DirectoryWandsworthPre PrepThe Merlin School
Pre Prep school

The Merlin School

Merlin School is a non-assessing, co-educational pre-prep for children from 3-8 years, divided into Pre-School and Main School (Lower and Upper School).

WandsworthPre PrepCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–8Day98 pupils
Day fees
£19,281
How competitive entry is
Observation + Non SelectiveCompetitive entry
Pupils
98
Founded
1986
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed school in Wandsworth for ages 3–8. Non-selective intake.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 3–8.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families who would rather not put their child through a selective entrance assessment.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

The Merlin School aims to ignite a life-long love of learning in children aged 3-8 within a supportive and inspiring environment. It encourages independence, excitement about learning, and confidence-building. The school fosters a caring community with small class sizes, nurturing each child's full potential, and preparing them well for the next stage of education through a broad, creative curriculum and a personalised, holistic approach emphasising kindness, respect, resilience, and curiosity.

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Games (off site weekly sports sessions)NSSport Multi Sports

music

Individual Violin LessonsIndividual Piano LessonsMusic Ensembles / Concerts

drama

Drama Performances and Productions

academic club

Chess Club

other

Beams of Light Afterschool CareMonday ClubsAnnual Themed Day

Facilities

sports

Access to Off-site Games Facilities (off-site)Large PlaygroundOff-site sports facilities

arts

Dedicated Music RoomOriginal Ballroom (School Hall)

academic

Spacious classrooms in the main building and purpose-built classrooms at the rearThree Purpose-built Cloistered ClassroomsSpacious Classrooms (Main Building)Dedicated Science Teaching SpacesVictorian School BuildingSpecialist teaching rooms for Science, Music, Singing, PE, French and Computing

Recent coverage

The Merlin School, an independent pre-prep for boys and girls aged 3 to 8, continues to foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment in its Victorian premises in Putney. In recent years, the school has maintained high adult-to-child ratios and small class sizes, supporting individual potential and preparing children effectively for entry into top prep schools. The school’s annual Themed Day remains a highlight, with the 2024 theme focusing on "the power of play," emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Parents consistently praise the school for its positive atmosphere, strong safeguarding culture, and the development of confident, kind, and inquisitive children.

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayTBC
Available on requestExpected window — exact date not yet publishedBook a School Tour
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Mar 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202531 Mar 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Fees

£19,281per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £19,281Published as VAT-inclusiveYear 7-13 projection £154,287
vs London avg (£24,000)20% below

Bursaries & Scholarships

Inspection

Ofsted Date TBC

2 inspection reports on file.

Good
  • Ofsted · Independent School Standard Inspection25 Jun 2024Outstanding
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-2026

autumn3 Sept 202511 Dec 2025
spring6 Jan 202626 Mar 2026
summer21 Apr 20263 Jul 2026
autumn3 Sept 202610 Dec 2026
spring5 Jan 202724 Mar 2027
summer20 Apr 20277 Jul 2027
summerNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027
springNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
autumnNot yet publishedNot yet publishedHalf-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026

Policies & documents

Schools like The Merlin School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

70%

The Unicorn School

Richmond upon Thames · All Through · Ages 3–11
£9,720 – £20,124
68%

Newton Prep School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 3–13
£13,305 – £31,824
66%

Wandsworth Preparatory School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 3–11
£18,582
65%

Dolphin School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 2–11
£9,339 – £40,185
64%

Prospect House School

Wandsworth · Prep · Ages 3–11
£11,100 – £27,885
64%

The Study Preparatory School

Merton · Prep · Ages 4–11
£20,952 – £22,755

Questions parents ask

Common questions about The Merlin School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is The Merlin School best for?+

Independent co-ed school in Wandsworth for ages 3–8. Non-selective intake.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are non-selective. Registration windows and required forms vary by entry point — check the admissions timeline above.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

3 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissionenquiries@merlinschool.net or phone on 020 8788 2769. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to The Merlin School — see the "Schools like The Merlin School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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