Bassett House School vs Orchard House School

	B Bassett House School London, United Kingdom	O Orchard House School London, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £12,843 - 28,611	Fees / year £12,369 - 31,110
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Montessori Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 153	Pupils 398
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1947	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Bassett House School is located in Notting Hill, London. The address is 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP. It is an independent, co-educational prep school for girls and boys.	Location Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX. The school is in Chiswick, West London. It serves families across West London and beyond.
Stages	Stages Nursery (Ages 2–4) and Prep (Ages 4–11)	Stages Ages 3 to 11; Nursery through Year 6.
School type	School type Independent, co-educational prep school	School type Co-educational prep school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Pupils come from more than 21 countries, contributing to a diverse international community.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Pastoral care with personal Pupil Plans for each pupil and a worry box; buddy system for newcomers; older pupils mentor younger pupils.	Additional learning support Tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from Reception upwards; 1-4 sessions per week; bespoke one-to-one or group EAL sessions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation England	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Registration fee (non-refundable): Nursery School £125; Reception – Year 6 £150, payable on application. - Acceptance deposit: £3,000 payable at acceptance (paid via the online acceptance form). The deposit is retained if an accepted place is later cancelled or the child does not take up the place. The deposit is returned when a pupil leaves the school, subject to the school having received a full term's written notice and payment of all sums due; further detail on timing and conditions for return is set out in the school's admissions terms. One term's fees (at the current academic year rate) is payable on or before a child's first day at the school. Tuition fees (termly) and equivalent annual amounts - Nursery (termly / annual): - Mornings only (5 mornings each week): £4,281 per term — £12,843 per year (3 terms). - Five full days: £8,562 per term — £25,686 per year (3 terms). - Optional afternoon attendance (regular through the term): £856 per term — £2,568 per year (3 terms) if taken each term. - Occasional afternoon attendance (ad-hoc): £86 per afternoon (charged per session). - Prep School (termly / annual): - Lower School (Reception – Year 2): £9,234 per term — £27,702 per year (3 terms). - Upper School (Year 3 – Year 6): £9,537 per term — £28,611 per year (3 terms). - All fees quoted are inclusive of applicable taxes (including VAT) or levies where relevant. Nursery and school fees include a fresh hot lunch and fresh fruit prepared on the premises, except for Nursery children attending mornings only. Music, SEN and external club costs are set by independent providers and may be subject to VAT. Wraparound care and optional tuition / clubs - Wraparound care (Nursery 3+ only and Reception and above): - Morning session (from 07:45): £9.00 per session. - Afternoon session (up to 18:00): £22.50 per session. - Afternoon session (following after-school clubs): £9.00 per session. - Optional clubs and tuition (indicative starting prices): - Pre-school and after-school clubs: from £160 (per term). - Instrument lessons (10 sessions, 30 minutes): from £304.50 (per block). - SEN tuition (30 minutes per session): from £56.50 per session. Sibling discounts - Two children enrolled: 10% discount on tuition fees of the younger child (automatically deducted from the termly invoice). - Three or more children enrolled: 5% discount applies to the youngest (third) child and 5% to subsequent children (automatically deducted from the termly invoice). Eligibility requires children to be full fee–paying pupils and to meet standard admission criteria. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed termly. The school requires a term's written notice for the intended removal of a pupil; failure to give the required notice affects the return of the deposit and may require payment of the following term's fees. One term's fees (at the current academic year rate) is payable on or before the pupil's first day at the school. The deposit is refundable on leaving only if the school has received the required notice and all sums due have been paid; if the accepted place is cancelled before the child takes up the place, the deposit and any fees paid will be retained. Refunds and cancellations - The acceptance deposit (£3,000) will not be refunded if a child does not take up an accepted place. If a pupil leaves the school, the deposit will be returned no later than two weeks after the end of the pupil's last term provided one term's written notice was given on or before the first day of the pupil's last term and all sums due to the school have been paid. If such notice is not given, the deposit will not be returned unless the fees for the following term are paid in lieu of notice. Cancellation of an accepted place after acceptance will result in retention of deposit and any fees already paid. Boarding - Bassett House is a preparatory day school for children aged 2–11; no boarding provision or boarding fees apply. Uniform and other compulsory items - School uniform items (many crested items) must be purchased from the school's approved supplier, Sogans (orders online or in-store). The uniform list is specified by the school; prices for uniform items are set by the supplier and are not listed here. Personalisation and certain listed items are required to be purchased from the supplier. Government schemes and concessions - For children under five on 1 September, 1 January or 1 April, a Local Authority Grant (Minimum Funding Entitlement / Nursery Education Grant) may be applied to up to 15 hours' early years provision; parents who take the grant pay the difference between contracted hours and the grant where relevant. The school participates in childcare voucher schemes and accepts most companies' childcare vouchers and payments under the government's tax-free childcare scheme. Participation in the Local Authority Grant scheme is subject to change. Fee payment methods (as stated by the school) - The acceptance deposit is paid via the school's online acceptance form at the time of acceptance. The school accepts most companies' childcare vouchers and the government's tax-free childcare scheme for applicable payments. Specific merchant/payment methods (e.g., direct debit, bank transfer, credit card) are not itemised here; payment via the school's online form is required for acceptance deposits.	Fee details Application & acceptance fees - Registration fee: GBP 120 for general applications; GBP 100 for Nursery applications. This registration fee is non‑refundable. - Acceptance deposit: GBP 3,000 payable when a place is accepted. The deposit is retained if a place is not taken up after acceptance. The deposit is returned when the pupil leaves the school provided all sums due (including any fees in lieu of notice where required) have been paid and the school's notice requirements have been met. When a place is accepted the deposit may be paid via a secure Stripe payment link or directly into the school's bank account. Tuition fees (termly; three terms per academic year) — 2026/27 academic year - Nursery (charged by session; minimum 5 sessions per week). Termly fees (from September 2026): - 5 sessions per week: GBP 4,123 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 12,369). - 6 sessions per week: GBP 4,940 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 14,820). - 7 sessions per week: GBP 5,764 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 17,292). - 8 sessions per week: GBP 6,587 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 19,761). - 9 sessions per week: GBP 7,411 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 22,233). - 10 sessions per week: GBP 8,234 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 24,702). - One‑off additional Nursery session rate: GBP 82. Nursery fees are VAT‑exempt. - Reception, Years 1 and 2: GBP 9,229 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 27,687). Fees for these year groups are quoted inclusive of VAT. - Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: GBP 9,427 per term (annual equivalent: GBP 28,281). Fees for these year groups are quoted inclusive of VAT. - Fees for sponsored (child student visa) pupils (2026/27, payable per term): Reception/Years 1 & 2 GBP 10,152; Years 3–6 GBP 10,370 (annual equivalents: GBP 30,456 and GBP 31,110 respectively). These sponsored‑student fees are charged per term and are VAT‑inclusive. What the fees include / VAT - Reception through to Year 6 fees include a hot cooked lunch and most daytime excursions (residential trips are excluded). Nursery lunchtime inclusion depends on the pattern of attendance. Reception–Year 6 fees are VAT‑inclusive; Nursery fees are VAT‑exempt under early years rules. Wraparound care, clubs and optional charges - Wraparound care (sessional charges, 2026 session information): Morning session (7:30–8:30) GBP 10 per session; Afternoon session (3:30–6:00) GBP 19 per session; afternoon sessions booked half‑termly in advance GBP 16 per session. (Wraparound session prices published with reference to 2025 rates and 2026 fees noted as TBC where listed; the school publishes the current sessions and booking options). - Clubs and pre/post‑school activity charges from GBP 150 per activity (per the 2026/27 fees summary). Individual peripatetic music lessons (ten lessons of 30 minutes) start from GBP 320. Charges for clubs and music lessons are additional to tuition and are billed separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are charged termly with three terms in each academic year (Autumn/September, Spring/January and Summer/April). Parents receive termly invoices. - One term's fees (at the new academic year rate) are payable in advance on or before 1 March in the year of entry for a September start. Parents who accept an offer after 1 March prior to commencement, or who join mid‑year, are required to pay the first term's fees at acceptance alongside the deposit. A full term's notice in writing is required to withdraw a pupil; in the absence of such notice fees in lieu of notice are payable. For sponsored pupils, the first term's fees are payable on acceptance and subsequent termly fees must be paid before the first day of each term. - The school increases fees at the start of each academic year; new rates are communicated to parents in advance of their coming into effect. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Orchard House operates as a day Nursery and Prep school for children aged 3–11. No boarding fees apply. Other costs to budget for - School uniform: a full uniform is required and official items are obtainable from the appointed supplier (School Blazer or named suppliers listed on the uniform pages). Uniform costs are separate and charged by the supplier. Second‑hand uniform sales are organised by the parent community at intervals. - Residential trips, external outings requiring fees, specialist peripatetic lessons beyond the school's basic provision, some clubs and some equipment or examination costs are charged in addition to tuition. Music lessons and clubs are charged separately as noted above. Refunds and deposit handling - The registration fee is non‑refundable. The GBP 3,000 acceptance deposit is retained if the accepted place is not taken up. The acceptance deposit is refundable when the pupil leaves the school provided the parent has given the required written notice, all outstanding sums have been paid and any fees in lieu of notice have been settled; the deposit will be returned following the pupil's final term (the school's terms provide for the deposit to be returned no later than two weeks after the end of the child's last term, subject to the stated conditions). Fee payment options - Deposit payments may be made via a secure Stripe payment link or by direct bank transfer to the school account. The school accepts most companies' childcare voucher schemes and also accepts payments under the government tax‑free childcare scheme. A monthly payment scheme is available for spreading payments; details are arranged with the Finance Team. These payment routes allow card payments where processed via Stripe and standard bank transfers where paid into the school account. Sibling discounts and bursaries - Sibling discount: 10% discount on the tuition fees of the younger child when two children from the same family are enrolled. For three or more children, a 5% discount applies to the third child and to subsequent children; discounts are deducted automatically from the termly invoice. - Means‑tested bursaries are available from the Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET); bursaries may cover up to 100% of fees and may also assist with uniform, trips and other essentials. Application timelines and eligibility guidance are published by the school and OHSET. If you need a plain listing of the exact per‑term and annual figures above (for database entry), use the termly amounts listed and calculate the annual equivalents by multiplying each termly figure by three. The figures above reflect the school's published 2026/27 fee schedule and associated terms and conditions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school has no boarding.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a compulsory uniform, with items available from Sogans. The uniform includes a blazer with the school badge, navy outerwear, and a navy PE kit; Nursery items have separate lists.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided on site. Fresh hot lunch and fresh fruit are prepared on the premises and included in the fees, with an exception for Nursery pupils attending mornings only.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Bassett House School is part of the Dukes Education family and retains its independence. The Chair of Governors is Aatif Hassan, and Dukes Education provides governance oversight and shared services.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Dukes Education family.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Bassett House School offers a rich and bespoke curriculum across the school, delivered by specialist teachers and designed to flexibly achieve excellent outcomes. The curriculum draws on best practices from international curricula to maintain flexibility while upholding high standards. English, Phonics, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Religious Education, PSHE, Computing, French and Latin are taught, with Computing classrooms equipped with iMacs and interactive whiteboards, and iPads, MacBook Air laptops and Chromebooks available for class use. French is taught with immersion and enrichment activities, including trips and a Form 6 week at a French château where staff speak only French; Latin enriches English vocabulary and supports cross‑curricular links. Bassett House is co-educational for ages 2-11, and pupils benefit from a co-educational environment; Year groups 1–6 have Curriculum Overview documents for Autumn 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026, and the school is part of the Dukes Education family.	Curriculum details The Learning Orchard curriculum blends Powerful Knowledge, Holistic Learning, Leadership and World Readiness to build curious, adaptable learners who are prepared for senior school and beyond. It offers specialist teaching from Year 1 across Art, Computing, Dance, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Music, PE, PSHE and Science, with STEAM projects and coding introduced in the Innovation Hub. Reading Explorer (KS1) and Reading Scholar (KS2) place reading at the centre of progress, developing vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension. Termly assessments in English, Maths, Science and Reasoning from Year 1 feed into individual targets and allow staff to tailor the curriculum to each pupil, with results shared with parents. In Year 6, the Senior Schools & 11+ programme prepares pupils for senior school entry, and the most recent cohort achieved 150 offers and 42 scholarships across 27 leading day and boarding schools, with priority entry to Dukes senior schools as part of the Dukes Education family. A high staff-to-pupil ratio and small classes support personalised attention.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small classes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio support personalised attention.
Exam results	Exam results Our Year 6 pupils achieved outstanding 11+ outcomes, with offers from a wide range of London independent schools and several pupils receiving multiple offers, including a scholarship. Pupils have previously received offers from St Paul's Girls' School, City of London School for Girls, Francis Holland School Regent's Park, Alleyn's School Hampstead, Ibstock Place School, The Harrodian School, Emanuel School, University College School and Wetherby. In recent years, over 90% of our pupils have received offers at senior schools.	Exam results Senior Schools & 11+ programme equips pupils for senior school entry. The most recent Year 6 cohort received 150 offers and 42 scholarships across 27 leading day and boarding schools, with priority entry to Dukes Education senior schools.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Pupils progress to senior schools through the Senior Schools & 11+ programme, with strong 11+ outcomes and priority entry to Dukes Education senior schools.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school embeds social and emotional learning in its pastoral care and PSHE programme. Pupils learn to manage emotions and develop empathy through a thought-provoking PSHE and RSE curriculum, with topics on consent, harassment, healthy relationships and wider society. Leaders emphasise the well-being and safety of pupils; pupils feel safe at school and actively discuss emotions, self-awareness and resilience. A personal Pupil Plan is used to monitor happiness and well-being, and a worry box provides a confidential channel for concerns. The buddy system supports newcomers, a growth mindset approach helps with friendship issues, and a house system promotes teamwork, belonging and community involvement through whole-school events and charitable activities.	Social & emotional learning The school prioritizes happiness, support, and inspiration to help each child achieve their best. The ethos puts children at the centre, values each child as an individual, and promotes respect, courtesy, kindness and belonging. The approach focuses on building resilience and perseverance to prepare pupils for life's challenges. The school's values and environment support social and emotional development across learning, play and relationships.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) who liaises with staff, pupils and parents to create learning plans and apply a graduated approach. If a pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), provision is tailored to meet those needs. The school recognises that some EAL pupils may have SEN needs and ensures equal access to SEN provision. There is an English as an Additional Language (EAL) co-ordinator and a More Able and Talented (MAT) co-ordinator to support a broad range of needs. Staff development ensures provision for SEND and EAL is appropriately delivered and coordinated.	Special educational needs (SEN) Three expert SENCO teachers provide assessment and organise learning support across the school. When needed, support may be delivered in groups or 1:1, with an individual learning plan developed and regularly reviewed. There is an additional charge for any individual tuition.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school values all languages and cultures; all languages, accents and cultures are equally valued. The school has an EAL co-ordinator who monitors progress toward English proficiency and maintains an assessment tracker. A language questionnaire is completed by parents on entry to identify home languages, exposure to English and other language needs. Staff differentiate teaching to meet EAL needs, using group work to promote authentic communication, with some guided or one-to-one sessions if appropriate, and allowing newly arrived children time to absorb English (including a recognised silent period). In EYFS, bilingual support and opportunities to hear home languages are provided, with opportunities for children to use their mother tongue alongside English.	English as an additional language EAL pupils are supported by a diverse staff and strategies to enable access to the curriculum. Teaching methods include carefully planned seating, key words translated in lessons, and strong visual aids, with curriculum adaptations to promote inclusivity. The environment is welcoming and language development is integrated with social and academic learning.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school places a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing within its PSHE provision and safeguarding framework. The PSHE and RSE curriculum addresses emotions, relationships, consent and harassment, helping pupils discuss and understand their mental health in mature terms. Leaders encourage pupils to recognise and manage their own emotions and to develop empathy, self-confidence and resilience. The ISI inspection notes that the school meets standards for pupils' physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing, with pupils describing their mental health in mature, self-aware ways. A culture of wellbeing is underpinned by safeguarding policies and staff training.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral Care aims to support emotional, moral and social development and to create a safe, purposeful, and happy atmosphere. It seeks to identify and meet diverse needs, develop emotional development and self-esteem, and foster resilience. Staff are responsible for recognising individual needs and fostering positive relationships, and wellbeing is monitored using CPOMS.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school operates a formal safeguarding framework with a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputies; CPOMS is used to log concerns and track follow-up. Concerns are reported immediately through established procedures, with referrals made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) when appropriate. The safeguarding policy, adopted by the governors, applies to all staff and volunteers and covers safeguarding in all school activities, including external providers and off-site activities. Safeguarding records are shared with receiving schools as needed, and the board assigns a safeguarding governor to oversee policy and practice. Staff receive safeguarding training and are required to acknowledge the policy annually; the school conducts an annual safeguarding review and maintains ongoing safeguarding coordination with partner agencies. The NSPCC helpline is available for staff, and safeguarding arrangements extend to service-level agreements with external organisations.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection underpin all relevant policies and practice. The school coordinates safeguarding with the designated safeguarding lead and deputies and follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. The policy covers safer recruitment, emergency contacts, and training; the policy is published publicly on the school's website. The Board of Governors ensures at least two emergency contact numbers per child and ongoing safeguarding oversight, including online safety.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Main building at 60 Bassett Road houses ten classrooms and an outside play area, with Upper Prep pupils based there. The building was rebuilt in 2001 to create bright, airy rooms. St Helen's Church hall around the corner provides a professional stage and assembly hall, a gymnasium, a kitchen and a garden play area. Bassett Bear House is the Early Years home with Nursery aged 3+ and Reception aged 4+ in three light classrooms and a large interactive learning zone. There is a basement music and drama studio for the whole school, along with smaller group spaces. Kensington Memorial Park is a short walk away for outdoor time and Westway Sports Centre offers additional sports facilities nearby.	Facilities overview Orchard House School operates across Priory Avenue and Rupert Road in West London, with a purpose-built centre for the early years on Rupert Road. The school provides specialist teaching facilities for Science & Computing, Art, Design Technology and Music, plus dedicated multi-purpose halls and rooms for assemblies, drama and performance. STEAM learning is integrated through projects linking Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths, with coding introduced from Year 1 in the Innovation Hub. English, Maths and Science are supported by termly assessments and target setting, and weekly library lessons support reading and research in well-stocked libraries. The school offers wraparound care from 7:30am to 6pm and enrichment and off-site learning activities such as farm visits, woodland experiences and local walks.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Westway Sports Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities including the largest climbing wall in London. It includes an LTA Accredited tennis performance centre and eight outdoor floodlit 3G football pitches with floodlit cricket lanes. These facilities support the school's PE and Games program. Kensington Memorial Park is nearby and used for outdoor time.	Sports facilities Pupils take part in a broad sports programme across PE lessons, Games and clubs, including football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, padel tennis, cross-country and Year 6 rowing. Sports facilities are anchored by local venues within a five-minute walk of the school: Rocks Lane (football, rugby, hockey, netball and padel tennis), Chiswick House Grounds (summer cricket), Chiswick Back Common and The Green for cross-country and PE, Acton Leisure Centre and Janet Adegoke Swimming Pool for swimming, Team Keane for Year 6 rowing, and King's House Sports Ground for Sports Day. There are before-school training sessions and after-school clubs, with squad/representative opportunities available as pupils progress.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Main building houses ten classrooms and an outside play area, with Upper Prep pupils based there. Bassett Bear House is the newly renovated Early Years home featuring Nursery aged 3+ and Reception aged 4+ in three light classrooms and a large interactive learning zone. A basement music and drama studio provides arts spaces for the whole school, along with smaller group tutorial spaces. Bassett Bear House is designed to support early years with dedicated spaces for child initiated learning.	Academic facilities The school has specialist teaching facilities for Science & Computing, Art, Design Technology and Music, with dedicated multi-purpose halls and rooms used for assemblies, drama and performance. STEAM learning is delivered through projects linking Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths, with coding introduced from Year 1 in the Innovation Hub and termly assessments in English, Maths and Science to tailor targets. The Performing Arts program uses specialist facilities and includes music lessons and groups such as Orchestra, String Group and School Choir, with instruments including flute, trombone, cello, oboe, electric guitar and steel pans. Weekly library lessons support reading and research across extensively stocked libraries.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a broad co-curricular program, including Performing & Creative Arts, PE & Games, Clubs and Trips. These activities complement the academic program and provide a varied timetable of experiences outside the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Performing Arts are a core part of life at Orchard House, with pupils taking part in drama and musical productions, clubs, concerts and assemblies. Musical groups include Orchestra, String Group and School Choir, and lessons cover instruments such as flute, trombone, cello, oboe, electric guitar and steel pans. After-school sports clubs run termly as part of our Wraparound & Clubs programme, and enrichment and off-site learning activities include farm visits, woodland experiences and local walks.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Bassett House School was founded in 1947 and is one of Notting Hill's oldest Prep Schools. It is a co-educational school in Notting Hill for girls and boys aged 2-11. The motto is 'Be the best you can be'. The school is part of the Dukes Education family.	History The history of Orchard House School begins with its sister Bassett House School in North Kensington, founded in 1947 by Sylvia Rentoul. Orchard House School itself was founded in 1993 on its Newton Grove site, and the Early Years building was added in 2010 on Rupert Road. In February 2020, Orchard House, Bassett House and Prospect House joined Dukes Education. In 2021 Dukes Education acquired Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School (CBPPS), and Orchard House and CBPPS worked closely under joint leadership before fully merging under the Orchard House name by September 2024, with refurbished sites for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and an expanded curriculum. Today the school is a three-form entry led by Head Henrietta Adams, and the most recent Year 6 cohort received 150 senior school offers and over 40 scholarships across music, art, drama, sport, chess and academics.
Community	Community Bassett House School is a small, welcoming Notting Hill community with a big heart. World Book Day on March 5, 2026 featured a dress-up parade and reading activities. Red Nose Day fundraising in April 2025 used a 'crazy hair day' and raised £465. Bassett Life is the weekly school newsletter sharing highlights of learning and achievements across the school.	Community Orchard House is an inclusive, ambitious, joyful community in Chiswick, with a diverse, international pupil body and a headteacher who is a visible, accessible presence in school life. The school culture features music, drama, lunchtime debates in philosophy club, and performances such as Year 1 soloists at assemblies, plus Orchard's Got Talent that involve the whole school. Pastoral care is personal and proactive, with wellbeing questionnaires and individual pastoral plans, and mental health support for pupils and staff. Parents are welcomed to regular events such as parents' evenings, open mornings, sports days, concerts, class assemblies, theatrical productions, and Family and Friends afternoons, strengthening the home–school partnership and community involvement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Orchard House Parents' Association (OHSPA) is a community body that helps bring parents and pupils together for social and school life. All parents are automatically members. The Association aims to act as a social forum for the parents and pupils and to organise social events for parents and pupils. It is overseen by a committee with a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, charities' coordinator and form representatives, meeting twice per term. The OHSPA may appoint sub-committees for special purposes such as the autumn social, quiz night and summer fair, and it raises funds to support the school and local charity. Funds are allocated as follows: 37.5% to the school's chosen charity for the year, 37.5% to the Orchard House School Educational Trust, 25% retained by the Association to fund social events and small purchases, and 100% of funds from Harvest Festival and class fundraisers are donated to the school's chosen charity for that year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows the National Curriculum from Key Stage 1 and provides a broad, balanced academic program. It extends learning through specialist teaching across subjects and a curriculum enriched by visits, workshops and a strong cocurricular footprint. From Years 4–6, reasoning is supported with online tools such as Atom Learning, Mangahigh and Times Tables Rockstars, and French is taught using Language Angels. Some pupils follow 11+ examination syllabuses as part of the curriculum, with targeted support for entrance to senior schools.	Academic & intellectual The Learning Orchard Curriculum guides four guiding principles: Holistic Learning, Leadership, Powerful Knowledge, and World Readiness to prepare pupils for life beyond exams. Reading Explorer (KS1) and Reading Scholar (KS2) place reading at the heart of progress, with book choices, reading tasks and badges that recognise achievement; Reading Scholar has expanded to include Reading Critic, Ambassador and Laureate awards. The school runs 41 clubs across academics, sports and the arts, and pupils can engage in inter-school opportunities within the Dukes Education family, including Dukes Debating, Poetry Together and the Dukes Young Leaders Award.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts are central to Bassett House; every child is a performer with involvement in class assemblies, nativity plays, year-wide theatre productions and festive services. The music program offers class lessons, a choir, an orchestra, instrument ensembles and individual tuition, with visiting teachers available. Art education covers painting, drawing, sculpture and digital media, with gallery visits, Royal Academy life drawing workshops and an annual Art Week Showcase. The school also runs drama and performing arts clubs.	Arts & creative Music and Drama are central to Orchard House. Pupils receive weekly instrumental lessons across piano, violin, guitar, drums and voice, with more than 12 ensembles and five choirs and in-house ABRSM exam sessions. The musical program culminates in regular performances, including concerts, the Petter Cup and the Year 6 Summer Production at the POSK Theatre; drama is taught from Early Years with devised theatre and backstage roles, leading to annual productions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language A language-immersion experience includes a week-long trip in France at an outward-bound château where only French is spoken. French is taught using Language Angels, and cultural learning is supported by gallery visits and related workshops.	Cultural & language French is taught by specialist teachers across the school, including in Early Years and Prep. The school features specialist teaching in French as part of its Learning Orchard curriculum, and French for Native Speakers is offered as a club. Pupils also benefit from cultural experiences such as annual residential trips to Suffolk, York, the Isle of Wight and France (Year 6).
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Weekly clubs cover art, animation, coding, cooking, chess, drama, fencing, horse riding, martial arts, netball, swimming and yoga. Pupils can join the school chamber choir, senior and junior choirs and instrumental ensembles, and participate in media clubs such as Bassett Radio and Bassett's Big News newspaper club.	Social & hobbies Before- and after-school clubs total 41 and span sports, arts and academics. Clubs include Chess, Board Games, Cooking, Music ensembles (Woodwind Ensemble, Pippin Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Orchestra, Little Voice LAMDA Club), Drama, Dance, Art, Film Making, Cross-stitch and Embroidery, Debating, Science, Computing & Coding, French for Native Speakers, and a School Magazine.
Community & service	Community & service Charity activity features carolling for charity and Harvest Festival participation as part of school life, reflecting community-minded events. PSHE and the school's values promote respect for others and responsibility within the wider community.	Community & service Pastoral care is central, with each child having a Pupil Pastoral Plan and regular opportunities to participate in charitable events for the local community. The School Council and Eco-School Committee involve pupils in leadership and environmental activities, reinforcing community engagement and responsibility.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school develops qualities of teamwork and leadership through its extensive programme of extra-curricular activities. Leadership recognition includes the weekly Head's Award and other accolades celebrated in Celebration Assemblies such as the Golden Spoon award, with house points and formal public praise reinforcing leadership and achievement. The Senior Leadership Team provides guidance and oversight to ensure consistent, values-driven practice across the school.	Leadership & professional Pupils can take part in inter-school leadership opportunities through the Dukes Education network, including Dukes Debating, Poetry Together and the Dukes Young Leaders Award. The Orchard House Challenge (Years 4–6) offers an enriched programme covering outdoor adventure, financial education, community service, the arts and personal development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing PSHE topics reflect the school's aims and ethos and encourage respect for others; these lessons prepare pupils for their role in wider society. The curriculum builds self-esteem, confidence and transferable skills for life-long learning. A values-driven environment and the strong cocurricular programme—combined with regular educational visits and clubs—support pupils' wellbeing and holistic development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport and wellbeing are a core focus, with a broad programme that includes football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, padel, cross-country and Year 6 rowing. Many activities run as after-school clubs and fixtures against other schools, with access to local venues and dedicated coaching aimed at enjoyment, teamwork and sport for all.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction with a focus on reading and writing. French is taught with immersion across the curriculum, with competitions and cinema trips, and a Form 6 week at a French château. Latin is taught to enrich English vocabulary and support learning across subjects. EAL support is provided for pupils whose first language is not English, with bilingual support where possible, and a language questionnaire is used to tailor support to enable full curriculum access.	Language provision French is taught as a subject. In Forms 4–6, some lessons include Classical Civilisation, Latin and Mandarin. English is the language of instruction, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available for pupils who need it, including assessment and staged support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching No formal bilingual program is described; immersion-based French instruction is used.	Bilingual teaching No formal bilingual education is offered. English is the language of instruction; bilingual support is provided where possible, including bilingual vocabulary support in the EYFS.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs French instruction uses immersion across the curriculum; there are French competitions and trips to see French films, and by Form 6 pupils spend a week at a French château with staff speaking only French.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Bassett House School publishes an Admissions Policy. A copy of the prospectus is available from the school office and can be sent on request. Tours of the school are conducted by the Headmistress. Open mornings or afternoons are held throughout the year to allow families to see the school in operation. To arrange a visit, contact the Admissions Department. 2. Bassett House School invites families to register their child. For Nursery and Reception, registrations are accepted from birth, allowing early interest to be noted. Registrations can be submitted after birth. The registrar handles registrations and inquiries as part of the admissions process. 3. After registration, the school will arrange either a personal tour or a virtual meeting with the Head. For younger children, the assessment focuses on the ability to integrate with the existing class rather than on academic achievement. The school is non-selective for entry to Preschool and Reception. Assessments are designed to support a good fit within the class. 4. When an offer of a place is made, acceptance is via an online form and a deposit of £3,000 is payable on entry to secure the place. The school provides instructions on how to accept the offer and complete the online steps. Offers are made in accordance with meeting the relevant entry requirements and providing the necessary information. 5. Before the first day, induction events are offered for Nursery or Reception to help children settle in. For Nursery and Reception, induction events provide time to meet the teacher. Children joining Year 1 to Year 6 attend a Taster Day to meet classmates and teachers and experience a day within the school. 6. The main entry points are Nursery (3+) and Reception (4+). The Preschool entry occurs after the child's third birthday. The school does not test very young children and is non-selective for Preschool and Reception. Priority is given to siblings of current pupils and to applicants from other Dukes Education institutions.	Admissions 1. Registration and waiting list. The school acknowledges receipt of the registration and the child's name is placed on the waiting list for the preferred year. Offers are made in Nursery in batches starting in early spring, with priority entry given to applicants connected to Orchard House or Dukes Education. After these batches, remaining places are offered in order of registration at the Head's discretion. If no places are available, registrants remain on the waiting list for future vacancies. 2. Nursery entry, deferrals, and occasional places. Nursery entry offers begin about 18 months before start and are issued in batches, with priority entry given to applicants connected to the school or Dukes Education. Deferrals to Reception are possible; deferral requests must be in writing and places are allocated on a deferral order. Occasional places in other year groups are dealt with on an individual basis and subject to assessment, including requests for latest school reports and may include an entrance assessment. 3. Priority entry and siblings. Priority entry is given to applicants with a connection to Orchard House, Chiswick & Bedford Park Prep School, or Dukes Education. Sibling priority exists: the younger child may be prioritized if registered at the same time as the older or within 3 months of birth. Where an older child has left the school, siblings yet to join will no longer enjoy priority status. 4. Accepting a place, deposits, and conditions. To accept an offer, parents complete the acceptance form and pay a £3,000 deposit; acceptance becomes confirmed when both are received. The deposit is non-refundable if the pupil does not join, and it is refundable within two weeks after the end of the last term if departure was notified and all fees have been paid. One term's fees are payable in advance for the upcoming academic year, by March 1st; if acceptance occurs after March 1st, first term's fees are due with the deposit. When finalising the offer, the school may request reports or references and will consider any special educational needs, EAL requirements, and the child's right to reside in the UK.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Bursaries are awarded and funded by Orchard House School Educational Trust (OHSET), a registered charity which works closely with, but independently of Orchard House School. Orchard House School does not offer scholarships based on academic, musical or sporting achievement.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Registration is acknowledged and the child's name is placed on the waiting list for the preferred year. When a place becomes available, offers are made in order of registration, with priority given to applicants with a school connection in Nursery. If no places are available, the child remains on the waiting list for future vacancies.
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