Situated in the heart of Kensington, just moments from London’s great parks and museums, Thomas’s Kensington is a vibrant, nurturing community for children aged 4 to 11. Rooted in kindness, our values-driven education inspires children to be confident, creative, and compassionate – ready to embrace challenges and discover joy in learning.
We combine academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme. Our ambitious curriculum – enriched by music, drama, sport, outdoor learning, and community engagement – encourages pupils to think deeply, explore boldly, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Community is at the heart of our school. We believe strongly that children thrive when they are happy and nurtured, known and valued and so it is no surprise that visitors comment on our warm atmosphere, our culture of kindness, and the happiness of our pupils.
I warmly invite you to visit us and experience first-hand the spirit, energy, and joy of Thomas’s Kensington for yourself.
A warm welcome to Thomas’s Kensington, a happy and thriving co-educational prep school for children aged 4–11.
Part of the wider Thomas’s family of schools, we share a proud tradition of strong values, academic excellence, and breadth of opportunity. Here at Kensington, we are a vibrant, close-knit community where every child is truly known and celebrated. With no more than 400 pupils, we enjoy the resources and spirit of the wider Thomas’s family while retaining the warmth and intimacy of a smaller setting.
At Thomas’s Kensington, we believe in an education that inspires curiosity, creativity, and courage. We want every child to discover their strengths, develop confidence in who they are, and find joy in learning. We set high expectations and encourage our pupils to approach challenges with determination, enthusiasm, and an open mind.
Our outstanding teaching is complemented by exceptional pastoral care and a rich co-curricular programme that broadens horizons and nurtures the whole child. Whether in the classroom or beyond it, children are encouraged to think deeply, explore boldly, and contribute positively to the world around them.
Community is at the heart of Thomas’s Kensington. We know that children thrive when they feel happy, valued, and supported, and visitors often remark on the warmth, kindness, and energy that define our school.
It is both a privilege and a joy to lead this remarkable school. I hope this website gives you a sense of the spirit and ambition that make Thomas’s Kensington so special, and I warmly invite you to visit us to experience it for yourself.
Alex Matthews studied Geography at the University of Oxford, where he also held a Music Award. He went on to complete a PGCE and MA in Education at the University of Chichester, specialising in Primary Education and English. He began his career in maintained schools before moving to the independent sector.
Alex has held deputy headships in two leading London prep schools, first as Deputy Head Co-Curricular at Dulwich College Junior School and then as Deputy Head Pastoral at St Paul’s Juniors, the prep school to St Paul’s School. In both posts, he led the development of value-centred curricula that placed pupil wellbeing, character development, and breadth of opportunity at the heart of school life.
Before joining Thomas’s Kensington, Alex was Head of Blackheath Prep, where he led a period of significant development. He championed innovative teaching and learning, strengthened the school’s values and identity, and placed children’s wellbeing and pastoral care at the centre of school life. During his tenure, the school flourished as a joyful, ambitious and nurturing community.
Since September 2025, Alex has been Head of Thomas’s Kensington. He is committed to fostering a warm, ambitious and outward-looking school in which children are inspired to grow as confident learners, thoughtful individuals and responsible citizens.
We are ambitious for every child — not only in what they achieve, but in who they become. Each year, our Year 6 pupils achieve excellent results and move on to many of the country’s leading and most respected senior schools. We are immensely proud of their successes.
Working in close partnership with families, we ensure that every child moves on to the right school for them - one where they will continue to flourish and thrive, both academically and personally.
Reception
8.15 Doors open
8.30 Registration
15.25 Dismissal
Year 1 and Year 2
8.15 Doors open
8.30 Registration
15.35 Dismissal Year 1
15.45 Dismissal Year 2
Year 3 to Year 6
8.15 Doors open
8.30 Registration
15.50 Dismissal Year 3
1600 Dismissal Year 4
1600 Dismissal Years 5 & 6
Tel: 020 7361 6500
Email: kensington@thomas-s.co.uk
Address:
1 St Albans Grove
London, W8 5PN
