Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Girls' Prep School in Rickmansworth
Charlotte House Preparatory School has been nurturing confident, high-achieving individuals since 1931. Founded on the educational principles of Charlotte Mason, we provide a holistic, child-centred approach that blends academic excellence with character development. Our small class sizes and dedicated staff ensure each girl receives personalised attention, fostering a love of learning and a strong moral foundation. With a curriculum that balances tradition and innovation, we prepare girls aged 3-11 for successful transitions to leading secondary schools. Our inclusive environment celebrates individuality, empowering students to thrive academically, creatively, and socially.Recognised for our exceptional pastoral care and vibrant community spirit, we maintain affiliations with prestigious educational bodies. Over nine decades, we have consistently delivered a transformative education that combines rigorous academics with emotional well-being. Our graduates emerge as self-assured, empathetic leaders ready to embrace future challenges. This enduring commitment to excellence has made us a trusted choice for families seeking a nurturing yet ambitious educational setting.
Services
Nursery Education
Prep School Programs
Admissions Consultation
Pastoral Support
Extracurricular Activities
Special Educational Needs
Transition Preparation
Parent Workshops
School Tours
Wraparound Care
Details
- Year established: 1931
Highlights and features
- Personalised learning in small classes with 1:16 staff ratio
- Proven success in secondary school placements
- Specialist teaching from nursery age in music, languages and PE
- Award-winning pastoral care with dedicated mental health leads
- Enrichment programmes including Olympic athlete workshops
Associations and certifications
- Independent Schools Inspectorate
- Independent Schools Council
- The Good Schools Guide
What people say
Best school ever
Daughter thrived
Wonderful teachers
Confidence grew
Excellent preparation
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery provides a stimulating introduction to school life for 3-4 year olds. With 1:8 staff ratios, we focus on developing social skills and foundational learning through play-based activities. Specialist teachers deliver music, PE and Spanish from the start, while maintaining a strong emphasis on emotional development. The curriculum prepares children for seamless transition to reception through structured yet flexible learning experiences.
Pastoral Support
We offer comprehensive pastoral care with dedicated mental health leads and daily emotional check-ins. Our 'feelings chart' system allows early identification of emotional needs, supported by play therapy and counsellor access. The nurturing environment encourages open communication, with staff trained to address anxiety and build resilience through our growth mindset approach.
Transition Preparation
Our tailored transition programme ensures smooth progression to senior schools. From Year 5, girls receive specialist guidance on school selection and entrance exams. We offer verbal and non-verbal reasoning support alongside interview preparation. With strong relationships with local grammar and independent schools, we achieve 100% success in placing students at their preferred institutions.
Special Educational Needs
We provide expert SEN support with a dedicated coordinator and full-time assistant. Our dyslexia-friendly teaching benefits all students, while individualised programmes address specific needs including autism, ADHD and hearing impairments. Regular support plans ensure consistent home-school collaboration, with withdrawal sessions available for targeted intervention without additional cost.
Extracurricular Activities
Our extensive enrichment programme includes over 30 weekly activities from sports to creative arts. Girls can join choirs, orchestras or drama productions, with opportunities to work with visiting professionals. Termly clubs change to encourage exploration, featuring options like coding, gardening and martial arts. Residential trips from Year 4 develop independence and team-building skills.
People
Penny Woodcock
Headmistress
BA QTS qualified headmistress with 15 years' leadership experience. Champion of girls' education and SEN provision, ISI inspector and advocate for British Sign Language in schools. Promotes active learning through drama and creative methods.
Samantha Gillam
Registrar
Experienced admissions specialist managing school registrations and parent communications. Coordinates school visits and assessment processes for prospective families, ensuring smooth transition for new pupils.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept girls from 3 years old in our Nursery through to Year 6 (11 years old).
Is the school academically selective?
No, we are non-selective but assess social readiness and learning potential during admissions.
What are your class sizes?
Average 16 pupils per class with maximum 22, ensuring individualised attention.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we awarded 8 scholarships in 2023 across academic, music, art and drama categories.
What SEN support is available?
Full SENCo service with individual support plans, dyslexia-friendly teaching and specialist interventions.
How do you prepare for secondary school?
Specialist transition programme from Year 5 with exam preparation and school placement guidance.
