Independent schools, also known as private schools, are funded by fees rather than by the government, and are free to shape their own curriculum, teaching and admissions. That freedom is what allows a school to design an education around each child.
At Broomfield House School, we have used that freedom for 150 years to build an education that is ambitious, deeply personal and constantly evolving, and that is now recognised among the best in the world.
So what is an independent school in practice? At Broomfield, it means:
| Topic | State-funded schools | Broomfield House School |
| Funding | Funded by the government | Fully funded by fees |
| Curriculum | Maintained schools follow the national curriculum | Our own curriculum, an ISI significant strength |
| Inspection | Ofsted | Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) |
| VAT | Not applicable | Included in Kindergarten to Year 6 fees; nursery fees are not subject to VAT |
For families who could choose a school anywhere in the world, independent recognition matters. Broomfield has been named in the Spear’s Schools Index for three consecutive years. Compiled by Spear’s, the magazine for high-net-worth individuals, with Carfax Education, the index is a resource for international families and their advisers. An expert panel assesses academic results, pastoral care, co-curricular breadth, ethos and pupil development.
Our December 2025 ISI inspection awarded Broomfield an Area of Significant Strength for the Quality of Education. The ISI no longer grades schools “outstanding”, so this is the highest recognition it can give, and a rare accolade. Read the 2026 ISI report.
Our 11+ guidance begins in Year 4, with specialists supporting children and parents through Years 5 and 6. Pupils regularly receive offers and scholarships from leading London and Surrey schools, including 12 scholarships in 2026, and we are proud of our 98% success rate. Some families instead choose a place at a Dukes senior school, such as Kneller Hall, without sitting the 11+. See our senior school destinations.
Independent schools can design a curriculum that goes beyond the national curriculum while meeting the government’s Independent School Standards. At Broomfield, the ISI identified the quality of our education as a significant strength.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Our December 2025 inspection awarded us an Area of Significant Strength for the Quality of Education, the highest recognition under its current framework.
Yes, at 20% since 1 January 2025, but not on nursery provision. At Broomfield, Rising 3s and Pre-Kindergarten fees are not subject to VAT, and Kindergarten to Year 6 fees include VAT.
Both terms describe the same thing. We use “independent school”: Broomfield is Kew’s oldest, founded in 1876.
An annual guide to leading private schools, compiled by Spear’s with Carfax Education for international and high-net-worth families. Broomfield has been included for three consecutive years, most recently as a “Top Recommended” UK prep school in 2026.
Registration is open from birth. For Rising 3s and Pre-Kindergarten, the first families to register join our main list and are guaranteed the offer of a place; after that, we run a waiting list.
Every day is an open day at Broomfield. Our Head of Admissions will tailor a tour to your family, in person in Kew or by video call if you are overseas. See where to find us.
