When you first arrive at our friendly prep school near Sevenoaks in Kent, you will be struck by the attractiveness of our grounds, from the smart frontage to the sweeping views of North Downs to the rear.

Combined with the warmth of the welcome from our staff and children, you will quickly realise that Russell House is a family school with a very special atmosphere; a calm, secure, happy environment based on respect for each other and our environment. Our co-educational school in the village of Otford is ideally situated for families from Sevenoaks, Orpington and surrounding areas.

As Headmaster, I take a personal pride in the excellent education Russell House offers, as well as the myriad opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. It is also the perfect size to allow me and my staff to genuinely get to know our families and the children as individuals. As a result, all of our pupils are offered tailored opportunities to be challenged, to become self-reliant, self-aware and achieve the very best according to their gifts. All our children leave at 11, typically going on to local grammar and independent schools.

Safe, Happy, Confident

So what do I believe are the vital ingredients for a successful education? Above all, children need to feel safe and happy, free from hot-housing or fear of making mistakes, and confident in the knowledge that they can always do better next time. Each boy and girl has different strengths and weaknesses which need to be identified and supported, whether in the classroom, the music recital room or on the games field. Children are always actively encouraged to think for themselves and to challenge accepted wisdom.

I also believe that children should be allowed to take risks. The ‘cotton-wool’ should be set aside and pupils should be able to learn how to take responsibility for themselves, discovering and developing resilience as they go.

Therefore, a Russell House education extends far beyond the curriculum. Through the significant investment of time and effort made by our friendly, dedicated staff, we seek to equip children with the skills, attitudes, values and experiences which will carry them through happy, successful and fulfilling lives.

If our website is your first experience of Russell House, then please allow me to extend a warm invitation to you to make a personal visit. This is by far the best way to sample all that Russell House has to offer. I will be delighted to welcome you and your children to ‘where the remarkable happens’.

Craig McCarthy

“All our pupils are offered tailored opportunities to be challenged, to become self-reliant, self-aware and achieve the very best according to their gifts.”

Craig McCarthy, Headmaster

See more from Mr McCarthy in our Blog and through the links below.