"With its outstanding academic record you might assume that BH is an academic hothouse.  Well, it is and it isn't.  The school operates mixed-ability entry by ballot at four-plus and has a non-competitive philosophy that eliminates testing, streaming, exams and grades.  Despite this or perhaps because of it, girls do exceptionally well at 11+.  Sports facilities are top-notch, with cricket taught by the MCC and football by Fulham Football Club.  The school's belief is that every child should be nurtured and challenged." Tatler Guide

"Undoubtedly a very academic prep but with an interesting twist. The open ballot genuinely does introduce mixed ability levels and the staff are happy to handle this. Sport is good and competitive and all taught on site. Drama is popular and available to all, music flourishes at every level and art is inspiring. The new buildings house bright, cheerful air-conditioned classrooms.  A forward-looking dynamic prep which well deserves its reputation and attracts ‘teachable, lively, bright little girls'." The Good Schools Guide 2007
"The Head believes in ‘education not schooling’ and this philosophy underpins every aspect of this remarkable school...Bute has a culture of learning for learning’s sake. The girls are well-motivated anyway and love being at the school. The use of IEPs where needed, the practice of re-marking work rather than marking and of not squandering time on exams and tests means that each child competes only against herself and learns from her own efforts and the teachers’ comments. It also ensures that no-one is complacent. Progress is assessed frequently and carefully but not overtly or wastefully. The proof of the pudding is in the girls themselves. We have never been escorted by such happy ones". The Good Schools Guide 2009 

Comments following Open Day

"I was stunned by the preparation and presentation in each classroom - what impressed me most was how the pupils handled themselves - they showed self-confidence and self-assurance but without a hint of arrogance or complacency".

"One school that completely lives up to its glowing reputation!"

"There is no school I have considered either before or since attending your Open Day (and I have visited a fair few!) which has struck such a perfect chord with all I believe in and would myself strive for if I was running a school.  I was particularly impressed by your aims:  to encourage in every child a love of learning, recognising, appreciating and nursing each child's individual strengths and talents, whatever they might be - at the same time as encouraging a personal best in all subjects, maintaining a broad curriculum, thereby offering both the opportunity to discover strength in a particular field, as well as promoting the development of a well-rounded, multi-faceted child. On viewing the children and picking up on the general atmosphere it would appear that your hope that Bute House might be looked back on as a happy place to have been is relayed to them.  I take off my hat to you!"

Letters of appreciation from parents

"Our daughters have had the happiest and most productive junior school years one could possibly want for them. Every day at Bute House has been filled with happiness. There is no other school like it - so much stimulation, so many wonderful activities, such warmth and affection from the staff."

"Whenever I dropped her off I always felt a deep sense of comfort that she was safe and at the best place on earth for her to be. It was a nice feeling for a parent... the no-nonsense but warm and approachable feel of Bute is second to none. There is no question in my mind that it is the best school for little girls in the world."

"The school has taken a shy little girl and produced a confident young woman. It has encouraged every aspect of her development, academic, sporting and musical, and for that we thank you sincerely."
"Thank you for giving her such a happy four years at such a wonderful and inspiring school.I know it has provided her with a great foundation for her future life."

"Her confidence and her abilities have flourished under your stimulating and sensitive care."

"Our thanks to you and your team for all you have done for Katie and more importantly for what you have enabled her to do for herself during her time in your care. At Bute House she has been given so many opportunities, in particular to really develop her sporting ability and her dramatic leanings as well as realising her academic potential. In addition to this she has emerged a confident, well-organised young girl, ready to take the next step in life. What more could we ask?"

"I would like to express my deepest felt gratitude to you and your staff for doing such a wonderful job nurturing and educating our daughter.  She has flourished at Bute House and we are enormously proud of her."

Letters from former pupils

"Bute House has been one of the best schools that I could ever dream of. I remember my first day still clearly, and I hope I always will. Every teacher, every pupil knew just how I was feeling that day, and did the best they could to help me feel better!"

"You have always made me feel welcome, happy and confident. I have learnt many a thing including friendship, achievement and self determination. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have given me, the opportunities I have had, thanks to this marvellous school."

Comment from a year 6 pupil
"Not a school but just a great place to be and learn"

Comment from visiting Inspector

"Bute House is one of the very few schools I have ever seen that actually does live out its stated intention to care for the individual. The ethos is tangible."

Independent Schools Council (ISC)

 ISC Inspection of Bute House Preparatory School For Girls 298.18 Kb