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The Roche School

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £18,165 - 23,088
Ages 2 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 263
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

The Roche School is a private, family-owned day school in London that educates children from 2 to 11. It follows the English National Curriculum, with Nursery to Year 6, teaching core subjects across year groups in English and offering Spanish immersion for bilingual learners. The school also integrates EYFS and Montessori-inspired elements to support early development. The Roche School prioritises pupil wellbeing through a daily wellbeing room staffed by a pastoral team and an engaging, enriched English-centric curriculum. Its facilities include a main building with a library, three computer suites, a sprung-floor dance studio, an in-house pottery kiln, a raised stage, and a kitchen, plus access to outdoor spaces such as Wandsworth Park playing fields, nearby tennis courts, and a 33m swimming pool. Regular Forest School sessions use Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. A broad extracurricular offer includes sport, arts, and specialist clubs, underpinned by student leadership and community projects.

11 Frogmore, London SW18 1HW, United Kingdom

The Essentials

The Roche School has 263 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

The Roche School and Nursery is located at 11 Frogmore, Wandsworth, London SW18 1HW. The main school and nursery are based in the heart of Wandsworth, with an additional nursery hub just a few minutes' walk away. Minibus routes serve Wimbledon Parkside, Wimbledon, Southfields and parts of Wandsworth, for a fee of £7 per day.

Stages

Nursery; Prep School.

Type

Private, family-owned day school with a Nursery and Prep School on site.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Pupils represent over 50 countries; one quarter are bilingual or multilingual.

Additional learning support

Special Education Needs & Disability Policy.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

Core school day for Reception to Year 6 is 8:00 am–6:30 pm. After-school club runs 4:30 pm–6:30 pm (Mon–Thu) and 4:30 pm–6:00 pm on Friday. Nursery wraparound care runs 4:00 pm–6:00 pm.

Bus service

Minibus Routes: two routes covering Wimbledon Parkside, Wimbledon, Southfields and parts of Wandsworth; £7 per day.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is required for all pupils. Lower School (Nursery–Year 2) wears navy and red, including a navy weather-proof padded jacket, navy pinafore dresses for girls and navy knickers or trousers for boys, white tops, and appropriate footwear; Upper School (Years 3–6) uses navy skirts or trousers with white shirts and red cardigans, plus a navy jacket and designated sports wear.

Food Options

Fresh lunches are prepared daily by Chef Michael, offering hot options and salads with accommodations for dietary requirements; freshly baked bread and fruit are provided.

Governance and Ownership

The Roche School is an independent prep school and nursery. It is family-founded and family-owned.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Roche School ranges from GBP 18,165 to GBP 23,088 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- The non‑refundable application (registration) fee is GBP 75 per child. For sibling applications the fee is GBP 20. Upon acceptance of an offer an Acceptance Deposit is payable to secure the place; this deposit is retained by the school and is credited (without interest) against the final payment of fees when the pupil leaves.

Tuition fees (per term and per year group)

- Nursery (full time, including lunch): GBP 6,055 per term — equivalent to GBP 18,165 per academic year (three terms).
- Reception – Year 2: GBP 7,502 per term — equivalent to GBP 22,506 per academic year (three terms).
- Year 3 – Year 6: GBP 7,696 per term — equivalent to GBP 23,088 per academic year (three terms).
- There are three terms in the academic year and the termly amounts above are the standard tuition charge for each term.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are invoiced termly in advance; invoices are issued before the start of each term and fees are due as cleared funds before the commencement of the term to which they relate. Instalment arrangements may be agreed by separate arrangement with the school. The school may refuse a payment if it is not satisfied as to the identity of the payer or the source of funds. Simple interest may be charged on overdue fees (at up to 2% per month) and recovery costs may be payable by the parents.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The Roche School is a day school for children aged 2 to 11.

Other costs and optional extras

- Wraparound / after‑school club: After School Club (Mon–Thu, 4:30–6:30pm) is GBP 18.10 per session; Nursery After School Club (Mon–Thu, 4:00–6:00pm) is GBP 19.50 per session; Friday After School Club (4:30–6:00pm) is GBP 18.10 per session. A snack is provided for children attending these sessions.
- Minibus: Morning home pick‑up on the school minibus is available for a fee of GBP 7 per day; routes vary and places are registered with the school office.
- School lunches: School lunches are included in the published tuition fees.
- Clubs, trips, specialist activities, extra tuition, and ad‑hoc items (for example music lessons, some extracurricular providers or external trips) are optional extras and may incur additional charges which are communicated in advance. Wraparound care and some clubs are charged separately as shown above.
- Uniform: A full uniform list is required and uniform is available from the school's official stockist (Perry Uniform); nearly‑new uniform sales are run at the start of terms by the parent group. Costs for individual items vary and are payable separately.

Refund information and deposit handling

- Fees are not normally refundable or reduced for absence through illness, if a term is shortened or a vacation extended, if the school premises are temporarily closed, or for similar circumstances except in exceptional hardship and at the Head's discretion. The Acceptance Deposit paid on acceptance of an offer is retained in the school's funds and is repaid only by credit against the final sums due on leaving (without interest), except where specific provisions allow otherwise. If a pupil is excluded or expelled there will be no refund of the Acceptance Deposit or of fees for current or past terms. A non‑refundable deposit is required before a child joins and will be used in part payment of the child's final term.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Invoices include the school's payment instructions and deadlines; fees must be paid as cleared funds before the start of the term concerned. Instalment agreements (payment by instalments) are possible only by separate written agreement with the school. The school reserves the right to refuse payments if it is not satisfied as to the payer's identity or the source of funds. Late payments may attract interest and additional recovery costs.
Academics

The Roche School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 11.

Curriculum

The Roche School follows the National Curriculum for England. It offers a broad curriculum for Nursery to Year 6 with core subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Computing and PSHE. Spanish immersion is offered alongside the English-language curriculum. Forest School provides regular outdoor learning experiences. The Roche School supports pupil wellbeing with a daily wellbeing room staffed by the pastoral care team, and the curriculum is described as engaging and enriched within the English context.

Exam Results

In 2026, 100% of Year 6 pupils was offered a place at one of their target senior schools. In 2026, 37% of Year 6 pupils won an Academic scholarship at 11plus.

Gifted and Talented

Academic scholarships (11+) are awarded; 37% of Year 6 pupils won an Academic scholarship at 11plus in 2026.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Roche School prioritizes pupil wellbeing and provides a warm, supportive environment where pupils develop social and emotional skills, build confidence, and strengthen resilience. The Roche Approach expresses five values—Respect, Open Mindedness, Compassion, Humour, and Effort— guiding interactions and learning. Pupils are regularly recognised for demonstrating these values in weekly assemblies. Room at The Roche is a wellbeing drop-in space staffed by the pastoral care team, open during playtimes and lunchtimes, offering a safe place to talk about worries. Jemima, the wellbeing dog, supports pupils as part of the wellbeing approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Roche School provides English as an Additional Language specialists who offer in‑class and small‑group support as part of core fees. They work with subject teachers to integrate language development across the curriculum, helping pupils to thrive academically. EAL lessons are active and use games and role-play to build confidence and fluency in a low‑pressure environment. The aim is to build every child's English skills and ensure a sense of belonging and confidence within the inclusive school community; the school also supports families as they consider secondary schools to find the right fit for each child.

Mental Wellbeing

The wellbeing of pupils is the highest priority; they should feel safe, respected and motivated to learn. The Roche School's experienced and caring teachers create a warm, supportive environment where pupils develop social and emotional skills, gain confidence, and strengthen resilience. The Roche Approach reinforces values that guide behavior and learning, including Respect, Open Mindedness, Compassion, Humour and Effort. The wellbeing program is supported by Room at The Roche and the pastoral care team to help pupils manage stress and other challenges.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to The Roche School's mission to provide a secure learning environment for every child. Safeguarding training and support are led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, with all staff and visitors sharing responsibility for pupil welfare. The approach is grounded in Keeping Children Safe in Education and focuses on protecting children from harm, supporting healthy development, providing safe, stable and caring environments, and acting early to secure positive outcomes. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online, in public spaces, and in daily life, and are encouraged to speak up knowing concerns will be treated with care, respect and urgency. Safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and embedded in daily life, with strong partnerships with parents.
Parent Experience

History

The Roche School is a family-owned school in Southwest London. It began in 1983 as Mrs Roche's Coaching Establishment in West Kensington with five children, founded on the principle of offering a thorough education in a homely environment, with morning lessons followed by swimming, art, cultural excursions and ice-skating. In 1988 it moved to its current Wandsworth location and officially became The Roche School; Dr Roche joined the teaching staff, and excursions shifted to roller-skating. By 2022 the school had over 200 pupils aged 2 to 11 and introduced an optional Spanish immersive stream alongside the English curriculum, with History, Geography, Science, Religious Studies and Sport taught through Spanish for bilingual learners. The Roche School is located at 11 Frogmore, Wandsworth, London SW18 1HW.

Community

The Roche School is a warm and welcoming family-owned community in Southwest London. Forest School outdoor lessons are offered and led by trained instructors, with pupils learning in outdoor spaces. A wellbeing drop-in room staffed by a dedicated Pastoral Care team supports pupils daily. The school teaches an English language curriculum with a Spanish immersion option and has a global family with links to over 50 countries; more than 30 clubs provide varied extra-curricular activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Friends of The Roche School (FORS) is the school's active parent-teacher association composed of dedicated volunteers who aim to enhance the educational experience for all students. FORS focuses on fundraising for school charities and educational enrichment initiatives, organising community-building events, and supporting the school's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) commitments through the celebration of diverse faiths and cultures within the community. They organise events such as Spanish Night, Movie Nights, and the Summer Fete to foster connections between parents, pupils and staff. FORS holds regular meetings to discuss school matters and initiatives. Interested parents can contribute by emailing rochefriends@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Roche School has a main building with a large library and dedicated library spaces for Years 5 and 6. It features three computer suites, a sprung-floor dance studio, an in-house pottery kiln, a raised stage and performance space, and an in-house kitchen. The school provides easy access to outdoor facilities including the playing fields and tennis courts of Wandsworth Park and a 33m swimming pool in nearby Putney. The wild spaces of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park are used for regular Forest School lessons.

Sports Facilities

On-site facilities include an outdoor area, a sports hall, and a gymnastics and dance studio, with two off-site venues used for sport. The major sports offered are rugby, football, cricket and netball. A wide range of other activities is available, including tennis, hockey, swimming, table tennis, rounders, fencing, street dance and skiing. Fixtures, tournaments and competitions are arranged for all children and place equal emphasis on confidence and ability.

Academic Facilities

The Art room is a safe space for children to express themselves, with specialist Art teachers. Pupils regularly show work at the Royal Academy Young Artists' Summer Exhibition and at the Roche School Year 6 Art Exhibition. The English program uses high-quality literature and drama to develop language and writing skills, and Shakespeare Week is celebrated across the school. The school maintains a library and three computer suites to support learning, and features an in-house kitchen and raised stage for performances.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Pupils have access to 30+ extra-curricular clubs. Clubs include swimming, gardening, filmmaking and astro-physics. Forest School experiences are offered. The program covers sport, arts and other disciplines to complement classroom learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Roche School offers an English-language curriculum with a strong academic program across core subjects. English, Maths and Science form the backbone of the taught curriculum, with high-quality literature and Shakespeare Week featured in the English program and a focus on practical problem solving in Maths. Science emphasizes hands-on inquiry, field trips and seasonal science events, complemented by extracurricular science clubs such as Astrophysics and Gardening. Computing, PSHE and other subjects support cross‑curricular learning and digital literacy across the year groups.

Arts & Creative

Art, Music and Drama are central to the Roche experience. Art fosters self-expression, empathy, critical thinking and personal identity, with pupils regularly selected to show at the Royal Academy Young Artists' Summer Exhibition and to display work at the Year 6 Art Exhibition. Music includes two full weekly lessons, singing, reading music and instrument study, with extra-curricular clubs such as orchestra and choirs. Drama is a school strength, with annual year group plays and opportunities such as the Coram Shakespeare Festival for Year 5.

Cultural & Language

Spanish is a key feature of the curriculum, with children in Reception to Year 6 able to be immersed in Spanish for afternoons and taught across subjects in Spanish. A dedicated team of teachers and staff fluent in Spanish supports both weekly lessons and immersive Spanish experiences. In the immersive option, core 11+ subjects are taught in English while many other lessons are conducted in Spanish, with the program expanding year by year toward all year groups. The Spanish approach has been praised by the Spanish Embassy for its high level of Spanish by pupils.

Social & Hobbies

Sport plays a major role at Roche, with eight specialist sports teachers and a sport-centered timetable. Pupils enjoy park-based activity in Wandsworth Park with regular park sessions and a weekly gym class, rotating through Netball, Hockey, Football, Rugby, Athletics and Cricket. In addition to curriculum sport, there are extensive clubs including Swimming, Tennis, Climbing, Parkour, Table Tennis, Yoga, Dance and Ballet, along with occasional residential trips such as a ski trip for Years 5 and 6.

Community & Service

The Roche School foster a sense of community through pupil-led initiatives, with the School Council representing pupil views. Council representatives are elected annually, meetings are led by pupils with guidance from the council coordinator, and projects include planting an herb garden, designing a mural, and expanding the school library to reflect diverse heritage and languages. This involvement helps broaden collaboration and civic-mindedness within the school community.

Leadership & Professional

Leading opportunities are embedded in school life through the Student Council, which gives pupils a voice in daily activities and school projects. Meetings are pupil-led and driven by student initiatives, with guidance from staff to develop leadership and project management skills. Recent council activity includes developing a community space and planning school-wide improvements, reflecting a culture of pupil leadership and teamwork.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is The Roche School's highest priority, guided by The Roche Approach values: Respect, Open-mindedness, Compassion, Humour and Effort. Pupils are supported in a warm, safe environment where they are recognised in weekly assemblies for positive conduct. Room at The Roche provides a wellbeing drop-in space during playtimes and lunchtimes, staffed by the pastoral care team, with confidential conversations and access to external professionals when needed. The school also provides a supportive framework to help pupils manage stress and maintain emotional wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

The Roche School is an English-speaking school with English as an Additional Language specialists who provide in-class and small-group support as part of the core fees. It is a Spanish specialist school with a dedicated Spanish program, including the option for Year 6 pupils to prepare for the A1 DELE exam. EAL support is integrated with curriculum teaching to help pupils access the full range of subjects.

Bilingual Teaching

The Roche School offers a Spanish immersion option alongside its English program. Families can choose weekly Spanish lessons from Reception or an immersive Spanish experience from Reception onwards. In the immersive program, the four core 11+ subjects (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning) are taught in English, while most other lessons are taught in Spanish. The immersive experience will be available to all year groups (Reception to Year 6) by September 2028.

Immersion Programs

The Roche School runs two immersion pathways: weekly Spanish lessons from Reception and an immersive Spanish experience from Reception onwards. The immersive option teaches most subjects in Spanish, with the four core 11+ subjects taught in English. It is currently available to pupils from Reception to Year 3 and will expand to Year 6 year by year, with full availability across all year groups by September 2028.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Visit Us – The Roche School welcomes children aged 2 to 11, with most pupils joining in Nursery or Reception. The best way to understand the school is to see it in person. Book a School Tour or a Taster Session for you and your child to drop in on lessons, meet pupils and staff, and experience the atmosphere. This initial visit helps families decide if The Roche School is the right fit.

2. Submit an Application – To apply for Nursery or Reception (or another year group), complete the Application Form. A non-refundable registration fee applies: £75 for the first child and £20 for each sibling. The application can be submitted online via the provided form. If applying for a mid-year or occasional place, you may be asked to provide additional information.

3. Taster Day or Report – For children applying for Years 1–6 mid-year or for occasional places, a taster day is arranged. A copy of the child's most recent school report is requested. The taster day helps assess readiness and fit with the school. The admissions team will let you know if any further information is needed.

4. Secure the Place – After an offer, secure the place by paying the deposit, reserving the spot for your child. For Nursery, the full non-refundable deposit is £2,240. For the School, an initial non-refundable deposit is £2,000, with the remaining £1,900 due by January before the September start.

5. Join Welcome Events – New families are invited to welcome events to meet classmates and teachers, receive information packs, and become familiar with uniform and term dates. These activities help ensure a smooth start for your child. If you have questions, the Admissions Team is available by email or phone.

Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded at 11+. In 2026, 37% of Year 6 pupils won Academic scholarships.
School Events
The school has not added events