Turks Row, London SW3 4TW
Profile: If you have ever been shopping along King’s Road and seen stylish boys and girls in a elegant turquoise school uniform, you have had your first encounter with Garden House School. It consists of a kindergarten (for 3-4 year olds), a Girls’ School, and a Boys’ School. The Girls’ and Boys’ Schools are located in the same building, but girls and boys are taught separately, so if you like the single sex education model but would still like your child to establish friendships among both sexes, Garden House might be the right choice for you. Garden House is a relatively local school with most children coming from the Chelsea area, but it does draw some children from neighbouring places such as Parsons Green and South Kensington.
It is not an academic hothouse, but rather tries to develop happy well-rounded children with daily sports exercises and a wide range of afterschool clubs (fencing, Judo, Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Drama and even golf!). The school’s swim squad is highly competitive as well.
The school now educates boys from 4 – 11. Historically a major feeder to nearby Sussex House at 8+, the school does not prepare for 7+/8+ exits anymore, although there are still some boys leaving at 7+/8+. This shift is in line with a majority of senior schools (including King’s College Wimbledon and City of London School, along with co-educational options such as Latymer Upper and Emanuel School) which now focus on 11+ entry for most candidates.
Richard Lock became Head of Garden House Boys’ School in April 2025. Most recently he was Acting Head at Eltham College Junior School. Prior to this he was Head at The Hampshire School, and Director of Studies at Wetherby Prep.
Admissions: Garden House School carries out assessments a year prior to entry from all children on the waiting list for a Reception place. Preference is given to siblings of children already at the school. As it is a very popular school, it recommends early registration. Further details on the admissions policy can be found here.
Exit Results
Garden House boys move onto a variety of schools at 11+, including Latymer Upper, City, King’s College Wimbledon and Emanuel. In addition, those who gained admission to 13+ entry schools such as Westminster School, St Paul’s or Eton College sometimes transfer to nearby Sussex House or WCCS for the final two years at 11+.