In a year when a number of London day schools in our Guide have gone through the £5,000 barrier (per term), it is great to see a , New Model School. Stephenson School will open in September with Reception and Year 1 in Kensal Road W10, ousting its hugely popular older sibling, Maple Walk School, which will move to new premises a bit further North. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis, so that fees are kept low at around £5,000 per year. The target class size is 20 and a traditional focus on literacy and maths skills is complemented by French, drama, music, art, science and fitness. The Stephenson School will be run by Helen Powell, the current deputy-head of Maple Walk. newmodelschool.co.uk