• Willington is happy, ambitious and nurturing and aims to give children confidence, strong foundations and a broad education.

• Will suit families wanting a kind, polished London prep where children are encouraged steadily and prepared well for senior-school entry.

Admissions at Willington should appeal to families wanting a polished London prep where warmth, confidence and sensible ambition sit together. It should suit parents who want a broad co-educational day-school experience with a personal feel and clear preparation for the move on to senior school.

Bursaries and scholarship success may feature in the onward story, but they are not the only reason families choose the school. The stronger attraction is the combination of personal attention, broad opportunity and confident next-step preparation.

The current picture is upbeat and child centred, with the school presenting itself as a place where boys and girls can enjoy a strong preparatory education in a happy atmosphere. Parents should still visit because the key question is whether the balance of stretch and pastoral warmth feels right for their child.

Assessment at Willington is regular and transparent, with careful tracking of progress across the core subjects as well as attention to confidence and readiness for the next stage. Families should expect the school to keep a close eye on individual development without making the prep years feel relentlessly exam driven.