Annemount is a small independent co-educational pre-preparatory school in the Hampstead area of north London, for children from two years nine months to seven years old. The nursery class takes children from two years nine months old and all children attend full-time from the term after their fourth birthday, or before, if parents so choose. There are currently 64 full-time and 36 part-time places, and the school endeavours to balance the number of boys and girls in each year group. Pupils come from a range of backgrounds and cultural heritages. At the age of seven, the majority move on to a range of prestigious independent schools in the north London area. As well as providing a broad curriculum, the school employs a number of specialist teachers to offer activities including French, violin, drama and chess. Summary of main findings Annemount is a successful school, which enjoys a high level of parental confidence. Its supportive family environment encourages pupils to have a curiosity for, and love of, learning. The school gives children an exciting, happy start to their education and prepares them very well for the next school. The dynamic and caring leadership of the headteacher is pivotal to the school’s success. The rich, varied curriculum is effectively taught by the skilled and enthusiastic staff team. Staff know individual pupils’ capabilities very well, and plan effectively to ensure that all make good progress. The attractive and well-maintained school environment provides a setting very conducive to learning. The school complies with all the regulations. What the school does well: • it values each child as an individual; • it ensures that pupils reach high standards, firmly based on learning through play in the early years; • it successfully encourages pupils to behave very well, and to become articulate and self-confident; • it establishes very close rapport with parents, which supports pupil’s learning; and • it encourages pupils’ creativity through a wide range of activities including music, dance, drama and performances.