An Independent Primary School in London

Progressive education places children at the centre of the learning process while retaining a carefully planned and ambitious curriculum. Teachers provide clear instruction and strong academic foundations, while children are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, make meaningful decisions and apply their knowledge through purposeful work.

Rather than learning simply to reproduce an answer, children develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning, why it matters and how it connects to the world around them. This helps them become knowledgeable, curious and increasingly independent learners.

Yes. Progressive education does not mean lowering academic expectations. Reading, writing and mathematics are taught explicitly and systematically, alongside an ambitious curriculum encompassing science, humanities, languages, the arts, technology, physical education and the natural world.

We want children to leave Primary with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for Secondary School and, eventually, strong qualifications. Our commitment is to develop strong qualifications and strong humans: children who achieve academically and also know how to think, communicate, collaborate and navigate challenge.

In reading, writing and mathematics, we assess whether each child is working towards, working within or working beyond age-related expectations. This gives parents a clear understanding of their child’s attainment and enables teachers to identify gaps, provide support and offer greater challenge when needed.

Assessment is ongoing and draws on children’s daily work, conversations, observations and more formal checks where appropriate. We also use our own carefully designed framework to assess Effective Learning, Self-Awareness and Independence, Social Interaction and Emotional Regulation. Parents therefore receive a rounded picture of both academic progress and their child’s development as a learner and person.

No. Liberty Woodland School is a complete and academically ambitious independent primary school, with a broad curriculum taught by experienced educators.

Our difference is that learning and childhood are not confined to conventional classrooms. Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments give children space to move, think, collaborate and focus. Children benefit from regular contact with nature and the freedom to run, climb, build, imagine and explore, but outdoor experiences complement rather than replace high-quality teaching across the curriculum.

Children attend school from 8.30am to 4.45pm, Monday to Thursday. The longer days allow us to deliver a complete and ambitious primary curriculum while creating a more balanced weekly rhythm for children and families.

For families who need Friday provision, Friday Play Clubs are available to book separately. These provide children with an enjoyable day of play and activities while offering families additional flexibility.

We do not set homework in Primary. Children work hard during four full and purposeful school days, and we believe their time outside school should remain available for rest, play, family life, friendships and interests of their own.

Children may naturally choose to continue exploring an idea that has inspired them, but evenings and weekends are not filled with compulsory worksheets or routine assignments. Protecting this balance helps children return to school rested, curious and ready to learn.

Children do not wear a school uniform. They come to school in comfortable, practical clothing that allows them to be an individual and to move freely and participate fully in both indoor and outdoor learning.

Children and adults call one another by their first names. This reflects the warm, respectful relationships within our community while maintaining clear expectations, boundaries and high standards of behaviour. We want children to feel comfortable speaking to adults, sharing their ideas and asking for help when they need it.

Our Primary School welcomes children from Reception to Year 6, ordinarily between the ages of four and eleven. Primary classes have a maximum of 20 children.

In Reception and Years 1 and 2, each class has a teacher and a dedicated Learning Associate. From Years 3 and 4 onwards, Learning Associates are shared between classes. This model allows educators to know children closely, recognise when they need support or greater challenge and encourage increasing independence as they progress through the school.

We recognise that children learn and develop in different ways. Our small classes and close relationships allow educators to understand each child’s strengths, needs and individual patterns of learning. Our SENCO works with teachers and families to identify appropriate strategies and support.

We are not a specialist setting, and our ability to meet a child’s needs depends on the provision required and the capacity within the relevant class. We encourage families to speak openly with us early in the admissions process so that we can carefully and honestly consider whether Liberty Woodland School can provide the right environment for their child.

The best first step is to attend a Primary Open Day, where you can explore our Morden Lodge campus, meet members of the team and experience the atmosphere and approach of the school.

Families applying for Reception are subsequently invited to a Stay and Play session, while children applying for Year 1 and above attend a taster session. Following the visit and application process, the admissions team considers whether the school is the right fit for the child and whether an appropriate place is available.

Book a Primary Open Day

Our independent Primary School is based at Morden Lodge, within the grounds of Morden Hall Park in southwest London. We welcome families from Morden and surrounding areas, with children currently travelling from Barnes, Cheam, Clapham, Dulwich, Fulham, Putney, Southfields, Streatham, Surbiton, Tooting, Wandsworth and Wimbledon.

An optional school minibus service operates on selected routes, currently serving areas including Barnes, Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth, Southfields and Wimbledon, for an additional termly fee. Families can view the latest stops and timetable on our minibus page or contact the school to discuss their journey.

View our mini bus routes

Primary School fees are charged termly and include school lunches. Reception-aged children may also be eligible for Early Years funding until the term after their fifth birthday, subject to individual eligibility.

We offer a limited number of means-tested bursaries to families who share our educational vision but would otherwise be unable to access the school. Current fees, additional charges and information about financial support are published on our fees and bursaries pages.