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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Prize Giving is always a special moment in the Cumnor House calendar.
For our Year 6 and Year 8 pupils, it marks not just the end of a brilliant year, but the end of their Cumnor journey. As they prepare to take their next steps into senior school, we couldn’t be more proud of the young people they’ve become: confident, kind, and ready for all that lies ahead.
To all our leavers, thank you for the joy, the laughter, and all the unforgettable memories. Once Cumnor, always Cumnor ♥️
#CumnorHouse #PrizeGiving
Our Year 8 boys have been busy channelling their inner entrepreneurs, working in teams to develop and pitch business ideas to a panel of expert Dragons:
💼 Miss Edwards (Head of Cumnor House School)
🏫 Mr Beck (Head of Admissions, Whitgift School)
🌍 Antonis Ioannou (Co-founder of Adlist)
Every team walked away with investment - though not without a little negotiation! 💸 It was a brilliant showcase of creativity, confidence and business flair. Well done, boys!👏🏼
#CumnorHouse #DragonsDenChallenge #FutureLeaders #YoungEntrepreneurs
What a spectacular way to round off a brilliant musical year! This year’s Summer Showcase brought together everything from Little Voices and Chamber Choir to Percussion Group and the Full Orchestra, with every performance full of passion and dedication.
Bravo to all our boys for such a memorable event! 👏🎵
#CumnorHouseBoys #SummerShowcase
The cold never bothered them anyway ❄️
Our Year 6 girls took to the stage this week for their unforgettable performance of Frozen, with our Head Girl as Elsa and Year 5 choir in full voice.
After weeks of rehearsals and auditions, they performed for parents over two magical days, and absolutely shone.
Well done to every single girl involved. A show to remember! 💙✨
#CumnorHouseGirls #Frozen
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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