Parsons Green Prep

This spring The Educatus Explorer had the pleasure of visiting Parsons Green Prep. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Fulham and surrounded by high walls and trees, this modernised and airy school has much to offer.

Parsons Green Prep prides itself on remaining fiercely independent and privately owned, with no plans here to be absorbed into a larger group of schools. Dr. Edmonds, who joined the school in 2022, is strongly committed to remaining in post for the foreseeable future and under her leadership the school is growing.

With several pleasant outside spaces for playtime and activities, the school additionally utilises Hurlingham Park and the local sports centre for their sporting events, ensuring that pupils have ample opportunities for physical exercise. Inside, some of the classrooms are currently much larger than others (Reception for example, enjoy a huge space opening onto the garden) and the school is looking to maximise the space that they have. Exciting changes have already been made, including the introduction of a kitchen so that children can enjoy home-cooked food prepared on-site.

Another draw here is an advanced level French programme. Going above and beyond its after-school club offering, this initiative means that children who sign up to the programme benefit from two to three hours per week with a French native teacher who teaches to the French curriculum alongside the timetabled lessons of French for all.

Reflecting the diverse local community, the prep school welcomes children from various nationalities. Dr. Edmonds’ personal experience of living and teaching abroad has made the school particularly supportive of pupils transitioning from different countries and educational systems. However, Parsons Green Prep maintains a selective admissions policy and children must be able to access the curriculum and be comfortable attending a calm and well-behaved school.

The school takes pride in its broad range of leavers' destinations, striving to make the transition process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Many children move on to local London Day schools, but the school also supports families with boarding school choices or finding a future prep school to take children through to 13+. The school even hosts its own senior schools fair each autumn to assist families in making informed decisions.

The Educatus Explorer finds that Parsons Green Prep continues to flourish as a nurturing and dynamic environment for young learners.