Hampstead Hill School Reviews 

All my three children attended Hampstead Hill from nursery and I could not be happier with the school. They learnt a lot, were eminently prepared for 7+, and at the same time loved to go to school every single day. I also appreciated that it was technology free, long before it became popular.

HHS is a truly wonderful school which is run with such dedication and personal care that it stands out as remarkable in the age of private equity firm run educational establishments. Two generations of my family have benefited from being educated here under Andrea's watchful and loving eye and the confidence, intelligence, and capacity that the pupils graduate with is a delight to watch. The academic results and passage that the school offers into much coveted places at the key London independent schools from 7 up is also priceless and the sense of community and friendship formed by pupils and parents long outlives their time at the school. The staff are caring and kind and the preparation for later life exemplary.

Both my children joined HHS from 3 years old: my daughter left at 7 having received offers from NLCS, City, Highgate, SHHS and others and my son is still there. The academic standards are extremely high but the school is so much more than that. It fosters a real sense of community amongst children and parents and we have really felt as though we have worked in partnership with the staff. The personal touch - particularly in the lower school - prevails here and all the staff are authentic, kind, approachable and down to earth. HHS has instilled and nurtured curiosity, a love for learning and good manners in our children.

Academic excellence is a consistent factor at HHS but unlike some other "prep" schools, the children are stretched in a very natural way and not through spoon feeding or rote learning. The curve does not seem steep yet the results speak for themselves. Having been through the assessment process, I can also attest to being very supported by Andrea in relation to selecting a school that suited my daughter's personality.

Lastly, the wraparound care and flexibility is amazing - they really make it easy for working parents.

We will be sad to leave HHS as it has set both of our children up brilliantly. Highly recommend.

Our two children went to HHS, the youngest one leaving in 2025 to start year 3 at South Hampstead Junior School. They both truly enjoyed their time there.
The academic level is high and the pupils are fully prepared for the year 7 exams. Great care was taken by all the staff to ensure the children are happy.
We were well supported as parents and someone was always available to discuss concerns or issues.
Our children still say they miss what they think is the best school food they have ever had.

Hampstead Hill under the incredible leadership of Andrea is a unique and special experience. We have 2 children (now 16 and 13) who joined at 2 and went on to excellent schools at 7 having been guided expertly and with nurturing through the years. If your child has an appetite for learning it is the perfect school and can mean you can avoid the challenges of the 11+where the child feels more of the stress than at 7. Hampstead Hill is rooted in teachers and a system you can totally trust.

We had all 3 children going to HHS. Under Andrea's Leadership and that of her team all 3 children thrived.

Not only did they reach their academic potential, they've all three made life long friends from their time there. They are now 18, 16 and 13.

I would recommend HHS in a heart beat for it's warmth, support and genuine care from the teachers and in particular Andrea.

I have had 4 children go through the school. Arthur, now 11, thomas now 9, Sophie, now 5 and Martin who is a current pupil in Class 4.
I truly belive there is no better school. Academically, the provision is amazing. Arthur got into the Hall and St Paul's at the 11+ entrance and I truly believe that Hampstead Hill provided him with the foundation of academic skills. When he left Hampstead Hill after pre-reception, Arthur knew to count and read simple books but more importantly I believe Hampstead Hill provided him with the independence skills needed at this stage (e.g. putting his coat by himself). Similarly, thomas and Sophie are both really strong academically and I believe it is thanks to Hampstead hill as they both were reading chapter books at the end of pre-reception. The teachers are truly loved by the children. Brogan from class 4 will probably always remain one of thomas' favourites teacher.
Pastoral care is also amazing at Hampstead Hill. They really care about the children and they did not hesitate to inform me when my nanny was crossing the road while being on her phone with my chidren 10 steps behind her.
They provide lots of fun activites during the class for the little ones:
- music with a guitar playing music teacher coming every week
- yoga
- Spanish class
And after 3h30, they provide clubs such as Drama, chess, fencing, gymnastics etc
The children love the playground and the meadow as well as playing in the beautiful St stephen hall.

The provision they provide for parents is truly amazing: No need to bring snacks or lunch. The school is opened until 17h30 and they are understanding when you arrive 5 min late. During the holidays, they provide school clubs with known teachers to the children, which makes settling in very easy.
Hampstead hill helped with potty training with my 4 children and they were all clean within a week. I could not have asked for better support.
It is an independent, family run school and it is felt. Andrea and Sian know every kid by name. You can always come to them with any issue / problem / concern. They are always very supportive.

The best pre-prep in North London. Wonderful teachers, low turnover - many of them have been there for 10-15+ years. Kids consistently go off to Westminster, St Paul, City of London, UCS, Highgate and South Hampstead. Highly individual approach, children who struggle receive extra tuition and care. Great family-like atmosphere. From happy parents of 3 HHS alumni!

Hampstead Hill School is a wonderful place that pupils and parents will remember all their life. This school is offering a very rare combination of genuine nurture and strong academic development. The school staff really care. Our experience is very positive, only positive. What the school offered to our children is exceptional. We are pleased to highly recommend HHS.

We cannot rate Hampstead Hill School highly enough. The school manages to combine extemely high academic and pastoral standards with a genuinely warm, nurturing and family like environment.

Our children received an incredible level of individual attention, and we always felt that the teachers really knew them, understood their strengths and cared about their progress and wellbeing.

We actually left the school for a period and later returned (from Dubai), and the support we received during that transition was exceptional. The school went above and beyond to help the girls settle back in, including providing accelerated classes to help them catch up. They quickly regained their confidence, progressed enormously and went on to excel.

Andrea, the Head is exceptional. Her commitment to the children and families is evident throughout the school, and that ethos filters through the entire community.

The long and accommodating hours are also a huge benefit for working families, while still maintaining the feeling of a close knit, supportive school community.

Hampstead Hill is a very special school and one that our family will always remember extremely fondly. We couldn't recommend it more highly.

An exceptional school with outstanding results

I have nothing but respect and admiration for Hampstead Hill School and for Andrea, whose dedication and leadership have created such a warm, nurturing and inspiring environment.

I attended the school myself, so I know first-hand the excellent foundations it provides. I was therefore delighted to send my two children there as well. They both received an outstanding education and went on to achieve success in their entrance examinations for their chosen schools. Hampstead Hill prepared them academically while also giving them confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning.

The teachers are caring, committed and attentive to each child’s individual needs. There is a wonderful balance between high academic standards and a supportive, happy atmosphere in which children feel known, valued and encouraged.

Andrea deserves particular recognition for the school’s strong sense of community and for the care she shows towards pupils and families. Hampstead Hill is a truly special school, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for an excellent education in a warm and supportive setting.

Both our children attended Hampstead Hill School. I cannot recommend the school highly enough. It combined rigorous teaching for all the children to attain their possible results at the 7+, combined with kind, nurturing and loving pastoral care.

If you’re looking for a school that will give your child the best possible educational start, this is the place.

Both my kids, now 11, joined HHS in year 1. I found the whole experience excellent at many levels. Excellent academic ethos whilst being very nurturing and supportive. Both were super happy and made lasting friendships. Lovely community parents too. They both went into City Junior school afterwards.

I can’t recommend it enough!

Marta

A truly wonderful school

My two children attended Hampstead Hill School, and we could not have wished for a happier or more nurturing start to their education.

What we loved most was that the school allowed children to be children, while recognising and developing each child’s individual strengths and encouraging them to achieve their best academically. The teachers knew the children so well and provided exactly the right balance of care, encouragement and challenge.

I also really appreciated the school’s approach of allowing children to grow in confidence and independence. As parents, we never felt that we needed to be overly involved or constantly hovering, because we trusted the school completely to support and guide them.

Andrea is an exceptional Headteacher and truly the heart of the school. Her kindness, dedication and genuine love for the children are evident in everything she does. We have always thought the absolute world of her.

Both of my children had such a lovely time there and left with wonderful memories, confidence and a strong foundation for the future. We will always be grateful to Andrea and the entire Hampstead Hill School team. It is a very special school that will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts.

Brilliant school, with many unique features. Firstly education itself is excellent, great focus on handwriting, everyday disciple so does not feel overbearing, basic things like use of knife and fork just flow naturally, great reading programme, lovely teachers and of course very successful with leavers destinations. If you were going to dream up a school for this age group in today’s world this would pretty much cover it. There aren’t sports facilities however they use the local area well. Long terms are helpful for working parents

We could not recommend HHS more emphatically. HHS manages to do almost the impossible: it combines a rigorous, academic oriented curriculum, with a kind and attentive to the individual needs of the children education. From homework, to lessons, to pastoral support, everything is tailored to the individual child.
Our little one really flourished there and remembers it fondly.

We’ve had a wonderful experience with Hampstead Hill School. Two of my children have already been through HHS and both left happy, confident and extremely well prepared for their next schools. My youngest is now there preparing for the 7+.

The teachers are warm, nurturing and genuinely know each child, while also providing excellent academic preparation. Having experienced HHS with three very different children, I particularly value how they bring out the best in each individual child.

We have a huge amount of affection for HHS and are incredibly grateful for everything the school has given our family.

Outstanding school. Combined top academic standards with a huge amount of love and nurturing of the children. Really happy place.

I couldn’t be happier with this school. All three of my children attend, and it has been a wonderful experience for our family. The teachers are caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in helping every child succeed, both academically and personally.

The school has a superb record of academic achievement and pastoral care, setup and run by the same family for 70+ years. I have sent two children there and they continue to thrive in their junior and secondary schools, having passed the 7+ with a choice of schools to select from. I’m impressed that they now also enable children to stay at the school until 11, giving any child who hasn’t found their chosen school at 7, the opportunity to try again for occasional places in a secure and familiar setting. The staff are lovely and the parents you meet at pickup, end up being longtime friends.