A British nursery is a genuine first stage of education
English nurseries often look less polished than you might expect, so it's vital to look at which schools a nursery works closely with and where it can prepare — and recommend — your child
What makes British nurseries different
Aspect
Selective nursery
Non-selective nursery
Registration
Register in the first week after birth; a visit and meeting with the head are usually required. These nurseries often feed into top prep schools
Registration is simpler: an open day, a form and waiting for a reply
Admissions process
- Visit before the child is born and meet the head
- Apply in the first week after birth
- Pay the registration fee
- Register for primary school as well, so as not to lose time
- Attend an open day
- Fill in the form and submit documents
Cost
Private nurseries in London cost £1,200– £2,500 a month, depending on the area, hours and reputation. Some government-funded hours may be available to UK residents. Meals, uniform, enrichment activities and wraparound care are extra
The same as at selective nurseries
Why choose a nursery in England?
School readiness
Preparation for entrance assessments and a smooth emotional transition to school
Academic programme
It paves the way to a prestigious school. By age 3–4, children can usually read, write and count to 20 in English
References
British schools ask for references at admission — and a nursery head's recommendation carries real weight
Our insider list of top-quality nurseries
Our insider list of top-quality nurseries
Our consultants have close links with London's leading nurseries and will help you find the best fit for your child
Cots for daytime naps
Warmth and care
Spotless cleanliness
Delicious food
Strong academic preparation
Our approach
No agency commissions
We give you a shortlist of every school and university that genuinely fits your strategy and goals
A strategy built around your child
We don't make your child fit the system — we build the admissions plan around their character, strengths and potential
We help your child make friends
We introduce our students to one another, share contacts with parents' consent and create a supportive, safe community
We assess
your profile
Step one — an academic assessment against the target country's curriculum, plus an in-depth look at the goals, mindset and needs of the student and family
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
We create a personalised admissions strategy
Based on the assessment, we shortlist every suitable school and university and build a personal application strategy around your child's level, deadlines and entry requirements
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
We build academic foundations and prepare for exams
Every institution has its own requirements: IELTS / TOEFL, SAT / ACT, UCAT, LNAT, entrance tests, essays and interviews. Our tutors will prepare your child to succeed
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
We gather the documents and build a strong portfolio
Applications require school reports, references, personal statements, a CV and a portfolio. We gather the documents and sharpen the portfolio, the story and the applicant's strengths
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
We submit applications on time and error-free
Each country has its own application system: UCAS, Common App or direct applications. We handle registration, complete the forms, submit everything correctly and keep track of every deadline
Timing: 12–18 months before the course starts
Exams and offers
Where possible, exams are taken remotely. Once offers arrive, we compare them and their conditions and help you choose the best fit
Timing: 9–12 months before the course starts
Visa and relocation
You get step-by-step guidance, a check of every form and help with practical matters (documents, CAS or I-20, proof of funds, application forms…)
Timing: 3–6 months before the course starts
Support while settling in and throughout studies
We help your child settle into their new academic environment, arrange guardianship if needed and advise on studies, daily life and living in a new country
Timing: tailored to you
Full support for the whole family
We handle everything in parallel, so you can plan your time and resources calmly and systematically — whether you have several children or need additional services
Timing: tailored to you
We don't take commissions from schools or universities, so our advice is always objective
Consultations are led by specialists with 15 years' experience in top university admissions
Paid consultation
We don't take commissions from schools or universities, so our advice is always objective and honest
Free consultation
on nursery admission
Free admissions consultation
Your questions, answered
British nurseries put a strong emphasis on early learning. From age 3, children begin English, maths and early literacy, developing communication, coordination and independence through play. They learn numbers, letters and phonics, build fine motor skills and prepare for future assessments — growing in confidence and social skills
The earlier, the better. At prestigious nurseries, registration may open 6–12 months before the start date. We will advise on timings depending on the area and format you choose
Private nurseries in London cost from £1,200 a month. Meals, clubs and uniform are not always included. We will tell you about all costs in advance.
Usually an application form, the child's passport and sometimes a visit, a meeting with the family and references. We will help you gather all the documents and guide you through each stage
Baby rooms take children from 6 months, with full groups from age 2. Most children are ready for the next stage — primary school — by age 4
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