View our latest Ofsted report

Genuine Montessori school for boys & girls 2–11 years | Founded 2001
Walthamstow Montessori School is a popular nursery and independent school for boys and girls aged 2–6 years. Established in northeast London since 2001, we use genuine Montessori and Forest Schooling methods in a broad and exciting curriculum. Our teachers have excellent experience in their subject areas and are passionate about their practice.
Montessori is an approach that focuses on the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace. Forest Schooling is a child-led approach to learning, incorporating children’s right to play, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success. Our school combines these related methods for early education.
Makaton is a language programme designed to provide functional communication and encourage and develop language and literacy skills through the combined use of signs and symbols with speech. WMS is incorporating its use further in the classroom.
View our latest Ofsted report
Makaton develops language and literacy skills through the combined use of signs and symbols with speech
My daughter has attended WMS since she was two and is now almost four. It has been such a brilliant and rich time for her there. She amazes me with her knowledge that she garners daily from the various activities both in the classroom and in the garden. She is so happy to go there and has such a confidence and a love of the place because her teachers have been so incredibly attentive and nurturing.
During lockdown the efforts that the whole staff made to stay open and safe were epic and brave. Daily it was a logistic nightmare but they kept endeavouring to remain open so that the children could remain in their brilliant social and learning environment. I have felt so grateful to WMS in these early years in the knowledge that my daughter is in a space where she can draw, paint and express herself with the encouragement of her teachers. It has been a very precious time and perfect school for us.
I can’t express how happy we are as parents to have found Walthamstow Montessori School. It is such a caring environment where all the staff, from teachers, to assistant teachers, to administration, love and care for each and every child. It feels like our son (and ourselves as a matter of consequence!) found a second family, where all the staff know him so well and deeply care. The place feels like a little oasis of peace and quiet, where Montessori principles are applied with respect for each child.
Though being in the middle of a pandemic, the school never gave up and was quick at organising a range of tools to move online, with daily meaningful lessons, helping children to stay connected with each other and the school.
Being back on school premises feels safe as everyone is truly taking all the precautions to create a COVID safe environment.
I would definitely recommend the school and its quiet and creative environment to any prospective parent!
My shy two year old has blossomed at WMS. I can’t praise her nursery teachers enough, they are so nurturing. We had Zoom sessions during lockdown so we were able to keep connected with her class which was invaluable once we returned in person. It’s been a delight to watch her flourish here.