Welcome to Cumnor House School

Cumnor House School for girls and boys is where your child will aspire to be the best they can be. We help every child build on their strengths, believe in themselves, be distinctive and challenge themselves with high expectations. Our approach empowers children to be leaders and provides an educational standard that ensures children are well prepared for their future.

We are a family of four independent schools, for boys and girls from ages 2 – 13 years, originally founded in 1931, with 4 campuses all based on the outskirts of Croydon. Cumnor House is an independent school, providing an environment free from some of the anxieties that accompany young boys and girls. Freedom to be simply and wholly oneself: for each student to develop and explore and cherish their identity and individuality.

Simply, to be their best self.

Open Days & Visits

Our Schools

Being free to be themselves, our pupils are empowered and enlightened. They are able to grow as individuals, develop strong relationships, and embrace everything we have to offer at Cumnor House.

Cumnor House Boys

Cumnor House Boys’ School is a preparatory boys school in the Croydon area, and a fully established member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools.

We accept boys from 4 to 13 years.

Cumnor House Girls

Cumnor House School for Girls is a preparatory girls’ school in the Croydon/Purley area, belonging to the Independent Schools Association.

We accept girls from 4 to 11 years.

Cumnor House Nursery in Purley

Our Purley Kindergarten & Pre-School is located on Woodcote Lane, Webb Estate, a conservation site in Purley that has been a tranquil space for over 100 years.

Open during term time, from 8:00am – 3:00pm. We accept girls and boys from 2 to 4 years.

Cumnor House Nursery in South Croydon

Our South Croydon Kindergarten & Pre-School is located on Pampisford Road, overlooking 10 acres of Cumnor Sports Ground – a quiet gem in a busy city.

Open 51 weeks a year, from 7:30am – 6:00pm. We accept girls and boys from 2 to 4 years.

An Excellent ISI report 2022.

We are delighted to announce that Cumnor House School for Girls has recently received an Excellent report in their latest ISI 'Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection Report'.

“Pupils’ attitudes to their learning are outstanding. They are highly motivated, inquisitive and well-rounded learners who work effectively in groups or individually. Pupils have an excellent work ethic.”

Read the full report

Independent Girls’ School of the Year and Independent Boys’ School of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Cumnor House School has been shortlisted for both Independent Boys' School of the Year and Independent Girls' School of the Year. These nominations reflect our commitment to a holistic and inclusive educational approach that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and well-being.

Cumnor Boys’ has been recognised for fostering resilient, compassionate, and confident pupils. Similarly, Cumnor Girls’ has been commended for empowering each girl to be her best self, celebrating academic excellence and holistic development.

We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our pupils, ensuring they are prepared for future success and fulfilling lives.

The benefits of single-sex education.

As children progress through their education, we know that being in a single-sex environment brings both academic and social benefits. In both the Girls’ and the Boys’ Schools we work hard to ensure that the pressure of gender roles does not exist, and encourage pupils to pursue anything that interests them, regardless of societal pressures. We have a strong culture of high academic achievement and our pupils' confidence levels are high.

We find that both girls and boys can be true to themselves, and are more willing to take risks, fail and then try again. Our classrooms are dynamic, unfettered by gender stereotypes and free from the anxieties that can become apparent. Pupils are less easily distracted, and able to concentrate and pursue their academic and social interests with enthusiasm.

Destination Schools

Preparing students for their next steps.

Cumnor House is reputable amongst many Grammar and senior schools, with many of our students receiving offers from the most selective and prestigious schools nationwide. With our expertise, we help students prepare for the Common Entrance Exam and support them with their scholarship applications.

We help students find the right school for them by allowing them to identify and develop their talents and interests. It is important that we equip students with the necessary skills and qualities, empowering them to feel confident about their future options.

Destinations of Leavers and Scholarships Awarded 2023

Join us for an Open Morning

Follow Cumnor House on Social Media

Just before the summer term ended, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 were thrilled to share their ballet journey with their families!

Each group has been progressing at their own pace through the ISTD Syllabus, guided by Miss Becky from Cavat Theatre Arts. Watching them grow in technique and confidence over the term has been truly inspiring, and it’s amazing to see how dance helps them express their unique personalities. They looked adorable in their ballet uniforms too! 🩰💖

#cumnorhouseschool #schoolrecital #schoolperformances #receptionstudents #year1 #girlsschool #cognitaschools #cognitaway

Just before the summer term ended, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 were thrilled to share their ballet journey with their families!

Each group has been progressing at their own pace through the ISTD Syllabus, guided by Miss Becky from Cavat Theatre Arts. Watching them grow in technique and confidence over the term has been truly inspiring, and it’s amazing to see how dance helps them express their unique personalities. They looked adorable in their ballet uniforms too! 🩰💖

#cumnorhouseschool #schoolrecital #schoolperformances #receptionstudents #year1 #girlsschool #cognitaschools #cognitaway

Our 2024 cohort has achieved phenomenal results! We’re thrilled to announce that the girls secured 32 offers, a 19% increase from last year, and earned 16 prestigious scholarships, while the boys earned 18 scholarships, marking a 13% rise from last year. These exceptional achievements span various areas, including Academics, Sports, Music, Art, Drama, and the Headteacher Award.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our pupils for their hard work and dedication—you’ve made us incredibly proud! Your achievements are a testament to your perseverance and talent. Keep shining! 💫👏

#cumnorhouseschool #girlsschool #boysschool #achievements #schoolsuccess #schoolleavers #prepschool #independentschools #cognitaway #cognitaschools @cognitaschools

Our 2024 cohort has achieved phenomenal results! We’re thrilled to announce that the girls secured 32 offers, a 19% increase from last year, and earned 16 prestigious scholarships, while the boys earned 18 scholarships, marking a 13% rise from last year. These exceptional achievements span various areas, including Academics, Sports, Music, Art, Drama, and the Headteacher Award.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our pupils for their hard work and dedication—you’ve made us incredibly proud! Your achievements are a testament to your perseverance and talent. Keep shining! 💫👏

#cumnorhouseschool #girlsschool #boysschool #achievements #schoolsuccess #schoolleavers #prepschool #independentschools #cognitaway #cognitaschools @cognitaschools

Our Year 8 pupils recently enjoyed a wonderful Buddy Morning with our Year 1 and 2 classes! With pure enthusiasm, they led engaging activities and read stories with the younger students, making it a fun and memorable experience for all.

Our buddy sessions play a crucial role in building connections and fostering a strong sense of community across different year groups. Not only did our Year 1 and 2 students have a blast, but Year 8 also gained a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our teachers. 📚

#cumnorhouseschool #buddysession #learningisfun #storytime #bookstagram #schoolactivities #boysschool #independentschool #london #cognitaschools #cognitaway

Our Year 8 pupils recently enjoyed a wonderful Buddy Morning with our Year 1 and 2 classes! With pure enthusiasm, they led engaging activities and read stories with the younger students, making it a fun and memorable experience for all.

Our buddy sessions play a crucial role in building connections and fostering a strong sense of community across different year groups. Not only did our Year 1 and 2 students have a blast, but Year 8 also gained a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our teachers. 📚

#cumnorhouseschool #buddysession #learningisfun #storytime #bookstagram #schoolactivities #boysschool #independentschool #london #cognitaschools #cognitaway

The end of the Summer Term always brings excitement at our girls’ school, but nothing compares to the buzz of Show Week! This year, our incredible Year 6 students transformed into West End stars, dazzling everyone with their triple-threat talents in the Young @ Part version of the Queen musical We Will Rock You. With vibrant support from Year 5 in the ensemble, who jumped in with enthusiasm right after their ESB exams, the production was filled with energy, flair, and unforgettable performances.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parents for providing such colourful costumes, to the magical Mrs. King for her stunning makeup artistry, and to Mrs. Easthope for the fantastic scenery. Special thanks as well to Mr. Kimber and Jack, whose sound and lighting expertise gave our show that final professional touch. Year 6, you truly ROCKED the stage, and we couldn’t be prouder of the memories you’ve created. Keep shining, stars! 🎭⭐️

#cumnorhouseschool #schoolperformance #studenttalent #schoolproduction #wewillrockyou #talentedstudents #girlsschool #independentschools #london #cognitaway #cognitaschools

The end of the Summer Term always brings excitement at our girls’ school, but nothing compares to the buzz of Show Week! This year, our incredible Year 6 students transformed into West End stars, dazzling everyone with their triple-threat talents in the Young @ Part version of the Queen musical We Will Rock You. With vibrant support from Year 5 in the ensemble, who jumped in with enthusiasm right after their ESB exams, the production was filled with energy, flair, and unforgettable performances.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parents for providing such colourful costumes, to the magical Mrs. King for her stunning makeup artistry, and to Mrs. Easthope for the fantastic scenery. Special thanks as well to Mr. Kimber and Jack, whose sound and lighting expertise gave our show that final professional touch. Year 6, you truly ROCKED the stage, and we couldn’t be prouder of the memories you’ve created. Keep shining, stars! 🎭⭐️

#cumnorhouseschool #schoolperformance #studenttalent #schoolproduction #wewillrockyou #talentedstudents #girlsschool #independentschools #london #cognitaway #cognitaschools

Are you still weighing up your options for September? If you think Cumnor House might be the perfect fit for your child, our Admissions Team are here to help, even during the summer break!

We’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have. Simply reach out to us through the link in our bio - we’re here to make the process as smooth and informative as possible!

#cumnorhouseschool #joinus #bestschools #london #visitus #cognitaway #cognitaschools

Are you still weighing up your options for September? If you think Cumnor House might be the perfect fit for your child, our Admissions Team are here to help, even during the summer break!

We’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have. Simply reach out to us through the link in our bio - we’re here to make the process as smooth and informative as possible!

#cumnorhouseschool #joinus #bestschools #london #visitus #cognitaway #cognitaschools

We’re excited to share some wonderful highlights from our Sports Day, which spanned several days and was filled with plenty of excitement. Our pupils had a fantastic time, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that made for memorable and spirited competitions.

The event featured a wide array of sports and activities, including the always-entertaining beanbag race, thrilling relay races, and various field and track events. Of course, one of the biggest highlights was the tug of war, a favourite among both participants and spectators.

We’re incredibly proud of all our students who took part, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all our winners and a big well-done to everyone who participated! 🏅

#cumnorhouseschool #sportsday #outdoorfun #sportsinschools #summeractivities #sportsday2024 #athletics #cognitaway #cognitaschools

We’re excited to share some wonderful highlights from our Sports Day, which spanned several days and was filled with plenty of excitement. Our pupils had a fantastic time, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that made for memorable and spirited competitions.

The event featured a wide array of sports and activities, including the always-entertaining beanbag race, thrilling relay races, and various field and track events. Of course, one of the biggest highlights was the tug of war, a favourite among both participants and spectators.

We’re incredibly proud of all our students who took part, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all our winners and a big well-done to everyone who participated! 🏅

#cumnorhouseschool #sportsday #outdoorfun #sportsinschools #summeractivities #sportsday2024 #athletics #cognitaway #cognitaschools

Following the heartfelt farewell to our Year 6 girls, we now celebrate the journeys of our Year 6 and Year 8 boys at Cumnor Boys’. As they conclude this significant chapter, we reflect on their growth and achievements.

Join us for a delightful Q&A with some of our remarkable boys as they share insights about their next steps and treasured memories.

Congratulations to our exceptional Year 6 and Year 8 pupils — wishing them all the best!

#cumnorhouseschool #boysschool #leavers #year6leavers #year6 #lastdayofschool #studentreels #independentschool #london #cognitaway #cognitaschools

Following the heartfelt farewell to our Year 6 girls, we now celebrate the journeys of our Year 6 and Year 8 boys at Cumnor Boys’. As they conclude this significant chapter, we reflect on their growth and achievements.

Join us for a delightful Q&A with some of our remarkable boys as they share insights about their next steps and treasured memories.

Congratulations to our exceptional Year 6 and Year 8 pupils — wishing them all the best!

#cumnorhouseschool #boysschool #leavers #year6leavers #year6 #lastdayofschool #studentreels #independentschool #london #cognitaway #cognitaschools

As our Year 6 pupils come to the end of their journey at Cumnor Girls’, we are brimming with pride and fond memories. As we prepare to bid them farewell, we joyfully celebrate the remarkable experiences they have embraced- their adventures ahead, the lessons learnt, and the cherished moments that have shaped them.

Join us in enjoying this delightful Q&A featuring a few of our fantastic pupils as they answer a range of questions about their school destinations and more.

Congratulations to our wonderful Year 6 pupils - we wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

Stay tuned to hear from our Cumnor Boys’!

#cumnorhouseschool #girlsschool #year6
#year6leavers #leavingschool #year6destinations #independentschools #studentqanda #studentreels #cognitaschools #cognitaway

As our Year 6 pupils come to the end of their journey at Cumnor Girls’, we are brimming with pride and fond memories. As we prepare to bid them farewell, we joyfully celebrate the remarkable experiences they have embraced- their adventures ahead, the lessons learnt, and the cherished moments that have shaped them.

Join us in enjoying this delightful Q&A featuring a few of our fantastic pupils as they answer a range of questions about their school destinations and more.

Congratulations to our wonderful Year 6 pupils - we wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

Stay tuned to hear from our Cumnor Boys’!

#cumnorhouseschool #girlsschool #year6
#year6leavers #leavingschool #year6destinations #independentschools #studentqanda #studentreels #cognitaschools #cognitaway

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Meet our Heads of Schools.

Cumnor Boys School, and Nursery

Meet Emma Edwards

Cumnor Girls School

Meet Amanda McShane

Our Heads of Schools are dedicated to giving our students the perfect platform to achieve their potential. By striking the perfect balance between disciplined learning practices and a friendly atmosphere we can be confident in providing the perfect environment for children to flourish.

To see our schools in action, please visit on one of our Open Days.

Open Days & Visits

FACILITIES & LOCATION

Excellent learning locations.

All of our school sites provide unique schooling experiences. Cumnor Girls and CHS Nursery Purley are situated in the idyllic Woodcote Lane, providing a calm and tranquil setting for our pupils. Cumnor Boys is a short distance away, in a compact city campus boasting a 10-acre playing field. CHS Nursery South Croydon’s campus overlooks the spacious sports fields of the Boys’ school.

Our students value the home from home environment in which they are encouraged to develop and learn. There is an on-going investment programme to maintain and improve the fabric and flow of our school facilities.

Find out more about facilities and location

Cumnor House Nursery, Purley

Cumnor House Nursery, South Croydon

Cumnor House Boys School

Cumnor House School for Girls

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding Policy & Croydon Local Authority.

Cumnor House School adheres to the guidance set out in the Safeguarding policy which is underpinned by KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education), whilst also working alongside the procedures of Croydon local authority, including their local criteria for action and protocol for assessments.

All of our policies, including safeguarding, can be found in the footer.

Please find more information here

The teachers and leadership go above and beyond with their attention to detail. Our son has formed excellent teacher-pupil and peer relationships. He is really being stretched to achieve his own potential, rather than being regarded as a statistic.

– Cumnor House Parent

YOUR CHILD'S JOURNEY

There's a different way. The Cumnor Way.

From age 2 through to 13 years old, we will support your child through every stage of their education. Children who join our independent school develop confidence and a genuine love for learning, putting them on the path to success.

Ages 2 to 4

Cumnor House Nursery, South Croydon

Open 51 weeks of the year, from 7:30am-6:00pm, our South Croydon site provides children aged 2-4 years with consistent care in a home-from-home environment.
Using The Cumnor Way, our specialist Early Years teachers ensure that, from a young age, children take the necessary steps to develop values that will enable them to be their best selves.

Cumnor House Nursery, Purley

Open during term time to fit in with school hours, Purley provides a safe space for children aged 2-4 years to learn about themselves and the world around them.
Children are encouraged, from a young age and with the support of our specialist Early Years teachers, to develop values that align with The Cumnor Way, enabling them to be their best selves.

Ages 4 to 13

Cumnor Boys (Ages 4 to 13)

Highly regarded preparatory school from Reception to Year 8.
A close-knit community focused on values of Endeavour, Compassion, Courage, Self Belief and Integrity - also known as The Cumnor Way.
Exceptional success in Sports, Music and Academics.

Cumnor Girls (Ages 4 to 11)

Outstanding preparatory school from Reception to Year 6.
A close-knit community that ensures every child feels valued, respected, safe and supported to be the best they can be.
Exceptional results in 11+ schools.

Learn more. Download our prospectus.

Request our prospectus

NEXT STEPS

Academic Excellence

Facilities & Location