73 Saint Charles Square London, W10 6EJ
Profile: Charles Square Nursery and Prep School is a new co-educational independent school situated in Notting Hill, offering places for children from age 2 through to 11. The school has been established as the British section of La Petite École Française, a highly regarded family-owned bilingual school that has been operating for over 20 years. Families on the site now have a clear and complementary choice: the bilingual programme of La Petite École Française, or the British independent pathway of Charles Square Nursery and Prep. Both schools share the same leadership, ethos, and location, creating a uniquely international yet community-focused environment.
The school’s site has been thoughtfully arranged to serve children of all ages: A large main playground, available to all pupils, providing generous outdoor space for play and recreation. Dedicated smaller playgrounds for Nursery and Reception children, offering age-appropriate and secure outdoor environments, with access to the main playground as well. A garden used for hands-on gardening activities, connecting children with nature and the outdoors as part of the school’s wider curriculum.
Charles Square delivers a broad and well-structured British prep school curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 6. Pupils in the British section receive expert French tuition from native teachers throughout their time at the school, giving them a significant linguistic and cultural advantage.
The school offers 15+ after-school clubs, all run by members of staff, ensuring consistency, quality, and a trusted relationship between pupils and their club leaders. Clubs span a wide range of interests and include: Chess, Art, Football, Gardening, Capoeira. The breadth of clubs reflects the school’s belief that a child’s development extends well beyond the classroom, and that every child should be able to find something they love.
A warm, freshly prepared lunch is served to all pupils each day. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, ensuring that every child’s dietary needs and preferences are accommodated.
Ethos and Values
The school’s founding philosophy is rooted in the belief that children flourish when they feel safe, known, and valued. Its overriding priorities are: To be gentle and nurturing in approach, ensuring every child feels welcome and included from their very first day. To build resilience by developing confidence and happiness — equipping children with the emotional and intellectual tools they need for life. The school recognises that children learn best when they are happy and secure, as evidenced by the excellent track record of La Petite École Française over its long history.
Leadership
Both Charles Square Nursery and Prep and La Petite École Française are led by Dr Richard Robson. Dr Robson is an experienced British Headmaster with a distinguished career in independent education, having previously served as Headteacher of Longclose School in Windsor. He is also a former ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspector, bringing deep knowledge of inspection frameworks and quality assurance to the leadership of the school. Dr Robson’s dual leadership of both schools ensures a coherent vision across the site while allowing each school to maintain its own distinct character and pathway. Charles Square Nursery and Prep is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the recognised inspection body for independent schools in England. La Petite École Française holds AEFE (Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger) accreditation, reflecting its standing as a quality-assured French school abroad.
Two Pathways, One Community
Families joining the site choose between two educational pathways:
The French Bilingual Section — La Petite École Française: This established and successful bilingual programme delivers a French–English curriculum and has historically fed strongly into the Lycée Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington, one of the most prestigious French schools outside France. It is the ideal choice for francophone families or those seeking a fully bilingual education.
The British Section — Charles Square Nursery and Prep: Charles Square Prep follows the British curriculum, preparing children thoroughly for 11+ entry to leading private schools. Children in the British section also benefit from high-quality French language tuition delivered by native French-speaking teachers — an excellent advantage in a mainstream prep school setting.
Fees
Charles Square is committed to keeping an independent school education as accessible as possible. Fees are set at approximately £4,000 per term — a deliberately competitive rate that reflects the school’s belief that high-quality independent education should be within reach of as many families as possible in the local community.
Admissions: Charles Square Nursery and Prep is non-selective. There are no entry assessments. The school warmly welcomes children of all abilities and backgrounds, and places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school and meet the team to learn more about the life and values of Charles Square. They run Friday Open Mornings throughout the term so prospective families can see the school in action. Private tours are available year-round. If you are looking for a nursery, preschool or prep school in Notting Hill, Kensington, Holland Park or wider West London, they would be delighted to welcome you to Saint Charles Square. Click here to book a tour.
Website: Charles Square Nursery and Prep