14 Strathray Gardens, London NW3 4NY
Profile: Hereward House was founded in 1951 as a preparatory school for boys aged 4–13 and is accredited by the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS). Located in Swiss Cottage, North London, the school is a small, family-owned prep with a one-form entry of up to 20 boys into Transition (Reception) at 4+.
Its size is deliberate. Hereward House aims to combine academic ambition with genuine personal attention, offering a lively, stimulating and intellectually serious education within a warm, calm environment. The Headmaster, Pascal Evans, joined the school in 2015 from Westminster Under School, where he was Director of Studies and lead the Chess team. Under his leadership, Hereward House has strengthened both its academic structure and its senior school pathways, while retaining its inclusive ethos.
The curriculum is broad, structured and becomes increasingly specialised as boys move up the school. Core subjects are taught daily, and the focus shifts from exploration based lessons (such as Yoga and Creative Movement) in the early years, to the more traditional academic subjects as the boys mature academically. The sciences are delivered separately (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in a dedicated laboratory, giving boys early exposure to specialist teaching. Subjects such as Mandarin, Careers and Chess are delivered as timetabled lessons embedded within the curriculum, rather than optional extras, to help foster and encourage a broad range of interests and inquiry.
Music and the arts are central to school life, with almost every boy learning an instrument and performing regularly in both informal concerts and larger, end of term productions. Sport is competitive yet inclusive, with regular fixtures and strong participation.
The academic approach is deliberately measured in the early years. Boys are not pressured too early, but expectations rise steadily through the school. By the time they reach Year 4 onwards, preparation for the ISEB Pre Test is structured and rigorous, including tailored preparation for interviews and school-specific assessments. The school’s outcomes reflect this thoughtful, targeted and measured progression, with over two-thirds of pupils who apply to the top three London Senior Schools receiving offers.
Admissions: Entry is primarily at 4+. The admissions process is non-selective academically and centres around a parental meeting with the Head and a tour of the school. The emphasis is on shared values and ensuring the right fit for both child and family.
Following the initial meeting, boys are invited to attend a short taster session. These sessions last around half an hour and are not mandatory, but many families appreciate the opportunity for their son to spend some time in the school before making a final decision. They are stand-alone sessions rather than part of a normal school morning, and are designed to give boys a relaxed chance to interact with staff and experience the atmosphere. While staff will naturally notice how a child settles and engages, the purpose is not assessment, but simply to help families decide whether Hereward House feels like the right fit.
As a small school, the process is personal and relationship-led. Families can register at any point up to about a year before entry, and offers are usually confirmed in February prior to entry. Occasional places can arise in later years, and in these cases, boys are invited to spend a day in school as part of the admissions process. Structured entry points also exist at 7+ and 11+. The school tends to attract families who are looking for a purposeful but nurturing environment embedded within a supportive community, and who value long-term senior school preparation delivered in a thoughtful and measured way.
Exit results for Hereward House are outstanding, particularly given its inclusive nature. The school is proud of the value added across a wide range of academic profiles and Mr Evans’ deep knowledge of the London Senior School environment, combined with his awareness of what makes each boy tick, allows him to advise each family on the right destination for their son.
Mr Evans is adamant that they are not only looking for academic high fliers but would get the best out of a wide range of children. The most popular senior school destinations are City of London School, Westminster School, St Paul’s, Highgate and UCS, although many boys also achieve offers at the top Boarding Schools.
Leavers for 2024 and 2025 went to the following schools –
City of London School (11)
Westminster School (6)
Highgate School (6)
UCS (3)
Mill Hill (3)
St. Paul’s School (2)
Eton College (1)
Winchester College (1)
Dulwich School (1)
Tonbridge (1)
Radley (1)
DLD * (Scholarship) (1)
Further resources
- Hereward House school website
- Hereward House admissions policy