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Frequently asked questions asked by parents looking for the best schools near Elgin Estate Playgroup

How do I find out what schools are available around Paddington? 

There are some frighteningly frank websites for you to choose from. The Government one is https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables . You simply enter your location, perhaps Paddington, or another location and select primary schools or secondary schools. All the information parents need all there in percentages!

You could also try the paid for websites like www.schoolguide.co.uk . This one is quite cheap and you can pay monthly.

This is of course just the very first stage in selecting a school. You will to need see the videos on this page before even thinking of visiting the shortlist of schools on your list.

How do I find the state school catchment area in or around Elgin Estate Playgroup? 
If you just need to know your school catchment area try www.admissionsday.co.uk .If you are looking for exhaustive information on the schools as well go to www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

How do I find out how good a school is?
You will absolutely have to visit the school. However, do look at the video below. For armed is to be fore warned!

Nursery Schools

What's the difference between nursery and preschool? 
Preschools usually work around a formal curriculum and trained teachers - making them a little more expensive! Nursery schools are usually a more relaxed learning environment and more flexible enrolment terms. They are also cheaper and vary greatly.

What age is a preschooler? Ages up to 4 is considered preschooler with toddlers are 1 - 3 year old bracket. Basically 4-year-old are not 'toddling' around any more and so are no longer toddlers!

What does preschool mean? A preschool, or nursery school, is a pre-primary school, or play school for early childhood education. Preschool is for children before they begin compulsory education at primary school. 

Is Pre K considered preschool? Pre K schools are pre-kindergartens.

This page should help you answer these school finding questions!

Creches

Local Area Creches and Day Nurseries for W9
Click also to find: Childcare Services, Nursery Schools, After School Care

PreSchools and Playgroups for Paddington

Hope Montessori Nursery School

11 S Wharf Rd, Paddington, London W2 1JB, UK – 020 3075 0170

Perfect

Willcocks Nursery School

8 Prince Consort Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2BA, UK – 020 7584 5054

Very good school for kids

Little Elves Montessori Nursery School

84 Seymour Pl, Marylebone, London W1H 2DF, UK – 020 7723 9419

What an amazing place a must for any person staying or living near Marylebone. I commuted all the way from Swiss Cottage. Thank you all for taking care of my 4 year old.

After School Care

Bright Horizons St John's Wood Day Nursery and Preschool

70 Marlborough Hill, London NW8 0NH, UK – 020 3780 3027

Pretty good nursery despite its recent downgrade by Ofsted. There is a new manager there now and it has improved dramatically. The carers genuinely care about the kids and my two bounce out daily polite and relaxed. They aren't helicopter-parenting either, thankfully. Bit pricy but it is St Johns Wood so what do you expect?

Bright Horizons Holland Park Day Nursery and Preschool

34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ, UK – 020 3780 3016

My Twins have been at this nursery for a little under 3 weeks now and the staff have all been wonderful. Very kind, considerate, lots for the kids to do and fantastic outdoor space. Highly recommend!

Queens Park Community Nursery

37 Macroom Rd, London W9 3HY, UK – 020 8968 9580

Very kind staff, great opening hours (8am-6pm), they make all the food for the kids, don’t close in August like other nurseries.

The flight flew from RAF Brize Norton on 24th April 2024 with 500 cuddly giraffes on board to raise money and awareness for Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of Louise Conway who died at just nine years old of leukaemia in 2013. Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate donated 50% of the production costs on behalf of the junior school, Chapter House, and our Forces community across campus - which is about 25% of our total student population.

For more information see:

Choosing a school around Paddington. This is an Australian video but has some really good Tips!

Paddington Independent Schools - Prep & Secondary - for Paddington

Independent Schools for Paddington - private preparatory and senior schools. Prep schools age 8 yrs to 11yrs or 13 yrs. Senior schools age 11yrs or 13 yrs to 18yrs. Some independent schools have a pre-prep department (age 3 to 8yrs) as well as prep and senior schools. Independent schools can be co-educational or single sex.

Best Paddington Secondary Schools -

Islamia Girls' Secondary School

129 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6PE, UK – 020 7372 3472

Very good school, my daughter loved it and still missing her teachers, she wished they had sixth form as she would have loved to carry on! Classes are small, maximum 20 students per class, which is great for them! Most teachers care about the students and push them to do well and help them to their best. My daughter and most of her classmates do miss the school and how much they care for them, moving into sixth form is very hard and a lot of work, they also need a lot of support and that is not provided in most sixth forms, they are on their own. Therefore, I would highly recommend it.

An outstanding school

Sion Manning Secondary School

75 St Charles Square, London W10 6EL, UK – 020 8969 7111

Sion Manning was one of the most unique, character building, educational and most memorable experience that I have ever had. I personally had the best educational experience in Sion Manning. The passion, commitment and drive of the teachers cannot be compared to any other school. I often think to how I managed to excel in my academic studies and it always comes back to the time I spent in Sion Manning. The teachers are always finding new ways to help the students learn. They understand that each student has their own learning styles and techniques and they always try to be flexible in their teaching in order to help each and every individual. I believe that the years a student spends in secondary school often shapes who they become in the future as those are the most influential moments in ones life. Sion Manning is packed with positivity, strong friendships and incredible teaching, and i honestly do not think that your child will have this experience anywhere else. For this reason I could not recommend a better school for you to send your daughter to as it will surely shape them into beautiful bright young women with an extraordinary future ahead of them.

Teachers were extremely caring and always helped us to achieve our best. They genuinely care about their students and assist them with any difficulties even after their scheduled timetable. Left Sion Manning with amazing grades thanks to the motivation received from the teachers and hard work. It is a good school.

Halcyon London International School

33 Seymour Pl, Marylebone, London W1H 5AU, UK – 020 7258 1169

My daughter is thriving at Halcyon, excellent use of tech for education, but even more importantly, the teachers are superb as is the Director of the school. Halcyon "walks the talk"- committed to igniting the spark to learn from within each student - it sure has in mine! As the mum of a girl in her middle school years, I'm also appreciative of the social culture Halcyon promotes in a myriad of ways. This school's got it right, committed excellence in education and its core values while truly open to innovation.

Halcyon is a truly welcoming MYB-IB co-ed school in central London. Here our child 'learns and applies' (more than studying for tests!) and this is the essence of the IB education we chose for him. The fact that they are innovative and tech advanced is a natural consequence of their wish to engage with the kids of today!

Independent Schools

Arnold House School

1 Loudoun Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 0LH, UK – 020 7266 4840

Arnold House School, London NW8 0LH, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Best school ever.

Ashbourne College

17 Old Ct Pl, Kensington, London W8 4PL, UK – 020 7937 3858

Ashbourne is an amazing place which not only provides a great education but also encourages expanding beyond your core syllabus. The teachers are very supportive and always willing to help, the only school which I never wanted to miss a day. Can't recommend enough!

Quite simply the most caring and nicest place I worked at during my forty years of employment in both the private and public sectors.

South Hampstead High School

3 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SS, UK – 020 7435 2899

Great school!

Local Authority Schools - Primary & Secondary Schools

Local Authority primary and secondary schools for W9 3RS . LEA primary schools age 4yrs (the year in which a child is 5) to 11yrs. Secondary schools age 11yrs to 16yrs or 18 yrs. Each school has a local catchment area.

Primary Schools

Colville Primary School

Lonsdale Rd, London W11 2DF, UK – 020 7229 6540

All round good stimulating education with great activities.

As an American transplant I was so impressed by the vibe of this school: well-lit, lots of color and happy conversations among the students and kind tones from the teachers. I had the chance to meet both the head teacher and the deputy head, and it is clear that they have their child-focused priorities straight and that their leadership is a fundamental reason why this school is doing magnificent work.

Hallfield Primary School

School House, Porchester Gardens, London W2 6JJ, UK – 020 7087 4960

This school was terrible when I reached year 5. I just thought it was terrible and just plain bad. But when I was in year 6 It was nightmare. Not because of the teacher he's kind. But I just hated it. But now I'm in secondary I miss this school so much. I would love to be back in It. Amazing best students. :).

wow being in this was sooo dope kids where so nice teachers where sooooo nice 👍 the only sad thing is when you leave to go secendary OML some ppl get what they want and some don’t OML sometimes I would cry so much I’ll do anything to regret saying this I’d give £50k just to make me forget saying I hate this school I’m soooo sorry for saying dat I regret it sooo much I take it back cuz I cry every night for it and have nice dreams of it

Beckford Primary School

Dornfell Street, Camden, London NW6 1QL, UK – 020 7435 8646

I absolutely love it. I find the staff lovely, helpful and it has very good teachers that are a role model for the children. Well done!!!

Great school. Great teaching assistants.

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Ofsted reports directly to Parliament and is independent and impartial, inspecting and regulating services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

Click for the full database of OFSTED's inspection reports - check out schools in W9 or anywhere in the country.
GetTheRightSchool was formed to offer a unique reference point on getting your child into the school of your choice. The web site covers all you need to about education choices with tips and a guide to the application process and issues that could impact your child's school day, from dealing with bullying, to money issues, to how to work out school catchment areas when they move schools.
Independent Schools Council Website - has a search facility: by county, school or postcode. The ISC brings together eight associations of independent schools, their heads, bursars and governors and represents over 1,200 independent schools in the UK and overseas.
Schools Web Directory - lists all UK local education authorities with a click-through to their websites. Each Local Authority has lists of its own schools and details of application procedures.
Contact details & Websites of 4,065 Schools in Ireland - search by map or county list
Lists more than 31,000 UK state and independent schools and colleges, including over 26,000 UK School, College and University Websites. Search for schools or search for educational establishments anywhere in the UK by geographical county, postcode, name or LEA.

BBC Live Educational News

Dyslexia support centres
Click also to find: Education Agencies & Authorities, Schools - Independent & Preparatory
Special schools for Paddington for moderate to severe learning difficulties, ADHD, Autism, Physical impairment, complex health needs, communication difficulties, dyspraxia and other special needs.

Special Needs Schools around you

College Park School

Garway Rd, London W2 4PH, UK – 020 7221 3454

I worked as a long term supply with College park for 6 months, and sadly had to leave because my visa had ended. The staff are friendly and supportive, the students are amazing, and overall was a positive, challenging and rewarding work environment. I loved the energy and care all the staff members had for the children. I would highly recommend College park as a place to start or progress in your career, or a new school for your children.

I had the pleasure of working at College Park School. The pupils are amazing and very gifted. The staff is very good and supportive to the pupils and to each other. It is a very nice environment where to work and learn! Great job everyone!

Jack Tizard School

S Africa Rd, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7PA, UK – 020 8735 3590

It's at the end of South Africa Rds junction with Bloemfontein Rd. It's set back from the main road with a pleasant semi circular drive for vehicles. This is a special school built to be fit by design for all its students. It has a very active PTA raising awareness for special needs.

I love 😍 all

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School

Kennet Road, London, Westminster W9 3LG, UK – 020 7641 5825

I've been there to sing for royal albert hall and I had great fun there I and come from college park school. xxx I Love qe2. College park school w2

Best school

Website with facility to search for many different kinds of special needs schools and links to lots of support groups.  Find a special needs school near Paddington or search the website for special schools throughout the UK

Adult Education Centres for W9 - Language Tuition

Adult Education Centres for Paddington which may run evening or daytime language classes

Adult Education

Westminster Adult Education Service

219 Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LW, UK – 020 7297 7297

My experienced was superb, dedicated with untiring support given by the tutor through out the course until it was succesful in the end. I'm highly recommended this training centre.

The Wheel-Throwing Intensive course is excellent. Tutors are knowledgeable - supportive and attentive if you're a complete beginner but happy to let you go off and do your own thing if you have some experience. A previous review mentions hidden charges - at the end of the course, there is a small fee (based on weight) if you would like any of your pieces to be fired in the kiln but this is perfectly reasonable. Really enjoyed it and learnt a lot in a short space of time - the other students were great too.

Westminster Adult Education Service

Amberley Road, London W9 2JJ, UK – 020 7297 7297

ロンドン中心部のウエストミンスター区が運営する公立成人教育センター。語学、趣味、教養、スポーツ、職業資格など多様な学習講座が比較的安価に提供されている。また、失業者、低所得者、外国人に対する受講料割引、免除の制度もある。Londonに長期滞在する場合には、どんな講座があるかチェックしておこう。

Real Action

3 Mozart St, London W10 4LA, UK – 020 8960 2065

Very helpful teachers, my seven year old use to struggle at school now she's becoming a fluent reader. Thank you butterfly school teachers .

Language Schools

International Community School

7B Wyndham Pl, Marylebone, London W1H 1PN, UK – 020 7298 8877

An upper primary school experience that rigorously prepares students for secondary and university pathways through the IB Primary Years programme.

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The London School Of English

15 Holland Park Gardens, Kensington, London W14 8DZ, UK – 020 7605 4123

This was a great experience for me! I look forward to visiting again soon!

A school of excellence! From the first moment it was the experience I wished for. Everyone at the school was so determined and helped me to get the most out of my precious time! The staff was very friendly and supported me in any way necessary! The teachers helped me to improve my skills continously and to develope a higher level of confidence in using the english language. It's the place where I met a lot of interesting people. A little advice: just have the faboulus lunch at the school restaurant and improve your skills with new friends from all over the world! Special thanks to Rosie, Christina, Heather, Anne, Hauke, Chris, Daragh and Simon...you have been great!!

LSI London Hampstead (Language Studies International)

13 Lyndhurst Terrace, London NW3 5QA, UK – 020 7794 8111

It was only one week for my 2 boys in the school but they enjoyed it. Thanks LSI

I really like this school, it is very close to the main street of Hampsted which is a lovely city. I think this is a good place for learn or improve English. All the people is friendly. There are rooms where we can use computers, a lounge for lunch with coffee machine, a drinks distributor and a nice garden. A social programme is organize every week for students with for example visits or events, it is very cool :)

Language Schools for Paddington

Language schools for W9. Also consider Adult Education Centres which might run evening language classes

Private Tutors for Paddington

Private Tuition for W9
Click also to find: Language Schools, Translators & Interpreters

Private Tutors

Greater London Tutors

Baseline Business Studios, Whitchurch Rd, London W11 4AT, UK – 020 7034 0800

Its early days yet but so far I am very pleased. After my initial telephone call I was contacted within the hour by a potential tutor. He seemed fun and lively, just what my son needs to help inspire his English GCSE work. We arranged a trial lesson and he had a very knowledgeable and thorough insight to Jane Eyre. I am continuing with more lessons for my son.

Athena Tuition Ltd

Unit 7, 11 Frognal, London NW3 6AL, UK – 020 8133 6284

I spoke to many agencies and I found Nelson from Athena Tuition the most honest and straightforward. Communication was always easy and swift, as was the service and any concerns were addressed immediately and professionally. We had our girls homeschooled for a year and thanks to the tutors provided by Athena Tuition they made a lot of progress academically and they had a lot of fun learning. Thank you!

I have worked with Athena for two years, along with a host of other leading tutoring agencies in London. I have found Athena to be by far the most professional - by that I mean the place the child's welfare first and foremost. A pleasure to work with and I cannot recommend them highly enough

Simply Learning Tuition

43 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5FJ, UK – 020 7350 1981

It was a pleasure working for Simply Learning Tuition. They were always professional and very helpful with their support and resources. Residential jobs took me to interesting places and the families I stayed with were always very accommodating.

I have been a registered tutor with SLT for 6 years. In every role SLT have placed me in, I have felt well-qualified and well-suited to the child as an individual. I am never shoe-horned into a role for the sake of filling it, meaning the family I am working with can be assured of the best possible tuition. I always feel supported in terms of the academic and pastoral sides of the job, and know that advice is there if I need it. This is especially valuable when working across international borders. Wherever I am in the world, I know that I can rely on SLT to respond to me as promptly as if I have just wandered into the office.