Novana Index

Kensington Wade School

Secular

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
For-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglishMandarin flagMandarin

Kensington Wade is the first and only bilingual English-Chinese prep school in Europe, offering an immersive 50/50 curriculum for children from nursery through to Year 6. It combines a traditional British prep school education with high-level Chinese language proficiency.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school aims to equip pupils with the skills, cultural understanding, and empathy required for an interconnected world where China plays a significant role. It emphasizes the development of executive function skills and learning traits alongside academic excellence. The school fosters a bi-cultural perspective, enabling pupils to become skilled intercultural navigators.

Programmes

The school follows a British curriculum where 50% of the day is taught in English and 50% in Chinese. Native-speaking teachers deliver core subjects—including maths, science, humanities, and literacy—in both languages, ensuring true immersion. The programme spans from nursery to Year 6, with a specific focus on 11+ preparation in the final years.

Outcomes

Kensington Wade is a British prep school that prepares pupils for 11+ assessments and entry into their chosen secondary schools. Pupils develop high levels of proficiency in both English and Chinese, with the ability to converse, read, and write in traditional Chinese characters. The school has been recognized as the 'Most Pioneering Bilingual School' in the 2026 Private Education Awards and received the 2022 ISA Award for Innovation in Education.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school employs a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to oversee learning support. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, and the school provides support for families who do not speak Chinese at home to assist with their child's learning.

Frequently asked questions(4)
How much is tuition at Kensington Wade School?
Annual tuition at Kensington Wade School is £28.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What accreditations does Kensington Wade School hold?
Kensington Wade School holds accreditations including Cambridge International.
Is Kensington Wade School co-educational?
Kensington Wade School is a co-ed school.
Where is Kensington Wade School located?
Kensington Wade School is an international school in London, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2025-2026
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Year 15–6£28.3K
Year 26–7£28.3K
Year 37–8£28.3K
Year 48–9£28.3K
Year 59–10£28.3K
Year 610–11£28.3K
Other fees(5)
Other fees
Meals· Included in tuition fees (lunch)—
Materials· Included in tuition fees (books, stationery, workshops, day trips and educational materials)—
Uniform· Excluded from tuition fees—
Bus / transport· Excluded from tuition fees—
EAL· English as a Foreign Language is excluded from tuition fees—

Admissions

Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school via an open morning or private tour. Following a visit, families submit an application form and are invited to a taster session and assessment. The school accepts entries throughout the year, subject to availability, with the nursery intake beginning at age three.

Calendar

The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and late April, with half-term breaks scheduled in October, February, and May/June. The school day concludes at 12:30pm on the final day of the Spring and Summer terms.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsSTEM labArt roomMusic roomPlaygroundGymnasiumSwimming pool

About the campus

Located on Fulham Palace Road in west London, the school features over 12,000 square feet of indoor space. Facilities include a nursery building with private outdoor space, a large hall, a music room, and two playgrounds. The 'West Wing,' opened in 2023, houses a well-equipped STEAM room, a reading and specialist classroom, and two additional classrooms.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities to balance scholastic pursuits. These include music, sports, and specialist clubs, with regular swimming lessons held at the nearby Charing Cross Sports Club. Reception children also participate in weekly Forest School sessions.

  • Huw MayHeadmaster

    Huw May is the Headmaster of Kensington Wade. He holds qualifications including a BMus, ADWCMD, PGCE, MA Ed, and NPQH.

  • Mary-Anne MalloySenior Deputy Head, SLT, Head of Academics

    Mary-Anne Malloy serves as the Senior Deputy Head and Head of Academics. She is also a Year 5 and 6 English teacher and holds an HDE, MBA, and is a CMgr FCMI.

  • Wang JingDeputy Head, Head of Chinese Programme, SLT

    Wang Jing is a Deputy Head and Head of the Chinese Programme. She is also a Year 1 Chinese teacher and holds MA and MEd qualifications.

  • Kathryn BaileyDeputy Head – Behaviour, DSL, Assistant Head of Prep and Head of Assessment, SLT

    Kathryn Bailey is the Deputy Head – Behaviour and DSL. She also serves as an Assistant Head of Prep and Head of Assessment, and holds qualifications including a BA Hons, MEd, PGCE, QTS, and NASENCO.

  • Brandon LaceyNursery English Teacher, Head of EYFS, Assistant Head Pre-Prep, SLT

    Brandon Lacey is the Nursery English Teacher, Head of EYFS, and Assistant Head Pre-Prep. He holds a BSc, PGCE, and QTS.

  • Alja KranjecHead of HR & Administration, SLT

    Alja Kranjec is the Head of HR & Administration and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. She holds a BA Hons.

  • Chetna KavaExecutive Assistant to Head and Head of Admissions, SLT

    Chetna Kava is the Executive Assistant to the Head and Head of Admissions, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

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