Welcome to
Salcombe Prep School
Nestled in North London, Salcombe Prep is a co-educational school for children aged 3–11, offering a dynamic and academically ambitious curriculum within a nurturing environment. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, ask big questions, and aim high.
For over a century, academic excellence has been at our core. From our exceptional Early Years provision to outstanding 11+ results, children benefit from a rigorous, well-rounded education that builds confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. At Salcombe, pupils develop the courage to be wise, curious, and successful.
Meet our Headmistress
Welcome to Salcombe Prep School, an exciting place of learning, where pupils are guided to achieve their academic best while developing the confidence and character to thrive in a changing world.
We believe in nurturing the whole child. While we place great value on academic achievement, we also recognise the importance of preparing children for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the skills, values and mind-set to seize opportunities and face challenges with resilience.
With my extensive educational experience guiding the school’s vision, I am committed to nurturing every child in an inclusive environment where they are supported and encouraged to excel academically and grow into their best selves, where no question is too big or too small to inspire curiosity and learning.
Nicola Sands, Headmistress
INSPECTION REPORT
Salcombe Prep excels in Inspection!
In 2023, Salcombe Prep met and surpassed the standards in all five areas of ISI inspection assessment:
- Leadership and management, and governance.
- Quality of education, training and recreation.
- Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution.
- Safeguarding
Join us for a Personal Tour
Where the educational path to excellence begins
Visit us and discover first-hand how a Salcombe Prep School education empowers pupils for a lifetime of triumphs, built on the solid foundation of academic success.
Location
Discovering excellence in North London
Located in Southgate, North London, Salcombe Prep School occupies two sites, just a brief stroll apart. Each site plays a unique role in fostering our ethos of academic excellence and holistic development, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that extends across both locations.
Within each setting, Salcombe Prep pupils benefit from a wide range of carefully designed facilities aimed at enhancing the learning experience. These purposefully crafted resources contribute to the creation of an engaging educational environment for all Salcombe Prep pupils.
Pre-School and Pre-Prep School
Green Road, Salcombe Prep's nurturing and vibrant environment for our youngest learners.
Prep School
Chase Side, Salcombe Prep’s enriching and challenging environment for our older pupils.
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Some might simply see two children playing with blocks, but at Salcombe Prep, this is collaborative learning in action.
From the very start of their educational journey, our youngest pupils develop essential life skills through purposeful play-led experiences - teamwork, problem-solving, negotiation - alongside the confidence to take risks.
As they move through the school, these skills grow in depth and purpose, woven into everyday learning. It’s not just about learning what to do, it’s about having the confidence to apply these skills with initiative, independence and intent.
This is where curiosity meets purpose, resilience is built and the pathway to 11+ success begins.
#SalcombePrep #CourageToBeCurious #LearningThroughPlay #IndependentSchoolLife #EarlyYearsEducation #PrepSchoolExcellence#ConfidentLearners
Our pupils are encouraged to show courage in every form — courage to be curious, courageous enough to think differently and brave enough to aim high.
Working a year ahead, we stretch and challenge our learners, building deep knowledge, critical thinking and future-ready confidence.
Because success isn’t just about what you know, it’s about having the courage to use it.
#SalcombePrep #CourageToBeWise #PrepSchoolNorthLondon #11PlusPreparation #SmallSchoolBigAmbition #LearningWithoutLimits #FutureReady
It begins with a question.
A hand in the air.
The spark of confidence that grows when a child knows they are seen, supported and capable.
From Year 3, our pupils begin their 11+ journey, gently and purposefully, giving every child the time, tools and confidence to thrive.
Our tailored learning approach nurtures both progress and self-belief and year after year, our Salcombe Prep pupils go on to secure places at leading grammar and independent schools.
Because when children have the courage to be wise, the courage to be curious and the courage to succeed, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
#SalcombePrep #CourageToBeWise #PrepSchoolNorthLondon #11PlusPreparation #SmallSchoolBigAmbition #LearningWithoutLimits #FutureReady
Curious minds thrive in the right setting and our on-site Lord Winston Science Lab brings that philosophy to life.
Opened and named after the IVF pioneer and Salcombe Prep alumnus Lord Winston himself, our lab inspires our pupils to think deeply, test boldly and explore through hands-on discovery.
In an investigation into how light travels in straight lines, Year 3 did just that, taking on the challenge of designing a model town where multiple streets could be lit using only one torch and the power of reflected light.
Armed with mirrors and imagination, they engineered thoughtful solutions, bringing science to life in purposeful, practical ways.
#CourageToBeCurious #LordWinstonScienceLab #PrepSchoolScience #LearningWithoutLimits #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady
We are proud to share that Salcombe Prep has been shortlisted for Small Independent School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards!
At Salcombe Prep, being small is our strength. Every pupil is truly known, supported, and celebrated. With personalised teaching, specialist subject delivery from the earliest years, and our unique ‘year ahead’ model, our children move forward with confidence, academically, emotionally, and socially.
This year, our pupils secured 72 independent school offers, 20 grammar and selective state school places, and 5 scholarships — a reflection of a school where ambition and nurture go hand in hand.
Whether it is leading initiatives, building friendships through Girls on Board, or taking the spotlight during Wellbeing Week, our pupils show the courage to be wise, the courage to be curious, and the courage to succeed.
📅 Finalists will be announced on 9 September, with winners revealed at the @isotyawards ceremony in October.
#IndependentSchoolsAward #SalcombePrep #PastoralExcellence #PupilVoice #WISHinitiative #GirlsOnBoard #WholeChildApproach #TeamSalcombe
🌻 Exploring Growth Through Science and Art 🎨
This week, our Reception pupils showed real courage in their learning — asking big questions, getting hands-on with nature, and expressing themselves through art.
As they investigated the life cycle of a sunflower, they developed early scientific thinking, observing change over time and making connections to the world around them. Inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic work, they also embraced the challenge of recreating his sunflowers, showing focus, creativity, and pride in their outcomes.
At Salcombe Prep we celebrate learning that encourages children to think bravely, act thoughtfully, and express themselves with confidence.
Courage to be wise. Courage to be curious. Courage to succeed.
#PrepSchoolLearning #EarlyYearsInspiration #SunflowerScience #VanGoghArt #CourageToLearn #DistinctiveLearning #WeAreCognita #NorthLondon
"Reception, your challenge is... number bonds to twenty!"
Having already mastered bonds to ten, our young learners took on the next step with confidence and enthusiasm. Already working well within the Year 1 curriculum, they applied their knowledge with accuracy, focus and pride.
These moments of academic growth are the result of an environment where curiosity is nurtured, thinking is encouraged and courage is celebrated, whether it’s the courage to be wise, to be curious, or to succeed.
Salcombe Prep Reception, instilling the foundations for fearless learning.
#WeAreCognita #FearlessLearning #AcademicExcellence #CourageToBeWise #CourageToBeCuriosity #CourageToBeSucceed #LearningWithPurpose #AcademicExcellence #SalcombePrep #Reception #IndependentSchoolLife #PrepSchoolJourney #northlondonprepschool
Salcombe Prep was delighted to welcome grandparents into school this week for our much-anticipated Grandparents to Tea and Art Exhibition, an event that celebrates not only community connection, but also the depth of learning and creativity taking place across the school.
The exhibition offered a window into our art curriculum in action, showcasing a wide range of techniques, themes, and media explored throughout the year. From observational drawing and mixed-media landscapes to sculpture and collaborative projects, the work on display reflected the progression of artistic skill, critical thinking, and personal interpretation from Early Years through to Year 6.
Our pupils were proud to take on the role of curators, guiding their guests through the exhibition and reflecting on their creative processes, an opportunity that builds confidence, strengthens communication, and encourages ownership of learning.
Accompanied by sunshine, tea, and home-baked treats from our brilliant catering team, the afternoon was a joyful celebration of artistic expression and a powerful reminder of the pride our pupils take in their learning.
#believeachievethrive #WeAreCognita #londonschool #privateschoollife #prepschoollife #northlondonprep #prepschoollondon #privateschool #northlondonmums #londonschools #northlondonprepschool #londoneducation #londonlife
Discover a Salcombe Prep education
Where your child’s educational path to excellence begins
Children who join Salcombe Prep develop their confidence and gain a genuine love for learning, starting them on the path to success.
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