Admissions | Arnold House School | Boys Prep School London

Welcome From The Registrar

Choosing the right school for your son is an important decision — and one that can sometimes feel overwhelming. My role is to make that process as smooth and informative as possible. Whether it’s arranging a tour, answering your questions, or simply helping your little one feel at ease so you can focus on your visit, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

At Arnold House, we’ve worked hard to ensure our admissions process is both seamless and personal. We offer plenty of opportunities for you to explore the school, meet our dedicated staff, hear from current pupils and parents, and get a real sense of life here. We place great value on building relationships — when a boy joins Arnold House, we invest time in getting to know the whole family.

You’ll find further details about entry at 3+ and occasional places via the links below. If you haven’t already done so, I warmly encourage you to book onto one of our Open Mornings — they’re the best way to see Arnold House in action. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone (020 266 4840) or email (registrar@arnoldhouse.co.uk).

I very much look forward to welcoming you and your son to Arnold House and sharing all that makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.

Emma Faulkner | Registrar

Pre-Reception

3+ Entry

The main intake at Arnold House is at Pre-Reception (3+), we welcome two classes of twenty boys into our Pre-Reception each year, which provide excellent foundations for the boy’s early learning.

Boys for 3+ entry should be registered before their 2nd birthday via the online Admissions portal which can be accessed through the School website.

In addition, we often have occasional places arise throughout the school. Boys registered for occasional places will be assessed throughout the year on an individual basis.

Register Here

Admissions

The Admissions Process

At Arnold House, our assessment process is designed to identify potential — not just academic ability, but the curiosity, character, and enthusiasm that suggest a boy will thrive in our well-rounded school community.

We are looking for boys with a genuine interest in learning in its broadest sense, and whose interests extend beyond the classroom. With strong traditions in music, drama, art, debating, sport, and community engagement, we offer a rich programme of extra-curricular activities that play a vital role in developing confident, well-balanced individuals.

Click on the numbers on the right to see our step by step guide.

Register Here

1
Assessment

Assessment for Pre-Reception (3+ entry) is based on a combination of insights gathered throughout the admissions journey. This includes one-to-one parent meetings with the Headmaster, conversations with the Head of Pre-Prep and Registrar during our Summer Term Open Mornings and Autumn Term tours, and small group playdates held in January of the year of entry.
2
Offer of a place

Offers are made to families whose values and aspirations align closely with those of the School. These are typically issued in February, eight months prior to the September start date (e.g., offers made in February 2025 for entry in September 2025). The Headmaster’s decision is final.
3
Acceptance of a place

To accept a place, families are asked to complete the Acceptance Form and submit a deposit of £3,000, along with the first term’s fees. Full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Notice are provided at the time of offer.
4
Further information

While places cannot be guaranteed, priority consideration is given to siblings of current pupils whose families remain committed to the School’s ethos and values, as well as to sons of Arnold House alumni.

Other Points of Entry

Occasional Places

Occasionally, places may arise higher up the School, typically in Year 3 (7+) and Year 7 (11+), but other points of entry may also become available. Parents should enquire with the Registrar in the first instance as to any potential vacancies. If a suitable place is available, parents will be invited to meet with the Headmaster and a confidential reference will be requested from the boy’s current school.

A positive meeting will lead to a ‘taster day’, where a boy will be invited to spend a morning or full day (depending on the desired point of entry) at the School. Boys applying for occasional places in Year 3 (7+) upwards will be asked to complete standardised testing during their day in School and, where necessary, may also be assessed by our Head of Learning Support or Deputy Head of Learning Support.

The School operates waitlists for occasional places and parents should contact the Registrar to discuss adding their son to the waitlist for any particular year. The Registrar will maintain contact with parents on the waitlist and so it is important that prospective parents update the school of any change in contact information to ensure all communication is received.

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Global Community

International Families

Arnold House is proud of its diverse student body, with around two thirds of our boys speaking two or more languages. We welcome families from all around the world, which contributes to our wonderfully varied and inclusive community.

For families who are unable to visit us prior to joining the school, they will be invited to an online meeting with the Headmaster and an assessment pack will be sent to the current school for completion under the correct supervision. We will also request a recent school report for overseas applicants, translated into English if necessary.

We work closely with families who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the UK schooling system to ensure that your experience is as happy and smooth as possible. This also applies to senior school transfer, as we begin discussions with families from Year 4 to ensure any questions or concerns are managed early on.

We do not offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialist support, but do we have a fantastic team of teaching staff who are able to support where necessary alongside our Learning Support department.

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