Welcome to Cumnor House
At Cumnor House, we are a family of four schools – two nurseries, a girls’ school and a boys’ school – where children are inspired to aim high, excel in what they love and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
From their very first steps in nursery to their final days with us, every pupil is encouraged, challenged and supported to achieve their full potential, both in and beyond the classroom.
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.
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Located on Pampisford Road, overlooking 10 acres of Cumnor Sports Ground – a quiet gem in a busy city.
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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.
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Located on Woodcote Lane, Webb Estate, a conservation site in Purley that has been a tranquil space for over 100 years.
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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.
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Highly regarded preparatory school from Reception to Year 8.
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A close-knit community focused on values of Endeavour, Compassion, Courage, Self Belief and Integrity - also known as The Cumnor Way.
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Exceptional success in Sports, Music and Academics.
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Outstanding preparatory school from Reception to Year 6.
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A close-knit community that ensures every child feels valued, respected, safe and supported to be the best they can be.
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Exceptional results in 11+ schools.
Join us for an Open Morning
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.
Meet our Head of Cumnor House Schools
Meet Emma Edwards
Our Head is 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 any of our schools or nurseries in action, please visit on one of our Open Days.
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.
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.
NEXT STEPS
Learn more. Download our prospectus.
Follow us on Social Media
🎄✨ Before Chritmas, Asher had the opportunity to take forward an initiative he has been excited about since discussing ways he could support local families: creating celebration boxes for families experiencing food insecurity. 💝
Asher and his family approached Reedham Children’s Trust with the idea, and the team were so grateful. They requested a Christmas-themed celebration box, and Asher and his family got to work!
🎁 Each box included cake mix, lime soda (a clever hack so you don’t need eggs, oil, or water), sprinkles, frosting, a mini whisk, Christmas-themed napkins, bunting, chocolates, candy canes, and a few small toys - all beautifully wrapped in a tin foil tray ready for baking.
Asher dropped off 30 boxes at Reedham Children’s Trust. They have kindly offered to share feedback with Asher on how the boxes are received, which will help guide him as he plans to create birthday boxes next 🎂💡.
Well done Asher, you are incredible!
#reedhamchildrenstrust #cumnorway #cumnorhouse
Everyone at Cumnor House would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for a new term and another exciting year of growth, learning, and reaching your full potential, both in and beyond the classroom.
Year 5 & 6 brought festive cheer to Chestnut Gardens Care Home this week! 🎶🎄
The girls performed a special Carol Service and enjoyed chatting with the residents afterwards ❤️
It was heartwarming to see them share Christmas moments and spread joy to all 🎁😊
#CumnorHouseGirls #CumnorHouse #CarolService #ChestnutGardensCareHome
Recently, Chamber Choir visited Purley Gardens Care Home to perform for the residents 🎶🎄
It was truly heartwarming. The children had a wonderful time and spread plenty of festive cheer, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. ❤️✨
#CumnorHouseBoys #CumnorHouse #PurleyGardensCareHome #ChamberChoir
