The Academy School Hampstead

Written By Karen Wilson

Tucked away just off Hampstead’s bustling Rosslyn Hill, The Academy School is a warm, welcoming independent prep school for children aged 6 to 13. With around 90 pupils, the school prides itself on its close-knit, family-like atmosphere. It is uniquely run by two couples, including Headteacher Garth and Principal Chloe, whose hands-on leadership style contributes to the school’s strong sense of community.

The Educatus Explorer was warmly welcomed for our personal tour by Andrew, another one of the owners, who was very proud of the school's supportive environment, in which pupils are encouraged to enjoy learning and achieve their full potential.

From the moment you step through the gates, the site unfolds into a surprisingly spacious setting, featuring a garden, basketball court, and a charming chapel building. The main classrooms are housed in a characterful period building, blending beautifully with historic Hampstead. The chapel is a versatile space used for classes and extra-curricular activities. During the visit, older students were seen learning about plants and engaging in gardening activities with the school gardener. The chapel also hosts the school's well-known productions, showcasing the children's acting and singing talents.

Children typically join The Academy School from age six, with main entry points in Years 2, 3, and 7. However, the school does welcome pupils into other year groups when space allows. Small class sizes foster strong relationships and personalised learning. While many girls transition to senior schools at the end of Year 6, some boys remain until Year 8.

The Academy School has strong relationships with other schools in the area, allowing it to provide excellent guidance to families on the best next schools for their children. There is an impressive list of schools that Academy School leavers have attended including City of London School for Girls, Francis Holland, South Hampstead, Queen's College, UCS, Merchant Taylor's and Westminster School.

Academically, the school places a strong emphasis on Maths and English, but it also nurtures creativity, with vibrant artwork lining classroom walls. Many teachers are Oxford or Cambridge graduates, and the long tenure of several staff members adds to the school’s consistency and stability. During our visit, children were fully engaged - eager to share the clay sculptures they were crafting in art and to proudly show us their Maths and English workbooks.

Most children bring packed lunches, but the school also offers an option for hot meals through an arrangement with a local Italian restaurant, which delivers food ordered by parents at lunchtime.

The Explorer thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the school. The Academy School in Hampstead offers a nurturing educational experience. The dedicated staff, small class sizes, and supportive community make it an excellent choice for families seeking a personalised education for their children.

Karen Wilson

Education Consultant

Karen has recently joined Educatus after many years of teaching both in the UK and overseas in Manila and Hong Kong. She has 2 sons, so understands the challenges and complexities of finding the right schools both at home and abroad. Having also guided them through examinations and university applications means that she is also familiar with the many different pressures and stresses at this later stage of education.

Karen’s UK teaching experience, after graduating in Manchester, was in London and in Kent. She taught in a variety of different schools in these areas and across the primary age groups. She particularly enjoyed teaching Early Year and Key Stage 1 children.

Karen has a strong empathy for families who are making an international move and understands how important it is to get the right school for each child as she knows from first hand experience that this is a really important factor in the whole family feeling settled in their new home. 

In her spare time Karen plays walking netball as well as enjoying walking along the coastal paths near her home, reading and listening to live bands. 

Karen loves working with the team at Educatus and how the whole team pulls together to get the best possible result for the families we are lucky enough to work with. 

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