.
STEAM projects link Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths; coding is introduced from Year 1 onwards in our dedicated Innovation Hub; and termly assessments in English, Maths, Science and Reasoning feed into individual target setting, so every pupil is stretched and supported appropriately as they work towards senior school entry.
STEAM Learning
From Year 1 upwards pupils enjoy a STEAM lesson every week in our dedicated Innovation Hub, engaging in projects that link Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. Sustainability is threaded throughout the STEAM curriculum, such as via the Great Plastics Challenge, Beat the Flood Challenge or Junk Bots Challenge. Pupils also have specialist Computing lessons learning coding skills from Year 1 upwards.
Helping every child thriveHigh Performance Learning
At Orchard House, we believe every child can achieve highly. High Performance Learning strengthens our bespoke curriculum, The Learning Orchard, by developing the thinking skills, attitudes and confidence children need to flourish.
HPL is an internationally recognised educational framework developed through decades of research by Professor Deborah Eyre. It is built on a simple but powerful belief: high performance is not reserved for a naturally gifted few. Instead, it can be developed through excellent teaching, purposeful practice and positive learning habits. In short, successful learners are made, not born.
Your Child's Progression Pathway at Orchard House
We believe a strong, well-structured pathway is one of the most important things a Pre-Prep and Prep School in London can offer. At Orchard House, that pathway looks like this:
Early Years (Ages 3–5) — Nursery and Reception, based at our Rupert Road site, where children build confidence, social skills and a love of learning.
Pre-Prep (Ages 5–7) — In Years 1 and 2, pupils move into more structured, subject-based learning while retaining the nurture and small-class attention of Early Years.
Prep (Ages 7–11) — In Years 3 to 6, academic ambition increases through The Learning Orchard curriculum, supported by High Performance Learning frameworks that build independent, resilient learners.
Senior Schools & 11+ — Pupils leave Orchard House exceptionally well prepared for entrance into leading Senior Schools. Our most recent Year 6 cohort received 150 offers and 42 scholarships from 27 leading day and boarding schools. As part of the Dukes Education family, Orchard House pupils also receive priority entry into Dukes Senior Schools.
Throughout every stage, our Learning Support team ensures pupils who need additional support are identified early and supported consistently. Our school day structure gives parents a clear picture of daily life at each stage.
Why Families Choose Orchard House for Pre-Prep and Prep School in London
- A clear, considered structure. Every stage — Early Years, Pre-Prep and Prep — is designed to build on the last, so children progress with confidence rather than facing sudden change.
- Small classes, high staff ratios. Personal attention is at the heart of how we teach, from a child’s very first day in Pre-Prep to their final term in Year 6.
- Specialist subject teaching from Year 1. Pupils are taught by qualified specialists across Art, Computing, Dance, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Music, PE & Sports, PSHE and Science.
- A track record of senior school success. Strong 11+ outcomes and priority access to Dukes Education senior schools give families confidence in the journey ahead.
- Chiswick location. Set across our Priory Avenue and Rupert Road sites in West London, with excellent access to sports facilities at Rocks Lane and performing arts facilities at the Church.
View our Prospectus
What is the difference between a Pre-Prep and a Prep School?
What age does Pre-Prep start at Orchard House?
Pre-Prep at Orchard House covers Years 1 and 2, for children aged 5 to 7. Children join us even earlier, from age 3, at our Early Years site just a short walk away.
What age does Prep School finish, and what comes next?
Prep School at Orchard House finishes at Year 6, typically when our pupils are aged 11. After Year 6, our pupils move on to leading Senior Schools, supported by our dedicated Senior Schools & 11+ programme, which combines exam coaching, interview preparation and scholarship preparation.
Is Orchard House a co-educational Prep School?
Yes. Orchard House is a co-educational Pre-Prep and Prep School, welcoming both boys and girls from Nursery upwards.
Do pupils need to sit an entrance exam to join Pre-Prep or Prep?
We are a non-selective Pre-Prep and Prep school and welcome pupils typically into our Nursery and Reception. Occasional places in our Pre-Prep and Prep may be available, and for entry at this point children my be required to sit a short English and Maths assessment as well as providing the latest school report to ensure that Orchard House is the best fit for your child. Our Admissions team can talk you through the process for your child’s specific age group, and details for international families are also available on our Welcoming International Families page.
What support is available for children who need extra help?
Our dedicated Learning Support team works with pupils across Pre-Prep and Prep, identifying needs early and tailoring support so every child can access the curriculum with confidence.
How can I find out more or arrange a visit?
We’d love to welcome you to Orchard House. You can book a tour or apply for a place directly through our website or contact our Admissions team at admissions@orchardhs.org.uk or 020 8742 8544.