Saint Nicholas School
Updated July 2026
Languages
English
FrenchSaint Nicholas School is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 0 to 16, located in Old Harlow, Essex. It provides a challenging and engaging education within a family-friendly environment.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, discovering individual talents, and unlocking the potential of every pupil through a tailored educational journey. It emphasizes the development of key learning skills, including initiative, resilience, collaboration, teamwork, and independent thinking, while encouraging pupils to 'Strive to Better' in all their pursuits.
Programmes
The school is divided into Early Years (ages 0-5), Lower School (ages 5-10), Middle School (ages 10-13), and Upper School (ages 13-16). The Lower School curriculum focuses on core skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, alongside science, foundation subjects, and specialist teaching in PE, music, drama, and French. Pupils also have access to a Forest School programme to engage with the outdoor environment.
Student support
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at Saint Nicholas School?
- Annual tuition at Saint Nicholas School is £14.9K–£21.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Saint Nicholas School teach?
- Saint Nicholas School enrolls students aged 0 to 16.
- Is Saint Nicholas School co-educational?
- Saint Nicholas School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Saint Nicholas School located?
- Saint Nicholas School is an international school in Harlow, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | 4–5 | £14.9K |
| Years 1 & 2 | 5–7 | £14.9K |
| Years 3, 4 & 5 | 7–10 | £17.3K |
| Year 6, 7 & 8 | 10–13 | £19.4K |
| Years 9, 10 & 11 | 13–16 | £21.2K |
Other fees(3)
| Registration fee· Non-refundable, inclusive of VAT, charged on application | £120 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Refunded at the time of the pupil leaving the school | £1.5K |
| Materials· GCSE exam charges, £250 added to the spring bill in Year 10 and Year 11 | £500 |
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an application accompanied by a non-refundable registration fee of £120. Upon acceptance, an admission fee of £1,500 is required, which is refundable when the pupil leaves the school. Prospective families are encouraged to attend an Open Event or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with specific term dates available through the school's calendar. The calendar provides options for integration with digital platforms such as Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar to track school events and term schedules.
Facilities
About the campus
Set within fifteen acres of grounds on the outskirts of Old Harlow, the campus is built around an Edwardian country house that has been expanded with purpose-built facilities. The site includes specialist classrooms, science laboratories, technology areas, ICT rooms, libraries for each school section, and a theatre. Sports facilities feature extensive playing fields, tennis courts, a heated swimming pool, and a sports hall, while the Rocking Horse Nursery is housed in a converted stable facility.
Mr. Terence AyresHeadmasterMr. Terence Ayres is the Headmaster of Saint Nicholas School. He is dedicated to the school's ethos, aims, and mission, and has represented the school in discussions regarding the challenges facing independent education.