Welcome to West Lodge School
West Lodge is a small independent school with a strong family ethos which encourages each child to develop as an individual.
Education is a three-way partnership between parent, teacher and pupil and we are keen to develop and promote this important relationship. As a parent myself, I fully appreciate choosing the right school for your child is the most important decision you can make on their behalf. You will be entrusting into our care your most treasured possession.
High standards are central to our educational philosophy, but it is equally important that the children have the confidence to embrace challenge and that we celebrate the progress which they make. I firmly believe we do this well and invite you to visit where you will see for yourselves how your child will achieve and thrive at West Lodge School.
Robert Francis
Head Teacher
A focus upon each Pupil
We believe every child is uniquely gifted. The small size and ethos of our school enables us to first discover a child’s talents and then make the most of them. It is an exciting journey for the children and rewarding for us to see them develop into confident, happy and rounded eleven year olds ready for the next stage of their education.
Our teaching is excellent and our teachers are skilled not only in the classroom but also in providing the care and individual attention that the children need. Class sizes are small and this allows us to get to know the children as individuals and to adapt their education accordingly.
Outstanding record
Academic success is our priority and West Lodge has an excellent record of exam success with pupils gaining places at highly selective grammar and independent schools. The children are very well prepared for these tests with a curriculum and teaching prioritising the best possible preparation, starting with the teaching of verbal and non-verbal reasoning as discrete subjects in Year 1. However, equal priority is given to a broad and balanced curriculum which is engaging and exciting.
We recognise parents’ focus upon the grammar schools in Kent and Bexley and every year a significant percentage of children gain places at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar, Bexley, Beths and Townley Grammar Schools as well as the highly selective schools of Newstead Woods and St Olaves. Grammar schools in Kent are equally popular, with children achieving places at Dartford and Wilmington Grammar Schools and other grammars further into Kent. Alongside these places, children gain success at leading independent schools such as Eltham College, Colfe’s, Bromley High and other independent schools locally and further afield, with a number of academic scholarships in recent years.
Whilst we are rightly proud of this examination success, a great deal of emphasis is placed upon individual pupil progress. This close monitoring enables us to identify the children’s needs and next steps on an individual basis to ensure that each and every child fulfils their potential.
From our parents...
“West Lodge has given our daughter the very best start to her learning. From day one in Nursery, she has been nurtured and supported to grow emotionally and socially whilst also being challenged academically to reach her full potential. The school offers a wide and varied curriculum with specialist teachers to deliver first class lessons. Every member of staff has been approachable and helpful - you know that they want the best for our children too. We cannot thank the West Lodge team enough for all their dedication and hard work that everyone puts into giving our children a truly outstanding education.”
Year 4 parent
“West Lodge is an outstanding school. It has given our daughter the opportunity to flourish academically thanks to the school's ethos and family oriented approach.”
Year 5 Parent
“We were looking for a natural transition from our family home to a school environment for our children. A caring family like school with a nurturing ethos was so important to us and West Lodge provides this. Our children are confident and most importantly happy - they love going to school. Childhood is a precious time and we think very highly of our school and the community that comes with it.”
Nursery & Year 2 Parents