Welcome to Latymer Prep School. Situated on the banks of the River Thames in West London, our world-class sporting, drama and music facilities enable this dynamic community of talented young people to combine the highest academic achievement with excellence in the arts and sport.
Latymer Prep and Latymer Upper School is one of the country’s leading co-educational, independent day schools for children aged 7-18. As a through school, we can offer continuity of learning and pastoral support, preparing our pupils to be outstanding Latymerians who live lives of consequence as mindful citizens of the world.
Whilst a Latymer education enables children to achieve the highest academic standards, we are proud to offer an education that is truly rounded - with as much emphasis on developing pupils’ sense of civic responsibility as on nurturing academic excellence. From the moment a child starts with us, we celebrate their individuality, encourage active curiosity and promote a love of learning for its own sake. All of this leads towards a ‘growth mindset’, where ability is not fixed by destiny, genetics, or socio-economics. This approach teaches children to believe their potential to achieve is unlimited. It builds self-confidence and resilience, giving children emotional strength and courage to try out ideas to ‘flounder intelligently’- even if at first they don’t succeed.
Our curriculum includes 16 subject areas – from maths to food & nutrition, mandarin to design, science and art, spanish, history, philosophy and literature – and is complemented by a stimulating and comprehensive extra-curricular offering. There is a wide choice of clubs and societies for pupils to enjoy at lunchtime and after school, such as chess, art, gardening and water polo and each pupil is encouraged to try new activities, be it for one term or longer – with some going on to become lifelong passions.
The Prep provides a caring, happy and safe environment, promoting high quality personal development alongside independent learning.
While Form tutors have primary pastoral responsibility – in terms of pupils’ academic and social life at the school – wellbeing is a whole school responsibility. Being a small school, all of the staff know all the children and their families well.
Our long-running bursary scheme underpins the values at the very heart of Latymer, making the outstanding education we offer accessible to bright children from all backgrounds.
I hope that you find the information on our website helpful and it offers you a glimpse into life at Latymer. I look forward to meeting you at one of our open days.
Every good wish,
Andrea Rutterford, Principal
Andrea Rutterford joined Latymer Prep as Principal in 2017 and is a member of both the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). Previously Deputy Head of Devonshire House, Andrea leaves her former school in good health, the Prep having been awarded ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ achievement and personal development in a recent IAPS inspection.
Born in the North East of England and educated at a local comprehensive school, Andrea has a Degree in Education and a specialist diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties. She began her teaching career at Hornsby House, an independent school in South West London, before becoming Head of Year and Head of Humanities at Highgate School.
A keen squash player, Andrea’s other hobbies include theatre and European travel. Closer to home she can be found on the touchline at weekends, cheering on her son’s football team!
