Welcome to
Salcombe Prep School
Salcombe Prep School is a vibrant co-educational school nestled in the suburbs of North London, educating boys and girls aged 3-11. Here, we inspire every pupil to believe in their abilities, encouraging them to strive for personal excellence and thrive in their academic, creative, and personal pursuits.
Salcombe Prep’s teaching methodology goes beyond traditional education, sparking a deep passion for learning through a variety of experiences and opportunities. Rooted in a proven foundation of academic success, as evidenced by our outstanding academic results and senior school 11+ destinations, a Salcombe Prep education empowers pupils for a lifetime of accomplishments.
With over a century of educational excellence, we possess the expertise to prepare our pupils for a future where they can confidently navigate an ever-evolving world, enduring success beyond their years at Salcombe Prep!
INSPECTION REPORT
Salcombe Prep School excels in Inspection!
In Salcombe Preps 2023 ISI inspection they met and surpassed standards in all five areas of assessment:
- Leadership and management, and governance.
- Quality of education, training and recreation.
- Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution.
- Safeguarding
Join us for a Personal Tour
Where the educational path to excellence begins
Visit us and discover first-hand how a Salcombe Prep School education empowers pupils for a lifetime of triumphs, built on the solid foundation of academic success.
Meet our Headteacher, Miss Nicola Sands
Headmistress, Miss Nicola Sands, brings together extensive educational expertise with a dedicated commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic learning environment.
Her positive can-do attitude, complemented by a delightful sense of humour and a compassionate ear for listening, underscores her dedication to prioritising her pupils’ happiness and future success.
Through her nurturing approach, she instils confidence in her pupils, empowering them to navigate challenges with ease and embark on their journey with comfort and assurance.
Academic results
We take immense pride in our pupils' academic achievements. Together, we work hard to ensure every pupil sets ambitious goals, encouraging them to believe in their abilities, strive for personal excellence, and thrive in their academic, creative, and personal pursuits.
Location
Discovering excellence in North London
Located in Southgate, North London, Salcombe Prep School occupies two sites, just a brief stroll apart. Each site plays a unique role in fostering our ethos of academic excellence and holistic development, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that extends across both locations.
Within each setting, Salcombe Prep pupils benefit from a wide range of carefully designed facilities aimed at enhancing the learning experience. These purposefully crafted resources contribute to the creation of an engaging educational environment for all Salcombe Prep pupils.
Pre-School and Pre-Prep School
Green Road, Salcombe Prep's nurturing and vibrant environment for our youngest learners.
Prep School
Chase Side, Salcombe Prep’s enriching and challenging environment for our older pupils.
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We are beyond thrilled to share our outstanding 2025 11+ results, a testament to the dedication, talent, and ambition of our incredible pupils!
- 88 offers across 28 schools, including 20 offers from top Grammar & Selective State Schools
- 5 Academic Scholarships awarded
Our Year 6 pupils have secured places at some of the most prestigious independent schools, including Haileybury, Queenswood, Haberdashers’ Boys’ and Girls’, Aldenham School, Summer Fields Oxford, and Winchester College, as well as leading selective state schools such as Latymer, QE Boys and Dame Alice Owen.
This remarkable achievement would not be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and families; your commitment makes all the difference!
Congratulations, Year 6! This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

Reception have been busy exploring shapes, using rotation to create fantastic 2D shape pictures and tangrams! With exciting activities designed to challenge their brains, they’re thinking, creating, and thriving every step of the way.
#BelieveAchieveThrive #salcombeprep

🧠✨ Quiz masters in action! ✨🧠
On Thursday 6th March, our two brilliant quiz teams took on nearly 70 other teams from across the UK in the National Key Stage 2 General Knowledge Quiz online heat. And guess what? Both teams were AMAZING!
One team secured an impressive 11th place, earning an automatic spot in the Semi-Finals, while the other battled their way to 30th place and qualified with a high score!
More than just brainpower, they showed incredible teamwork and determination. Bring on the Semi-Finals! 🎉🎯
#believeachievethrive #WeAreCognita #londonschool #privateschoollife #prepschoollife #northlondonprep #prepschoollondon #privateschool #northlondonmums #londonschools #northlondonprepschool #londoneducation #londonlife

🐷🐷🐷 When the Three Little Pigs met... a potato decorating competition! 🥔✨
Our creative little builders crafted their own mini piggy masterpieces, and let’s just say, the Big Bad Wolf doesn’t stand a chance against these spud-tacular creations! 🏠🏠🏠
#believeachievethrive #WeAreCognita #londonschool #privateschoollife #prepschoollife #northlondonprep #prepschoollondon #privateschool #northlondonmums #londonschools #northlondonprepschool #londoneducation #londonlife @worldbookdaysocial

World Book Day got off to a fantastic start this morning at Salcombe Prep, with our very own Dorothy leading the assembly!
#believeachievethrive #WeAreCognita #londonschool #privateschoollife #prepschoollife #northlondonprep #prepschoollondon #privateschool #northlondonmums #londonschools #northlondonprepschool #londoneducation #londonlife @worldbookdaysocial

Join Us for an Important Discussion on Digital Learning!
We`re hosting a discussion on the role of digital learning in children`s education on Tuesday, March 4th at 6 PM, with special guest Conall MacLoingsigh, Cognita`s Digital Learning Advisor.
We’ll be covering:
💻 Online Use – How children navigate the digital world & how we can support them.
🎮 Gaming & Apps – The games and apps kids love & how to keep them safe.
💡 Wellbeing – Balancing screen time & promoting healthy online habits.
🔒 Cybersecurity – Making the internet a safer place for children at home & school.
🚀 The Future of Digital Learning
Have you booked your ticket yet? If not, there’s still time.! Booking details can be found in your Cognita Connect email.
See you there!

Reception became Posties for the day during their exciting trip to the Post Office Museum! ✨📬
The children believed they could, achieved so much, and thrived in every moment of this adventure! They rode the postal train through the historic tunnels under London, discovering the fascinating history of the Royal Mail. 🚂💌 They helped the Jolly Postman in an interactive workshop and enjoyed sorting and delivering post in the role-play area. 📨🎉
A day full of learning, fun, and teamwork. And of course, a well-earned nap on the coach ride home! 😴💺
#BelieveAchieveThrive

#believeachievethrive #WeAreCognita #londonschool #privateschoollife #prepschoollife #northlondonprep #prepschoollondon #privateschool #northlondonmums #londonschools #northlondonprepschool #londoneducation #londonlife

Where your child’s educational path to excellence begins
Children who join Salcombe Prep develop their confidence and gain a genuine love for learning, starting them on the path to success.
Discover a Salcombe Prep education
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