Oakfield Preparatory School

Oakfield Preparatory School is an independent co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11 years old. We have been part of the fabric of Dulwich for over 130 years and blend traditional values with the best of a modern curriculum. We are passionate about the future of our children, combining an academic programme of the highest standard with a choice of rich and diverse co-curricular activities that encourage our boys and girls to be the best that they can be.

Inside our red gates we offer a wonderful environment for children to learn, play and develop their knowledge and talents so that when the time comes to leave us at the end of Year 6 they are well-placed to fully thrive in the world of opportunity that awaits them.

We are passionate about delivering an education of the highest quality which encourages our boys and girls to be the best that they can be. All children deserve to be given opportunities to discover their talents, to be stretched and challenged and to discover their unique learning style. We believe that the education we offer at Oakfield does exactly that.

We know that one of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing the right school for your child. We also understand how difficult that selection process can be for parents. Like you, we aim to inspire, challenge and care for our children, considering each child’s individual personality and needs. We ensure that all our children can move on to their next life adventure as accomplished, inquisitive learners who seek knowledge in all its forms.

Happy children make better learners so our pupils thrive in Oakfield’s nurturing environment and these happy children blossom and excel. The school’s motto: to Care, Challenge and Inspire, focuses on staff as well as pupils and Oakfield has happy teachers, who feel motivated, supported, and have opportunities to develop professionally. We value our teams and this makes them great educators. We encourage our children to explore the wider world through sport, charitable and community activities, music and the arts and to gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities through participation in the wealth of enrichment opportunities. We pride ourselves on our children’s successes, not just our enviable record of senior school entry but also our children’s attitude towards their role as citizens of the world.
We are unwavering in our belief, throughout our richly diverse school community, that happy children learn. We are strong in our commitment to expect and encourage every child, to be the very best that they can be. And it is right that each individual’s ‘best’ is recognised and celebrated.

We have an enviable record of preparing children for a range of prestigious Senior Schools that will suit and nurture their individual strengths, whilst at the same time providing an exciting programme of cultural, sporting and extra-curricular activities which ensure that they enjoy the precious time that is childhood.

Highly skilled, creative teachers provide outstanding pastoral care which enables our children to be adventurous learners, confident in taking risks and embracing challenge. Character education sits alongside the academic, as they develop resilience, perseverance, communication and collaborative skills which prepare them for their future as global citizens in a world of opportunity. Philosophy for Children, established here since 2011, promotes imagination and respect for others, as well as the ability to think deeply and critically, reason and form opinions.

There is kindness here, thoughtfulness, a sense of service and much fun and laughter. We love the happy, positive buzz spilling from every classroom and we enjoy learning and growing together. Please do come and see for yourself; you will be most welcome.