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.

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Our Schools

Being free to be themselves, our pupils are empowered and enlightened. They are able to grow as individuals, develop strong relationships, and embrace everything we have to offer at Cumnor House.

Cumnor House Boys

Cumnor House Boys’ School is a preparatory boys school in the Croydon area, and a fully established member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools.

We accept boys from 4 to 13 years.

Cumnor House Girls

Cumnor House School for Girls is a preparatory girls’ school in the Croydon/Purley area, belonging to the Independent Schools Association.

We accept girls from 4 to 11 years.

Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School in Purley

Our Purley Kindergarten & Pre-School is located on Woodcote Lane, Webb Estate, a conservation site in Purley that has been a tranquil space for over 100 years.

Open during term time, from 8:00am – 3:00pm.

Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School in South Croydon

Our South Croydon Kindergarten & Pre-School is located on Pampisford Road, overlooking 10 acres of Cumnor Sports Ground – a quiet gem in a busy city.

Open 51 weeks a year, from 7:30am – 6:00pm.

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.

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.”

Read the full report

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.

View latest school scholarships and offers - Boys' School
View latest school scholarships and offers - Girls' School
Independent School of the Year shortlist.

Cumnor House School for Girls has been shortlisted for ‘Small Independent School of the Year‘ and ‘Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing‘.

Cumnor House Boys' School and Kindergarten & Pre-School has been shortlisted for ‘Independent Prep School of the Year‘.

These nominations acknowledge the care, passion and dedication we put into delivering the very best education for our students in a warm and nurturing environment, so it is a pleasure to see Cumnor House recognised in this way.

Meet our Heads of Schools.

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Cumnor Boys School, and Kindergarten & Pre-School

Meet Emma Edwards

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Cumnor Girls School

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.

Open Days & Visits

FACILITIES & LOCATION

Excellent learning locations.

All of our school sites provide unique schooling experiences. Cumnor Girls and CHS Kindergarten & Pre-School 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 Kindergarten & Pre-School 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.

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Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School, Purley
Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School, South Croydon
Cumnor House Boys School
Cumnor House School for Girls

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.

Please find more information here

“The teachers and leadership go above and beyond with their attention to detail. Our son has formed excellent teacher-pupil and peer relationships. He is really being stretched to achieve his own potential, rather than being regarded as a statistic.”

 – Cumnor House Parent

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.

Ages 2 to 4
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Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School, South Croydon

  • 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.

  • 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.

Find out more
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Cumnor House Kindergarten & Pre-School, Purley

  • 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.

  • 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.

Find out more
Ages 4 to 13
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Cumnor Boys (Ages 4 to 13)

  • Highly regarded preparatory school from Reception to Year 8.

  • A close-knit community focused on values of Endeavour, Compassion, Courage, Self Belief and Integrity - also known as The Cumnor Way.

  • Exceptional success in Sports, Music and Academics.

Find out more
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Cumnor Girls (Ages 4 to 11)

  • Outstanding preparatory school from Reception to Year 6.

  • A close-knit community that ensures every child feels valued, respected, safe and supported to be the best they can be.

  • Exceptional results in 11+ schools.

Find out more
Learn more. Download our prospectus.
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