Age range. 4–11.
Number in school. Day: 116 Boys, 93 Girls.
Fees per term (2025-2026). £3,327 (includes lunches). Fees exclude VAT.
Hale Preparatory School is a completely independent, co-educational school for children from the age of 4 to 11.
The school’s most recent ISI inspection was in February 2023. The overall summary of the report reads, ‘Hale Prep is a very successful school. Throughout, the teaching is excellent and the pupils’ industrious approach to their studies is reflected in their rapid progress and substantial academic achievement at all levels. Indeed, in some cases, levels of progress and achievement are exceptional. The pupils reach high standards of personal fulfilment and participate enthusiastically in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent, reflecting the school’s highly effective emphasis on their welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing.’
In recent years, the school was considered the Prep School of the Year by the Sunday Times and was referred to in two studies presented to the Department of Education: firstly, on ‘Best Practice in the Independent Sector’ and secondly, as one of five examples of successful private schools.
One of the aims of the school is to develop each child to his or her fullest potential. This can only be achieved in a situation that emphasises a disciplined approach to school work. Teaching is carried out in a formal, traditional manner but one which also incorporates modern teaching aids. Homework is set every night.
The curriculum of the school is designed to create well-rounded children. Thus, while 50% of the curriculum is devoted to the core subjects of Maths, English and Science, all children have weekly lessons in Drama, Music, Art and Design, Information Technology, History, Geography, French, Spanish, Italian, Ethics, Physical Education/Games and Latin in Year 6. Additionally, the school offers a range of extracurricular activities including a dance club, theatre club, fencing, archery, chess, cookery, yoga, orchestra, a range of sports and outdoor pursuit holidays.