Breaside Preparatory School Key Information

How Does The School Perform?

Excellent

NATIONAL AVG. 2.09

Independent Schools Inspectorate

(19/09/2024)

Full Report - All Reports

PREP

Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.

Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.

Day

Boarding Type

£3,215
to
£6,983

Day Fees Per Term

7.3%

NATIONAL AVG. 14.1%

Pupils with SEN support

NURSERY 2+

Co-educational nursery

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School Prospectus

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41-43 Orchard Road, Bromley

BR1 2PR

and

116 Widmore Road, Bromley

BR1 3BE

+44 (0)20 8460 0916

Bromley

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See News and Open Days from Breaside Preparatory School

School Description

Breaside Prep School provides a rich learning environment for your son or daughter. Our curriculum will prepare your children for the senior schools of choice through a balanced and broadly based education, from their first days in the Kindergarten through to the age of 11. We believe in getting the basics right and teaching the core subjects with a mixture of traditional teaching styles with the more modern approaches to learning.

Breaside Preparatory School Parent Reviews

Average Parent Rating

“Very happy”

04 June 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

The school has a lovely and caring atmosphere, especially in the early years, and an ambitious curriculum as the children progress through the years. The staff are very engaged and nurturing and try to stretch each child. There are always plenty of interesting things going on such as clubs and trips and various other activities which keep the children enthusiastic about going in.

“Nurturing and supportive school”

21 May 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

The teachers and staff have been so nurturing and supportive which has meant that our son has blossomed and thrived at Breaside while building his confidence and academic success.

“Academic and nurturing”

14 May 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

Great academic record and diverse culture. Supportive, friendly staff, small class sizes and year groups resulting in a nurturing and supportive environment

“Happy Year 6 Parent”

26 February 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

I've been thrilled with the school for my daughter, who has been at Breaside since Kindergarten. It has been a superb 8 years.

“Excellent School! Highly Recommend”

20 June 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

Diligent and attentive teachers, first-class care for students and excellent facilities.

“A Wonderful School”

15 May 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

Breaside is a small, caring, academic school which also provides excellent physical education and pastoral care. Great headmistress and teachers.

“Nurturing and Supportive”

07 March 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

Great academic record and diverse culture. Supportive, friendly staff, small class sizes and year groups resulting in a nurturing and supportive environment.

“Highly Recommend”

29 February 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

Breaside offers both excellent academic and pastoral support for the children. I could not imagine a better place for our daughter to be at school.

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News, Photos and Open Days from Breaside Preparatory School

School Login »

Last update: 16 June 2025

OPEN MORNINGS AND PRIVATE TOURS

Our Open Mornings will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about our excellent school. Each visitor will be taken on an individual tour by our pupils where you will get a chance to meet our dedicated staff, watch our pupils in action and ask any questions you might have. Open Mornings are by appointment only.

If you are unable to attend one of our popular open mornings or would prefer a more personalised view of the school, we also offer private tours by a member of the admissions team who can answer any further questions you may have.

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24TH IN THE PARENT POWER TOP 100 PREP SCHOOLS LIST

Breaside Preparatory School has been ranked 24th among the top 100 UK Prep Schools by The Times newspaper and feature in the accompanying Parent Power: Best UK Schools Guide. The guide identifies 600 of the highest achieving primary and prep schools in England and is rannked by the most recent exams results and features both independent and state schools.

“It is wonderful to be recognised for all of the hard work that the staff and children put into Breaside to make it the very special place it is."

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EXCELLENT RESULTS

We have an excellent record of places gained to local super selective grammars and independent schools and this year is no exception. Our 11+ results were once again outstanding with some pupils offered academic, creative, music and sports scholarships.

Parents are given guidance on the schools that we recommend for their children throughout their time at Breaside and we pride ourselves on gaining the right opportunities for individual children.

Please see our lists of places offered over the past few years via the Leavers’ Destinations link below

NACE CHALLENGE AWARD - EXCELLENCE IN WHOLE SCHOOL PROVISION

We are proud to again be awarded full accreditation of the NACE Challenge Award which recognises our school-wide high-quality provision for more able learners within a context of challenge for all.

Breaside is extremely proud of this prestigious award and we currently remain the only school in the Bromley borough to have been accredited with the award.

At Breaside Preparatory School, we recognise that every child deserves appropriate challenges if they are to push at the boundaries of their learning. This means adopting a personalised approach towards providing exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom in which all our children can excel and thrive.

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Meet the Head: Karen Nicholson

I was appointed to the role of Headteacher at Breaside by Sir Chris Woodhead, former Chief Inspector of Ofsted and Jim Hudson OBE in July 2007 who set up Cognita Schools in 2004. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to have been given the opportunity to lead, what is now one of Cognita’s most successful Preparatory schools for the past 18 years.

Teaching was never something I considered when leaving school, but after having my own children, decided to volunteer at their primary school in Kent, something I found myself enjoying with growing enthusiasm. The Head of this very small village school saw something in me that has changed my life over the past 30+ years. My very first teaching opportunity in state school opened my eyes to the enormous difference teachers can make to children’s lives. Red Hill in Bromley, a 4 forms of entry school gave me so many opportunities working under and exceptional Headteacher who encouraged me to take yet another career step forward to becoming a Headteacher myself, studying for an NPQH into headship, not an easy task with 5 young children!

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?

Two people inspired me, each with a very different leadership style. I learned so much from both of them and have immense admiration for them and will always be eternally grateful for their guidance and support throughout my early career.

The first, the Head at my children’s primary school where I volunteered to help with children’s reading, very quickly progressing to the school’s first ever Teaching Assistant! This is where I found my love for Early Years, something that I have held onto throughout my career, and I am now lucky enough to also lead the Early Years for Cognita UK schools.

The second, a dynamic female who led a 4 forms of entry primary school in Bromley, Kent. Her work ethic was unbelievable, always in school early with her door open to encourage her team to drop in, this is where I think I gained the most respect for
somebody who was so committed to their role, never raising her voice, always calm and immaculately presented, the ultimate professional at all times. She was, and continues to be, my role model, someone who undoubtedly helped shape the person I am today and prepared me for the future.

What achievement are you most proud of as Head?

I am in a privileged position as, not only being Head of a very successful school but I also work alongside other Headteachers and schools as an Education Advisor for Cognita. I have had so many opportunities throughout my time and feel I can make a
difference through inducting new Heads and supporting them through their career pathway.

I can honestly say, the proudest moments in my leadership are when I reflect on the children who first walked through the school gates in the Early Years. The difference you can make in their young lives throughout their own individual journeys, regardless of their starting point is incredible. By encouraging them to take risks and nurturing a love of learning at every step, you help them discover who they truly are. Then when they return as adults still wanting to say hello and share fond memories of their time at Breaside, those are the true ‘WOW’ moments!

I take great pride in truly understanding each child, what motivates them, then guiding both them and their parents through the entire Secondary School process and transition. It is key to their future success when we find the right environment for them, somewhere they will continue to thrive, still enjoying their love of learning.

What does a successful school look like to you?

Happy children, skipping into school with smiles on their faces and enthusiasm for the day ahead. Building strong relationships with parents is vital, starting from day one. Maintaining an open-door policy and actively welcoming them into their children’s educational journey fosters trust, collaboration, and a true sense of community.

Giving children every opportunity to have a voice in shaping the future of their school is essential. It is their school, and for them to truly thrive in every way possible they must be heard at every opportunity.

A vibrant, bustling environment where children display good manners and take pride in their school, eager to confidently share their personal experiences with visitors and parents, where they showcase independence, resilience and total respect for their school.

High quality teaching & learning, displays of children’s work and achievements, celebrating the success of the whole school. Being part of the local and wider community through projects, fixtures and events. Proudly showing visitors around their beautiful learning environment and being proud of life at Breaside.

What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?

When they look back on their time at Breaside, remembering the wonderful learning environment that was created just for them. Being prepared and ready to ‘fly’ the ‘Breaside nest’ with the tools they have developed to become whoever they choose to be. Regardless of their starting point, they demonstrate resilience, independence, and curiosity, celebrating their identity as global citizens with limitless futures ahead.

Holding onto those treasured memories, the lessons learned and challenges overcome throughout their time with us as they are empowered to become exactly who they want to be.

Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.

Inclusivity, resilience, curiosity, independence, respect.

Breaside Preparatory School Catchment Area Map

This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.