Thomas’s Battersea

Focus

Kindness, encouragement

Day fees 2025/26

$39,600-$44,700

Term dates

• Term 1: 4 September to 12 December 2025
• Term 2: 7 January to 27 March 2026
• Term 3: 21 April to 10 July 2026

Ages

3-13

Pupil count

535

Spear’s Review

Thomas’s Battersea, part of the excellent Thomas’s day schools group in south and southwest London, was the school to which Prince George and Princess Charlotte were sent and remains the choice of many affluent West London families.

The most important rule at all their schools, the group says, is ‘be kind’, and the approach to teaching and learning emphasises thinking and questioning – something the school calls the ‘enquiry mindset’. This strategy equips children to adapt to and negotiate the future; develop resilience, curiosity and leadership; learn scholastic and societal skills; and discover how to apply their knowledge.

Alongside academics, music, drama and sport (the school has a rooftop playground to make the most of the typically small London footprint) are all taken up enthusiastically.

Head teacher

Rupert Hawkins took on the headship of Thomas’s Battersea ahead of the 2024/25 school year. Prior to his current role he was senior deputy head and deputy head of future schools at Thomas’s Battersea. Schooled at Harrow, Hawkins received an MA in theology from the University of Edinburgh, his PGCE from Goldsmiths in London and a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of Buckingham.

Senior school destinations 

Leavers go on to schools including Eton, Charterhouse, St Paul’s and Thomas’s own senior school nearby.

Admissions

Thomas's Battersea is a selective school, where the main entry points are at reception, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 7. The school also welcomes applications for occasional places in Years 1 to 6 and Year 8. 

Notable alumni

• Cara Delevingne (model and actress)
• Florence Welch (singer)
• Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 1 hour

Location

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