Welcome to Cumnor House School
Cumnor House School for girls and boys is where your child will aspire to be the best they can be. We help every child build on their strengths, believe in themselves, be distinctive and challenge themselves with high expectations. Our approach empowers children to be leaders and provides an educational standard that ensures children are well prepared for their future.
We are a family of four independent schools, for boys and girls from ages 2 – 13 years, originally founded in 1931, with 4 campuses all based on the outskirts of Croydon. Cumnor House is an independent school, providing an environment free from some of the anxieties that accompany young boys and girls. Freedom to be simply and wholly oneself: for each student to develop and explore and cherish their identity and individuality.
Simply, to be their best self.
An Excellent ISI report 2022.
We are delighted to announce that Cumnor House School for Girls has recently received an Excellent report in their latest ISI 'Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection Report'.
“Pupils’ attitudes to their learning are outstanding. They are highly motivated, inquisitive and well-rounded learners who work effectively in groups or individually. Pupils have an excellent work ethic.”
Independent Girls’ School of the Year and Independent Boys’ School of the Year
We are delighted to announce that Cumnor House School has been shortlisted for both Independent Boys' School of the Year and Independent Girls' School of the Year. These nominations reflect our commitment to a holistic and inclusive educational approach that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and well-being.
Cumnor Boys’ has been recognised for fostering resilient, compassionate, and confident pupils. Similarly, Cumnor Girls’ has been commended for empowering each girl to be her best self, celebrating academic excellence and holistic development.
We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our pupils, ensuring they are prepared for future success and fulfilling lives.
The benefits of single-sex education.
As children progress through their education, we know that being in a single-sex environment brings both academic and social benefits. In both the Girls’ and the Boys’ Schools we work hard to ensure that the pressure of gender roles does not exist, and encourage pupils to pursue anything that interests them, regardless of societal pressures. We have a strong culture of high academic achievement and our pupils' confidence levels are high.
We find that both girls and boys can be true to themselves, and are more willing to take risks, fail and then try again. Our classrooms are dynamic, unfettered by gender stereotypes and free from the anxieties that can become apparent. Pupils are less easily distracted, and able to concentrate and pursue their academic and social interests with enthusiasm.
Destination Schools
Preparing students for their next steps.
Cumnor House is reputable amongst many Grammar and senior schools, with many of our students receiving offers from the most selective and prestigious schools nationwide. With our expertise, we help students prepare for the Common Entrance Exam and support them with their scholarship applications.
We help students find the right school for them by allowing them to identify and develop their talents and interests. It is important that we equip students with the necessary skills and qualities, empowering them to feel confident about their future options.
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Out of a year group of 19 girls, 18 applied to independent schools, with applications sent to 14 different schools. And the results speak for themselves — 48 offers were made, including an impressive 32 scholarships and awards! 🎓🏆
They’ve worked tirelessly across all areas—whether in academics, sports, creative arts, languages, or food tech. Each of them embodies the spirit of a well-rounded education, thriving in every way.
#ProudMoment #Year6Success #HolisticEducation #CelebrateAchievement #GirlsPower #11PlusResults #FutureLeaders #WellRoundedStudents #ScholarshipsAndAwards #IndependentSchools #surreyschools
🎓📚 Success at Cumnor House! 🎉 🏆
We’re thrilled to share that 88% of boys who joined our 13+ Year 7 and 8 programme this year were offered their first-choice senior school!
Even more impressive, over 50% of these boys received scholarships after missing out at their previous schools.
We’re so proud of the achievements of our students and the opportunities that Cumnor House provides for their growth and success.
For more information, please contact admissions@cumnorhouse.com.
#CumnorHouse #SuccessStories #Scholarships #FutureLeaders #AcademicExcellence #CumnorCommunity #EducationForLife #croydonschools #surrey
So proud of Oviyan this half term! 🏏✨ From training with the @englandcricket coaches at Lords to joining the @surreycricket setup at the Surrey Cricket Centre – he’s been busy!
Not only is he the youngest in the group (7-8 years old), but he’s also developed a real passion for the sport, showing respect for coaches and teammates along the way.
And to complete the week, Oviyan has just signed a sponsorship deal with @kookaburracricket! 🎉 @cumnorhouse are excited for what’s to come! 🌟 #CricketJourney #ProudMoment #KookaburraCricket #NextGenCricket"**
What an amazing experience for Aizah on Sunday - leading her team out at the Emirates Stadium. We are so proud of her. Aizah is a keen, and talented, footballer herself and we look forward to her captaining England one day!
@arsenalwfc @arsenal #thisgirlcan #women`sfootball
Happy New Year to all our Cumnor House community! 🎉
We hope you’ve had a relaxing break and are ready for the year ahead. As we look forward to welcoming everyone back next week, we’re excited to share this video celebrating some of our favourite moments from 2024. Here’s to an incredible 2025! ✨
#HappyNewYear #CumnorHouseSchool #2024Highlights #privateschool #london #wearecognita
This week, our Year 6 and Year 5 students of the Chamber Choir from both Boys’ and Girls’ schools spread festive joy at local care homes!
Our girls visited Chestnut Gardens Care Home, where they serenaded residents with carols and songs from their Carol Service. Year 6’s Harriet also performed a beautiful flute piece, much to the delight of the audience. After their performance, the girls enjoyed some lovely chats with the residents, learning about their fascinating stories.
Meanwhile, our boys visited Purley Gardens, where they too brought smiles and festive cheer to the residents with their beautiful carol singing.
Both groups finished their afternoon with some well-deserved treats, before heading back to school with hearts full of warmth. What a meaningful way to spend the day, enriching the lives of others while fostering a strong sense of connection and generosity. 🎁💚
#cumnorhouseschool #carehomevisit #schoolchoir #choirservice #year5 #year6 #christmasspirit #wearecognita
Wednesday was an evening of festive magic as St. Mark’s Church came alive with the beautiful voices and heartfelt performances of our Year 3 to Year 6 Cumnor Girls’ during the annual Carol Service.
The evening included stunning choral classics such as ‘The Angel’s Carol’ and ‘Little Road to Bethlehem’, as well as modern favourites like It ‘Feels Like Christmas’. A standout moment was the premiere of Adrian Payne’s Candles for Christmas, performed with the composer himself in attendance!
Our Year 6 girls captivated the audience with their beautiful readings and solos, while Head Girl Lyla and Deputy Head Girl Paris delivered heartfelt speeches that added an extra special touch.
A huge thank you to our dedicated staff for organising such a magical event and to our families for coming together to share in this seasonal celebration. ✨🎄
#cumnorhouseschool #girlsschool #schoolchoir #christmascarol #christmasservice #schoolperformance #year1 #year6 #wearecognita
Meet our Heads of Schools.
Meet Emma Edwards
Meet Amanda McShane
Our Heads of Schools are dedicated to giving our students the perfect platform to achieve their potential. By striking the perfect balance between disciplined learning practices and a friendly atmosphere we can be confident in providing the perfect environment for children to flourish.
To see our schools in action, please visit on one of our Open Days.
FACILITIES & LOCATION
Excellent learning locations.
All of our school sites provide unique schooling experiences. Cumnor Girls and CHS Nursery Purley are situated in the idyllic Woodcote Lane, providing a calm and tranquil setting for our pupils. Cumnor Boys is a short distance away, in a compact city campus boasting a 10-acre playing field. CHS Nursery South Croydon’s campus overlooks the spacious sports fields of the Boys’ school.
Our students value the home from home environment in which they are encouraged to develop and learn. There is an on-going investment programme to maintain and improve the fabric and flow of our school facilities.
SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding Policy & Croydon Local Authority.
Cumnor House School adheres to the guidance set out in the Safeguarding policy which is underpinned by KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education), whilst also working alongside the procedures of Croydon local authority, including their local criteria for action and protocol for assessments.
All of our policies, including safeguarding, can be found in the footer.
YOUR CHILD'S JOURNEY
There's a different way. The Cumnor Way.
From age 2 through to 13 years old, we will support your child through every stage of their education. Children who join our independent school develop confidence and a genuine love for learning, putting them on the path to success.
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Open 51 weeks of the year, from 7:30am-6:00pm, our South Croydon site provides children aged 2-4 years with consistent care in a home-from-home environment.
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Using The Cumnor Way, our specialist Early Years teachers ensure that, from a young age, children take the necessary steps to develop values that will enable them to be their best selves.
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Open during term time to fit in with school hours, Purley provides a safe space for children aged 2-4 years to learn about themselves and the world around them.
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Children are encouraged, from a young age and with the support of our specialist Early Years teachers, to develop values that align with The Cumnor Way, enabling them to be their best selves.
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Highly regarded preparatory school from Reception to Year 8.
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A close-knit community focused on values of Endeavour, Compassion, Courage, Self Belief and Integrity - also known as The Cumnor Way.
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Exceptional success in Sports, Music and Academics.
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Outstanding preparatory school from Reception to Year 6.
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A close-knit community that ensures every child feels valued, respected, safe and supported to be the best they can be.
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Exceptional results in 11+ schools.
Learn more. Download our prospectus.
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