We are delighted that you are considering Donhead Preparatory School for your child and understand that navigating the independent school admissions process is an important and often emotional decision for families. Our aim is to make every stage of the journey as clear, supportive and personal as possible, ensuring you feel confident in your choice from your very first enquiry.
As a leading independent co ed school admissions destination in Wimbledon, Donhead offers a welcoming and thoughtful approach that reflects our wider ethos: every child is known, valued and given the opportunity to thrive. From your initial contact with our admissions team to your child’s first day at school, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
A Welcoming and Supportive Admissions Journey
Choosing the right school is about more than academic results, it’s about finding a place where your child will feel happy, secure and inspired. That’s why our private co ed school admissions process is designed to be both thorough and reassuring. We take the time to get to know each family, understanding your child’s personality, interests and potential.
Our main entry points are Preschool (3+), Reception (4+) and Year 3 (7+), which align with key stages in a child’s development. These transition points allow children to join Donhead at moments when they are naturally ready for a new environment and fresh opportunities. Occasionally, places become available in other year groups, and we encourage families to contact us directly for the most up-to-date advice and availability.
As highlighted in our admissions approach, we believe that each child is an individual who, when recognised and supported, will flourish both academically and personally. This belief underpins how we assess applications and ensures that our admissions process remains both selective and inclusive.
We warmly invite you to have an individual visit to experience the true feeling why Donhead is such a wonderful school and what we can offer your child.
If you experience any difficulties with the online form please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions team who will be happy to help. Please contact Jodie Cosh our Registrar, for further details or call 020 8946 7000 (ext. Admissions)
On receipt of your completed registration form and fee, your child’s name will be placed on the respective admission list. Jodie Cosh, our Registrar, will be in contact to confirm the next steps.
Our Admissions Policy is available on our Policies page.
7+ assessment morning
We held our 7+ assessment morning on Monday 17th November 2025. If you are still interested in applying for entry into Donhead in Year 3, 2026 please register your child using the general registration link here. This ensures that you will be invited to attend a 7+ taster morning for that year of entry. If you would like to apply for a mid school place within any year group, including Year 3, then please do contact our Registrar, Jodie Cosh who will be happy to help and explain the next steps.
If you are yet to visit Donhead then we would love to show you around. To set up a tour please contact our Registrar, Jodie Cosh
ISI reports
We are proud to share our ISI reports here.
A Co Ed Environment for Modern Families
Donhead is proud to be part of a growing number of independent co ed school admissions choices in London, reflecting the needs and expectations of modern families. Our co ed environment enables boys and girls to learn alongside one another from an early age, fostering collaboration, confidence and mutual respect.
For families exploring private co ed school admissions, this approach offers clear benefits. Children develop strong communication skills, learn to work effectively in mixed groups and gain a balanced perspective that prepares them for the next stages of their education and beyond. Our recent move to co ed reflects our commitment to providing an inclusive, forward-thinking environment where every child can succeed.
Faith, Values and Community
As part of our identity as a Jesuit school, Donhead is also a respected option for families considering faith schools admissions. While we warmly welcome children and families from all faiths and cultural backgrounds, priority is given to Catholic families and siblings of current pupils. This ensures we maintain a strong sense of community while remaining open and inclusive.
Our values-based approach is central to the admissions experience. Families who choose Donhead are often looking for more than academic excellence; they are seeking a school that emphasises kindness, integrity and personal development. Our Jesuit ethos shapes every aspect of school life, helping children to grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals.
What We Look For
As part of our independent school admissions process, we aim to build a well-rounded cohort of pupils who will contribute positively to the school community. Rather than focusing solely on academic ability, we consider each child’s potential, character and readiness to engage with school life.
We are looking for children who are curious, enthusiastic and open to learning; qualities that align with our belief in nurturing the whole child. This balanced approach ensures that pupils not only achieve strong academic outcomes but also develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning.
Experience Donhead First-Hand
One of the most important steps in any private co ed school admissions journey is visiting the school. While prospectuses and websites provide valuable information, nothing compares to experiencing the atmosphere in person. At Donhead, we warmly invite you to arrange an individual visit so you can see first-hand what makes our school such a special place.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet members of our teaching team, explore our facilities and observe pupils engaged in their learning. You will also gain a sense of our community: how pupils interact with one another, how staff support and challenge them, and how our values are lived out in everyday school life.
These visits are an essential part of the faith schools admissions process at Donhead, as they allow families to determine whether our ethos and environment are the right fit for their child.
A Local School with a Strong Community
Donhead serves families within a close-knit local catchment, primarily in and around Wimbledon. This strong community focus is an important aspect of our admissions process, as it helps to foster meaningful relationships between families, pupils and staff. Parents choosing independent co ed school admissions at Donhead often value this sense of belonging and connection.
We understand the importance of convenience for busy families, and our location allows children to be part of a supportive and accessible school community. This local focus also contributes to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Donhead.
Begin Your Journey with Us
Starting the independent school admissions process can feel like a significant step, but at Donhead, we are committed to making it as smooth and positive as possible. Whether you are considering Preschool, Reception or Year 3 entry, our team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance and support you in making the right decision for your child.
We encourage you to get in touch, arrange a visit and discover for yourself why so many families choose Donhead. From your first enquiry to your child’s first day, you will find a school that is caring, confident and committed to helping every child thrive.
We look forward to welcoming you to Donhead Preparatory School.
