CO-ED & PRE-PREP PARENT GUIDE
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Wetherby Pembridge Journey
Contents 04 Becoming a co-educational school 06 From the Head 08 The Wetherby Pembridge pathway 10 The Wetherby Pembridge journey 12 The timeline for transition to co-ed 14 FAQs 20 Next steps for prospective parents
Becoming a co-educational school
Wetherby School Kensington is evolving. From September 2027, it will become Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep School. The school will welcome both boys and girls and provide families with a fully connected pathway from the earliest years through to senior school.
What changes is access. What strengthens is continuity. For families, this means greater choice. For children, it ensures a seamless, ambitious, and well-supported learning journey at every stage.
This is not a reinvention, but a thoughtful progression. The hallmarks of a Wetherby education remain unchanged: exceptional teaching, attentive pastoral care, and a curriculum designed to challenge, inspire, and support every child.
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From the Head
“ Since joining the school in January 2025, I have been incredibly grateful for the strength of this parent community. Your support and advocacy have played a vital role in our growth, and as we evolve, we look forward to building this next chapter together.”
- Ms. Victoria Playford, Head
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As we approach our tenth anniversary, the school stands at a natural point of reflection and evolution. Over the past decade, we have built a strong reputation for delivering an outstanding, personalised education for boys — one that is academically ambitious, nurturing and tailored to each child.
peer group. Learning alongside both boys and girls can support confidence, empathy and mutual respect, while enriching classroom discussion and broadening perspectives.
As we look ahead to the next decade, we believe the time is right to extend that same exceptional approach to girls. From September 2027, we will begin a phased transition to co-education, welcoming girls into Reception and growing this year by year as the school evolves into Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep by 2030.
Moving to co-education is not a change in ethos, but an extension of what we already do so well. Our commitment to being non-selective, to knowing every child as an individual, and to delivering a rigorous and carefully designed curriculum remains unchanged. Our recent 7+ and 8+ outcomes are a testament to this, and these strong academic foundations will continue to underpin everything we do.
In the early years of education, the environment in which children learn plays a defining role in their development. At this stage of childhood, we believe in offering pupils a setting in which collaboration, communication and social development are nurtured across a diverse
We are confident in the strength of our educational environment and excited to extend this to more families within our community. This next chapter is about building on our success and continuing to provide an exceptional start to every child’s educational journey.
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The Wetherby Pembridge pathway Beginning in September 2027, Wetherby Kensington will begin the transition to a co-educational model and will be renamed Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep. This change represents the next phase in the ongoing development of the Wetherby Pembridge pathway, building on the success of the Senior School in 2025.
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At Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep School, children will continue to grow in an environment where teaching, pastoral care, and enrichment evolve with each stage of their learning. Progression is structured and intentional, giving every child the challenge and support they need to thrive.
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The Wetherby Pembridge journey
This next chapter builds on a foundation already proven. Across Wetherby and Inspired schools, we consistently deliver excellent academics alongside rich, well-rounded development. Preparing children for tomorrow’s world A co-educational environment mirrors the fast-moving, collaborative world children are growing into. Boys and girls learn together daily, developing the skills to communicate effectively, challenge ideas, navigate differences, and build mutual respect. In these classrooms, academic growth and social development happen together, shaping children who are confident, capable, and ready to engage with the wider world.
Rich opportunities The transition to co-education brings tangible advantages for every part of the school community: • For pupils: An enriched social environment, a wider range of perspectives, and preparation for learning alongside all peers in future educational settings. • For families: Greater choice, sibling convenience, and access to Wetherby’s established excellence. • For the school community: A more vibrant, inclusive culture that reflects the diversity of the world children will inherit, strengthened by the wider Inspired Education network.
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The timeline for transition to co-ed
2025–2026
Planning, consultation, and clear communication with families. Establishing the foundation for evolution without disruption.
2026–2027
Operational readiness. Staffing, admissions, and systems aligned to support a smooth transition.
Sept 2027
Co-education begins, introduced through a phased and carefully managed approach.
Beyond 2027
Continuous refinement to ensure the experience remains strong, balanced, and consistent for every child.
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FAQs Why is the school becoming co-educational? Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep School will welcome boys and girls to broaden access and choice, while developing collaboration, adaptability, and confidence from the earliest years, without changing the standards families trust.
When will co-education begin? From September 2027, introduced through a phased and carefully planned approach.
How will this affect current pupils? There will be no change to teaching, pastoral care, or curriculum. The transition will be managed to ensure continuity and balance.
Will single-sex pathways remain? Yes. We recognise the importance of choice for families, established single-sex options will remain, alongside the co-educational pathway. Wetherby School Notting Hill for boys, with an all-boy pathway to Wetherby Senior School, and Pembridge Hall School for girls.
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FAQs
What support is in place during the transition?
Will the ethos or values of the school change?
Clear structure, strong pastoral care, and carefully managed cohorts will ensure every child feels supported.
No. The school’s core values and standards remain firmly in place delivering the Wetherby experience our parents and pupils know and love.
How does co-education benefit my child academically and socially? It supports collaboration, independence, and adaptability, preparing children for life at Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep and beyond.
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How does this impact admissions and progression through Wetherby? The pathway from early years through to senior school remains aligned, with clear progression and consistent expectations from Pre-Prep onwards.
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“This next chapter is about building on our success and continuing to provide an exceptional start to every child’s educational journey.”
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Next steps for prospective parents
Applications for girls to join Reception in September 2027 are now open. We know demand will be high; priority will be given to existing parents with siblings. The most meaningful way to experience Wetherby School Kensington is to see it in action. Arrange a visit or speak directly with the admissions team to discuss your daughter’s next steps, and discover how every aspect has been carefully designed not just to work, but to ensure every child thrives.
Contact Admissions registrar@wetherbykensington.co.uk +44 (0) 20 3910 9769 www.wetherbyschool.co.uk/kensington-pre-prep-school
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