Salcombe Preparatory School is a preparatory school located in Southgate, London, UK. The school is currently owned and operated by Cognita. Founded in 1918, Salcombe is a co-educational preparatory day school for children aged between 3 and 11. The school is situated on two neighbouring sites in Southgate, North London. Salcombe has a tradition of success in preparing children for selective maintained and independent schools at 11+. It offers opportunities for social, cultural and sporting activities.
The school motto is Sapere aude, meaning "Listen to be Wise"
There are two houses in the upper school (named after the buildings in which the school resides): Claremont (Yellow) and Rosedene (Red). Pupils are allocated to the houses and compete for house points each year.
Salcombe Preparatory School first opened in 1916 under the leadership of the Deakin sisters: Miss Freda Deakin and Miss Ethel Deakin in Hornsey. The school initially educated eight "well to do" children.
In 1917, with World War 1 ongoing, and the advent of zeppelin raids, it was decided that the school could not operate in Hornsey and the Deakin sisters took the students to their country residence, Salcombe House.
In 1918, upon returning to London, the sisters relocated their school to Avenue Road in Southgate close to the current site on Chase Side.
In 1975, Miss Ethel Deakin retired aged 82, after being headmistress for 59 years.
Between 1977 and 1990, the school was run by Ms. Flood and her husband Mr Ernest Lawn. The school was acquired by Asquith Court group in 1990 and the first headmaster was appointed - Mr. Anthony Blackhurst.
In 1998, the school needed to expand and the Green Road site was acquired for the lower years.
In 1999, Mr Blackhurst retired and Mr Ari Guha became headteacher.
2009 saw Mr Guha leave and Mrs Christina Leach become headmistress. The school sites are given their own identities: Salcombe Pre-School, Salcombe Lower School and Salcombe Upper School.
Salcombe has a rich tradition in sports, particularly football and cricket. The school currently holds the Lyndhurst Invitational football title.
The school motto is Sapere aude, meaning "Listen to be Wise"