Open Days

Private School Open Days at Notting Hill Prep 

Notting Hill Prep (NHP) is an independent preparatory school in Notting Hill in the west of London, educating all genders aged 4 to 13.

Through our official accreditation as an advanced thinking school, we aim to teach both academic excellence and personal growth through our modern and problem-solving curriculum. On our open days we give families the opportunity to explore our campus and meet the people who make up daily life at Notting Hill Prep. 

Whether you’re still looking for prep school options or just want a closer look before registration, an open day is the best way to get a feel for Notting Hill Prep and find out whether it is the right fit for your child. 

About Notting Hill Prep 

Notting Hill Prep was founded with the core principle that children should come to school each day feeling happy and comfortable. That academic excellence and childhood joy should work in tandem not against each other. And these are the values and ethos we still uphold to this day. 

Notting Hill Prep achieved status as a thinking school in 2014 and in March 2024 we were reaccredited by the Cognitive Education Development Unit at the University of Exeter. We are proud to be one of only two primary schools in England to hold Advanced status. This means learning skills and metacognition are a part of daily life at NHP, running through every subject and lesson. 

We maintain that because of this approach, our pupils graduate with a versatile cognitive skillset. They are confident, independent and fully prepared for whatever comes next in their educational journey.  

What to Expect During Your Prep School Visit 

Our open days are designed to give you a snapshot of what real life is like at Notting Hill Prep, not a rehearsed showcase of perfection. 

  • School tours.  Tours guided by a member of our staff will walk you through the range of NHP’s facilities. This includes classrooms, our specialised science labs and our spaces for music, art, sport and enrichment activities.  
  • Classroom visits. Where possible with timings, visits include an opportunity to watch a lesson to give you an unfiltered insight into how our ‘Thinking School’ approach works first hand. Demonstrating how it is incorporated into everyday activity and not just a flashy slogan on our prospectus. 
  • Meeting our teachers and pupils. You’ll be able to get some one-on-one face time with our Notting Hill Prep staff, including senior leadership. We also think one of the most valuable insights into our community is gained by speaking with our pupils, who will be more than happy to share what they enjoy about NHP with you on the open day. 
  • Curriculum insights.  Staff will run you through how our curriculum works for each year group the whole way through school. Including how it prepares your children for 11+ and 13+ entries. 
  • Pastoral approach.  You’ll hear in depth how the staff and community support children’s wellbeing both socially and academically. Form tutors and the pastoral team are key in encouraging your child to be themselves from their self-confidence to their friendships. 
  • Enrichment opportunities. You’ll be given a breakdown of the school experience beyond the classroom. Whether that be trips and residentials or specialist after school activities. 
  • Admissions guidance. Our team will be on hand and attentive to respond to any questions you may have on the day. They can take you through anything from registration to assessment and give you information on your child’s specific age group. 

What Children Can Experience 

Children are warmly encouraged to explore the grounds themselves, should they attend the open day alongside their parents. Meeting current pupils and getting to see the environment they may be joining can be a deciding factor for how they feel about NHP. Your child’s comfort is far more persuasive than anything you’ll read in a brochure. 

What Parents Can Learn 

Beyond immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the school and experiencing the campus, this is a practical opportunity to directly ask any questions you may have. You can ask specific questions you wouldn’t normally be able to get answers to, from people who work at NHP day to day. 

How to Prepare for Your Visit 

You can arrive with little to no preparation to enjoy one of our open days. But it may be useful to bring a list of questions, specific to the circumstances of your family and any interests or needs your child may have. Aside from that, we cover the entire school grounds so wear your comfortable shoes! 

Open Morning Dates & Booking Information 

Date  Event Type  Capacity  Booking 
[Next scheduled Open Morning — 05/10/2026]  Open Morning  50 people  [Book Now] 
[Following scheduled Open Morning — 03/11/2026]  Open Morning  50 people  [Book Now] 
By appointment  Small Group Tour  Limited  [Check Availability] 

Open mornings typically last 1-2 hours, after you are welcomed by head teacher Maxine Scully you will be given a guided tour of the school. If you prefer a more intimate look around, then small group tours are available for those who are either unable to attend the regular open days or prefer a smaller setting. 

How to Book 

  1. Select your preferred open day or tour date from the options above.
  2. Complete the booking form, providing your contact details and your child’s age or year group of interest. 
  3. Receive booking confirmation and event details, including arrival time and what to expect on the day. 
  4. Attend your visit and meet our staff and pupils. 
  5. Follow up with our admissions team if you’d like to discuss registration or next steps. 

Places on our open days are limited and fill up fast so booking in advance is recommended. Though if your preferred date is fully booked, feel free to contact us and discuss alternative arrangements. 

FAQs

What happens during an NHP open day?

Families are free to tour the school, sit in on classes and learn all about our curriculum and ethos. They can discuss any queries they may have with our staff, and the day typically begins with an introduction from the head. 

Can children attend the open day?

Of course! It’s encouraged to bring potential future students to get a feel for NHP, explore the school and chat with some current pupils. 

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. It is strongly recommended as we have limited places that tend to fill up very quickly. 

How long does an open morning last?

Dependent on the schedule of the specific event you attend, the open day will last between 1-2 hours. 

Are private tours available outside of scheduled open days?

Yes. Small group tours are an option, by appointment for families who are unavailable on our regular open days or would prefer a more intimate look at NHP. 

What age groups does NHP accept?

Notting Hill Prep caters for children ages 4 –13, from reception to year 8. 

What questions should parents ask at a prep school open day?

Ultimately this is up to you and what your family needs to know, but it is generally a good idea to enquire about class sizes, pastoral support and transition to year 7 or 8. If your child has any specific needs or interest such as a particular learning style or how the school would support a child who is struggling socially or academically. 

How do I apply after attending an open day?

During or after your visit, our admissions team can talk you through our registration process. Entry into reception at Notting Hill Prep is always non-selective, with places awarded via ballot. If your child were to join in Year 1 or above, then assessment of English, maths and reasoning will take place, as well as an interview with the head teacher. You can find full details on our admissions page. 

Visit Us

Notting Hill Prep 95 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QQ +44 (0)20 7221 0727 | admissions@nottinghillprep.com 

Virtual Tour

Join us for our next Open Mornings:

Monday 5th October – BOOK NOW

Tuesday 3rd November – BOOK NOW

Book NOW