• West Lodge is ambitious, nurturing and future focused and aims to combine strong teaching with confidence, creativity and character.

• Will suit families wanting a personal and forward-looking prep where children are encouraged to aim high without losing warmth or individuality.

Admissions at West Lodge should appeal to families seeking a smaller co-educational prep with a modern, forward-looking tone and a strong emphasis on personal growth. It should suit parents who want children to be stretched academically while still benefiting from a warm, community-minded atmosphere.

Scholarships are not the only story here. The stronger attraction is the sense of personal attention, broad curriculum and a school culture that tries to develop resilient, curious children rather than simply produce test results.

The current picture is upbeat and contemporary, with the school foregrounding growth mindset language, broad learning and thoughtful preparation for the years beyond prep. Parents should still visit because the important question is whether the school's scale and style feel energising for their child rather than too small or too gentle.

Assessment at West Lodge is frequent, practical and designed to keep parents closely informed about progress across the core curriculum. Families should expect a prep that tracks development carefully while also paying attention to confidence, independence and readiness for secondary transfer.