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, both stages sit within one continuous school, so children move between them without changing site, community or ethos.
Nurturing Potential from Reception to Year 6
A leading Pre-Prep and Prep School in Chiswick, West London — where academic excellence is built on a rigorous, inspiring and broad curriculum that engenders a genuine love of learning.
Orchard House School is a co-educational Pre-Prep and Prep School in London, welcoming children from Year 1 through to Year 6. Every teacher shares one firm belief: nurturing individuality is the most effective way of teaching children to fly. With a high ratio of staff to pupils, 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 research, general knowledge homework, open-ended investigations and collaborative learning activities – all delivered through The Learning Orchard curriculum, our rich, stimulating and challenging approach to education that helps pupils develop their skills and passions from their very first day with us to their last.
We have an extensive range of specialist teachers covering:
We’d love for you to see our specialist educators in action by joining our team for a private tour!
“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
Orchard house is set-up intentionally to provide children with support at every stage of their academic journey. With clear goals and pathways from early years up until their transition to senior school.
| Stage | Ages | Year Groups | Focus |
| Early Years | 3–5 | Nursery & Reception | 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, subject-specialist teaching 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 close-knit community of staff throughout their Orchard House journey, meaning strong relationships — and a genuine understanding of each child as an individual — are carried through from Pre-Prep into Prep and beyond.
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
STEAM lessons for pupils in Prep involve projects that link Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. Computing lessons include coding skills from Year 1 upwards in our dedicated Innovation Hub.
English lessons incorporate engaging and imaginative novels, poetry and non-fiction texts to develop pupils’ reading and writing skills and inspire a life-long love of reading, supported by weekly library lessons in our extensively stocked libraries.
Termly assessments in English, Maths, Science and Reasoning from Year 1 upwards feed into target setting, enabling staff to tailor the curriculum to individual pupils, enhance progress and ensure every child is appropriately challenged. Assessment results and targets are shared with parents throughout the year.
Performing Arts
Our school is equipped with specialist teaching facilities for Science & Computing, Art, Design Technology and Music alongside dedicated multi-purpose halls and rooms used for assemblies, Drama and performance. Musical and Performing Arts play a key role at Orchard House School, with pupils of all ages participating in drama and musical productions, clubs, concerts and assemblies. Musical performance groups include Orchestra, String Group and School Choir.
Leading instrumentalists teach lessons in instruments including:
- Flute
- Trombone
- Cello
- Oboe
- Electric guitar
- Steel pans
…and many more!
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 / Years 1–2) — Pupils move into structured, subject-based learning while retaining the nurture and small-class attention of Early Years.
- Prep (Ages 7–11 / Years 3–6) — Academic ambition increases through The Learning Orchard curriculum, supported by High Performance Learning strategies that build independent, resilient learners.
- Senior Schools & 11+ (Year 6) — Pupils leave Orchard House exceptionally well prepared for senior school entry. Our most recent Year 6 cohort received 150 offers and 42 scholarships across 27 leading day and boarding schools — and 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 guidance are identified early and supported consistently, and our published 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.
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, through our Early Years provision at Nursery and Reception.
What age does Prep School finish, and what comes next?
Prep School at Orchard House covers Years 3 to 6, for children aged 7 to 11. In Year 6, pupils move on to senior school, supported by our dedicated Senior Schools & 11+ programme, which combines exam coaching with interview 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 throughout Pre-Prep and Prep.
Do pupils need to sit an entrance exam to join Pre-Prep or Prep?
Entry requirements vary by year group and point of entry. 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 show you around. You can book a private tour or apply for a place directly through our website or contact our Admissions team at info@orchardhs.org.uk or 020 8742 8544.
