Welcome to Clifton Lodge School

Everything we do is geared around helping your child to be their best.

We are Clifton Lodge, a small prep school based in Ealing, caring for children aged 3 to 11 years old. we use the word small on purpose – we see 'small' as our biggest advantage; our size allows us to provide an environment which makes our children feel safe, secure, comfortable and at home. We see that as being instrumental to laying great foundations for personal wellbeing, the ability to thrive, which in turn leads to achievement.

Children are taught by a team of hard working and dedicated staff who pull out all the stops to ensure each child’s needs are catered to.

But don’t just take our word for it. Take the word, instead, of the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate who visited us recently and decided to award the school their highest accolade of double “Excellent” in both the academic and personal development of the children. Take the words of our parents who have described Clifton Lodge as “kind and nurturing,” “welcoming and caring,” “the best possible learning environment” and a school which “builds confidence” and “pushes academically.”

Are you interested in finding out more?

Come along to meet the Clifton Lodge family to see for yourself how we can help your child be their best.

Updates - July 2024
We are so delighted to have been shortlisted for Small Independent School of the Year 2024. This recognises our commitment to nurture every child to 'Be their Best'.

We are very proud of our Reception children who this year achieved 93% Good Level of Development (GLD). Nationally 67% of children achieved a good level of development.

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Book an Open Day

We prepare for

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

We encourage a growth mindset which will develop children’s resilience and curiosity, cultivating skills for the future. Our school motto, 'Optime' inspires all at Clifton Lodge to achieve excellence in everything we do.

Academic Excellence

We champion

PUPIL WELLBEING

We provide a small, family environment which fosters a sense of belonging and allows our children to feel happy, confident and secure.
Wellbeing and kindness are at the centre of our educational approach. We ensure that all our children feel valued, listened to and included at school.

We prepare for

11+ ENTRANCE EXAMS

Our pupils are supported and prepared for 11+ entry to highly selective senior schools. We assist our parents with senior school choices and provide insight into how we help each child attain the best possible option for their future learning.

11+ Preparation

Book your place on our next open day

We would like to extend a warm welcome to you at Clifton Lodge on: Saturday 1st February from 10am - 12 noon

11+ Results 2024

Year 6 have achieved a wonderful set of 11+ offers to highly selective senior schools including 7 academic scholarships.

Meet our Headmaster, Mr Michael Belsito

Mr Belsito joined Clifton Lodge School in September 2022. He started his teaching career at our school and was delighted to return many years later as Head. He has considerable experience and knowledge of the local area and schools through his senior roles in both state and independent schools in Ealing.

"Clifton Lodge has a unique feel that everybody notices when they walk through the front door."

- Michael Belsito, Headmaster

Excellent in all areas

ISI Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection Report 2023

We are delighted to announce that following our ISI Inspection we have achieved Excellent in all areas.

Read the Full Report

I am always so impressed that Mr Belsito greets all the children in the mornings and is very friendly and approachable.

-Parent, Clifton Lodge School 2023

Read our reviews on Day Nurseries

FACILITIES & LOCATION

An environment that makes all feel welcome

Our school is located in an extended double-fronted Victorian home in Ealing, close to the centre and only 10 minutes walk from Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth Line, Central and District Lines). There is ample parking (payment by phone or by meter) directly across the road, opposite the school.

The school provides a wonderful range of facilities to enhance pupils’ learning. Our classrooms are bright and fully equipped, including a science lab and art studio.

A large playground with a canopied area gives pupils much needed space for play, events, assemblies and PE. In addition we are sited opposite Walpole Park which we regularly use for outdoor learning.

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‘‘The school has been a wonderful experience for my son. He has enjoyed going in everyday since nursery. The support he receives from all staff has been excellent.’’

– Parent, Clifton Lodge 2023

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A.I.M. Higher Writing Day
Selected children from Years 5 and 6 had a fabulous time at the A.I.M. High Writing Day workshop delivered by the experienced author @rumblecoral (Coral Rumble), who is also an award winning poet!
The children had a wonderful day listening to Coral perform her poems as well as learning about poetry and finally writing their own poem to share with others.
Eleeza Y6- “When Coral performed, I felt like I was in that place.”
Grace Y5- “ I think I would like to learn more about poetry.”
Sami Y6- “I have had a great day and had fun writing a poem.”
The workshop supported our children to – Achieve, Inspire and Master.

#cliftonlodgeschool #cognitaway #ealing #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation
#coralrumble

A.I.M. Higher Writing Day
Selected children from Years 5 and 6 had a fabulous time at the A.I.M. High Writing Day workshop delivered by the experienced author @rumblecoral (Coral Rumble), who is also an award winning poet!
The children had a wonderful day listening to Coral perform her poems as well as learning about poetry and finally writing their own poem to share with others.
Eleeza Y6- “When Coral performed, I felt like I was in that place.”
Grace Y5- “ I think I would like to learn more about poetry.”
Sami Y6- “I have had a great day and had fun writing a poem.”
The workshop supported our children to – Achieve, Inspire and Master.

#cliftonlodgeschool #cognitaway #ealing #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation
#coralrumble

A massive thank you to @dramastudiolondon for visiting @cliftonlodgeschool on Monday afternoon to perform a Cinderella Pantomime for our pupils from Year 3 to 6. The children absolutely loved it! The costumes and acting were impressive as was the enthusiasm of all the talented performers. Thank you so much Drama Studio London!

#cognitaway #cliftonlodgeschool #ealing #dramastudiolondon

A massive thank you to @dramastudiolondon for visiting @cliftonlodgeschool on Monday afternoon to perform a Cinderella Pantomime for our pupils from Year 3 to 6. The children absolutely loved it! The costumes and acting were impressive as was the enthusiasm of all the talented performers. Thank you so much Drama Studio London!

#cognitaway #cliftonlodgeschool #ealing #dramastudiolondon

Year 3 had a wonderful trip to @thebritishmuseum yesterday, to explore and enhance their learning about the Ancient Greeks.
The class took part in a workshop that taught them how to act as detectives and look for visual clues in historical artefacts. For example, Ancient Greek artists would use pottery to convey the stories of their gods and goddesses.
After lunch, the children had the chance to explore some of the exhibits and searched for the artefacts that they had been learning about.

Some quotes from the children:

Shreya – "The workshop lady explained the history of Ancient Greece really well."
Hashim – "It was great to spot the differences between the different styles of Greek art."
Kota – "I liked finding out what Greek pottery was used for."
Chuhang – "My best bit was listening to the story about Odysseus and the Cyclops."
Ruby – "It was funny when the lady in the workshop showed us that an artist turned Little Red Riding Hood into a dog."
Timothy – "I loved to see the Ancient Greek’s armour."
Haruya – "I never knew that Greek pottery was so delicate and intricate!"
Gian – "The decorations on the pottery was really interesting to see."
Koen – "I loved looking at the decorations on the pottery."
Lily – "The figures on the pots looked so cool."
Rexley – "How amazing… Heracles killed a lion and wore his skin for a coat!"
Alaiya – "All of it!"
Victor – "The story about the Cyclops was incredible!"
Dominik – "I loved the whole museum!"

#cognitaway #cliftonlodgeschool #thebritishmuseum #InspiringYoungMinds #ealing #charactereducation #westlondonprep

Year 3 had a wonderful trip to @thebritishmuseum yesterday, to explore and enhance their learning about the Ancient Greeks.
The class took part in a workshop that taught them how to act as detectives and look for visual clues in historical artefacts. For example, Ancient Greek artists would use pottery to convey the stories of their gods and goddesses.
After lunch, the children had the chance to explore some of the exhibits and searched for the artefacts that they had been learning about.

Some quotes from the children:

Shreya – "The workshop lady explained the history of Ancient Greece really well."
Hashim – "It was great to spot the differences between the different styles of Greek art."
Kota – "I liked finding out what Greek pottery was used for."
Chuhang – "My best bit was listening to the story about Odysseus and the Cyclops."
Ruby – "It was funny when the lady in the workshop showed us that an artist turned Little Red Riding Hood into a dog."
Timothy – "I loved to see the Ancient Greek’s armour."
Haruya – "I never knew that Greek pottery was so delicate and intricate!"
Gian – "The decorations on the pottery was really interesting to see."
Koen – "I loved looking at the decorations on the pottery."
Lily – "The figures on the pots looked so cool."
Rexley – "How amazing… Heracles killed a lion and wore his skin for a coat!"
Alaiya – "All of it!"
Victor – "The story about the Cyclops was incredible!"
Dominik – "I loved the whole museum!"

#cognitaway #cliftonlodgeschool #thebritishmuseum #InspiringYoungMinds #ealing #charactereducation #westlondonprep

Anti-Bullying Week at Clifton Lodge School
This week we have been focusing on Anti-Bullying, with the theme of ‘Choose Respect’. The children had an exciting week, taking part in different activities every day. These included coming into school in odd socks to embrace their individuality and uniqueness and taking part in workshops delivered by Big Foot Arts Education. The workshops highlighted the importance of how to handle disagreements and differences of opinion without resorting to bullying. At Clifton Lodge the children have been learning to support each other to champion kindness, because being kind is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength. This also links to our School Virtues of Love and Kindness and reflects our focus on family values at Clifton Lodge.
We asked our Year 1 children what they learned from the workshop, here are their quotes:
Esma – “When people are different, its not nice to laugh at them.”

Eless – “If you are being bullied, speak up and say I don’t like it.”

Bella – “Don’t bully because it’s bad.”

Borna – “If someone bullies you, tell the teacher.”

Jetlee – “Be brave if you are bullied.”

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #Ealing #prepschool #ealingschools #antibullyingweek2024 #antibullying #JuniorSchool #bigfootartseducation #bigfootarts

Anti-Bullying Week at Clifton Lodge School
This week we have been focusing on Anti-Bullying, with the theme of ‘Choose Respect’. The children had an exciting week, taking part in different activities every day. These included coming into school in odd socks to embrace their individuality and uniqueness and taking part in workshops delivered by Big Foot Arts Education. The workshops highlighted the importance of how to handle disagreements and differences of opinion without resorting to bullying. At Clifton Lodge the children have been learning to support each other to champion kindness, because being kind is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength. This also links to our School Virtues of Love and Kindness and reflects our focus on family values at Clifton Lodge.
We asked our Year 1 children what they learned from the workshop, here are their quotes:
Esma – “When people are different, its not nice to laugh at them.”

Eless – “If you are being bullied, speak up and say I don’t like it.”

Bella – “Don’t bully because it’s bad.”

Borna – “If someone bullies you, tell the teacher.”

Jetlee – “Be brave if you are bullied.”

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #Ealing #prepschool #ealingschools #antibullyingweek2024 #antibullying #JuniorSchool #bigfootartseducation #bigfootarts

Our Nursery children have been learning about celebrations, exploring Bonfire Night and Diwali. We had a wonderful surprise on Friday 8th November as Anvi`s parents joined us to share their Diwali traditions. They read a story about the festival and the children eagerly asked questions and shared their thoughts. They showed high levels of engagement and curiosity. Anvi’s parents then taught us how to use colourful sand to create Rangoli designs, such as flowers, hearts, and stars. They generously brought diyas for each child to take home, making the experience even more special. We are very grateful to Anvi’s parents for taking the time to share their beautiful culture with us. The children had a fantastic time learning and creating together.

#CognitaWay #cliftonlodgeschool #EarlyYears #Ealing #prepschool #InspiringYoungMinds #Diwali #diwali2024 #diwali

Our Nursery children have been learning about celebrations, exploring Bonfire Night and Diwali. We had a wonderful surprise on Friday 8th November as Anvi's parents joined us to share their Diwali traditions. They read a story about the festival and the children eagerly asked questions and shared their thoughts. They showed high levels of engagement and curiosity. Anvi’s parents then taught us how to use colourful sand to create Rangoli designs, such as flowers, hearts, and stars. They generously brought diyas for each child to take home, making the experience even more special. We are very grateful to Anvi’s parents for taking the time to share their beautiful culture with us. The children had a fantastic time learning and creating together.

#CognitaWay #cliftonlodgeschool #EarlyYears #Ealing #prepschool #InspiringYoungMinds #Diwali #diwali2024 #diwali

Years 1 & 2 had their `Ancient Egypt, Mummifying Madness` workshop just before half-term, where they travelled back in time to join Cleopatra and the citizens of Ancient Egypt in order to discover the way they lived, what they ate, where they worked and what they did for fun!

Here are some of the pupils` reactions:

Parisa: "I liked it when children were chosen to act as Egyptian Gods."
Max: "I learnt that when Ancient Egyptians die, many body parts are taken out except the heart, because they believed that when they die they have another life, so the heart was important to keep."
Dominic: "I learnt that the Egyptians were organised into a class system, with some people at the top like Pharaohs and slaves at the bottom."
Maria: "I liked making a human pyramid with the people in my group, using our bodies."
Kloe: "I liked it when we built pyramids, it was so much fun."
Mikael: "I liked when the mummies were chasing after the boats."
Yuna: "I liked it when we were had to act like slaves for the Pharaohs."
Akari: "I loved dressing up as a real Ancient Egyptian."
Jetlee: "My favourite part was learning about mummies."

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #ealingschools #year2 #year1

Years 1 & 2 had their 'Ancient Egypt, Mummifying Madness' workshop just before half-term, where they travelled back in time to join Cleopatra and the citizens of Ancient Egypt in order to discover the way they lived, what they ate, where they worked and what they did for fun!

Here are some of the pupils' reactions:

Parisa: "I liked it when children were chosen to act as Egyptian Gods."
Max: "I learnt that when Ancient Egyptians die, many body parts are taken out except the heart, because they believed that when they die they have another life, so the heart was important to keep."
Dominic: "I learnt that the Egyptians were organised into a class system, with some people at the top like Pharaohs and slaves at the bottom."
Maria: "I liked making a human pyramid with the people in my group, using our bodies."
Kloe: "I liked it when we built pyramids, it was so much fun."
Mikael: "I liked when the mummies were chasing after the boats."
Yuna: "I liked it when we were had to act like slaves for the Pharaohs."
Akari: "I loved dressing up as a real Ancient Egyptian."
Jetlee: "My favourite part was learning about mummies."

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #ealingschools #year2 #year1

Thank you to all our families who joined us for our Remembrance Service at the Church of Christ the Saviour yesterday morning. This annual event reminds us all of the huge sacrifice many made for our country. Our Head, Mr Belsito spoke of the importance of our school virtues when reflecting on the meaning of `Remembrance` including, Justice, Fortitude and most importantly Love.
Thank you to all the children who performed so well, from our youngest in Reception and their poem `I am a Little Poppy` to the beautiful singing from the choir and year groups. We also listened to poignant poem readings and a wonderful performance by our school band in the congregational song `We Will Remember`. Thank you all for taking part in this important event and for donating to the Poppy Appeal.

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #ealing #ealingschools #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #poppyappeal

Thank you to all our families who joined us for our Remembrance Service at the Church of Christ the Saviour yesterday morning. This annual event reminds us all of the huge sacrifice many made for our country. Our Head, Mr Belsito spoke of the importance of our school virtues when reflecting on the meaning of 'Remembrance' including, Justice, Fortitude and most importantly Love.
Thank you to all the children who performed so well, from our youngest in Reception and their poem 'I am a Little Poppy' to the beautiful singing from the choir and year groups. We also listened to poignant poem readings and a wonderful performance by our school band in the congregational song 'We Will Remember'. Thank you all for taking part in this important event and for donating to the Poppy Appeal.

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #ealing #ealingschools #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #poppyappeal

Science Club
This term our popular after school Science Club has got off to a great start, here is a little of what the children have been doing:
Lesson title: Science is all around - The children moved around a carousel of activities:
1. The Washing up liquid boat experiment
They found out about the surface tension of water by disturbing it with washing up liquid to propel a paper boat.
2. Cloud in a jar experiment
The pupils created a cloud in a jar using warm water, ice and hairspray.
3. The Mystery of the twirling tin foil experiment
They explored how heat rises by lighting candles to help a foil spiral spin around.
4. The Rising Water experiment
The children lowered a glass over water and matches on a cork. They observed that, as the matches burned up all of the oxygen, the molecules moved more quickly and many of them escaped making the air less dense causing the water to rise.

Lesson title: 2D and 3D bubble wands
The children were posed the question, are bubbles always spherical?
They then used pipe cleaners and straws to make 2D and 3D bubble wands which proved that bubbles take the form of the shape they are in.

Lesson title: Liquid Density bottles
The pupils were asked if liquids are all the same. Then, they made bottles half filled with water and food colouring, and half filled with oil and oil-based colouring. They were able to observe that oil and water don’t mix as they have different densities and even when shaken to create a new colour, they will re-settle back to their original state (water at the bottom, oil on top).
As you can see, the club has been very busy! Keep up all the wonderful investigative learning. 🙂

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #ealingschools #ealing #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #JuniorSchool #scienceweek

Science Club
This term our popular after school Science Club has got off to a great start, here is a little of what the children have been doing:
Lesson title: Science is all around - The children moved around a carousel of activities:
1. The Washing up liquid boat experiment
They found out about the surface tension of water by disturbing it with washing up liquid to propel a paper boat.
2. Cloud in a jar experiment
The pupils created a cloud in a jar using warm water, ice and hairspray.
3. The Mystery of the twirling tin foil experiment
They explored how heat rises by lighting candles to help a foil spiral spin around.
4. The Rising Water experiment
The children lowered a glass over water and matches on a cork. They observed that, as the matches burned up all of the oxygen, the molecules moved more quickly and many of them escaped making the air less dense causing the water to rise.

Lesson title: 2D and 3D bubble wands
The children were posed the question, are bubbles always spherical?
They then used pipe cleaners and straws to make 2D and 3D bubble wands which proved that bubbles take the form of the shape they are in.

Lesson title: Liquid Density bottles
The pupils were asked if liquids are all the same. Then, they made bottles half filled with water and food colouring, and half filled with oil and oil-based colouring. They were able to observe that oil and water don’t mix as they have different densities and even when shaken to create a new colour, they will re-settle back to their original state (water at the bottom, oil on top).
As you can see, the club has been very busy! Keep up all the wonderful investigative learning. 🙂

#cliftonlodgeschool #CognitaWay #ealingschools #ealing #InspiringYoungMinds #charactereducation #JuniorSchool #scienceweek

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Our pupils are eager to share their achievements and we celebrate their successes together with trips, concerts, sporting fixtures, events and the many other exciting activities happening year round to support our pupils’ learning.

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