Yesterday The Hampshire School Chelsea welcomed all year groups to its Manresa Road main building for the first time, with the opening of an expansive Pre-School.

In celebration of the move, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, accompanied by HRH Princess Michael of Kent, did the honours of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new facility. The Royal couple have a strong link to the school as their grandchildren attend the Chelsea prep school.

The re-location of the Pre-School, previously located at Wetherby Place in South Kensington, means that The Hampshire School Chelsea now welcomes all age groups, from aged 3 to 13, under one roof.

Nursery and Reception children will enjoy learning in an inspirational environment and enjoy one of the school’s prized assets, its generous outdoor space coupled with an adventure playground climbing frame.

Understanding the daily pressures of family life, the school offers a bus service to school and back and wraparound care from 8am to 6pm.

“I am delighted that the school now has all age groups under one roof,” said Head Dr P Edmonds. “We are a distinctive co-educational prep school for many reasons; for our heritage rooted in the performing arts, for our Chelsea location and because we offer a holistic education which aims to develop happy, curious, confident and intellectually-stimulated children who embrace their potential at every stage of school life.”

The Hampshire School Chelsea is a traditional prep school located in a Grade 11 listed building, formerly the Chelsea Library just off the Kings Road. The school is part of the Independent Association of Prep Schools and the Independent Schools Association, sharing standards in excellence and organising inter-school tournaments and competitions.

A mix of small classes and specialist teachers thoroughly prepare the children for 11+ and 13+ entrance exams and they succeed in being offered places at prestigious senior day and boarding schools. “We aim high and are ambitious for all children,” says Dr Edmonds.