Our History
A Legacy of Learning Since 1947
At Lochinver House, our story began with a vision and a bold leap of faith!
Founded in 1947 as a private boys’ prep school in Potters Bar, Lochinver House Preparatory School was established in a large, characterful house at its current location. It all began when Mr Bayley, after the relocation of Aylesford House Private School, saw an opportunity to create something new and lasting for families in Potters Bar and Enfield.
Purchasing a war-damaged house bearing the name Lochinver on its broken gateposts, Mr Bayley invited Willoughby Salter, a trusted Aylesford parent, to lead the transformation. With post-war Britain in recovery, materials were scarce, but spirit was abundant. Mr Salter camped on site, repairing broken floors and windows using naval packing crates, determined to prepare the building in time for a September opening.
| Read more |
|---|
|
On 28th September 1947, the Salters welcomed the first group of prospective parents for tea. Remarkably, every guest agreed to enrol their sons, and just two days later, the very first Lochinver pupils began their journey. From six initial boys, the school grew quickly, opening its doors to 96 boys the following September. A School Built on Vision and Resilience Our now-iconic pink and grey school colours were inherited from Aylesford House, preserving a link to the past while establishing a new legacy. In the early days, pupils played football on borrowed fields and used salvaged materials to create makeshift playgrounds, clear signs of the resilience and resourcefulness that would come to define Lochinver House. The early 1950s brought challenges; financial uncertainty, limited resources, and growing demands. Yet, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Mr and Mrs Salter, Lochinver House not only survived but gained official recognition by the Ministry of Education and ended its 1953 academic year with a small but symbolic profit of £7. That same year, Mr Salter officially took over as Head, laying the foundations for a school that would flourish for decades to come. By 1961, Lochinver House was entrusted to a Board, ensuring its future as a lasting and evolving institution. Decades of Development Since then, Lochinver House has grown into a thriving independent school in Potters Bar, led by a series of dedicated Heads including Michael Timpson, William Herbert, Richard Armitage, Patrick Atkinson, Jeremy Gear, Ben Walker, and our current Head, Jonathan Wadge.
Notable figures including Sir David Willcocks, Lord Putnam, Stephen Mangan (former Head Boy), and Norris McWhirter (a former parent) have supported and celebrated our growth by laying foundation stones or opening new facilities. Giving Back – A Culture of Compassion Lochinver children are taught to look beyond themselves. Since 1997, our Year 8 Charities Programme, led for many years by the much-respected Anthony Tyndale, has raised over £450,000 for local and global causes. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Mr Tyndale was invited to Tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2014, a proud moment in the school’s history. |
A Milestone Celebration – 75 Years of Lochinver House
In May 2022, following the challenges of the global pandemic, we came together as a community to celebrate 75 years of Lochinver House with a vibrant Carnivale Ball, held in a marquee on our beloved sports field. It was a joyful reminder of how far we’ve come—and a celebration of the values that continue to shape us.
Looking Ahead – A Future Rooted in Purpose
In September 2024, we proudly opened Little Lochies, our new pre-school for children aged 3+, reaffirming our belief that every child’s journey begins with a spark of curiosity.
From September 2025, we embark on a bold and exciting chapter as Lochinver House becomes a coeducational school, welcoming girls into Nursery to Year 2, and progressing each year to become fully coeducational by 2031.
We remain a private school in Hertfordshire committed to our founding vision: To nurture children who start small, think big, and make a lasting difference in the world.
In September 2024, Little Lochies, a pre-school for children aged 3 + opened its doors and in September 2025, Lochinver House will welcome girls to the School.
Join Us
Start Small, Think Big – Begin Your Journey with Lochinver House
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. At Lochinver House, we are proud to offer a nurturing and inspiring environment where children grow in confidence, develop resilience, and learn to think big from the very beginning.
While this website offers a glimpse into life at our school, nothing compares to seeing the School in action. We warmly invite you to experience the atmosphere, meet our dedicated staff, and witness first-hand the enthusiasm and curiosity of our pupils.
Book a Visit or Register for Our Open Days
We host regular Open Days throughout the year and would be delighted to welcome you. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to current pupils and teachers, and discover what makes Lochinver House such a special place to learn and grow.
If you prefer a more personal introduction to the school, we also offer individual tours by appointment. To arrange your visit, please contact our Registrar, Anne Meir, who will be happy to assist you and answer any questions.
QUICK BOOK
Ready to take the first step?
Simply submit your enquiry using the link below, and a member of our admissions team will be in touch shortly to discuss your visit or provide more information about our admissions process.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lochinver House School, a place where children ‘Start Small, Think Big, and embark on a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.
