For families living in or moving to Notting Hill, education is a main consideration and thankfully, the area offers a rich mix of state and independent schools. From long-established institutions to newer schools making their mark, there's no shortage of schools here and all combine high standards with a grounded and thoughtful approach to education, providing quality and character in equal measure.
Below we uncover a profile of the best schools in the area.
Fox Primary School
Fox Primary, tucked away off Kensington Place, is often the first port of call for parents in Notting Hill. Featuring a handsome campus and rated Outstanding by Ofsted, the school consistently delivers high academic outcomes, with 93% of pupils achieving the higher standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2.
The ethos here is inclusive and ambitious, with a teaching team known for nurturing curiosity and confidence, achieved through a strong commitment to the school’s core values: Respect, Resilience, Collaboration, Curiosity and Inclusion. The Fox Federation comprises four partner schools and one nursery, all of which share a common set of values, a unified curriculum and some centralised staff. The school's location near Notting Hill Gate makes it particularly popular with families living close to Pembridge Square, Campden Hill and Kensington Church Street.
Colville Primary School
In the heart of Portobello Road, Colville Primary is a school that mirrors the community it serves. It is part of a federation with Marlborough Primary and benefits from strong leadership and a values-based approach to education. In 2023, 94% of Colville pupils met the expected standard in reading and 89% in maths, well above the national averages.
The school is guided by four core values: Perseverance, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness and these principles underpin the school’s ethos. Assemblies aim to explore current issues and international awareness days, while also celebrating major religious festivals to promote inclusivity and cultural understanding. Parents also speak highly of its welcoming feel and the visible pride pupils take in their school.
Thomas Jones Primary School
Thomas Jones Primary, near Ladbroke Grove, has built a formidable reputation over the years. Consistently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, it offers a highly structured and academically rigorous learning environment. In 2024, 97% of pupils at Thomas Jones Primary School met the expected standard in core subjects, placing the school among the top 1% nationally.
Lessons are purposeful and pupils are calm, focused and eager to learn, reflected in excellent attendance and punctuality. Older pupils speak with maturity, often using advanced subject-specific language and engage deeply with classic literature, including works by Keats, Wilde, Dickens and Shakespeare.
St Francis of Assisi RC Primary School
This small Roman Catholic school, located on Treadgold Street, offers a gentle and nurturing environment grounded in Christian values. With single-form entry and a strong community ethos, St Francis of Assisi is particularly popular amongst local Catholic families.
The school places emphasis on both spiritual and academic development and Ofsted has recognised its caring environment and improving standards. In 2023–24, 100% of pupils met the expected standard in maths, reading and SPAG at Key Stage 2, with average scaled scores of 110–111 and 67% achieving greater depth, while 88% met the expected standard in writing and combined results.
Pembridge Hall School
Pembridge Hall, located on Pembridge Square, is a leading independent prep school for girls aged 4 to 11. It's spread across two buildings, one for Lower School and one for Middle/Upper School, sitting just a short walk apart.
The school offers a holistic education with over 60 extracurricular activities, while the curriculum is enriched with philosophy, drama, music and trips. There is a strong emphasis on building confidence and independence, with girls actively encouraged to think for themselves while achieving high academic standards. In 2024, Year 6 pupils at Notting Hill Girls' School achieved outstanding 11+ results, securing offers from top London day and boarding schools, including City of London School for Girls, Godolphin and Latymer, South Hampstead High and St Paul’ whilst receiving over 30 scholarships and exhibitions across academics, sport, art, drama and music.
Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School
Just across the square from Pembridge Hall, Wetherby Pre-Prep has long been one of Notting Hill’s most established independent schools for boys aged 4 to 8. Known for its elegant red-brick building and consistently top results in the 7+ and 8+ examinations, boys are prepared for entry into Wetherby Prep and a range of competitive day schools across London. This was further evidenced by the school’s ‘Excellent’ rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both pupils’ academic achievement and personal development.
The school is selective, though the tone remains warm and encouraging rather than pressured. There is a strong sense of continuity, both pastoral and academic and families often speak of the loyalty and professionalism of the teaching staff.
Norland Place School
Norland Place, located just off Holland Park Avenue, is a small co-educational prep with a long history in the area. Established in 1876, the school provides an all-through experience up to Year 6 and is known for its considered and child-centred approach.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages independence, critical thinking and a genuine love of learning, while also celebrating each child’s individual strengths. According to a recent Instagram post by the school, 85% of its 42 students achieved a distinction in their acting exams across grades 1 to 4.
Chepstow House School
Located on Lancaster Road, just off Ladbroke Grove, Chepstow House is a relatively young but fast-rising independent co-ed prep catering to children aged 2 to 13.
The school is part of the Alpha Plus Group and benefits from excellent resources and specialist teaching. Since 2018, Chepstow House students have been awarded 56 scholarships and over the last 6 years, 77 students have moved on to leading senior schools.
Notting Hill offers an unusually strong selection of schools, both state and independent, each with its own distinct character. What’s clear is that education in Notting Hill is about more than just results, it’s about character, community and giving every child the best possible start.
