Instagram Facebook-f

What Makes Benedict House Different From Other Independent Schools?

Choosing the right independent school is about finding an environment where a child will feel supported, challenged and understood as an individual.

At Benedict House Preparatory School, we believe children thrive when high academic expectations are balanced with warmth, encouragement and strong pastoral care. Our approach focuses not only on outcomes, but also on developing confident, resilient and well rounded young people who enjoy learning and feel secure within their school environment.

Every child is known personally by staff and supported to grow at their own pace. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide individual guidance and meaningful relationships, helping pupils feel valued and confident in the classroom.

While some independent schools may place greater emphasis on highly structured or intensive academic approaches, we believe children benefit from a broad and balanced education that also prioritises creativity, communication, leadership and wellbeing. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think independently and develop curiosity about the world around them.

Alongside strong academic teaching, children benefit from a wide range of opportunities including music, sport, performing arts, educational visits and enrichment activities. These experiences help pupils discover new interests, build self belief and develop important life skills beyond the classroom.

Our approach to secondary transfer and the 11+ reflects this philosophy. Children are guided and supported throughout the process whilst continuing to experience a rich and enjoyable education that values childhood as well as achievement.

Benedict House is proud to offer an environment where children are encouraged to work hard, aim high and develop into confident individuals within a kind, nurturing and ambitious school community.

FAQs

What makes Benedict House different?

We combine strong academic teaching with a nurturing environment that values confidence, wellbeing and individual growth.

Does the school focus only on academics?

No. We place equal importance on character, resilience, creativity, wellbeing and personal development alongside academic achievement.

How important is pastoral care?

Pastoral care is central to school life and helps children feel known, supported and confident.

Does Benedict House offer opportunities beyond the classroom?

Yes. Pupils benefit from sport, music, performing arts, educational visits and leadership opportunities.

What type of environment does the school provide?

Benedict House offers a warm, ambitious and supportive environment where children are encouraged to thrive.

View All Posts

Laura Baker

Headteacher at Benedict House Prep School I PGDip Applied Leadership & Management I Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship I CMgr FCMI I ISI Team Inspector

BSc (Hons) Education & Geography, Primary PGCE
Laura Baker has been Headteacher of Benedict House Preparatory School since January 2025 and brings more than 15 years of experience within independent education to the role.

Prior to joining Benedict House, Laura spent over five years as a Deputy Head and Director of Studies, having previously held a range of academic and pastoral leadership positions including Head of English and Head of Year. Her extensive experience across teaching, learning, pastoral care and school leadership has shaped her belief that children achieve their very best when they feel happy, known, supported and appropriately challenged.

Laura is passionate about whole-child education and believes strongly that academic excellence should sit alongside the development of character, confidence and resilience. At Benedict House, she is committed to maintaining high expectations while ensuring that every pupil is recognised as an individual and encouraged to discover their own strengths and talents. The school's motto, 'Towards the Future as a Family', is central to her approach to leadership and reflects her belief in the importance of strong relationships between pupils, staff and families.

Under Laura's leadership, the school's R.R.I.T.E. values – Resilience, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empathy – provide a shared framework for school life and support pupils in developing the qualities they will need both within school and beyond it.

Alongside her headship, Laura is an ISI Team Inspector and serves as Secretary of the Independent Schools Association London South Area. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management, completed the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and is a Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI).

Laura is also an accredited coach and has a particular interest in developing others through coaching and professional development. She believes that investing in staff and creating a positive, reflective professional culture ultimately leads to the very best experiences and outcomes for pupils.

At the heart of Laura's leadership is a simple ambition: for Benedict House to be a school where children are excited to learn, confident to be themselves and well prepared for whatever their future may hold.

More Guides