Considering a school that values kindness above all, what could be more inspiring? We are standing before Belmont, Mill Hill Prep. It is an independent school for pupils aged 7 to 13.
Belmont is set in 40 acres of beautiful grounds. This North London school is more than just classrooms. It is a community.
Belmont’s story began in 1907. Teacher Norman Brett-James suggested a junior school. The location was Bittacy House. Infrastructure problems killed the project.
In 1910, Mill Hill considered forming a junior house. Pupil numbers were growing. By 1912, Old Millhillian Arthur James Rooker Roberts corresponded with Mill Hill’s Treasurer Richard Buckland about creating a Junior House. AJRR got a junior teaching post. Buckland wrote that the Governors would license Belmont for a Junior House. Belmont was an 18th-century private house. It was situated further along the Ridgeway. AJRR purchased Belmont for £6700. In September 1912, Belmont Junior House opened. It started with one pupil named Harold Pearse Soundly. He was the nephew of matron Annie Pearse at Mill Hill. More pupils quickly joined.
Belmont separated from Mill Hill in 1919. It became a school. The first addition was a classroom block. It accommodated increased pupil numbers. In 1923, a seamless extension was added to the 18th-century house. This was also to accommodate expanding pupil numbers.
A new chapel was constructed in 1925. It opened in 1926. The ashes of AJRR, his wife and son are buried beneath the altar. In 1934, Princess Alice, Countess Athlone opened the Belmont Swimming Baths and changing rooms. Mill Hill officially purchased Belmont in 1963. Belmont became officially managed by Mill Hill in 1985.
In 1994, Belmont welcomed its first Year 3 female pupils. By 1996, Belmont was fully co-educational like Mill Hill. The Jubilee Building opened in 2002. It honored Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee.
Belmont appointed its first female Head in 2004. Lynn Duncan followed John Hawkins. Belmont celebrated its Centenary in 2012. A Centenary Service was held at Central Hall Westminster. They also opened the Michael Proctor building and Centenary Garden.
In 2018, Mill Hill and Belmont Schools became the New Home of Middlesex Women and Girls’ Cricket. In 2021, a partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club launched. Belmont also added KidsMBA with the Global Impact Programme. Also in 2021, Belmont launched collaborations with Leon Paul Sabre Fencing. In 2022, Belmont launched a partnership with Saracens Mavericks. In 2023, Mill Hill Education Group was created.
Belmont offers a rigorous curriculum. It goes beyond the national curriculum. Belmont encourages children to embrace challenge. They learn that hard work leads to success. The school values kindness and bravery. It encourages everyone to be themselves.
Many Belmont families choose to start the day with Family Breakfast in the Jubilee Hall. The Mill Hill Education Group provides healthy meals. All food costs are included in the school fees.
Belmont prepares pupils comprehensively. It equips them with intellectual and social skills. These skills are needed to succeed in future education. Belmont pupils can excel academically and personally.
Remember Belmont’s values. Be kind, be brave and be you. This ethos makes Belmont a special place. It is a place where children are happy. It is a place where they are best positioned to excel.