Welcome from the Head

A Very Warm Welcome to Snaresbrook Preparatory School

For over eighty years, Snaresbrook Preparatory School has earned a reputation for academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care. These enduring principles were first championed by one of our early Heads, Mrs Mathison, whose guiding question continues to shape all we do: “If this were my child, what would I want for them?”

We are proud to offer a distinctive, independent education for boys and girls aged three-and-a-half to eleven, in an environment where every child is seen, known and heard.

Our purpose is threefold:

To ensure that each child achieves their full academic potential

To nurture character, enabling pupils to do the right thing, in the right way, and for the right reasons

To inspire confidence, independence and a lifelong appetite for learning

Our most recent inspection affirmed the strength of our provision, with inspectors noting that “leaders prioritise pupils’ progress and wellbeing.”

Historically our pupils have moved on to some of the country’s leading senior schools, including Forest, Bancroft’s, Chigwell, and City of London. Wherever they go next, they leave us as curious, confident and kind individuals—well-prepared for all that lies ahead.

From March 2025, Snaresbrook enters an exciting new chapter through a strategic partnership with Forest School, one of London’s foremost 4–18 independent schools. Rooted in a shared belief in nurturing, ambitious education, this collaboration enhances our curriculum and broadens opportunities for every pupil.

Crucially, Snaresbrook retains its distinct identity, values and close-knit community. Families will continue to benefit from our individualised approach while enjoying the added advantage of a guaranteed right of entry to Forest at 11+, subject to academic progress—providing both continuity and choice.

We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit. Please contact our School Office to arrange a personal tour. I look forward to showing you what makes Snaresbrook so special.

Ralph Dalton
Headteacher

Curriculum

We take pupils from age three-and-a-half to eleven. Children enter the Nursery and ideally continue through the school to Year 6. All of our classes are small and include both boys and girls.

We provide a rounded primary education covering every aspect of your child’s early development. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for public and grammar school entrance and scholarship examinations. Each child is introduced to subjects with great care and sensitivity by working individually, in small groups or with the whole class. We try to find the approach which enables each child to learn and work with enjoyment and enthusiasm and to relate well with fellow pupils.

Admissions

Informal visits allow prospective parents to get a feel for the school and to see the children at work. Parents are invited to organise an informal visit by contacting the office on 020 8989 2394. We hold two general open days during the year, usually in March and October. Details of the dates will be advertised on the front page of our website and in the local press. All interested families are welcome to come along, no appointment is necessary. Families will be shown around by one of Year 6 pupils and will have the opportunity to speak to staff as they go around the school.

If you are interested in applying for a place at our school, for entry at any age, please click the button below where you can find relevant information and download a copy of the registration form.