A Flourishing Start to Year 1 at NHEHS
Discover an environment where small classes, expert specialist teaching and dedicated 1-to-1 attention ensure every girl reaches her full potential.
To find out more,
please speak to Liz (Admissions)
020 8991 2165
admissions@nhehs.gdst.net
Why Year 1 at Notting Hill & Ealing Junior School?
With a dedicated Teacher and TA in every Year 1 and Year 2 classroom, your daughter will receive bespoke support.
From daily 1:1 reading to weekly sessions from specialist teachers in Science, Spanish, Computing and Swimming and twice weekly PE (games and gym) and Music, we ensure her curiosity is fuelled from day one.
The “Soft Landing” into Key Stage 1
We ensure a gentle transition from Reception to Year 1 (Key Stage 1).
In the Autumn term, we maintain an indoor-outdoor flow into our dedicated outdoor play area, ensuring your daughter keeps the creative freedom she loves while moving toward more formal learning at a natural pace.
A love of learning – without limits
We believe a girl’s potential should have no fixed ceiling.
Because our Year 1 Teachers and Teaching Assistants work side-by-side, we can offer immediate, higher challenges the moment a girl is ready for them. Through advanced guided reading and creative problem-solving, we ensure our quickest learners stay truly engaged, following their natural curiosity wherever it leads.
Thinking of a change for Year 1?
We understand that choosing the right school is a very personal decision. Whether you are looking for a more engaged, academic journey or a more nurturing environment, we are here to help.
For a call with our Head of Junior School regarding a possible move for your daughter to Year 1, or to book a private tour, please contact Liz Taylor (Junior Admissions).
Call 020 8991 2165 Email: admissions@nhehs.gdst.net
As our daughter joined Year 1 in January, we were initially concerned about how she would settle into an established class. However, she was warmly welcomed by both teachers and pupils and settled in very quickly. She has been extremely happy and told us in her first week how much she loves the school, especially enjoying the wide range of activities such as swimming and science.
An Award-Winning Prep School for Girls
Notting Hill & Ealing Junior School (NHEHS)
Award-winning education for girls in the heart of West London
One of London’s most successful girls’ independent schools, our recent awards and accolades include:
Best City Prep 2025 – The Week Independent Schools Guide: Best of the Best (Prep)
Prep School of the Year 2025 – shortlisted Independent Schools of the Year Awards
London Independent School of the Year 2024 – Independent School Parent Magazine
Top-rated school ‘very good’ – Telegraph Money’s value-for-money league table 2025
Top 25 school in the Parent Power Guide – The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025
The NHEHS Advantage: Excellence from Age 4 to 18
As an award-winning all-through school, our Junior girls benefit from a lively, forward-thinking environment designed specifically for bright, curious minds. Beyond our carbon-neutral Junior building, your daughter will enjoy access to our Senior School’s facilities, including:
- a 25 metre indoor swimming pool
- an assembly hall, music recital hall and recording studio
- 100-seat studio theatre with lighting and sound, a drama workshop area
- science laboratories, three art studios
- a 4-court sports hall, dance studio with a separate area for rowing machines, plus outdoor all-weather courts and pitches
As an all-through girls school for pupils from primary school at age 4 through to our Sixth Formers aged 18, we aim to inspire, empower and challenge each girl to be herself.
Our students are grounded, confident and independent, keen to make a positive difference in the world. They are proud of their school and value kindness and laughter, fun and friendship. Here they enjoy being part of a warm, supportive and vibrant community, where they can express their passion for learning, and for life.
-
Joining NHEHS in Year 1 FAQsWill my daughter settle quickly?
We provide a “pastoral safety net” from the moment she arrives. If she feels a little “wobbly” or upset in the morning, both her Teacher and TA act as her emotional anchors to settle her in. We also empower our Year 1s with special leadership roles, like being the Class ‘Greeter’ or ‘Alligator,’ to ensure every child feels seen, important and part of the community from day one.
Is it too formal too soon?Not at all. We believe in a “soft landing.” We actually do the opposite of most schools; we run our Autumn term just like Reception to ensure a smooth, joyful transition. Depending on the girls’ needs, we often extend this through the Spring. We move toward more formal whole-class learning gradually in the Summer term, ensuring the “joy of discovery” and creative freedom are never lost.
How do you challenge high-flyers?We don’t believe in “one size fits all” teaching. With a Teacher and TA for each class in Year 1 and Year 2, we can provide targeted support groups that move at your daughter’s natural pace.
Will she be behind academically?When your daughter joins us in Year 1 she will benefit from a highly specialised curriculum. Unlike many schools where TAs are shared across classes, our Teacher/TA per class work together to provide individual attention. She will also enjoy our specialist teaching in subjects including weekly Spanish, Science, Swimming and Computing lessons, plus twice-weekly PE and Music (including Choir).
